Category Archives: special occasion

GORGEOUS MID-CENTURY SPECIAL OCCASION SILK DRESS FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1056     Back to my Australian find – I found the best photo and description of this gown and Stella shows it off properly.  I gasped when I discovered it.  It may even have been a wedding gown back in the Depression and World War days of the 1930’s and 1940’s when they were often simpler.   But, I suppose they had the equivalent of “debutantes” in that society, too.  The custom of showing off young, marriageable women “of good family background” was a widespread practice that still persists in some places.

Lots of clues:  Since Australia is closer to Southern Asia than we are in North America, silk may have been a more  popular fabric for better dresses than it was here.  A friend of mine says that she remembers the wired necklines from the 1950’s.  This dress was made for a VERY tiny person (even more so than Stella), so it could have been floor length on the original owner.  Impossible to say for sure.

Anyway, it’s beautiful and unique with an interesting history. I’m glad to have it home where I can show you a better photograph.  Fully lined, with covered buttons at the wrists and that collar with  wiring all around the edges – it was quite a tailoring project for someone!  It’s really one that makes me wonder what stories it can tell . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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AND, HERE’S MY EARLY 1960’S KENNEDY ERA WEDDING DRESS SURPRISE FIND

Isn’t she sweet?  The early Sixties were still so precious, with their knee-length princess dresses.  And, they brought shoulder tails back again for dressy frocks.  So unusual.  With sequins decorating the midriff, too . . . . . . . .

I’d be confused whether I was going to get married or going to the Prom . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! BEAUTIFULLY – TAILORED 1960’S GOWN WITH GORGEOUS DETAIL

What a stunning dress in linen white with old ivory lace sleeves and applique’ decoration.   A little bit Mod and a little bit ethnic.  LOVE the hourglass fit and the button and loop closures all the way down the back.  It looks summery, but the weight of the fabric and full lining lets you do 3 seasons with it.  Extremely well-tailored by Alfred Angelo.   Could go to a formal dance or a wedding.

True, I’ve not been on the prowl as much lately – been involved in other business and maintaining my inconspicuous profile.  However, this time I just couldn’t resist.  So keep an eye out, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SIXTIES FORMAL OR SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OR EMBROIDERED OVERLAY

EARLY SIXTIES SPRING SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OVERLAY

A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding!  The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.

They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles.  And, of course, beautifully-made.  I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional.   The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath.  Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .

very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way.  They knew how to do that back in the day.  A lost art?  I hope not  . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THIS TIME I REALLY HIT THE JACKPOT! 1950’S – 1960’S CLUTCH PURSES – METALLIC, LEATHER AND BEADS

IMG_3578

Look at these beauties!  The convertible clutch style which lets you use the handle or not has always been so versatile and convenient.  Although some of these are very mid-quality, they all have some distinctive features that make them stand out as great true vintage finds.  Let’s start out from left to right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

The white purse at far left is a high-quality construction from the Sixties and has that shiny box hardware enclosing it on 3 sides.  It is made of leather and has a shoulder strap that can be tucked inside. Very sleek and streamlined – a great look for summer.

The 1950’s beaded evening bag in front is in perfect condition, with a silk satin lining and a beautiful clasp and box chain handle, which can be hidden inside.  This type of handbag was always hand-made, usually in Hong Kong.  Even for an expert, can you imagine the care and time it took to attach all those beads so perfectly and securely?

The other three bags have a metallic finish and are made of synthetic materials or cloth – not in quite as good shape as the first two.  But, they are nicely made and all have pretty hardware clasps – always interesting to find.  The two in the center also have box or braided chain handles, rather than the simple chain that is most often seen.  These more complex types of chain are prettier and also seemed to break less easily.

As always, they all show that care was taken to preserve and protect them, so I can enjoy them 50 or 60 years later!  The throw-away quality that we seem to be satisfied with today can’t begin to compare, but is still way over-priced!! Such  a shame – but not for this Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PARTY DRESS – REMINDS ME OF GRACE KELLY

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S PARTY DRESS - REMINDS ME OF GRACE KELLY

This one was a FABulous surprise find!  I always have my eyes open and my antennae up, but this blew me away!

A sheer layer over plain liner, and fitted drop-waist hourglass shape – the colors are for Fall but work beautifully in Spring and Summer for someone with the right coloring.  It reminds me of a dress that Grace Kelly wore in the Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window in 1954. Just a fabulous film – highly recommended.

The style is a bit different and the colors are, too.  The criss-cross neckline is something not usually seen.  I love it – it’s so fun to find unusual items.

Watch that old movie if you can.  It’s a great one and the clothing is wonderful.  I have at least one other dress that was, in fact, modeled on one of the frocks that Grace wore in Rear Window.  And, also, a dress modeled on the one that she wore to the opening of that movie.  It pays to have older friends who used to do a lot of sewing back in the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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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

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A HAPPY TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY PARTY DRESS

BYE - BYE BLUES! A HAPPY FIFTIES PARTY DRESS ENDS MY BLUE SERIES, for the time being . . . .

If you find a good deal on a vintage dress with stains like these, don’t let it worry you. I’ve had great success learning how to deal with them . . . . . . . . .

In heavy rayon or a blend, with its own rhinestone pin and a sassy fit, this dress has 1950’s party written all over it. In a pretty robin’s egg print, it’s just right for Spring. Try it with a little bolero jacket or sweater.

A frock such as this one is too good to pass up, if you feel confident about your skills. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE '60'S

Still for cooler weather, but a pretty, peachy color.  It’s hard for me to classify this dress. It’s kind of a hybrid style with an unclear purpose. Part Boho prairie, part Victorian lady, part Prom dress, part hostess gown. Got me!

The prairie-style and long Victorian/Edwardian-style dresses became really popular again in the late Sixties and early Seventies; plus the construction and materials give lots of clues to it’s original era.

Made of a heavy nylon-feeling fabric and has an embroidered makers’ tag. Never seen anything quite like it, but I was intrigued.

Could even be a Spring party dress! Good idea . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:   MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PARTY DRESS IN ICY MINT GREEN

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950s PARTY DRESS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Looking for a St. Paddy’s frock?   Here we go again – a lovely pouf dress from the 1950s of acetate rayon and chiffon, in minty sherbet green this time.   I love this for Spring, with the sheer 3/4 sleeves and the jewel neckline.  Look at that deep hem in the overskirt!

This is a below-the-knee formal dress that could also be worn to a Prom, dinner, dance or any formal event that doesn’t require a full-length skirt.  ‘It would also be lovely worn in a wedding by attendants or by a bride who didn’t want to wear the typical white or ivory. Many ’50’s brides wore gowns of this length.

The sheer chiffon covers the rayon dress underneath and there is a sewn-in crinoline of netting.  I don’t believe that there are any tags remaining but I suspect that it was commercially-made.  However, it’s not always certain – many seamstresses in business or at home were VERY skilled.

Finding dresses like this is always magical.  Where was it first worn?  Who kept it for decades and why was it so special?  You just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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