I’m ready for the BBQ – maybe not the volleyball or badminton game. This gown was custom-tailored of a beautiful fabric (look at those colors to die for). Prettier than the black and white from yesterday, but they’re all wonderful. Lovely feminine style with an easy-wear feel. Sixties or Seventies chic.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Now that the weather hotter and sunnier we’re all thinking (or dreaming), of outdoor activities. The idea of giving or going to casual parties (and what to wear) is all part of it.
In the early 1960’s patios and “patio parties” became the big rage. People built patios onto their houses like crazy and all kinds of decorative lighting, furniture and dinnerware were sold especially for hosting these gatherings of neighbors and friends.
Hostess gowns in very casual styles and materials were all part of this wave, and they persisted into the mid-1970s. Of course, long casual dresses have been around for a long time and still are, but the “hostess gown” is kind of a separate breed.
This one is typical. Most of the earlier ones had a defined waist and, often, a belt. They are a floor-length style that would also look good as a knee-length dress (hint-hint: if you find one you like but don’t want a gown, think about shortening it to a day dress).
I just love finding these dresses. They really say summer fun in a very true vintage way. Get out the Tiki lanterns and the barbecue grill and have a blast! If your patio is big enough, don’t forget the cha-cha and bossa nova records. The girl from Ipanema might show up – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress looks so fabulous on Stella – it’s made in just her size. I’ve shown lots of yellow dresses, but this is the dressiest and the oldest.
Alas, the labels are gone so I’m not sure of the fabric content – it looks like linen and acts like a rayon blend. Just a hint of sheen and a soft hand, but with body.
What I love most about this dress is all the beautiful detail. The delicate straps are double and there is a little knot tied on the bodice where they attach. There are little flowers attached all over, with faux pearl centers. To finish up, the hem is decorated with floral embroidery.
It’s all so elegant and well-made, while not being too dressy to wear almost anywhere. And, a simple fitted sheath style with back center zipper. I suspect that it was hand-washable, so no big deal in the care department. The best of all worlds!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This little beauty has such a wonderful fit, because it’s adjustable! The neckline and waist closures are so unique – wrapping straps that hook like a belt, with several holes to choose from. Never seen one like this before!
I just love discovering these interesting and unusual tailoring and design details. In this example, it’s so ingenious yet so simple. A bit confusing at first look, but makes perfect sense and works beautifully.
The fabric and the fit are ultra-flattering and so cool and carefree for summer. It’s a high-quality construction by a well-known, if smallish, vintage clothing maker and in perfect condition. Sweet!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is also a true vintage brand that I already own – so fun to find things by names that I know. It’s a vintage 16, which was a plus size at that time, but still looks pretty cute on Stella.
Plain and everyday, but still worth picking up, to me. All part of the vintage sleuthing craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite true vintage styles in warm weather shoes. The fabric uppers and openness are so breezy, cool and feminine. They are such a cross between dressy and casual that they are very versatile and will look just right almost any time.
I’ve found lots of lovely true vintage shoe styles by Johansen since I’ve been sleuthing and they’re always dependably elegant and well-made. Such a pleasure to find and to wear . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a good picture of the a-line shift dress that I found in New Zealand last fall. Very plain and classic in style, but that’s often the best. It’s certainly a design that was VERY common in the Sixties decade. Probably custom-tailored, with a metal zip, which I also enjoy finding in a true vintage piece.
The feature I like most about this dress is the fabric. It’s a nice woven cotton – hard to find now – in a print that uses the colors and dotted style that you will find in the Aboriginal & Maori artwork from Australia and New Zealand. It’s a wonderful souvenir of my time there.. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure. Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit. I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.
This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun! Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
All three of these frocks were custom-sewn and I think that the top two belonged to the same woman, because they are so similar. Wasp-waisted or halter style, these gingham dresses have been signs of summer for decades. I REALLY wish I had Madge and Stella here to show them off properly!
All are very simple, with back zippers and store-bought trims. The fabric in the yellow and white one is a bit more modern-looking and I would say it was a late-’60’s to early-’70’s creation. The first two would be a few years older.
As plain as these are, I’d never pass them up. I still love them because they are so of-that-time and look really good on. Simple belts add a lot and, of course, you can accessorize . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Classic white beads in a graduated strand are always perfect – they don’t have to be pearls! Just look for beads with tiny spacers or knots in between – much more elegant and better quality. Also perfect are shell necklaces and bracelets. These are always available, but the ones pictured are original vintage and have vintage findings.
Lots of cute costume jewelry is being made now; I just prefer the special extras that are present on the older things. They also have a different look.. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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