Category Archives: sexy

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s - 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

Here’s pretty, floaty frock of satin and chiffon for a dinner-dance or any semi-formal party.  It does have stiffening in the skirt, but doesn’t have a huge crinoline, like many made a few years later .

I just die with delight when I discover one of these!  It reminds me of the classic movies that I love, where there’s always a dance in the plot somewhere.

This one is not haute couture – just an average lovely gown that any middle-income woman might have selected.  I’m not complaining!  It makes me think of France, where I’ll be in a couple of weeks!

With the mid-calf length, this one could go to the Prom, and maybe it did, once.  You just never know . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A COLLECTION OF TRUE VINTAGE SLEEPWEAR & LOUNGEWEAR

A COLLECTION OF TRUE VINTAGE SLEEPWEAR & LOUNGEWEAR

It seems that in the past women, and men, made a real art of wearing at-home fashion. They didn’t bop around the house in sweats or nothing (nothing is lovely, but not very mysterious).

No, there were smoking jackets, bed jackets, peignoirs, robes, caftans, gowns, pajamas and many variations of each. I will show more in the future, but for now . . . . . .

Left to right: a quilted lounging or bed jacket from the 1950s or 1940s, a boys’ size 18 lounging jacket from the 1950s or 1960s (just right for a small woman, too), a babydoll gown and peignoir set from the 1960s or 1970s, and two 1950s bed jackets.

One should not neglect one’s fashion presence just because (maybe) no one else is around. Much more important if someone is.
I love finding these beautiful old high-quality items.  Everyone deserves the luxury.

There’s nothing like receiving casual guests in a smart caftan or reading in bed in a lovely gown with matching robe because if the doorbell rings . . . . . . . .well, you just never know . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s CREPE DAY TO DINNER DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s CREPE DAY TO DINNER DRESS

Since the weather is still cool some days,  we can wear some slightly heavier fabrics.  The substantial crepe material from which this dress is made would be too heavy for warm weather but is just right when it’s moderate outside.  This simple sheath styling also can easily be paired with a sweater or short jacket

A short back zipper at the neck and shoulder pads are notable details.  The belt is cloth – covered near the buckle and beaded around the other half.  Whether you wear the buckle in front or back is up to you.  This fancy belt “ups” the sophistication of the dress and would let it go from day to dinner without a pause.  That was a real plus during wartime when a woman’s wardrobe may have been very limited.  The style and cut are so simple that it would also show off any piece of jewelry that you wanted to wear with it to dress it up.

The ’40’s is probably my favorite fashion decade, although there are beautiful clothes from every era.  The styles from this decade seem very self-confident, with imaginative and fun details.  They also look good on my figure, which is an important consideration!

This dress, and several others from the ’40s, were a surprise find that really lit up my day. In fact, it was a totally unexpected treasure trove that just opened itself to me because of being in the right place at the right time.  You just never know . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE ’60S – EARLY ’70S

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE '60S - EARLY '70S

This one could have been worn to the Cotillion dinner-dance before the time of Disco. With sheer sleeves and crystal-pleated skirt, it’s a dream of a dress for dancing.  It had no belt when I found it – I think I would put on a skinny tie belt, perhaps with a little sparkle (depending on my jewelry).

Crystal pleats can be really lovely and in this case they have a superb swing, with their trumpet shape. Polyester fabric holds pleats like this really well, so that style was popular when poly was really big.  This dress is very nicely made, by a company that was based in California.

It’s always frustrating to try finding a really good dance dress.  I’ve already shown one and will be posting several more soon because I have a collection!  One thing that was really popular in decades past was social dancing, in a more formal way than we do now. Therefore, there have been mountains of fabulous dresses created to dance in.

I’m always thrilled when I find a super one like this!  Though it’s not meant for funky get-down nights, it would be perfect for most kinds of ballroom dancing (fox trot, swing, tango, waltz, rumba, samba – stuff like that).  Whenever you go to a formal wedding or dance, there’s bound to be some of that – just depends.

Stick with me and I’ll show you all the treasures that I keep uncovering all year. So much fun, because you just never know!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

Now we’re getting really serious about special events which may be taking place this month.  This party gown is a little too demure for most Proms or whing-ding parties, but perfect for a social dance, someone in a wedding party, a dinner event, anniversary party, a recital or other celebration that is somewhat formal.

It looks almost white in the photo and is actually a very pale pink, with a sheer over-dress and opaque lining.  The neckline and sleeves are edged with satin binding. Of course, a crinoline attached.  Aside from the subtle embroidery, it is not fussy (no bows, ribbons or decorative buttons).  Doesn’t need them!  Very elegant.

When I find a dress like this, I always wonder where it was originally worn, by whom and where it was purchased or made.

Another surprise discovery, and they usually are.  I know what I’d like to have, but I rarely go hunting with just one thing in mind and, I guess, that’s mostly because I’ve put together such a collection of true vintage that I don’t have to go looking for an outfit when some event comes up.  With patience, skill and know-how you can do that, too.

I have the most fun looking for what will turn up!  Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

Okay, this one is a little longer and it could probably have gone to the Prom – but – have you ever seen anything that looks more like what to wear on a date with the Easter Bunny? These poufy frocks in sherbet pastel colors were all over the place about 50 years ago and.

Lovely coral-pink taffeta with a huge sash that ties in a bow behind.  The skirt under is stiff, but not like netting.  A crinoline could be added.  What could say Spring more than this one? Well, maybe some of the others coming up . . . . .

Every girl and woman in the ’50s loved party dresses like this.  (With apologies to your grandmother who always wore black from Chanel)  I have discovered many dresses of this type, with slight variations in the style.  Watch old movies from the late ’40s and early ’50s and you will see many similar.

When I hunt for true vintage, I sometimes feel like I’m a designer going into the costume warehouse of a huge theater, looking for just the right clothing for my characters and enjoying all the different costumes that I see.  If I want to, I can take hours just being in the fantasy of all the eras and style trends that I can find.  If I want to use my time wisely, I can zero in on the best, most wonderful things in a few minutes.

Sleuthing for true vintage is one of the most fun things I do.  It’s always an adventure, because you just never know . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’s DISCO DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1970s DISCO DRESS

Here’s the perfect dress to pair up with those lipstick-red stilettos that I posted yesterday. Silver or gold leather sandals would work nicely, too. It’s made for dancing, with a skirt that is long enough to let you be versatile in your moves and swingy enough to follow your body and the music.

The material is a heavy synthetic jacquard print, which allows movement on the dance floor.  It was made for Disco, but would also be great for Swing dancing.  Back nylon zipper, elastic in the waist.  Looks a lot like modern stuff – the tags, alone, told its age.

I would probably put on a rope, chain or skinny buckle belt because I like waist emphasis. If I’m dancing, it would have to be something that wouldn’t interfere. If I’m out to dinner, a party, movie or other event any kind of belt I liked would be fine.

Alas, this dress is a medium to largish size so won’t fit me  unless I have it altered or do it myself (either is always an option).  Anyway, it’s lovely and RED (a favorite of mine) and very versatile. It simply presented itself to me so, how could I refuse .. . . . . .. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MY FAVORITE RED TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

If you’ve visited my Facebook page or read my book, you will have seen this picture, but I’ve never talked as much about it, so far, as I will here.  Maybe you remember when Kinney shoes had a store in just about every mall or shopping center and then kind of disappeared. Well, these lovelies were made before that time.  I took them to a shoemaker from Poland who had 25 years experience MAKING shoes and now does repair.  He told me that they were 30 – 40 years old.

They have a ’40s – ’50s vibe but were made in the ’70s. The label is of cloth, embedded in the insole. How often do we see that?! As you can imagine, they are very well-made of leather with Vibram soles.

I love this style so much, and the heels are very high. Any kind of peep-toe pump really gets my attention. Couldn’t resist these, and what a fabulous find!   You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE - NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

Here’s a small portion of true vintage slips from my collection. These are, for the most part, less fancy than my others that are also older. Regardless, they are lovely and of very high quality. The heavy nylon that they’re made of feels like nothing you’ll find being sold today.

Slips and other undergarments were a really important foundation for vintage clothing, as they can be today if you know how to use them. A well-fitting slip can make all the difference in how a dress looks on the body. Bras and girdles in the past were essential in order for many dresses, etc. to fit properly.

Nylon takes on color very easily, so it can be dyed. The slip on the left was probably tie-dyed in the 60s. The black slip has simple, very elegant small embroidery on the bodice, which is covered by a sheer layer of fabric. The red slip is made almost like a dress with a plain red lining and overall lace on top, a side zipper and hem slit. I showed it a few days ago.  The two white slips show a variation in length (very important) and plain & fancy details. It’s nice to have beautiful decorated ones and also plain ones, to wear under sheer dresses.

I could drift around the house in one of these gorgeous slips all day, and night. So comfortable, so glamorous, full of mystery. What might I be wearing under that simple-looking dress tomorrow? You’ll just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

This is so cute! I think it is from the late ’60’s, but might also be from the early ’70’s. It’s a ’30’s revival style with a flounce at the hem.  Lovely, drapey rayon, cut on the bias.  It’s missing the original belt, but otherwise is perfect.  Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . .

Not my color, so this one was sold but I just couldn’t resist!   Wish I’d had Stella at the time, for the photo, since Madge couldn’t possibly get into it.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM