What a beautiful Kennedy era party frock. With beads and rhinestones at the waist, and a swing and sway two-layer skirt. This dress is made by Carol Craig, New York – a well-known brand name of the time.
Pretty, pretty, pretty – and in perfect condition. Someone loved it very much. See what else we love, tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTABESPY.COM
I’ve got lots of beautiful vintage lingerie, so I’m not in the habit of picking up lots of slips now – BUT – I don’t have a single one with this wonderful mid-Sixties Mod print! Didn’t take me long to grab this one.
It’s in beautiful condition, so I’ll enjoy wearing it for decades – maybe as a skirt next summer. The label is so worn from washing that the brand name is no longer legible but I can see that it is “100% Nylon”. Seems like that was kind of a big deal at one time.
Such fun, and a new thing for me!
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
Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black. There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.
Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them. I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one. Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening. As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The first thing I uncovered on a recent sleuthing adventure! This dress is made of a glorious glossy fabric which may be a polished cotton. I just love the finishes put on many of the old textiles that far excel anything that is sold today in the mainstream market.
With cap sleeve styling, wasp waist, full skirt and, of course, excellent tailoring which includes a hem width of several inches, some lucky girl looked stunning. The ladies garment workers union label testifies to the care and expertise of these tailors half a century ago.
When I spied this one, I could hardly wait to see what else the day’s expedition might uncover. The treasure hunt continued, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This happens to me a lot – finding styles and garments from the same era one after another, with lots of similarities. Sometimes those similarities are also quite rare! Here we have another sheath design in a Junior size, with chiffon drapes from the waist. I’ve seen these drapes before from that time period, but from the neckline on Misses size dresses. However, the similarities end there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
this one is not in black crepe. It is lined lace with gathers at the waistline and chiffon around the neckline. More demure and a tad more sophisticated. Still a cocktail/dinner frock and in perfect condition! Also in my size. I wonder what’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m showing these dresses together because they have so much in common. The biggest similarity is the heavy-weight knit fabric that was so characteristic of clothing made between 1973 and 1976, more or less. It is beautiful, sheds wrinkles and drapes like a dream.
These examples are not high-end, but are very well-tailored. Neither has a label, so I’m not sure if they might have been custom-made. In any case, the original owner of the red one altered the hemline at some point. Both still have about 3″ of hem allowance (such a luxury!).
I haven’t tried them on yet, but predict that they will fit me and will be very flattering. Well-made garments of quality fabric and good design usually are – another reason why I adore true vintage fashion!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.
Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home. Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.
If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s. Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.
And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With this photo, I’ve shown most of my true vintage bed jacket collection. But, as always, you just never know . . . . . . . .
The one on the left is obviously the most unusual, and the oldest (probably 1940’s), but look at the gorgeous lace, ribbons and embroidery, the feminine styles, the soft and flattering blues of the 1950’s versions. And, even quilting, for a morning that’s colder. No wonder I love them and do a happy dance when I find another.
All of these were probably owned by women from middle-income families and were part of an average wardrobe – frequently used. Oh, the charm of it all . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing “Lady of the Manor” about this dressing gown – a little bit more Carnaby Street. Still a perfect hostess gown or leisure wear garment.
Lovely, heavy nylon with cute button trim at the neckline and the Sixties bell sleeves. I love the print and the colors in this gown!
It’s always such fun to find beautiful clothing that is 50 years old but still in perfect wearing condition. I breeze around the house in this one a lot!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 