Stella’s ready for the party in a retro Prairie/Victorian style from designer Jessica McClintock, made in the 1980’s with dark green crushed velvet (so perfect with Stella’s new holiday haircolor) and a lacey bodice. Fitted styling completes the picture of a feminine design which gives a nod to history.
Gunne Sax early dresses, before the 1990’s, were very interesting and unique. I always pick one up when I find it – becoming more and more rare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When I discovered this purse, it was the clasp as well as the fabric that hooked me. I discovered several dark green velvet garments around the same time and you could almost think that that they were made to go together. So, this was a re-purposing & recycling triumph as well as a true vintage score.
Just right with your dressy St. Pat’s party dress. Doesn’t get better than that . .. . . . . . .. well, yes, it does, but that will be another story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This amazing slip (or dress?) is something I have seen only once. It is of all-over lace, with a red nylon lining, side zip and a side slit. It has construction features of a slinky dress but in all other ways is made like other lingerie slips of that era.
Imagine wearing this under your party frock or, if you are more daring, alone. Perhaps you won’t want to wear it until after the party . . . .
In any case, it’s a true vintage knock-out item with that great Cat-on-a-Hot-Tin-Roof feeling. Would be a nice little anniversary or Valentine’s Day surprise. When I found it I certainly couldn’t resist.
It was a bit too small for me and I no longer have it (sob). My only regret now is that I can’t photograph it on Stella, who it would fit to a “T”. Eat YOUR heart out, Elizabeth Taylor . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress is of heavy taffeta. It looks so Spring-like, but in this substantial fabric and vibrant color it could stand on its own (almost literally!) any time of year. The photo is of the back view, because of the cute bow. In front, there is simple seaming at the waist for a cummerbund effect. Very elegant and sweet, but also quite flattering with the shaped fit.
Love the salmon pink color! The material, 3/4 sleeves and netting under the skirt are so common for that time. Such a beautiful fabric – I’ve found several dresses made of heavy taffeta from the late ’50’s to early ’60’s, in beautiful jewel tones. Would be perfect with a true vintage or modern FAUX rabbit stole ~ true vintage mink if you’re a real debutante.
As I’ve said before, when going for fur I choose true vintage (at least 50 years old) or faux/fake fur. It is getting so good these days that you can have the look without the cruelty. However, if I find a fur that is so old that buying it won’t support the current market for the fur trade, I go for it. There’s nothing like True Vintage.
This gown turned up a few years ago during one of my investigations. You just never know . . . . . .!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Stella is doing a 1950’s Janet Leigh thing this time (she loves her wigs). Just perfect in this custom-tailored red velveteen frock with rhinestone buttons and buckle. It’s a little warm for this time of year – probably best for Christmas or Valentine’s Day – but, how could I resist?
It’s got those little pointy cuffs on the 3/4/ sleeves that are so stylish, and a very full skirt. No lining or slip needed with this cotton velveteen fabric, as it’s very opaque and will be cuddly in cool weather.
The buttons and belt buckle are very nice, too. Would be lovely to still have notions like this available at the corner store . . . . .
Staying in the spirit – looking back on the Christmas Dance (or ahead to the Valentine’s Day Dance)! I just love this little circle skirt dress from the 1940’s – early 1950’s with sequins on the bodice.
Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing. Just right for dancing.
This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside. Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric. You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.
Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Now we’re getting REALLY serious – this velveteen sheath with a cowl neckline and fabulous shoulder tails is the ultimate chic. Dark red with a rayon lining – it’s one of a kind. See how the drapes echo the LBD styles I’ve just found?
Imagine an entrance in THIS! Aside from the color, it’s not in-your-face, but would initiate and hold stares of wonder and disbelief.
You must be prepared to wear a dress like this, and it’s not for anyone without PRESENCE. Your date had better have some, too. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Oooh! Wish I had a party to go to – you can be sure I’d wear this. By Jonathan Logan in cherry-color velveteen. Deep V-neck front and back, back zip. The straight sleeves have short zippers at the wrists – a surprise feature that I’ve rarely seen excepting on wedding dresses.
Looks good on Madge, huh? You can be sure that there are no pockets! Nothing shows off the figure like a “50s wiggle dress or 1930s bias-cut gown. Women wearing these look nothing but elegant because they are cut and made so well. Let’s bring back the days of high-quality, elegant AND alluring clothing again (but till then, I’m thrilled to be the Magicvintagespy. ) And, you just never know . . . . .
Another great find, and in perfect condition, like the one shown yesterday! Let’s talk QUALITY and DESIGN again. First off, I love silk dresses. This one needs a steaming, but that will happen when I give it a cleaning – couldn’t wait to share it.
So, high-quality fabric. Also, high-quality construction, made in Hong Kong. That’s a location that could always be counted on for superior workmanship. The turquoise edging has been applied so expertly and carefully that it adds to the overall impression of a higher-end piece. The buttons are fabric-covered and the pleating detail is beautiful. Also, inside, the little hand-done fabric fans at the shoulder seams that widen the shoulders a bit are really nice. The covered elastic at the waistline has retained its stretch, so was good-quality, as well.
I just love the pairing of a New Wave true navy/turquoise color combo and detailing along with 1940’s style. Avant-guarde meets vintage. Some better-made Forties garments were very much like that, back in the day. I would expect that this dress was worn with a belt, although there are no belt loops. A simple, dark navy belt would be called for, as the collar and cuff detail take center stage. There’s enough fabric, unless you’re quite tall, to harvest material from the hem for a tie belt or to cover a custom buckle belt.
A much simpler and “homey” style tomorrow, but still a star on the quality stage. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .
With true vintage, I always expect better quality and design than is usually seen in stores and on the Internet now. But, the excellence of these pieces really stands out and it’s worth highlighting in detail. They’re in the queue in the next few days – so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magicvintagespy 