Stella by starlight in my fabulous Lillie Rubin evening coat – perfect for any special dressy occasion. From somewhere between 1955 and 1963, it’s the most beautiful bright emerald green with a turquoise lining. Amazing.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year. The style is also easy-breezy with an open front. I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.
Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well. Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it. What a great way to save tons of cash.
I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it. Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From the mid-1960’s a psychedelic print wrapper house dress made at home from wonderful fabric. The material has the feel of smooth, glossy slinky knit but is woven instead. So interesting.
When I finish adding snaps where some are missing and re-attaching 1/2 of the belt tie, it’s got a comfortable but very sexy fit. You’ll have to wait until I return to Headquarters to see it properly displayed.
The moment I saw this I knew it was old and, even with the missing fasteners, the potential of a really neat house dress was obvious. Can’t wait to wear it! After this latest haul, I wonder what’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Haven’t run across one of these in a while, so I’m thrilled. They were so popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Travelers to Mexico and the southwest U.S. loved to buy them at stores carrying souvenirs, Western-wear and Native American goods and bring them home. The women living there wore them every day(especially if they were transplants from up north)-so comfortable and flattering.
Casual ones like this were often worn with white peasant blouses with puffy sleeves – see Kim Novak wearing one in Picnic(1955) with William Holden. Native American versions with LOTS of ric-rac usually had matching blouses. Pretty sure this one was home-sewn, but nicely done. The hem had been taken up from it’s below-knee original length but it was easy to take those stitches out. It’s fun to see clothing that has been altered over the years to go along with changing fashions. There is one old mend and some wear near the waistband closure that will require a little rehab, but that’s A-OK. I love vintage garments with a history and it testifies to the authenticity.
So, this one’s probably the oldest, but not by much. We’ll got forward in fashion history tomorrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This little number would be from the early 1960’s. Someone loved it very much as it’s clean and in wonderful condition, with only a little evidence of some dancing wear on the skirt. I confess, I did (very easily) remove an old spilled drink stain from the bodice so I know this dress has a history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It’s increasingly rare to find examples like this one, which is obviously from an estate. I’m grateful that many women who built their wardrobes in the mid-century 1940’s to 1960’s saved their favorites in the back of a closet for decades. When circumstances finally cause a clean-out of their homes these treasures are uncovered, for me to find!
And, this is only the beginning. There are more to come so, stay tuned . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From about 1965 – 1970, this ordinary-looking little frock is an exciting find to me. Why? It’s rare to find a dress from this era in perfect condition and with all the hallmarks of a true vintage piece. And, it’s very cute!
In traffic – sign yellow, which was a very popular color for clothing at that time, it’s an eye-grabber. It’s a slightly – fitted A – line style that is very flattering on the body. Although there are many dresses on the market in recent years that may look identical from a distance, this one stands out on closer examination with authentic construction and styling from back in the day. Always thrills me!
Although some modern companies have tried to mimic these features and fool shoppers into thinking they’re buying a vintage garment, they’re not successful if you know your stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Yes, it’s a summer dress but how could I resist? We don’t usually find them with all these pretty details – a very Victorian Prairie thing for a hot-weather girl. Looks like it was commercially-made, but there are no tags. I may end up selling it next year but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun find today! A custom-made prairie-girl dress that can go all year round. Just put a blouse, t-shirt or t-neck underneath and there you go. The fabric is a woven synthetic of the late-mid-century time so it’s a Sixties take on a much older style. There are Amish in the area where I discovered it, but I’m not sure this is their style. May be some other groups who wear slightly less modest clothing and would be allowed to show their arms. ? It’s got an old metal CC zipper and hardly any wear so, who knows. The sash ties in back and there’s ric-rac all around.
Just fun, so true vintage and cute! Another mystery, which I love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun find – a custom-tailored frock made sometime between 1960 and 1985. It’s got overall a great day dress style, harking back to the 1940’s. The best thing about the styling, I think, is the flared skirt design which will flip and twirl with every movement. A perfect dress for dancing!
Another neat thing is that the seamstress put in a LONG side zipper so that it’s really easy to put on and take off – no need for contortion or someone to help you zip, as sometimes happens with back zippers.
This is a relatively simple dress, but little clues tell me that the maker put special thought into the styling and construction, which make it special. Love it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is absolutely the prettiest apricot-color floral print dress! It’s got an old Talon zipper in back and is in fabulous condition (and my size, if not my best color – maybe a little summer tan will help).
Don’t know whether this was Prom or whatever in it’s first life, but now I’d wear it almost anywhere. Could even be worn as part of a wedding party. The cut and skirt treatment are very well done, making this a super-flattering frock.
Let’s see what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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