FROM FORMAL BACK TO COCKTAIL – A LATE 1960’S NON-TRADITIONAL FIND

I LOVE this dress! It’s so different, but with all the hallmarks of a perfect true vintage cocktail frock. 1. It’s black 2. It’s sophisticated, elegant and well-designed 3. It is not too revealing (didn’t I mention elegant?) The BEST thing about this particular dress is the asymmetrical 3/4 sleeves, trimmed in marabou (another inhumane vintage-era material, like fur, that is definitely off the table today). So Sixties.

A great length, Easy to wear. comfortable and flattering body-skimming cut. Sleeves add a bit of warmth if you don’t want to be forced to wear some kind of shawl, etc. in a cool room. Flattering scoop neckline sets a perfect stage for your pearls (or diamond pendant, or emerald, or ruby, or sapphire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Definitely bling-worthy.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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

TO MY FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS:

TO MY FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS:

I received word yesterday that Facebook plans to discontinue my page, How To Find the Best in Vintage Fashion, in May. They cite the reason being that the type of account is short on security and needs an upgrade. Sorry, Facebook, but I’m not sure that I want to “upgrade” security with you.

For those of you who have followed me on Facebook, I’m sorry about this news. However, I continue to link with Twitter, LinkedIn, WordPress, Tumblr, Pocket and several boards on Pinterest as well as being available online as Magicvintagespy.com. At the bottom of every post are the available links.

There are big doings happening within the infrastructure of my cell, which is currently operating from a remote location. This is necessary right now. However, when I am able to go to ground at Headquarters once again (probably in June) there will be a large turnover of archived material taking place, with related data-sharing. At present, this is all the intelligence that can be published. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TO MY FOLLOWERS –

TO MY FOLLOWERS –

Uncovered a couple of neat finds today. The sort of fun wardrobe items I will use often, with plenty of mid-century history and pedigree. Will post soon. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EARLY 1960’S TAILORED DAY DRESS

SUPER-CLASSIC ELEGANT 1960’S FIND: THE ICONIC A-LINE SHEATH

MORE DISCOVERIES, BUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

the reports will have to wait until the weekend. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM