Category Archives: shirtwaist

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COTTON SHIRTWAIST DRESS – ALWAYS ONE OF MY FAVORITE FINDS

IMG_1708I’m always thrilled to find one of these!  This dress was custom-tailored WAY back in the day.  It’s a rockabilly/housewife/everyday special that most women wore.

This one dates farther back than some, but is still in near-perfect condition.  The only thing is that is seems that “Mildred” didn’t make a belt for it yet, so I’ve put on one of my own.

Years ago, women whipped up lots of frocks in this style for themselves and their daughters.  They could also be purchased at department stores or discount clothiers.  Depending on the fabric chosen and the details added, they might be very inexpensive or pricey and elegant.

There’s nothing more iconic of that time, so it blasts me right back to the past . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS BY HENRY LEE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWell, this computer has distorted my image a bit, but use your mind´s eye.  I haven´t run across a dress of this style for some time, so I was excited to see it.  It`s also a name brand that I have discovered before, so it was double fun!

Midi-length shirtwaist style with round, faceted black plastic buttons that look like jet.  The print is black on red and it´s made of a swishy synthetic fabric.  Designed with a classic tie at the neckline – very traditional, but smart.  No shoulder pads this time.

I always enjoy finding this style, which has been popular since the 1930´s and keeps showing up in new incarnations each decade.  It was a lovely surprise when I was scouting in new territory.  As always, you just never know . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING

BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING.

ANOTHER COTTON DAY – DRESS! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SHIRTWAIST IN THAT VERSATILE MOCHA HUE

ANOTHER COTTON DAY – DRESS! TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S SHIRTWAIST IN THAT VERSATILE MOCHA HUE.

SWEET TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – ’50’S COTTON DAY DRESS – END OF SUMMER COLORS

SWEET TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S – '50'S COTTON DAY DRESS – END OF SUMMER COLORS.

LAST OF THE TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COTTON SHIRTWAISTS FOR THIS YEAR’S SEASON (FAMOUS LAST WORDS . . . . . . . .)

LAST OF THE TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S COTTON SHIRTWAISTS FOR THIS YEAR'S SEASON (FAMOUS LAST WORDS . . . . . . . .).

A COLLECTION OF FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S DRESSES FOR EARLY FALL

A COLLECTION OF FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950'S – EARLY 1960'S DRESSES FOR EARLY FALL.

YESTERDAY’S FIND – 1980’s DOES 1940’s SWING DRESS

IMG_1541Although it’s not the real-real 1940’s deal (always my preference), this frock has a lot of the right stuff:  a frowsy floral print on drapey  rayon, a swing skirt and classic shirtwaist styling. It’s also big enough to have kind of a blousy fit.  Looks like I’m inventing a few words here . . . . . .

In other words, it’s got a 1930’s/1940’s feel to it that will make it a pleasure to wear on an “off” day.  Once in a while, the copy-cats get it pretty right and it’s good to keep an eye out for those little gems.

Tomorrow I’ll show you Stella modeling an absolute original from this era – found two months ago while I was out and about. You deserve to see it off the hanger.  So excited!!!!!!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A COUPLE OF LATE ’40’S – EARLY ’50’S FUN SHIRTWAIST DRESSES IN LEAD-INTO-FALL COLORS

A COUPLE OF LATE '40'S – EARLY '50'S FUN SHIRTWAIST DRESSES IN LEAD-INTO-FALL COLORS.

A COUPLE OF LATE ’40’S – EARLY ’50’S FUN SHIRTWAIST DRESSES IN LEAD-INTO-FALL COLORS

WAR-TIME AND HAPPY DAYS FROCKS – MID-CENTURY MODES . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A COUPLE OF LATE '50'S - EARLY '60'S FUN SHIRTWAIST DRESSES IN LEAD-INTO-FALL COLORS

I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white. Both in a similar shirtwaist style,  below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton.  Perfect mid-century style.

The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details.  The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall.  The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid.  It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me.

Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one.  Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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