Isn’t she sweet? The early Sixties were still so precious, with their knee-length princess dresses. And, they brought shoulder tails back again for dressy frocks. So unusual. With sequins decorating the midriff, too . . . . . . . .
I’d be confused whether I was going to get married or going to the Prom . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Both these little ladies were made in Hong Kong, of similar basic design, but there is a world of difference between them. Lady Right was made for the uptown market, while Lady Left was sold downtown. Though they’re both clean and well-put-together, Lady Right grew up with all the best, while Lady Left’s beginnings were more humble.
It’s obvious “in person” that these bags were made for different markets. The styling in both is superior, but the materials and extra attention to detail show that Lady Right brought a higher price. Just comparing these two pretties, found at the same time, was a fun chance to evaluate a number of “clues” about their backgrounds.
I don’t have a favorite. Their stories are equally interesting to me (maybe Lady Left’s is a little more so . . . . .). Each one is perfect with the outfit that coordinates with it. While Lady Left could be much more casual, she is no less elegant – maybe even more so, if you don’t look too closely. Lady Right could seem a little tasteless if she showed up everywhere dressed like that.
I see one for holiday festivities or a very gala occasion (maybe tonight?), while the other would be lovely with a pretty summer dress. Both would be gorgeous for a bridal venue. It can all be so fascinating . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . . Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show. Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.
Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..
By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!
What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design (the sequin band at bottom is different and nicer than glitzy trims on most things now)
A dress of this quality today (and a lot of them not nearly as nice) would cost an arm and a leg, but my purse is full of songs! I never know what I’ll find or exactly where, but that’s half the fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!
I love this find! All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here. She was good!
Like many dresses from the Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric. The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout. The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.
The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles. Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion. Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times. She loved it!
The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration. The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure. Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!
More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s another detour to the days of film noir – lets check out a couple of little black dresses from that time . . . ..
Black crepe with major embellishments. the dress on the left is quite form-fitting, but with no stretch, and has a small side zipper, so you have to wiggle in. It is covered with metal stud decoration.
The frock on the right – also black crepe – is less fitted and easier to get into. Has a huge beaded design on the bodice – looks like a Firebird(?) – I guess we can make it whatever we want . . . . . . . .
These are rare finds, and in excellent condition. A couple of cherished items – like a hundred or so others in my closet . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
PARTY, PARTY, PARTY . .. . . . . . . . . ..
Staying in the spirit – looking ahead to the Christmas Dance (or the Valentine’s Day Dance)! I just love this little circle skirt dress with sequins on the bodice.
Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing. Just right for dancing.
This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside. Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric. You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.
Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE…
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Imagine my delight finding this LBD!! Very Mad Men, Jackie O and all that. It was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue. What could be a better item to have as a wardrobe staple? I’ll have fun with this one.
A black crepe in perfect condition, from the early to mid-1960’s. However, this design is so elegant and classic, that it’s timeless.
Back metal zipper and generous hem allowance, careful tailoring throughout and a high-quality decorative trim at the neck and hem. The embroidered label inside is a real plus, too.
Most of my recent finds have been good fits for me and require little, if any, attention. Thank you, fashionistas of the past, who loved and looked after your clothing so well . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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