Could be a Prom – party, wedding or casual summer day dress according to your wish! Love well-made frocks like this one, which has pretty fabric and trim as well as a liner that prevents see-through (excepting for a bit at the midriff and on the sleeves). Just right!
I’m always super-happy to find a gown or long dress of this genre and era. And, in perfect condition. Things just keep getting better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the purse in the top left corner is similar to others that I’ve come up with recently, I’m glad to have it in a less-often-found silver fabric. The others are worth telling you about one at a time. Let’s start with the white beaded bag on top:
a very lovely little convertible clutch bag that can go from dressy day to summer evening and also would stand out as part of a bridal ensemble.
Just to the right of it is a fabric coin or lipstick purse made in Italy. Though it is just a purse accessory, the black satin and art print on front, as well as the filigree hardware make it a special keeper. Italian-made purses and shoes from the Fifties and Sixties were of the highest quality and design and are to die for.
At the bottom is a pretty little brocade purse that could be an accessory but is meant to stand on its own, when only the barest essentials are necessary. It’s very tiny, but unsnaps again to allow room for just a little more than the coin purse alone. Although you probably can’t read it, in the corner to the left of the top snap is embossed in gold script “B. Dainty”. Sweet!
Finally, the duchess of the lot is a fully-beaded clutch with a zipper top and silk lining. Of the finest materials and displaying the most hand-done workmanship, it’s probably the oldest.
Although I’ve been happy to discover so many evening bags recently, especially with thoughts of this year’s holiday season beginning to creep into mind, I most love the special pieces like these – makes the day’s adventure really fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although it looks beige in the photo, this outfit is actually a lovely pink color, in a dressy fabric with matte and silvery metallic shine finishes together. The dress is an elegant sleeveless sheath with an ornamental notched neckline. Both the dress and coat are fully lined.
The best of dressy styles from that era – beautifully-tailored and in virtually perfect condition. What a find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When post-war era women finally have to/decide to move out of their homes, it’s not unusual that they have saved some of their most precious, favorite dresses over the decades. Of course, it then becomes DECISION TIME. Well, lucky me!
I was elected as most suited to look after this pink princess, left over from the early 1950’s. With sequins and netting, it’s got the requisite poufy skirt and strappy top. I may, with permission, enter it in a show this fall but I’ll probably be looking for the best new owner sometime next year. I’ll be sorry to part with her, but she is an honored guest until then . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When it rains, it pours! Wedding dresses have been coming my way. This beautiful frock would also do nicely as a semi-formal dress for Prom or something similar.
Pretty taffeta with a brocade design woven in – the head-dress is very sweet with little pearls and flowers and a short veil. The dress is really a straight sheath, with a poufy over-skirt lined by a netting crinoline. I think that elbow-length sleeves are so chic and elegant – it’s nice to see them here, finished with a little bow.
I don’t need a wedding dress or a Prom dress so this set may end up going to another bride or to a high school dance, but either way it will be a fabulous find again for some lucky girl . . . . . . . .. .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Pretty lingerie doesn’t get much better than this – at least not in the mid-priced range. Back in the day, almost any woman could afford to dress herself in this one. No, it’s not silk or designer-wear, but it’s lovely – by the MOVIE STAR company.
Pretty soon it’ll be time to wear nighties like this, whether you’re a bride or not. Can’t wait!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style. So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.
I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job. This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!
Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I regret that WordPress or Microsoft did not correct the orientation of this photo, but we are grateful for what they do –
Here is the lovely bride in her gown (and high heels). In 1944 it was a rare blessing to be able to find a wedding dress to purchase since wartime rationing and restrictions were so stringent – especially in Britain, where the wedding took place.
Look at that train! In satin (probably rayon), with puffed sleeves (no pads) and points at the wrists (love those!). What a beautiful, figure-hugging fit this fabric provides. I was able to see the original photographs of her in it, with a LONG veil, borrowed from an in-law but no flower bouquet because they couldn’t be bought then. Her attendants carried lilacs from a neighbor’s garden and she carried a prayer book (like Grace Kelly 11 years later). The groom was also extremely handsome in his army uniform.
What a treat! Can’t go into the story of her betrothal and marriage, but it is fascinating and she is writing a memoir. At 94, she enjoys a good party and has worn the dress on occasion, just for fun. May we all be so blessed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this pretty? It’s another iconic early to mid-Sixties style that I’ve seen before – a party/dance/special occasion frock made for junior sizes. Empire styling and cute bows. These are almost always manufactured by some smaller maker – sometimes they have a department store name.
That’s how some of the best middle-priced dresses were marketed – sold in small stores around the country or well-known department stores. More popularly-priced clothing was available through the Sears, Montgomery Ward and Penney’s stores and catalogs – catalog shopping was huge.
I think it’s so cool that our grandmothers could buy a moderately-priced dress like this and find hand-stitched details inside. That disappeared not long after this one was made . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 