I always love finding dresses like this from back in the day. Many women wore these at home on a daily basis, and didn’t worry too much if they had to run out for an errand – a little freshening-up: a combing and touch of hairspray, powder & lipstick and off they went to the supermarket.
Other women, who worked in the garment unions, made these dresses in large quantities. Most of them found their way to the rubbish bin after being worn for years of cooking and housecleaning, but a few of them made it out alive. Love the lines of the slightly older style on the right.
So, here we have two of those gals who were well looked-after and might have lived a more leisurely life. They were half-sizes (plus) in their time but now would be lucky to qualify as large size. However, their styles are forgiving and may serve me very well just as they did their first owners. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Made probably in the late 1940’s by a small designer/tailor, it has all the hallmarks of hand-tailoring – pinked seams, reinforcing at the waist, hand-stitching. Love it!
Someone loved this frock very much because it is nearly in perfect condition. Somewhere, sometime she lost one little rhinestone from a button. That’s all. Then, when her estate was unpacked, someone lost the original belt.
You just can’t find good help anymore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Ditch the mini-length, add a bit of va-voom and some frills et voila! – dinner or cotillion dance-worthy. Although the comfortable style and flexible double-knit would probably permit it, this is no frock for the bar scene or Stayin’ Alive dance party.
Yes, it was still possible to find garments of quality construction and elegant design in the 1970’s. Sadly, most of them are gone now because the knit fabrics didn’t make it till today or simply because women had begun to stop taking the care of their clothing which was common in the 1960’s and before.
So much more precious for me to discover two frocks of this type (see yesterday’s post, too). Both are definitely keepers that I can wear for decades to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the Seventies were full of schlocky clothing and many less-than-elegant designs, the full decline of everyday fashion hadn’t hit yet. Here’s an example of a wonderfully-elegant style which was hand-made from one of those beautiful heavy double-knits that became popular in the early – mid decade.
Like the jersey knits of the 1940’s, this material was a real icon of the 1970s and performs very well. The drape is very good and holds it’s shape. This office-worthy frock was custom-tailored and is as simple as can be, which makes the design timeless. The fabric and construction are of high quality. If you find or still own a similar garment from that era, hang on to it!
A rare find (in my size!) that thrilled me to my toes. But, we’re not finished yet – I’ll show you her party-going sister tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 