Tag Archives: custom tailored

Interesting Early 1950’s Home-Sewn “Cocktail Dress”

When I spied this frock, I knew it was true vintage but couldn’t actually place it. With a little research I discovered that dresses of this type, worn over a plain slip-dress of some kind, had their niche popularity in the early 1950’s. This one must have been a home-seamstress’s answer to having a more affordable version.

At first I couldn’t decide between the front and back, but when put on Madge, who is a perfectly proportioned modern size 6, it is obvious that the cowl effect fits best in the front and is an elegant style. Depending on how it fits, could also be worn in the reverse. It’s always fun to solve the mysteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MAJOR GLAM IN TRUE VINTAGE FURS – STOLE/CAPE AND JACKET FROM THE 1940’S / 1950’S

MAJOR GLAM IN TRUE VINTAGE FURS - STOLE/CAPE AND JACKET FROM THE 1940'S / 1950'S

Daytime into evening glamour for some well-dressed women back in the day.  I just love the details and distinctive style of these.

Unmistakably true vintage, they’re extremely versatile today when we might wear them with anything from jeans to evening clothing.  And, of course, a perfect final touch to any period costume.

Naturally, they’re beautifully finished inside, with the original owner’s initials sewn to the lining.  The little pockets on the front of the cape are an interesting feature – and that BIG button closure – AND the huge cuffs on the ’40’s jacket – LOVE!

Since supporting the current market for new furs is a major no-no for anyone who values animal rights, as I do, I’m grateful for the excellent imitation furs that are being made now and that the sales of new real furs seem to be diminishing – at least in the U.S.  I hope that’s true.

It’s OK to enjoy these pretty designs from a half-century ago for their place in fashion history and beautiful craftsmanship.  I never get tired of wondering and imagining about the origins and histories of the lovely garments I find, and how to wear them now . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

HEY, MOM – I NEED A HALLOWEEN COSTUME! NO WORRIES FOR OUR 1950’S HOMEMAKER . . .

IMG_0966 IMG_0963     She’d just pull out the latest edition of her McCalls Needlework magazine.  And, of course, there is the Christmas Pageant, too . .. . .

I can’t believe the intricacy of these home-sewing DIY patterns.  Women used to do this all the time!

Once when I was a kid, my (I thought) non-sewing grandmother did  whip up a very convincing 1960’s black collarless jacket for me when I wanted to be a Beatle for Halloween.  Who knew?  . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS FIND! 1940’S OR EARLY 1950’S 2-PC SWEATER DRESS – VA-VA-VOOM!!

IMG_4205

What a wiggle dress this is!  Marilyn Monroe – move over!!  What a rare find – couldn’t believe it when it appeared (no, I fib. Of course I could).  It’s hand-knitted, as was the one given to me several years ago by my friend Rosalie, who had made it herself in 1952.  Likely, many women who were competent needle-workers did so when this style was popular.

This example is made of the same glossy yarn I wrote about several days ago.  My other garments made from it are casual sweaters, so I was floored to find this lovely dress of the same material!  Just perfect for a sophisticated occasion.  I’m keeping it for wearing at just the right vintage venues (local museum events come to mind) or theme cocktail parties, Halloween  . . . . . . . . ..

Anyway, I’ll be having LOTS of fun with it.  That’s what it’s all about!!!  Too much enthusiasm?  Never . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DRESS & COAT ENSEMBLE – PERFECTLY TAILORED

IMG_1728 IMG_1729Can you imagine – the FIRST thing I discovered was this gorgeous set!!  And, it all got better from here:

Pretty rayon blend sheath dress with a matching coat.  Look at the collar on that coat!  The trim and lining are of printed silk.  Both dress and coat are completely lined.  There is no label remaining, so this set might have been custom-tailored by an expert.

On top of that, it’s in perfect condition.  A special frock ensemble, well cared for.  Made for Spring or early Autumn – cool summers, too.

Well, full-moon periods are like this.  Phenomenal things materialize.  This one hit my eye like a big pizza pie – and I was off and running . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

FABULOUS ORIGINAL FORTIES – FIFTIES COTTON HALTER DRESS

IMG_5316

Couldn’t wait for summer!  What a great discovery – an iconic halter frock in luscious cotton.  These sexy and cool dresses are perfect for hot days (and nights).  Move over, Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A 1960’S HOME-SEWN SUMMER SCOOTER DRESS

dsc00738.jpg

How cute is this – and, in wonderful condition?!  Nice two-tone probably cotton fabric, with a flippy pleated skirt and button tab decoration at the hip-line.  It was fashioned at home by a seamstress with confidence who made exactly what she wanted, with a perfect fit for her.  It’s a little big on me, but the style makes it super-easy to alter the size.

I can just imagine Ann-Margret in a frock like this one, riding on the back of a scooter in a mid-century movie.  What a treat!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

PRETTY MID-CENTURY COTTON PATIO DRESS IN RED, WHITE & BLUE PRAIRIE STYLE

This dress is pristine – a beautiful example of a custom-tailored frock from the 1960’s or 1970’s.  The fabric is quilting-type cotton with small floral detail.  Very patriotic, too, if you’re into that.

Prairie style was huge during the 1965 – 1975 decade and I suspect that was when this dress was made.  However, it’s almost like new with very little evidence of wear.  Perhaps it was made for a special occasion.  Because of the style – a bit prissy for my taste – it might not have been worn regularly.  Long sleeves limit the summer usefulness but are a great plus for Fall.  All things considered, I’m thrilled to find a frock in such perfect condition!

Unraveling the clues is always the icing on the cake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’s early 1960’s ROCKABILLY SUNDRESS

IMG_3897

Ooh, LOVE this!  Stella’s got a real rockabilly thing going on.  What a pretty and flirty dress someone made back in the day!

Just right for summer shopping, dancing and just playing around.  The bust-line flounce, wrap tie cummerbund belt and full skirt are really flattering features that also allow for some size variability when you have skinny or fat days.  Although, this frock was made for a slender gal because there are no zipper or buttons.

Ah, well.  Stella can do it, and so can I.  So, definitely another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IT’S SO MUCH FUN!! HOME-SEWN DAY DRESSES FROM THE 1960’S

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

More custom-tailored stories coming my way – this cute cotton summer frock practically lets me follow the seamstress’s journey as she made this dress for herself.  It’s so fun to think of a girl or woman, way back in the day, going to the fabric store and finding a pattern she loves – picking the material she wants and using her sewing skills learned in Home Ec class and the dreams in her imagination to create a dress that she’ll love to wear.

Wish Stella were here to model it for me, but if you know anything about sewing, all the details of this dress make it crystal clear.  Although I love finding gorgeous designer frocks from the 1940’s, Fifties and before, a simple homemade garment is one of the sweetest surprises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM