For those of you who have been watching since last winter, you may have seen this dress before. BUT, the photo I had with me then didn’t do it justice. Now that I have Madge, I wanted to publish another one.
This frock was a rare find! For one thing, its age and superb condition makes it remarkable and it has such wonderful details.
The fabric is unusual. It may be a 100% cotton, as we might expect from the look of it, but it doesn’t feel that way. I’m not sure if that is age (though it’s in very good shape) or if it is another material or a blend. I’d love to have a laboratory where I could analyze the content of fabrics because it’s a fascinating question.
Another thing I love are the buttons. I believe that they are real mother of pearl, rather than pearlized plastic. Some of them are broken because they are a perforated design and somewhat delicate, but at least half of them are fine.
The slide-through buckle was missing (I could tell that was the type of buckle it was because of how the belt is made) so I added a vintage mother of pearl one that I already had and it’s perfect.
It’s another Bonnie Parker dress (remember – Bonnie and Clyde) and so much fun to have discovered it! Lots of imagination in this one – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
I just loved it when I found this! I still have two decorated circle skirts that relatives had picked up in Mexico. They were very popular in the ’50’s as souvenir items from a trip south of the border. Also, I’ve found several Native American blouse and skirt sets from that time. My mother had one which she, sadly, gave away without thinking I’d want it(!?#+!)
These were all the rage(?) in the late ’50’s – early ’60’s and lots of women bought them during a trip out west. Those who were fortunate to live out west often made them at home. They were made and sold by the Navajo tribe primarily, I believe – decorated in bright colors with yards of ric-rac, braid and ribbon.
If this one was not from the southwest, it was a take-off on that style. Always made of cotton,- this one is, too, with silver ric-rac and braid trim.
Tons of fun to wear! Although the native costumes would have a matching blouse, a sleeveless or short-sleeved white blouse looks really good. In the ’50’s, peasant blouses with elasticized necklines that could be worn off-shoulder were a big thing.
This is really an iconic style from back in the day. I’m glad to have several of them. As I said, they originated from aboriginal peoples in various countries and the gringos fell in love with them. Can’t argue with that!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
This lovely little frock might have been worn by some young lady at a recital, coming-out party or first formal occasion. I say that because it is small and very demure.
The only decoration are two petite bows at the waistline in back, next to the metal zipper. I suspect that it was specially made for her by a tailor. If commercially-made, it came from a small, exclusive shop.
The dress is a very pale beige taffeta, with lace overlay on the bodice. Moderate scoop neck front and back. Ruched cummerbund waistband,semi-full skirt with attached netting crinoline.
Very proper and very lovely. I actually found another one alongside it, possibly of the same owner. It has a bit more dramatic decoration, but is very much the same and from the same era.
Can you imagine needing a dress like this every year, or maybe more than one! Did her family move in an upper-class social circle, or was she just a creature of time and place who was required to dress up like this for certain occasions that she attended?
That’s what I love about these adventures – you just never know … ……. …. . .. . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one might seem prim and unexciting by our standards today, but it was very normal everyday wear for women 60 or 70 years ago.
If you look at it in an unprejudiced way, it is really quite flattering and comfortable-looking. Let me tell you – the slinky synthetic poly or whatever fabric is like wearing your nightgown all day long!
These little prints were very popular on everyday dresses back in the day. They were almost as common and neutral as a solid color.
A homemaker could wear this, or a “career girl” – it would look appropriate on almost anyone almost anywhere. It was one of those no-fail outfits that you always want to have at least one of in your closet in case you suddenly have to go to a dicey appointment, or meet a scary person or blend in without being noticeable.
Do you have one or two? Because, you just never know .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
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