Category Archives: special occasion

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE VELVET GOWN – 1930’S STYLE

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This is my latest “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!” FIND – a custom-tailored frock made for someone very petite, and shorter than Stella.  The deep green velvet is gorgeous, but I’m most taken with the styling.  Shoulders like that come from the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Will be an oh-so-elegant way to go to the St. Patrick’s Day dance or cocktail party.

Makes me wonder so much who, where and what this dress was sewn for – it’s got to have a fascinating story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Early 1960s Dressy Coat Over Your St. Patrick’s Day Frock

True Vintage Early 1960s Evening Coat
I showed this coat a few weeks ago, but what time could be more appropriate for a re-run . . . . . .

Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance.  This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue!  The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color.  The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!!  It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE ANDREW GELLER STILETTO HEELS FROM THE 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE ANDREW GELLER STILETTO HEELS FROM THE 1960'S

In the original bags from Saks Fifth Avenue – what a find! These fabric – upper heels are so beautiful and well-made.

In a swirly, abstract print of browns and greens, they could work with your dark green dress.  Leather soles, of course.

What more can I say? . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOLIDAY VELVET DRESSY HANDBAG

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When I discovered this purse, it was the clasp as well as the fabric that hooked me.  I discovered several dark green velvet garments around the same time and you could almost think that that they were made to go together. So, this was a re-purposing & recycling triumph as well as a true vintage score.

Just right with your dressy St. Pat’s party dress.  Doesn’t get better than that . .. . . . . . ..  well, yes, it does, but that will be another story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP OR DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP/DRESS VALENTINE'S DAY STUNNER

This amazing slip (or dress?) is something I have seen only once.  It is of all-over lace, with a red nylon lining, side zip and a side slit.  It has construction features of a slinky dress but in all other ways is made like other lingerie slips of that era.

Imagine wearing this under your party frock or, if you are more daring, alone. Perhaps you won’t want to wear it until after the party . . . .

In any case, it’s a true vintage knock-out item with that great Cat-on-a-Hot-Tin-Roof feeling. Would be a nice little anniversary or Valentine’s Day surprise. When I found it I certainly couldn’t resist.

It was a bit too small for me and I no longer have it (sob).  My only regret now is that I can’t photograph it on Stella, who it would fit to a “T”.  Eat YOUR heart out, Elizabeth Taylor . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE 1950S/'60S LEATHER CLUTCH FOR THE VALENTINE'S DAY BASH

Accessories are EVERYTHING to an ensemble, so what to carry on an impromptu dressy occasion?   A true vintage bag, of course. This one doesn’t steal the show but demonstrates your exquisite taste and knowledge of quality.  I have many dressy bags, but this one is often my go-to choice.

It’s of gold leather and is lined in black rayon. The inside pocket, of course, contains its own little make-up mirror for touching up your lipstick throughout the night. No self-respecting true vintage handbag would come without one. If you’re a really successful sleuth, it will still be in it’s original little paper envelope.

The accessories that you carry or wear (this includes shoes) raise or lower the impression of your entire outfit. Genuine leather is always a preferred material, and quality construction.  Remember the phrase “well-heeled” to describe a person who is well-dressed and tasteful, referring especially to their choice of footwear?  That’s what it means!

It’s not the point to look for something expensive or flashy (better NOT flashy) if you are successful in the hunt for true vintage fashion.  It’s so much fun to spot that perfect bag hiding and waiting . . . . . 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 EARLY ’60S PARTY FROCK

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S VALENTINE'S DAY FROCK

This dress is of heavy taffeta.  It looks so Spring-like, but in this substantial fabric and vibrant color it could stand on its own (almost literally!) any time of year.  The photo is of the back view, because of the cute bow.  In front, there is simple seaming at the waist for a cummerbund effect.  Very elegant and sweet, but also quite flattering with the shaped fit.

Love the salmon pink color! The material, 3/4 sleeves and netting under the skirt are so common for that time.  Such a beautiful fabric – I’ve found several dresses made of heavy taffeta from the late ’50’s to early ’60’s, in beautiful jewel tones. Would be perfect with a true vintage or modern FAUX rabbit stole ~ true vintage mink if you’re a real debutante.

As I’ve said before, when going for fur I choose true vintage (at least 50 years old) or faux/fake fur.  It is getting so good these days that you can have the look without the cruelty.  However, if I find a fur that is so old that buying it won’t support the current market for the fur trade, I go for it. There’s nothing like True Vintage.

This gown turned up a few years ago during one of my investigations. You just never know . . . . . .!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930’S – 1940’S – 1950’S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930'S - 1940'S - 1950'S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

Now we’re talkin’!  Setting the mood here for Cupid’s Day.  Some are relatively demure, but all are beautiful nylon and silk sleepwear from a time when those things were really special.

Whether a young girl heading off to college, or a young woman on her honeymoon, one (or two) of these would surely be stowed in her luggage.

Madge likes that cute robe with the double button closure at the waist.  It would work well over the little short-sleeved gown – perfect for dorm room dreams. As for the silk number in the center, well, it is Valentine’s Day so forget the robe . . . . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s – 1950’s RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

Staying in the spirit – looking back on the Christmas Dance (or ahead to the Valentine’s Day Dance)!  I just love this little circle skirt dress from the 1940’s – early 1950’s with sequins on the bodice.

Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing.   Just right for dancing.

This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside.  Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric.  You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.

Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and  only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WIGGLE DRESS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S WIGGLE DRESS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Oooh!  Wish I had a party to go to – you can be sure I’d wear this.  By Jonathan Logan in cherry-color velveteen.  Deep V-neck front and back, back zip.  The straight sleeves have short zippers at the wrists – a surprise feature that I’ve rarely seen excepting on wedding dresses.

Looks good on Madge, huh?  You can be sure that there are no pockets! Nothing shows off the figure like a “50s wiggle dress or 1930s bias-cut gown.  Women wearing these look nothing but elegant because they are cut and made so well.  Let’s bring back the days of high-quality, elegant AND alluring clothing again (but till then, I’m thrilled to be the Magicvintagespy. ) And, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPYCOM