Tag Archives: cocktail dress

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LBD THAT SPANS THE DECADES AND THE SIZES. . . . . . . .

Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads.  Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc.  When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.

Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic.  Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.

Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . .  The label would suggest so, but –

Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women!  It’s a keeper!!  More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOWEE AGAIN!!! MORE GREAT FINDS TODAY

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11111211111112111Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune.  I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog.  Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER 1960’S FIND – A PRETTY DANCE DRESS

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Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details.  This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS PLUNGING BACK NECKLINE ON MY LITTLE BLACK DRESS TRUE VINTAGE FIND!

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Just look at this beautiful, sweeping back – it is the signature feature of this frock.  What an impression it makes!

I also love the bateau neckline, the fitted shape and lovely tailoring.  The fabric is perfect, too.  Crepe material like this in wool, acetate or rayon has such a wonderful drape to it – no wonder it was used so much for dress – wear up into the 1960’s, when it seems to have been replaced by polyester and poly blends.

Yes, poly is easier-care – no dry-cleaning needed – but it doesn’t hang like vintage crepe. Nothing does.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ICONIC KENNEDY ERA MID-CENTURY LBD: TIMELESS ELEGANCE . . . . . . .

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Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960.  Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.

What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses?  Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!

Stay tuned . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS - TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S

This gorgeous little number says summer all over.  It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.

If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread.   fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .

The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made.  There are too many professional details.  Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.

Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently.  In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.

Natalie Wood would have loved it.  “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”.  Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s - 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

Here’s pretty, floaty frock of satin and chiffon for a dinner-dance or any semi-formal party.  It does have stiffening in the skirt, but doesn’t have a huge crinoline, like many made a few years later .

I just die with delight when I discover one of these!  It reminds me of the classic movies that I love, where there’s always a dance in the plot somewhere.

This one is not haute couture – just an average lovely gown that any middle-income woman might have selected.  I’m not complaining!  It makes me think of France, where I’ll be in a couple of weeks!

With the mid-calf length, this one could go to the Prom, and maybe it did, once.  You just never know . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

This one is just about my favorite.  I love the camellias (or whatever flower) at the waist and the contrasting sash that flows down the front.  The length is just below the knee on me (I’m 5’6″).

There is a size tag inside, so it was commercially made.  Seems to be of rayon chiffon over a rayon/acetate liner.  There is no stiffening in the skirt. It’s such a pretty pale peach color, and an easy-to-wear style.  Perfect for dancing and very graceful.

I noticed recently that J.Crew made a very similar dress in silk chiffon.  Of course, it is nice, but not “original” – 1. there is no ornamentation (you could add your own)  2. the dress is available in several different colors, but no contrasting sash which, to me, adds so much to this original vintage one  3. since it’s mass-produced, you could see your dress on lots of other women.  However, for $250.00 you can have the modern version.

I’ll take true vintage any time. True, it had some spots on it when I found it, but I was able to make them disappear – POOF!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER – DANCE – COCKTAIL DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER - DANCE - COCKTAIL DRESS

Here’s a lovely mid-century silk dress in a classic style, perfect for a dressy date, a dance, dinner or cocktails.  It’s too sophisticated for afternoon shopping, though it could be dressed down for a day on Fifth Avenue – just don’t take the dog to the vet. (even the Yorkie, with their sharp little claws)

In printed silk, with a full skirt (but no attached crinoline), wasp waist, center back vintage nylon zipper and a sweet little bow right at the bottom of the bust-line.  Mid-calf length.

I found this one in a little out-of-the-way place where several things were hiding. It always pays to look, 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