This frock has been with me for a little while. It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice. I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal. Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel. Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Black is always good, but this dress – with its black velvet accents – looks just right for that Halloween party or autumn dance. Originally from Margaret’s of Lubbock, Texas, it’s a ’40’s stunner with a big swingy skirt. I look forward to photographing it properly on Stella some time, back at Headquarters. But, for now, here’s an early photo I took shortly after the discovery.
Made of black taffeta sometime after World War II with black velvet tubing all around the skirt and making a false lacing up the bodice front. Ruching on the 5/8 sleeves – a common tailoring touch on garments from the Forties.
As always, fashion good fortune was with me. A great dance dress and fabulous find! Jitterbug or Texas Two-step – let’s go!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Here’s a modern dress by Kim Rogers brand, made in Vietnam. For several reasons, I must point it out as an example of a rare exception to the rule that true vintage clothing is always superior to recently-made fashions. I was drawn to it immediately because of the nicely designed retro style and the almost-vintage look and feel of the fabric. The construction is very good, too.
Note the photo of little keepers at the shoulders for bra or slip straps – it’s a wonderful feature that I treasure in my true vintage pieces. These haven’t been common in dresses for decades! Also, it’s fully lined. Asian dressmakers have done superb couture for ages, so it doesn’t surprise me that the workmanship on this garment is excellent.
What might also be considered a plus by modern women is that the fabric is 100% polyester. ” Ick!” you say, “sleazy and hot”; but it can be washed in a machine, with care, and drip-dried. (preferably a modern machine that has a hand-wash cycle and doesn’t agitate back and forth). It’s also amazing what sorts of finishes can be made with polyester – sometimes it’s a really good appearance mimic for real silk, rayon or even linen. But, of course, not in terms of their other qualities – looks aren’t everything . . . . .
So, that gets us down to the real nitty-gritty. Do you really want to wear a summer sundress made of polyester, when you’re trying to stay cool and looking your very best at an event or on a date? Do you want the zipper on your dress to very obviously announce to anyone who has any fashion savvy that “No, this is NOT a true vintage dress – just a retro fake”. And, horror of all horrors, do you want to walk into the party and see another woman dressed just like you?
Thus, a very respectful nod to this clothing company for their care and attention to detail and style, at least where this dress is concerned. When I’m traveling and wouldn’t want to subject any of my authentic vintage treasures to threats of loss or damage, I’ll certainly take it and wear it inside or when the weather is mild. It’s nice to see a manufacturer that cares about some of the finer points of good quality any time – especially in this age of cheaper-is-better.
BUT, all things considered, give me a quality true vintage garment over a modern one no matter what . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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I’m ready for the BBQ – maybe not the volleyball or badminton game. This gown was custom-tailored of a beautiful fabric (look at those colors to die for). Prettier than the black and white from yesterday, but they’re all wonderful. Lovely feminine style with an easy-wear feel. Sixties or Seventies chic.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Now that the weather hotter and sunnier we’re all thinking (or dreaming), of outdoor activities. The idea of giving or going to casual parties (and what to wear) is all part of it.
In the early 1960’s patios and “patio parties” became the big rage. People built patios onto their houses like crazy and all kinds of decorative lighting, furniture and dinnerware were sold especially for hosting these gatherings of neighbors and friends.
Hostess gowns in very casual styles and materials were all part of this wave, and they persisted into the mid-1970s. Of course, long casual dresses have been around for a long time and still are, but the “hostess gown” is kind of a separate breed.
This one is typical. Most of the earlier ones had a defined waist and, often, a belt. They are a floor-length style that would also look good as a knee-length dress (hint-hint: if you find one you like but don’t want a gown, think about shortening it to a day dress).
I just love finding these dresses. They really say summer fun in a very true vintage way. Get out the Tiki lanterns and the barbecue grill and have a blast! If your patio is big enough, don’t forget the cha-cha and bossa nova records. The girl from Ipanema might show up – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure. Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit. I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.
This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun! Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In midnight navy blue, this dress is elegant in rayon with a side zipper. Let me tell you how she would have dressed it up . . . . . . . .
A diamond or rhinestone necklace or pearls, depending on the venue, would be first – with some elegant earrings to complement. And, a small dress handbag.
A stole, fur or dressy coat, of course, unless it’s the height of summer (but, even then . . . . . .) Finished off, courtesy of her escort, with a corsage.
The bodice has no boning, so those little mesh straps hold it in place. When I wear it, I prefer a pair of ’50’s evening sandals of dark navy fabric with pearlized ornaments on the vamp rather than the Forties styles that Stella is wearing. Beautiful as she is, this frock is really better suited for Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here we have two beautiful sundresses, in similar colors. Not really my colors – I’m a Summer skin-tone, rather than Spring or Fall, but who’s going to quibble when faced with these!
I’m guessing that the one on the right is the newer of the two. The one on the left has more detail on the bodice and even has bows fixed to the shoulder straps in back. It has a covered belt, whereas the other dress just has piping at the waist.
They’re both lovely, in a beautiful heavy cotton. Madge wears it very well, don’t you think? Such exceptional fit and tailoring.
Either of them could go from simple daytime activities to work (probably with a sweater or jacket), dinner, dancing, a party or date.
I often see dresses like this in movies from that era. Wear them and step into a time warp . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress is not really old, but it is so cute/pretty that I couldn’t resist picking it up and showing it to you. such pretty colors!
There is a sheer layer with the flower print, over a solid layer – like many of the dresses I’ve shown. I love the big bow in front – too much!
It almost looks like a ’60’s thing, but I know it’s not that old. The bodice has some sequins decorating it, too, but it’s not a super-super dressy thing otherwise. It could almost be worn to a garden party or fund-raising afternoon event, of the right type.
Anyway, a lovely frock – authentically vintage, and just makes me feel like going to a party. It’s so sweet – would make a wonderful disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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