Tag Archives: girly

A LOVELY SUMMER FROCK FROM THE 1950’S, REMODELED A BIT BY MOI

A LOVELY SUMMER FROCK FROM THE 1950'S, REMODELED A BIT BY MOI

This beautiful polished cotton frock – Kay Whitney by Huntington – is absolutely gorgeous. The fabric and the tailoring are top notch.

Naturally, it’s got a fabric-covered belt, the full skirt and a generous hem allowance. It’s not a one-off design, I found, when I saw another identical to it on eBay – but it’s wonderful anyway.

However, this one is one-off now!  As beautiful as it was in its original design, it was a bit too conservative a style to be flattering on me. The shoulder straps were wider and it had a fabric tie sewn completely around the neckline which you would tie in a bow in front. Pretty, but not me.

I removed the tie, making the shoulders skinnier and the neckline wider. I used some of the leftover tie material to make little flat bows at the shoulders. Of course, if you are a purist, you would never have changed it. That’s something I rarely do, but I liked it so much and wanted it to suit me.

So, I now have an original – and without sacrificing quality or elegance. The best of both worlds.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940'S.

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940'S

A lovely swing dress, of two layers, with a circle skirt and lace mesh overlay. This is so pretty!

It’s got a v-neck front and back, with a long side zipper. It swings and sways and such a flattering fit. I just love that cafe au lait color.

I believe that the fabric is rayon, at least for the dress underneath. That fabric was SO commonly used during the ’40’s. It can pose some care issues, but it has such nice qualities otherwise that it’s usually worth it.

This is not a Here I am. Look at ME!! dress, but once you’re seen, you won’t be forgotten. Best not to choose it when you’re going incognito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960’S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960'S BLOUSE BY SYBIL.

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960’S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960'S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

A rare find – one of those mystery synthetic garments from the 1960’s. Seems kind of like polyester, but then . . . . . . .

Not to disparage at all – it’s a really nice fabric but I just can’t place it. There were some
very interesting blends back in the day before content
labels were required.

What attracted me most was the style – those beautiful crystal-pleated ruffles are eye-catchers. Ruffles on the front and sleeves were very popular in the late 60’s, usually in a slightly less opulent form than this – a bit too frilly for me, but stunning on the right person.

Picture Twiggy wearing this with a black mini-skirt, lacy black patterned tights, some spiffy mod heels and bold eye make-up and lipstick – with an evening purse – you get the idea. About the time that Mod and Carnaby Street fashions were merging together. Mary Quant and all that. She might have a fit that I mentioned her in relation to this example. It might not be what she would have done at all.

Anyway, it’s a good example and the embroidered tag and sizing all go along with it! Do any of the fashions produced today distinguish themselves so well? I don’t think so, but I’d love some examples. Do you have any? I always look for reference material for the files . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE SUIT OR 2 PC. DRESS FROM THE ’40’S – ’50’S

TRUE VINTAGE SUIT OR 2 PC. DRESS FROM THE '40'S - '50'S

What a cute little 3-season outfit with a fantastic hourglass shape. I always love these!

It’s a late ’40’s to early ’50’s style, with little shoulder pads and beautiful tailoring. Although it is unlined and not haute couture, it’s very nicely done and has those wonderful design details that even continue on the back of the jacket.

The ever-popular pencil skirt goes with almost anything. This could be worn as a dress, as separate pieces or as a suit. I see it with a little white blouse or shell underneath, jacket open.

At a time when women were finding their fashion feet again and, actually, going wild with style! Clothing from this era is beautiful and fun to find. Notice that the tags are still on this one – I love surprise discoveries like this. Keep sleuthing because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
ALSO, I’LL BE TRAVELING FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS SO THE POSTS MAY BE A LITTLE BIT WONKY BUT, NO WORRIES, THE INVESTIGATION GOES ON AND I WILL REPORT REGULARLY.
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

This is a very special dress – the one that the actress playing the “vixen” would wear in a 1950’s movie. Or, the devil with the red dress on. . . . . . . . .

Taffeta seems to be one of the favorite “special dress” fabrics from the ’50’s. I also love boat necks and 3/4 sleeves. Fire engine red always makes a statement. It’s not a debutante party frock – about 100 miles from the little white one I just posted!

I would really like to know the history of this one. Based on where I discovered it, I suspect that it was worn by a small-time bad girl or a wannabe.

One of those “in your dreams” dresses. It’s always good to have at least a few of those handy because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A GLIMPSE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – OOH!

A GLIMPSE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – OOH!.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – BEST CHRISTMAS HOUSE-PARTY FROCK

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This dress from the 1950s, made by Lanz, is perfect for a Christmas party!   I can just imagine serving eggnog in front of the fire to family and friends.  I wore it to a party a couple of years ago (with pearls, of course).

It is a substantial brushed fabric in bright red with a stiff underskirt that makes it poufy when worn. 3/4 sleeves, a scoop neckline, little flowers embroidered in black and a belted wasp waist complete the design.

From what I’ve seen of the Lanz garments, they seem to have been a “preppy” style. Of course, many of the styles made in the ’50’s look preppy! Warm, too. Wish I had a sleigh ride to go on. Very festive!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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