Tag Archives: day dress

JUST FOUND – SOME PRETTY CUSTOM-TAILORED 1960’s DRESSES

Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business.  Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.

What makes these worthy of my closet?  The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE.  Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.

I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality.  They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today.  Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S MOCHA DRESSES – A SLINKY SHEATH AND A PRIM SWEETHEART

IMG_1006 IMG_1004       Two very different frocks.  This first dress is pictured from the side so that the pocket detail shows.   It is  very figure-hugging and zips on the left.  The pocket has interesting glossy braid decoration.   I’ve pictured with it a dark brown silk slip of that era that I wear with it.

The short-sleeved shirtwaist dress is very straightforward and modest, but with cute tailoring details on front.   A pointed collar and bow at the high neck.   Easy to wear with a button front.   The fabric is probably rayon, with a soft sheen.

Both have shoulder pads (of course!) and fabric-covered buckle belts.   Great style and true vintage 1940’s cache’.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I RE-STYLED A GREAT TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WIGGLE DRESS!

IMG_1001     When I found this cutie, it was one slim dress – probably about a size 2 – 4, but very tight and petite in the bodice, so hard to squeeze into.   It also had a little wear on some of the seams.

I mused and pondered about how to save the dress so that I could wear it because I love the style and, especially, the pink/brown/ivory printed material.   It feels so wonderful – can’t explain it – you’d have to experience it yourself.   Some kind of synthetic or poly-knit, which was popular then and I’ve never seen any quite like it.   Love the color combo!

So – brainstorm!   There was a seam right at the waist and I separated the top from the bottom.   A stretchy band of matching brown knit lengthened the top just right for my torso and a simple elastic waistband in the skirt made it very easy to wear.   It works!

I opened a seam along the left side of the top for more ease and added some hooks and eyes.   A little hand-done repair here and there salvaged this find for many more wearings. Can’t wait to wear it with some of my Forties shoes!

Just goes to show that there are gazillions of possibilities . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S RAYON SHIRTWAIST DRESS AND LINGERIE SLIP

IMG_0991Navy blue again, with a white print.  Shoulder pads; the whole bit.   I just LOVE this style!   Forties rayon drapes so nicely, feels lovely and has a beautiful sheen. Shoulder pads and a belted waist are so flattering to many women and I love the prism-cut rhinestone buttons, too.

Pictured here with the rayon slip I wear with it.  Vintage nylon is wonderful, but rayon and silk slips are, also.  I like to combine similar fabrics  to my dresses in the undergarments I wear with them, if I can, or at least to match eras.

Also, woven peep-toe heels with ankle straps.  These are from the Forties or early Fifties and are also favorites.  All that’s missing are a garter and nylons, a handbag and jewelry – maybe a hat . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STYLISH FORTIES DRESS & FIFTIES SHOES IN NAVY – AND PEARLS!

IMG_0920 IMG_0974 IMG_0955This cute little shirtwaist dress was a surprise find.  Love it so much!   With a fabric-covered belt, Peter Pan collar and bows on the sleeves, in wonderful classic navy blue.

I have several pairs of shoes that would go well, but I’m showing these stilettos with little curlicues on the vamps – a favorite pair.

As Coco Chanel would say, no outfit is complete without pearls.   I collect nice ones whenever I run across them.   Most are costume, but some are real.   It’s fun to find different styles & hues, and they go with everything . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A TRUE VINTAGE DO-IT-YOURSELF WARDROBE PLAN FOR YOUR 1956 OCEAN CRUISE

IMG_0970 IMG_0971 IMG_0969 IMG_0968 IMG_0967 IMG_0965 IMG_0964Can you imagine?!   You’re planning to set sail in a few weeks.  Why not spend that time knitting and crocheting your entire wardrobe for the trip?   Sound like a good idea?   Think of the money you’ll save!   Imagine the compliments and envious looks when other women see your gorgeous, custom-made outfits.  Just pull out the instructions in your latest issue of the McCall’s needlework magazine.

Such ambition those mid-century women had!  My pillbox is off to them . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SLEEPWEAR AND HOUSE-DRESS LINGERIE AND LEISURE ITEMS

IMG_0939 IMG_0948 IMG_0925 IMG_0924We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice.  This was standard nightwear back in the day.

Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket.  It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress.  Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.

The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.

This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing.  You often see examples in old movies.  They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times.  I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE “LITTLE BLACK SUIT” FROM THE 1960’S, WITH A SPECIAL BLOUSE

Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves.  It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.

In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans.  Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.

This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress.  It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket.  Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc.  It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.

This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew.  I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day!   As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE BLACK & WHITE KNIT DAY DRESS – SO SMART AND CHIC!

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I have found several of these elegant black and white styles from the ’60’s and ’70’s – and wear them a lot.  As versatile as a Little Black Dress for day and fun to accessorize.  If made by a well-known clothing company or designer, the workmanship was good .

Polyester knits made up until the early 1970’s were usually very nice – good quality and with a substantial feel and nice drape.  A well-made dress or pant-suit could take you through 3 seasons of the year.  Although similar-looking dresses are made now, the older ones almost always have superior tailoring and fabric.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE FROCK AND MATCHING JACKET FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

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Found yesterday!  A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket.  These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear.  Perfect for a day at the county fair.

Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship.  A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.

It’s another rare find.  I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses.  As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear.  Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM