Category Archives: special occasion

A Pretty 1960’s – ’70’s Party Dress by Miss Elliette of California

I pulled this little beauty out of the archives to decide whether she gets a permanent place in the closet or the chopping block . . . . . . . . . . . ..

The 1970’s was not a banner decade for high quality fashion, in my opinion, but this is a lovely example of the mid-priced garments available then so worth collecting. It’s nicely designed and tailored with gathers at the neckline, knife pleating and piping finish at the neck and wrists; a flattering style with well-done tailoring details and features that were popular in some of the better dresses. Of course, a full matching lining in the body is essential.

Alas, it’s not a perfect fit nor the best color for me so it’s off to eBay. Sometimes, spycraft must be ruthless. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 100% SILK TAILORED WASP WAIST GOWN

Of course, I couldn’t pass up this Asian(?) beauty when I discovered it although I don’t know it’s history. There’s no label and it looks unworn so Where and When did it originate? The zipper gives me my best clue – it’s a Talon, in the style of the 1960’s and 1970’s – but not a definite answer, since this frock was hand-tailored.

The fabric, also, is a clue – pure silk with gold embellishments – which brings to mind others I have seen in garments made by Asian and Middle Eastern tailors; sometimes overseas and sometimes in North America. I love a mystery, but let’s get down to the real brass tacks. What makes this dress so exceptional and worthy of being categorized as True Vintage?

  1. Professional hand-tailoring which includes traditional features such as strap holders for undergarments sewn into the shoulders, other hand-finishing details and a full lining.
  2. True vintage styling most popular in previous decades i.e. wasp waist, ruching and midi length.
  3. The vintage Talon zipper. True, the maker may have saved this from previous times but still noteworthy.

So, there you have the initial conclusions of the investigation. Further clues may be uncovered in the future but this is enough to justify the acquisition. It’s a gorgeous example of tailoring history and garment design. However, the purge continues and it’s not a perfect fit for Moi, so off to the public auction house it has gone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FUR CAPE FROM THE 1930’S – 1940′ S – EARLY 1950’s

TRUE VINTAGE FUR CAPE FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S - early 1950's

I just love this cape and it’s little details.  I’m an animal rights activist and don’t approve of the fur trade in any way, but I have collected old ones from back in the day.

Not sure what the origin of this fur is.  The stripes are clearly dyed, probably to resemble mink.  It’s got these funny little tabs to “close” the bottoms of the arm slits, for a better appearance and added warmth.

Of course, it had patches sewn inside with the owner’s initials embroidered on, along with the maker’s label, both of which are gone now.  Surprisingly, it’s in great condition for its age – still soft and radiant.

These garments are so full of history that they intrigue me as much as any other vintage fashion.  I wear them, too.  Some people would say this is hypocritical but  I would disagree – buying or wearing antique fur or leather does not support the current market for these things unless someone makes an irresponsible decision.  I suggest that we should all be responsible for our choices in the marketplace – so, if you like my vintage fur, don’t use that as an excuse to go out and buy a modern one.  Search for another vintage fur at least 50 or more years old or buy an imitation fur replica and do something kind for wildlife or your pet.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

HEY, MOM – I NEED A HALLOWEEN COSTUME! NO WORRIES FOR OUR 1950’S HOMEMAKER . . .

IMG_0966 IMG_0963     She’d just pull out the latest edition of her McCalls Needlework magazine.  And, of course, there is the Christmas Pageant, too . .. . .

I can’t believe the intricacy of these home-sewing DIY patterns.  Women used to do this all the time!

Once when I was a kid, my (I thought) non-sewing grandmother did  whip up a very convincing 1960’s black collarless jacket for me when I wanted to be a Beatle for Halloween.  Who knew?  . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

INCREDIBLE TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY COCKTAIL SWEATER FROM THE 1950’S – MAYBE EARLY 1960’S

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Completely different from yesterday’s cardigan but so much fun!  It’s another must-have vintage sweater to wear with cigarette pants.  A pretty open-weave  Orlon sweater knit with metallic thread design to be worn with a black skirt or slacks at some mid-century party event.  It is absolutely amazing that it’s survived for 60 years in almost unworn condition!

Just like the women of the 1940’s onward, I’m grateful for these lovely acrylic yarns that can be washed in a machine (with care) and don’t have to be stored in a moth-proof container.  Orlon was a revelation and major time-saving blessing to wartime and post-war ladies who still did most of their housework by hand.

Although we’re so used to acrylic fibers now, these early ones were really special in terms of their quality or, perhaps, it is the garment itself that is made so well that the fabric looks great after more than half a century.  I’m sure that I also, again, have to thank the first owner of this elegant top for taking such good care of it.

I’m over the full moon again, and wondering what will turn up next . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED BLOUSE – ANOTHER TREASURE FOUND NEW ZEALAND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother rare find!  This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves.  I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.

Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs.  Buttons up the back.  Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.

What a pleasure to discover this one!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s – 1970s PATIO HOSTESS GOWN

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s - 1970s PATIO HOSTESS GOWN

Now that the weather hotter and sunnier we’re all thinking (or dreaming), of outdoor activities.  The idea of giving or going to casual parties (and what to wear) is all part of it.

In the early 1960’s patios and “patio parties” became the big rage.  People built patios onto their houses like crazy and all kinds of decorative lighting, furniture and dinnerware were sold especially for hosting these gatherings of neighbors and friends.

Hostess gowns in very casual styles and materials were all part of this wave, and they persisted into the mid-1970s.  Of course, long casual dresses have been around for a long time and still are, but the “hostess gown” is kind of a separate breed.

This one is typical.  Most of the earlier ones had a defined waist and, often, a belt.  They are a floor-length style that would also look good as a knee-length dress (hint-hint: if you find one you like but don’t want a gown, think about shortening it to a day dress).

I just love finding these dresses.  They really say summer fun in a very true vintage way. Get out the Tiki lanterns and the barbecue grill and have a blast!  If your patio is big enough, don’t forget the cha-cha and bossa nova records.  The girl from Ipanema might show up – 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 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 MID-1950s POUF-STYLE PARTY FROCK BY FRANK STARR

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1950s POUF-STYLE PARTY FROCK BY FRANK STARR

Another of my absolutely fabulous finds – fit for a princess at a party or Prom. This one is a quintessential 1950s pouf dress by Frank Starr, (of California, I believe) in a floral print.  He was a well-known designer at that time.

I’m always amazed at what I find, and this frock really turned the lights on! Organza over rayon or acetate, with a velvet-covered belt & the makers’ label on an inside seam.. In virtually perfect condition.

I can just see Elizabeth Taylor flouncing around in this in one of her movies, playing a young woman ready to go to a dance party.  Imitations are made, but true vintage can’t be replaced and it’s priceless, in my opinion.

This example can hardly compete with the one shown yesterday, or the day before. They are all wonderful and uniquely original. We’ll step backwards in time just a little bit tomorrow. What’s coming up until then? You just never know . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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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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