So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved. Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.
Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before. They are definitely of an “era” and well-made. This one will be fun to wear.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A similar style, but going from day to evening and from pretty to dressy. This dress is also sexy, however, with deep decolletage and sleeves that can be worn off the shoulder. Fabric flower ornamentation on each sleeve. I think this one was custom-tailored, also.
Just made for parties and dancing with a big, sweeping skirt. Probably would have been worn with a crinoline underneath. I found another dance dress a year or two ago with similar tailoring. It’s always fun to see how these features repeat. Tomorrow there’s another with something the same . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Pretty easy-wear polished cotton sundress from the early to mid-1950’s, in the New Look style. Bit of an atomic thing going on with the applique’ design. Somebody had a lot of fun with this one!
Can’t wait to see it on Stella – it’s a real knockout on a gal with an hourglass figure. Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s something THAT GIRL Marlo Thomas might have worn in her city life. Cute and sophisticated – that’s the feel lots of fashions had at that time. We were breaking away from the traditional.
This one is of a beautiful glossy woven rayon, but not at all like those luscious crepey ones from the 1940’s. It’s perky and substantial.
Classic style, with a mandarin collar, which were very popular then. The rhinestone buttons at the waist let you know that this is a garment with some status.
The tailoring is more or less what you would encounter today, though the hem is done more nicely – with hem tape – and is about 2″ deep. We hardly see that anymore, nor a hem that is nicely finished.
This is, overall, just a really well-made dress that a woman with very good taste might wear to a swanky party or out to dinner. But, don’t try to go incognito in this one . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This frock is sooo iconic late Sixties and in perfect condition! It’s Flower Power, British influence and Edwardian style. I’ll bet it was made for a Prom or Spring Fling dance. What a Blast from the Past!!!
Look at the sequence of iridescent buttons at the sleeves and the ruffled flounces. Sheer flocked flower design over a pink liner. Back in the day, it was usual to hire a seamstress to make these types of dresses or to make them at home unless the high school was in an expensive neighborhood.
It’s just so cute and tells such a typical story. It’s fun to know something about those times so that I can read the book very easily! Not sure what I’m going to do with this, but it was just too fun to pass up. It would make a really sweet short dress . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I know that these are summer fun frocks but, for those who are wintering down south or just like to think about warmer climes, I had to show these recent finds and to buy them because of their good quality. Nice, heavy knits and well-cared-for by their original owners.
Love little shoulder ties, fun prints and empire waistlines. This style of dress is not unusual to see, but the quality is relatively rare. Most of the time, you have to go back to the 1960’s to find them as nice as these. Another genre that are often this good are the long dresses made in Hawaii – usually Sixties and before.
Of course, these discoveries didn’t thrill me as much as some that I make but still worth it. It’s always good to appreciate garments like these while you’re on the lookout for what’s around the corner – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Even though it’s way too prissy for me, yes, I do love it. There’s a certain genre from that time that this frock fits right into; and, what could be better than a bright hollyberry-red dressy dress right about now? Below-the-knee length and just right for dancing.
Some women love the bow ties, ruffles and flouncy skirts, and why not? Sometimes I do, too. The long, sheer sleeves are pretty. Just depends . . . . . . But, regardless, this dress was just too perfect to pass up. It has many of the nice construction details that I appreciate in a quality garment and that are so characteristic of true vintage fashions.
So, Ho Ho Ho and all that. This one’s going to party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here is a collection of several vintage handbags for parties and semi-formal to formal occasions. The significant features of these are pave’ rhinestones on clasps, faux pearls, plush velvet, gold-finished leather, double-sided box construction and a telescoping convertible handle.
Though tons of retro-style purses are made now, a true vintage one will have features that put it above the crowd. Anyone who knows, will realize that you are carrying something special.
These purses are from the Fifties and Sixties. They are simple, but of quality design and construction. A keen eye can spot the difference in materials and style elements.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress is regal and majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.
It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.
Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.
This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This frock is in black crepe, with sheer netting on the bodice to give the illusion of a bare neckline. I have seen this feature on one other dress of mine – demure, yet stunning. Where the decoration begins, it is also lined. The shape skims the body and the whole effect is very flattering.
These dresses have side zippers or unusual back zippers which open only about a foot in the middle of the back, but don’t come to the top of the neck. I’ve seen this on ’40’s dresses only. It allows you to wiggle into the dress over your head but no hope if it’s too small for you! There’s no way that Madge could get into it, so I’ll have to re-photograph it on Stella some time.
Anyway, it’s beautiful and you can probably picture it. Perfect for dining and dancing, or even a dressy movie date. Put this beauty on and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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