At first you might think that it’s the same dress I showed yesterday, but no – very different. Eyelet and lace and peep-through panels and flounces. One of the best of this genre had been hiding out for a long time. So glad I nabbed it – and so pristine!
As much as I love the old formals, this frock has a lot more versatility from day to night, though it probably could have gone to the Prom at some smaller school in it’s day. It would also make an interesting wedding dress.
That’s what’s so much fun about vintage fashion finding (well, one of the things) – the ideas and possibilities are almost endless. No rules!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a stunning dress in linen white with old ivory lace sleeves and applique’ decoration. A little bit Mod and a little bit ethnic. LOVE the hourglass fit and the button and loop closures all the way down the back. It looks summery, but the weight of the fabric and full lining lets you do 3 seasons with it. Extremely well-tailored by Alfred Angelo. Could go to a formal dance or a wedding.
True, I’ve not been on the prowl as much lately – been involved in other business and maintaining my inconspicuous profile. However, this time I just couldn’t resist. So keep an eye out, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding! The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.
They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles. And, of course, beautifully-made. I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional. The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath. Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .
very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way. They knew how to do that back in the day. A lost art? I hope not . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I’m usually pretty “ho – hum” on 1980’s does 1940’s dresses, but this one is a stand-out. Made by the Lady Carol brand, which produced ladies’ fashions from the 1950’s through 2000 or the late 1990’s. I have one 1950’s knit dress by this maker and have seen a few of their 1980’s versions but never liked them as much as this. Here’s why:
For one thing, the print is probably the most authentic-looking Forties-type design. I’ve seen one or two florals that were pretty good imitations, but this is much more interesting. I also like the monochrome blue. Seems like a lot of the prints from the ’80’s on dresses like these were a dog’s breakfast of colors, shapes and ugly patterns. Not even New Wave and looked more like some of the icky bargain-priced ones from the 1970’s.
The styling and tailoring are very good. Although the nemesis of a missing belt is going on here, there is enough length to use a strip of fabric from the hem to make another, if I’d like. The original was obviously a buckle belt type because a small loop at the waist indicates good tailoring to anchor the belt in front. Since there are also larger belt loops at each side, I could make a sash tie instead, which was also used in the 1940’s but usually on more casual styles. A plain navy or bone color belt would work fine, too. The buttons are classic but boring, so maybe I’ll replace them from my stock of true vintage notions.
Given where I was shopping today, I hadn’t expected either of these discoveries. Just goes to show, that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I haven’t seen a garment from this label in quite some time, so was thrilled to find one! The Kelly Arden brand was at the higher end of mid-priced dresses and might have been exclusively Junior sizes, as this one is. The nice tailoring details that we expect in a well-made garment (and hardly ever see in modern clothing) are on display here – wide hem allowance, well-finished seams, extra belt-loops to keep belts in their proper place, hooks & eyes at the neckline, full lining, fabric-covered button trim.
Someone took very good care of this dress and the only issue now is that the original belt has been lost. So common and frustrating and it likely happened after the dress was donated. The type may have been either a buckle belt or a sash tie. At least in this case, we can see the color of the original belt, which makes it easier to make a replacement. The style of the dress would also look very nice with no belt (after removing the belt-loops, of course) so there are options. I’m so grateful to women from the mid-century for looking after their clothing and accessories so well.
Although the design is very classic (and, therefore, flattering to many women), I especially like the cutaway neckline that gives almost a halter-style look and really accentuates the shoulders. The stand collar is an iconic element on 1960’s dresses. These style features distinguish the dress from other more plainly cut sheath designs.
I thought that it would be about a size too small for me through the body (a Junior size 9, which is what I wore in high school) but found that it fit very well in that regard. However, the dress seems to be cut for someone with a shorter figure than mine (that makes sense for a Junior garment). Also, the cut seems to be high-waisted with the belt falling just below the bust-line in an Empire style.
That’s not really my favorite, so I think I’ll pass this one on. I’ve had my fun and it will be super-cute on someone a little shorter. Wonder what’s coming next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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