Tag Archives: dress

ANOTHER FIND! FROM COCKTAILS YESTERDAY TO SHOPPING AND HOUSEKEEPING

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Another mid-century style – this time from the mid-late Sixties –  but in a most casual house dress.  Sorry it’s a bit out of focus – I love this print and always enjoy red.  It’s in a half-size 14, which was  vintage language for Plus-size but it’s really not BIG at all.

The half-sizes were cut bigger in the bust and pretty straight through the waist (I’ve pinned this one in the back) but the shoulders are small, so I can wear it fine with a belt.  It was apparently belted originally because there are signs of belt loops.

I love the embroidered tag sewn in the neckline, the pointed collar and pearlized buttons with stems.  The fabric, again, is a mystery but doesn’t feel like polyester.

A no-nonsense frock that any average homemaker might have worn while going about her daily housekeeping duties.  Just the simplest and easiest thing to wear, and cute to boot!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER SCORE! 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY ILLUSION DRESS

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Fast-forward from yesterday – about thirty years . . . . . . . . . . . This surprising frock looks so plain, at first, but is elegant as can be!  It’s made in a style that was popular, I’ve found, in the early 1960’s – a dress made to look like a 2-piece ensemble. Hemmed to hit at the knee or slightly below.  Perfect for cocktails or dinner out.

Although it appears pink in the photo, the fabric is a vivid coral color in a smooth knit. I’m not sure what the material is made of.  The sophisticated, simple style is very nice and I can’t wait to get it onto Madge, who I’m sure would do it justice with her robust and curvy figure!

The best aspect though, from a construction point of view, is the beautiful high-quality rhinestone trim such as we haven’t seen for decades! Each stone is set in metal prongs, like they used to do in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties. It is very lovely and adds just the right touch of dressy bling at the upper arms and hips.

Love the embroidered tag, too.  I’m excited – haven’t found something of this particular genre in a while – makes it all so FUN!  Another “new” discovery is coming tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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2 TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY FROCKS FROM THE FLIRTY THIRTIES

2 TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY FROCKS FROM THE FLIRTY THIRTIES

Here’s another detour to the days of film noir – lets check out a couple of little black dresses from that time . . . ..

Black crepe with major embellishments. the dress on the left is quite form-fitting, but with no stretch, and has a small side zipper, so you have to wiggle in. It is covered with metal stud decoration.

The frock on the right – also black crepe – is less fitted and easier to get into. Has a huge beaded design on the bodice – looks like a Firebird(?) – I guess we can make it whatever we want . . . . . . . .

These are rare finds, and in excellent condition. A couple of cherished items – like a hundred or so others in my closet . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SCORE!! FOUND A TRUE VINTAGE KENNEDY ERA PARTY DRESS

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Wowee!  I love it so much!  First off, this beautiful frock appeared to my spying eyes and I was transported to a dance in 1960 . . . . . . . . . . .

Sheer, printed fabric over an acetate sheath – so pretty and feminine, with fabulous movement in the skirt.  The pleats make the bottom half of the dress look a completely different color, though the fabric is exactly the same.  Such wonderful wizardry in the beautiful tailoring tricks seen in true vintage garments.

This is the kind of find I live for – and I’m glad that they are frequent!  I’ll have so much fun with this one.  It’s done a lot of dancing and needs some TLC, but nothing I can’t handle – getting ready to party on.  The “new” finds are coming more frequently now, so stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S DANCE PARTY DRESS

I WOULDN'T KICK HER OUT OF THE ST. VALENTINE'S DANCE, WOULD YOU?

A gorgeous dance dress that may have been for Prom or just for any Big Band dance party – they used to be so popular back in the day.   Will LOVE to see her on Stella, when I get around to it.

The year I found this beauty (not long ago),  a famous label made one in the same basic style but not nearly so well done.  No lovely flowers at the waistline and (horrors!) in a choice of several different colors.  Can you imagine spending $250 for a dress and seeing one just like it (but maybe blue) at the party, too?!

After purchasing her for about 70 cents (that’s right – seventy pennies!) and exercising a little of my rehab know-how, this is what I had about 4 days later and just my size.  Not bad, huh?

This  frock could show up any time and have her dance card full immediately.  The Belle of the Ball and completely unique.  Some girls have all the luck . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print.  Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style.  The fabric is gorgeous.

Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood.  Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.

Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MORE “NEW” FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE “TEA” DRESS A’LA SCARLETT O’HARA

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Here’s another mystery dress with regard to dating it exactly.  It’s a tea-length party gown which has done some duty over the years and has a very interesting neckline, made to be worn on or off the shoulder.  The bodice is boned, front and back, and the color is a rip-roarin’ red!  Scarlett would approve.

Always fun, and I know that it’s at least forty years old.  I doubt that it was custom-tailored, but there is no label.  Interesting tailoring details in a seldom-seen style, which fits me to a T!  However, I think I’ll need to invest in a corset for the best fit – I’ve never owned a regular brassiere that would do it justice.

When I get back to Headquarters, however,  I’m sure that Madge will be able to do it justice.  More tomorrow – stay tuned  .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THE FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE MYSTERY DRESS FIND EXPERIENCE!!

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FABULOUS CUSTOM-TAILORED GOWN

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Wow!  Another nice little journey that made my day!!  Not only did I spy this little number by turning a corner in a place where I don’t usually look, but when I got her home and made a closer examination, many elements of her story revealed themselves.  What a fun surprise!

The second two photos are what I first saw.  I knew it was true vintage right off the bat, but the lace puzzled me.  It looked a bit too modern and odd in it’s placement, but then I’ve been surprised before doing a little research in the past, so that didn’t stop me.  There were other factors which testified to her era . . . . .

Later on, I found more.  And, the lace was tacked on as an afterthought.  Did the original seamstress just want to gussy it up a bit or was it adapted as a costume years later?  It has a bit of a dance-hall girl flavor to it . . . . .

So, off came the lace and look what happened to the skirt when it wasn’t tied up a bit! Not a full circle, but with lots of movement.  And the fabric is incredible – a heavy rayon with a double-sided pattern that you could almost wear inside-0ut.  I’ve got a two-piece jitterbug dress from the pre- or post- WWII era that is made of similar material, so I think that I’ve got my time frame.  I’m going to go with that . . . . . . . . how cool!

It’s always fun to spot something that immediately leaves no questions, but those that reveal an on-going mystery story are the real icing on the cake.  More tomorrow . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S

These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.

The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly.  It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.

The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a  bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).

Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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HOW ABOUT A LITTLE FILM NOIR? TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S RAYON DRESS

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE FILM NOIR? TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S RAYON DRESS

A beautiful, belted rayon dress in midnight navy – with a little collar, rhinestone buttons and an apron peplum. Just right for a vintage weekend dinner – date and dancing.

This frock is from the post-war years following World War II when everyone was beginning to think about starting a better life. The luxury of more variety and quality fabrics again meant longer hemlines and a return to pretty details.

Someone had kept this beauty in her wardrobe all these years, as a reminder of those elegant and victorious times, and the Greatest Generation. Thanks again, boys . . . . . . . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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