This frock has been with me for a little while. It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice. I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal. Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel. Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s an iconic Forties frock, in rayon or a blend. Just a moderately dressy day dress which would have been a wardrobe basic for any smartly-dressed woman.
The top has interesting details – a fold-over neckline and ruching at the bottoms of the 3/4 sleeves. Naturally, there is a zipper at the waist which will help you to squirm into it. Of course Stella, bless her svelte little self, doesn’t have any trouble.
The skirt, in an Autumn hue, is made of a slinky fabric that swishes nicely. The print is halfway between atomic and abstract – one of those mid-century modern things that was beginning to happen post-WWII.
Very simple, with timeless lines and minimal detail. A covered, tailored belt with a slide buckle finishes it all off. As beautiful and interesting as some of the fussier garments were, the elegant pieces are the true gems . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Black is always good, but this dress – with its black velvet accents – looks just right for that Halloween party or autumn dance. Originally from Margaret’s of Lubbock, Texas, it’s a ’40’s stunner with a big swingy skirt. I look forward to photographing it properly on Stella some time, back at Headquarters. But, for now, here’s an early photo I took shortly after the discovery.
Made of black taffeta sometime after World War II with black velvet tubing all around the skirt and making a false lacing up the bodice front. Ruching on the 5/8 sleeves – a common tailoring touch on garments from the Forties.
As always, fashion good fortune was with me. A great dance dress and fabulous find! Jitterbug or Texas Two-step – let’s go!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
As you now know, I have a number of frocks in this style but this one is special – because I found it during my trip to New Orleans. It’s very cute on and comes with sentimental value because I LOVE New Orleans and hadn’t been there in a long time.
This day-dress is made of a lovely soft cotton (worn many times) in mocha with a coffee-colored print design. Just the right shade for early Autumn days. As is common with some of the best garments, this one’s fabric-covered belt has a matching-color plastic buckle. It’s always interesting when buckles and buttons are dyed to match the fabric.
The clothing in New Orleans, I found, has fabulous stories associated with it and many of the shopkeepers can tell you some! The garments always seem to come from interesting people living in interesting places and with fascinating histories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Fall weight fabric in a ’60’s paisley print, with bell sleeves. Easy lines with a tie belt. What could be more characteristic of the shift style from mid to late ’60’s? It was a time when British fashion was tops. Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and Twiggy reigned.
Love these colors – perfect for the Autumn time of year. In the case of this particular frock, a Texas designer refined the design for her specialty label. Casual, but lady – like, something they did so well in the southern U.S.
This one, no doubt, had an interesting social life .. . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This pretty dress is in an unusual shade of blue, kind of between a Wedgewood and French blue. A combo that I always love and don’t come across often enough – blue and brown. It was custom – made, with hand-done crewel embroidery on the front.
The easy sheath style is always perfect, and the short sleeves make it less obviously Summery or better for a cooler location. I love their fluttery cut and the brown lining peeking out. The main material is a sort of hop-sacking weave, which was very popular in the late ’60’s. Just the right weight for going into Fall.
Back metal zipper and fully lined in a lightweight cotton blend material. Flattering but simple. Madge fills it out beautifully, no?
Looks just right for a teacher, or, or, or . . . . . . . . .
I wonder who . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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