Tag Archives: Christmas

BRIGHT RED GIRLY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S – LOVE IT!

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Even though it’s way too prissy for me, yes, I do love it.  There’s a certain genre from that time that this frock fits right into; and, what could be better than a bright hollyberry-red dressy dress right about now?  Below-the-knee length and just right for dancing.

Some women love the bow ties, ruffles and flouncy skirts, and why not?  Sometimes I do, too.  The long, sheer sleeves are pretty.  Just depends . . . . . . But, regardless, this dress was just too perfect to pass up.  It has many of the nice construction details that I appreciate in a quality garment and that are so characteristic of true vintage fashions.

So, Ho Ho Ho and all that.  This one’s going to party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LATE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

LATE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

This dress is regal and majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.

It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.

Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.

This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

A relatively rare find, early ’60s pumps a lot like the ones my grandmother wore in 1963. I was surprised to see the metallic finish, but these are definitely true vintage. I’m not sure if they are patent leather or not – the soles are man-made but the insoles are part leather. Just enough of the markings are left, as well as the appearance overall, to show that they are at least 50 years old, though in excellent condition!

They are almost a perfect color match for the dress which I just posted, and would look very good with it. They were another surprise find, which completely delighted me.

As always, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK

Isn’t this an absolutely stunning color? Combine that with the sophisticated tailoring, elegant simplicity and gorgeous fit and we have an incomparable dress that rivals anything available today. In my opinion, it wins hands-down on quality and unique design.

Heavy taffeta like this almost has a presence of its own when the wearer walks into a room. In spite of the color, this is not a flashy dress but it will draw many eyes to it.

Although it has no maker’s label inside, I am sure that it was made by a clothing company rather than by an individual seamstress. The tailoring details are complex in the bodice and achieves the excellent and eye-catching fit.

Where would you wear this?  – a party, dance, dinner, special event – it would even make a great part of a bridal group. Jewelry?  – rhinestones, pearls, the real thing.  Nothing too flashy or “too much”, but this dress can support something outstanding!

Shoes? I favor a pair in the same color, with your jewelry accents taking the attention. At another time, in another place I found a pair from the same era that coordinates perfectly – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HALLOWEEN’S IN THE BAG – TIME FOR ALL 1950’S HOMEMAKERS TO THINK ABOUT THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS . . .

IMG_0935 IMG_0936Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November.  But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .

McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch.  Can you imagine getting all that done ?!

For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day.  And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.

I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER 1960’S FIND – A PRETTY DANCE DRESS

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Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details.  This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S “UP” THE TRUE VINTAGE BLING – RHINESTONE NECKLACES FROM MID-CENTURY AND BEFORE

IMG_0958Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars.  From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated.  These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say.  Some might be older, or slightly newer.

To be worn alone, or almost alone.  Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.

Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950’S / EARLY 1960’S

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950'S / EARLY 1960'S

Perfect for a special cold weather dinner or other holiday event or for a dressy winter wedding (as guest or bride), a semi-formal skirt suit is always astonishingly elegant.

This little lovely is of wool in a cream beige textured weave, with large ornamental buttons and a boxy cut, beautifully made, of course.  Knee or just-below length skirt and a hip-skimming jacket with bracelet-length sleeves.

The most arresting feature is the mink collar, which amps the visibility of this ensemble to a high level.   Or, you could remove the fur and replace it with a silk scarf or a pearl collar. It will make a noticeable entrance, but it’s powerful presence will only build after that.

You can decide if you’re Jackie Kennedy or Princess Grace or, or, or . . . . . . . . .. That’s the fun – you just never run out of options . . . . . . . . . ……. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BLACK CREPE, PADDED SHOULDER DRESSY FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES

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I just love the satin cummerbund on this demure but dressy style from the early Eighties.  It will look smashing on Madge, with her curvy figure.

Knee-length and sedate, this dress is nevertheless a knock-out.  Black crepe is always classic and perfect.  Black satin touches always ramp it up a notch for dressy occasions and certainly make this one appropriate for the holidays.

It’s also unusual to find a dress like this with long sleeves and that’s a real plus for certain occasions and for cold weather.  Modern dressy black dresses, unless they’re cheaply made, frumpy or uber-conservative, never seem to have them and I’m always pleased with this option in a quality frock.

Leave it to true vintage garments to provide all the best that you could want from clothing, if you’re savvy and sneaky enough to find them . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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ANOTHER NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOSTESS ROBE

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Oh, I love these heavy nylon lounging robes from the Sixties!  And, what better color?  I’m in heaven.

The great things about these, after the fabulous fabric, is the easy zip-front styling and the gorgeous trim they often used.  In this case, it’s beautiful embroidered ribbon with gold thread.  Nothing says casual at-home elegance any better.

As you can see, these housecoats, when made as well as this one, can last forever and look just as beautiful every year.  They’re also multiple-use garments – from covering up after a bath, to lounging at home to entertaining at a casual party.

Very festive – just right for the Holidays.  Being an undercover artist requires impeccable timing . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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