What a gorgeous, tailored dress and jacket. Glossy rayon fabric with a shantung – style weave. The bodice treatment is so lovely.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Category Archives: mid-century
MY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SHOULDER SEASON FROCK BY LORA LENNOX – FROM KANSAS CITY!
Such a smart-looking little day-dress by Lora Lennox. Apparently, this was a dressmaker label that was common back in the day. The polka dots and big buttons are a lot of fun – plus the vibrant salmon – orange color; not garish and softened just a bit by the pinkish undertone.
I ALWAYS love shoulder pads and the hem flounce is very saucy. These are wonderful when you walk in them.
Doesn’t this dress look fabulous on Stella? I love it. And the fact that I found it in Kansas City – well, that conjures all kinds of possibilities in terms of it’s history . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MID – CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE: WHAT REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
In these few photos 
from an early – 1960’s needlework magazine, the styles are very plain and, in some cases, they are so generic that they’re very boring! BUT, every woman pictured looks smart, elegant, fashionable and attractive.
Obviously, it’s not mostly about their clothing. Sure, they’re all slim and attractive people but that’s not the main thing, either. Take away the good fit and quality of what they are wearing (super-important as a base for everything else) and what is left that REALLY does it?
It’s their grooming, posture and ACCESSORIES. None of those ensembles would look half as good without the accessorizing touches – imagine each of them without the necklace, bracelet, gloves or handsome handbag. Makes a big difference, doesn’t it?
So, as much as I love fabulous true vintage style and details I also know that I can easily stand out in a room dressed in a plain ’50’s skirt and sweater, or even a pair of jeans with a great true vintage shirt. Our grandmothers understood that perfectly. And today, it’s VERY easy NOT to stand out . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S LBD FROM AUSTRALIA – ALWAYS A FAVORITE FIND!
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
TRUE VINTAGE SPECTATOR PUMPS FROM THE 1970’S
A classic! These are just a run-of-the-mill example, probably made in the Sixties or Seventies, but they just go to show how enduring this style is. Spectators have been showing up in fashion since the early 1900’s, at least.
Although black/white and brown/white are the most common, true vintage styles have been made in all the basic colors, including red, tan,, navy and, probably, grey. If you’re looking for a good city shoe, a pair of spectator pumps is an excellent choice. A true vintage pair is a fabulous one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE/RETRO HEELS THAT ECHO THE FIFTIES
Love the lines of this heel, and the leather construction. Heel caps are nailed on and materials all quality. When true vintage (at least 30 years old) and retro are combined in one piece, it’s all about style and quality to decide whether they’re a good choice or not.
Apparently made by a higher-end line of a popular brand from Brazil, which has done a lot of good vintage/retro styles. I’m guessing these are late ’70’s, ’80’s or maybe early ’90’s. It’s a skill to find old retro items now, that still have some of the good quality.
Rivaling the real 1950’s thing enough to be worth picking up. Such fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
JUST FOUND! 1960’S LUXE NEIMAN MARCUS HOSTESS GOWN
Embroidered all over with gold metallic thread, this designer dress from the famous high-end retailer is a fabulous find! Couldn’t believe it. Luxurious at-home wear that can easily go out and about – there are no “rules” these days saying that would be “not done”.
I love true vintage hostess and patio dresses, as well as other at-home wear from eras past. Often the better-quality items are in fantastic condition because they were worn sparingly and/or cared for so well by their original owners.
Just another marvelous day in Mid-Centuryland for the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS & COSTUME JEWELRY
Classic shirtwaist styled day-dress from the 1960’s or ’70’s, made very special with a choice of jewelry sets from the 1950’s. Necklaces with matching bracelets or earrings (sometimes both) used to be super-popular and really dressed up even the most plain frock.
I love these examples, with enamel, rhinestones and Lucite. Just nice everyday stuff, but so eye-catching and colorful. My favorite would be something that coordinates with my outfit. This time, I’d probably choose the white enameled metal flower. I’ve got lots more to show, so stay tuned . .. . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MID – CENTURY ART METAL COSTUME JEWELRY, AND A CUTE 1950’S DRESS
Custom-tailored in the 1950’s of heavy cotton, with ric-rac trim and a back metal zipper. Works perfectly right now with a cute white blouse or even a turtleneck top underneath.
Very cute with distinctive costume jewelry from the 1940’s and 1950’s – copper,brass or nickel enameled in bright colors or sculpted in interesting shapes. These are some of the most fun to wear and are rare finds!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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I CREATED A VERY COOL VINTAGE SKIRT
Look what I did to my dress! You had seen this late 1960’s wool dress before, and I loved the red knit top of it, BUT, the years had not been kind before it came to me and some moths had had a banquet. Just couldn’t live with the little holes here and there, and no good way to fix them.
SO – why not snip it off at the waist and fashion a dirndl/pencil skirt instead? So easy! All I did was finish (by hand) around the waist with a piece of grosgrain ribbon, sew a few hooks and eyes in the placket left where the zipper used to be et voila’! Just for extra fun, I threaded a black tie belt through the crochet so that it ties off in back. Wouldn’t have had to, but it allows me to fit the waist a little more snugly and adds a cute touch.
Brainstorm! Maybe I can wear it with that neat green sweater found recently – and black boots – must check it out . . . . .. … .. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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