I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white. Both in a similar shirtwaist style, below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton. Perfect mid-century design. Absolutely LOVE the collar shapes!
The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details. The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall. The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid. It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me. I took the sleeves off for a more flattering fit for me (and saved them, of course!) and wear it often.
Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one. Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’ve found a number of mid-century true vintage sporty-type items by Joyce. One label said Joyce of Chicago, so maybe the same company. Some companies have changed their labels somewhat over the years.
These flats are leather, of course, but only the uppers and interiors. The soles are a good synthetic like Vibram (will last for decades). I always love cut-out styles and these carnival colors are so much fun!
Just the ticket to wear with capris, cigarette pants, a cute dress or skirt – or shorts. ’60’s casual fashions were all about playful and surprising. The ’50’s certainly have those moments, too, in a BIG way but, overall, there’s more loyalty to the conservative classics in the 1950’s.
With the closed toe and elegant styling, these “summer” shoes are easily worn Spring through Fall. My main challenge here is finding the right clothing and colors to accompany them. But, there is always black or white . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’ve had such a run of finding 1960’s dresses lately! But, I’m also finding items from decades before and it’s all so exciting. This pretty summer frock is a dropped-waist style that adds a twist to what would otherwise be a plain, but very elegant, sheath. This kind of casual elegance was so much a part of early-Sixties fashion.
The fabric I love because polka-dots and bright yellow are always so great for summer dresses. It’s a synthetic with a nylon feel, but may be a blend. Might have been custom-tailored, as so many true vintage dresses are, but it’s hard to say since the sewing skills our grandmothers had were so professional. Labels can be missing for many reasons.
This one just makes me want to wear it to a carnival and go on all the rides while eating cotton candy and winning at least one Teddy Bear . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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In midnight navy blue, this dress is elegant in rayon with a side zipper. Let me tell you how she would have dressed it up . . . . . . . .
A diamond or rhinestone necklace or pearls, depending on the venue, would be first – with some elegant earrings to complement. And, a small dress handbag.
A stole, fur or dressy coat, of course, unless it’s the height of summer (but, even then . . . . . .) Finished off, courtesy of her escort, with a corsage.
The bodice has no boning, so those little mesh straps hold it in place. When I wear it, I prefer a pair of ’50’s evening sandals of dark navy fabric with pearlized ornaments on the vamp rather than the Forties styles that Stella is wearing. Beautiful as she is, this frock is really better suited for Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A flowery knit with a flouncy neckline – this dress was made in 1962. Hemlines were still a bit longish then, and nipped waists were still “in”.
Oh, so much fun to be right back there at the exact time – perfect frock to wear to a picnic or to the carnival. Rides weren’t so wild then that women had to worry about their skirts flying, like we would now.
The fabric is a little heavier, so probably no slip required – definitely a plus on a hot day, though a cotton slip could even be a nice cooling layer against the synthetic material. Always good to have at least one on hand, and the true vintage lingerie is always pretty and sweet.
Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the fair . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Gorgeous, gorgeous easy dress that is so sophisticated and well-tailored. This mid – century frock would get you on the best-dressed list in a heartbeat! It’s been in my wardrobe for a few years now and belonged to my mother.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is the latest of my latest discoveries – the real deal from when mini-dresses were a “new” thing, and somewhat daring (not forgetting the 1920’s, of course). It’s made of a nice synthetic fabric in a fine rib knit. Love the funky print and the sunny colors.
At first glance it looks like it could have been made yesterday, but it’s got fully built-in and substantial bra cups in front such as you see only in mid-century bathing suits and the occasional vintage dress. In other words, it’s constructed like a brick house – no worries or straying straps.
That’s only one of the many things I adore about true vintage fashion – the superior construction which makes many items easy to wear because of thoughtful features that minimize the need for special undergarments – and saves us from wardrobe malfunctions!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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