A breezy cotton frock in a nice print – I like the focus on the upper bodice and at the hem. It’s a figure-enhancing style that creates an hourglass shape. I really must have Stella show it off some time.
The skirt is not completely full, but it sways and billows nicely. Looks great with casual heels. Love it! I’ts a great go-to day dress for 3 seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These lovely sandals are very fine, in beautiful kid suede. They have tiny peep-toes – a favorite feature of mine – and sling-back heels.
What a fabulous addition to any 3-season dress or perky pants outfit!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whenever I encounter beautiful examples of sleepwear lingerie from this era, I always bring them home. Although I love the pj’s, knee-length gowns are another favorite. While made of the same type of wonderful nylon, the gowns usually have more elaborate and prettier decoration.
The Fifties saw mostly pastel pieces similar to the one on right, though sometimes in red or black. During the Sixties bright colors were popular, as on the left. This was kind of backward to how lingerie slips were made – go figure.
Anyway, there was no debate or stopping-to-think-about-it for me, but always nice to know all about it . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just came up with this one, too. So many of the day dresses from this era were made to very elegant standards. Although a lot of lace dresses have been made in the last few years, trying to duplicate this look, I’ve never seen one done to the level of quality and design as true vintage examples.
So, be vigilant and don’t be mislead by the vintage design charlatans and scam artists . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found – I sometimes like TVR (true vintage retro-at least 30 years old and made in a retro style) garments if they are well-done. I’ve recently found quite a few.
In this case, we’ve got a south-of-the-border print dress made by Brownstone Studio (a “better” modern brand) with true-to-the-Forties style and a lightweight rayon print shirt-waist in my favorite dark navy and white that kind of flutters as you walk.
For everyday, when I don’t want to have to be concerned about safeguarding a precious true vintage garment while I’m living life, these are just right.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s. Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This undergarment is so unusual – it could be worn as a dress itself, like many beautiful mid-century slips could be – but not because of exquisite decoration. It has extremely rare construction and is also made, at least in part, of a rare fabric – Bri-nylon, a nylon blend made in Britain.
The top is sheer lace, but the bottom is substantial and opaque; made to act almost like a girdle under a slinky sheath dress. Notice the back metal zipper that lets the wearer into the tight-fitting skirt.
A slip like this would be absolutely essential under many a wiggle-dress from back in the day. I’m so glad to have one now!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip. Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!
This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric. The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country. Stay tuned to see more . . . . .
It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day. I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.
But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This very pretty frock has an unusual neckline. The collar is of 3 layers, and each one is bordered by covered wiring which allows the wearer to shape the neckline as desired. A friend of mine said that she remembers dresses of this type from the 1950’s. The style would certainly fit in with early ’50’s and late 1940’s fashion.
It’s also very tiny, so it all points to a time when average women’s figures and clothing sizes were much smaller than they are today.
The fabric appears to be silk. So lovely and flattering. Obviously, this dress was made to be worn to a party or other special occasion. Imagine my delight when I discovered it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’S PARTY FROCK WITH RABBIT TRIM
Although this dress looks very cute on Stella’s figure, it really must have been sewn for a petite woman much shorter. I can’t quite imagine a style like this with fur and rhinestone trim made for a teen or a child in the 1950’s. At any rate, the average height of a Fifties lady would have been 5 or 6 inches shorter while still perhaps being a tiny vintage size 10, like Stella.
Imagine my surprise to see this rare garment! If you’ve been with me for a while, you may remember that several years ago I encountered a similar frock in ivory brocade with mink trim on the 3/4 sleeves. That seems to have been a popular early 1950’s trend. In this case, we are seeing very pretty rabbit fur, with a little rhinestone trim nestled in the bodice ornament.
Another surprise is that this frock, despite it’s elegant style and up-scale materials, appears to have been hand-made. It’s construction demonstrates the handiwork of someone who was very skilled, so perhaps it was made by a professional tailor rather than a home-based seamstress. However, who actually knows? With no labels to point the way, it’s just another delicious mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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