Tag Archives: day dress

Bye -Bye Winter. Let’s look at some short sleeves from the early 1960’s.

Made of the slinky knit stuff that was soooooooo comfy to wear, this day dress looks smashing on Stella, as always. I love it when a find has such a cute, interesting label. I also love these funky abstract mid-century prints that are really wonky. You can take an afternoon trying to figure out what they might be. Nothing much more to say here – it’s got a nylon zip up the back. Funny how some companies didn’t get away from the metal zippers until the mid-Sixties and some started using them in the Fifties . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PRETTY MID-CENTURY ENSEMBLE FOR WARMER WEATHER

During the vetting process I found two bits of evidence that seem to go together well. The dress is an unfinished project which is no mystery as it was given to me by the mother of a friend, who was an exceptional tailor. She even passed on the original pattern, which could have sleeves or not. The best thing about this design is the interesting pockets. When finished, it would be a very smart day dress.

In which case, only a coordinating hat would do for a late 1950’s – early 1960’s ladies’ ensemble. Just right for a Spring or Summer day in the city.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SIXTIES HOME-SEWN FUN FROCK

I just LOVE this print and, of course, the mid-century cotton fabric. Can’t have too many cool, pretty day dresses like this one.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STUCK IN THE ’60’S! COMFY IN A COTTON DAY DRESS

This was everyday in the Sixties. Who wouldn’t love it? Definitely a favorite find.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER HOME-SEWN DAY DRESS FROM THE MID 1960’S – LOVE THIS FABRIC!

Nothing WAY special about this dress – it’s nicely made, fits flatteringly, etc., etc. but my very favorite thing about it is the fabric. It’s a substantial woven cotton or cotton blend but the best is the colors!! Several of my favorites all together, which is a rare combo. Jewel tones, but for summer!

The metal zip is in great shape so I’ll wear this one for years before having to do anything with it. The fitted cut is very nice and puts it a notch above plain shift dresses. Since my shoulders aren’t quite as broad as Stella’s, the sleeve opening forms a slight cap on me and is a nice touch. Easier to dress up or down, as the mood or occasion calls for. Thank you, Sally seamstress or whoever you were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . And, a happy American Thanksgiving to you, whenever you see this. It’s always a good day to be grateful.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY DAY DRESS BY VICKIE VAUGHN, LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

A VINTAGE/RETRO HOME-SEWN CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DRESS WITH ONE REAL GIVEAWAY CLUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1980’S DOES 1940’S RAYON DAY – DRESS WITH A LITTLE MORE FASHION – FORWARD STYLING

1980’S DOES 1940’S RAYON DAY – DRESS WITH A LITTLE MORE FASHION – FORWARD STYLING

This dress was made by Liz Claiborne back in the Eighties day. Rayon again, of course. The fabric print colors say more Fifties to me, but the styling is right for a salute to styles from the middle of the Forties decade. The shoulders are padded substantially and the classic shirtwaist styling is very mid-1940’s. I especially like the slightly-dropped waist which gives a great fit on the hips. Love it – come on, summer!

While not a sarong style a la Dorothy Lamour, it’s still got that Pacific vibe which became popular after Japan joined the fight. Exotic island colors and little palm trees so we could forget about the actual horrors taking place halfway across the world. . . . . . . A sad memory for the day after Veterans Day, but thanks to the Liz Claiborne designers for getting a lot of it right!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS – AN APPLE A DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Patriotically short and with minimal sleeves in observance of wartime rationing, this drapey frock still looks fashionable and sweet for day. Belted, with a bow at the neckline and cute little apples all over. I’ve been itching to photograph it on Stella for almost 2 years and I knew it would suit her to a T. I love Forties rayon dresses – they fit like a dream.

That means I can probably wear it, too, but first it needs attention to a couple of tiny holes on the back of one shoulder. No sweat for the Magicvintagespy and it will be ready for next summer!

During this series, I’m going to do something a little different from the usual. Garments will be posted in the order of their style decade, even though that might not be when they were actually made. All are true vintage, at least from the 1980’s – ’90’s or before, but I picked up several well-done retro pieces 1 or 2 years ago that I’d like to show you. So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM