This frock is big on Stella, but I thought her height would show it off better than Madge’s. Most clues point to a dress made in the post-war era – late ’40’s to early ’50’s. The fabric and styling are all true to that time BUT it looks like the seamstress may have used iron-on (also known as fuseable) facing in the collar in order to give it some stiffening, which would date this lovely to the late 1960’s. Since the facing is enclosed within two layers of fabric, I cannot examine it directly so am just guessing.
However, either way it’s quite an acceptable addition to the collection if only for the fabric. It’s a poly-type, semi-sheer with colorful little dabs of atomic debris all over and I love the RED. Whether it was made in 1948 or 1968 doesn’t matter.
One more 1940’s – style frock. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Remember that true-life wartime spy who became famous for her espionage during World War 2? A woman after my own heart and a mentor, for sure. Asian and Asian-inspired fashions became really popular back in the day because of her. I have another dress almost like this one, but I think I’ll keep both. Rayon, again, and oh, so flattering.
The makers also got something else right – the sleeves are made of sheer fabric. This style feature was quite popular in the Forties on bodices, sleeves, shoulders and inserts near the waist. And, of course, there’s nothing like a black and scarlet combo. Perfect for a little intrigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress was made by Liz Claiborne back in the Eighties day. Rayon again, of course. The fabric print colors say more Fifties to me, but the styling is right for a salute to styles from the middle of the Forties decade. The shoulders are padded substantially and the classic shirtwaist styling is very mid-1940’s. I especially like the slightly-dropped waist which gives a great fit on the hips. Love it – come on, summer!
While not a sarong style a la Dorothy Lamour, it’s still got that Pacific vibe which became popular after Japan joined the fight. Exotic island colors and little palm trees so we could forget about the actual horrors taking place halfway across the world. . . . . . . A sad memory for the day after Veterans Day, but thanks to the Liz Claiborne designers for getting a lot of it right!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Patriotically short and with minimal sleeves in observance of wartime rationing, this drapey frock still looks fashionable and sweet for day. Belted, with a bow at the neckline and cute little apples all over. I’ve been itching to photograph it on Stella for almost 2 years and I knew it would suit her to a T. I love Forties rayon dresses – they fit like a dream.
That means I can probably wear it, too, but first it needs attention to a couple of tiny holes on the back of one shoulder. No sweat for the Magicvintagespy and it will be ready for next summer!
During this series, I’m going to do something a little different from the usual. Garments will be posted in the order of their style decade, even though that might not be when they were actually made. All are true vintage, at least from the 1980’s – ’90’s or before, but I picked up several well-done retro pieces 1 or 2 years ago that I’d like to show you. So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I’m off assignment and back at Headquarters for a short time. That’s not to say that there are not a huge backlog of organizational tasks to be done! However, photographing and documenting the finds from the Covid lockdown stretch is one of them and has commenced.
The first post will be published shortly after midnight tonight, CST. So, warm up your set and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 