Although it’s of a simple cut, the novelty sleeves, lovely fabric and excellent tailoring make this a special gown for a relaxed day at home or casual event. The sleeves are slit to the shoulder with purple lining.
I’m guessing that this dress was made in the early 1960’s and has a Hawaiian maker’s label inside. Certain details hint at it’s correct age.
I always admire how well women of the past looked after their clothing. Add that to the superior quality of the garments to begin with, and many are preserved today in wonderful condition for us to wear, study and enjoy. With apologies to a few designers who continue to believe in elegance and quality, I’m not sure that women 30 or 40 years from now will find much of anything made after 1990 that has lasted that long, and it won’t be much of a loss . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Doesn’t look like much on the hanger, but this dress will be stunning on Stella and is a knockout when it comes to quality tailoring. It may also have been custom-made. Little details tell the story.
The color, which does not show well in this photo, is a mid-range gold and the fabric is some kind of blend – probably rayon/acetate maybe with some polyester. The straps and skinny belt are crafted perfectly with clean lines and lie nice and flat, which really takes some sewing skill.
There is also a full lining of silky fabric in a matching color. Although the style is really plain, it is superbly elegant because of the quality and would look great shortened to knee length or mini length without violating the mid-60’s era that it is from. That would make it wearable as a casual-chic day dress, too.
Changing a hemline is a simple thing to do or have done, if your own skills are not good. Remembering little alterations like that can open all kinds of possibilities . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Can you imagine making your own travel wardrobe for that ocean voyage overseas? Well, that’s what some ladies were doing in the early 1960’s!
Springtime, beginning in February, was traditionally the season for international travel – after the Christmas season was all tied up, and before Easter. Although some North Americans jetted off for ski or beach vacations, the true “Jet-Set” or those planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip headed for Paris & London, East Asia, South America or the Caribbean.
Our grandmothers thought that an ocean cruise was one of the most glamorous ways to travel – and it was, then. What more elegant attire than a wardrobe of custom-made clothing. If you weren’t in a position to visit a couturier and had good do-it-yourself skills, a McCall’s Magazine needlework pattern would have been just the thing!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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In a lovely fabric that looks like linen, this dress would have gone to church, to work, shopping or on a date. It’s a simple, a-line style – so popular then – with stylish seaming around the bust-line and a fold-over collar.
Plus, there is a full lining. Although this frock can be casual, it is very elegant. Today it’s difficult to find any dress that would meet these standards unless it is custom-tailored by an expert.
You can see why I love sleuthing for treasures like this one . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This time it’s a formal gown – more like a mother-of-the-bride frock than for Prom, but who knows. Some girls used to like the more conservative styles.
It has the hallmark Sixties neckline, metal zipper and custom-tailored details of a home-sewn garment. The sheer butterfly sleeves that create an attached cape over the shoulders of the sleeveless gown are very pretty. See the back view, where the tail ends tie at the waist.
The skirt is in two layers, with the sheer on top and adds to the float-factor when you walk. Love the color, too. Aqua is always a favorite of mine.
So, more and more fun! I’ve got a couple more recent discoveries from the same era that I’ll show in the next few days and who knows what else is just around the corner . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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