Yes, it’s a summer dress but how could I resist? We don’t usually find them with all these pretty details – a very Victorian Prairie thing for a hot-weather girl. Looks like it was commercially-made, but there are no tags. I may end up selling it next year but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A retro Prairie/Victorian style from designer Jessica McClintock, made in the 1980’s with dark green crushed velvet (so perfect with Stella’s new haircolor) and a lacey bodice. Fitted styling completes the picture of a feminine design which gives a nod to history.
Gunne Sax early dresses, before the 1990’s, were very interesting and unique. I always pick one up when I find it – becoming more and more rare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a huge surprise to
discover this little gem! It’s a 
capelet that may be from Victorian or 
Edwardian times – maybe someone planned to take it on the Titanic voyage!!! (From the looks of it, maybe it went on the Titanic voyage). It’s so old that many theories and stories about it’s history could be possible. Some woman wore this covering her shoulders over a dress. It might have been an evening gown, a day-dress or mourning dress – maybe a costume specialist could tell.
Manufactured trim with antique beads is sewn around the neck and the hem of the capelet. So many hand-stitches!
As you can see, the outer layer of fabric is in tatters, but the black, silky lining is pristine. If the cape were flipped inside out, the beading trim removed and transferred to the other side with a replacement liner made it would be almost new again! Even though non-sewers might think so, it’s not a big job.
Just amazing. I haven’t decided whether I will want to restore it and wear it, sell it to another collector or donate it to a theater or museum. As always, it just goes to show that – you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s hard for me to classify this dress. It’s kind of a hybrid style with an unclear purpose. Part boho prairie, part Victorian lady, part Prom dress, part hostess gown. Got me!
The prairie-style and long Victorian/Edwardian-style dresses became really popular again in the late Sixties and early Seventies; plus the construction and materials give lots of clues to it’s original era.
Made of a heavy nylon-feeling fabric and has an embroidered makers’ tag. Never seen anything quite like it, but I was intrigued.
Could even be a Spring party dress! Good idea . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I don’t often buy fine jewelry when I’m hunting, but this piece is outstanding, lovely and versatile. A very pretty statement ring.
Often worn in Victorian times, onyx was used as “mourning jewelry” worn by ladies (and, possibly, men) after the death of a loved one. But, it’s gorgeous on its own and accents my black and white costumes very well.
I like to show my true vintage and antique jewelry along with clothing posts because it makes such a difference to any outfit. A piece or two of jewelry can transform an outfit almost like a disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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