A LATE 1970’S POLY-KNIT GOWN AND JACKET ENSEMBLE FROM A MIAMI SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE

A LATE 1970'S POLY-KNIT GOWN AND JACKET ENSEMBLE FROM A MIAMI SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE

Disco Days again! This silver-sparkly knit dress and jacket are for dancing the night away.

The dress is bare shoulders with rhinestone-studded straps and trim, back zip and a side slit for doing the boogie. The jacket has rhinestone-studded buttons. I have some silver and black platform sandals from the same era that go perfectly!.

This is another of those specialty outfits from a small shop in South Beach Miami, Florida. It has the hallmarks of the late ’70’s – mostly in the fabric and some of the construction details.

Not a high-end garment this time in terms of its quality, but I’ll bet it was expensive because of where it was sold – even back then. Fortunately, all the rhinestones in the buttons and trimming are in place so we can’t fault the value of those items – they didn’t tend to fall apart.

I’m always pleasantly surprised to see how well decorative trimmings and buttons on true vintage fashion hold up over many years. It’s a blessing, because they’re irreplaceable!  However, I have found a couple of stores that specialize in these authentic vintage items where you can look . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940'S.

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940'S

A lovely swing dress, of two layers, with a circle skirt and lace mesh overlay. This is so pretty!

It’s got a v-neck front and back, with a long side zipper. It swings and sways and such a flattering fit. I just love that cafe au lait color.

I believe that the fabric is rayon, at least for the dress underneath. That fabric was SO commonly used during the ’40’s. It can pose some care issues, but it has such nice qualities otherwise that it’s usually worth it.

This is not a Here I am. Look at ME!! dress, but once you’re seen, you won’t be forgotten. Best not to choose it when you’re going incognito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S SWINGY RAYON DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S SWINGY RAYON DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S SWINGY RAYON DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S SWINGY RAYON DRESS

This is a very cool dress from the ’40’s in the characteristic rayon of that era. The skirt is not a full circle, but it swings.

It’s got a side metal zipper – not big enough for Madge’s shoulders. As with many of the dresses for a time period of about 20 years, you really have to wiggle your way into it over your head.

The top is rayon, too, but of an entirely different
texture. The sleeves are skinny and are ruched on both sides at the wrist. An interesting feature.

No label remains, but I’d say that this dress was commercially made. Mid-calf length and slim fit, it makes a nice silhouette with lots of movement. Love it!

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960’S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960'S BLOUSE BY SYBIL.

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960’S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960'S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

A rare find – one of those mystery synthetic garments from the 1960’s. Seems kind of like polyester, but then . . . . . . .

Not to disparage at all – it’s a really nice fabric but I just can’t place it. There were some
very interesting blends back in the day before content
labels were required.

What attracted me most was the style – those beautiful crystal-pleated ruffles are eye-catchers. Ruffles on the front and sleeves were very popular in the late 60’s, usually in a slightly less opulent form than this – a bit too frilly for me, but stunning on the right person.

Picture Twiggy wearing this with a black mini-skirt, lacy black patterned tights, some spiffy mod heels and bold eye make-up and lipstick – with an evening purse – you get the idea. About the time that Mod and Carnaby Street fashions were merging together. Mary Quant and all that. She might have a fit that I mentioned her in relation to this example. It might not be what she would have done at all.

Anyway, it’s a good example and the embroidered tag and sizing all go along with it! Do any of the fashions produced today distinguish themselves so well? I don’t think so, but I’d love some examples. Do you have any? I always look for reference material for the files . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

This is a very special dress – the one that the actress playing the “vixen” would wear in a 1950’s movie. Or, the devil with the red dress on. . . . . . . . .

Taffeta seems to be one of the favorite “special dress” fabrics from the ’50’s. I also love boat necks and 3/4 sleeves. Fire engine red always makes a statement. It’s not a debutante party frock – about 100 miles from the little white one I just posted!

I would really like to know the history of this one. Based on where I discovered it, I suspect that it was worn by a small-time bad girl or a wannabe.

One of those “in your dreams” dresses. It’s always good to have at least a few of those handy because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS.