A LITTLE SHOUT-OUT TO MY FOLLOWERS

No secret transmissions here, just a big THANK YOU to my regular viewers and visitors who keep coming back to the Magicvintagespy’s archives of true vintage wardrobe files. Although I’m not involved in any current investigations right now, the file room is very big, with lots to see. Really appreciate y’all enjoying my fun with me. Will be beginning another overhaul of the evidence room in December, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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KENNEDY-ERA COCKTAIL FROCK #2

Nothing to write home about style-wise. Obviously, this one was made just a bit later with a higher hemline. It’s still got a maker’s label, but just not a well-known one. Same type of fabric as the one from Saks and fully-lined, too, so there’s no skimping on the basic quality elements.

However, the neckline treatment is the real star feature. Done as a thick band of bugle-beading to look like a ribbon collar – it’s far from the more boring sequins and embroidery used on the version shown yesterday. Never seen this before or since . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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KENNEDY ERA LITTLE BLACK COCKTAIL DRESS #1

This baby has a good pedigree – Saks Fifth Avenue. Made from, what else? – rayon crepe. The stand collar was super-popular at that time, with the expected fancy trim. This dress is, of course, fully-lined and well-cut. The style is nothing revolutionary, but you can’t beat this kind of quality.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE CLOSET CLEAN-OUT! STARTING WITH THE 1950’S

So, I dug out some more things to vett and chose 3 dresses to sell online. I’ve shown them all to you a few years ago, but I know that many haven’t seen them and some won’t remember! As always, hate to part with my beauties but I haven’t worn this one in a while. It’s a really sweet little number in rayon with that lovely sheer mesh bodice that was popular post-WWII.

And, of course, the velvet ribbon trim and little flowers with rhinestone centers. Boy, they sure loved to decorate frocks during that early mid-century time. No maker’s label, so it was probably a union-made piece, but the size tag tells me that it’s a Junior size aimed at the teen and young women’s markets. It’s LBD time in this series. Next I’ll show you a couple of cocktail frocks from the early Sixties . . . . . . . . . . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IN THE BACK OF MY CLOSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve had this one for a long time – really cute Swirl wrap dress from the early 1960’s. Had relegated it to the back of the closet because of a little minor damage and almost forgotten about it. The bandana ties on the shoulders are not original – I put them there to disguise a little color fade. Cute, no? Now that the hot weather is really upon us, I’ll be wearing it again. The wrap tie makes a good fit without fussy buttons or the need of a zipper. Just one button at the back of the neck. Swirl made nice casual dresses and I’ve got another one, plus a home-sewn version. These were very popular!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY SUMMER SHIFT IN A LARGE SIZE

I was fortunate, another time, to find a true vintage dress in a large size. This time it’s also much older – dating from the 1960’s to early 1970’s, but the buttons are probably from the 1940’s or Fifties. Needless to say, it’s a home-sewn garment; very simply- but well-made. The good construction also speaks to its age because most women stopped sewing clothing after the Seventies and lost their skills. The fabric is pretty but not high-quality. If you can zoom in on the buttons, they are the best part of this dress, to me, aside from the true vintage heritage.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S -1990’S FLORAL SUMMER FROCK

In the same general category of yesterday’s dress but miles ahead stylistically, this frock is lightweight and comfortable. The lovely print is a common type from the Eighties and Nineties and looks as though it could be for an English country tea dress. This garment wasn’t made by any established fashion manufacturer but is a one-off custom construction. Pretty nice!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S SUMMER SHEATH FOR THE COUNTRY CLUB SET

Here we have (ahem) a very conservative and pedigreed frock made by Flutterbye. It’s well-tailored and no one would say you’d put a foot wrong when wearing it. Perfect for the horsey set. What more is there to say? Therefore, it would make an outstanding disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Frank Starr 1950’s formal dress. A real treasure!

This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime finds. Although I’ve had many of them, each one is over-the-moon special! Frank Starr garments were highly prized in the 1950’s and still are, if you can find one. It’s got all the iconic features of a formal party gown from that time: wasp waist, net crinoline, sheer overskirt and spaghetti straps.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S REPRO OF A 1940’S DAY DRESS

The best thing about this piece is that it’s made in a large size. That’s hard to find! Not a high-end garment, but the stylistic details are nicely done.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM