Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads. LOVE this neckline!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Just love this!! Sometime from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s this little frock was someone’s favorite. It’s Peggy Lee in her early mid-century years, all over!!!!!
Glossy textured rayon – I always love sheer panels like this on the shoulders. The bodice is decorated with embroidered white flowers which have pearl centers. Nothing could be better for dinner out or a date night.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another treasure from the 1960’s. Sorry my camera/laptop is playing tricks on me again – can’t edit the photo.
This pretty Spring dress was custom-tailored with lots of nice features. Love the Mod bell sleeves – I’ve run across several of these in the past 2 years, all of a sudden. It’s fully lined, with raglan sleeves and an invisible zipper center back.
The seamstress knew her stuff and did a very good job. Although it’s plain, it’s very well-made. The first thing she did right was selecting the fabric – a good quality polyester and/or acetate. The print and colors are gorgeous – SO SIXTIES!!!
Sorry that this isn’t my color palette (makes me look jaundiced) but I’m sleuthing for true vintage fashion – not only things I can wear. So, that didn’t stop me. Never does . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Leave it to the 1950’s to produce the most come-hither styles . . . .. . .. How could anyone resist this one? The inventors of the “cocktail dress” knew their stuff.
Rather than a sleeveless style, “demure” sheer sleeves add just the right touch of modesty and mystery and end up amping the “sexiness” to new levels.
One of the mistakes that so much modern fashion makes – it’s so in-your-face that after the shock and awe wear off in a few minutes, it’s pretty boring and tacky. True vintage fashion rarely, if ever, makes that goof. It’s usually has just the opposite effect. And, high quality materials and tailoring is the cherry on top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Imagine my delight finding this LBD!! Very Mad Men, Jackie O and all that. It was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue. What could be a better item to have as a wardrobe staple? I’ll have fun with this one.
A black crepe in perfect condition, from the early to mid-1960’s. However, this design is so elegant and classic, that it’s timeless.
Back metal zipper and generous hem allowance, careful tailoring throughout and a high-quality decorative trim at the neck and hem. The embroidered label inside is a real plus, too.
Most of my recent finds have been good fits for me and require little, if any, attention. Thank you, fashionistas of the past, who loved and looked after your clothing so well . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
The cut and design of this frock, as unremarkable as it looks (especially in this picture), told me immediately from when and what it was! It’s a soft wool knit from the late 1960’s.
Beautiful fabric! And, like the wool dress from a couple of days ago, no itch factor here. Of course, I’ll still enjoy a gorgeous lingerie slip underneath on a cold, wintery day. The crocheted trim breaks up the plain lines and the fit is lovely.
So glad that I’ve discovered so many in-season items recently that are appropriate for this cold that most of us are experiencing now. For those of you who are not, I’ve still got several summery finds coming up, too.
Later today, I’ll post a little rant about design with pictures of the true vintage tailoring tools I recently found and how they’re a help to sewing and altering, if that’s something you like to do. If not, it’s still good to know some of the things that make the difference between real deal vintage and the copy-cat retro fashions. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Basic, basic, basic – but nothing is more elegant. Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover it!
Bateau neckline with an easy shape and kick pleat. Long metal zipper in back. It can be accessorized in so many ways and will look unique on women with slightly different body shapes. And, the fabric . . . . . . . .
This silk shantung sheath was tailored for tall juniors and Stella barely qualifies at 5’7”, so the fit would be transformed on a taller girl with correct measurements for a true vintage 12/13 size.
Styles like this endure with ease over many decades and become increasingly difficult to find in the same quality as the years go on. Sometimes a little change in the hemline is called for, but otherwise it’ll stand on its own forever, with delicate care.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Compared to yesterday’s beauty, this frock is a cut above in several ways. Pure silk fabric and complex draping and ruching make a truly stand-out bombshell dress design.
From a small designer label, it would have been made in the late 1950’s to very early 1960’s. Couldn’t be more sensational with it’s attention-getting cut and flattering fit.
Just right for strutting your inner Sexy Siren. This is a Marilyn Monroe dress if ever there was one. . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 