I’m ready for the BBQ – maybe not the volleyball or badminton game. This gown was custom-tailored of a beautiful fabric (look at those colors to die for). Prettier than the black and white from yesterday, but they’re all wonderful. Lovely feminine style with an easy-wear feel. Sixties or Seventies chic.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
This little beauty has such a wonderful fit, because it’s adjustable! The neckline and waist closures are so unique – wrapping straps that hook like a belt, with several holes to choose from. Never seen one like this before!
I just love discovering these interesting and unusual tailoring and design details. In this example, it’s so ingenious yet so simple. A bit confusing at first look, but makes perfect sense and works beautifully.
The fabric and the fit are ultra-flattering and so cool and carefree for summer. It’s a high-quality construction by a well-known, if smallish, vintage clothing maker and in perfect condition. Sweet!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is also a true vintage brand that I already own – so fun to find things by names that I know. It’s a vintage 16, which was a plus size at that time, but still looks pretty cute on Stella.
Plain and everyday, but still worth picking up, to me. All part of the vintage sleuthing craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite true vintage styles in warm weather shoes. The fabric uppers and openness are so breezy, cool and feminine. They are such a cross between dressy and casual that they are very versatile and will look just right almost any time.
I’ve found lots of lovely true vintage shoe styles by Johansen since I’ve been sleuthing and they’re always dependably elegant and well-made. Such a pleasure to find and to wear . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is the FIRST dress that Stella modeled for me, and I think it missed being posted. Another recent find, it’s a lovely example of a cotton sundress, with covered belt and ric-rac trim.
Shoes are of the era, though the suede peep-toes might be as much as a decade older. Either one coordinates nicely with the gold and olive tones in the frock.
Such a favorite style! Simple, easy to wear, flattering and always classic . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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I’ve had such a run of finding 1960’s dresses lately! But, I’m also finding items from decades before and it’s all so exciting. This pretty summer frock is a dropped-waist style that adds a twist to what would otherwise be a plain, but very elegant, sheath. This kind of casual elegance was so much a part of early-Sixties fashion.
The fabric I love because polka-dots and bright yellow are always so great for summer dresses. It’s a synthetic with a nylon feel, but may be a blend. Might have been custom-tailored, as so many true vintage dresses are, but it’s hard to say since the sewing skills our grandmothers had were so professional. Labels can be missing for many reasons.
This one just makes me want to wear it to a carnival and go on all the rides while eating cotton candy and winning at least one Teddy Bear . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This is the latest of my latest discoveries – the real deal from when mini-dresses were a “new” thing, and somewhat daring (not forgetting the 1920’s, of course). It’s made of a nice synthetic fabric in a fine rib knit. Love the funky print and the sunny colors.
At first glance it looks like it could have been made yesterday, but it’s got fully built-in and substantial bra cups in front such as you see only in mid-century bathing suits and the occasional vintage dress. In other words, it’s constructed like a brick house – no worries or straying straps.
That’s only one of the many things I adore about true vintage fashion – the superior construction which makes many items easy to wear because of thoughtful features that minimize the need for special undergarments – and saves us from wardrobe malfunctions!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I love wearing this dress and it’s special because it belonged to a family member. Cos Cob was a well-known maker of women’s sportswear back in the day, similar to Bobbie Brooks, but I don’t think that the company was as old.
This dress is cotton in a wonderful print, with a long pointed collar and nice, easy shape. Thank goodness it isn’t culottes, which were popular then. They look convenient, but they’re really not.
A sleeveless shift is great for casual summer wear and always looks smart if you accessorize properly. That’s the key to transforming most ensembles and women used to do that so well. The Europeans, I must say, are better at it than Americans now.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Just which decade is this dress from? I don’t know – it’s so classic in style, that it could be from either the 1940’s or 1950’s. I’m going to bet on the earlier time, but can’t be sure. Dare I say that it could even be from the ’30’s?!
I am certain that it’s true vintage and I love it to pieces! The back, of course, is open to mid-back and there is a metal zipper on the side. I expect that it was custom-tailored. Just look how well the pattern is matched!
This is a favorite style of mine, and I really responded to the fabric when I discovered it. Love the colors! I also like the fact that the cut of the top is modest without being unnecessarily so. Makes it very easy to wear.
Just right for a beach town, vacationing or a hot summer day anywhere. Put on a big straw hat and just look like one of the tourists . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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