Tag Archives: frock

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP OR DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP/DRESS VALENTINE'S DAY STUNNER

This amazing slip (or dress?) is something I have seen only once.  It is of all-over lace, with a red nylon lining, side zip and a side slit.  It has construction features of a slinky dress but in all other ways is made like other lingerie slips of that era.

Imagine wearing this under your party frock or, if you are more daring, alone. Perhaps you won’t want to wear it until after the party . . . .

In any case, it’s a true vintage knock-out item with that great Cat-on-a-Hot-Tin-Roof feeling. Would be a nice little anniversary or Valentine’s Day surprise. When I found it I certainly couldn’t resist.

It was a bit too small for me and I no longer have it (sob).  My only regret now is that I can’t photograph it on Stella, who it would fit to a “T”.  Eat YOUR heart out, Elizabeth Taylor . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY ’60S PARTY FROCK

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S VALENTINE'S DAY FROCK

This dress is of heavy taffeta.  It looks so Spring-like, but in this substantial fabric and vibrant color it could stand on its own (almost literally!) any time of year.  The photo is of the back view, because of the cute bow.  In front, there is simple seaming at the waist for a cummerbund effect.  Very elegant and sweet, but also quite flattering with the shaped fit.

Love the salmon pink color! The material, 3/4 sleeves and netting under the skirt are so common for that time.  Such a beautiful fabric – I’ve found several dresses made of heavy taffeta from the late ’50’s to early ’60’s, in beautiful jewel tones. Would be perfect with a true vintage or modern FAUX rabbit stole ~ true vintage mink if you’re a real debutante.

As I’ve said before, when going for fur I choose true vintage (at least 50 years old) or faux/fake fur.  It is getting so good these days that you can have the look without the cruelty.  However, if I find a fur that is so old that buying it won’t support the current market for the fur trade, I go for it. There’s nothing like True Vintage.

This gown turned up a few years ago during one of my investigations. You just never know . . . . . .!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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FABULOUS FIND! FIREY RED TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S FROCK . . .

IMG_1467 IMG_1468Stella is doing a 1950’s Janet Leigh thing this time (she loves her wigs).  Just perfect in this custom-tailored red velveteen frock with rhinestone buttons and buckle.  It’s a little warm for this time of year – probably best for Christmas or Valentine’s Day – but, how could I resist?

It’s got those little pointy cuffs on the 3/4/ sleeves that are so stylish, and a very full skirt.  No lining or slip needed with this cotton velveteen fabric, as it’s very opaque and will be cuddly in cool weather.

The buttons and belt buckle are very nice, too.  Would be lovely to still have notions like this available at the corner store . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s – 1950’s RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

Staying in the spirit – looking back on the Christmas Dance (or ahead to the Valentine’s Day Dance)!  I just love this little circle skirt dress from the 1940’s – early 1950’s with sequins on the bodice.

Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing.   Just right for dancing.

This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside.  Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric.  You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.

Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and  only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE’S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE LATE 1950’S

VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE'S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE 1950'S

Now we’re getting REALLY serious – this velveteen sheath with a cowl neckline and fabulous shoulder tails is the ultimate chic. Dark red with a rayon lining – it’s one of a kind.  See how the drapes echo the LBD styles I’ve just found?

Imagine an entrance in THIS! Aside from the color, it’s not in-your-face, but would initiate and hold stares of wonder and disbelief.

You must be prepared to wear a dress like this, and it’s not for anyone without PRESENCE. Your date had better have some, too. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WIGGLE DRESS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S WIGGLE DRESS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Oooh!  Wish I had a party to go to – you can be sure I’d wear this.  By Jonathan Logan in cherry-color velveteen.  Deep V-neck front and back, back zip.  The straight sleeves have short zippers at the wrists – a surprise feature that I’ve rarely seen excepting on wedding dresses.

Looks good on Madge, huh?  You can be sure that there are no pockets! Nothing shows off the figure like a “50s wiggle dress or 1930s bias-cut gown.  Women wearing these look nothing but elegant because they are cut and made so well.  Let’s bring back the days of high-quality, elegant AND alluring clothing again (but till then, I’m thrilled to be the Magicvintagespy. ) And, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPYCOM

CUTE LITTLE APPLE PRINT ON A 1930’S – 1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS

It was the height of my happy dance when I spied this lovely! Almost-perfect condition (just a little hole mend in an inconspicuous area and missing belt) and from my favorite decade(s). Sorry that the pic is a bit out of focus – the apple print is very sweet.

A simple v-neckline with a fabric string tie. Seam at the waist, belt loops and gentle shaping, midi-length. With the black rayon background, the belt will be very easy to replace. Perfect for everyday.

Tomorrow, we’ll be traveling up toward modern time (as late as the early 1970’s). Keep watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE COTTON DAY – FROCK

Of exactly the same era (late ’50’s early 1960’s) as the party dress shown yesterday, this comfortable but flirty day-dress is a fabulous find. All it needs is a little bit of color refreshment and one small re-stitching on a seam. Then, off to the State Fair!

Boy, I really miss Stella (my vintage size 10 mannequin – modern size 2) when traveling because she and Giselle (size 4) and Madge (size 6) really put life into my discoveries on camera. However, never fear – when I do return to Headquarters you will again see these lovely garments properly displayed.

Tomorrow, the dress which is probably the star of this trunk show. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I’M STILL IN THE PINK WITH THIS FUN PARTY FROCK

This little number would be from the early 1960’s. Someone loved it very much as it’s clean and in wonderful condition, with only a little evidence of some dancing wear on the skirt. I confess, I did (very easily) remove an old spilled drink stain from the bodice so I know this dress has a history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

It’s increasingly rare to find examples like this one, which is obviously from an estate. I’m grateful that many women who built their wardrobes in the mid-century 1940’s to 1960’s saved their favorites in the back of a closet for decades. When circumstances finally cause a clean-out of their homes these treasures are uncovered, for me to find!

And, this is only the beginning. There are more to come so, stay tuned . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE FINDS – TRUE VINTAGE HOME-SEWN HOUSE DRESS 3 WAYS

I’ve seen many classic house dresses like this one in the rural mid-west. I’ll bet the woman who made it had sewn lots of them for herself over the years. It’s got decorative vintage buttons and a waist seam, but no pockets.

And, it’s a BIG size – the sleeveless style turns into cap sleeves – much too big for size 2 Stella, but look what happens with the addition of a belt. Belt around the waist seam at the hip level and it’s a 1920’s day dress. Cinch the waistline and it’s stylish in the 1940’s and 1950’s. So much can be done with a classic design. Leave it to those farm women to make the most cool and comfortable frocks for daily household chores, with a quick shopping trip into town thrown in.

Next, we’ll look at a dress for a city gal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM