Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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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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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Spring flowers abound on this breezy semi-formal dress from the 1960’s. It is lined, but I think that originally a stiff a-line petticoat would have been worn underneath – probably with a crinoline to hold its shape.
However, the print is casual, so the petticoat could no doubt be omitted for an informal party. So up-beat for Easter doings, though a little jacket or warm shawl would also look pretty if it’s cool.
Empire waistline styling with a simple back zip. Although I adore the elegance of the Fifties and before, sometimes the extra simplicity of fashions that took over in the Sixties is refreshing – certainly easier for a quick costume change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A very favorite find, custom-tailored in the early 1950’s after one that Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa, wore in the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. Lisa’s dress had a yellow printed skirt, rather than blue. I even know the woman who made this frock in 1954!
The black fabric in the bodice is stretchy and the neckline very unusual. It fits perfectly, no matter how your own curves go! The skirt is of three layers, with sheer fabric on top and netting underneath. The little black “leaves” are embroidered on the sheer overlay.
What could be more fabulous? – a costume similar to one worn by one of my all-time favorite actresses in a favorite movie by a favorite director! How intriguing . . . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a pretty matched brooch & earring set in popular aurora borealis rhinestones of the 1950’s. A bird in full flight and little stylized birds for your ears, too. A beautiful Spring theme. It’s always so wonderful to find a set, and in the original case!
With a plain but elegant black dress, or a frock that echoes one of the colors reflected in the “jewels”, these pieces call attention to the face and shoulders – just as they should.
Nothing else needed but poise and presence . . . …. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a pretty frock that’s just right for a dinner date, dancing or a semi-formal party. I always love sheer/opaque fabric combinations and a flippy hem that moves so wonderfully.
This dress was from a California designer/company that was popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s. One follower who commented when I first showed it 3 years ago said she would add a silvery belt and sandals. Sounds perfect to me!
Although this particular garment was made a little before the time of “disco nights” in the late Seventies, the style is classic and I’d certainly dance the night away in it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!
I love this find! All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here. She was good!
Like many dresses from the Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric. The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout. The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.
The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles. Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion. Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times. She loved it!
The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration. The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure. Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!
More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A POPULAR CONSERVATIVE DRESSY STYLE FROM THE EARLY TO MID-1960’S
Can’t wait to photograph this frock on Madge, whose figure will show it off to best advantage. It’s a vintage Junior size 9(which would be about a Misses 6 now) – aimed at teens and young women. Lace overlay (very popular then for special occasion styles), but in matching color rather than a contrast. I could almost see it being worn as a non-traditional wedding dress!
The buttons are gold-tone sculpted metal and there is a gold thread in the lace edging around the neckline, sleeve hems and front placket. The hem is quite wide, so I suspect that someone shortened it – either because they were of petite height or because the mini length was in style when this frock was last worn – 1965 or sometime later . . . . . . . . . . . .
Although I think the design is pretty blase’ (but I’ll have to see it on Madge to make the final judgement), the fabric and tailoring are of excellent quality and it’s always a pleasure to see that.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.
When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size. From the 1940’s, the fabric was a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.
It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label. I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.
After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went. I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.
So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!
Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared. Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!! Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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