We’re now heading into the season for indoor parties, special occasions and events after the long, lovely summer; Cocktail parties, dinners, dances, recitals, holiday galas – you name it. I’ll be starting a series of posts of pretty, dressy and semi-formal garments in my collection from the 1950’s – 1990’s which will take us into the Fall and even Winter. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In the early 1960’s home-based seamstresses began making at-home leisure dresses. Velveteen was a popular fabric for hostess dresses that could work for cocktails with friends. An early flower-power dress in a traditional style was a more timid effort (looks like a vintage tablecloth) and a Mod print gown stepped firmly into the mid-decade. Washable cotton and blends made these easy-care garments and fashionable alternative styles for women who hadn’t been ready for 1950’s Boho or early ’60’s minis.
Tomorrow we’ll look at dresses from this genre that appeared later in the Sixties. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing wonky about this jacket. It just needs a good clean and steam. Plus, I wish my team of models were with me as it would look so much better on Stella, maybe over a dressy 1940’s frock as it was intended for. Use your imagination. Anyway, I love, love it! Anything from this fashion decade thrills me, but a piece like this is so difficult to find and such a wardrobe necessity. Gals in the 1940’s often wore a fur stole or jacket with their evening outfits but, since we don’t do that anymore unless it’s a true vintage piece, a formal alternative is so important.
Probably handmade, from cotton velveteen. No lining, but none needed – the reverse side of the velveteen is a very smooth weave. Great peplum waist, a little longer in the back, and a big button to close. 3/4 sleeves with scalloped vents. Love this detail, too.
I’m over the moon and, as I always say -“You just never know” what might turn up. I’ll post my second find, exciting in a different way, tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Mid-century velveteen vs. Victorian silk and beads. I was thrilled and surprised to find each of these. Couldn’t be a bigger contrast in two dressy outer-garments!
The velveteen coat is both very simple and beautifully designed. I love the practical velveteen in an all-weather fabric plus the fabric-covered big buttons and foldover collar. The straight cut and roomy sleeves make it easy to wear no matter what your outfit might be underneath. It’s one of my very favorite coats.
Imagine my surprise when I encountered this antique evening cape in a jumble sale! Absolutely falling apart, but it was very pretty in it’s day. Silk exterior and lining with a beaded stand collar. Definitely worth collecting for the archives.
Both these wraps could have been perfect whenever sleuthing incognito at an evening event. Smashing but very inconspicuous on a dark and stormy night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A fun little frock while the parties are still free-wheeling with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and dancing. You could also bring it out again at St. Valentine’s Day. This dress is a pure home-sewn creation made or commissioned by some gal who was definitely in the party spirit and looking forward to a great time. Some clues date the dress as early as the 1940’s, but I suspect it’s not quite that old. That skirt is definitely styled for dancing, though.
The festive holiday clue is the sequin decoration on the bodice, which makes me think more of the 1950’s. No other clues to the details of the stories that it has to tell, but I’m sure we can invent quite a few . . . .. . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Let’s start with a velveteen pencil dress and coordinating handbag from the 1940’s. True Forties styling with the pencil cut and skinny sleeves with zippers at the wrists. The dress zips down the back rather than at the side, which began to be seen in the Forties. This dress was probably purchased at retail unless made by an expert tailor. It’s stylish and sophisticated but is frugal with the use of fabric so probably made during wartime.
Other than the wrist zippers, which are almost a necessity with these kinds of sleeves, and the piping finish on sleeves, neckline and waist there are no other embellishments. Piping done this well is not an easy task. In fact, the piping may have saved fabric that otherwise would have been used in hems or facing. Many purses, like the one above, were made of fabric during WWII instead of leather. 1940’s clothing and accessories, especially women’s designs, were very creative. Women and clothing companies came up with lovely fashions while coping with rationing and a limited economy. While not formal, a garment like this would have been appropriate for any dressy event from dinner to cocktails.
Stay tuned for more frocks in this category, from the mid-century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This combo is perfect for early autumn. Three of my favorite separates, which are very versatile.
The blouse is a silky fabric – maybe silk or might be a synthetic of the time – in cafe’ au lait with black polka dots. It’s so pretty here, or with pants or a suit.
The bolero jacket by Fashion Frock is also a favorite. It’s a tweedy brown/black fabric with a black velveteen collar and fills out the ensemble nicely.
The skirt is wonderful! Black velveteen with a big bow behind, between the buttons. It’s also got a hem that dips a bit in the back. Dressed up or down, so many ways to wear it and it’s so cute!
All these pieces are from the Forties or early Fifties. That’s always a favorite era for me, and I so LOVE finding things that I can put together in lots of different ways . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The style is so un-fussy and classic that it could be worn casually like a day-dress or dressed up. It could have been made anywhere from the late 1940’s to early 1960’s, but I lean toward the ’60’s because of the cotton velveteen-type fabric, which was popular then. Hard to be sure, in this case.
I am certain that the suit was custom tailored. It might even have been done at home. It’s amazing that many women were able to do this. Tailoring requires a lot of skill!
Look at all the covered buttons. And, the buttonholes are also bound. Amazing! Not to mention the lining, interfacing and padding required to make a garment like this fit properly.
Although it looks very elegant as pictured, imagine all the ways it could be worn and accessorized. As separates, the jacket and skirt add more possibilities. Simple suits like this can be great additions to any vintage wardrobe, making a variety of quick-changes possible . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock. It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight. SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.
Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties. Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long. But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design? This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen. I have to say, it is cute on Stella.
After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back. I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.
The style is simple, but dramatic. The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress. It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.
But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
