These gorgeous lingerie gowns were another surprise find – always so much fun! The shoulder detail is what really makes them stand out – the way the straps are joined in the front. They just don’t make ’em like this anymore.
The sheer panels and the gathers are also lovely, as well as the cloud-soft feel of the nylon fabric.
Sigh – to die for . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is so elegant and well-made that I can’t tell without getting it out and examining it again whether it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s. That’s the way that all our wardrobe fundamentals should be!
Even looking at the photo, I believe that this suit comes from the earlier end of the time spectrum than the end of it. It’s all in the fabric.
Next time I want to channel Esther Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This suit has two layers. The way they used to do the little briefs or shorts underneath was such a figure-enhancer for most women.
Almost like a tankini, but all in one piece. Look at those great design details, too. You won’t see that on modern suits, nor the exceptional construction. Black & white makes another appearance for Spring and Summer, as always.
Just right for sitting beside the pool, under a big sun-hat, with a Mai-Tai . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before. The colors are incomparable. The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable. Men’s shirts are also incredible.
Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit. Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.
Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Made in the U.S. by The American Shirt Dress company, this is not an unusual find – I come across these dresses now and again. They are faithfully-made to the basic design of true vintage shirt dresses from the wartime and post-war days, so they are not a bad buy, but the tailoring is not anything to write home about. The reason I picked this one up is because of the fabric.
Although it’s a cotton/poly blend, the finish is marled and glossy like many fabrics in the Forties and early Fifties were. It’s fun to see what can be done with standard materials when a specialized weave or finish is applied. This gives it an extra ‘elan which most retro fashions don’t have.
So, I’ll enjoy running around in this one on an everyday basis – just like my female relatives from generations back used to do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A little bit later in the time-line, sleeveless and cap-sleeve day dresses came along as favorite day-wear for women. This more casual style continued to keep them in a dress, looking feminine, but also retained the easy-wear aspect that had become so important. Some, like this one, had pretty details that added a bit of dressy feel, but overall these dresses were so comfortable and easy to care for that they were a great liberation from the fussy styles and fabrics and many mandatory accessories that had dominated women’s lives for decades (centuries).
This is what women wore in the 1950’s and early 1960’s the way that we wear jeans today. Personally, I like having the choice . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock was made for a very special occasion. The stylistic features are early mid-century, but I suspect that it was made in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Makes me curious . . . . . .
It’s a war-time/rockabilly/musical performance recital/costume frock that could have almost any of those histories. It’s a bit over-the-top for cocktails. I’m guessing that it was made for someone who was going to a dance or about to sing an aria or perform a concert on the cello.
Whatever! . . . . . . . . . . it’s a fun mystery dress in one of my favorite colors. If it weren’t for the bones in the bodice (awkward packing issue), I’d add it to my selection of disguises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Lingerie nightgowns before 1960 – ’65 were every bit as beautiful as the slips made during the mid-century. Just look at this pretty lace and wonderful fit.
It’s no wonder that so much of film noir shows actresses in their lingerie – we don’t see so much of that now – it’s either dressed or nude because the wonderful in-between garments are gone. At-home life used to be a lot more interesting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Always right any time of year – an exquisite little number from a famous designer of the time. Wasp-waisted and embellished with rhinestones and netting.
Love halter necklines – this rayon dress is so lovely. The pinkish net in the decolletage keeps things relatively modest, but it’s certainly not a conservative choice!
I treated myself to this one when I won a raffle! It was still, as always, a bargain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . . Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show. Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.
Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
