A perfect little black dress for day – wonderful find! The classic elements – 3/4 sleeves, decorative detail and shantung weave – make it very fun and versatile. A best of the best everyday garment to discover.
Always an adventure!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down. Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details. Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips. The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.
A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one. It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.
I’m so glad to have it in my closet. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Little Black Dresses keep coming my way. Love this one, with interesting tailoring details. Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.
Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era. There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow. From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt. Very elegant and becoming and –
there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This style is a very elegant, body-skimming sheath design with back zip and a low plunge behind. Notice the chiffon drape which hangs from the waist, and the simple embroidery on the bodice.
Although the interior size tag reads 8, an attached paper tag dangling from a side-seam give the sizing as 7/8, meaning that this was a Junior size frock rather than Misses, with a youthful cut. LOVE IT when original sales tags are present and testify to a garment that has never been worn!!
Knee-length to moderate-mini, depending on the wearer’s height, and with a 3″ hem allowance. Perfect. Just my size! Never fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although I’d much rather wear one of my real 1940’s crepe dresses, this one has some nice styling touches. It’s one of the better ’80’s does ’40’s designs I’ve seen. Please forgive that it is a couple sizes too large for Stella.
The augmented shoulders are done well and the whole dress drapes nicely. The back neckline has a keyhole opening that does away with the need for an ugly back zipper. I like the sheer sleeves, too, and the sheer overlay on the skirt. These features were frequently seen on similar dresses made in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Though you can’t see them because of the blouson, there are tabs at each side of the waist that add a nice touch to the design and allow the wearer to adjust the fit – another plus, as far as I’m concerned.
So, rather than being an obviously hop-on-the-fashion-bandwagon retro dress, this frock is simply a well-designed garment with some classic styling elements that make it elegant in any decade. That’s always the best of the best, no matter when it was made.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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