Two “new” finds today – I’m on a roll. This little frock caught my eye because of the fabric – real, plush, beautiful VELVET. We just don’t see that anymore. The lace trim is also very nice. Stiff and Elizabethan.
Aside from the fabric, it’s just as cute as can be and oh, so of that time. Mini, slightly Mod but also demure. I love it and it was worth snapping up even if it isn’t quite my size, just for the fabric.
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
I always love finding dresses like this from back in the day. Many women wore these at home on a daily basis, and didn’t worry too much if they had to run out for an errand – a little freshening-up: a combing and touch of hairspray, powder & lipstick and off they went to the supermarket.
Other women, who worked in the garment unions, made these dresses in large quantities. Most of them found their way to the rubbish bin after being worn for years of cooking and housecleaning, but a few of them made it out alive. Love the lines of the slightly older style on the right.
So, here we have two of those gals who were well looked-after and might have lived a more leisurely life. They were half-sizes (plus) in their time but now would be lucky to qualify as large size. However, their styles are forgiving and may serve me very well just as they did their first owners. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Ditch the mini-length, add a bit of va-voom and some frills et voila! – dinner or cotillion dance-worthy. Although the comfortable style and flexible double-knit would probably permit it, this is no frock for the bar scene or Stayin’ Alive dance party.
Yes, it was still possible to find garments of quality construction and elegant design in the 1970’s. Sadly, most of them are gone now because the knit fabrics didn’t make it till today or simply because women had begun to stop taking the care of their clothing which was common in the 1960’s and before.
So much more precious for me to discover two frocks of this type (see yesterday’s post, too). Both are definitely keepers that I can wear for decades to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the Seventies were full of schlocky clothing and many less-than-elegant designs, the full decline of everyday fashion hadn’t hit yet. Here’s an example of a wonderfully-elegant style which was hand-made from one of those beautiful heavy double-knits that became popular in the early – mid decade.
Like the jersey knits of the 1940’s, this material was a real icon of the 1970s and performs very well. The drape is very good and holds it’s shape. This office-worthy frock was custom-tailored and is as simple as can be, which makes the design timeless. The fabric and construction are of high quality. If you find or still own a similar garment from that era, hang on to it!
A rare find (in my size!) that thrilled me to my toes. But, we’re not finished yet – I’ll show you her party-going sister tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love polka dots and polished cotton! Stella’s off to the State Fair.
Although this dress isn’t way old, it is true vintage and the classic and fun styling made it worth picking up and wearing. It’s very reminiscent of summer dresses from the 1950’s and early 1960’s and is made well.
As we go up and down, back and forth through the decades, stay tuned!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this print gorgeous? And, the cotton is super, super soft – probably due to age and washings as well as a high-quality fabric.
Another mystery for me! Can’t date it exactly – there is no label and signs say that it was hand-tailored. The style is not traditional Hawaiian, but certain details, such as the pleat in the back of the skirt and the fabulous material, make me think of other vintage gowns made there.
No matter. It’s lovely and tiny but, if I can comfortably wear it it’s a keeper! We’ll see . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Though certainly not a star when it comes to quality or design, it’ll be fun to wear when I’m in the mood. Even the best of the late 1960’s to early 1970’s wasn’t great.
In this case, worth picking up for several reasons. 1. Perfect condition and commercially-made. When I see items like this in great shape, they’re usually home-sewn. Probably women who sewed appreciated the value of their clothing more. I rarely find a true vintage knit from this era that was commercially-made unless it’s a rag. 2. The content & care tag and the Ladies Garment Workers Union tag are still present. 3. The fabric and styling are purely from the era. Although some fairly faithful retro copycats have been made in recent years, there’s always nothing better than an original. 4. The pattern, collar and color are just cute!
So, that rounds out my week. We’ll see what happens around May Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m in frock heaven recently! The best thing about this dress is the fabric – heavy polished cotton was common in the early mid-century, so it’s great to find it in a late mid-century day dress. Always love polka dots. Also, it’s well-tailored with some of the classic tailoring touches that we miss today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
There’s a 1 1/2″ hem allowance, well-hidden side seam pockets on each hip and it used to have a fabric tie belt, sadly missing now as so often happens. This style was very popular and well-made up through the mid-1960’s. Since then, not so much, so I’m happy that this example came a little bit later and was nicely-constructed of quality material.
Well, this discovery just makes me day-dream about what’s next – there is another really nice surprise coming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 