via HERE’S THE TRUE VINTAGE SOPHISTICATED SISTER – A LITTLE BLACK DRESS FROM THE 1970’S
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HERE’S THE TRUE VINTAGE SOPHISTICATED SISTER – A LITTLE BLACK DRESS FROM THE 1970’S
Ditch the mini-length, add a bit of va-voom and some frills et voila! – dinner or cotillion dance-worthy. Although the comfortable style and flexible double-knit would probably permit it, this is no frock for the bar scene or Stayin’ Alive dance party.
Yes, it was still possible to find garments of quality construction and elegant design in the 1970’s. Sadly, most of them are gone now because the knit fabrics didn’t make it till today or simply because women had begun to stop taking the care of their clothing which was common in the 1960’s and before.
So much more precious for me to discover two frocks of this type (see yesterday’s post, too). Both are definitely keepers that I can wear for decades to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1970’S KNIT DRESSES – SOME OF THE BEST TAILORED CLOTHING FROM THE DISCO ERA
1970’S KNIT DRESSES – SOME OF THE BEST TAILORED CLOTHING FROM THE DISCO ERA
Although the Seventies were full of schlocky clothing and many less-than-elegant designs, the full decline of everyday fashion hadn’t hit yet. Here’s an example of a wonderfully-elegant style which was hand-made from one of those beautiful heavy double-knits that became popular in the early – mid decade.
Like the jersey knits of the 1940’s, this material was a real icon of the 1970s and performs very well. The drape is very good and holds it’s shape. This office-worthy frock was custom-tailored and is as simple as can be, which makes the design timeless. The fabric and construction are of high quality. If you find or still own a similar garment from that era, hang on to it!
A rare find (in my size!) that thrilled me to my toes. But, we’re not finished yet – I’ll show you her party-going sister tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
POST-WAR DRESSY DINNER FROCK, CUSTOM-TAILORED IN SOUTH AMERICA
POST-WAR DRESSY DINNER FROCK, CUSTOM-TAILORED IN SOUTH AMERICA
Here’s another dressy frock from Montevideo, Uruguay – probably just a few years younger than her sister shown yesterday. This dress is stylish, but not as Crawford vampish as the other. The 1940’s styling has been played down, excepting for the puffy shoulders and embroidered mesh trim. I forgot to take a picture with the black curly lamb jacket which was also a recent find, from the early 1950’s. Would be a perfect wrap over this dress.
No, it is not bare on the bodice. The mesh has been lined with a flesh-tone panel which is a perfect match for bare skin peeking out at the shoulders. The tailoring of these mid-century frocks is just astounding, especially when they were hand-made by dressmakers. The well-to-do ladies in Montevideo would have had much of their clothing custom-made to their specifications and fit.
However, remember the dressing gown from a few days ago? It was also hand-made, but from France, and probably purchased before the European war. Many Montevidean women purchased French fashions and accessories back in the day.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
WARTIME 1940’S DRESSY FROCK, HANDMADE IN MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
WARTIME 1940’S DRESSY FROCK, HANDMADE IN MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
Though WWII was raging in Europe and Argentina next door was experiencing unrest, the 1940’s were a relatively stable and prosperous time for Uruguay and this shows up in the architecture and antique goods which I discovered there. The country profited from beef supplied to other countries and the more well-off citizens lived a good life. Their clothing and household goods reflected that.
This beautiful frock was hand-tailored in a dressmaker’s shop. All of the embellishment was applied by hand and the tailoring is hand-done, too. As you can see, it’s loaded with beads and sequins, plus all the little button and loop closures up the back. Madame must have had a household staff, one of whom helped her dress and looked after her wardrobe. I love the 1940’s styling with the big, padded shoulders and ruching at the hips. These funny hip details were flattering only to slim figures, but they’re loads of fun, anyway.
So, a real treasure find. I’ll show you her younger sister tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CUTE 1950’S COTTON SHIRTWAIST FROCK WITH LOTS OF RIC-RAC TRIM
CUTE 1950’S COTTON SHIRTWAIST FROCK WITH LOTS OF RIC-RAC TRIM
This dress is SO Fifties. Ric-rac was a big deal on casual clothing and day dresses. Classic style, classic tailoring and classic fabric. A “Renee Original”.
Love it!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
