A bargain store beauty, ready for a casual day out. The length puts it into early 1970’s does 1940’s revival time. Love the stripes and the pastel summer hues that were popular then – lots of baby blues and pinks were seen.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a modern dress by Kim Rogers brand, made in Vietnam. For several reasons, I must point it out as an example of a rare exception to the rule that true vintage clothing is always superior to recently-made fashions. I was drawn to it immediately because of the nicely designed retro style and the almost-vintage look and feel of the fabric. The construction is very good, too.
Note the photo of little keepers at the shoulders for bra or slip straps – it’s a wonderful feature that I treasure in my true vintage pieces. These haven’t been common in dresses for decades! Also, it’s fully lined. Asian dressmakers have done superb couture for ages, so it doesn’t surprise me that the workmanship on this garment is excellent.
What might also be considered a plus by modern women is that the fabric is 100% polyester. ” Ick!” you say, “sleazy and hot”; but it can be washed in a machine, with care, and drip-dried. (preferably a modern machine that has a hand-wash cycle and doesn’t agitate back and forth). It’s also amazing what sorts of finishes can be made with polyester – sometimes it’s a really good appearance mimic for real silk, rayon or even linen. But, of course, not in terms of their other qualities – looks aren’t everything . . . . .
So, that gets us down to the real nitty-gritty. Do you really want to wear a summer sundress made of polyester, when you’re trying to stay cool and looking your very best at an event or on a date? Do you want the zipper on your dress to very obviously announce to anyone who has any fashion savvy that “No, this is NOT a true vintage dress – just a retro fake”. And, horror of all horrors, do you want to walk into the party and see another woman dressed just like you?
Thus, a very respectful nod to this clothing company for their care and attention to detail and style, at least where this dress is concerned. When I’m traveling and wouldn’t want to subject any of my authentic vintage treasures to threats of loss or damage, I’ll certainly take it and wear it inside or when the weather is mild. It’s nice to see a manufacturer that cares about some of the finer points of good quality any time – especially in this age of cheaper-is-better.
BUT, all things considered, give me a quality true vintage garment over a modern one no matter what . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Couldn’t wait for summer! What a great discovery – an iconic halter frock in luscious cotton. These sexy and cool dresses are perfect for hot days (and nights). Move over, Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
How cute is this – and, in wonderful condition?! Nice two-tone probably cotton fabric, with a flippy pleated skirt and button tab decoration at the hip-line. It was fashioned at home by a seamstress with confidence who made exactly what she wanted, with a perfect fit for her. It’s a little big on me, but the style makes it super-easy to alter the size.
I can just imagine Ann-Margret in a frock like this one, riding on the back of a scooter in a mid-century movie. What a treat!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic cotton summer sundress in lemonade yellow – this is a Sixties frock with the cute bodice detail that is so common on vintage dresses. . . . . as well as the belted wasp waist.
Yellow and white are so Summery. It’s wonderful to be out and about again!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A dream find for any vintage-hunter! Love this pretty day-dress so much. It needed some TLC with stains from storage, but I was up to the challenge. Beautiful decoration and comfy cotton; it’s the perfect summer frock.
Imagine this kind of intricate stitchery on an everyday dress today – even similar-looking examples are only cheap imitations of what used to be the standard of quality back in the day. More newly-discovered treasures are coming – we’ve only just begun . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Ooh, LOVE this! Stella’s got a real rockabilly thing going on. What a pretty and flirty dress someone made back in the day!
Just right for summer shopping, dancing and just playing around. The bust-line flounce, wrap tie cummerbund belt and full skirt are really flattering features that also allow for some size variability when you have skinny or fat days. Although, this frock was made for a slender gal because there are no zipper or buttons.
Ah, well. Stella can do it, and so can I. So, definitely another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
More custom-tailored stories coming my way – this cute cotton summer frock practically lets me follow the seamstress’s journey as she made this dress for herself. It’s so fun to think of a girl or woman, way back in the day, going to the fabric store and finding a pattern she loves – picking the material she wants and using her sewing skills learned in Home Ec class and the dreams in her imagination to create a dress that she’ll love to wear.
Wish Stella were here to model it for me, but if you know anything about sewing, all the details of this dress make it crystal clear. Although I love finding gorgeous designer frocks from the 1940’s, Fifties and before, a simple homemade garment is one of the sweetest surprises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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