A LOVELY SUMMER FROCK FROM THE 1950’S, REMODELED A BIT BY MOI

A LOVELY SUMMER FROCK FROM THE 1950'S, REMODELED  A BIT BY MOI

This beautiful polished cotton frock – Kay Whitney by Huntington – is absolutely gorgeous. The fabric and the tailoring are top notch.

Naturally, it’s got a fabric-covered belt, the full skirt and a generous hem allowance. It’s not a one-off design, I found, when I saw another identical to it on eBay – but it’s wonderful anyway.

However, this one is one-off now!  As beautiful as it was in its original design, it was a bit too conservative a style to be flattering on me. The shoulder straps were wider and it had a fabric tie sewn completely around the neckline which you would tie in a bow in front. Pretty, but not me.

I removed the tie, making the shoulders skinnier and the neckline wider. I used some of the leftover tie material to make little flat bows at the shoulders. Of course, if you are a purist, you would never have changed it. That’s something I rarely do, but I liked it so much and wanted it to suit me.

So, I now have an original – and without sacrificing quality or elegance. The best of both worlds.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S.

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S SUNDRESS WITH APPLIQUE – OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB

TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S SUNDRESS WITH APPLIQUE – OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB.

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S SUNDRESS WITH APPLIQUE – OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB

TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S SUNDRESS W/APPLIQUE - OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB

Similar to the wrap-around skirt I showed a few weeks ago, this one has the applique’d design that was so popular in the mid-’70’s. Very preppy.

The style is casual, but it’s very well-made, by a smaller maker whose name I don’t recognize. Usually garments like this were in the “smarter” sportswear category and cost a bit more. There’s not a lot to say about clothing like this, but if you know it and see it – it’s 1970’s all over. Several companies that we all know of make this type of clothing now. Ho hum . . .. . but it can be nice to have an item or two like this for certain events, such as spectating at a golf tournament. And, it has the definite advantage of good quality.

Back to more interesting cases tomorrow . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

FABULOUS FABRIC IS THE SECRET OF THIS TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S WRAP DRESS

FABULOUS FABRIC IS THE SECRET OF THIS TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S WRAP DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960'S.

TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960'S

Simpler styles and, often, less fine materials start to become more commonplace in the ’60s. There are still lots of Items that I love from this decade

A simple style is sometimes the most elegant, and you can’t argue with a shapely sheath dress. The material in this one is a looser weave – kind of what they used to call hop sacking (but wasn’t real hop sacking). It’s a nice cut, but the most distinctive thing about it is the embroidered trim. I’ll post another picture directly following this one which shows a more complete view of it.

It’s got a center-back metal zipper and is unlined. Most probably custom tailored. I love the colors. Some seamstress got creative.

When women commonly made their own garments, the individual variations and touches were endless and made each piece unique. That’s why when you’re out there sleuthing and wondering what you’ll find, you just never know . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog address: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available at Amazon.com

A PRETTY BELTED SHIRTWAIST DRESS FROM THE 1950’S

A PRETTY BELTED SHIRTWAIST DRESS FROM THE 1950'S.

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DRESS FOR SUMMER PICNICS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960'S DRESS FOR SUMMER PICNICS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.