Tag Archives: 1950s

A PRETTY BELTED SHIRTWAIST DRESS FROM THE 1950’S

A PRETTY BELTED SHIRTWAIST DRESS FROM THE 1950'S     This conservative little style is very sweet, no?

It is made of a pure cotton material, I would guess, and was probably custom tailored (from looking at the details).  I have at least one more dress which has cross-stitch embroidery on it but, to tell the truth, many true vintage dresses that were commercially made have lovely detail, too. And, of course, it could have been added later by the owner.

I also really love skinny, fabric-covered belts on dresses – a common feature on dresses made at this time. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ll sometimes shorten an extra-long hem and make a covered belt from the extra fabric when an original belt is missing.

These dresses look nice with a cardigan sweater or a shawl, so they can go from Spring into Fall with ease. They were standard daytime wear for just about everybody back in the day. It’s so great to see how the classic styles remain elegant and wearable for decades.

And, because fabrics and construction were so well done and women took good care of their clothing, I continue to find them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE DRESS FOR WARM WEATHER – 1950’S SHEER!

IMG_1348Isn’t this a pretty little day-dress?  Ruffles, flowers and a criss-cross neckline are so feminine and becoming, in a very simple style. In spite of being a little inconvenient (you’ve got to wear a slip or something underneath),  designers and women (and, probably, men!) loved these sheer styles in the 1950’s.  They are very lovely, floaty and ethereal.   And, SEXY!!

Women with elegant taste have always known that flattering clothing that suggests what’s underneath without exposing it is FAR more alluring and sexy than showing lots of skin or bare body.

The best designers still know this. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

GREAT MID-CENTURY FIND – 3 ICONIC SPRING DRESSES

Fun – three in one! More surprise finds. I think all these dresses were owned by one woman who loved the easy-wear shirt-style frocks of the late 1950’s to early 1960’s. Although two of them have back closures, The nicest one, in center, was custom-made and is maybe the “newest” of the 3. It’s got a vintage nylon zipper whereas the other two have metal zips. They came from Montgomery Ward and Sears and Roebuck.

A little large for me, so they’ll probably find their way onto eBay next Spring, but I love them just the same. Wonder who recently had to give them up ? Part of the mystery – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WE’RE GEARING UP FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY – START WITH TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S & 1950’S LINGERIE

WE'RE GEARING UP FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY - START WITH 1940'S & 1950'S LINGERIE

Believe it or not, I do not have a single GREEN slip that would be suitable for my St. Paddy’s Day dresses! Two green rayon beauties in my closet from the 1930’s are way too long and full . . . . . . .

So, here are some blue-green pretties from the Forties & Fifties that might suit. If they’re not showing through, I don’t think any one would really mind, do you?  Once the dress is off . . . . . . . . . . .

Again, we have beautiful fabric, contrasting embroidery and some applique’. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. . . .. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!! HERE’S YOUR TRUE VINTAGE PARTY DRESS . . . . . . ..

IMG_1198Stella’s all over the “wearin’-o-the-green” for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations.  All that’s missing are some emerald green stiletto-heel pumps, a rhinestone necklace and a little IMG_1246evening bag.  I had to resurrect this evening coat because, though it doesn’t look so in the photo, it is the most brilliant emerald green you can imagine!

Both from late 1950’s – early 1960’s era.  Go forth and have fun!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950s WIGGLE DRESS BY A WELL-KNOWN MID-CENTURY DESIGNER OF CALIFORNIA

TRUE VINTAGE 1950s WIGGLE DRESS BY EVE LE COQ OF CALIFORNIA FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Here’s a line-up of wool dresses from the 1960s and 1950s, lightweight and classic enough to wear in some parts of the world in three seasons of the year.  Although I’m highlighting the second from the left, I’ll describe them all to start.

On the far left, a mid-weight jumper from the mid – late 1960s in a brown tweed.  Can’t recall the maker, but made in the U.S.  The bodice is lined and it is intended to be worn as a sleeveless dress or with a blouse underneath – your choice.  In the cold weather I’d probably want the blouse, but some people like their arms bare even in winter and that was a popular style then.  A cardigan sweater over would work, too.  Although it didn’t come with its own little jacket, sometimes sleeveless dresses did.  Great style for school or office.

Third in line is a straight, belted shift in heather blue by Pendleton.  They’ve been making quality wool clothing for decades and it is always classic.  This one from the late ’60s can also be worn alone or will a blouse or turtleneck.  Also perfect for school or work.  Some women would put this on as a day dress for shopping, meetings, etc.

On the far right is a wiggle sheath from the late ’50s.  Also a U.S. maker.  It is lined around the upper bodice and neck and is designed to be worn sleeveless.  It’s a simple, un-decorated design but would look best in the evening or at an after-work party or dinner.  It could have gone to work if dressed down a bit with a sweater or jacket.

Now for our star of the day – Are you looking for ideas about what to wear on St. Paddy’s Day?  Look no further.  This is a smart, figure-enhancing dress that is demure enough for any setting and also sophisticated enough for any.  It all depends on your accessories. In a lovely kelly/emerald green, it’s also a nice transition color into Spring.  Eve Le Coq of California produced lovely dresses – very chic.

It’s not been unusual for me to encounter these kinds of wool frocks at various places in my searches.  If you find yourself in a store, they are often marked down at this time of year.  Don’t let wool fabric discourage you – as long as you’ve got a breathable (well-ventilated) storage bag for moth season and a clothing brush, it’s easy to care for and can be dry-cleaned at home if there are no serious stains.  Very versatile, very vintage and worth the investment.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PARTY DRESS IN ICY MINT GREEN

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950s PARTY DRESS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Looking for a St. Paddy’s frock?   Here we go again – a lovely pouf dress from the 1950s of acetate rayon and chiffon, in minty sherbet green this time.   I love this for Spring, with the sheer 3/4 sleeves and the jewel neckline.  Look at that deep hem in the overskirt!

This is a below-the-knee formal dress that could also be worn to a Prom, dinner, dance or any formal event that doesn’t require a full-length skirt.  ‘It would also be lovely worn in a wedding by attendants or by a bride who didn’t want to wear the typical white or ivory. Many ’50’s brides wore gowns of this length.

The sheer chiffon covers the rayon dress underneath and there is a sewn-in crinoline of netting.  I don’t believe that there are any tags remaining but I suspect that it was commercially-made.  However, it’s not always certain – many seamstresses in business or at home were VERY skilled.

Finding dresses like this is always magical.  Where was it first worn?  Who kept it for decades and why was it so special?  You just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY MOST INSPIRING TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S HEELS FOR SPRING

MY MOST INSPIRING 1950'S - EARLY SIXTIES HEELS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

These are just so pretty and Spring-y that they’re my choice for this holiday. With embroidered flowers and a good dose of green, they stand above plain colors today.

I love the fact that they’re in such good condition – it’s always a treat to see the names of small, privately-owned shoe stores printed inside, as was often done in the mid-century. This was true of clothing, hats and purses, too.

Pretty shoes like this just don’t seem to be made anymore. The vintage-style substitutes just don’t make the grade. And, of course, these are 100% leather excepting for the fabric uppers.

So, trip off to a party or the light fantastic just like a fairie . … . . . . . . . … .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY HAT IN EMERALD GREEN – TRUE VINTAGE MADE IN FRANCE

IMG_1508Just recently, I’ve encountered a string of true vintage accessory items.  Here’s one of the cutest . . . . .

A tiny toque style hat that sits on top of the head – not quite a Forties doll hat, but almost.  Perhaps closer to a Sixties pillbox style, but not quite that, either. Good guess that it may come from the 1950’s.

Don’t know what they would have called this design in France, but we can be sure that it was on the leading edge of fashion when it was made, because the French always have been.

Emerald green wool felt, with a grosgrain ribbon and bow detail.  A simple style that packs a punch.  Always fun for St. Patrick’s Day, but this gorgeous color is such a beautiful accent anytime – especially when it enhances the coloring of the wearer to perfection . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960S – ’70s GREEN FLORAL PRINT HAWAIIAN DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960S - '70s GREEN FLORAL PRINT HAWAIIAN DRESS

What’s special about this find?  Aside from being about 40 years old, it is made in Hawaii – which used to mean beautiful, quality cottons and rayons and lovely workmanship.  This one doesn’t disappoint.  It has a back zipper with a small bow trim there. The neckline has piping around it and the heavy cotton material drapes nicely.  As usual, the print and color saturation are wonderful in these fabrics.

A straight, mu-mu style is very versatile and flattering to most figures.

Are you planning to attend or host some casual event this weekend, or just a laid-back day at home?  In keeping with the green spirit of this St. Patrick’s holiday, I suggest a dress like this one.  As long as it’s warm enough where you are, a dress like this can be worn almost anywhere, to do anything.  It’s even possible to dress it up with jewelry, shoes and bag.

Vintage made in Hawaii has always been so distinctive – it’s a special look all its own.  It does tend to follow style trends a bit, but some of the classic looks don’t change. I’ll be showing others that are older, too.  These have been so popular over the years that they sometimes turn up in my searches and I’m always thrilled to find them.  Just putting one on takes me to an exotic time in my mind and then, well you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM