This one’s a sexy day dress with ruching at the waistline to give it a bit of curvy shape, while still staying very proper. Love the abstract atomic print in subtle shades that could go to work, or dinner, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hand-tailored frocks are so much fun to discover because they always tell a story about the designer. This style is so versatile – I’ll enjoy it, too. More on the way . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is another keeper! I wish Stella were here to model it for you – it’s so beautiful. So chic and elegant, of 100% silk with a floral jacquard design, with all the fine details that would be expected from an expert tailor. This dress was made in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s by a tailoring firm especially for a higher-end shop in the Bahamas.
Excepting for the missing original belt and a few stitches in the hem which need to be repaired, it is in perfect condition. A dress of this type would have been especially prized by it’s mid-century owner, and protected from damage. That’s why it’s still possible, if you are lucky, blessed and skilled, to discover these frocks today.
I’m also fortunate to be of a size that was more or less average at that time, so I can wear many of my finds without alterations. However, an expert cleaning service will have skilled seam-sters who can work wonders when necessary, so carry on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I had one other 1960’s sheath dress with fringe like this several years ago, and it was a surprise. Looks like a hoochie-coochie 1920’s or ’30’s frock but that kind of fringe is so GREAT for Sixties dancing, too. I guess some women thought so . . . . . . . . . . .
The interesting thing about this particular one is that the body of the dress is made of a soft fabric that feels like cotton with chenille stripes. I thought chenille was just for bedspreads, bathrobes and sweaters. That’s one thing I love about this investigating – you learn something new every day (and get to play dress-up every day, too).
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This little dress is so cool – straight out of the late sixties. It was tailor-made in a fabric that was really popular then – kind of loose-woven like hop sacking used to be. That’s what it was called, though it wasn’t really sacking material (from back when they used to make food sacks out of cloth).
It has a Peter Pan collar and zips up the back. The sleeves are made from a sheer material that is printed to match the heavier fabric of the dress. Cute!
When I find something like this that is SO characteristic of its particular time and even tells a story about who made it it’s almost like being transported! Beam me up . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you’ve ever seen a good dancer wearing one of these, you’ll know what I mean. The fringe around the hem just doesn’t know when to quit!
Some dresses have fringe all over, and that’s just WILD. But, a fringe at the bottom lets you remain demure and sophisticated (why is everyone staring at me?) while your dress gets all the attention.
This one is a sexy black crepe sheath, with a fitted waist. Stay VERY cool, and it could be a great costume for hiding in plain sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Very Sixties Spring dress from the early to mid-1960’s. It’s a real blast from the past in a lady-like style, so typical of that time. The zipper is metal, but the fabric an easy-care knit which was also popular then – “wash and wear” had become the common thing by then.
A dress like this is so versatile. It can be worn almost everywhere, dressed up or down. Especially now when footwear choices are completely open, boots, pumps, sandals or flip-flops could all be possibilities that would not have been “right” when this dress was made. Oh, you might have gotten by with go-go boots, flats, pumps or dressy sandals but that would have been all.
Ahh, fashion freedom. Love it! Can’t have it without true vintage in your closet, too . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
For a Spring cocktail party or a dressy date, here’s a lovely gown custom-tailored in the early Sixties. Blue and green combined was a big trend at that time.
In a mid-weight embroidered fabric, with back zipper and simple lines. Purely sophisticated and elegant, but not a bit stuffy.
Tomorrow I’ll show some embroidered pumps that you might wear with this gown, or with the one that I’ve picked out for the Easter dance!
More pretty Spring fashions to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
