She’d just pull out the latest edition of her McCalls Needlework magazine. And, of course, there is the Christmas Pageant, too . .. . .
I can’t believe the intricacy of these home-sewing DIY patterns. Women used to do this all the time!
Once when I was a kid, my (I thought) non-sewing grandmother did whip up a very convincing 1960’s black collarless jacket for me when I wanted to be a Beatle for Halloween. Who knew? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a find that I can’t quite figure out! It’s somewhere in the mid-century and not likely a costume, because of all the detailed buttons in back. But, wouldn’t it make a great one for Halloween?
The illusion neckline is an interesting touch, though it is very modest with long sleeves. Not a child’s dress, but maybe for a teen. One way or another, it was made for a special occasion and seems to have been custom-tailored.
It’s beautiful with a soft green fabric underneath the sheer ivory. I’ve never seen one quite like it even though I’ve found things similar in some ways. ALWAYS love a mystery . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Completely different from yesterday’s cardigan but so much fun! It’s another must-have vintage sweater to wear with cigarette pants. A pretty open-weave Orlon sweater knit with metallic thread design to be worn with a black skirt or slacks at some mid-century party event. It is absolutely amazing that it’s survived for 60 years in almost unworn condition!
Just like the women of the 1940’s onward, I’m grateful for these lovely acrylic yarns that can be washed in a machine (with care) and don’t have to be stored in a moth-proof container. Orlon was a revelation and major time-saving blessing to wartime and post-war ladies who still did most of their housework by hand.
Although we’re so used to acrylic fibers now, these early ones were really special in terms of their quality or, perhaps, it is the garment itself that is made so well that the fabric looks great after more than half a century. I’m sure that I also, again, have to thank the first owner of this elegant top for taking such good care of it.
I’m over the full moon again, and wondering what will turn up next . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another rare find! This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves. I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.
Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs. Buttons up the back. Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.
What a pleasure to discover this one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This frock has been with me for a little while. It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice. I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal. Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel. Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now that the weather hotter and sunnier we’re all thinking (or dreaming), of outdoor activities. The idea of giving or going to casual parties (and what to wear) is all part of it.
In the early 1960’s patios and “patio parties” became the big rage. People built patios onto their houses like crazy and all kinds of decorative lighting, furniture and dinnerware were sold especially for hosting these gatherings of neighbors and friends.
Hostess gowns in very casual styles and materials were all part of this wave, and they persisted into the mid-1970s. Of course, long casual dresses have been around for a long time and still are, but the “hostess gown” is kind of a separate breed.
This one is typical. Most of the earlier ones had a defined waist and, often, a belt. They are a floor-length style that would also look good as a knee-length dress (hint-hint: if you find one you like but don’t want a gown, think about shortening it to a day dress).
I just love finding these dresses. They really say summer fun in a very true vintage way. Get out the Tiki lanterns and the barbecue grill and have a blast! If your patio is big enough, don’t forget the cha-cha and bossa nova records. The girl from Ipanema might show up – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure. Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit. I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.
This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun! Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In midnight navy blue, this dress is elegant in rayon with a side zipper. Let me tell you how she would have dressed it up . . . . . . . .
A diamond or rhinestone necklace or pearls, depending on the venue, would be first – with some elegant earrings to complement. And, a small dress handbag.
A stole, fur or dressy coat, of course, unless it’s the height of summer (but, even then . . . . . .) Finished off, courtesy of her escort, with a corsage.
The bodice has no boning, so those little mesh straps hold it in place. When I wear it, I prefer a pair of ’50’s evening sandals of dark navy fabric with pearlized ornaments on the vamp rather than the Forties styles that Stella is wearing. Beautiful as she is, this frock is really better suited for Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here we have two beautiful sundresses, in similar colors. Not really my colors – I’m a Summer skin-tone, rather than Spring or Fall, but who’s going to quibble when faced with these!
I’m guessing that the one on the right is the newer of the two. The one on the left has more detail on the bodice and even has bows fixed to the shoulder straps in back. It has a covered belt, whereas the other dress just has piping at the waist.
They’re both lovely, in a beautiful heavy cotton. Madge wears it very well, don’t you think? Such exceptional fit and tailoring.
Either of them could go from simple daytime activities to work (probably with a sweater or jacket), dinner, dancing, a party or date.
I often see dresses like this in movies from that era. Wear them and step into a time warp . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress is not really old, but it is so cute/pretty that I couldn’t resist picking it up and showing it to you. such pretty colors!
There is a sheer layer with the flower print, over a solid layer – like many of the dresses I’ve shown. I love the big bow in front – too much!
It almost looks like a ’60’s thing, but I know it’s not that old. The bodice has some sequins decorating it, too, but it’s not a super-super dressy thing otherwise. It could almost be worn to a garden party or fund-raising afternoon event, of the right type.
Anyway, a lovely frock – authentically vintage, and just makes me feel like going to a party. It’s so sweet – would make a wonderful disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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