An all-round perfect dance dress from the 1970’s. 
Pretty styling on the shoulders makes up for the otherwise ordinary construction. However, for the Seventies it’s a nice example and couldn’t be better suited to dancing the night away. The perfect dress for Karen Carpenter or Olivia Newton-John.
Since it’s not my color, I probably won’t end up keeping it but thought it worth a pick-up for it’s iconic value.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love, love, love the graphics here! Although this dress was never more than a lower-end bargain fashion, the style and construction testify to the superior quality and value of garments made several decades ago. I’ll enjoy wearing this one, but I’ll take special care of it, too.
The label is no longer legible, so I’m not sure of the exact fabric content or the brand name. Also, the original belt is missing, which was probably a tie belt. Like many of the knits back in the day, it has a really nice feel and hangs and drapes beautifully. I like this shiny buckle belt now – dresses it up a bit.
Keep on watching, because it only gets better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two of these were handmade and the third is a simple style from a bargain shop, sometime in the Sixties or Seventies. I can never get enough of these cute cotton frocks because they are so practical – from housework to a grocery run they’re just right for the job.
It’s fun to put out a vintage vibe while doing the everyday this and that with no worries about special caution for your outfit. Dresses like this can serve me well and eventually be retired with no tears.
So, although not a hugely exciting find it’s one that always makes me happy and keeps my everyday closet well-stocked. I’d much rather wear one of these dresses on an average day than a same old same old jeans and Tee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Finding this dress was a real sleuthing success! I’d been hunting for a vintage silk Cheongsam style in my size for years, then uncovered this one at a teeny, teeny price. The original color was a yellowy beige and there were several brown stains and a little rip near the hem. But –
The Magicvintagespy knows what to do. So, I mixed a couple of dye colors that I had leftover from another job and expected to have a soft, neutral brown. Instead, I got this WONDERFUL lavender/bronze color! LOVE IT!!! The stains are history and the hem needed raising anyway et voila’.
The moral : Put out the vibes and never give up. KNOW YOUR STUFF, and the perfect find will materialize in your wardrobe.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could have been a “tent” style, which was all the rage about that time. In any case, it’s perfect for Fall no matter how or why she wore it!
All kinds of “new” stuff, including a wonderful hairdo for Stella. She’s psyched! So am I. We’ll be spreading a lot of rockabilly vibes and more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist. The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.
Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on. Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion! Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic true vintage ’40’s – early ’50’s style, custom-tailored by Rosalie Couturier. I loved finding this dressmaker’s personal label in the waistband of this beautiful frock! What a nice surprise since it was hidden. The best labels, like this one, were embroidered on cloth.
It’s amazing that this beautiful garment has survived 60 – 70 years in such wonderful condition. Its original owner obviously loved it and cared for it well.
Lovely rayon fabric, with stitched-in pleats on front and back – bodice and skirt. So many little hand-done details. Beautiful, big sculpted shell buttons, fabric-covered belt. A little wear there on the buckle, but that is the only flaw.
And, when I got it home it fit Stella beautifully. Perfection!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a gorgeous, tailored dress and jacket. Glossy rayon fabric with a shantung – style weave. The bodice treatment is so lovely.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Such a smart-looking little day-dress by Lora Lennox. Apparently, this was a dressmaker label that was common back in the day. The polka dots and big buttons are a lot of fun – plus the vibrant salmon – orange color; not garish and softened just a bit by the pinkish undertone.
I ALWAYS love shoulder pads and the hem flounce is very saucy. These are wonderful when you walk in them.
Doesn’t this dress look fabulous on Stella? I love it. And the fact that I found it in Kansas City – well, that conjures all kinds of possibilities in terms of it’s history . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although I much prefer Hawaiian garb from the 1940’s and 1950’s, I sometimes will pick up things from the ’60’s, and ’70’s, too. The fabric used was still very nice and the tailoring often exceptional.
Back then, Hawaiian apparel was almost exclusively made by small concerns who stuck to traditional designs and workmanship. Also, the quality of cotton and rayon used was excellent.
This dress, though plain in the front, has a sweet detachable half-belt in back and two pleats fall from it like a faux train – a nod to traditional Hawaiian styling. The skirt, also, is quite wide at the bottom and sweeps when you walk, giving a rather regal feeling . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 