Tag Archives: date

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S PARTY-WEAR – GREAT BOHO BLOUSE A’LA JANE RUSSELL

Original True Vintage Party Dressing (or cafe' boho garb?)

Great black velveteen top from the 40s or, maybe, early 50s. It’s a vintage size 16 (can you imagine! Size 4 me can wear it, though it’s very Jane Russell w/o all the decolletage). Just goes to show how sizes have changed.

The back neckline is a wide scoop. There is a short metal zipper at the waist on left. Imagine this worn with a long sweeping skirt, a pencil skirt or cigarette pants with a wide belt – all black or imaginative color combos. This style can easily go elegant or boho/beatnik.

The style is really flattering & dramatic. The neckline is beautiful left alone or showcasing a necklace or long dangling earrings (not both, please).

Another fabulous example of original true vintage elegance, found unexpectedly. You just never know . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ICONIC KENNEDY ERA MID-CENTURY LBD: TIMELESS ELEGANCE . . . . . . .

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Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960.  Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.

What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses?  Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!

Stay tuned . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS PLUNGING BACK NECKLINE ON MY LITTLE BLACK DRESS TRUE VINTAGE FIND!

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Just look at this beautiful, sweeping back – it is the signature feature of this frock.  What an impression it makes!

I also love the bateau neckline, the fitted shape and lovely tailoring.  The fabric is perfect, too.  Crepe material like this in wool, acetate or rayon has such a wonderful drape to it – no wonder it was used so much for dress – wear up into the 1960’s, when it seems to have been replaced by polyester and poly blends.

Yes, poly is easier-care – no dry-cleaning needed – but it doesn’t hang like vintage crepe. Nothing does.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER – DANCE – COCKTAIL DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER - DANCE - COCKTAIL DRESS

Here’s a lovely mid-century silk dress in a classic style, perfect for a dressy date, a dance, dinner or cocktails.  It’s too sophisticated for afternoon shopping, though it could be dressed down for a day on Fifth Avenue – just don’t take the dog to the vet. (even the Yorkie, with their sharp little claws)

In printed silk, with a full skirt (but no attached crinoline), wasp waist, center back vintage nylon zipper and a sweet little bow right at the bottom of the bust-line.  Mid-calf length.

I found this one in a little out-of-the-way place where several things were hiding. It always pays to look, because you just never know … . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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SO SWEET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

SO SWEET - TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

OK, all you aspiring debutantes out there – here are a pair just for you! So sweet, and proper, and ladylike (but, they’re RED!). VERY 1960’s.

Also quite elegant – wearable with almost everything almost anytime. Shoes like this have always advertised the wearer’s good taste and sophisticated fashion sense.

But, hey, they’re also pretty cute! Imagine finding a 50-year-old pair of shoes in this condition – Fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BACK IN THE TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES WITH A LOVELY AND ELEGANT DINNER DRESS

BACK IN THE FIFTIES WITH A LOVELY AND ELEGANT DINNER DRESS

This dress is feminine and alluring in the best way. It makes the most of the female figure but is very tasteful – not a bit in-your-face.

The neckline and bodice treatment are quite unusual – something I’ve not seen done like this before or after.

The kind of fashion that makes you truly unforgettable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

SWEET 1950’S TRUE VINTAGE PARTY FROCK

This one is my very favorite – in a silvery plum. I think Peggy Lee would have loved performing in this.  Definitely a dance dress, maybe even for Prom.  Who knows – cocktails and a fancy dinner . . . . . . . . . . .?

One thing I love so much about true vintage garments is the specialty fabrics.  This one has the floral pattern embroidered on the black background, with metallic highlights.  And, of course, the fabric is cut to drape beautifully.

Your regular boyfriend can escort you around in this one, but he’d better be prepared for the competition . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads.   LOVE this neckline!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s COCKTAIL DRESS IN MOCHA

BUT, RED AND PINK ARE JUST NOT MY COLORS!

 

Beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route for some dressy or special occasion..  This frock is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy.  With a big crinoline underneath, it might even have gone to the Prom!  It’s rockabilly – swing done elegantly.

The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necklines and nipped waists are favorites of mine and I absolutely adore this dress.  Perfect for cocktails, dinner, a dance party, etc., etc..

Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay bolero jacket with it for some venues when it’s going to be chilly inside or out.  The color is a perfect go-with.  A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely, too.

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVITAGESPY.COM

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