EARLY ’60’S (OR LATE ’50’S) DRESSY 3/4 SLEEVED COAT JACKET FROM A CHICAGO DESIGNER

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

EARLY '60'S (OR LATE '50'S) DRESSY 3/4 SLEEVED COAT JACKET FROM A CHICAGO DESIGNER

This is an LBJ rather than an LBD – a Little Black Jacket. One of my very favorite surprise finds!  And, just perfect for shoulder-season wear – when it’s not too hot or too cold outside yet.

Late ’50’s – early ’60’s – just about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s time. She could have worn one like it over a dressy LBD or evening wear. Look at the trim around the collar and the heavy, glossy fabric.

It has 3/4 length sleeves with bows at the cuff, large covered buttons and a bow at the neck and falls straight in a boxy cut. Two side pockets at the hips. The length of the hem would also be 3/4 on a taller person.

From a Chicago clothier – maybe tailor-made and very distinctive. Never run across one like it before, or since, but I have seen pictures of them from that time.

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NOW BACK AGAIN – 10 OR 20 YEARS. A COTTON HOME-SEWN TRUE VINTAGE FROCK – 1940’S/1950’S

NOW BACK AGAIN – 10 OR 20 YEARS. A COTTON HOME-SEWN TRUE VINTAGE FROCK – 1940'S/1950'S.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SUMMER DRESS FROM NEW ZEALAND – LET’S STAY WARM!

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SUMMER DRESS FROM NEW ZEALAND – LET'S STAY WARM!.

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50’S, EARLY ’60’S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

Yes, I keep pulling out my red dresses for St. Valentine’s, but hey – who cares if it’s “traditional” – they’re FABULOUS!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50'S, EARLY '60'S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

This luscious dress is another that Madge can’t wear, because of the side zipper at the waist.  Soon, I want to put it (and several others like it) on Stella!  A hanger doesn’t do it justice, but imagine it as it fits – with a fitted waist and very full skirt.

Of 100% silk, with gold accents all over. I believe that it is Asian silk and was probably custom-tailored there for someone from the “West” who was vacationing or living there for a time.

It’s a beautiful dress and I gasped when I discovered it – it also fits me! What a perfect frock for a Valentine’s party or a really special date.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SUPER – FUN LATE SIXTIES DRESS FIND – FROM AUSTRALIA

SUPER – FUN LATE SIXTIES DRESS FIND – FROM AUSTRALIA.

SHEER 1950’S PARTY DRESS AND SILK SLIP

SHEER 1950'S PARTY DRESS AND SILK SLIP.

MYSTERY 2-PIECE SKIRT SUIT FROM AUSTRALIA

MYSTERY 2-PIECE SKIRT SUIT FROM AUSTRALIA.

TRUE VINTAGE RAYON DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1930s TO EARLY 1940s

TRUE VINTAGE RAYON DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1930s TO EARLY 1940s.

VINTAGE ASIAN SHEATH, MADE IN THE EAST CIRCA?

Here’s a little number to shake you up!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ImageThis dress is one of my Mata Hari outfits and  came from a shop in, probably, British Hong Kong – maybe Taiwan or somewhere in China.  It has a label with the shop’s name, but no further info.  It is possibly custom-made, as so many of the dressmakers will do in those countries.

Because it is a classic oriental style and a heavy jacquard material, I am unable to date it really closely – also has none of the identifiers that clothing made in the U.S. often will.

In any case, I love Eastern styles and the beautiful silks that they are often made from.  The older dresses are still found.  Some, like this one, are made from a synthetic blend.  Many contemporary dresses are still being made in the traditional styles, so you have to know how to identify the older ones, if that is what you are seeking.  Kimonos…

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A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS, HOME-SEWN IN THE 1950’S

Put on a sweater or jacket and look pretty in this one, no matter how cold it is!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS, HOME-SEWN IN THE 1950'S

Another favorite, the 50s styles with nipped waists. Love ’em! – who doesn’t – they’ve remained a fashion favorite for many years and a style that keeps on repeating itself. The wide neckline is also a favorite – SO flattering.  I call it a summer dress, but the cotton material is heavy, so it’s perfect to wear almost all year.

The skirt on this one has a bell shape, too – an unusual feature that is somewhat unique. This dress was custom-tailored and the construction is very unusual. I’ve never seen anything like it. Although it zips up the back, there is also an inner bodice that hooks together. This may have been the design of the woman who sewed it – in place of a bra(?)

Sometimes you’ll find a garment like this that is as interesting on the inside as it is on the outside. The tailoring details…

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