I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .
of course I had to pick it up. This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything. So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.
Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The perfect casual circle skirt for summer! Cotton candy colors, ruffles and beads. Someone made this for fun the the 1950’s or 1960’s. I’ll do it justice next summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whenever I discover a great vintage belt, I pounce. Even if I don’t have a specific outfit to pair it with, it’s always worth the investment. These two are probably from the ’70’s or ’80’s.
What makes these different? We see so many cheap, giltzy things now that it would be easy to miss them if you’re not a skilled investigator.
The gold-color serpentine belt is well-constructed. The black sequined belt is, as well, with a metal buckle. Both have stretch built in, so they are great to dress up frocks and tunics that need a little “extra”, with an adjustable fit.
Makes completing a mid-century vintage outfit a snap, while staying true to the era.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just look at this beautiful, sweeping back – it is the signature feature of this frock. What an impression it makes!
I also love the bateau neckline, the fitted shape and lovely tailoring. The fabric is perfect, too. Crepe material like this in wool, acetate or rayon has such a wonderful drape to it – no wonder it was used so much for dress – wear up into the 1960’s, when it seems to have been replaced by polyester and poly blends.
Yes, poly is easier-care – no dry-cleaning needed – but it doesn’t hang like vintage crepe. Nothing does.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960. Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.
What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses? Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!
Stay tuned . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Here’s pretty, floaty frock of satin and chiffon for a dinner-dance or any semi-formal party. It does have stiffening in the skirt, but doesn’t have a huge crinoline, like many made a few years later .
I just die with delight when I discover one of these! It reminds me of the classic movies that I love, where there’s always a dance in the plot somewhere.
This one is not haute couture – just an average lovely gown that any middle-income woman might have selected. I’m not complaining! It makes me think of France, where I’ll be in a couple of weeks!
With the mid-calf length, this one could go to the Prom, and maybe it did, once. You just never know . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This one is just about my favorite. I love the camellias (or whatever flower) at the waist and the contrasting sash that flows down the front. The length is just below the knee on me (I’m 5’6″).
There is a size tag inside, so it was commercially made. Seems to be of rayon chiffon over a rayon/acetate liner. There is no stiffening in the skirt. It’s such a pretty pale peach color, and an easy-to-wear style. Perfect for dancing and very graceful.
I noticed recently that J.Crew made a very similar dress in silk chiffon. Of course, it is nice, but not “original” – 1. there is no ornamentation (you could add your own) 2. the dress is available in several different colors, but no contrasting sash which, to me, adds so much to this original vintage one 3. since it’s mass-produced, you could see your dress on lots of other women. However, for $250.00 you can have the modern version.
I’ll take true vintage any time. True, it had some spots on it when I found it, but I was able to make them disappear – POOF!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Here’s a lovely mid-century silk dress in a classic style, perfect for a dressy date, a dance, dinner or cocktails. It’s too sophisticated for afternoon shopping, though it could be dressed down for a day on Fifth Avenue – just don’t take the dog to the vet. (even the Yorkie, with their sharp little claws)
In printed silk, with a full skirt (but no attached crinoline), wasp waist, center back vintage nylon zipper and a sweet little bow right at the bottom of the bust-line. Mid-calf length.
I found this one in a little out-of-the-way place where several things were hiding. It always pays to look, because you just never know … . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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