Originally sold from a department store, as so many lovely garments were back in the day, this cocktail dress has beautiful hand-done tailoring details. The cowl neckline is all hand-stitched, as is the fabric rosette at the waist.
The neckline in back dips to mid-back and closes with a metal zipper and hook and eye. Attention to detail is one aspect that makes true vintage clothing SO special!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is SO sweet on! Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).
It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip. Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.
Who could ask for anything more? The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Always right any time of year – an exquisite little number from a famous designer of the time. Wasp-waisted and embellished with rhinestones and netting.
Love halter necklines – this rayon dress is so lovely. The pinkish net in the decolletage keeps things relatively modest, but it’s certainly not a conservative choice!
I treated myself to this one when I won a raffle! It was still, as always, a bargain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From a New York clothier, this frock with a shimmy-shake beaded bodice is classic 1960’s. The fully-lined black crepe dress with a knee-length hemline was a standard of 1950’s and early 1960’s cocktail party attire.
Fun elements of beading and flirty design were common in the Sixties. I love finding one of these – so wearable and always playful, while toeing the line with classic couture. You can wear it (almost) anywhere without raising eyebrows.
And, as always, quality and excellent condition for the past 45 – 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..
By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!
What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design (the sequin band at bottom is different and nicer than glitzy trims on most things now)
A dress of this quality today (and a lot of them not nearly as nice) would cost an arm and a leg, but my purse is full of songs! I never know what I’ll find or exactly where, but that’s half the fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads. Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc. When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.
Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic. Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.
Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . . The label would suggest so, but –
Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women! It’s a keeper!! More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960. Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.
What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses? Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!
Stay tuned . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just look at this beautiful, sweeping back – it is the signature feature of this frock. What an impression it makes!
I also love the bateau neckline, the fitted shape and lovely tailoring. The fabric is perfect, too. Crepe material like this in wool, acetate or rayon has such a wonderful drape to it – no wonder it was used so much for dress – wear up into the 1960’s, when it seems to have been replaced by polyester and poly blends.
Yes, poly is easier-care – no dry-cleaning needed – but it doesn’t hang like vintage crepe. Nothing does.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads. LOVE this neckline!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 