Category Archives: sheer

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S DRESS A’LA GRACE KELLY

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950'S DRESS A'LA GRACE KELLY

This dress is very special. It was custom tailored, modeled after one that the American actress Grace Kelly wore to the premier of her movie “Rear Window”, in 1954.

The fabric is sheer, that’s why it’s pictured with a slip under. It has a fabric-covered belt and very full skirt. Naturally, a side metal zipper so it’s a bit too difficult for Madge to slip into.

The collar is actually larger than pictured, but I hemmed it because it was too wide for me. Didn’t cut it, though, so the original has not been damaged. Very important!

It’s a beautiful, feminine style and very elegant. Just what would have been expected from Grace. Was it made for me? Of course not – but I know who did make it and got the whole story. I’ve got another of her Grace-inspired creations to show later . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S LEISURE HOSTESS GOWN

LATE '60'S – EARLY '70'S LEISURE HOSTESS GOWN.

LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S LEISURE HOSTESS GOWN

LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S LEISURE HOSTESS GOWN

I just love this thing! It’s not way old nor of any specific style, but it’s so cool.

I’m not sure if “hostess gowns” are a thing anymore, but certainly in the 1960’s they were a BIG thing. Maybe it’s because the patio and outdoor entertaining became a big deal in the early 1960’s.

Aside from the fact that your sleeves would always be in the punch bowl, this would be a lovely outfit in which to welcome guests.

Navy blue cotton blend, with little white polka dots and a fabric flower on the bosom. Plus, those witchy Stevie Nicks sleeves. I haven’t seen things like this in a long time .. . . .. . . . . . .

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

WONDERFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S – EARLY 1940’S DAY DRESS

WONDERFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1930'S - EARLY 1940'S DAY DRESS

For those of you who have been watching since last winter, you may have seen this dress before. BUT, the photo I had with me then didn’t do it justice. Now that I have Madge, I wanted to publish another one.

This frock was a rare find! For one thing, its age and superb condition makes it remarkable and it has such wonderful details.

The fabric is unusual. It may be a 100% cotton, as we might expect from the look of it, but it doesn’t feel that way. I’m not sure if that is age (though it’s in very good shape) or if it is another material or a blend. I’d love to have a laboratory where I could analyze the content of fabrics because it’s a fascinating question.

Another thing I love are the buttons. I believe that they are real mother of pearl, rather than pearlized plastic. Some of them are broken because they are a perforated design and somewhat delicate, but at least half of them are fine.

The slide-through buckle was missing (I could tell that was the type of buckle it was because of how the belt is made) so I added a vintage mother of pearl one that I already had and it’s perfect.

It’s another Bonnie Parker dress (remember – Bonnie and Clyde) and so much fun to have discovered it! Lots of imagination in this one – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE NEGLIGEE’ BY ODETTE BARSA

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE NEGLIGEE' BY ODETTE BARSA.

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE NEGLIGEE’ BY ODETTE BARSA

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE NEGLIGEE' BY ODETTE BARSA

Odette Barsa designed especially beautiful sleepwear for women. The family apparently kept the company on the go into the 1980’s – after the designer’s death.

The thing I’ve noticed most about these gorgeous creations is her use of ribbon, woven into trims. I also have a bed jacket by this company with the same kind of decoration.

What a pleasure it is to look at and wear true vintage lingerie and nightwear. Nothing today can compare to the sumptuous feel of the fabrics, usually heavy silk or nylon, and the exquisite craftsmanship.

At some point I’ll be taking you on a tour of my gowns, robes and other interesting little what-nots from years ago.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING.

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE.

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE

This one is fun! Not my best colors, but how can I not keep it and wear it? The style is casual, but it isn’t grunge-wear. In fact, it’s a rather stylish summer top with a Country Club feel and an element of elegance.

It’s fully lined in the body and buttons up the back. The sleeves and fringes are left sheer. I just love finding items like this, which tell a story about the type of woman who would have purchased and worn it. I see it with a pair of white capri’s or shorts and leather sandals – flat or with a kitten heel – worn by a dark-haired Italian actress in a James Bond movie. Only your own imagination and personal style put any limits on how it can be combined with other elements of your wardrobe.

Where to go today? Perhaps the Riviera? You just never know . .. . . . . . . . . …

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Viintage Fashion available at Amazon.com

A TRUE VINTAGE SHEER DAY DRESS, PROBABLY 1950’S

A TRUE VINTAGE SHEER DAY DRESS, PROBABLY 1950'S.