This one’s a sexy day dress with ruching at the waistline to give it a bit of curvy shape, while still staying very proper. Love the abstract atomic print in subtle shades that could go to work, or dinner, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hand-tailored frocks are so much fun to discover because they always tell a story about the designer. This style is so versatile – I’ll enjoy it, too. More on the way . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a pretty frock! Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous. So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.
I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is another keeper! I wish Stella were here to model it for you – it’s so beautiful. So chic and elegant, of 100% silk with a floral jacquard design, with all the fine details that would be expected from an expert tailor. This dress was made in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s by a tailoring firm especially for a higher-end shop in the Bahamas.
Excepting for the missing original belt and a few stitches in the hem which need to be repaired, it is in perfect condition. A dress of this type would have been especially prized by it’s mid-century owner, and protected from damage. That’s why it’s still possible, if you are lucky, blessed and skilled, to discover these frocks today.
I’m also fortunate to be of a size that was more or less average at that time, so I can wear many of my finds without alterations. However, an expert cleaning service will have skilled seam-sters who can work wonders when necessary, so carry on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes. The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.
This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress. It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt. There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.
What a fun little mystery-history to unravel! More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies. Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sold in several major department stores. It prospered until the late 1980’s and finally closed in 1999, due to market pressures and the declining health of it’s founder.
For Summer and into Fall, nothing could be more comfortable and cute than an ensemble like this, which could be worn everyday at home or tricked up a bit for work. Pure cotton clothing is always desirable, but the quality of this fabric sets it apart as well as tailoring details which are uncommon today.
Just my size, too! Here’s another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When it rains, it pours. I’d like a better picture, but it’s that black thing again and the fact that it’s really too big for Stella, who might show it off a little better. Midi-length, with dolman sleeves, faux pocket detail and elegant stitching on the upper bodice. Looks like something Joan Crawford would have worn. Just my style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When post-war era women finally have to/decide to move out of their homes, it’s not unusual that they have saved some of their most precious, favorite dresses over the decades. Of course, it then becomes DECISION TIME. Well, lucky me!
I was elected as most suited to look after this pink princess, left over from the early 1950’s. With sequins and netting, it’s got the requisite poufy skirt and strappy top. I may, with permission, enter it in a show this fall but I’ll probably be looking for the best new owner sometime next year. I’ll be sorry to part with her, but she is an honored guest until then . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love this frock! They had such fun print designs then. This one’s a bit atomic – hope they’re not supposed to be bombs. The wide collar, sleeve cuffs, fabric-covered buttons and bronze color give unusual touches to this example. The original belt would probably have been covered with the same material as the dress.
It’s got some stain damage down near the hem from bleach or a storage spill, but I don’t care. Those kinds of accidents were so common in mid-century laundry rooms and have, unhappily, occurred also to many garments that were stored in basements along with chemicals and cans of paint. As much as I love finding items that are in pristine condition, sometimes the little dings and dirt add a certain je ne sais quoi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing special about this dress, excepting that this maker is a respected label when it comes to more recently-made Hawaiian vintage. However, the fabric is really nice – a rayon with a good hand, lovely colors and a great print. Since it’s too big for me, I think I’ll be making some curtains for my bathroom with it!
There are lots of reasons to love true vintage clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Cute, cute, cute and so exactly of that time! Almost every schoolgirl, college coed and the occasional hip mama was wearing little day-dresses like this one. I’m no certified clothing historian, but if you look back in the old magazines and vintage TV and movies, you’ll see that this is true.
This example may even have been sewn at home. The shirt-dress pattern is very simple and well within the skills of a girl or woman who had learned to sew in Home Economics class (yes, they used to teach that to all the girls) or was taught by her mother. Almost every girl/woman did some sewing of at least a dress or two, and many, many made almost their whole wardrobes that way. If you weren’t a tailor, then coats and most jackets would have been above your skills, but most other garments were possible with a pattern, buttons, etc., and some fabric from a store downtown.
So, I’m all over the map with the things turning up lately and that is one of the best parts of the fun! Wonder what will show up next – I haven’t even shown you everything “new” yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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