Category Archives: long dress

Golden Dream – A True Vintage early 1960’s Classic Spring Formal Dress

Here’s a rare and beautiful example of a sophisticated sheath style from the Kennedy Era. So flattering. This gown was not headed to the Prom but to a more conservative and formal event, such as an elegant State Dinner, a university Gala or perhaps a play or concert in the city. I love the decoration on the bodice and elbow-length sleeves – not over-done but very pretty and eye-catching.

Although it’s made in the newer, sleeker style, we still see the sheer fabric over opaque material that has been a feature of many, if not most, formal dresses during the 1950’s – ’60s decade. But, keep eyes open. Fashion changes FAST going forward and upcoming posts will show examples of this. Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A Sweet True Vintage Formal from the 1960’s

I showed this frock a few months ago, but it deserves a place in this 1960’s line-up and gets us back to formal dresses. See the jacquard weave fabric repeated, the bows and a sash. Formals are really changing shape as we move into the ’60’s, with many of them having a sheath shape, though the full skirts and wasp waistlines are still around, too. This could have been a simple Prom dress, probably at a smaller school, but might have gone to any event calling for a long gown. Black and white knows no season and can truly span the calendar – just as fashionable as a pastel for Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Beautiful True Vintage Victorian Prairie Style Dress from early 1970’s

In a pretty apricot pink pastel hue, this lace and cotton gown is a perfect example of the prairie dresses in Victorian style from the late 1960’s to the very early 1970’s. Unlike the ones that were hippie-style, this type is very straight-laced and conservative, modeled after the dresses from the late 1800’s. Never my favorite, but definitely worth collecting since they represented a major Seventies fashion trend.

This one is not a famous label like Gunnie Sax, but it’s well-made and well-designed. During those few years when these were most popular they sometimes found their way to church as non-traditional wedding fashions and less buttoned-up styles sometimes found their way to the Prom. Speaking of Prom and other formals, we’ll be seeing more of them in the next few days. Although it’s early, girls traditionally started thinking about formal dresses for Prom and for the Spring holidays about this time of year – after all, it does require a lot of planning. That was especially true if you were having your dress custom-made, either by Mom or the neighborhood lady who took in sewing. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage late 1960’s – 1970’s Casual Wedding Dress(?) Alternative + a Frock for Mother of the Bride

Looks like a real stretch to think of this casual cotton dress as a wedding costume, but not necessarily for this time frame. Hippie/peasant/vintage fashions were super-big during this time and casual or non-traditional weddings became very popular. Who knows – it was probably just a summer/vacation/day dress for no particular reason but is pretty enough for a gal who wants to opt out of the “big white wedding” trap and go Boho.

For her mother, on the other hand, the semi-dressy blue frock might not have offended her daughter’s rebellious efforts too much while still allowing Mom to fulfill her Mother of the Bride role with some elegance and decorum. A real advantage of both these dresses is that they were moderately priced and easy to wear again and again in a variety of situations. This is definitely not the most interesting era of beautiful fashion, with the exception of a very few examples, but it does have a specific identity and is very worthy of mention in the chronology of fashion history. More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Sweet 1960’s Long Dress for a Special Occasion – Wedding?

A really pretty formal gown with a wasp waist, cummerbund effect, scooped neckline and short sleeves. I’d put it in the 1960’s, but could be slightly older or slightly newer. Very classic. I’d also guess that it was made for a Teen or young woman, but who knows. Bridal, Prom or other special event – there’s no other clue; just absolutely beautiful tailoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Late 1960’s – early 1970’s Victorian Style Dress

Perfect for this season – No matter where you are, the long sleeves and high neckline will provide some warmth and the warm peachy pastel color points toward Spring. The end of the year is traditionally when heavy, dark and jewel tones are abandoned in favor of lighter, more colorful shades. This oh-so-proper frock with a Sixties/Seventies Victorian Prairie vibe is still very appropriate for Winter.

Never been my style or color, but it’s very flattering with the fitted cut. Size 6 Madge looks killer in this! We’re going back about a decade and to shorter hemlines tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Home for the Mid-Century Holidays: Part 4

Sorry to be so late – trouble with my WordPress account, but so far so good.

Here’s a pretty velvet knit gown from the late 1960’s – early 1970’s which I would say is perfect for at-home, though there is a matching purse! Perfect for Boxing Day, which was yesterday in Great Britain and it’s former colonies. That’s traditionally the day to unbox all the gifts, clean up the mess and relax. This easy-fitting, soft and comfy dress allows for movement. Adds warmth, without being restrictive.

Although it’s very plain, the empire waist and embroidered trim, plus the fabric and zipper allow me to date it. The fact that it was custom-made helps, too. I must give kudos to the seamster who took on the project of creating a matching shoulder bag. That requires some skill and, probably a simple machine to attach the hardware. Cool!

Although it’s Christmas Past now, we’re still in a holiday week and the party spirit will continue in the archived files I will show you in the coming days. It’s so fun to review the clues and data from previous sleuthing investigations! Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Pretty Early 1940’s Gown; so Unusual and PINK

Pretty in pink for wartime Prom? Prom dresses I’ve found from that time were midi-length, so my guess is that this one was made for a different event. It’s a heavy synthetic material with 1940’s tailoring details: a peplum waistline with a point in the center front. It could almost be worn with either side in front if the fit allowed, but a back zipper makes it clear which side is supposed to be forward. The neckline was popular from 1940’s to 1950’s especially, but is very classic. Pretty clearly, this frock was custom-tailored.

It’s one of those garments that make you wonder what it’s story is. I’m sure there’s an interesting one!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another 1940’s Gown, this time in Holiday Red

What beautiful fabric! It is substantial but soft and with tiny machine-embroidered diamond shapes all over, which was apparently a “thing” in some Forties material. This might have been a way of making up for the absence of natural fabrics like silk and many of the notions used to decorate clothing before and after WWII.

The style is very simple and I think, like the dress shown yesterday, that it was custom-made. The pattern wouldn’t have been difficult for a home-based seamstress. The neckline in back is a bit lower, but nothing dramatic. The most difficult aspect of the construction is the piecing below the waist and that’s still no big deal. What I like most about it is that it’s just very pretty and so festive and Christmas-y in that fantastic glossy red. I would have collected it for the yards of gorgeous fabric alone! More of that coming – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage 1940’s Bias – Cut Gown with Beading Decoration

What a wonderful find!! This gown was custom-made, possibly by a home-based seamstress, in this unusual style with 3/4 length sleeves. You can see the waist ties that would be fastened in back to nip the waistline. The bias cut glossy fabric, which gives a really slinky body-con fit is a hold-over from the 1930’s when it was very popular. I love the blue color which looks like a night-time sky and the peekaboo beading that resembles exploding stars. Very appropriate today, when the comet AiATLAS is closest to Earth.

This is another one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-seen-again frock. More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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