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
Here’s another mid-century at-home leisure outfit. This one is a sumptuous lipstick red velvet design that mimics 1930’s – 1940’s style – I have a true vintage 1930’s rayon robe with tasseled sash – but this one, while still true vintage, is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.
LOVE the glamorous look and luxurious feel. What a treat to make a RARE discovery like this one (of course, that happens to me a lot, and each one is a delight!).
With pinked seams, rolled cowl neckline, a long back zipper and the wonderful rayon tassels on the belt plus a lovely embroidered tag. I can just see “The” Marilyn wearing this backstage in her dressing room, can’t you?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves. It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.
In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans. Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.
This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress. It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket. Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc. It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.
This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew. I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day! As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE
This is the last of the blouses that I picked up in Dublin, for two reasons. First is the New Wave design, which was a fun and rather avante garde style element of the early 1980’s, even in some mainstream clothing. Second is the brand name – Shapely. That company made some nice pieces in the 1980’s, so I often pick them up when I find them.
Otherwise, it’s not a remarkable garment, as most things made from that time on have not been. Tomorrow we’ll head back to the 1960’s, 1950’s and 1940’s again – much more interesting territory for a true vintage hunter . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one could have been worn to the Cotillion dinner-dance before the time of Disco. With sheer sleeves and crystal-pleated skirt, it’s a dream of a dress for dancing. It had no belt when I found it – I think I would put on a skinny tie belt, perhaps with a little sparkle (depending on my jewelry).
Crystal pleats can be really lovely and in this case they have a superb swing, with their trumpet shape. Polyester fabric holds pleats like this really well, so that style was popular when poly was really big. This dress is very nicely made, by a company that was based in California.
It’s always frustrating to try finding a really good dance dress. I’ve already shown one and will be posting several more soon because I have a collection! One thing that was really popular in decades past was social dancing, in a more formal way than we do now. Therefore, there have been mountains of fabulous dresses created to dance in.
I’m always thrilled when I find a super one like this! Though it’s not meant for funky get-down nights, it would be perfect for most kinds of ballroom dancing (fox trot, swing, tango, waltz, rumba, samba – stuff like that). Whenever you go to a formal wedding or dance, there’s bound to be some of that – just depends.
Stick with me and I’ll show you all the treasures that I keep uncovering all year. So much fun, because you just never know!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Now we’re getting really serious about special events which may be taking place this month. This party gown is a little too demure for most Proms or whing-ding parties, but perfect for a social dance, someone in a wedding party, a dinner event, anniversary party, a recital or other celebration that is somewhat formal.
It looks almost white in the photo and is actually a very pale pink, with a sheer over-dress and opaque lining. The neckline and sleeves are edged with satin binding. Of course, a crinoline attached. Aside from the subtle embroidery, it is not fussy (no bows, ribbons or decorative buttons). Doesn’t need them! Very elegant.
When I find a dress like this, I always wonder where it was originally worn, by whom and where it was purchased or made.
Another surprise discovery, and they usually are. I know what I’d like to have, but I rarely go hunting with just one thing in mind and, I guess, that’s mostly because I’ve put together such a collection of true vintage that I don’t have to go looking for an outfit when some event comes up. With patience, skill and know-how you can do that, too.
I have the most fun looking for what will turn up! Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.
Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.
On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.
And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I think that someone had this dress specifically made for her while traveling or living in Thailand or China during the 1960’s. That was a common thing to do back then.
Thai silk is so distinctive and beautiful. There’s nothing like the weave and color of these fabrics and they are always smartly designed and carefully constructed by hand. It is one of two that I have discovered – makes me wonder about the woman involved.
Did she have a secret assignment? Was she undercover? Perhaps a great-niece of Mata Hari . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Of rayon and silk, these pretties are some of my best, or most interesting. The embroidery on the two right ones is unusual and the ’40’s white dressing gown is a style that I have seen only 2 or 3 times.
From the glamour days of motion pictures and film noir –
While we’re still snuggled inside, during the transitional weather, these little indulgences are a real treat.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.
Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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