Tag Archives: gown

A LATE 1970’S POLY-KNIT GOWN AND JACKET ENSEMBLE FROM A MIAMI SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE

It’s still cool enough to enjoy wearing this glitzy true vintage ensemble.

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A LATE 1970'S POLY-KNIT GOWN AND JACKET ENSEMBLE FROM A MIAMI SPECIALTY BOUTIQUE

Disco Days again! This silver-sparkly knit dress and jacket are for dancing the night away.

The dress is bare shoulders with rhinestone-studded straps and trim, back zip and a side slit for doing the boogie. The jacket has rhinestone-studded buttons. I have some silver and black platform sandals from the same era that go perfectly!.

This is another of those specialty outfits from a small shop in South Beach Miami, Florida. It has the hallmarks of the late ’70’s – mostly in the fabric and some of the construction details.

Not a high-end garment this time in terms of its quality, but I’ll bet it was expensive because of where it was sold – even back then. Fortunately, all the rhinestones in the buttons and trimming are in place so we can’t fault the value of those items – they didn’t tend to fall apart.

I’m always pleasantly surprised to…

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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

For the graduating co-ed, the pretty bridesmaid or the special date-night – this Forties frock was a winner!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s – EARLY 1950’s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

Need something to wear for dancing around the Maypole?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940s - EARLY 1950s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

Easter is past (for another year) but Spring isn’t over yet and tomorrow is May Day.  Although it  might not be a day for teas or luncheons or other events which call for a dressy frock, it is still celebrated in some places.  If you know about any May Day celebrations, I’d like to hear!

Shown over a slip, this dress is made of a semi-sheer cotton (maybe a blend) in a blue and violet floral print. It has a vintage nylon zipper mid-back. The skirt length is mid-calf to ankle, depending on the height of the woman wearing it.  The gathered bodice and high waist (again, depending on the wearer) are so pretty.

Not  quite semi-formal – just a pretty frock for a special occasion. I was so thrilled to find it!  Someone kept it for many years.  It’s always important to have at least one of these in…

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s – EARLY 1950’s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940's – EARLY 1950's TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS.

ANOTHER FUN FIND! HIPPIE ’60’S CASUAL CHIC HAWAIIAN PATIO LOUNGE-WEAR DRESS

ANOTHER FUN FIND! HIPPIE '60'S CASUAL CHIC HAWAIIAN PATIO LOUNGE-WEAR DRESS.

ANOTHER FUN FIND! HIPPIE ’60’S CASUAL CHIC HAWAIIAN PATIO LOUNGE-WEAR DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAlthough it’s of a simple cut, the novelty sleeves, lovely fabric and excellent tailoring make this a special gown for a relaxed day at home or casual event.  The sleeves are slit to the shoulder with purple lining.

I’m guessing that this dress was made in the early 1960’s and has a Hawaiian maker’s label inside.  Certain details hint at it’s correct age.

I always admire how well women of the past looked after their clothing.  Add that to the superior quality of the garments to begin with, and many are preserved today in wonderful condition for us to wear, study and enjoy.  With apologies to a few designers who continue to believe in elegance and quality, I’m not sure that women 30 or 40 years from now will find much of anything made after 1990 that has lasted that long, and it won’t be much of a loss . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER CLASSIC DISCOVERY – TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960’S GOWN OR DRESS. ELEGANT.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADoesn’t look like much on the hanger, but this dress will be stunning on Stella and is a knockout when it comes to quality tailoring.  It may also have been custom-made.  Little details tell the story.

The color, which does not show well in this photo, is a mid-range gold and the fabric is some kind of blend – probably rayon/acetate maybe with some polyester. The straps and skinny belt are crafted perfectly with clean lines and lie nice and flat, which really takes some sewing skill.

There is also a full lining of silky fabric in a matching color.  Although the style is really plain, it is superbly elegant because of the quality and would look great shortened to knee length or mini length without violating the mid-60’s era that it is from.  That would make it wearable as a casual-chic day dress, too.

Changing a hemline is a simple thing to do or have done, if your own skills are not good.  Remembering little alterations like that can open all kinds of possibilities . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER “NEW” TRUE VINTAGE FIND – BACK TO THE MID-SIXTIES AGAIN FOR A FORMAL FROCK

ANOTHER "NEW" TRUE VINTAGE FIND – BACK TO THE MID-SIXTIES AGAIN FOR A FORMAL FROCK.

ANOTHER “NEW” TRUE VINTAGE FIND – BACK TO THE MID-SIXTIES AGAIN FOR A FORMAL FROCK

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     This time it’s a formal gown – more like a mother-of-the-bride frock than for Prom, but who knows.  Some girls used to like the more conservative styles.

It has the hallmark Sixties neckline, metal zipper and custom-tailored details of a home-sewn garment.  The sheer butterfly sleeves that create an attached cape over the shoulders of the sleeveless gown are very pretty.  See the back view, where the tail ends tie at the waist.

The skirt is in two layers, with the sheer on top and adds to the float-factor when you walk.  Love the color, too.  Aqua is always a favorite of mine.

So, more and more fun!  I’ve got a couple more recent discoveries from the same era that I’ll show in the next few days and who knows what else is just around the corner . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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