Tag Archives: day dress

JUST FOUND! DRESSY POST-WAR UPTOWN RAYON DAY DRESS

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Made probably in the late 1940’s by a small designer/tailor, it has all the hallmarks of hand-tailoring – pinked seams, reinforcing at the waist, hand-stitching.  Love it!

Someone loved this frock very much because it is nearly in perfect condition.  Somewhere, sometime she lost one little rhinestone from a button.  That’s all.  Then, when her estate was unpacked, someone lost the original belt.

You just can’t find good help anymore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1970’S KNIT DRESSES – SOME OF THE BEST TAILORED CLOTHING FROM THE DISCO ERA

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Although the Seventies were full of schlocky clothing and many less-than-elegant designs, the full decline of everyday fashion hadn’t hit yet.  Here’s an example of a wonderfully-elegant style which was hand-made from one of those beautiful heavy double-knits that became popular in the early – mid decade.

Like the jersey knits of the 1940’s, this material was a real icon of the 1970s and performs very well.  The drape is very good and holds it’s shape.  This office-worthy frock was custom-tailored and is as simple as can be, which makes the design timeless.  The fabric and construction are of high quality.  If you find or still own a similar garment from that era, hang on to it!

A rare find (in my size!) that thrilled me to my toes.  But, we’re not finished yet – I’ll show you her party-going sister tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CUTE 1950’S COTTON SHIRTWAIST FROCK WITH LOTS OF RIC-RAC TRIM

This dress is SO Fifties.  Ric-rac was a big deal on casual clothing and day dresses.  Classic style, classic tailoring and classic fabric.  A “Renee Original”.

Love it!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY ’80’S DOES ’40’S FROCK – LOVE THIS VERSION!

What a fun and versatile dress!  I’ll enjoy wearing this one lots of places.  It’s another pretty faithful re-creation that made it worth picking up.  Lovely floral print rayon, a flouncy neckline ruffle, side zip, midi hem and, of course, shoulder pads.

Most retro fashions are not worth much more than for the rubbish heap, but a few makers paid some attention to quality and authentic design.  Well done!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRADITIONAL WHITE SHEER COTTON FROCK FOR SUMMER

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Don’t know where this was made, or exactly when, but it’s so classic and beautiful.  White on white hand-done embroidery.  Whisper-light fabric – so cool and delicate.

It does need a slip, but a pretty cotton one in a very plain style would be just right.  Hard to find now, but they used to be made for the warmer seasons.

Again, it’s a versatile thing that could even be a bridal dress.  I’ll just LOVE it this summer!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PRETTY 1950’S DAY DRESS FIND

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Love the cap sleeves and superb fit.  The fabric is luscious – medium heavy with glossy stripes.  I wonder what kind of blend it may be?  Those vintage mystery blends created some of the most fabulous materials ever.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SEVENTIES SUNDRESS FIND – PRETTY IN POLKA DOTS

Love polka dots and polished cotton!  Stella’s off to the State Fair.

Although this dress isn’t way old, it is true vintage and the classic and fun styling made it worth picking up and wearing.  It’s very reminiscent of summer dresses from the 1950’s and early 1960’s and is made well.

As we go up and down, back and forth through the decades, stay tuned!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC BLACK SHANTUNG DAY DRESS FROM THE KENNEDY ERA

A perfect little black dress for day – wonderful find!  The classic elements – 3/4 sleeves, decorative detail and shantung weave – make it very fun and versatile.  A best of the best everyday garment to discover.

Always an adventure!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE COME THE TRUE VINTAGE DAY-DRESSES, AND THIS ONE IS JUST THE CAT’S PAJAMAS FOR ANY MOTHER-TO-BE

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Believe it or not, it IS a maternity dress!  From the Forties or early Fifties!!  The brand name is Lady in Waiting (how cute).  What a fun, fun find!

Nothing could be more practical or economical than this baby (pun intended).  The fabric is cotton, rayon or a blend in a colorful print.  Perfect for a summer pregnancy.  The dress is simple and was not expensive, but so ingeniously designed and convenient!

The easy, breezy shirtwaist style is always in fashion and the flowing fabric is very forgiving.  Underneath that wrap-around wasp waist sash is extra material and a set of 3 snaps near each side seam which allow the dress to be let out up to about 10 inches.  So, no matter the stage she’s at, this mama could wear the dress from start to finish and beyond.

Good old American ingenuity (not to imply that we’re the only ones).  I love clever fashion ideas like this one.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SWISHY, SASSY AND SOPHISTICATED EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES DAY DRESS

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When I don’t find the real 1940’s thing, this will do.  When a dress is as nicely done as this one, I collect it and wear it with no worries.

In a pretty true-to-Forties style, of 100% rayon with an abstract leaf print, this frock wraps in front and ties to one side.  Well-fitting with some smocked elastic in the waistband behind and well-placed buttons and snaps inside to prevent gaps.  This is a design that rivals the best vintage styles with attention to tailoring detail and makes any garment a pleasure to wear.

Modest-sized shoulder pads and a midi-hemline add to the figure-enhancing final result.  Easy, worry-free wear and flattering style never came any better.  Although it’s only baby vintage, just about 35 years old, I’m pleased and will wear it a lot!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM