Category Archives: sheer

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER FORMAL DRESS FROM THE 1970’S OR 1980’S

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER FORMAL DRESS FROM THE 1970'S OR 1980'S

This dress is not really old, but it is so cute/pretty that I couldn’t resist picking it up and showing it to you. such pretty colors!

There is a sheer layer with the flower print, over a solid layer – like many of the dresses I’ve shown.  I love the big bow in front – too much!

It almost looks like a ’60’s thing, but I know it’s not that old.  The bodice has some sequins decorating it, too, but it’s not a super-super dressy thing otherwise.  It could almost be worn to a garden party or fund-raising afternoon event, of the right type.

Anyway, a lovely frock – authentically vintage, and just makes me feel like going to a party.  It’s so sweet – would make a wonderful disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S SHEER SUMMER DAY-DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S SHEER SUMMER DAY-DRESS

This was a fun find, with its own attached scarf and in cool, floaty fabric again.  The really unusual thing, to me, is the color combo.

It’s an all-over print in purple with black accents on an olive background.  That’s a great combination which you don’t see often – especially for summer!

By Westover – New York.  Fabric-covered belt.  It’s one of those fun, flirty and feminine styles that I’m sure some woman loved wearing, even if her day was just a pretty average one.  Of course, she’d have a pretty slip underneath, too.

I’ve never seen another one like it.  It’s a real one-of-a-kind style, as so much true vintage is.  Each one is a unique discovery – you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion

A TRUE VINTAGE SHEER DAY DRESS, PROBABLY 1950’S

A TRUE VINTAGE SHEER DAY DRESS, PROBABLY 1950'S

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
Blog address: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available at Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s – ’70s FULL LENGTH FLORAL PARTY GOWN

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s - '70s FULL LENGTH FLORAL EASTER PARTY GOWN

,Zooming into Summer now, you may be looking around for outfits to wear this weekend, to a garden or patio party . .

A beautiful gown in a pastel floral print, perfect for a dance, dinner, theater event, etc. – anything a bit more formal that this week’s celebrations or events might throw at you.

This one has an empire waistline seam, a sheer layer of fabric over an opaque lining and a center back zipper. No slip necessary, though I do have a true vintage long crinoline underneath in this picture. I’ll show that to you later as it is very interesting, itself.

I’m not sure whether this dress was made in the ’60s or ’70s. I lean toward the ’60s, but it is a classic style with only one tag left inside that is not a definite answer to the question. But, the fabric just has a ’60s feel to it . . . . . . .

Anyway, it is lovely and radiates the feeling of cheerful, bright sunny days. This is the kind of thing that we all like to start wearing this time of year. If it were shortened (or maybe even if not) and without the crinoline it could be worn as a day dress, because of the simple style.

Look for things like this now. Lots of older women made a habit of cleaning out their closets in the Spring, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SHIRT-DRESS FOR SPRING FROM THE 1950s

TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SHIRT-DRESS FOR SPRING FROM THE 1950s

In the 1950s, this style of shirt-dress in a very sheer printed material was popular.  I have found several of them here and there.  Although the photo doesn’t do it justice, it’s one of my favorites.  The fabric drapes really well and is very flattering.  Bits of pink in the print help it to go with my skin-tone.

Usually, dresses of this type were belted and, of course, would be worn over a slip. Imagine this one with a lovely true vintage nylon slip underneath (but not a fussy slip). and a covered buckle belt or tie belt. . . . . . . . . . .your skirt swaying in the breeze as you walk down main street on your shopping errands for the day.  A pretty little ’50s bag and peep-toe sling-back sandals might be nice.  Or, you can mix it up.  I love a full-on vintage look, especially with dresses, but mixing decades is also fun.

Vintage accessories with modern clothing really works for me sometimes. I find the mixing easy with casual looks. The great thing about many true vintage items is that their styles are very classic and elegant. Therefore, if you do go 100% true vintage in an outfit that is very elegant, it won’t look overdone or too much like a movie set. Be careful not to over-do things like jewelry or hat and gloves unless you want to aim for the kitchie look.  That’s fun, too.  And, to me, fun is what it’s all about.

I love the elements of history, mystery, style and aesthetics and recycling – but it’s all fun to me!  Everyone loves a treasure hunt, 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 1950’S PROM DRESS GETS REFURBISHED

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COCKTAIL/DINNER DRESS AND A FAVORITE 1940’S BLOUSE IN EMERALD

Sorry I didn’t get this photo into my St. Patrick’s Day series.  Can you imagine that dress worn under the emerald green satin evening coat I showed then?  Perfect!

Both these garments are in a lightweight fabric.  The blouse is probably a rayon georgette and the dress in a crinkly rayon or poly that is lined with acetate.  Pearl buttons on the blouse and a rhinestone detail on the bow belt of the dress. Stella is wearing my favorite leather Deliso – style pumps from the Eighties.   IMG_0954

The dress has a well-known label of the time which I have shown before – L’Aignon (the spelling might be a bit off).  A bright jewel tone like this and filmy fabric could be worn any time of year, but I like it in Spring or Fall.

These are not new finds – I’ve had them for a while and they are keepers!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY .COM

A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE DRESS FOR WARM WEATHER – 1950’S SHEER!

IMG_1348Isn’t this a pretty little day-dress?  Ruffles, flowers and a criss-cross neckline are so feminine and becoming, in a very simple style. In spite of being a little inconvenient (you’ve got to wear a slip or something underneath),  designers and women (and, probably, men!) loved these sheer styles in the 1950’s.  They are very lovely, floaty and ethereal.   And, SEXY!!

Women with elegant taste have always known that flattering clothing that suggests what’s underneath without exposing it is FAR more alluring and sexy than showing lots of skin or bare body.

The best designers still know this. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FABULOUS MID-CENTURY COCKTAIL OUTFIT

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No, it’s not a dress for Siamese elephants – this is a first-ever-seen hostess/cocktail one-piece “thing” with embroidered and sequined mesh over lined satin pants and bodice.  Not exactly a jumpsuit, though it has those elements.  I’m going to say early 1960’s, but it could be earlier.

This is a well-tailored garment with long panels front and back which are completely open at the sides.  The upper part of the bodice is lined with flesh-tone mesh, also.  Extremely well-made, with two labels – the brand and the store which sold it.

To be worn with a pair of black sandals or mules and, of course, diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More to come.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY, PRETTY WARTIME – POST-WAR NYLON BED JACKET BY ROGERS

OK, head back 10 to 20 years for another frilly, girly piece of boudoir lingerie – a beautiful bed jacket, the likes of which has disappeared from our modern wardrobes.  This was another of the lingerie luxuries that women enjoyed until the 1970’s.

Delicate and beautiful, items like this were common in average women’s closets.  They seem a bit over-the-top for everyday wear today, but in mid-century life were (and are) very practical for before bed and early morning activities while women were wearing their nightgowns, without sacrificing feminine mystery.

Gotta tell ya’ – it beats throwing a hoodie or sweater over your pj’s in a cool house. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM