I’m not sure where this would have been worn in the late 1940’s or early ’50’s. Probably to a party, dance or some dressy but non-formal event.
It’s beautiful in it’s cut and drape. The back has a low dip (not to the waist). There’s a bit of Grecian feel to it with the folds around the bodice. Just another of those lovely frocks that women loved then.
The fabric is relatively heavy – a polished cotton in medium aquamarine blue. Maybe it’s cornflower blue. The welts across the skirt add to the quintessentially beautiful tailoring we almost always see from that time.
The skirt is almost a full circle, so it’s just made for dancing. There’s no crinoline – so it is from before “that” time, though you could easily put one under, and maybe someone did . … . .. you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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This lovely little frock might have been worn by some young lady at a recital, coming-out party or first formal occasion. I say that because it is small and very demure.
The only decoration are two petite bows at the waistline in back, next to the metal zipper. I suspect that it was specially made for her by a tailor. If commercially-made, it came from a small, exclusive shop.
The dress is a very pale beige taffeta, with lace overlay on the bodice. Moderate scoop neck front and back. Ruched cummerbund waistband,semi-full skirt with attached netting crinoline.
Very proper and very lovely. I actually found another one alongside it, possibly of the same owner. It has a bit more dramatic decoration, but is very much the same and from the same era.
Can you imagine needing a dress like this every year, or maybe more than one! Did her family move in an upper-class social circle, or was she just a creature of time and place who was required to dress up like this for certain occasions that she attended?
That’s what I love about these adventures – you just never know … ……. …. . .. . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one is spectacular and I wonder where it was worn in vintage Miami Beach. There’s always been a lot going on there, in and out of the limelight so, you just never know . . .
I discovered it, again, by surprise (!) along with several other dresses and handbags in a seemingly unlikely spot.
There is no maker’s name on it, but it was made in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. It’s got a metal zipper up the back, and a heavy satiny rayon skirt that falls to the floor or almost to the floor, depending on the wearer’s height. The bodice is TOTALLY covered with clear iridescent bangles and edged with bronze-color glass beads. The neckline is a lower scoop in back.
I can imagine this being worn to a casino, by one of the more well-to-do patrons. It creates a regal presence and says “don’t mess with me”. . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Well, now that I’ve got the road dust washed off and had a good sleep, I’ll finish up with the lovelies that I uncovered about 2 weeks ago. This one is in a dark navy color, a favorite of mine, with a neutral floral print.
I believe it is missing its belt (a frequent issue, of course) and the label is gone but there is no question that this was commercially-made. I am acquainted with the store owner where this one and its sisters were waiting and she was able to give me some of the history.
The length is below the knee and the skirt has an attached crinoline. I especially like the woven shoulder straps and neckline, done in a shiny cord of dark navy. The fit is really cute and flattering.
Not really a formal, but definitely a party/occasion dress, made for dancing the night away . . . . .. . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
This is a PERFECT New Year’s Eve dress!
I’m so sorry that Madge can’t model this one. It is a KILLER dress! Imagine Scarlett Johannson, Sharon Stone, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Joan Collins, Carole Lombard and Ingrid Bergman rolled into one. When I have time, I’ll try it on Stella.
Use your imagination. It is not tight, but fits the body – with padded shoulders and a mid-calf length. The color is gold and champagne, metallic thread – probably rayon or a rayon blend. It’s another one of those with the funny zipper in the middle of the back, that you have to shimmy into.
I don’t know whether the woman wearing this dress is a bad girl or not. She certainly has a toe in both rooms. Anyway, it’s just stunning. Perfect for any magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARITN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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