Category Archives: swing

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s COCKTAIL DRESS IN MOCHA

BUT, RED AND PINK ARE JUST NOT MY COLORS!

 

Beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route for some dressy or special occasion..  This frock is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy.  With a big crinoline underneath, it might even have gone to the Prom!  It’s rockabilly – swing done elegantly.

The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necklines and nipped waists are favorites of mine and I absolutely adore this dress.  Perfect for cocktails, dinner, a dance party, etc., etc..

Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay bolero jacket with it for some venues when it’s going to be chilly inside or out.  The color is a perfect go-with.  A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely, too.

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWING JACKETS – ELEGANT AND STRIKING

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S JACKETS - ELEGANT AND STRIKING

Couldn’t believe it when I spotted this one – an ivory crepe swing jacket with lovely shoulders and fabulous drape. It closes with a single covered button at the neck.  It’s a great silhouette, very elegant with lots of presence!

Over skirt, dress or slacks it’s so elegant and moves wonderfully. One of my best examples of what made Forties
fashions fabulous . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS RAYON FIND – A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930’S/1940’S

FABULOUS RAYON FIND - A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930'S/1940'S

Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence.  Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!

With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.

The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .

No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out.  I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930’S DRESSY FROCK

ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930'S DRESSY FROCK

This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy.  It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.

Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy.  but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.

I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them!  More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S DANCE PARTY DRESS

I WOULDN'T KICK HER OUT OF THE ST. VALENTINE'S DANCE, WOULD YOU?

A gorgeous dance dress that may have been for Prom or just for any Big Band dance party – they used to be so popular back in the day.   Will LOVE to see her on Stella, when I get around to it.

The year I found this beauty (not long ago),  a famous label made one in the same basic style but not nearly so well done.  No lovely flowers at the waistline and (horrors!) in a choice of several different colors.  Can you imagine spending $250 for a dress and seeing one just like it (but maybe blue) at the party, too?!

After purchasing her for about 70 cents (that’s right – seventy pennies!) and exercising a little of my rehab know-how, this is what I had about 4 days later and just my size.  Not bad, huh?

This  frock could show up any time and have her dance card full immediately.  The Belle of the Ball and completely unique.  Some girls have all the luck . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY . .. . . . . . . . . ..

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

Staying in the spirit – looking ahead to the Christmas Dance (or the Valentine’s Day Dance)! I just love this little circle skirt dress 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

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TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S SUNDRESS FROM WEST GERMANY

IMG_1759This fabulous 100% cotton dress was made in West Germany, obviously   before 1989 and maybe many years before that.  Yes, it’s another new find that’s out-of-season right now in North America and most of Europe, but I love, love, love this anyway and couldn’t wait to show it!

Forties style is so wonderful.  I love the cut-in shoulders that give a halter neckline feel without the bare upper back.  It’s one of my favorite styles and I’ve been so fortunate lately to find some true vintage Forties, too. Shirtwaist ease is always great – red and white polka dots – a nipped-in waist and midi hemline ………… Fashion heaven!!

Plus, it’s got that true vintage West German quality of workmanship and materials that make it a really good investment, no matter what.  It’s in perfect condition and will continue to last.  What could be better? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DAY DRESS IN A SLINKY KNIT

TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S DAY DRESS IN A SLINKY KNIT.

A FAVORITE FALL SWING JACKET FROM THE 1940’S OR EARLY ’50’S

AUTUMN ELEGANCE IN A TRUE VINTAGE SWING-ERA JACKET

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A FAVORITE FALL SWING JACKET FROM THE 1940'S OR EARLY '50'S This jacket is another real favorite. I always like anything from the Swing Era and the ’40’s.

Swing style with an open front, loose back and interesting pocket detail. The fit is so elegant.  I also love the decorative buttons on tabs at the waist, which are made as extensions of the pocket flaps. Novel idea.

The material is a heavy rayon (I guess) twill, with a rayon lining. “Tailored by Lydia Fashions New York”.  I could spend all day imagining the glamorous life it led!

Very smart for work or for evening.  Black is always extremely practical . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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A FAVORITE FALL SWING JACKET FROM THE 1940’S OR EARLY ’50’S

A FAVORITE FALL SWING JACKET FROM THE 1940'S OR EARLY '50'S.