Tag Archives: elegant

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A SWEET SET – A FORMAL OR DRESSY EVENING IN TRUE VINTAGE RHINESTONES AND “PEARLS”

IMG_0956      This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties.  Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop.  The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.

The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely.  A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.

Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DRESSY SHAWLS & TOPS TO MAKE AT HOME

IMG_1021IMG_1022     It’s the time of year when we start thinking about dressy events, dances and holidays again.  I’ll be showing more true vintage formal, semi-formal and dressy looks.

These tops would look great with the velveteen skirt from yesterday.  And, I’ve got some formal and dressy frocks that need a special wrap to go with them.  Often what you already have in the closet just doesn’t work.  That’s the time when our grandmothers would get out their knitting needles and crochet hooks . . . .

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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNIT FALL STYLES FROM THE FIFTIES – SO SPORTY AND ELEGANT

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It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful!  That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing.  Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.

For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines.  These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE ART DECO RHINESTONE BRACELET

IMG_0959How about this little DECOration with that cocktail dress from yesterday?  You wouldn’t want to get too much bling going with the rhinestones on the dress, but an addition like this one could be just perfect.

Though certainly not from the same era (about 30 – 40 years apart!), mixing time is not a bad thing.  In fact, that’s one of the attractions of true vintage fashion for me, because I like to live different times, places and characters. I just love this piece, in its original box from Peacock Jewelers.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE FINDS! HERE WE GO . .. . . . ..

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK FOR A HOLIDAY GALA IN VELVET & BROCADE

Isn’t this one a pretty thing?  A perfect 10 – vintage size 10, that is.  Of course, it’s got the classic styling of the early Sixties but with a fun touch of beaded fringe at the midriff.  All the required tailoring touches make it a well-made garment – full lining, hanging loops, hooks and eyes and a deep hem, however . . . . . . .

the nicest thing, to me, is the beautiful fabric.  Plush, sumptuous red velvet on top and a lovely brocaded material in the skirt.  I can just imagine Jacqueline Kennedy hosting a Christmas party at the White House 55 years ago, dressed in a style like this.  So glad that someone else loved it enough to keep it preserved in such wonderful condition for this sleuth to uncover today.  The investigation continues – stay tuned .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE’S THE 1940 WEDDING ENSEMBLE, PROPERLY DISPLAYED

Remember this bridal dress and veil that I had a surprise chance to acquire from the bride’s daughter about 6 weeks ago?  Well, here it is in all it’s glory.  Thought you’d like to see it, too.

I had no idea, on the hanger, how charming and pretty it truly is.  And, there couldn’t be a better model  for it than Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A SPECIAL 1950’S BEADED BAG

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I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .

of course I had to pick it up.  This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything.  So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.

Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS! RARE PURE WHITE ’60’S STILETTO HEELS IN MY SIZE!!!

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OMG – pure white true vintage shoes are so rare, and especially in such good condition.  Miss Wonderful (and they are) made these lovely full leather pumps back in the Kennedy era, early 1960’s.  I’m in heaven because I’ve looked for some for ages.

Nothing takes the place of perfectly white “dress” shoes with pretty vintage summer frocks.  Vintage white sandals are not hard to find, but pumps are another matter.  Leather soles, with metal toe taps and almost-new heel caps just seal the deal.  I’ll enjoy these for decades.

Although I’ve been too busy to be looking much . . . . . well, you just never know . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FINDS! CAN’T AVOID IT . . . . . . . THIS TIME, A 1960’S STACY AMES DAY DRESS

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Isn’t this the cutest thing?  And, such high quality.  It’s probably a wool blend, but is so soft that there’s no need for a slip.  Stacy Ames is just one of the mid-century brands that created really nice clothing for the mid-priced market in the early 1960’s and I’m always thrilled to find an example like this.

Casual elegance.  So nice to slip into Fall in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM