Love, love, love this beautiful dress! It’s all handmade in elegant simplicity, with gorgeous fabrics. The black velvet bodice is off-set by the pale sage green satin skirt and trim.
What a lovely surprise – and it wasn’t the only one. Wait till you see the fabulous gabardine jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The first thing I noticed about this dress was the style, and the long metal zipper on the left side. When I looked more carefully, the unusual fabric and careful construction wowed me! With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, need I say more?
The lining, which can be seen at the neckline, is a pale yellow. The patterned material is light green, yellow and blue . Over that is a sheer layer of light olive, which is hardly noticeable at first but really intensifies the color of the underlying pattern!
This is a mid-century, maybe custom-made dress of exceptional handmade quality and with beautiful design and fabric. I LOVE finding things that are different from what I’ve seen before and being surprised!!! That’s the best fun of sleuthing for true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This is my latest “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!” FIND – a custom-tailored frock made for someone very petite, and shorter than Stella. The deep green velvet is gorgeous, but I’m most taken with the styling. Shoulders like that come from the 1930’s and 1940’s. Will be an oh-so-elegant way to go to the St. Patrick’s Day dance or cocktail party.
Makes me wonder so much who, where and what this dress was sewn for – it’s got to have a fascinating story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella is doing a 1950’s Janet Leigh thing this time (she loves her wigs). Just perfect in this custom-tailored red velveteen frock with rhinestone buttons and buckle. It’s a little warm for this time of year – probably best for Christmas or Valentine’s Day – but, how could I resist?
It’s got those little pointy cuffs on the 3/4/ sleeves that are so stylish, and a very full skirt. No lining or slip needed with this cotton velveteen fabric, as it’s very opaque and will be cuddly in cool weather.
The buttons and belt buckle are very nice, too. Would be lovely to still have notions like this available at the corner store . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Since, at that time, a hat was a must-add to your outfit almost every day, being able to make your own saved women a lot of money. At the beginning of every season, women would hustle to up-date their accessories. Of course, a new hat from a milliner or a dress shop would be the first choice, but those could be pricey, even then. And, like shoes, a variety of different hats was the best thing!
These DIY styles are so cute. Like the dresses and sweaters I’ve shown from these vintages magazines, they range from casual to very dressy and can be surprising in how professional they look.
Up through the Fifties, at least, being able to construct and maintain the family’s clothing was an essential part of most housewives’ duties, along with cooking and cleaning. Although I’m told it could be fun, it was not a hobby . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE jackets like this. It’s beautifully hand-tailored in the softest suede, with horn buttons. They used to make such gorgeous outerwear coats and jackets.
This one is like new!!! Oh, I am so blessed (not to mention pretty darn good at this!) . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
With all the graduation parties going on and the weddings coming up, we’re sure to need little cover-ups like these for the cool nights. Despite the hot days in some places, it’s still Spring!
Well-dressed ladies in 1956 loved pretty “wraps” to wear over their dressy finery at times when a jacket or coat just wouldn’t do. What could better than to pick the perfect style, material and color for your own custom-made accessory?
Skilled needle-workers could whip up one of these in no time. Inspired? . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This is an LBC rather than an LBD – a Little Black Coat. 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. I’ve never run across one like it before, or since, but I have seen pictures of them from that time.
Just perfect for Stella! I love it when something like this appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This unusual ensemble was hand-tailored – and beautifully done! I just love finding true vintage garments that have been custom-made. The workmanship is often astoundingly fine.
Just look at those great buttons, too! Rarely have I found these, plus that hat. The fabric is a beautiful marled woolen weave in Autumn colors and both pieces are fully-lined.
A wonderful discovery from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s. Wowee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year. The style is also easy-breezy with an open front. I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.
Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well. Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it. What a great way to save tons of cash.
I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it. Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 