Tag Archives: fashion

IN THE BACK OF MY CLOSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve had this one for a long time – really cute Swirl wrap dress from the early 1960’s. Had relegated it to the back of the closet because of a little minor damage and almost forgotten about it. The bandana ties on the shoulders are not original – I put them there to disguise a little color fade. Cute, no? Now that the hot weather is really upon us, I’ll be wearing it again. The wrap tie makes a good fit without fussy buttons or the need of a zipper. Just one button at the back of the neck. Swirl made nice casual dresses and I’ve got another one, plus a home-sewn version. These were very popular!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S -1990’S FLORAL SUMMER FROCK

In the same general category of yesterday’s dress but miles ahead stylistically, this frock is lightweight and comfortable. The lovely print is a common type from the Eighties and Nineties and looks as though it could be for an English country tea dress. This garment wasn’t made by any established fashion manufacturer but is a one-off custom construction. Pretty nice!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S SUMMER SHEATH FOR THE COUNTRY CLUB SET

Here we have (ahem) a very conservative and pedigreed frock made by Flutterbye. It’s well-tailored and no one would say you’d put a foot wrong when wearing it. Perfect for the horsey set. What more is there to say? Therefore, it would make an outstanding disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SIXTIES HOME-SEWN FUN FROCK

I just LOVE this print and, of course, the mid-century cotton fabric. Can’t have too many cool, pretty day dresses like this one.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SIXTIES DRESSY DINNER DRESS

Just can’t escape this decade . . . . . . . A substantial faux brocade dinner frock in mint green – when “going out to eat” was a special event. The ever-present Sixties bow at the waist makes it official.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STUCK IN THE ’60’S! COMFY IN A COTTON DAY DRESS

This was everyday in the Sixties. Who wouldn’t love it? Definitely a favorite find.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

4TH OF JULY FUN IN A SIXTIES PATIO DRESS

How about a little barbecue in hippie/prairie/Boho style? It all comes together in this 1960’s patio frock. So many places to wear this one – now that the rails are off the fashion corral (Yes!) a true vintage dress like this goes from the patio to the Prom with a stopover at the picnic and the pop concert in the park. All in true cotton comfort.

However, without your miniskirt, watch out for the puddle and the dog poop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A SEVENTIES SUN-DRESS, WHILE IT’S HOT

A bargain store beauty, ready for a casual day out. The length puts it into early 1970’s does 1940’s revival time. Love the stripes and the pastel summer hues that were popular then – lots of baby blues and pinks were seen.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EARLY 1960’S SPECIAL OCCASION FORMAL DRESS

It’s rare to find these true old ones in great condition anymore. 20 years ago they were coming out of the closet when the former debs and prom queens were moving house or retiring. Now anything that looks like this on the surface was probably made in China yesterday.

However, when you look a little more closely at a true vintage gown you’ll see the careful construction and quality materials that these older garments were made from. Even those that aren’t top-of-the-line are still distinguished and built to last!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CUSTOM-TAILORED 1980’S REPRO OF A POST-WAR CLASSIC GOWN

A beautiful 1940’s cocktail-style dress constructed to professional standards. Who knows if it was made for a gala event, theater production or just for the love of couture. Whoever did so had marvelous skills as a dressmaker.

Although it looks best on a more voluptuous figure than Stella’s, she shows off the stylistic elements better than my models Madge and Giselle. Extended, padded shoulders, trim waist, full skirt and a wide sash are each iconic elements of late 1940’s fashions designed after the rationing of fabric was ended. Hemlines fell again and glamorous elements reappeared. It was a fabulous time for fashion and was championed from Paris by Christian Dior.

Like Stella, my figure doesn’t do it justice so it will be among the archives on offer in about 3 weeks.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM