Now that Stella’s on the modeling circuit, this dress can be displayed as it should be. Several years ago I found this beauty – wish the photos did it justice. Gorgeous atomic/abstract/art swirl fabric in glossy and soft rayon. All hand-tailored. FAB!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Isn’t this a beautiful set? Made by a Toronto dressmaker. I knew you’d want to see these improved pictures. More to come . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the purse in the top left corner is similar to others that I’ve come up with recently, I’m glad to have it in a less-often-found silver fabric. The others are worth telling you about one at a time. Let’s start with the white beaded bag on top:
a very lovely little convertible clutch bag that can go from dressy day to summer evening and also would stand out as part of a bridal ensemble.
Just to the right of it is a fabric coin or lipstick purse made in Italy. Though it is just a purse accessory, the black satin and art print on front, as well as the filigree hardware make it a special keeper. Italian-made purses and shoes from the Fifties and Sixties were of the highest quality and design and are to die for.
At the bottom is a pretty little brocade purse that could be an accessory but is meant to stand on its own, when only the barest essentials are necessary. It’s very tiny, but unsnaps again to allow room for just a little more than the coin purse alone. Although you probably can’t read it, in the corner to the left of the top snap is embossed in gold script “B. Dainty”. Sweet!
Finally, the duchess of the lot is a fully-beaded clutch with a zipper top and silk lining. Of the finest materials and displaying the most hand-done workmanship, it’s probably the oldest.
Although I’ve been happy to discover so many evening bags recently, especially with thoughts of this year’s holiday season beginning to creep into mind, I most love the special pieces like these – makes the day’s adventure really fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although it looks beige in the photo, this outfit is actually a lovely pink color, in a dressy fabric with matte and silvery metallic shine finishes together. The dress is an elegant sleeveless sheath with an ornamental notched neckline. Both the dress and coat are fully lined.
The best of dressy styles from that era – beautifully-tailored and in virtually perfect condition. What a find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one’s a sexy day dress with ruching at the waistline to give it a bit of curvy shape, while still staying very proper. Love the abstract atomic print in subtle shades that could go to work, or dinner, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hand-tailored frocks are so much fun to discover because they always tell a story about the designer. This style is so versatile – I’ll enjoy it, too. More on the way . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It is SO unusual to find a pair of true vintage pajamas with both pieces intact, let alone dating before the 1970’s! I had to use a little of my special sleuthing know-how to do it, but they were hiding in plain sight.
This pair is by Shadow/Line and is made of fine vintage nylon, with netting, lace and embroidery at the neckline and on the front pocket. In a beautiful deep coral pink, which is also an unusual color to find. Yes, there are always fun surprises around the corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is another keeper! I wish Stella were here to model it for you – it’s so beautiful. So chic and elegant, of 100% silk with a floral jacquard design, with all the fine details that would be expected from an expert tailor. This dress was made in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s by a tailoring firm especially for a higher-end shop in the Bahamas.
Excepting for the missing original belt and a few stitches in the hem which need to be repaired, it is in perfect condition. A dress of this type would have been especially prized by it’s mid-century owner, and protected from damage. That’s why it’s still possible, if you are lucky, blessed and skilled, to discover these frocks today.
I’m also fortunate to be of a size that was more or less average at that time, so I can wear many of my finds without alterations. However, an expert cleaning service will have skilled seam-sters who can work wonders when necessary, so carry on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’
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Couldn’t be simpler, but that’s what makes it so elegant and lovely. I also like the midnight navy color – a nice switch from black.
Velvet and netting – nothing is more flattering and alluring while adding a touch of mystery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It was just a vinyl bargain bag at the time, but oh-so-sweet novelty for carrying with summer dresses. This one may have come from the “five and dime”, but some girl loved it and it held up well over the years. Plain zipper opening on top with a bit of bead chain to hold a key. I’m off to the carnival!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These are a little bit scary, but I wear them once in a while for fun and the prescription is almost exactly what I need, too! That’s a real plus, not having to remove or change the lenses.
What a rare find. Still a cats-eye style, but not as exaggerated or embellished as some were. I was lucky enough to find, several years ago, a pair of Ray Ban Cats sunglasses also with a prescription that suits. Ah, the delights of skulking through dark alleys in search of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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