PRETTY DAY DRESS BY VICKIE VAUGHN, LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

We’re still in the same time frame – the Camelot days of the pre- and early Kennedy era This frock by the mid-priced vintage label Vickie Vaughn has the same basic styling as yesterday’s formal dress but toned down for everyday. No less pretty, however, with an abundance of the feminine detailing which was so popular at that time.

Alas, she does show some wear and tear in the fact that her color has faded in a couple of places and there are even two bleach spots on front. So, that means the blue will have to be refreshed. Not a big deal, and all the other aspects of her construction are sound. Definitely worth picking up, as it’s a relatively rare find.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOST WONDERFUL 1950’S CARDIGAN WITH ATOMIC BEADING DECORATION

MOST WONDERFUL 1950’S CARDIGAN WITH ATOMIC BEADING DECORATION

I think this sweater is from the Fifties, but it might even be from the 1940’s. Never have I seen a decorated cardigan with stellar novae (or atomic bomb blasts?), stars and comets stitched on in beaded handwork. Looks a little more like Sputnik time than Hiroshima time. Anyway, I love it and what a fun find!

The material is, I think, Orlon or something similar so it won’t need protection from moths. Seems like most sweaters from the Forties were made of cashmere or other wool, until that was rationed. It needed some stain attention and has a little pilling, but those are minor issues and easy to deal with. A pale, neutral pink like this one also goes with almost anything so will be very versatile. These pretty sweaters which fit almost like a blouse can be worn in so many ways. Can’t wait to try one out . . . .. .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S DOES THE MIDI BLOUSE – A REAL VINTAGE BLAST FROM THE PAST

1980’S DOES 1940’S IN A CLASSIC STYLE BY A CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE MAKER

A beautiful retro post-war shirtwaist day dress by Lady Carol, women’s dress label from the 1950’s until being sold in the 1990’s. Styling and tailoring details are excellent and we’ve got shoulder pads again. The atomic-style print is fun and I like the blue. This dress is great to have in the closet for days when I want an easy-care 1940’s style with some pedigree. The only regret I have is the missing belt, but seasoned vintage fashion collectors know how to cope.

Tomorrow we move on to the 1950’s. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A VINTAGE/RETRO HOME-SEWN CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DRESS WITH ONE REAL GIVEAWAY CLUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A VERY SLINKY MATA HARI VIBE, PROBABLY FROM THE 1990’S

1980’S DOES 1940’S RAYON DAY – DRESS WITH A LITTLE MORE FASHION – FORWARD STYLING

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS – AN APPLE A DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A VERY SLINKY MATA HARI VIBE, PROBABLY FROM THE 1990’S

Remember that true-life wartime spy who became famous for her espionage during World War 2? A woman after my own heart and a mentor, for sure. Asian and Asian-inspired fashions became really popular back in the day because of her. I have another dress almost like this one, but I think I’ll keep both. Rayon, again, and oh, so flattering.

The makers also got something else right – the sleeves are made of sheer fabric. This style feature was quite popular in the Forties on bodices, sleeves, shoulders and inserts near the waist. And, of course, there’s nothing like a black and scarlet combo. Perfect for a little intrigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM