Tag Archives: sheath

MID-CENTURY SWING DRESS FIND

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Fun find – a custom-tailored frock made sometime between 1960 and 1985.  It’s got overall a great day dress style, harking back to the 1940’s.  The best thing about the styling, I think, is the flared skirt design which will flip and twirl with every movement.  A perfect dress for dancing!

Another neat thing is that the seamstress put in a LONG side zipper so that it’s really easy to put on and take off – no need for contortion or someone to help you zip, as sometimes happens with back zippers.

This is a relatively simple dress, but little clues tell me that the maker put special thought into the styling and construction, which make it special.  Love it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC BLACK SHANTUNG DAY DRESS FROM THE KENNEDY ERA

A perfect little black dress for day – wonderful find!  The classic elements – 3/4 sleeves, decorative detail and shantung weave – make it very fun and versatile.  A best of the best everyday garment to discover.

Always an adventure!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY LATEST FIND – 1960’S BLACK CREPE SHEATH DINNER DRESS

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This style is a very elegant, body-skimming sheath design with back zip and a low plunge behind.  Notice the chiffon drape which hangs from the waist, and the simple embroidery on the bodice.

Although the interior size tag reads 8, an attached paper tag dangling from a side-seam give the sizing as 7/8, meaning that this was a Junior size frock rather than Misses, with a youthful cut.  LOVE IT when original sales tags are present and testify to a garment that has never been worn!!

Knee-length to moderate-mini, depending on the wearer’s height, and with a 3″ hem allowance.  Perfect.  Just my size!  Never fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE AMERICAN WOOL JUMPER DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S OR EARLY ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE AMERICAN WOOL JUMPER DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S OR EARLY '60'S

Here’s a very special woven wool jumper dress with big shell buttons. Although I have it pinned since it’s a little too teeny for Madge, you see how much difference a little change in one’s figure could make in the fit!

It’s really cut for a petite woman, maybe slightly under average height. But, a couple more inches here and there and VAVOOM!  Unfortunately, a shade too much on the petite side for me and no Vavoom, so I sold it before Stella joined me and it would have fitted her well!

Dresses like this were super popular right around 1960 and might have been worn with a turtleneck, but a blouse would have been more likely. I show it with this sweater just because the color matches so well.

The most outstanding feature of this design is the big abalone shell buttons asymmetrically closing the front. And, the hem-line is fairly long, especially on a shorter person. A sign of the times.

Definitely a sophisticated back-to-school or a career dress for some aspiring young woman!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

While we’re in a New Year mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.

Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline.  The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.

Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.

I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!

Worthy of Peggy Lee any day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

NEXT TRUE VINTAGE DISCOVERY -PRETTY 1960’S HOME-CREATED DAY DRESS

This custom-tailored dress is really special for several reasons.  The style and color are not unusual – a shaped sheath with back metal zipper in a lovely olive (not as grayish as the photo seems).  BUT, the fabric (probably a rayon or blend) has interesting slubs and visible weave throughout.   The most fascinating part, though is the cummerbund . . . . . .

it is not a machine-made trim that came from a sewing store.  The treatment at the waist is completely hand-crocheted in fine thread and then was attached to the dress, probably while the person worked.  It’s backed with cheesecloth to protect the attachment.  Very carefully done – no wonder it has lasted so long.

One of the most fun aspects of my sleuthing is the original and astounding details found in many of the garments and accessories that I uncover.  Love delightful surprises!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MOD, MOD, MOD! A TRUE VINTAGE THREE-SEASON 1960’S FROCK

IMG_1052 This dress is at least 30 years old, and I can’t tell much more about it than that right now.  The colors are VERY mid-sixties Mod and I LOVE what the designer has done with the black and white trim.

It’s also a nice kind of older rayon blend that hangs so well and shows off with a little sheen.  And, it has a flattering cut and nice tailoring, too.

A bit of a mystery, but a choice garment . .. . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM