. . . . . . .been reorganizing at Headquarters before the next overseas assignment, which includes retiring some old evidence now and then. Was dropping it off at a place where it can be declassified, neutralized and recycled. I wasn’t planning to poke around but thought, well – as long as I’m here . . . . . .
Look what I came up with for my few minutes time! It’s classic from the late 1960’s – early 1970’s, made by Butte Knit and just as expected – classic styling, classic color, exceptional tailoring and quality fabric. I love the tabs at the waist with button trim and there’s a belt that buttons in the back at the waist. Dark navy blue is good any time of year and the fabric is 3-season weight. Couldn’t be better.
The woman who owned this dress has cared for it beautifully – I don’t see any wear and she even had it dry-cleaned before donating! Although it’s not way old, it’s an example of the best of the best for it’s genre. Always true – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I was absolutely over-the-moon when I discovered this. They are hardly ever seen, in my experience. Women loved the style when it came out because it’s so easy to wear, comfortable and surprisingly cute. However, this design seemed to have a fairly short life in the retail market which may explain why it’s not easy to find as a vintage piece. In this case, the dress has been home-sewn (much more economical that buying a real Mary Quant!) and has a nylon zip, unlike the other 1960’s dresses I’m showing with metal ones.
My mother had a dress made this way, but I never did so was skeptical that I would want to keep it. Big surprise when I tried it on – it looks like a tent (duh!) but is super cute and even flattering (maybe men would disagree). Although the style is meant to be worn beltless, it would also look nice with a belt and give more shape to the body.
Anyway, the big payoff for me is the rarity of this find and it’s firm place in fashion history. Score!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’re still in the same time frame – the Camelot days of the pre- and early Kennedy era This frock by the mid-priced vintage label Vickie Vaughn has the same basic styling as yesterday’s formal dress but toned down for everyday. No less pretty, however, with an abundance of the feminine detailing which was so popular at that time.
Alas, she does show some wear and tear in the fact that her color has faded in a couple of places and there are even two bleach spots on front. So, that means the blue will have to be refreshed. Not a big deal, and all the other aspects of her construction are sound. Definitely worth picking up, as it’s a relatively rare find.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A beautiful formal party frock just made for dancing. It was constructed in a Junior size, so that is why it fits Giselle better as Stella is too tall to show the dress off properly. The company label is missing, but the size tag remains so we know that this garment was commercially made. Several of the expected style elements and tailoring details of that era are present – a bow, lace overlay and a sheer overskirt, hooks and eyes at neckline and waist, wasp waist and full skirt with a below-the-knee hemline.
When I found this beauty, it was suffering from some stain problems but that was short-lived. The metal zip still works well. It’s still got many a Prom in its future.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I think this sweater is from the Fifties, but it might even be from the 1940’s. Never have I seen a decorated cardigan with stellar novae (or atomic bomb blasts?), stars and comets stitched on in beaded handwork. Looks a little more like Sputnik time than Hiroshima time. Anyway, I love it and what a fun find!
The material is, I think, Orlon or something similar so it won’t need protection from moths. Seems like most sweaters from the Forties were made of cashmere or other wool, until that was rationed. It needed some stain attention and has a little pilling, but those are minor issues and easy to deal with. A pale, neutral pink like this one also goes with almost anything so will be very versatile. These pretty sweaters which fit almost like a blouse can be worn in so many ways. Can’t wait to try one out . . . .. .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 