Here’s the lovely dress that I showed you on a hanger when I first found it, a couple of months ago. Now the statuesque Stella gives it a proper display. Black rayon crepe, again, with pink underlining at the shoulders and black lace overlay. Dressy, but not formal.
This frock is dated from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s. So many pretty touches and the strong shoulders that I like, but not with regular shoulder pads. As with many older pieces, the bodice is constructed in hand-tailored detail inside to shape it and make a foundation for the decorative layers on top. A wide ruffle across from shoulder to shoulder, and a narrower one at the hem.
So wonderful to find the faux flowers that are pinned at the neck still present and in such good condition! They’re old and a little rumpled, but that’s all. The opening on the left side-seam that helps you get into the dress is closed with buttons rather than a zipper.
All the clues in plain sight. Just another day in the life of . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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WAR-TIME AND HAPPY DAYS FROCKS – MID-CENTURY MODES . . . . .
I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white. Both in a similar shirtwaist style, below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton. Perfect mid-century style.
The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details. The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall. The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid. It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me.
Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one. Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY . . . . . .
Here are two cotton blouses that are made of quintessential vintage fabrics. I haven’t seen others like them made this way in modern clothing (meaning since about 1975 at the latest).
The first blouse is made of cotton seersucker. This has been a trademark summer fabric since the 1920’s, I’d say – probably before. It is known for being cool and having a nice texture that stands up to heat and humidity.
The second blouse, with the Peter Pan collar and 3/4 sleeves that can be rolled up, is a lightweight cotton blend. These were super-popular in the ’50’s and early ’60’s and, as simple as they look, there’s not been a fabric that performs like this since.
Of course, I like the style details, too – the large buttons and banded scoop neck collar on #1 and the dainty collar and 3/4 sleeves on #2. True vintage blouses are…
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Warm weather classic elegance for any time – any place . . . . . .
I’ve got lots more dresses to show, but I’ll also be showing quite a few blouses and shirts. These are a dressier variety, from the ’40’s and ’50’s.
The first one, left to right, is a silk blouse by Lady Manhattan. It’s plain and could be worn for everyday, but is also classic & lovely enough to wear for a night out. The sleeves can be rolled up and it’s very well-tailored.
The second blouse is of linen with embroidery. Meant to be worn with a skirt. It buttons up the back.
The third blouse has embroidery and applique’ trim at the neck and is some kind of rayon blend, I think. They’re all beautiful and a testament to the elegance of common clothing then – items that the “average” woman might have owned. I wonder who she was? . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE…
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Magicvintagespy 