This one is SO sweet on! Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).
It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip. Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.
Who could ask for anything more? The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here are two more beauties from Hawaii. The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints. Don’t you love those colors? Whenever I find one, I grab it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before. The colors are incomparable. The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable. Men’s shirts are also incredible.
Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit. Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.
Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love this dress! The hippie-dippie sleeves, tiny polka dot, empire waistline and sexy fit. Maybe what I like best is the easy-wear of it for hot weather – cool and breezy but gives good sun coverage, too. No, what I like best is its absolute uniqueness and style. SO Stevie Nicks, So Sixties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Come on, Sunshine!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you’ve ever seen a good dancer wearing one of these, you’ll know what I mean. The fringe around the hem just doesn’t know when to quit!
Some dresses have fringe all over, and that’s just WILD. But, a fringe at the bottom lets you remain demure and sophisticated (why is everyone staring at me?) while your dress gets all the attention.
This one is a sexy black crepe sheath, with a fitted waist. Stay VERY cool, and it could be a great costume for hiding in plain sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Imagine my shock and awe when I was confronted by this frock – an original by Max Starr, a famous designer of the time, with a pouf crinoline and layers of sheer floral fabric. I MUST get it onto Stella soon – she’s the only one of the girls who can wear it, but it’s just her size!
The belt is covered in velvet and the colors sing Spring! It looks like a beautiful flower garden. This is really a prize. Happy hunting!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Always right any time of year – an exquisite little number from a famous designer of the time. Wasp-waisted and embellished with rhinestones and netting.
Love halter necklines – this rayon dress is so lovely. The pinkish net in the decolletage keeps things relatively modest, but it’s certainly not a conservative choice!
I treated myself to this one when I won a raffle! It was still, as always, a bargain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . . Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show. Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.
Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s pretty gaudy, but somebody loved it back in the day! It can be worn off the shoulder, peasant-style, too. There’s nothing expensive about it, with simple workmanship and “cheap” fabrics so it makes me wonder if this was a wartime frock. If not, it was post-war early Fifties.
Anyway, it’s fun and the second dress I’ve come across in the past couple of years in this style. Must have been at the back of someone’s closet or basement for a long, long time – just safeguarding those special memories of a dance or party date. Hmmm, you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So innocent and sweet! Fashions from the late Sixties and early Seventies were really into retro styles, from Edwardian, Victorian, Prairie to 1940’s. They’re fun and pretty, but sometimes too many buttons on long cuffs or front and back closures. Just like the real women of those times had to contend with.
Anyway, for a blast from the past it’s worth it when I find an example from that time that’s so perfect. This one was maybe worn once and then was treasured and preserved for decades. How could I resist?
Possibly this was custom-made though, if so, someone spent a lot of time on the ruffles, extra lining and putting in the little loops for each cuff button. However, at that time there were still lots of women and girls who did that kind of needlework happily and had the skills to create something as nice as would come from a store (even nicer than the things that come from stores today, sadly).
But, regardless, this is a HAPPY DRESS and maybe someone will enjoy it for Prom again. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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