Isn’t this just to die for? Of course, the little bolero jacket comes off to reveal a sleeveless gown with slim straps – that’s for after the ceremony when the party really starts!
The tulle, lace and embroidery plus the poufy skirt are so Fifties and wonderful as can be. Don’t make ’em like this anymore . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
At first you might think that it’s the same dress I showed yesterday, but no – very different. Eyelet and lace and peep-through panels and flounces. One of the best of this genre had been hiding out for a long time. So glad I nabbed it – and so pristine!
As much as I love the old formals, this frock has a lot more versatility from day to night, though it probably could have gone to the Prom at some smaller school in it’s day. It would also make an interesting wedding dress.
That’s what’s so much fun about vintage fashion finding (well, one of the things) – the ideas and possibilities are almost endless. No rules!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a stunning dress in linen white with old ivory lace sleeves and applique’ decoration. A little bit Mod and a little bit ethnic. LOVE the hourglass fit and the button and loop closures all the way down the back. It looks summery, but the weight of the fabric and full lining lets you do 3 seasons with it. Extremely well-tailored by Alfred Angelo. Could go to a formal dance or a wedding.
True, I’ve not been on the prowl as much lately – been involved in other business and maintaining my inconspicuous profile. However, this time I just couldn’t resist. So keep an eye out, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding! The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.
They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles. And, of course, beautifully-made. I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional. The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath. Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .
very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way. They knew how to do that back in the day. A lost art? I hope not . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a mid-century Prom or dance party dress for Spring. I’ve had this frock for several years and it is in wonderful shape EXCEPT that the bodice had some old perspiration damage under the arms. No fixing that . . . . . . . .SO, I replaced the overlay fabric on the bodice with a nearly – identical modern material.
To the naked eye in normal room light, the dress looks perfect. Only the digital camera with flash shows the difference – that aging of the fabric over 60 – 70 years has slightly changed its color.
I’m pleased with my repair, but here’s a good example of why saving any old fabrics left over from sewing or hem changes makes a lot of sense. You might need them some time and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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So typical between the mid-Sixties and mid-Seventies. In spite of all the frou-frou Edwardian/Prairie/Hippie stuff that was popular, plain knit dresses with clean lines were also a staple – more elegant and timeless, but still very fashionable.
This ensemble is a polyester or poly blend with an empire seam that rises from waist level up under the bust-line in front, fold-over neckline, back zip and a princess cut. The long-sleeve bolero jacket echos the military trend that was also popular then with it’s metal buttons.
Otherwise, the design is plain and undecorated. The fabric has a slight ribbed texture to add interest. It’s hard to call this dress “semi-formal” because it is so tailored, but at that time the style would not have been a day-dress.
Especially good for Spring or Fall. What a treat!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella’s all over the “wearin’-o-the-green” for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations. All that’s missing are some emerald green stiletto-heel pumps, a rhinestone necklace and a little 
evening bag. I had to resurrect this evening coat because, though it doesn’t look so in the photo, it is the most brilliant emerald green you can imagine!
Both from late 1950’s – early 1960’s era. Go forth and have fun!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Looking for a St. Paddy’s frock? Here we go again – a lovely pouf dress from the 1950s of acetate rayon and chiffon, in minty sherbet green this time. I love this for Spring, with the sheer 3/4 sleeves and the jewel neckline. Look at that deep hem in the overskirt!
This is a below-the-knee formal dress that could also be worn to a Prom, dinner, dance or any formal event that doesn’t require a full-length skirt. ‘It would also be lovely worn in a wedding by attendants or by a bride who didn’t want to wear the typical white or ivory. Many ’50’s brides wore gowns of this length.
The sheer chiffon covers the rayon dress underneath and there is a sewn-in crinoline of netting. I don’t believe that there are any tags remaining but I suspect that it was commercially-made. However, it’s not always certain – many seamstresses in business or at home were VERY skilled.
Finding dresses like this is always magical. Where was it first worn? Who kept it for decades and why was it so special? You just never know . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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