Tag Archives: clothing

BEAUTIFUL 1970’S ALYCE FORMAL GOWN

Gowns by Alyce are always so beautiful.. Many for sale are newer than this one, but I love the fabrics and tailoring detail on the older versions. The bodice has boning and lovely beading. The skirt is swishy with two layers. It would be a keeper but, alas, is too large for me (and for Stella, too) so it’s time to pass it on.

Black is always classic and stunning, but I’ve seen Alyce gowns in many colors. When you’re looking for a special formal dress, I recommend this brand and especially if you can find one that is true vintage. The older the better!

AND, TO ALL YOU SPOOKY SLEUTHS, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1930’s VELVET REPRODUCTION GOWN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! This dress is stunning for nightclubbing. Spectacular in dark green velvet; I loved finding this one. Such an unusual style. It’s the only gown I have with long sleeves and bare shoulders – not often seen, but was a Thirties style at one time. Very dramatic with the high neckline. The only drawback of gorgeous velvet clothing, if you have crowded closets, is that they need room to hang or will become wrinkled (like many other fabrics). So, since I don’t trust my own steamer with some special materials and don’t want the considerable expense of frequent trips to the drycleaners, these archive photos are less than ideal.

However, that’s what understanding the true magnificence of these garments and having a good imagination is all about. Hanging overnight above a tub of hot water also works – (the dress, not you). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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– – – – – – – – UPDATE – – – – – – – –

The closet clean-out and de-classification process mentioned in a previous message is on-going and the winter months are perfect this year for clearing old evidence files from the archives. Sales of items moved into the public domain will begin in the first week of December on Ebay. In the meantime I will be publishing previews of a few of the discoveries. Although some of you may have seen them before, they’re always worth another look.

So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE SHOUT-OUT TO MY FOLLOWERS

No secret transmissions here, just a big THANK YOU to my regular viewers and visitors who keep coming back to the Magicvintagespy’s archives of true vintage wardrobe files. Although I’m not involved in any current investigations right now, the file room is very big, with lots to see. Really appreciate y’all enjoying my fun with me. Will be beginning another overhaul of the evidence room in December, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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KENNEDY-ERA COCKTAIL FROCK #2

Nothing to write home about style-wise. Obviously, this one was made just a bit later with a higher hemline. It’s still got a maker’s label, but just not a well-known one. Same type of fabric as the one from Saks and fully-lined, too, so there’s no skimping on the basic quality elements.

However, the neckline treatment is the real star feature. Done as a thick band of bugle-beading to look like a ribbon collar – it’s far from the more boring sequins and embroidery used on the version shown yesterday. Never seen this before or since . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE CLOSET CLEAN-OUT! STARTING WITH THE 1950’S

So, I dug out some more things to vett and chose 3 dresses to sell online. I’ve shown them all to you a few years ago, but I know that many haven’t seen them and some won’t remember! As always, hate to part with my beauties but I haven’t worn this one in a while. It’s a really sweet little number in rayon with that lovely sheer mesh bodice that was popular post-WWII.

And, of course, the velvet ribbon trim and little flowers with rhinestone centers. Boy, they sure loved to decorate frocks during that early mid-century time. No maker’s label, so it was probably a union-made piece, but the size tag tells me that it’s a Junior size aimed at the teen and young women’s markets. It’s LBD time in this series. Next I’ll show you a couple of cocktail frocks from the early Sixties . . . . . . . . . . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IN THE BACK OF MY CLOSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve had this one for a long time – really cute Swirl wrap dress from the early 1960’s. Had relegated it to the back of the closet because of a little minor damage and almost forgotten about it. The bandana ties on the shoulders are not original – I put them there to disguise a little color fade. Cute, no? Now that the hot weather is really upon us, I’ll be wearing it again. The wrap tie makes a good fit without fussy buttons or the need of a zipper. Just one button at the back of the neck. Swirl made nice casual dresses and I’ve got another one, plus a home-sewn version. These were very popular!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S SUMMER SHEATH FOR THE COUNTRY CLUB SET

Here we have (ahem) a very conservative and pedigreed frock made by Flutterbye. It’s well-tailored and no one would say you’d put a foot wrong when wearing it. Perfect for the horsey set. What more is there to say? Therefore, it would make an outstanding disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SIXTIES HOME-SEWN FUN FROCK

I just LOVE this print and, of course, the mid-century cotton fabric. Can’t have too many cool, pretty day dresses like this one.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STUCK IN THE ’60’S! COMFY IN A COTTON DAY DRESS

This was everyday in the Sixties. Who wouldn’t love it? Definitely a favorite find.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM