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
Here’s an iconic Forties frock, in rayon or a blend. Just a moderately dressy day dress which would have been a wardrobe basic for any smartly-dressed woman.
The top has interesting details – a fold-over neckline and ruching at the bottoms of the 3/4 sleeves. Naturally, there is a zipper at the waist which will help you to squirm into it. Of course Stella, bless her svelte little self, doesn’t have any trouble.
The skirt, in an Autumn hue, is made of a slinky fabric that swishes nicely. The print is halfway between atomic and abstract – one of those mid-century modern things that was beginning to happen post-WWII.
Very simple, with timeless lines and minimal detail. A covered, tailored belt with a slide buckle finishes it all off. As beautiful and interesting as some of the fussier garments were, the elegant pieces are the true gems . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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As you now know, I have a number of frocks in this style but this one is special – because I found it during my trip to New Orleans. It’s very cute on and comes with sentimental value because I LOVE New Orleans and hadn’t been there in a long time.
This day-dress is made of a lovely soft cotton (worn many times) in mocha with a coffee-colored print design. Just the right shade for early Autumn days. As is common with some of the best garments, this one’s fabric-covered belt has a matching-color plastic buckle. It’s always interesting when buckles and buttons are dyed to match the fabric.
The clothing in New Orleans, I found, has fabulous stories associated with it and many of the shopkeepers can tell you some! The garments always seem to come from interesting people living in interesting places and with fascinating histories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Fall weight fabric in a ’60’s paisley print, with bell sleeves. Easy lines with a tie belt. What could be more characteristic of the shift style from mid to late ’60’s? It was a time when British fashion was tops. Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and Twiggy reigned.
Love these colors – perfect for the Autumn time of year. In the case of this particular frock, a Texas designer refined the design for her specialty label. Casual, but lady – like, something they did so well in the southern U.S.
This one, no doubt, had an interesting social life .. . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This pretty dress is in an unusual shade of blue, kind of between a Wedgewood and French blue. A combo that I always love and don’t come across often enough – blue and brown. It was custom – made, with hand-done crewel embroidery on the front.
The easy sheath style is always perfect, and the short sleeves make it less obviously Summery or better for a cooler location. I love their fluttery cut and the brown lining peeking out. The main material is a sort of hop-sacking weave, which was very popular in the late ’60’s. Just the right weight for going into Fall.
Back metal zipper and fully lined in a lightweight cotton blend material. Flattering but simple. Madge fills it out beautifully, no?
Looks just right for a teacher, or, or, or . . . . . . . . .
I wonder who . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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While it’s still warm enough to wear them, here are several of my favorite casual day-dresses. They’re great in the Summer, too, but the colors look like Autumn to me. The plaid fabrics are a wonderful vintage look.
I just love these for running around in every day. Since the fabric is somewhat sheer, they do require a slip but they’re super simple to wear and accessorize. Anyway, who objects to opportunities to wear beautiful true vintage lingerie?
All have unknown maker’s names, or maybe just a union tag. They were average garments from that time and wouldn’t have been expensive, but they fit really well and look smart. Exceptional tailoring is one of the reasons that I love true vintage clothing so much.
For some reason, these look like Nancy Drew dresses to me. How appropriate . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This cute little dress is just so back-to-school in it’s looks! It’s a little small on Madge, so I’m guessing it was a girl’s, but the average woman was tiny by today’s standards. Almost every woman wore something similar on a daily basis back in the day.
It’s a lovely cotton with woven-in plaid – maybe made at home. The style is typical shirtwaist, excepting for a ruffle that goes all the way around at hip level. Maybe this was someone’s idea of adding something original to their creation. It’s not a peplum, so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
maybe the piece of fabric was too short and the tailor wanted to dress up the seam that had to go there. I have found many home-sewn garments that tell stories about shortage of materials or mistakes, especially from the times when the Depression or World War was changing everyone’s lives .
Such a treat to find pretty vintage fashion that also tells something about history . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION
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
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Couldn’t wait for summer! What a great discovery – an iconic halter frock in luscious cotton. These sexy and cool dresses are perfect for hot days (and nights). Move over, Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 