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
Although this bathing suit would be perfect for Annette Funiccello in 1961, it comes from the mid 1950’s. By Lanz (remember the red Jingle Bells dress I showed in December, also by this company?), with a metal zipper in the middle back of the bottoms(!). Boy, was I thrilled to find this one!!!
A froth of pastel gingham ruffles, it couldn’t be sweeter. Seems that it would also enhance your measurements a bit! Anyhow, it is sturdy enough for playing volleyball, too, or maybe even a little jog (those ’50’s bra-tops are STURDY!)
So, even at the YMCA, there might be a chance to show off this one. Summer’s definitely here and you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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This dress was custom-tailored at a time when sheer fabrics had become very popular. I’ve found several of these. Of course, you’d want an un-fussy slip underneath.
It’s a pretty print in pink and red on white voile, with a ruffle around the neck and little cap sleeves. Fifties styles tended to be, on average, more “feminine” than those designed in the 1940’s, when clothing was more tailored and, sometimes, even masculine in its lines. (Remember the huge shoulders popular then.)
These dresses give a lovely opportunity to show off beautiful lingerie but, as mentioned above, keep the slip simple – not full of lots of frills and details – so that it doesn’t overwhelm the dress itself. You’d also want it to be of the same length, and white.
I love to collect true vintage slips in all styles, lengths and colors so that I have the right one for every dress I own. Some are even great to wear as a summer dress by themselves!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
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I absolutely love the flattering drape of this fitted dress! The fabric is a synthetic blend of some type, probably containing nylon.
During the late ’50’s and early ’60’s the lean sheath styles were very alluring, yet proper. That seems, to me, to be one of the best fashion qualities of lots of the true vintage styles.
This one goes from Spring, with a light jacket or sweater, right into Summer. The combination of green and blue was very popular in the early 1960’s for a year or two – so this one may come from that time.
So, a ladylike frock that can be worn almost anywhere – simple style and classic lines. It would look nice with white shoes. Though the standard rule was “No white until after Memorial Day in the U.S. (last of May) and not after Labor Day (first Monday in September), those rules don’t apply anymore so wear your white shoes whenever you like!
I’m not sure, but this dress might have come from Canada. Sometimes, with a closet the size of mine, you just never know . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Another of my absolutely fabulous finds – fit for a princess at a party or Prom. This one is a quintessential 1950s pouf dress by Frank Starr, (of California, I believe) in a floral print. He was a well-known designer at that time.
I’m always amazed at what I find, and this frock really turned the lights on! Organza over rayon or acetate, with a velvet-covered belt & the makers’ label on an inside seam.. In virtually perfect condition.
I can just see Elizabeth Taylor flouncing around in this in one of her movies, playing a young woman ready to go to a dance party. Imitations are made, but true vintage can’t be replaced and it’s priceless, in my opinion.
This example can hardly compete with the one shown yesterday, or the day before. They are all wonderful and uniquely original. We’ll step backwards in time just a little bit tomorrow. What’s coming up until then? You just never know . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding! The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.
They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles. And, of course, beautifully-made. I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional. The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath. Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .
very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way. They knew how to do that back in the day. A lost art? I hope not . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Marlene and Celia are back and . . .. .. introducing Daphne, far right. She’s stuck in the ’60’s and ’70’s and is kind of a California casual gal so doesn’t care much for most of my elegant looks. However, she is wearing the less traditional, graphic patterned lace today. I suspect that these are from the 1960’s.
These are a totally different look and sometimes double as a shawl. In the U.S., many women of the Catholic faith used to keep lace head coverings around to wear to church and they’ve always been popular souvenirs of a trip to Mexico or Spain where they were called mantillas (roughly pronounced mon-tee-ya). Over the centuries women and girls have worn them not only in strictly religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, but at traditional social events, too. It seems that many cultures have their own version of the lace scarf and how to wear it.
So, there are many interpretations of the lace “mantle” and how/where to wear one. Make up your own . . . . whenever a touch of elegance, allure and the unexpected is desirable . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a mid-century Prom or dance party dress for Spring. I’ve had this frock for several years and it is in wonderful shape EXCEPT that the bodice had some old perspiration damage under the arms. No fixing that . . . . . . . .SO, I replaced the overlay fabric on the bodice with a nearly – identical modern material.
To the naked eye in normal room light, the dress looks perfect. Only the digital camera with flash shows the difference – that aging of the fabric over 60 – 70 years has slightly changed its color.
I’m pleased with my repair, but here’s a good example of why saving any old fabrics left over from sewing or hem changes makes a lot of sense. You might need them some time and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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If you find a good deal on a vintage dress with stains like these, don’t let it worry you. I’ve had great success learning how to deal with them . . . . . . . . .
In heavy rayon or a blend, with its own rhinestone pin and a sassy fit, this dress has 1950’s party written all over it. In a pretty robin’s egg print, it’s just right for Spring. Try it with a little bolero jacket or sweater.
A frock such as this one is too good to pass up, if you feel confident about your skills. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Believe it or not, I do not have a single GREEN slip that would be suitable for my St. Paddy’s Day dresses! Two green rayon beauties in my closet from the 1930’s are way too long and full . . . . . . .
So, here are some blue-green pretties from the Forties & Fifties that might suit. If they’re not showing through, I don’t think any one would really mind, do you? Once the dress is off . . . . . . . . . . .
Again, we have beautiful fabric, contrasting embroidery and some applique’. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. . . .. . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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