This example is one of the few cases where picking up a more modern garment is worthwhile. Although it’s definitely retro and not expensively made, this gown has so many of the true-to-style elements that evening frocks from the 1930’s and 1940’s did – I was delighted to see how much of the styling the designers had gotten “right” and couldn’t resist it as a great costume.
For Halloween or a historical play it will be lots of fun and fits me well.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whether in the parade or afterward, at the big game, some high-school girl or coed strutted her stuff in this set. Sorry that I don’t know what school it was associated with, but she must have kept her letters as memorabilia. Styling and construction put it in the Sixties or Seventies.
Again, a super-seasonal find which makes it all the more fun. Won’t be a keeper in the long run, but we were approaching Halloween when this turned up. I’ve got lots of “new” things which could make dynamite costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a find that I can’t quite figure out! It’s somewhere in the mid-century and not likely a costume, because of all the detailed buttons in back. But, wouldn’t it make a great one for Halloween?
The illusion neckline is an interesting touch, though it is very modest with long sleeves. Not a child’s dress, but maybe for a teen. One way or another, it was made for a special occasion and seems to have been custom-tailored.
It’s beautiful with a soft green fabric underneath the sheer ivory. I’ve never seen one quite like it even though I’ve found things similar in some ways. ALWAYS love a mystery . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a great find from the ’70’s – a black taffeta dress by Jessica McLintock from her Gunne Sax label. It’s got netting, beading and button & loop detail around the neck and bodice in “old West” style.
Slim sleeves, puffy shoulders and a flouncy full-circle skirt. This would make a great Halloween costume and is just a very cool dress in itself. To the knees or a little below, with a wasp waist and puff sleeves.
I’ll be watching for any opportunity to wear it, but clearly it will be a fantastic disguise on October 31 – in my favorite color . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a very special woven wool jumper dress with big shell buttons. I have it pinned since it’s a little too teeny for Madge, you see how much difference a little change in one’s figure could make in the fit!
It’s really cut for a petite woman, maybe slightly under average height. But, a couple more inches here and there and VAVOOM! Unfortunately, a shade too much on the petite side for me and no Vavoom, so I sold it before Stella joined me and it would have fitted her well!
Dresses like this were super popular right around 1960 and might have been worn with a turtleneck, but a blouse would have been more likely. I show it with this sweater just because the color matches so well.
The most outstanding feature of this design is the big abalone shell buttons asymmetrically closing the front. And, the hem-line is fairly long, especially on a shorter person. A sign of the times.
Definitely a sophisticated back-to-school or a career dress for some aspiring young woman!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 