This dress is so beautifully-designed. Look at those tailoring details! Gorgeous silk satin fabric. Superior quality overall. Might have been from Montreal (maybe originally from France), which may explain it! It’s dynamite on just the right figure, as many wiggle-dresses were from about 1952 – 1962.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a great find! This dress makes me think of the ones the dancers wear in performances of West Side Story. Too bad it’s a size too small for me. So, it goes up on eBay. Maybe someone will want to make a splash at the Prom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beautifully-designed and made winter coat from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s. The fur trim at hemline was an iconic style element at that particular time. In this case, it appears to be mink. The labels indicate that the coat was sold and, possibly, made in San Francisco but probably incorporated design elements from Europe as well as European fabric. This company had an interesting history which is reflected in the reliably great quality of the garments.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you look very closely you can see the many design details included in this lovely garment. The only feature you may not see in this photograph are fabric tabs with buttons at each hip, just behind the pockets. They’re just for style – no function at all – but that’s usually what fashion is all about. If you find a garment that looks absolutely great, with every detail enhancing the fit and the utility as well, that’s gravy and BUY IT!
That’s not to dis this jacket at all. Lightweight wool with a full lining. The pockets are real and there’s even a hanging loop at the back of the neckline. Did I mention that it’s in pristine shape?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The best thing about this dress is that it was given to me by the (now deceased) mother of a dear friend who wore it to a gala while her husband was in the military. So, I know its exact year and ownership history. It is beautifully-made and I suspect that it was custom-tailored for her. If laid out flat, the skirt is almost a full circle. Rhinestones, lace, yards of taffeta and netting and a fit to die for.
MORGAA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just right for a cold winter’s evening and perfect for the season in a red and green tattersall plaid. It’s just a heavy cotton, so no sleigh rides but cozy at home is good. Custom-tailored, as so many dresses of it’s vintage were. Love elbow-length sleeves, which are a rare design feature now.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Red velveteen on a very sophisticated lady. Yes, it’s home-sewn but by a real expert. She was the mother of a friend (and became a friend, herself) who gave me several of her own vintage creations. Lots of careful tailoring details like covered buttons and fabric loops at the nape of the neck. The draped neckline is also an unusual and flattering design feature. Perfect for hosting a Christmas cocktail party.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Super-fun find! A gorgeous, comfy dress, yes, but the fur-trimmed sleeves put it right in a narrow fashion season. In the Kennedy era – late 1950’s to early 1960’s – fur-trimmed cuffs and hems were a short-lived fad. I have discovered several different types but not often. Always a thrill and perfect for the season. Ho, Ho, Ho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Pretty by the fire. This pine green beauty was home-tailored and even has a matching velvet shoulder bag which I discovered in a completely different location. Amazing!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Home-sewn for some special event in the 1970’s or late 1960’s. The velvet is plush and silky. The trim is elaborate with accordion pleats and lace. It’s been a long time since almost every town had a store where everything needed to custom-make a dress like this one was available in one shopping trip.
Women used to linger over illustrations in pattern books to pick out something they loved, then stroll through the aisles of fabric bolts to find just the right one. This was an event full of hopes and fantasies – very different from heading to the mall or Walmart for a mass-produced dress made of polyester by workers who earn hardly enough to make ends meet.
The whole story unfolded in my mind when I discovered this one. It’s always an adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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