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
Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars. From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated. These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say. Some might be older, or slightly newer.
To be worn alone, or almost alone. Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties. Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop. The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.
The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely. A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.
Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Remember this bridal dress and veil that I had a surprise chance to acquire from the bride’s daughter about 6 weeks ago? Well, here it is in all it’s glory. Thought you’d like to see it, too.
I had no idea, on the hanger, how charming and pretty it truly is. And, there couldn’t be a better model for it than Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties. It’s worth taking a close-up look.
Many of the chains are of silver. Most of the stones are semi-precious. The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original. The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.
The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.
So pretty any time of year . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve really been scoring the RARE finds over these past few weeks – older garments and accessories, iconic styles and items in great condition! Can’t wait to get back to Headquarters and put this wartime bridal ensemble on Stella, who is the only one of my models who will be able to wear it. Until then, I’ll tell you the story of this lovely gown and it’s matching veil. As an additional blessing, the tale comes directly from the original family.
Although many brides were wearing suits and shorter dresses to be married in 1940, this bride chose the traditional full-length gown and veil for her ceremony. It was purchased through a well-known department store, where her father was a buyer, and may have come from Europe. The rayon dress is not a high-end item, but is an iconic design of the time and elegant in it’s simplicity. An unusual feature is the antique ivory color, which is original. The full-length veil of fine netting with embroidery flows from a delicate headband decorated with dried flowers and vines.
The gown was stored away after the wedding and cherished by the family for many years. Now, I will continue to care for it with the love and respect it deserves.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Couldn’t find any record of having shown these to you before, but I’m not sure. If you’ve seen them, have patience. I’ll be getting the most recent treasures photographed very soon.
This is the stash that I found just before leaving for the European adventure – mid-century day-dresses, secretary and pretty styles, plus an early 1960’s Wedding gown!
You just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery. Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s. The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress. Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).
Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story. The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining. Unless . . . . . . . . . .
It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all. This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.
No question that this frock was going somewhere really special. Makes you wonder . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Unusual, large-brimmed hats with netting and decoration. Marlene and Celia are de la mode. One is black with black decoration, the other in navy with large rose-colored flowers.
If tipped back, they might qualify as “picture hats”, made to frame the face beautifully. I think, however, that they were intended to be worn as photographed and to shade and accent the brow.
What a striking addition to an ensemble for a sophisticated outing or Easter Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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