This is one of my favorite LBD’s for day. The cut and quality are SO good and it is ultra-flattering.
The fabric is lovely and the hardware on the belt is, too. It’s a basic style, but so chic and elegant. These features make all the difference between looking ordinary or sophisticated and well off.
So many true vintage pieces have these advantages. What’s not to love?!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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1960’s mod styling in a classic sheath with back zip. Fully lined. Notice the white bands at the neckline and armholes.
Elegance and cool comfort – doesn’t get better than this!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s. I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.
Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details. Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back. The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.
Very, very refined and elegant. The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gorgeous, gorgeous easy dress that is so sophisticated and well-tailored. This mid – century frock would get you on the best-dressed list in a heartbeat! It’s been in my wardrobe for a while and it’s gonna stay there!
I uncovered some fabulous finds this past weekend and have seen some wonderful true vintage items in the shops that I’ve visited. As I get myself together after the trip, I’ll be cluing you in . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress doesn’t shout at you, but it shouted at me and that was why I picked it up. It is so obviously classic 1960’s and has an interesting label.
I researched the company, Carolina Made, and discovered a small clothing firm in, I believe, South Carolina, USA, which has been selling clothing for decades. Rather than closing down, as many have done over the years, they have morphed into selling a completely different casual line of t-shirts, shorts and other sportswear that looks like the usual modern styles.
The southeastern U.S. was a clothing manufacturing center for many, many years. This is where the garments were constructed. So, this company – regardless of how it has changed – represents that history.
And, this dress also represents the history of classic styles in several ways. The style has stayed good over several decades, the construction is strong and the colors are basically neutral. It’s very versatile and useful – the way that we wear jeans today, a dress like this would serve for many activities that an average woman would do in a day in 1964.
The original belt was probably a fabric tie belt – this dress was not even swanky enough to have a buckle belt on it. It’s a workhorse-type of dress, but with lots of possibilities.
Anyway, that’s the story that it told me and part of the enjoyment I get from hunting for true vintage. I love stories and you just never know . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.
Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.
On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.
And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Although the basic style of this dress is unremarkable, it is so unique! 100% lined silk in a beautiful paisley print. And, very well-tailored.
Cool and breezy, yet quite sophisticated. This is not a run-of-the-mill item.
I’ve never seen another like it.
Aside from its vintage, it doesn’t leave many clues. But, of course I love a mystery . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I think that someone had this dress specifically made for her while traveling or living in Thailand or China during the 1960’s. That was a common thing to do back then.
Thai silk is so distinctive and beautiful. There’s nothing like the weave and color of these fabrics and they are always smartly designed and carefully constructed by hand. It is one of two that I have discovered – makes me wonder about the woman involved.
Did she have a secret assignment? Was she undercover? Perhaps a great-niece of Mata Hari . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This one is my very favorite – in a silvery plum. I think Peggy Lee would have loved performing in this. Definitely a dance dress, maybe even for Prom. Who knows – cocktails and a fancy dinner . . . . . . . . . . .?
One thing I love so much about true vintage garments is the specialty fabrics. This one has the floral pattern embroidered on the black background, with metallic highlights. And, of course, the fabric is cut to drape beautifully.
Your regular boyfriend can escort you around in this one, but he’d better be prepared for the competition . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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