Despite the chilly temperatures, I’m going to start showing Summer things anyway (so, there!) Came across this one by surprise. Ribbed poly knit with a front zip, belt loops and contrasting inverted pleats. Cute, cute, cute!
At first glance it looked like it could be modern, BUT . . . . . . . . . sometimes the clues are hidden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Classic styling in the fave material of the late ’60’s and early ’70’s. Poly synthetic that holds color and pleats so well (like forever). Often called a “secretary dress” today, it’s a conservative style that goes everywhere in a normal day. Sadly, as you can probably see, by the late 1960’s the quality is beginning to slide – but, it looks much better on a model and has some interesting vintage features making it a worthwhile buy.
I’d put a black belt on to wear and that will give it a really nice shape, as the skirt is fairly full and flippy. Buxom Madge would put the Va-Voom in this style, but I haven’t taken a new picture with her yet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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How about some pretty lingerie that makes the decision easy! No more concerns about indiscreet gaps or getting your undies in a twist . .. ….. . . ..
Back in the day when every type of clothing came in well-made and lovely versions that weren’t expensive, women had options like these to wear under those trendy and faddish styles that might not be in fashion next year. I was so glad to find that pair which I showed a few days ago that was just – a – little – bit – longer . . . . . . . . . .
Even though culottes and hot-pants went by the way-side pretty quickly, there’s still a definite place for lingerie pieces like these in my wardrobe and sometimes they are SO practical! And, the heavy, silky nylon and beautiful decoration are always a pleasure . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Unusual and cute – worth collecting. It’s great to find bags this old that have survived in such wonderful condition! The hardware is really shiny and bright but, of course, reflects shadows. The purse on left was handmade with a needlepoint cover, mounted on purchased hardware. Up through the 1960’s, many women made purses this way because the kits were easy to buy and a perfect way to make a bag that exactly matches an outfit – especially when so many women were home-sewing their wardrobes. I’ve seen them in all styles, including late mid-century macrame’.
The handbag on right is a commercially-made style by the CARA brand-name. Pretty standard on the inside with a satiny rayon liner and zipper compartment – beyond the excellent condition, the deciding factor for me was the hardware design. Isn’t that a lovely infinity coil along the top?
Still good for many years of service, and wonderful along with just the right outfit. I’ll have fun with these – can never have too much of that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Pretty citrus – color lingerie in luscious ’50’s nylon, with exquisite decoration. Rare colors! Believe it or not, I just found a similar one in pale yellow the other day . . . . . . . . . .
The temperatures keep going up and down, but how can we doubt that Summer is coming if we wear these?
As always, luscious fabric and gorgeous trimmings. The seaming on the bodices is unusual on the two yellow examples and probably deserves a Special Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
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These fun and beautiful frocks are what EVERYBODY was wearing as everyday-wear between about 1935 and 1965. The cottons are sturdy but wash and wear to a fabulous softness. The colors are bright and the motif’s go from traditional floral or medallion prints (like the one here) to atomic geometrics and cartoon novelty images.
I absolutely cannot get enough of these! The typical fit and flare styling is very forgiving, allowing me a reasonable fit across about 3 sizes. A belt can work wonders with almost any garment. If shoulder pads are appropriate to the era, that makes a big difference, too.
With the exception of the Sixties shift style, this basic shirt-waist design is just about the most comfortable, practical and versatile for day-wear ever; still, it allows for elegance and the irreplaceable look of true vintage fashion. I’ll keep showing more of these wonderful everyday styles, and whatever turns up. Stay tuned . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This frock was made for a very special occasion. The stylistic features are early mid-century, but I suspect that it was made in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Makes me curious . . . . . .
It’s a war-time/rockabilly/musical performance recital/costume frock that could have almost any of those histories. It’s a bit over-the-top for cocktails. I’m guessing that it was made for someone who was going to a dance or about to sing an aria or perform a concert on the cello.
Whatever! . . . . . . . . . . it’s a fun mystery dress in one of my favorite colors. If it weren’t for the bones in the bodice (awkward packing issue), I’d add it to my selection of disguises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance. This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue! The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color. The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!! It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .
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A standard mod-look vintage plus-size day dress from the early-mid Sixties, but, this one is rare to find today because the fabric is Arnel Triacetate – not many of them around now! It got pushed out of the marketplace by good old polyester, which had some easier-care qualities.
However, triacetate feels really good and not exactly like any of the many polyester incarnations that are possible. That’s the beauty of true vintage fabrics – the qualities of most have not/cannot be duplicated by more modern materials. There’s just nothing like them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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