This formal gown looks as though it was styled for a young woman. No worries – there’s no stain here, just a shadow in the photo. Lacey bodice with fine netting straps and overskirt. Perfect for any holiday gala. As you’ll see with some dresses I’ll show soon, it could also have doubled as a Prom or wedding gown. I’ve settled operations at another safe location, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another “love that red” frock. I believe that his formal dress was made for a teenager in the 1960’s, when “Sweet Sixteen” celebrations were still a popular family event. Just my fantasy story – who knows. It’s a youthful but sophisticated style in a tiny size that would have been appropriate when age 16 was considered to be the boundary between childhood and young adulthood. Something Barbie dolls would have worn back in the day.
Velveteen bodice with beading trim, a wasp waistline and a fitted jacquard weave straight skirt. It goes from formal parties for the Christmas season through to Valentines Day. Modest scooped neckline front and back. So very early Sixties and more to come. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Maybe Peggy Sue wore these to the Prom. Entirely possible – Life Stride brand shoes were mid-priced and available at shoe stores in town centers where everybody shopped in mid-century America. A very popular brand; they often sold purses to match the shoes. This was a big deal for women in the 1950’s and early 1960’s and tons of them were sold. Looks like the company, in some form, is still operating. If you shop Walmart, take a look there but I doubt you’ll find anything nearly as wonderful as these, and certainly not with the history . . .. . . . .
Let me know if you have any Life Stride stories. I’d love to have them for the archives and stay tuned.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Since we’re stuck in the mid-century Spring and Summer seasons, here’s another early find. Satin and sheer, it was designed and sold before the huge crinolines were put under skirts (at least, in this century). Simple and pretty but very well-made. During the wartime era, what more could a girl ask for . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the other gem that was hiding out when the yellow pouf formal turned up. (see post 2 days ago). Similar era but entirely different, and not made for the same woman. Hmm . . . . . . .
Reminiscent of Grace Kelly in it’s modest sophistication and with a metal zipper by Waldes, this gown may be from the early 1950’s or even the late 1940’s. Someone loved it, as it’s in near-perfect condition. Worn by a second-time-around bride, bridesmaid, matron of honor, mother of the bride, Prom queen? I guess we’ll never know, but best guess is a one-time event that wasn’t a bit rowdy. I suspect a wedding.
What a wonderful find, also becoming more and more rare. But, clues are still out there. Stay tuned . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a great find! It’s always worth investigating; you just never know what evidence might be uncovered. A beautiful Gunne Sax gown, designed by Jessica San Francisco. Robin’s egg blue for Spring.
This frock was worn, probably once, to a formal event or, possibly, to a wedding. In the 1970’s, Prom and wedding-party dresses for young women often looked like this. Gunne Sax was a favorite label of the time and this prairie style was hugely popular. I wonder who cherished and stored her gown for 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These dresses are very similarly designed, from right around a couple of years either side of 1960. Although they both reflect the New Look changeover which had begun 10 years before, the most notable thing about the style on the left is the shoulder tails. These had been popular on dresses in the 1930’s and earlier, I believe, but made another appearance right around this time. That element changes this garment from a Prom dress into what I suspect was meant for a wedding. The sparkly sequined cummerbund cements the dressy deal.
On the right, our heroine is either a Bridesmaid, Matron of Honor or a bride herself for the second (or 3rd or 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . .) time. This style has more of the 1940’s elements we’ve seen before, though I still believe that it is newer than that. The sleeves are a clue. However, it was custom-tailored so there is always the element of mystery involved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
For a little relief from these wool coats, thought I’d show you one of my favorite discoveries. This pretty confection contains a lot of evidence and the case is closed. I’d love to keep it but it also takes up too much space in the file locker. Three layers of skirt plus boning in the bodice make it a bit awkward to store compactly! Since I won’t be going to the Prom this year . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a great find! This dress makes me think of the ones the dancers wear in performances of West Side Story. Too bad it’s a size too small for me. So, it goes up on eBay. Maybe someone will want to make a splash at the Prom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love showing this sweetheart of a dress. Reminds me of the mid-century days of the 1960’s. Velvet and poly-brocade in the most vivid clear red, trimmed with spangles. This dress would be fabulous from Christmas Eve through New Year’s, Valentine’s Day and Prom!
Slim, fitted sheath style with a defined waist. Such a flattering design for slim figures. Makes the wearer look like a Barbie doll, for sure. There’s also a deep walking pleat in the back skirt hem, which is absolutely necessary for walking (never mind dancing!) in a dress cut like this one.
It’s another one I hate to let go but, since I don’t have a Magicvintagespy Museum, the archives have to be cleared once in a while . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 