Trifari made lovely costume jewelry – here are a few examples of pins and earrings from several decades. Always high quality. Pick them up if you find them . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence. Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!
With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.
The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .
No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out. I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy. It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.
Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy. but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.
I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them! More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s another detour to the days of film noir – lets check out a couple of little black dresses from that time . . . ..
Black crepe with major embellishments. the dress on the left is quite form-fitting, but with no stretch, and has a small side zipper, so you have to wiggle in. It is covered with metal stud decoration.
The frock on the right – also black crepe – is less fitted and easier to get into. Has a huge beaded design on the bodice – looks like a Firebird(?) – I guess we can make it whatever we want . . . . . . . .
These are rare finds, and in excellent condition. A couple of cherished items – like a hundred or so others in my closet . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.
The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly. It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.
The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).
Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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WHAT CAN I SAY – TRUE GLAMOUR ALWAYS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF . . . . . ..
We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era. The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam ’40’s rayon dressing gown. Hollywood movie star all over!
Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would look sweet in that dressing gown.
I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s the lovely dress that I showed you on a hanger when I first found it, a couple of months ago. Now the statuesque Stella gives it a proper display. Black rayon crepe, again, with pink underlining at the shoulders and black lace overlay. Dressy, but not formal.
This frock is dated from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s. So many pretty touches and the strong shoulders that I like, but not with regular shoulder pads. As with many older pieces, the bodice is constructed in hand-tailored detail inside to shape it and make a foundation for the decorative layers on top. A wide ruffle across from shoulder to shoulder, and a narrower one at the hem.
So wonderful to find the faux flowers that are pinned at the neck still present and in such good condition! They’re old and a little rumpled, but that’s all. The opening on the left side-seam that helps you get into the dress is closed with buttons rather than a zipper.
All the clues in plain sight. Just another day in the life of . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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