Tag Archives: circle skirt

RARE FIND. 1950’S TEX-MEX STYLE COTTON CIRCLE SKIRT

Haven’t run across one of these in a while, so I’m thrilled. They were so popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Travelers to Mexico and the southwest U.S. loved to buy them at stores carrying souvenirs, Western-wear and Native American goods and bring them home. The women living there wore them every day(especially if they were transplants from up north)-so comfortable and flattering.

Casual ones like this were often worn with white peasant blouses with puffy sleeves – see Kim Novak wearing one in Picnic(1955) with William Holden. Native American versions with LOTS of ric-rac usually had matching blouses. Pretty sure this one was home-sewn, but nicely done. The hem had been taken up from it’s below-knee original length but it was easy to take those stitches out. It’s fun to see clothing that has been altered over the years to go along with changing fashions. There is one old mend and some wear near the waistband closure that will require a little rehab, but that’s A-OK. I love vintage garments with a history and it testifies to the authenticity.

So, this one’s probably the oldest, but not by much. We’ll got forward in fashion history tomorrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S DANCE!

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What a beautiful Kennedy era party frock.  With beads and rhinestones at the waist, and a swing and sway two-layer skirt.  This dress is made by Carol Craig, New York – a well-known brand name of the time.

Pretty, pretty, pretty – and in perfect condition.  Someone loved it very much.  See what else we love, tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTABESPY.COM

HEADING FURTHER BACK IN TIME – A HAND-TAILORED FLORAL FROCK WITH A FULL CIRCLE SKIRT

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In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes.  The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.

This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress.  It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt.  There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.

What a fun little mystery-history to unravel!  More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER CUSTODIAL DUTY – A 1950’S PARTY GOWN FROM THE FAMILY

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When post-war era women finally have to/decide to move out of their homes, it’s not unusual that they have saved some of their most precious, favorite dresses over the decades.  Of course, it then becomes DECISION TIME.  Well, lucky me!

I was elected as most suited to look after this pink princess, left over from the early 1950’s.  With sequins and netting, it’s got the requisite poufy skirt and strappy top.  I may, with permission, enter it in a show this fall but I’ll probably be looking for the best new owner sometime next year.  I’ll be sorry to part with her, but she is an honored guest until then . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Just found ANOTHER circle-skirt dress from the Fifties!

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In kind of a sheer, crinkley  synthetic with a side zipper, this home-sewn frock was standard day-wear for for an average gal in the early to mid-1950’s.  Of course, she would have worn one of the beautiful slips from that day underneath – or a camisole and crinoline petticoat to make the skirt stand out.

Someone made this looking forward to sunny Spring and Summer days.  Nothing could be more flattering to a slim figure, whether curvy or not, than a wasp waist, full skirt, cap sleeves and a pretty neckline.  It’s New Look all over with a below-the-knee hem and close-to-the-body bodice.

What a great find!  More to come – stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER “NEW” BRIDAL ENSEMBLE – FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

When it rains, it pours!  Wedding dresses have been coming my way.  This beautiful frock would also do nicely as a semi-formal dress for Prom or something similar.

Pretty taffeta with a brocade design woven in – the head-dress is very sweet with little pearls and flowers and a short veil.  The dress is really a straight sheath, with a poufy over-skirt lined by a netting crinoline.  I think that elbow-length sleeves are so chic and elegant – it’s nice to see them here, finished with a little bow.

I don’t need a wedding dress or a Prom dress so this set may end up going to another bride or to a high school dance, but either way it will be a fabulous find again for some lucky girl . . . . . . . .. .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DANCE PARTY / PROM POUF DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S EASTER DANCE PARTY / PROM POUF DRESS

Imagine my shock and awe when I was confronted by this frock – an original by Max Starr, a famous designer of the time, with a pouf crinoline and layers of sheer floral fabric.  I MUST get it onto Stella soon – she’s the only one of the girls who can wear it, but it’s just her size!

The belt is covered in velvet and the colors sing Spring!  It looks like a beautiful flower garden.  This is really a prize.  Happy hunting!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW ACQUISITION – CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE RETRO 1940’S SHIRT DRESS FROM THE 1980’S

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Made in the U.S. by The American Shirt Dress company, this is not an unusual find – I come across these dresses now and again.   They are faithfully-made to the basic design of true vintage shirt dresses from the wartime and post-war days, so they are not a bad buy, but the tailoring is not anything to write home about.  The reason I picked this one up is because of the fabric.

Although it’s a cotton/poly blend, the finish is marled and glossy like many fabrics in the Forties and early Fifties were.  It’s fun to see what can be done with standard materials when a specialized weave or finish is applied.  This gives it an extra ‘elan which most retro fashions don’t have.

So, I’ll enjoy running around in this one on an everyday basis – just like my female relatives from generations back used to do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IT’S TIME FOR MID-CENTURY COTTON DAY – DRESSES TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET

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These fun and beautiful frocks are what EVERYBODY was wearing as everyday-wear between about 1935 and 1965.  The cottons are sturdy but wash and wear to a fabulous softness.  The colors are bright and the motif’s go from traditional floral or medallion prints (like the one here) to atomic geometrics and cartoon novelty images.

I absolutely cannot get enough of these!  The typical fit and flare styling is very forgiving, allowing  me a reasonable fit across about 3 sizes.  A belt can work wonders with almost any garment.  If shoulder pads are appropriate to the era, that makes a big difference, too.

With the exception of the Sixties shift style, this basic shirt-waist design is just about the most comfortable, practical and versatile for day-wear ever; still, it allows for elegance and the irreplaceable look of true vintage fashion.  I’ll keep showing more of these wonderful everyday styles, and whatever turns up.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RECENT FIND – VERY CUTE LITTLE 1950’S SUNDRESS. GREASE!!

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Here’s Stella showing this frock off properly.  Can’t wait to wear it!  The way the temperatures are going, it won’t be too long. Love the polished cotton and the atomic applique’.

Perfect for summer fun.  With a long metal zip up the back and swirling circle skirt, it’s easy-in and just right for a street dance.  Or, a picnic, or strolling with a date, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM