Tag Archives: dress

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE ’60S – EARLY ’70S

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE '60S - EARLY '70S

This one could have been worn to the Cotillion dinner-dance before the time of Disco. With sheer sleeves and crystal-pleated skirt, it’s a dream of a dress for dancing.  It had no belt when I found it – I think I would put on a skinny tie belt, perhaps with a little sparkle (depending on my jewelry).

Crystal pleats can be really lovely and in this case they have a superb swing, with their trumpet shape. Polyester fabric holds pleats like this really well, so that style was popular when poly was really big.  This dress is very nicely made, by a company that was based in California.

It’s always frustrating to try finding a really good dance dress.  I’ve already shown one and will be posting several more soon because I have a collection!  One thing that was really popular in decades past was social dancing, in a more formal way than we do now. Therefore, there have been mountains of fabulous dresses created to dance in.

I’m always thrilled when I find a super one like this!  Though it’s not meant for funky get-down nights, it would be perfect for most kinds of ballroom dancing (fox trot, swing, tango, waltz, rumba, samba – stuff like that).  Whenever you go to a formal wedding or dance, there’s bound to be some of that – just depends.

Stick with me and I’ll show you all the treasures that I keep uncovering all year. So much fun, because you just never know!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

Now we’re getting really serious about special events which may be taking place this month.  This party gown is a little too demure for most Proms or whing-ding parties, but perfect for a social dance, someone in a wedding party, a dinner event, anniversary party, a recital or other celebration that is somewhat formal.

It looks almost white in the photo and is actually a very pale pink, with a sheer over-dress and opaque lining.  The neckline and sleeves are edged with satin binding. Of course, a crinoline attached.  Aside from the subtle embroidery, it is not fussy (no bows, ribbons or decorative buttons).  Doesn’t need them!  Very elegant.

When I find a dress like this, I always wonder where it was originally worn, by whom and where it was purchased or made.

Another surprise discovery, and they usually are.  I know what I’d like to have, but I rarely go hunting with just one thing in mind and, I guess, that’s mostly because I’ve put together such a collection of true vintage that I don’t have to go looking for an outfit when some event comes up.  With patience, skill and know-how you can do that, too.

I have the most fun looking for what will turn up!  Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s EASTER EGG OF A PARTY DRESS

Okay, this one is a little longer and it could probably have gone to the Prom – but – have you ever seen anything that looks more like what to wear on a date with the Easter Bunny? These poufy frocks in sherbet pastel colors were all over the place about 50 years ago and.

Lovely coral-pink taffeta with a huge sash that ties in a bow behind.  The skirt under is stiff, but not like netting.  A crinoline could be added.  What could say Spring more than this one? Well, maybe some of the others coming up . . . . .

Every girl and woman in the ’50s loved party dresses like this.  (With apologies to your grandmother who always wore black from Chanel)  I have discovered many dresses of this type, with slight variations in the style.  Watch old movies from the late ’40s and early ’50s and you will see many similar.

When I hunt for true vintage, I sometimes feel like I’m a designer going into the costume warehouse of a huge theater, looking for just the right clothing for my characters and enjoying all the different costumes that I see.  If I want to, I can take hours just being in the fantasy of all the eras and style trends that I can find.  If I want to use my time wisely, I can zero in on the best, most wonderful things in a few minutes.

Sleuthing for true vintage is one of the most fun things I do.  It’s always an adventure, because you just never know . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s DAY DRESS IN RAYON

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940s DAY DRESS IN RAYON

Imagine a woman, after the second World War – during a time of rebuilding and relative prosperity, when hemlines were longer again (no more rationing of cloth).  She is walking down the street in this dress, platform shoes, a hat and matching handbag.

The lovely, heavy rayon material swings in time with her steps and outlines her figure attractively.  She is a woman of upper-middle income, on her way to a business appointment.  Or . . . . . . . .

This lovely rayon material from the 1940s is unique and very wonderful stuff.  It has a feel and drape like nothing found today.  I love the navy/white bulls-eye print with turquoise/white trim.

I bought this one from a long-time antique collector/dealer.  You just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s & ’60’s MEN’S NECKTIES

TRUE VINTAGE 1950s & '60s MEN'S NECKTIES

Here’s a collection of neckties that span from the early ’50’s to the late ’60’s.  Brand names include Wembley and others (which I’ve forgotten at the moment).  Some are of silk, some of rayon blend and some of polyester.

Although the widths vary a lot from decade to decade, I don’t think that I would let that keep me from wearing the one I wanted to if I were a man.  They can all look sharp and interesting or fun.

It’s not difficult to find these now.  Once in a while I check for them.  They even make nice belts for women’s clothing sometimes, and women did wear them as ties, too, in 1967 when the British Carnaby Street fashions were really in.  You can wear a skinny one for an Annie Hall look, or whatever.

When it comes to wearing vintage fashion, anything goes . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’s DISCO DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1970s DISCO DRESS

Here’s the perfect dress to pair up with those lipstick-red stilettos that I posted yesterday. Silver or gold leather sandals would work nicely, too. It’s made for dancing, with a skirt that is long enough to let you be versatile in your moves and swingy enough to follow your body and the music.

The material is a heavy synthetic jacquard print, which allows movement on the dance floor.  It was made for Disco, but would also be great for Swing dancing.  Back nylon zipper, elastic in the waist.  Looks a lot like modern stuff – the tags, alone, told its age.

I would probably put on a rope, chain or skinny buckle belt because I like waist emphasis. If I’m dancing, it would have to be something that wouldn’t interfere. If I’m out to dinner, a party, movie or other event any kind of belt I liked would be fine.

Alas, this dress is a medium to largish size so won’t fit me  unless I have it altered or do it myself (either is always an option).  Anyway, it’s lovely and RED (a favorite of mine) and very versatile. It simply presented itself to me so, how could I refuse .. . . . . .. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE - NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

Here’s a small portion of true vintage slips from my collection. These are, for the most part, less fancy than my others that are also older. Regardless, they are lovely and of very high quality. The heavy nylon that they’re made of feels like nothing you’ll find being sold today.

Slips and other undergarments were a really important foundation for vintage clothing, as they can be today if you know how to use them. A well-fitting slip can make all the difference in how a dress looks on the body. Bras and girdles in the past were essential in order for many dresses, etc. to fit properly.

Nylon takes on color very easily, so it can be dyed. The slip on the left was probably tie-dyed in the 60s. The black slip has simple, very elegant small embroidery on the bodice, which is covered by a sheer layer of fabric. The red slip is made almost like a dress with a plain red lining and overall lace on top, a side zipper and hem slit. I showed it a few days ago.  The two white slips show a variation in length (very important) and plain & fancy details. It’s nice to have beautiful decorated ones and also plain ones, to wear under sheer dresses.

I could drift around the house in one of these gorgeous slips all day, and night. So comfortable, so glamorous, full of mystery. What might I be wearing under that simple-looking dress tomorrow? You’ll just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

This is so cute! I think it is from the late ’60’s, but might also be from the early ’70’s. It’s a ’30’s revival style with a flounce at the hem.  Lovely, drapey rayon, cut on the bias.  It’s missing the original belt, but otherwise is perfect.  Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . .

Not my color, so this one was sold but I just couldn’t resist!   Wish I’d had Stella at the time, for the photo, since Madge couldn’t possibly get into it.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COAT & DRESS ENSEMBLE BY A CHICAGO DESIGNER

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Since looking at the last post, I know that you’ve been asking yourself “What could I wear to go with that black leather purse with the red lining?”  Well, here’s the answer – a belted knit dress with matching coat, with its own red lining.

Classic sleeveless, belted sheath dress and matching coat, originally sold in Chicago, Illinois.  The style is mid to late 60’s.  The black and white check fabric first gives the impression of being a wool knit, but it is a blend, likely of cotton and synthetic which provides some warmth for cool days but is easier to store than wool.  Really a gorgeous set and so flattering. It would be a perfect outfit to go with that lovely Italian handbag!

It does need to be dry cleaned in order to keep its shape but, these days if there is not a difficult stain or other problem that can be done at home.

I hardly ever see coat and dress ensembles and this is a beauty.  Love it! Keep your eyes open for something like this. You just never know when it might turn up. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S THAI SILK DRESSES

MY 1960'S THAI SILK DRESSES

Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.

Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.

On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.

And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM