Another frock very similar to yesterday’s, but not from the same place – this ensemble was custom tailored in the mid-1960’s. Same bell sleeves and easy fit. The fabric is a swirly paisley print in aqua tones and it includes the  addition of a matching jacket to create an ensemble.

So many dresses in the ’50’s and ’60’s were made with matching jackets and even matching accessories. Though this is a fairly casual dress, it follows that lady-like trend and seems to teeter on the edge of the fashion divide between the rather prissy Fifties and early Sixties and the Mod and wild times just after. Looks like the dressmaker originally intended to make a sleeveless frock, then changed her mind.  As it is, we’ve got a day dress that Twiggy would look just fab in, photographed on some 1965 magazine cover.

What a luxury to have your own dressmaker…

Fall weight fabric in a ’60’s paisley print, with bell sleeves. Easy lines with a tie belt. What could be more characteristic of the shift style from mid to late ’60’s?  It was a time when British fashion was tops. Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and Twiggy reigned.

Love these colors – perfect for the Autumn time of year. In the case of this particular frock, a Texas designer refined the design for her specialty label. Casual, but lady – like, something they did so well in the southern U.S.

This one, no doubt, had an interesting social life .. . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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This favorite shirtwaist could possibly be from the 1940’s through to the early ’60’s, but my guess is that it’s a 1950’s version of the classic style. The cotton is that heavy, wonderful weave that feels so good on, holds its shape so well and endures forever.

The colors are also some that slide into Fall very nicely, though it’s really a 3 – season dress. No tag, so I can’t say whether it was custom – tailored or not. Who cares!

I especially like the fit. The sleeves are very “pert” on Madge and the bodice fits nicely. The tailoring is exceptional. Just look at that hem width, which you can see the shadow of – won’t find that anymore!

Yes, another fabulous find and forever favorite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A very European “walking shoe” that is smart for the city and goes with lots of things. Practical and well-dressed women in the U.S. liked shoes of this sort a lot in the 1930’s, 1940’s and early 1950’s when they were busy at work, or shopping or . . . . . . . . . .  Worn with dresses, suits and slacks.

Not sure of the age of these definitely – somewhere between 1970 and 1995. They are, of course, full leather including  the soles and superbly constructed.  Nothing could be more elegant or classic for sporty day-wear.

Of course, I always love mid-century & war-time styles.  Just couldn’t pass these up when I found them, because you rarely encounter this type of quality and that’s always my standard, especially for footwear. I think that they would suit Miss Moneypenny very well, don’t you? . . .

MORGANA MARTIN…

While it’s still warm enough to wear them, here are several of my favorite casual day-dresses. They’re great in the Summer, too, but the colors look like Autumn to me.  The plaid fabrics are a wonderful vintage look.

I just love these for running around in every day. Since the fabric is somewhat sheer, they do  require a slip but they’re super simple to wear and accessorize. Anyway, who objects to opportunities to wear beautiful true vintage lingerie?

All have unknown maker’s names, or maybe just a union tag. They were average garments from that time and wouldn’t have been expensive, but they fit really well and look smart. Exceptional tailoring is one of the reasons that I love true vintage clothing so much.

For some reason, these look like Nancy Drew dresses to me. How appropriate . .. . . . . . . . . . . …