Category Archives: Mad Men

TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED THAI SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S

CUSTOM-TAILORED THAI SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S

I think that someone had this dress specifically made for her while traveling or living in Thailand or China during the 1960’s. That was a common thing to do back then.

Thai silk is so distinctive and beautiful.  There’s nothing like the weave and color of these fabrics and they are always smartly designed and carefully constructed by hand.  It is one of two that I have discovered – makes me wonder about the woman involved.

Did she have a secret assignment?  Was she undercover?  Perhaps a great-niece of Mata Hari . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BACK IN THE TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES WITH A LOVELY AND ELEGANT DINNER DRESS

BACK IN THE FIFTIES WITH A LOVELY AND ELEGANT DINNER DRESS

This dress is feminine and alluring in the best way. It makes the most of the female figure but is very tasteful – not a bit in-your-face.

The neckline and bodice treatment are quite unusual – something I’ve not seen done like this before or after.

The kind of fashion that makes you truly unforgettable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50’S, EARLY ’60’S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50'S, EARLY '60'S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

This luscious dress is another that Madge can’t wear, because of the side zipper at the waist.  Soon, I want to put it (and several others like it) on Stella!  A hanger doesn’t do it justice, but imagine it as it fits – with a fitted waist and very full circle skirt.

Of 100% silk, with gold accents all over. I believe that it is Asian silk and was probably custom-tailored there for someone from the “West” who was vacationing or living there for a time.

It’s a beautiful dress and I gasped when I discovered it – it also fits me! What a perfect frock for any dress-up party or a really special date.  With the generous hem let down to below-the-knee, it could even go to the Prom!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SWEET 1950’S TRUE VINTAGE PARTY FROCK

This one is my very favorite – in a silvery plum. I think Peggy Lee would have loved performing in this.  Definitely a dance dress, maybe even for Prom.  Who knows – cocktails and a fancy dinner . . . . . . . . . . .?

One thing I love so much about true vintage garments is the specialty fabrics.  This one has the floral pattern embroidered on the black background, with metallic highlights.  And, of course, the fabric is cut to drape beautifully.

Your regular boyfriend can escort you around in this one, but he’d better be prepared for the competition . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

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

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CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LADIES’ PUMPS IN LUGGAGE TAN NATURAL LIZARD

CLASSIC 1960'S LADIES' PUMPS IN LUGGAGE TAN NATURAL LIZARD

Talk about elegant – these shoes are timeless standards in 3 ways: style, color and material. This is characteristic of  many true vintage clothing and accessory items – the quality and design are so excellent that they look good with almost everything for almost always.

Classic mid-heel pumps in lizard-skin (vintage, of course) in this rich, mid-brown color will go through every season of the year, with white, black and colors, from casual to dressy.

Compose a wardrobe carefully of elements like this and you’ll appear sophisticated and well-heeled no matter what.  Quality and construction are everything.  Even well-known labels and designer names (especially if they were made since the 1980’s) are secondary and often cheap-looking, no matter how much they cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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NEW FIND! PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWN BY CHRISTIAN DIOR

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

UNION-MADE IN THE U.S.A. FOR THE CHRISTIAN DIOR LINE

This traditionally-styled wrapper comes from the Fifties or early 1960’s.  It’s got the hallmark generous hemline,  two on-seam pockets, carefully-constructed bodice with lace and eyelet, ribbon, elaborate decoration and pearlized plastic buttons on stems.  Take a close-up look.

I can’t believe the perfect condition!  Hardly looks worn at all.  It’s a feather-light cotton blend to be washed by hand.  I’ll love this one for a long time . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s COCKTAIL DRESS IN MOCHA

BUT, RED AND PINK ARE JUST NOT MY COLORS!

 

Beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route for some dressy or special occasion..  This frock is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy.  With a big crinoline underneath, it might even have gone to the Prom!  It’s rockabilly – swing done elegantly.

The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necklines and nipped waists are favorites of mine and I absolutely adore this dress.  Perfect for cocktails, dinner, a dance party, etc., etc..

Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay bolero jacket with it for some venues when it’s going to be chilly inside or out.  The color is a perfect go-with.  A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely, too.

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY SPRING ACCESSORIES – FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

–FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

There’s nothing more eye-catching on a plain tailored dress, coat or jacket lapel than an outstanding piece of jewelry. These costume brooches are each signed, by different designers.  Whimsical and elegant, women hardly felt dressed without one on back in the day.

From the 1950’s – 1960’s, they are either glamorous or fun. I love the turtle!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY 1950’S NYLON HALF-SLIPS IN PINKS AND BEIGES

PRETTY 1950'S NYLON HALF-SLIPS IN PINKS AND BEIGES

Slightly longer lengths for wearing with your lovely post-war and Kennedy era Spring dresses, which usually come to the knee or slightly below. These have the same beautiful quality that make them such a joy to wear!

Substantial creamy nylon in beautiful colors with gorgeous detailing – some hand-worked . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM