Tag Archives: 2-piece

I RE-STYLED A GREAT TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WIGGLE DRESS!

IMG_1001     When I found this cutie, it was one slim dress – probably about a size 2 – 4, but very tight and petite in the bodice, so hard to squeeze into.   It also had a little wear on some of the seams.

I mused and pondered about how to save the dress so that I could wear it because I love the style and, especially, the pink/brown/ivory printed material.   It feels so wonderful – can’t explain it – you’d have to experience it yourself.   Some kind of synthetic or poly-knit, which was popular then and I’ve never seen any quite like it.   Love the color combo!

So – brainstorm!   There was a seam right at the waist and I separated the top from the bottom.   A stretchy band of matching brown knit lengthened the top just right for my torso and a simple elastic waistband in the skirt made it very easy to wear.   It works!

I opened a seam along the left side of the top for more ease and added some hooks and eyes.   A little hand-done repair here and there salvaged this find for many more wearings. Can’t wait to wear it with some of my Forties shoes!

Just goes to show that there are gazillions of possibilities . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SEVENTIES DOES FORTIES BLOUSE AND HIGH-WAIST PANTS

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Two finds from the 1970’s, put together perfectly.  I love the cute 1940’s vibe;  these pieces were made in the early 1970’s when that style was revived.  The shirt was from Sears Junior Bazaar and the slacks made by a company called Beeline. How fun!

The pants are long, so they’re great with platform sandals – another thing popular at that time – also part of the 1940’s retro thing.  As a true vintage sleuth, it’s so fun to watch how the styles go around and come around again.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE “LITTLE BLACK SUIT” FROM THE 1960’S, WITH A SPECIAL BLOUSE

Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves.  It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.

In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans.  Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.

This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress.  It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket.  Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc.  It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.

This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew.  I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day!   As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GOWN AND VEIL FROM 1940

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I’ve really been scoring the RARE finds over these past few weeks – older garments and accessories, iconic styles and items in great condition!  Can’t wait to get back to Headquarters and put this wartime bridal ensemble on Stella, who is the only one of my models who will be able to wear it.  Until then, I’ll tell you the story of this lovely gown and it’s matching veil.  As an additional blessing, the tale comes directly from the original family.

Although many brides were wearing suits and shorter dresses to be married in 1940, this bride chose the traditional full-length gown and veil for her ceremony.  It was purchased through a well-known department store, where her father was a buyer, and may have come from Europe.  The rayon dress is not a high-end item, but is an iconic design of the time and elegant in it’s simplicity.  An unusual feature is the antique ivory color, which is original.  The full-length veil of fine netting with embroidery flows from a delicate headband decorated with dried flowers and vines.

The gown was stored away after the wedding and cherished by the family for many years.  Now, I will continue to care for it with the love and respect it deserves.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE FROCK AND MATCHING JACKET FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

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Found yesterday!  A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket.  These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear.  Perfect for a day at the county fair.

Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship.  A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.

It’s another rare find.  I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses.  As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear.  Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COAT & DRESS ENSEMBLE BY A CHICAGO DESIGNER

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Since looking at the last post, I know that you’ve been asking yourself “What could I wear to go with that black leather purse with the red lining?”  Well, here’s the answer – a belted knit dress with matching coat, with its own red lining.

Classic sleeveless, belted sheath dress and matching coat, originally sold in Chicago, Illinois.  The style is mid to late 60’s.  The black and white check fabric first gives the impression of being a wool knit, but it is a blend, likely of cotton and synthetic which provides some warmth for cool days but is easier to store than wool.  Really a gorgeous set and so flattering. It would be a perfect outfit to go with that lovely Italian handbag!

It does need to be dry cleaned in order to keep its shape but, these days if there is not a difficult stain or other problem that can be done at home.

I hardly ever see coat and dress ensembles and this is a beauty.  Love it! Keep your eyes open for something like this. You just never know when it might turn up. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S STRAPLESS DRESS WITH BEADED BODICE AND MATCHING JACKET

Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.

I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.

It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

WINTER TO SPRING COLORFUL TRUE VINTAGE LADIES’ SKIRT SUITS

WINTER TO SPRING COLORFUL TRUE VINTAGE LADIES' SKIRT SUITS

Here are three lovely wool skirt suits in pastels and sunny red. Back in the day, “winter white” would be “out” by now – worn only till the end of January. The pastels would traditionally have shown up in the first half of February, when resort vacation clothing also would make an appearance.  This is the time of year that many people took their annual beach vacation.

The holidays are behind us, it’s a new year and I’m sure you’re ready for a change!  These are just about the last of my wool suits for this winter . . . . . . . . . .

From the early 1960’s, in true Jackie O (sorry, Jacqueline) style, these lady-like but perky ensembles make us think of sunnier skies. The blue and pink are of boucle’ and the red is a smoother weave.

Boxy jackets and straight skirts, the sleeves (at least on the pink and red) are bracelet length which looks great with gloves and also lets you show off your charm bracelet to best effect.

Of course, if the weather remains very cool where you are, these beauties will be gorgeous at Easter, so don’t get tired of wearing them too soon . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL SUIT FROM AROUND 1960

A BEAUTIFUL LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL SUIT FROM AROUND 1960

This skirt suit has the shorter Chanel – style jacket and a straight skirt that hits near the knee. Also 3/4 sleeves so characteristic of that time.  The jacket is the stand-out piece here and every woman was wearing this style in 1962 – including Jacqueline Kennedy.

Made by Puritan’s Forever Young line, which the actress Gloria Swanson was affiliated with at one time – the things that make it most different from others in my closet are the HUGE, gorgeous buttons made of braided cord and the loose weave of the fabric.  It’s a style made to wear with only a simple, shell-type blouse, or no blouse at all.  You would need to wear one of your lovely slips underneath.

A perfect transitional ensemble for Fall or Spring – when I don’t want something too heavy, but still want to be warm. As always, these separate pieces can do double duty in many different ways and the style is perfectly classic.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE BLACK RIBBON-DECORATED SKIRT SUIT – EARLY 1960’S

GORGEOUS BLACK RIBBON-DECORATED SKIRT SUIT - EARLY 1960'S

This suit is so chic and understated, but makes a real appearance!  It’s decorated all over with swirled ribbons stitched down.  In classic wool, of course, but not as heavy as the winter ensembles I’ve been showing.

Reminds me of some of the things that European women have traditionally worn when they are in mourning.  But, it’s a sophisticated ensemble and would make a great dinner suit.  That’s probably how it was worn when it was sold, about 55 years ago.

In the early ’60’s they made some dresses and suits that were entirely of ribbons swirled around and stitched down on some kind of mesh or lightweight fabric. I inherited a dress like that which had been my grandmother’s and found a green skirt made that way last year – all true vintage, of course.   An intriguing style, which I don’t often run into . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM