Can’t say exactly when this dress was made – definitely 1970’s/’80’s or before – but isn’t it cute! Again, it’s too big for me but will be an easy alteration because of the style and construction. LOVE the print and colors and the swing design. I’ve added this bright red belt for fun but it would look just as nice with a navy belt, which would be much more subtle.
Can’t wait for next summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
At first look I would immediately say that this dress is of the same era as the previous one shown yesterday. Well, almost . . . . . . . . . . .BUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The raglan sleeves have gussets sewn in the underarms. This is a feature usually seen in 1950’s dresses and earlier. So, this little number may be a bit older. It’s also very well-made with a beautiful shantung fabric, made of rayon rather than the more common silk shantung. The bolero jacket is very practical and pretty.
I could have these dresses altered to fit me but, since I have others very similar, they’ve gone on to eBay. The find was the fun this time. One more to go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
At first glance, this frock looks like something modern but the tailoring details and fabric tell it’s true age. It’s hard to be sure of the true color in this photo, but it is another beautiful velvet, in aubergine with iridescent flocking in a floral design. Again, sorry for the poor focus.
This dress could go from being a swanky hostess outfit at home to a night on the town. Long sleeves are so practical in the evening and the deep slit in front adds the drama that is lacking in this otherwise conservative style.
Very well-made and fits like a dream. I’ll get a lot of use out of it, when the occasion calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
OK, we’re going from oldest to youngest in these next 3 posts. My apologies for the poor focus. Cropping efforts didn’t come through, either, but you can see all that is necessary for this description. Was astounded a few days ago to find this rare garment! In the past two years 3 or 4 frocks in this early 1950’s style have suddenly come my way; haven’t seen them before that for quite a long time. . . . . . . . . . . .
Like only one of my other examples of this fashion, the gown pictured here was custom-tailored (probably at home) and made for an adolescent girl, from the style indications. Usually, dresses made with the fur-trimmed sleeves, neckline or hem were sophisticated styles made for women. Of course, girls like to wear their own versions of adult designs in every decade.
Aside from the empire styling, rather than a New Look design, one tell-tale clue is the type of fur used. Garments made for women usually had mink trim, whereas the 2 girls’ dresses I’ve discovered have had what looks like rabbit hair. However, the cranberry velvet is plush and I’m sure the young miss who wore it was pleased. It’s so much fun to follow the stories that these old clothing items tell. Stay tuned for a 1960’s item – a repeat of another recent find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From about 1965 – 1970, this ordinary-looking little frock is an exciting find to me. Why? It’s rare to find a dress from this era in perfect condition and with all the hallmarks of a true vintage piece. And, it’s very cute!
In traffic – sign yellow, which was a very popular color for clothing at that time, it’s an eye-grabber. It’s a slightly – fitted A – line style that is very flattering on the body. Although there are many dresses on the market in recent years that may look identical from a distance, this one stands out on closer examination with authentic construction and styling from back in the day. Always thrills me!
Although some modern companies have tried to mimic these features and fool shoppers into thinking they’re buying a vintage garment, they’re not successful if you know your stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love this pretty frock. The rayon(?) weave drapes so nicely and the embroidery is gorgeous. The belted style with cap sleeves is very flattering and front buttons make it very easy to dress.
This garment was modestly-priced back in the day as the construction is not high-end, but even in these everyday items the vintage makers usually tailored really well. That is one of the delights of finding and wearing day dresses like this one. Stay tuned – not near done yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I always love these frocks, but what makes this one so extra-wonderful? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Take a close-up look at the print – the little illustrations are all characters from the Alice in Wonderland tale. How cool!
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a beautiful Kennedy era party frock. With beads and rhinestones at the waist, and a swing and sway two-layer skirt. This dress is made by Carol Craig, New York – a well-known brand name of the time.
Pretty, pretty, pretty – and in perfect condition. Someone loved it very much. See what else we love, tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTABESPY.COM
A frock with some of the best elements of 1960’s casual style – soft cotton fabric, empire styling, ric-rac trim, vintage sculpted buttons and gathered sleeves. So comfy and can go from house-dress to patio party to any basic everyday event.
I’m suddenly on a roll again. Not sure when the next find may be but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 