TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50’S, EARLY ’60’S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50'S, EARLY '60'S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

This luscious dress is another that Madge can’t wear, because of the side zipper at the waist.  Soon, I want to put it (and several others like it) on Stella!  A hanger doesn’t do it justice, but imagine it as it fits – with a fitted waist and very full circle skirt.

Of 100% silk, with gold accents all over. I believe that it is Asian silk and was probably custom-tailored there for someone from the “West” who was vacationing or living there for a time.

It’s a beautiful dress and I gasped when I discovered it – it also fits me! What a perfect frock for any dress-up party or a really special date.  With the generous hem let down to below-the-knee, it could even go to the Prom!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads.   LOVE this neckline!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LADIES’ PUMPS IN LUGGAGE TAN NATURAL LIZARD

CLASSIC 1960'S LADIES' PUMPS IN LUGGAGE TAN NATURAL LIZARD

Talk about elegant – these shoes are timeless standards in 3 ways: style, color and material. This is characteristic of  many true vintage clothing and accessory items – the quality and design are so excellent that they look good with almost everything for almost always.

Classic mid-heel pumps in lizard-skin (vintage, of course) in this rich, mid-brown color will go through every season of the year, with white, black and colors, from casual to dressy.

Compose a wardrobe carefully of elements like this and you’ll appear sophisticated and well-heeled no matter what.  Quality and construction are everything.  Even well-known labels and designer names (especially if they were made since the 1980’s) are secondary and often cheap-looking, no matter how much they cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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NEW FIND! PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWN BY CHRISTIAN DIOR

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UNION-MADE IN THE U.S.A. FOR THE CHRISTIAN DIOR LINE

This traditionally-styled wrapper comes from the Fifties or early 1960’s.  It’s got the hallmark generous hemline,  two on-seam pockets, carefully-constructed bodice with lace and eyelet, ribbon, elaborate decoration and pearlized plastic buttons on stems.  Take a close-up look.

I can’t believe the perfect condition!  Hardly looks worn at all.  It’s a feather-light cotton blend to be washed by hand.  I’ll love this one for a long time . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY SPRING ACCESSORIES – FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

There’s nothing more eye-catching on a plain tailored dress, coat or jacket lapel than an outstanding piece of jewelry. These costume brooches are each signed, by different designers.  Whimsical and elegant, women hardly felt dressed without one on back in the day.

From the 1950’s – 1960’s, they are either glamorous or fun. I love the turtle!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPRING FROCK FOR AN EASTER PARTY

PRETTY SPRING SIXTIES FROCK FOR AN EASTER PARTY

Spring flowers abound on this breezy semi-formal dress from the 1960’s. It is lined, but I think that originally a stiff a-line petticoat would have been worn underneath – probably with a crinoline to hold its shape.

However, the print is casual, so the petticoat could no doubt be omitted for an informal party. So up-beat for Easter doings, though a little jacket or warm shawl would also look pretty if it’s cool.

Empire waistline styling with a simple back zip. Although I adore the elegance of the Fifties and before, sometimes the extra simplicity of fashions that took over in the Sixties is refreshing – certainly easier for a quick costume change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE AND SAUCY TRUE VINTAGE LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FIFTIES – STYLE

CUTE AND SAUCY LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FORTIES - STYLE

Just love this!! Sometime from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s this little frock was someone’s favorite.  It’s Peggy Lee in her early mid-century years, all over!!!!!

Glossy textured rayon – I always love sheer panels like this on the shoulders.  The bodice is decorated with embroidered white flowers which have pearl centers.  Nothing could be better for dinner out or a date night.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LOOKING FOR A TRUE VINTAGE EASTER DANCE PARTY DRESS?

LOOKING FOR A TRUE VINTAGE EASTER DANCE PARTY DRESS?

Here’s a pretty frock that’s just right for a dinner date, dancing or a semi-formal party.  I always love sheer/opaque fabric combinations and a flippy hem that moves so wonderfully.

This dress was from a California designer/company that was popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  One follower who commented when I first showed it 3 years ago said she would add a silvery belt and sandals. Sounds perfect to me!

Although this particular garment was made a little before the time of “disco nights” in the late Seventies, the style is classic and I’d certainly dance the night away in it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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NEW DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY DRESS

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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

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MORE FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK

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Another treasure from the 1960’s.  Sorry my camera/laptop is playing tricks on me again – can’t edit the photo.

This pretty Spring dress was custom-tailored with lots of nice features.  Love the Mod bell sleeves – I’ve run across several of these in the past 2 years, all of a sudden.  It’s fully lined, with raglan sleeves and an invisible zipper center back.

The seamstress knew her stuff and did a very good job. Although it’s plain, it’s very well-made.  The first thing she did right was selecting the fabric – a good quality polyester and/or acetate.  The print and colors are gorgeous – SO SIXTIES!!!

Sorry that this isn’t my color palette (makes me look jaundiced) but I’m sleuthing for true vintage fashion – not only things I can wear.  So, that didn’t stop me.  Never does . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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