Tag Archives: 1950’s

True Vintage 1950’s to early 1960’s Semi-formal Special Occasion Dress

Powder pink frock for a special occasion. Love the long sleeves with our current weather and I’m happy with the color that doesn’t feel like Winter. It’s not a Prom dress, but could have been worn to any dressy dance party, a recital or . . . . . . . . . . . . . Very demure, but gives a nod to formal wear with a sheer bodice and scooped back. Of course, it has the 3-layer pouf skirt with stiff attached crinoline, acetate/rayon opaque layer and a gauzy synthetic overskirt that was iconic in the Fifties, up to the very early Sixties. Naturally, the stiletto pumps are mandatory.

Despite it’s tiny size, I believe that this frock was sold in the Misses Department (probably size 10) rather than as a Junior size. Just goes to show how our Misses sizes have changed over the decades. A modern size 10 now would hang like a tent on Stella – a 1950’s size 10 is equal to a current size 2. Perplexing, but the clues all fit together. Go figure (no pun intended) and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Angelic Pure White As Snow 1950’s Formal Frock

This formal gown looks as though it was styled for a young woman. No worries – there’s no stain here, just a shadow in the photo. Lacey bodice with fine netting straps and overskirt. Perfect for any holiday gala. As you’ll see with some dresses I’ll show soon, it could also have doubled as a Prom or wedding gown. I’ve settled operations at another safe location, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Hats: Another Stand-out Accessory That Belongs in Every True Vintage Wardrobe

In my book, the 1940’s through the 1960’s was the best era for ladies’ hats in the U.S. unless you’re into antiquities. Yes, every decade has had some great ones but most beautiful hats that are truly wearable come from the Mid-century. Here are some iconic examples from each of those decades: a Forties picture hat, Fifties toque & pillbox with veil and Sixties pastel cellophane/raffia hats.

Mainstream women from all three of these decades wore hats frequently, if not daily. (Classic films and old magazines are good documentation of this.) So, obviously, they were sold in every store which carried ladies’ fashions and most were affordable. Easy to wear, flattering and very collectable, so go for it. . . . . . and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A HOME-MADE HAND-MADE 1950’S NOVELTY KITCHEN APRON

What a great find! Not too many like this one left and it’s a real gem. The apron’s been sewn together of cotton fabric with our ’50’s housewife embroidered on. She has a cotton print pouf dress with a lace collar, pearl necklace and earring. In one hand she holds a coffeepot and in the other a cup, which doubles as the obligatory little pocket for a hankie or small tool.

Finding something so unique and whimsical is a real treat. And, to think that it was made for fun 60 or more years ago is a bonus. So much better than anything modern, no matter how cute.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

BEAUTIFULLY-TAILORED MID-CENTURY JACKET – A GORGEOUS PIECE FOR MY BASIC VINTAGE WARDROBE

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What a smart and well-made garment!  If it weren’t for the Ladies Garment Workers label, I might have wondered if it had been made in Paris.  Classic true navy/white check with a full rayon lining, little pockets and heavy sculpted buttons.  A tailor”s snap holds the front in place below the neckline.  Close fit, with a high hip hemline that will be perfect with a shell blouse and pencil skirt or slim pants – or even over a fitted sheath dress.

Yes, it needs a professional steaming to re-block the shape and re-align the lining and a little seam repair inside.  No big deal!  I can probably do that myself, but it would be a minor expense to have it done for me.   Sigh.  LOVE beautiful jackets.  What’s next? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS MID-CENTURY COCKTAIL OUTFIT

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No, it’s not a dress for Siamese elephants – this is a first-ever-seen hostess/cocktail one-piece “thing” with embroidered and sequined mesh over lined satin pants and bodice.  Not exactly a jumpsuit, though it has those elements.  I’m going to say early 1960’s, but it could be earlier.

This is a well-tailored garment with long panels front and back which are completely open at the sides.  The upper part of the bodice is lined with flesh-tone mesh, also.  Extremely well-made, with two labels – the brand and the store which sold it.

To be worn with a pair of black sandals or mules and, of course, diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More to come.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE FINDS

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I know, I know, I know.  I’ve collected a ton of vintage slips, etc., but these are beautiful and to some degree unusual.  The full slips are really old ones (early 1950’s or before) and are delicious to wear under dresses but they both are opaque enough and styled right to be worn as little dresses themselves.  As long as your bra and panties are correct for the look, they can be flirty sundresses or club-wear.

I NEVER get tired of these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1950’S VIOLET BLUE EMBROIDERED DAY DRESS

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Love this pretty frock.  The rayon(?) weave drapes so nicely and the embroidery is gorgeous.  The belted style with cap sleeves is very flattering and front buttons make it very easy to dress.

This garment was modestly-priced back in the day as the construction is not high-end, but even in these everyday items the vintage makers usually tailored really well.  That is one of the delights of finding and wearing day dresses like this one.  Stay tuned – not near done yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHAT A FUN LITTLE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S COTTON DAY DRESS

I always love these frocks, but what makes this one so extra-wonderful? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Take a close-up look at the print – the little illustrations are all characters from the Alice in Wonderland tale.  How cool!

More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM