What a thrill to discover this one! I’m on a roll, finding beautiful dresses and other true vintage garments in virtually perfect condition. This is a sophisticated wiggle dress from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s time.
Another frock in my favorite turquoise, and beautifully-made. Full lining and shapely cut. Couldn’t be better! Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s, this find was a Wowee! smile-maker. A silk sheath with lovely tailoring, a full lining and killer fit and in perfect condition. Obviously, someone loved it and, why not?!
It’s by Lilli Diamond of California – a design that Jackie Kennedy and her fashion-maven predecessors would have worn with elegance and sophistication, though it’s almost a wiggle-dress (maybe it is). I love cap sleeves and sheath styles. Can’t wait to try this on Stella – it’s made for her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
As usual, I came upon this jacket by surprise and was thrilled by the hand-tailored details. The true color is a nice wheat beige, washed out by the camera flash. The the gold thread-embroidered label would also not photograph well with the flash in my camera, but maybe you can get a close-up view of it with zoom-in feature. It came from a Melbourne store and is made of cloth, as all the older labels of best quality were done.
The jacket is fully lined. The buttons (all are present) are in plastic, with a basket-weave design. The fit is high-hip length in a boxy cut. Sleeves are bracelet length – all nice design features from the Kennedy era. Someday I’ll photograph it again on one of my models for a more elegant presentation – but, until then –
one of the nicest things of all, it fits me . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another plus is that the fabric is a patented linen-poly blend that gives you the lovely texture without the wrinkling issues of linen.
Velvet pillbox with a huge satin bow behind. And, lined in brilliant red. Originally from the Sears & Roebuck Millinery Department. Pretty cool!
So timeless and elegant, it’s another forever find . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Happy, happy! A super-versatile classic charcoal gray (unusual color that I didn’t have) rigid-frame box bag (it’s about 3″ deep) with pretty hardware. Beautiful leather, rayon lining and 2 compartments inside with a pocket or two, metal feet on the bottom.
I’m always happy to find an item like this one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads. Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc. When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.
Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic. Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.
Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . . The label would suggest so, but –
Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women! It’s a keeper!! More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
“My gosh – look at the time! It’s coming up Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and I must think about winter sweaters – many of them may be Christmas gifts.” Our grandmothers were likely saying things like this to themselves right about now, if they hadn’t been knitting since last July!
Such cute and sophisticated handmade beauties – no comparison to what’s in the stores (especially now). Even if your family didn’t take an annual ski-trip to Vail, Colorado or the Swiss Alps, sweaters like these were popular wardrobe items.
If you love old movies and sit-coms, like I do, you’ll see plenty of them along with “stretch pants” and stirrup pants for everyday as well as being ski-wear. If you can do this kind of needlework, Bravo! I just have to keep my antennae alert for the real thing . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A mini-length lingerie slip. What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.
It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear. Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.
Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples. So, I’m thrilled!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
These McCalls magazine needlework ads would make you think that our grandmas’ lives were all about simple fun in the kitchen and scheming to get their husbands to give in to their wishes.
That’s the stereotype, isn’t it? I wonder how much of that is true? Don’t think I want to go back there, but the sweater is gorgeous!
Hand-knits from that era are really special, sweet and innocent styles . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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