Tag Archives: clothing

Pretty late 1950’s – early 1960’s Spring Formal Dress

We’re definitely ready for COLOR, and this is the time of year for that. Good thing that Winter and early Spring were big times for semi-formal events. While it’s still so cold, people were happy to attend parties and dances to add some excitement to their stay-at-home-as-much-as-possible days. The dress is still white, but there’s greenery peeking out of the snow. Even looks a little like St. Patrick’s Day to me, if Stella is planning ahead . . . . . . . . . .

The skirt is still poufy, but not as stiff and puffy as several years before. Sheer fabric over opaque is still the construction standard. Tailoring is still impeccable and the interior label identifies it as a design by Harry Keiser. There’s a little martini glass embroidered there, too, so this style might have been intended to double as a cocktail dress or perhaps they were the specialty of this company at the time.

No matter what the details, It’s a Party! and our gal is going to have fun in style. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Let’s Go to the Formal Dance 1953 – Here’s the True Vintage Prom Dress, Pretty in Pink

It’s the real deal, which belonged to a family member. With ruching on the bodice and tulle overall it looks confining but the full skirt and midi-length let her rock around the clock to her heart’s content. This was an off-the-rack confection to make her special day perfect. It was probably the Prom, but could easily have been a for a St. Valentine’s Day event. A shawl or little bolero jacket would have carried her through to midnight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Beautiful True Vintage Victorian Prairie Style Dress from early 1970’s

In a pretty apricot pink pastel hue, this lace and cotton gown is a perfect example of the prairie dresses in Victorian style from the late 1960’s to the very early 1970’s. Unlike the ones that were hippie-style, this type is very straight-laced and conservative, modeled after the dresses from the late 1800’s. Never my favorite, but definitely worth collecting since they represented a major Seventies fashion trend.

This one is not a famous label like Gunnie Sax, but it’s well-made and well-designed. During those few years when these were most popular they sometimes found their way to church as non-traditional wedding fashions and less buttoned-up styles sometimes found their way to the Prom. Speaking of Prom and other formals, we’ll be seeing more of them in the next few days. Although it’s early, girls traditionally started thinking about formal dresses for Prom and for the Spring holidays about this time of year – after all, it does require a lot of planning. That was especially true if you were having your dress custom-made, either by Mom or the neighborhood lady who took in sewing. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Mid-century Long Formal Dress – Theater Reproduction?

This frock was an unusual find and a bit of a mystery. The sewing notions such as the zipper are from the mid-century but the overall style is undefined. My best guess is that this gown was made for a theater production back in the day. It is not as carefully constructed or designed as garments made for commercial sale or general wear. The only other possibility is that it was made by an inexperienced seamstress. It’s fun to find these kinds of things occasionally, which exercise your sleuthing skills! Back to the “real thing” tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Two True Vintage Sophisticated Early1960’s White Frocks – for a Modern Wedding?

These lovely dresses are so similar that they should be shown together. Gorgeous dresses with beautiful textured fabric, fitted sheath style with unique bodice design and impeccable tailoring. Both so flattering with body-skimming fit and defined waistlines. So non-traditional, but perfect as wedding costumes – don’t you think?

Unusual and wonderful finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Beautiful True Vintage early 1950’s Wedding Dress

Here’s another wedding costume ensemble with known history. In fact, this gown was worn by a family member in 1954. Frothy, but elegant, and so flattering. A 3-layer skirt with rows of decoration and embroidery on the fabric of the little bolero jacket. Although shorter skirts on wedding gowns were popular then, this one sticks with the floor-length style. Long sleeves make it more demure but the sheerness adds a youthful touch. I also love the pretty tiara instead of a veil. Despite some sophisticated tailoring, the bride was 18. The strappy design of the bodice and wasp waist make it a dress I could see being worn to the Prom.

Too lovely for words. More special occasion and wedding dresses coming – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

More Wedding Dresses through the Mid-Century

Here’s a beautiful example of an ensemble from 1940. It’s a long way from June now, but weddings know no real season so it’s great to feature them alongside their sisters, the formal and semi-formal dresses. I know some of this one’s history because I was able to get it from the bride’s daughter. She told me that her mother had purchased it from Eaton’s, which was a well-known department store chain in Canada, sadly closed in the 1990’s or early 2000’s. I also think that there’s an interior tag indicating that it had been made in Europe.

So beautiful with the veil but the dress alone is stunning. Heavy ivory-color fabric – probably a type of rayon. Classic long sleeves that make it a 3-season gown. This was before Canada and the U.S. joined the Allies in WWII, so materials were not heavily rationed even though we had just emerged from the Depression of the 1930’s.

A couple of brownish age spots are the only signs of wear or damage. It’s so wonderful to discover a piece like this, also with background information that makes the investigation so much easier to report. Stay tuned for more transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another Frothy 1950’s – Early 1960’s Formal Dress

I’ll keep jumping around here a bit between formal and special occasion dresses and wedding costumes. In some cases there’s such an overlap that the archives are mixed. This very pale green frock is notable for the unusual bodice treatment which makes it look like an earlier version from this time frame. Look how the sheer fabric is ruched around the neckline and makes cap sleeves. The huge front bow is very Fifties.

However, some of the more conservative styles or those targeting younger buyers tend to look older than their more modern counterparts even when they were made at the same time. Otherwise, the tailoring and general style puts it right in the Post-war/Kennedy era time frame. It all adds to the mystery.

This dress is just too sweet for words and, I’d guess, was designed for teenagers. Might have been a Prom dress or an early ’50’s party dress. It could even have been worn by a bridesmaid. Although it might have been worn in the winter, looks to me like it’s definitely for Spring. Back to the mid-century weddings tomorrow, if that’s your fave. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Sweet 1960’s Long Dress for a Special Occasion – Wedding?

A really pretty formal gown with a wasp waist, cummerbund effect, scooped neckline and short sleeves. I’d put it in the 1960’s, but could be slightly older or slightly newer. Very classic. I’d also guess that it was made for a Teen or young woman, but who knows. Bridal, Prom or other special event – there’s no other clue; just absolutely beautiful tailoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another Mid-Century Bridal Fashion

Was that really a bride’s dress yesterday? Well, here’s what her matron of honor or one of her bridesmaids might have worn. Again we’re in the middle to late 1950’s to the early 1960’s for the date of this costume. The New Look Post-war design and below-knee hemlines are still popular. It’s made from a common, mid-weight synthetic fabric that has a nice gloss, with classic fitted styling and it’s own unique tailoring details. There is an attached netting crinoline layer under the skirt for gentle pouf.

Not designed to steal the bride’s thunder, but still very attractive. The virginal veil headdress, dipping neckline, wasp waist fitting and flouncy skirt in back do make the rear view a bit flirtatious. Some of the best fashion designs have combined both demure and come-hither vibes with genius artistry.

Here’s one other possibility which adds to the mystery – this might actually have been the bride’s dress, if it wasn’t her first wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stay tuned –

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM