I always love these frocks, but what makes this one so extra-wonderful? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Take a close-up look at the print – the little illustrations are all characters from the Alice in Wonderland tale. How cool!
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Sheer cotton “lawn”(?) – I don’t know. A beige color with delicate flower and leaf embroidery on the collar and skirt. Closes with snaps, hooks & eyes on the left and has partially-gathered sleeves and a two-tier skirt. Such interesting design details, so different from any styles we usually see, vintage or not.
So delicate. This will be worn with great care. The waist isn’t right for most dresses made in the 1920’s so it could, possibly, have been an earlier style made for a teen or someone who was very petite. But – early 1930’s could be the most accurate. Must do some more in-depth research.
Anyway, what a treasure!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The most interesting dress – by Lawrence Kazar New York and it looks like a “daring” mid-’60’s design to me, but may be 1980’s as I can’t find any earlier history on this designer. The fit is slinky and small but the armholes are cut very low and it’s styled to wear without a bra. That’s a trick to do effectively but this design succeeds. If your dimensions are right, it’s a knockout!!
Besides the bra-less top, the most distinctive feature is the peek-a-boo waistline which was sometimes seen around 1965 or so. It’s very nicely tailored and such a gorgeous color. So, Mod or Dynasty, I really couldn’t care less. Oh, James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a beautiful Kennedy era party frock. With beads and rhinestones at the waist, and a swing and sway two-layer skirt. This dress is made by Carol Craig, New York – a well-known brand name of the time.
Pretty, pretty, pretty – and in perfect condition. Someone loved it very much. See what else we love, tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTABESPY.COM
Oh, I love this – just my style. Dark navy gabardine fabric with a fabric-covered belt and interesting details. Peplum waistlines are so flattering, on the right figure.
This beauty is in such good condition for it’s age. I do need to replace the tattered lining and re-install shoulder pads, but that is a minor repair. The best things are the authentic 1940’s styling, the belt in great condition, the quality fabric and tailoring. I’ll wear it forever.
What’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A frock with some of the best elements of 1960’s casual style – soft cotton fabric, empire styling, ric-rac trim, vintage sculpted buttons and gathered sleeves. So comfy and can go from house-dress to patio party to any basic everyday event.
I’m suddenly on a roll again. Not sure when the next find may be but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, it’s a summer dress but how could I resist? We don’t usually find them with all these pretty details – a very Victorian Prairie thing for a hot-weather girl. Looks like it was commercially-made, but there are no tags. I may end up selling it next year but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve got lots of beautiful vintage lingerie, so I’m not in the habit of picking up lots of slips now – BUT – I don’t have a single one with this wonderful mid-Sixties Mod print! Didn’t take me long to grab this one.
It’s in beautiful condition, so I’ll enjoy wearing it for decades – maybe as a skirt next summer. The label is so worn from washing that the brand name is no longer legible but I can see that it is “100% Nylon”. Seems like that was kind of a big deal at one time.
Such fun, and a new thing for me!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Absolutely couldn’t believe it when I encountered this 1940’s – 1950’s post-WWII frock – looks like it just came out of the box! Somebody loved it and kept it for special.
Back in the day, this was this was an everyday – Sunday tea kind of dress. It was very modestly-priced in it’s time but was meant to look nice for not-just-your-ordinary occasion. My good luck that it’s owner was so fastidious.
It’s a little big for me so, unless I want to have it altered, it will probably end up on eBay some day. But how could I pass it by? There’s more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down. Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details. Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips. The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.
A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one. It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.
I’m so glad to have it in my closet. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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