SWEET LITTLE BIAS-CUT FROCK WITH A SWING AND SWAY HEMLINE.
This dress is so simple, but there are very interesting and attractive details – true to its mid-century era. The bow at the neckline and little covered buttons are precious. The fabric, also, is lovely. It feels like rayon and has a weave that makes it look like shantung – very smart for such a plain dress, but – that’s true vintage – they put really nice details on even the most everyday off-the-rack garments.
Although this style would be very easy to home-sew, the dress was commercially made. A tag inside says it’s a vintage plus size 18 1/2, believe it or not. Equivalent to a size 6 or 8 today. Size 4 me can even wear it with a belt, though I might want to pad my bra a bit . . . . . .. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It’s rare to discover one of these from a fabulous couture label of the 20th century! Although not what we traditionally call “Spring colors”, it’s always worth picking up a high quality designer label vintage item if you find one! I’ll enjoy this forever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
An iconic mid-century cotton shirtwaist dress that someone made at home, probably in a small town or on a farm. EVERY WOMAN was wearing these at one time – like we wear jeans today.
If you’re able to zoom in, check out the buttons and the pocket flaps on the skirt. It’s a very pretty pink plaid. Just right for running out to the A & P, baking a pie or collecting eggs . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This one was a FABulous surprise find! I always have my eyes open and my antennae up, but this blew me away!
A sheer layer over plain liner, and fitted drop-waist hourglass shape – the colors are for Fall but work beautifully in Spring and Summer for someone with the right coloring. It reminds me of a dress that Grace Kelly wore in the Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window in 1954. Just a fabulous film – highly recommended.
The style is a bit different and the colors are, too. The criss-cross neckline is something not usually seen. I love it – it’s so fun to find unusual items.
Watch that old movie if you can. It’s a great one and the clothing is wonderful. I have at least one other dress that was, in fact, modeled on one of the frocks that Grace wore in Rear Window. And, also, a dress modeled on the one that she wore to the opening of that movie. It pays to have older friends who used to do a lot of sewing back in the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Beautiful navy and pink combo on this special jacket-dress from the 1940’s. A real beauty. Nice drapey crepe in flattering navy and pink hues.
Flower petal collar. Easter splendor. Come on Springtime! . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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In the 1950s, this style of shirt-dress in a very sheer printed material was popular. I have found several of them here and there. Although the photo doesn’t do it justice, it’s one of my favorites. The fabric drapes really well and is very flattering. Bits of pink in the print help it to go with my skin-tone.
Usually, dresses of this type were belted and, of course, would be worn over a slip. Imagine this one with a lovely true vintage nylon slip underneath (but not a fussy slip). and a covered buckle belt or tie belt. . . . . . . . . . .your skirt swaying in the breeze as you walk down main street on your shopping errands for the day. A pretty little ’50s bag and peep-toe sling-back sandals might be nice. Or, you can mix it up. I love a full-on vintage look, especially with dresses, but mixing decades is also fun.
Vintage accessories with modern clothing really works for me sometimes. I find the mixing easy with casual looks. The great thing about many true vintage items is that their styles are very classic and elegant. Therefore, if you do go 100% true vintage in an outfit that is very elegant, it won’t look overdone or too much like a movie set. Be careful not to over-do things like jewelry or hat and gloves unless you want to aim for the kitchie look. That’s fun, too. And, to me, fun is what it’s all about.
I love the elements of history, mystery, style and aesthetics and recycling – but it’s all fun to me! Everyone loves a treasure hunt, 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
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