Category Archives: sundress

JUST FOUND YESTERDAY – A POLISHED COTTON SEVENTIES SUNDRESS

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I’m in frock heaven recently!  The best thing about this dress is the fabric – heavy polished cotton was common in the early mid-century, so it’s great to find it in a late mid-century day dress.  Always love polka dots.  Also, it’s well-tailored with some of the classic tailoring touches that we miss today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

There’s a 1 1/2″ hem allowance, well-hidden side seam pockets on each hip and it used to have a fabric tie belt, sadly missing now as so often happens.  This style was very popular and well-made up through the mid-1960’s.  Since then, not so much, so I’m happy that this example came a little bit later and was nicely-constructed of quality material.

Well, this discovery just makes me day-dream about what’s next – there is another really nice surprise coming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND! BEAUTIFUL UNION-MADE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S TO EARLY 1960’S

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The first thing I uncovered on a recent sleuthing adventure!  This dress is made of a glorious glossy fabric which may be a polished cotton.  I just love the finishes put on many of the old textiles that far excel anything that is sold today in the mainstream market.

With cap sleeve styling, wasp waist, full skirt and, of course, excellent tailoring which includes a hem width of several inches, some lucky girl looked stunning.  The ladies garment workers union label testifies to the care and expertise of these tailors half a century ago.

When I spied this one, I could hardly wait to see what else the day’s expedition might uncover.  The treasure hunt continued, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’s MAD, MOD, FLOWER POWER A-LINE DRESS FIND – CUSTOM-MADE, TOO!

All those keywords in the title say it – just look at this frock   All the elements of mid-Sixties fashion are incorporated in this style, as well as the common mid-century feature of having been home-sewn.  What a fun discovery!  I’ll really enjoy it come summer.

Again, casual conservative styling in that flattering A-line shape.  Pretty trim detail and a Mod print.  So Sixties!  Just the kind of simple dress that so many women made when first learning to sew, though this one displays some skill by the well-done attachment of the neckline trim.

Back to the future again – and we’ll stay there for a while . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S SUMMER DRESS FIND

IMG_1060An improved photo of a previous year’s discovery in Canada –  LOVE this one so much.  A little big on me, so I probably won’t keep it, although altering things to fit is often very much worthwhile.

Just a very cute dress and a neat way that the pattern on the skirt has been arranged – much more interesting and flattering than if the the stripes went straight across all the way down the dress.

This was just a very ordinary, mid – lower priced garment back then.  Wonderful and smart design touches like that are something I don’t often see in modern clothing, even at the higher end.  Vive la Vintage!

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

MORE DRESSES! 1: FABULOUS ’70’S OR ’80’S DOES 1940’S HALTER NECKLINE SUNDRESS

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What a pretty frock!  Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous.  So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.

I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HEADING FURTHER BACK IN TIME – A HAND-TAILORED FLORAL FROCK WITH A FULL CIRCLE SKIRT

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In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes.  The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.

This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress.  It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt.  There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.

What a fun little mystery-history to unravel!  More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .

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

 

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S / EARLY 1970’S HAWAIIAN DREAMS

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET - SIXTIES / EARLY SEVENTIES HAWAIIAN DREAMS

Here are two more beauties from Hawaii.  The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints.  Don’t you love those colors?  Whenever I find one, I grab it!

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