Category Archives: sleeveless

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

While we’re in a New Year mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.

Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline.  The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.

Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.

I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!

Worthy of Peggy Lee any day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PERFECT! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S KENNEDY ERA COAT AND DRESS ENSEMBLE

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Although it looks beige in the photo, this outfit is actually a lovely pink color, in a dressy fabric with matte and silvery metallic shine finishes together.  The dress is an elegant sleeveless sheath with an ornamental notched neckline.  Both the dress and coat are fully lined.

The best of dressy styles from that era – beautifully-tailored and in virtually perfect condition.  What a find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE DRESSES! 3: ’70’S – ’80’S DOES 1950’S ENGLISH GARDEN HOUR GLASS SUNDRESS

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Dark navy and white, with clear buttons all-the-way down the front.  Almost a tea dress, but very North American.  So smart not to spoil the print and pretty lines while still making it super-easy on and off.  I really appreciate the good tailoring that could still be found on  low- and mid-priced dresses in the Seventies and early Eighties.

Love the nipped-waist fit and cute pocket flaps at the hips.  It’s a simple dress, but with so much FIT and figure-enhancing detail.  It will be another go-to frock on hot days this summer.  Soon we’ll be heading into Fall and even Holiday styles – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Just found ANOTHER circle-skirt dress from the Fifties!

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In kind of a sheer, crinkley  synthetic with a side zipper, this home-sewn frock was standard day-wear for for an average gal in the early to mid-1950’s.  Of course, she would have worn one of the beautiful slips from that day underneath – or a camisole and crinoline petticoat to make the skirt stand out.

Someone made this looking forward to sunny Spring and Summer days.  Nothing could be more flattering to a slim figure, whether curvy or not, than a wasp waist, full skirt, cap sleeves and a pretty neckline.  It’s New Look all over with a below-the-knee hem and close-to-the-body bodice.

What a great find!  More to come – stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST FOUND! A SHIMMY-SHAKE LITTLE BLACK DANCING DRESS FROM THE LATE FIFTIES OR EARLY SIXTIES

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I had one other 1960’s sheath dress with fringe like this several years ago, and it was a surprise.  Looks like a hoochie-coochie 1920’s or ’30’s frock but that kind of fringe is so GREAT for Sixties dancing, too.  I guess some women thought so . . . . . . . . . . .

The interesting thing about this particular one is that the body of the dress is made of a soft fabric that feels like cotton with chenille stripes.  I thought chenille was just for bedspreads, bathrobes and sweaters.  That’s one thing I love about this investigating – you learn something new every day (and get to play dress-up every day, too).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S BLACK DRESS

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S BLACK DRESS

This one is SO sweet on!  Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).

It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip.  Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.

Who could ask for anything more?  The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before.  The colors are incomparable.  The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable.  Men’s shirts are also incredible.

Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit.  Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.

Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A REALLY CUTE TRUE VINTAGE MINI-DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960’S

A REALLY CUTE TRUE VINTAGE MINI-DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960'S

Despite the chilly temperatures, I’m going to start showing Summer things anyway (so, there!)  Came across this one by surprise.  Ribbed poly knit with a front zip, belt loops and contrasting inverted pleats. Cute, cute, cute!

At first glance it looked like it could be modern, BUT . . . . . . . . . sometimes the clues are hidden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IT’S TIME FOR MID-CENTURY COTTON DAY – DRESSES TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET

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These fun and beautiful frocks are what EVERYBODY was wearing as everyday-wear between about 1935 and 1965.  The cottons are sturdy but wash and wear to a fabulous softness.  The colors are bright and the motif’s go from traditional floral or medallion prints (like the one here) to atomic geometrics and cartoon novelty images.

I absolutely cannot get enough of these!  The typical fit and flare styling is very forgiving, allowing  me a reasonable fit across about 3 sizes.  A belt can work wonders with almost any garment.  If shoulder pads are appropriate to the era, that makes a big difference, too.

With the exception of the Sixties shift style, this basic shirt-waist design is just about the most comfortable, practical and versatile for day-wear ever; still, it allows for elegance and the irreplaceable look of true vintage fashion.  I’ll keep showing more of these wonderful everyday styles, and whatever turns up.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE, RARE, RARE NEW FIND! 1960’S MOD PLAY-SUIT – JUMPSUIT

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This is really something!  Mid-century play-suits are rare as hens teeth, so I’m thrilled to discover another one.  So cute – flower-power mod print in cotton, with a long metal zip up the back.

So much fun!  Fashion used to be both and either restricting and full of novelty.  Now we can wear everything and anything we want but you’ve gotta go Indie designer, independent artist or true vintage to be unique.  I guess there always has to be both sides of the coin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM