Tag Archives: circle skirt

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

Now we’re getting really serious about special events which may be taking place this month.  This party gown is a little too demure for most Proms or whing-ding parties, but perfect for a social dance, someone in a wedding party, a dinner event, anniversary party, a recital or other celebration that is somewhat formal.

It looks almost white in the photo and is actually a very pale pink, with a sheer over-dress and opaque lining.  The neckline and sleeves are edged with satin binding. Of course, a crinoline attached.  Aside from the subtle embroidery, it is not fussy (no bows, ribbons or decorative buttons).  Doesn’t need them!  Very elegant.

When I find a dress like this, I always wonder where it was originally worn, by whom and where it was purchased or made.

Another surprise discovery, and they usually are.  I know what I’d like to have, but I rarely go hunting with just one thing in mind and, I guess, that’s mostly because I’ve put together such a collection of true vintage that I don’t have to go looking for an outfit when some event comes up.  With patience, skill and know-how you can do that, too.

I have the most fun looking for what will turn up!  Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

Okay, this one is a little longer and it could probably have gone to the Prom – but – have you ever seen anything that looks more like what to wear on a date with the Easter Bunny? These poufy frocks in sherbet pastel colors were all over the place about 50 years ago and.

Lovely coral-pink taffeta with a huge sash that ties in a bow behind.  The skirt under is stiff, but not like netting.  A crinoline could be added.  What could say Spring more than this one? Well, maybe some of the others coming up . . . . .

Every girl and woman in the ’50s loved party dresses like this.  (With apologies to your grandmother who always wore black from Chanel)  I have discovered many dresses of this type, with slight variations in the style.  Watch old movies from the late ’40s and early ’50s and you will see many similar.

When I hunt for true vintage, I sometimes feel like I’m a designer going into the costume warehouse of a huge theater, looking for just the right clothing for my characters and enjoying all the different costumes that I see.  If I want to, I can take hours just being in the fantasy of all the eras and style trends that I can find.  If I want to use my time wisely, I can zero in on the best, most wonderful things in a few minutes.

Sleuthing for true vintage is one of the most fun things I do.  It’s always an adventure, because you just never know . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!

Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery.  Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s.  The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress.  Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).

Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story.  The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining.  Unless . . . . . . . . . .

It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all.  This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.

No question that this frock was going somewhere really special.  Makes you wonder . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50’S, EARLY ’60’S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50'S, EARLY '60'S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

This luscious dress is another that Madge can’t wear, because of the side zipper at the waist.  Soon, I want to put it (and several others like it) on Stella!  A hanger doesn’t do it justice, but imagine it as it fits – with a fitted waist and very full circle skirt.

Of 100% silk, with gold accents all over. I believe that it is Asian silk and was probably custom-tailored there for someone from the “West” who was vacationing or living there for a time.

It’s a beautiful dress and I gasped when I discovered it – it also fits me! What a perfect frock for any dress-up party or a really special date.  With the generous hem let down to below-the-knee, it could even go to the Prom!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

WONDERFUL TRUE VINTAGE CIRCLE SKIRT FROM THE FIFTIES

IMG_1685This beautiful skirt is a full circle, decorated in the style of some Native American costumes that was very popular in the 1950’s.  It seems like these beautiful clothes were “discovered” by tourists and movie-goers during the Forties and it became a real trend to buy them as souvenirs of travel and to wear to casual parties (in the eastern U.S.) and for everyday out West.

Made of a substantial cotton, and always colorful with braid trim or ric-rac.  Some were made by Western-wear companies and some were made at home.  I love these for summer, but they are really 3-season skirts that look nice with sweaters, too.

Always makes me happy to find one!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – ’70S “HAPPY DAYS” UNISEX JACKET

Can’t resist the autumn jackets right about now . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Doesn’t this just make you want to pull out the Mickey Mouse ears, saddle shoes, or Keds and toast marshmallows? Or maybe put on the Frye boots, a workshirt and painter pants for a “70s thing – whatever mood you’re in, it’s fun to have garments like this in the closet. ONE GLANCE and I knew that it was not a modern item. That’s the cool thing about true vintage – even people who aren’t expert at picking it out will notice something different or intriguing about what you’re wearing that sets you apart from the crowd.

This one is of a heavy knit that has kept its shape beautifully. Aside from a little fuzz, which can be shaved away, it is in excellent condition. I suspect that it is from the 1960s, all things considered, though the style could span 2 or 3 decades. It’s certainly not a high-end…

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TRUE VINTAGE FULL CIRCLE SKIRT – A SOUVENIR OF MEXICO CIRCA 1950’S

Source: TRUE VINTAGE FULL CIRCLE SKIRT – A SOUVENIR OF MEXICO CIRCA 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE FULL CIRCLE SKIRT – A SOUVENIR OF MEXICO CIRCA 1950’S

IMG_1668Hand-painted on 100% cotton in “fast colors”, this skirt will swirl and twirl with a gazillion different blouses and tops, depending on your mood.  It’s typical of the souvenir garments available then, but different from the ones my older relatives had collected in the 1940’s and 1950’s – each one is unique!

I love the typical scene of tropical nature, a small dwelling and workers resting in the shade.  Perfect to wear while sipping a Margarita or Mojito under a palm tree (or on the back patio – Patio Party, anyone?)

Handcrafted pieces are always collectible, gorgeous and make nostalgic mementos of travel back in the day.”South of the border – down Mexico way” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S GUNNE SAX BY JESSICA “DANCE-HALL GIRL” DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S GUNNE SAX BY JESSICA "DANCE-HALL GIRL" DRESS.

3 TRUE VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN/HAWAIIAN COSTUMES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE TRADITIONAL” WESTERN-WEAR” DRESSES – EARLY MID-CENTURY CASUAL CLASSICS

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

3 TRUE VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN/HAWAIIAN COSTUMES FROM THE 1940'S - 1950'S

I’ll be heading out West again in early September, so it is appropriate to show my great Native American/Hawaiian 2-piece dresses. The two on the right are from Arizona, made by a company called Thunderbird Fashions which made lots of Western-wear dresses, blouses and skirts back in the day.

Like a couple of the other items I’ve shown before, they are of heavy cotton with loads of braid trim, ric-rac and color! The blouses have a side zipper at the waist.

The outfit on the left was made in Hawaii, about the same time. It is interesting that there are so many similarities in the style. No zipper in this blouse, and the contrast is in the fabric panel on the bodice.

Both styles have a flattering fit, with a wasp waist and free hips. I love wearing them on cooler days in the Summer and Fall and sometimes wear…

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