I just LOVE discovering garments like this!! So old – in such good condition – so cute and detailed – my size . . . . . . .
A Depression – World War II era pretty frock for dancing, dining or partying. Black crepe, belted, with ruffles at the hem, sleeves and bodice. Lace overlay and pink blossoms at the decolletage. Little shoulder pads. Hard to imagine that it was custom-tailored, but there’s no label remaining. A bit girly for my taste, but when it comes to true vintage I don’t quibble.
Just like so many of the dresses I see in the old movies that I love! So, another example of what makes life so much fun . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Despite the fact that this dress has damage, I couldn’t resist picking it up. When I’m ready to wear it, it’ll make a great sleeveless style or a skirt. Or, I could donate it for study to a theater group because of all its great features as a piece of fashion history. It was well-loved and well-worn!
This frock was home-sewn from the ground up. The belt is missing, but would have been covered with matching fabric by hand. The cross-stitch embroidery decoration is, of course, hand-done. Even the patches and mends are very well-stitched and give authenticity to the dress.
I wonder what brand of pattern the seamstress used – if she used one at all. So many women could make their own patterns at home by taking a few measurements or copying from an old garment. I have a couple of older friends who tell me that their mothers could make outfits for them by looking at a picture in a magazine, a catalog or a store window. Can you imagine that kind of fashion freedom? Wow!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress is beautiful. Despite it’s clean and unassuming lines, it is beautifully tailored.
Of black velveteen, it’s a party or dressy-occasion frock. Fully lined, with nice details at the hem, waist and sleeves. It’s the type of dress that might have been worn to a Homecoming dance or party, a recital or special dinner event.
Even though the style is “plain” (read Elegant), I love finding garments of such high quality because they stand out on that basis alone. It really gives me a lot of pleasure to wear clothing like this. Of course, I always love black . . …. …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
McCall’s magazine was a real stand-by for our thrifty and talented Grandmas who wanted to keep up with the latest fashion trends. They could knit and crochet wardrobes that kept them feeling stylish at a fraction of retail costs, and have a lot of fun doing it!
From what I’ve seen online, the well-known pattern makers for seamstresses like Butterick and Simplicity did the same and were even more popular. Practically every home had a sewing machine, but some women probably still had the skills to do everything by hand if necessary.
Although it was a lot of work and must have felt like another chore in times of necessity like the Depression, it also gave women a lot of creative freedom. When they had the time and the funds to be choosy about fabrics and to adapt their own touches to a pattern or add decorations, knowing how to do this and having the support of companies that sold the things that they needed was a real relief from economic and social limitations that may have faced them every day.
Today, people find that creative freedom by doing things online and go to Walmart to ease their financial hardships during tough times, but it’s not the same. Somehow, the old way seems more attractive in some ways. Your thoughts?
By the way, I’ve got several fabulous “new” discoveries and am preparing them to show you . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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