So happy to finally put this beauty on Stella. Although it’s not a really old classic, this dress is well-done in the classic way with piping around the neckline and armholes, high quality rayon fabric and an authentic-looking vintage print. Dresses of the 1980’s vintage were still sometimes constructed very nicely.
This is the time of year when an island vacation starts to sound really good, in spite of the Christmas fever. I know I’m eager to head down to the tropics and tomorrow will show you another 1980’s frock to include in the suitcase. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This breezy little frock is probably from the early 1970’s, even though it’s not a mini-length. Hems were also looking back to midi-length at that time and there was a brief 1940’s retro fad happening. It’s a bargain store construction, but does have a white liner sewn in so going bra-less could work out.
I picked it up because it’s pretty and summery but also shows the fashion variety that was going on. Although we tend to identify different decades with certain fashion styles, there always seems to be a departure or two from that which doesn’t get as much publicity. Tomorrow we’ll see something that is DEFINITLY early – mid 1970’s. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Though this frock is so classic that it could be from many different decades, I’m placing it in the late 1960’s for several reasons. The finishing is very professional but I believe that it was custom-made, which has been rare for a long time. The fabric is a loose weave which was popular in the late Sixties. Fully-lined and substantial, it’s really a 3-season dress rather than just for summer, as the style might suggest. I have hardly ever seen a well done custom-tailored dress that dates later than the 1970’s. Also, the hooks at the neckline have gotten a little rusty . .. . . .
I’ll love this dress forever. It will probably last that long. It’s such a pleasure to wear something that has been beautifully-made. Tomorrow we’ll really get over the line into 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
Very surprising find, at first. It’s a non-traditional style for a traditional type of party – very popular in the early 1960’s. Although the LBD has never gone out of fashion since Coco Chanel first designed it and made it a “must” for every woman, cocktail outfits really began to morph in the 1960’s. Not only is this dress not black, but it has an Asian feeling to the design, with decorative knots and slits at each thigh. Fortunately, there is a yellow satin liner underneath so modesty is well-preserved. The shaped sheath style was definitely a staple of early to mid-sixties wardrobes.
The jacquard fabric design also has an Asian feeling to it, so that makes this frock a departure from the normal of that day and very forward-looking. It does need the zip replaced, but I have a stash of vintage zippers where I’m sure I’ll find just what is needed. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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