Here’s a really pretty summer shirtwaist dress from the ’40s. It has many features that I love such as a covered fabric belt, decorative touches on the bodice, color-match buttons with rhinestones and a very flattering shape.
These sheer dresses were a big thing for at least 2 decades, according to what I have found. Gives us a chance to wear our beautiful lingerie and let it peep through just a little without being indiscreet.
Just seeing that silhouette makes me think of classic movies and how put together the average woman often looked then.
I believe that the fabric is a rayon or perhaps a rayon/cotton blend. Many of the fabrics used then were very interesting in their qualities and their properties – quite different from what we have today, in spite of all our easy-care progress. There’s nothing like the older ones.
True vintage is often very bashful – or maybe just cunning. It likes to hide and to be sneaky. I usually discover it in odd places or in corners. But, sometimes it hides in plain sight. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Such a beautiful coral color on this fun and spunky frock from the late 1930’s or early 1940’s. I love the great big buttons and the pleated flounce at the hem. Polka dots all over. The fabric is an interesting textured weave with some pattern in it, like some men’s shirts of the ’40’s and ’50’s that are so intriguing.
Made by Lora Lenox, a company that manufactured women’s clothing over several decades. This one was definitely a moderately – priced item, but not of poor quality. Just to have survived since the ’40’s in such good condition says a lot.
It’s got the hallmark shoulder pads and a variation of that classic shirtwaist style. When I caught sight of it, half-hidden, it was the color that arrested my eye. Coral is so flattering to most women and so perfect for Summer!
Keep your peepers peeled, ’cause you just never know . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
I’m usually pretty “ho – hum” on 1980’s does 1940’s dresses, but this one is a stand-out. Made by the Lady Carol brand, which produced ladies’ fashions from the 1950’s through 2000 or the late 1990’s. I have one 1950’s knit dress by this maker and have seen a few of their 1980’s versions but never liked them as much as this. Here’s why:
For one thing, the print is probably the most authentic-looking Forties-type design. I’ve seen one or two florals that were pretty good imitations, but this is much more interesting. I also like the monochrome blue. Seems like a lot of the prints from the ’80’s on dresses like these were a dog’s breakfast of colors, shapes and ugly patterns. Not even New Wave and looked more like some of the icky bargain-priced ones from the 1970’s.
The styling and tailoring are very good. Although the nemesis of a missing belt is going on here, there is enough length to use a strip of fabric from the hem to make another, if I’d like. The original was obviously a buckle belt type because a small loop at the waist indicates good tailoring to anchor the belt in front. Since there are also larger belt loops at each side, I could make a sash tie instead, which was also used in the 1940’s but usually on more casual styles. A plain navy or bone color belt would work fine, too. The buttons are classic but boring, so maybe I’ll replace them from my stock of true vintage notions.
Given where I was shopping today, I hadn’t expected either of these discoveries. Just goes to show, that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
An iconic mid-century cotton shirtwaist dress that someone made at home, probably in a small town or on a farm. EVERY WOMAN was wearing these at one time – like we wear jeans today.
If you’re able to zoom in, check out the buttons and the pocket flaps on the skirt. It’s a very pretty pink plaid. Just right for running out to the A & P, baking a pie or collecting eggs . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
In the 1950s, this style of shirt-dress in a very sheer printed material was popular. I have found several of them here and there. Although the photo doesn’t do it justice, it’s one of my favorites. The fabric drapes really well and is very flattering. Bits of pink in the print help it to go with my skin-tone.
Usually, dresses of this type were belted and, of course, would be worn over a slip. Imagine this one with a lovely true vintage nylon slip underneath (but not a fussy slip). and a covered buckle belt or tie belt. . . . . . . . . . .your skirt swaying in the breeze as you walk down main street on your shopping errands for the day. A pretty little ’50s bag and peep-toe sling-back sandals might be nice. Or, you can mix it up. I love a full-on vintage look, especially with dresses, but mixing decades is also fun.
Vintage accessories with modern clothing really works for me sometimes. I find the mixing easy with casual looks. The great thing about many true vintage items is that their styles are very classic and elegant. Therefore, if you do go 100% true vintage in an outfit that is very elegant, it won’t look overdone or too much like a movie set. Be careful not to over-do things like jewelry or hat and gloves unless you want to aim for the kitchie look. That’s fun, too. And, to me, fun is what it’s all about.
I love the elements of history, mystery, style and aesthetics and recycling – but it’s all fun to me! Everyone loves a treasure hunt, because you just never know . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Never can have too many of these! Shoulder pads, matching belt and midi length – of course, I like my true 1940’s ones best but the ’80s did some very fun versions, too.
This one, in a soft cotton blend, was worth picking up. Nice print, good styling, excellent condition. Someone loved it 35 years ago . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE surprises like this!! A polished cotton Spring shirtwaist frock from back in the day that’s new to me!
This dress would have been sold in a hometown store or a department store – it was a budget to mid-priced item – but the quality of workmanship would beat most of what is sold today. That’s not even to consider the fabric – it’s really superior and you won’t find anything like that now!
It was just an everyday day-dress to Rosie the Riveter or Lucy Ricardo, but I think it’s cute with a lot of attitude today. That’s what it’s all about. Madge thinks it’s pretty swell . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I love this little shirtwaist with a saucy, sassy French foodie print. The style is what almost every woman wore as everyday dresses in the Fifties and early Sixties. A classic day dress – house dress.
It’s a little bit sheer, so you have to wear one of your lovely slips underneath, but women almost always did during the mid-century era – sheer dress or not. Because they were usually wearing a garter belt or girdle and nylons, they needed lingerie to mask the lines and let the dress move on top.
Perfect for shopping and light work around the home; coffee with the neighbor. Easy to wear.
It’s what “happy days” was all about . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 