Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details. This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Tag Archives: gown
MORE FINDS! HERE WE GO . .. . . . ..
TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK FOR A HOLIDAY GALA IN VELVET & BROCADE
Isn’t this one a pretty thing? A perfect 10 – vintage size 10, that is. Of course, it’s got the classic styling of the early Sixties but with a fun touch of beaded fringe at the midriff. All the required tailoring touches make it a well-made garment – full lining, hanging loops, hooks and eyes and a deep hem, however . . . . . . .
the nicest thing, to me, is the beautiful fabric. Plush, sumptuous red velvet on top and a lovely brocaded material in the skirt. I can just imagine Jacqueline Kennedy hosting a Christmas party at the White House 55 years ago, dressed in a style like this. So glad that someone else loved it enough to keep it preserved in such wonderful condition for this sleuth to uncover today. The investigation continues – stay tuned .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
HERE’S THE 1940 WEDDING ENSEMBLE, PROPERLY DISPLAYED
Remember this bridal dress and veil that I had a surprise chance to acquire from the bride’s daughter about 6 weeks ago? Well, here it is in all it’s glory. Thought you’d like to see it, too.
I had no idea, on the hanger, how charming and pretty it truly is. And, there couldn’t be a better model for it than Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE FRENCH NIGHTGOWN – ALMOST A HUNDRED YEARS OLD
Just had to re-photograph this lovely rayon gown from Paris in order to show it off properly. I’ll do a couple more with my recent wedding gown finds.
It’s from somewhere between 1920 and 1945. Haven’t had time to research more extensively. Love the old-style ruching and lace – so beautiful and rare.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SLEEPWEAR AND HOUSE-DRESS LINGERIE AND LEISURE ITEMS
We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice. This was standard nightwear back in the day.
Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket. It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress. Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.
The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.
This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing. You often see examples in old movies. They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times. I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GOWN AND VEIL FROM 1940
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I’ve really been scoring the RARE finds over these past few weeks – older garments and accessories, iconic styles and items in great condition! Can’t wait to get back to Headquarters and put this wartime bridal ensemble on Stella, who is the only one of my models who will be able to wear it. Until then, I’ll tell you the story of this lovely gown and it’s matching veil. As an additional blessing, the tale comes directly from the original family.
Although many brides were wearing suits and shorter dresses to be married in 1940, this bride chose the traditional full-length gown and veil for her ceremony. It was purchased through a well-known department store, where her father was a buyer, and may have come from Europe. The rayon dress is not a high-end item, but is an iconic design of the time and elegant in it’s simplicity. An unusual feature is the antique ivory color, which is original. The full-length veil of fine netting with embroidery flows from a delicate headband decorated with dried flowers and vines.
The gown was stored away after the wedding and cherished by the family for many years. Now, I will continue to care for it with the love and respect it deserves.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM PARIS
FABULOUS RAYON GOWN FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S
First, let me introduce Giselle, the latest addition to my group of models. She is from France, possibly via Montreal. Just look at that attitude! Although she’s new at this, she was born for it. Today she is wearing one of my first Paris finds. I absolutely LOVE discovering true vintage fashion from pre- to post-WWII and what could be better than Paris fashion?
This butter-yellow gown has ruching on the sleeves and bodice, plus bias cutting which makes for the great fit. The peachy beige lace at the neck is an unusual color combination, and very effective. Leave it to the French!
Yes, from an out-of-the-way place, but not if you do your homework. Thanks, Theodora! More on the way . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
IN THE MEANTIME . . . . . .
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Couldn’t find any record of having shown these to you before, but I’m not sure. If you’ve seen them, have patience. I’ll be getting the most recent treasures photographed very soon.
This is the stash that I found just before leaving for the European adventure – mid-century day-dresses, secretary and pretty styles, plus an early 1960’s Wedding gown!
You just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE EARLY – MID 1960’S LOUNGE-WEAR AND HOSTESS GOWNS
A change of pace for the weekend – let’s slip into some fabulous-feeling vintage nylon. There’s nothing that feels like it – heavy, smooth, creamy and cool on your skin. Well, enough of that – this is a vintage fashion blog, not a . . . . . .
These are what the fashionable woman wore at home while relaxing and/or for casual entertaining. The one on the left is a slip-over design with roses embroidered at the neck. The right-hand style is unique with two fabric layers, a front zipper and long scarf “tails” that can be tied in a bow or crossed in front and thrown over the shoulders. One is by ShadowLine and the other by a less well-known maker.
Those shoulder “tails” are an interesting feature. I have a velveteen sheath dress circa about 1960 which has them and also a jacket, which I think comes from the wartime era. Not sure if this style element was something that repeated – I haven’t seen it often. The color combo on the right has such a characteristic ’60’s look.
When I go sleuthing, or just sorting through my closets, I drift through several decades one after the other. It’s almost as good as going to the movies . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS
Here’s pretty, floaty frock of satin and chiffon for a dinner-dance or any semi-formal party. It does have stiffening in the skirt, but doesn’t have a huge crinoline, like many made a few years later .
I just die with delight when I discover one of these! It reminds me of the classic movies that I love, where there’s always a dance in the plot somewhere.
This one is not haute couture – just an average lovely gown that any middle-income woman might have selected. I’m not complaining! It makes me think of France, where I’ll be in a couple of weeks!
With the mid-calf length, this one could go to the Prom, and maybe it did, once. You just never know . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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