I just LOVE this print and, of course, the mid-century cotton fabric. Can’t have too many cool, pretty day dresses like this one.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
SIXTIES HOME-SEWN FUN FROCK
SIXTIES DRESSY DINNER DRESS
Just can’t escape this decade . . . . . . . A substantial faux brocade dinner frock in mint green – when “going out to eat” was a special event. The ever-present Sixties bow at the waist makes it official.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
STUCK IN THE ’60’S! COMFY IN A COTTON DAY DRESS
This was everyday in the Sixties. Who wouldn’t love it? Definitely a favorite find.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
SIXTIES FORMAL STYLE WITH BRITISH INVASION INFLUENCE
No worries about dog poop here, unless you trip and fall in it. As long as you keep your nickers covered, you’re good. This 1960’s take on the dressy dress shows off the physical freedom introduced by Mary Quant in 1964 when she released her mini-dresses on the world. Although hemlines will always go up and down, women have loved them since then (for better or worse!).
In this case, however, Stella looks smashing. And, check out that wide hem allowance to die for. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
4TH OF JULY FUN IN A SIXTIES PATIO DRESS
How about a little barbecue in hippie/prairie/Boho style? It all comes together in this 1960’s patio frock. So many places to wear this one – now that the rails are off the fashion corral (Yes!) a true vintage dress like this goes from the patio to the Prom with a stopover at the picnic and the pop concert in the park. All in true cotton comfort.
However, without your miniskirt, watch out for the puddle and the dog poop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A ’40’S – ’50’S HYBRID DAY DRESS FROM THE ’80’S
The best of many worlds with sharp shirt-dress looks, figure-flattering silhouette and tropical foliage in Miami colors. This day-dress has better-than-average styling from Liz Claiborne Dresses. 1980’s modern, but was still worth picking. Classics never die, but true vintage is still the gold standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A SEVENTIES SUN-DRESS, WHILE IT’S HOT
A bargain store beauty, ready for a casual day out. The length puts it into early 1970’s does 1940’s revival time. Love the stripes and the pastel summer hues that were popular then – lots of baby blues and pinks were seen.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1960’S PROM – WEDDING – EVENT GOWN
In an iconic early to mid-1960’s style, this true vintage gown went to some kind of special occasion. The sheath style with embroidered overlay was extremely popular at the time; very “feminine” and pretty. All the necessary components for this type and vintage of frock are there – a metal zipper, hanging loops, a net underskirt for pouf and other tailoring touches to make the dress hold its shape and fit well. Close examination reveals it to have been custom-made, with some basting seams still inside.
Sweet!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
EARLY 1960’S SPECIAL OCCASION FORMAL DRESS
It’s rare to find these true old ones in great condition anymore. 20 years ago they were coming out of the closet when the former debs and prom queens were moving house or retiring. Now anything that looks like this on the surface was probably made in China yesterday.
However, when you look a little more closely at a true vintage gown you’ll see the careful construction and quality materials that these older garments were made from. Even those that aren’t top-of-the-line are still distinguished and built to last!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CUSTOM-TAILORED 1980’S REPRO OF A POST-WAR CLASSIC GOWN
A beautiful 1940’s cocktail-style dress constructed to professional standards. Who knows if it was made for a gala event, theater production or just for the love of couture. Whoever did so had marvelous skills as a dressmaker.
Although it looks best on a more voluptuous figure than Stella’s, she shows off the stylistic elements better than my models Madge and Giselle. Extended, padded shoulders, trim waist, full skirt and a wide sash are each iconic elements of late 1940’s fashions designed after the rationing of fabric was ended. Hemlines fell again and glamorous elements reappeared. It was a fabulous time for fashion and was championed from Paris by Christian Dior.
Like Stella, my figure doesn’t do it justice so it will be among the archives on offer in about 3 weeks.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
