Here’s the lovely dress that I showed you on a hanger when I first found it, a couple of months ago. Now the statuesque Stella gives it a proper display. Black rayon crepe, again, with pink underlining at the shoulders and black lace overlay. Dressy, but not formal.
This frock is dated from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s. So many pretty touches and the strong shoulders that I like, but not with regular shoulder pads. As with many older pieces, the bodice is constructed in hand-tailored detail inside to shape it and make a foundation for the decorative layers on top. A wide ruffle across from shoulder to shoulder, and a narrower one at the hem.
So wonderful to find the faux flowers that are pinned at the neck still present and in such good condition! They’re old and a little rumpled, but that’s all. The opening on the left side-seam that helps you get into the dress is closed with buttons rather than a zipper.
All the clues in plain sight. Just another day in the life of . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although it’s not the real-real 1940’s deal (always my preference), this frock has a lot of the right stuff: a frowsy floral print on drapey rayon, a swing skirt and classic shirtwaist styling. It’s also big enough to have kind of a blousy fit. Looks like I’m inventing a few words here . . . . . .
In other words, it’s got a 1930’s/1940’s feel to it that will make it a pleasure to wear on an “off” day. Once in a while, the copy-cats get it pretty right and it’s good to keep an eye out for those little gems.
Tomorrow I’ll show you Stella modeling an absolute original from this era – found two months ago while I was out and about. You deserve to see it off the hanger. So excited!!!!!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
WAR-TIME AND HAPPY DAYS FROCKS – MID-CENTURY MODES . . . . .
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 style.
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.
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just LOVE this shirt with sailboats at anchor in a novelty abstract print. When I spied it, I just said WOW! Rather unusual – it looks like some of the artwork that was hanging in homes early in the 1960’s.
But, it may be from even earlier. The collar and fabric are a bit of a mystery and the tag is gone. It appears to be a man’s shirt at first glance, but was styled for a woman.
Made to wear over pants or shorts, with little slits in the sides, this blouse is pure casual sports-wear but not as tidy or girly as most women’s things were 50 years ago.
Although I’m tops at closing cases, I do love a mystery . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 