This is one of the dresses which I recently found out West and it deserves a better photo so that you can see what a great find this was and why I’m so excited by it. Look at that iconic Fifties fit! In “real life”, the color is a bit warmer but still a light beige and it feels like a linen/rayon blend. Who knows for sure? Mid-century synthetics were so beautiful but they remain very mysterious . . . .
There are such beautiful tailoring details. The bodice is tucked and fitted, there are gussets under the arms to improve the fit and the satin ribbon trim is very artfully applied, with no visible seams. Pleats and faux slash pockets at the hip seams add style and enhance the fit, too. These faux pockets are interesting – they’re about 1″ deep – too shallow to use, but they look real and add a bit of fullness to the hipline. Vintage tailoring tricks were very creative and added incredibly to the style of garments that would otherwise seem ordinary.
In this picture, I have included a belt which would have been close to the original. I’m convinced that the original belt was covered with the same fabric as the dress, so I plan to do that. Some extra fabric can be taken when the hem is finished, without making the dress too short. It’s a tiny size – about a 0 – 2 in modern numbers – and really would fit better someone without Stella’s 5’8″ stature. The proper length should be below the knee.
So, you see why I gasped with delight when this one showed up. My investigations are always peppered with moments like this that keep life in the shadows very interesting . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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ONE OF THE MOST FUN FALL ACCESSORIES, . . . . . . .
“Styled by Cinderella New York” – a classic wool brimmed hat with a sophisticated schoolgirl look. The crown is stamped “Berkshire – Mohn Brothers Co. 100% Wool”. Love the plaid ribbon band that forms a bow with streamers in the back. There is also a little elastic chin strap attached!
Picture this with a little suit, skirt and blouse, dress, or whatever you like. Hats were SUCH a big thing in the ’40s with imaginative and flattering styles. Some of them were way over-the-top, but this one is understated and just too cute. Look carefully for gems like this one.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
JUST RIGHT FOR FALL – OR SPRING . . . . . . . . . . . .
This one is a beauty – look at that fit! It’s just been washed in the photo, so a steamer press or quick trip to the dry cleaners for a really professional job is in order. Sorry that I can’t post the photo of the back, too. Go to my site at Morgana Martin – Google+ to see it, in the archives.
It’s a lined jacket with covered buttons and lovely detail. There is a welt on the back. Another nipped waist – heaven! It had some fade when I found it, but with my know-how I was able to rehab it easily and inexpensively.
I usually wear this with a swingy print skirt (a pencil skirt or even a dress would work well, too. Depends on what suits your mood and the occasion.)
Didn’t really look like much when I found it, but you just never know . . …
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My collection of true vintage clothing contains lots of gorgeous lingerie pieces, but there’s always room for another one like this! Van Raalte was one of the best brands and it’s no wonder that I fell in love with this one at first touch. You know how much I value that fabulous heavy nylon that was used in the best lingerie from the 1950’s.
This slip is in an extra-small size, so I’ll save it especially for wearing under dresses that require a smooth, sleek line like some from the 1930’s and 1940’s. A beautiful undergarment like this is perfect for achieving that look, while keeping your outfit just as gorgeous underneath as it is on the outside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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