Tag Archives: cocktail dress

RUFFLED 1950’S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

RUFFLED 1950'S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

This little cutie turned up in a surprising place (which often happens, so it’s no surprise to me!). So dainty and feminine, yet super practical.

Have you ever wanted to wear a smashing sleeveless LBD and needed some warmth, but didn’t like the idea of a fur,shawl or a cardigan sweater? This wrap is very subtle and light, but may provide the extra coverage that makes the difference between comfort and shivers.

Of very fine black mesh with ruffles sewn all around and hook & eye closures, I’m guessing that this garment was made in the ’50’s, but it could be earlier or slightly later. At any rate, it’s unmistakably true vintage and unique!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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VA-VA-VOOM! TOTALLY MAGICAL TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S VIXEN DRESS

VA-VA-VOOM! TOTALLY MAGICAL TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S VIXEN DRESS

OK.  Let’s compare this frock to the dress shown yesterday. . . . . . . ..

This was a completely magical find!  For the first thing, I almost missed it.   I was an inexperienced sleuth at the time, years ago, and wasn’t sure what I was seeing.

Second, it was at least 3 sizes too big, with some dowdy design features that were not appealing.  However, this is a 100% silk dress with a designer label.

Look at the draping and the ruching – GORGEOUS!! Another woman remarked about it and woke me up.

After a few very simple alterations, without doing anything that can’t be reversed, voila’! An absolute Mata Hari, femme fatale frock. Who knew?

From the same 1950’s era as yesterday’s dress – just as elegant but with a totally different feel.  This dress is very sexy and dramatic, but not in any way sleazy or tacky.  That’s the beauty of true vintage style and quality . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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1950’s LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

1950's LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

Leave it to the 1950’s to produce the most come-hither styles . . . .. . .. How could anyone resist this one?  The inventors of the “cocktail dress” knew their stuff.

Rather than a sleeveless style, “demure” sheer sleeves add just the right touch of modesty and mystery and end up amping the “sexiness” to new levels.

One of the mistakes that so much modern fashion makes – it’s so in-your-face that after the shock and awe wear off in a few minutes, it’s pretty boring and tacky.  True vintage fashion rarely, if ever, makes that goof.  It’s usually has just the opposite effect.  And, high quality materials and tailoring is the cherry on top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS RAYON FIND – A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930’S/1940’S

FABULOUS RAYON FIND - A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930'S/1940'S

Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence.  Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!

With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.

The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .

No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out.  I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930’S DRESSY FROCK

ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930'S DRESSY FROCK

This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy.  It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.

Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy.  but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.

I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them!  More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER SCORE! 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY ILLUSION DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Fast-forward from yesterday – about thirty years . . . . . . . . . . . This surprising frock looks so plain, at first, but is elegant as can be!  It’s made in a style that was popular, I’ve found, in the early 1960’s – a dress made to look like a 2-piece ensemble. Hemmed to hit at the knee or slightly below.  Perfect for cocktails or dinner out.

Although it appears pink in the photo, the fabric is a vivid coral color in a smooth knit. I’m not sure what the material is made of.  The sophisticated, simple style is very nice and I can’t wait to get it onto Madge, who I’m sure would do it justice with her robust and curvy figure!

The best aspect though, from a construction point of view, is the beautiful high-quality rhinestone trim such as we haven’t seen for decades! Each stone is set in metal prongs, like they used to do in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties. It is very lovely and adds just the right touch of dressy bling at the upper arms and hips.

Love the embroidered tag, too.  I’m excited – haven’t found something of this particular genre in a while – makes it all so FUN!  Another “new” discovery is coming tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

THIS IS SOME OF THE BEST FUN – FINDING A FABULOUS PIECE AND ALSO HAVING THE CHANCE TO BE CREATIVE .. . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

While we’re in the mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.

Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline.  The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.

Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.

I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!

Worth of Peggy Lee any…

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COCKTAIL DRESS – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Imagine my delight finding this LBD!! Very Mad Men, Jackie O and all that.  It was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue.  What could be a better item to have as a wardrobe staple?  I’ll have fun with this one.

A black crepe in perfect condition, from the early to mid-1960’s. However, this design is so elegant and classic, that it’s timeless.

Back metal zipper and generous hem allowance, careful tailoring throughout and a high-quality decorative trim at the neck and hem.  The embroidered label inside is a real plus, too.

Most of my recent finds have been good fits for me and require little, if any, attention.  Thank you, fashionistas of the past, who loved and looked after your clothing so well . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL DRESS – TRIMMED IN MARABOU FEATHERS

IMG_1743Here’s my neat-o find from yesterday.  This is the best photo I could get, so hang with my description.

A classic wool crepe cocktail frock in an unusual style.  Cocktails? Dinner? Theater?  I guess it could be designed for any of these.  Usually dresses of this sort are sleeveless and at least a little bit revealing, but this one is completely different.

Styled as a back-zip sheath with a bateau neckline – very conservative – but revved up by the sleeves.  They are the best part of all:   3/4 length, with a slit in front up to the elbow joint, and trimmed all around with marabou.  They would call for long, beautiful gloves and/or a diamond bracelet or watch because that’s where the attention is focused.

Fully lined in a soft, woven material – this dress is made to be worn during colder weather when the sleeves and wool content would feel welcome.  It’s really nice to have a party or dress-up piece like that instead of having to resort to wearing dress pants or a long skirt and sweater during winter weather.

So I find, again, that there can always be something interesting hiding around every corner . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LOVE TO DANCE? HERE’S THE PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DRESS. . . . . . . . . . .

Source: LOVE TO DANCE? HERE’S THE PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DRESS. . . . . . . . . . .