Tag Archives: 1940s

LOVE TO DANCE? HERE’S THE PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DRESS. . . . . . . . . . .

IMG_1672With this kind of styling, you could do almost any type of dancing in it, but a Fall gala would be perfect . . . . . or think a cotillion or Homecoming Dance.  You wouldn’t want to waste this fabulous Forties frock on the local beer joint, would you?

This dress, I suspect, is from the late Forties Post-war era though it could be from the early 1950’s.  Black rayon with velvet cord decoration and those sleeves with ruching.  I enjoy picking up on tailoring details that I’ve seen before (check out the ’40’s day dress from about a week ago).

It’s the velvet cording that is the stand-out feature.  Looks like it was from a small designer line and styled with an eye to giving it a luxurious look.  Originally found in a Southern U.S. state, you can imagine the social functions and elegant affairs that it may have attended on the back of some lovely Society belle . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED 1930’S/1940’S BEADED, BIAS-CUT GOWN

IMG_1663A sapphire blue gown, with cutout detail at the front and back V-necklines, with seed-bead embellishments.  All hand-done in bias-cut rayon, so the drape is fabulous!

It’s another squeaker to get into, so Stella is in her element.  A side waist opening closes with hooks and eyes.  You can just see the belt that ties in back to cinch the waist even further.

Pleated elbow-length sleeves complete the design and careful piecing makes sure that it follows every curve . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING

BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING.

BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING

IMG_1661Gorgeous rayon belted shirtwaist-style with peplum detail and rhinestone buttons.  Perhaps suitable for a Society event and, certainly, for an elegant dinner.

What’s not to love?  The tailoring is lovely and the fit is flattering.  Of course, it’s just right for Stella, with her wasp waist. This is another Post-war design, reflecting the elegance that women were able to enjoy again when WWII was over.  There will be more to come, then –

a variety of mid-century finds that have just appeared . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S SWISHY FALL DAY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S SWISHY FALL DAY DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940's BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS

IMG_1660Elegant, elegant, elegant – classic black crepe with metallic chevron shapes all over.  This frock has heft and presence!  I especially love the design of the neckline, which closes with buttons at the nape of the neck.

The weight of the decoration shapes the drape of the crepe (ooh, I’m a poet!) by keeping it close to the body.  The cut is slim and narrow, anyway, with skinny sleeves and a side zipper.  Perfect mid-century size 10.

Definitely dressy – it wasn’t wasted on a trip to the grocery!  Perfect for dinner or an important affair.  Alas, this is not the original belt though changing it from this buckled style to a plain black crepe-covered style or a chain belt will alter the feel of the dress to fit the mood or the place I’m headed.  Picture it . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DAY DRESS IN A SLINKY KNIT

TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S DAY DRESS IN A SLINKY KNIT.

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWING ERA DAY DRESS IN A SLINKY KNIT

IMG_1653Perfect for Fall, perfect for work, school or just gadding about.  A fabulously comfortable, flattering cut and fabric.  Pullover style, easy fit.  Great for dancing!

The material has a beautiful hand (feel) and wonderful drape – like nothing made now.  Synthetics developed around that time revolutionized the clothing industry, and many others.  The colors are so unique and the pattern so interesting.  Just an “everyday” dress from the Forties – I’d love to have a million of them!!

This was another surprise find that blew me away.  It’s part of what makes this all so fun . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

FABULOUS FINDS FROM THE FORTIES – TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS

1940’s TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE AT HOME

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

FABULOUS FINDS FROM THE FORTIES - TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS

Wonderful dressing gowns from the 1940’s, or maybe even the 1930’s. These are made of rayon with great classic style.

The peachy pink one allows you to sweep into the room with a grand entrance. It has padded shoulders and a little bit of an elongated hem in back – an actual “train”!  The flowered one is a little more a’la Blanche Dubois. (A Streetcar Named Desire (play by Tennessee Williams, set in New Orleans – watch it; great movie starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando; a classic).  Flowered and sweet – very feminine and demure.

Gowns like these are more or less a morning version of the men’s smoking robe. Perfect to wear while enjoying your first cafe’ au lait of the day. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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