At first you might think that it’s the same dress I showed yesterday, but no – very different. Eyelet and lace and peep-through panels and flounces. One of the best of this genre had been hiding out for a long time. So glad I nabbed it – and so pristine!
As much as I love the old formals, this frock has a lot more versatility from day to night, though it probably could have gone to the Prom at some smaller school in it’s day. It would also make an interesting wedding dress.
That’s what’s so much fun about vintage fashion finding (well, one of the things) – the ideas and possibilities are almost endless. No rules!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a stunning dress in linen white with old ivory lace sleeves and applique’ decoration. A little bit Mod and a little bit ethnic. LOVE the hourglass fit and the button and loop closures all the way down the back. It looks summery, but the weight of the fabric and full lining lets you do 3 seasons with it. Extremely well-tailored by Alfred Angelo. Could go to a formal dance or a wedding.
True, I’ve not been on the prowl as much lately – been involved in other business and maintaining my inconspicuous profile. However, this time I just couldn’t resist. So keep an eye out, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a surprise! I wasn’t expecting this one, but that’s how it goes for the Magicvintagespy. Beautiful, heavy ivory satin fabric, with covered-button and loop front closure, fitted waist and full skirt. Custom-tailoring with hand-finishing on the seams as well as the bead decoration around the wide collar. Vintage metal side zipper.
Though I see many gorgeous wedding gowns in my sleuthing investigations, it’s rare that I will pick one up. In this case, the pristine condition (just a little soil around the hem) and the period-perfect styling made my decision. It will fit in well with my half-dozen other elegant bridal gowns dating from the 1930’s to the Kennedy era early 1960’s.
Can’t wait to see it on Stella (my 1950’s mannequin, for those who are not regular followers). What next – can hardly wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding! The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.
They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles. And, of course, beautifully-made. I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional. The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath. Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .
very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way. They knew how to do that back in the day. A lost art? I hope not . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Both these little ladies were made in Hong Kong, of similar basic design, but there is a world of difference between them. Lady Right was made for the uptown market, while Lady Left was sold downtown. Though they’re both clean and well-put-together, Lady Right grew up with all the best, while Lady Left’s beginnings were more humble.
It’s obvious “in person” that these bags were made for different markets. The styling in both is superior, but the materials and extra attention to detail show that Lady Right brought a higher price. Just comparing these two pretties, found at the same time, was a fun chance to evaluate a number of “clues” about their backgrounds.
I don’t have a favorite. Their stories are equally interesting to me (maybe Lady Left’s is a little more so . . . . .). Each one is perfect with the outfit that coordinates with it. While Lady Left could be much more casual, she is no less elegant – maybe even more so, if you don’t look too closely. Lady Right could seem a little tasteless if she showed up everywhere dressed like that.
I see one for holiday festivities or a very gala occasion (maybe tonight?), while the other would be lovely with a pretty summer dress. Both would be gorgeous for a bridal venue. It can all be so fascinating . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Marlene and Celia are back and . . .. .. introducing Daphne, far right. She’s stuck in the ’60’s and ’70’s and is kind of a California casual gal so doesn’t care much for most of my elegant looks. However, she is wearing the less traditional, graphic patterned lace today. I suspect that these are from the 1960’s.
These are a totally different look and sometimes double as a shawl. In the U.S., many women of the Catholic faith used to keep lace head coverings around to wear to church and they’ve always been popular souvenirs of a trip to Mexico or Spain where they were called mantillas (roughly pronounced mon-tee-ya). Over the centuries women and girls have worn them not only in strictly religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, but at traditional social events, too. It seems that many cultures have their own version of the lace scarf and how to wear it.
So, there are many interpretations of the lace “mantle” and how/where to wear one. Make up your own . . . . whenever a touch of elegance, allure and the unexpected is desirable . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a mid-century Prom or dance party dress for Spring. I’ve had this frock for several years and it is in wonderful shape EXCEPT that the bodice had some old perspiration damage under the arms. No fixing that . . . . . . . .SO, I replaced the overlay fabric on the bodice with a nearly – identical modern material.
To the naked eye in normal room light, the dress looks perfect. Only the digital camera with flash shows the difference – that aging of the fabric over 60 – 70 years has slightly changed its color.
I’m pleased with my repair, but here’s a good example of why saving any old fabrics left over from sewing or hem changes makes a lot of sense. You might need them some time and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 