Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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FROM THE EARLY 1970’S RETRO FORTIES ERA
This is an unusual purchase for me, but it is so iconic of that early ’70’s time that I just had to nab it – and some of the details are compelling. Jumpsuits were a big deal (briefly) during the early 1970’s, as they were (briefly) during the 1940’s, too. Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella. It’s a small size that will fit her to a “T”.
The first thing that caught my eye was the color – love this wonderful glossy Bordeau wine hue – and the fabric. It’s a blend of acetate and rayon (very popular in the Forties) and gives the garment that wonderful drape plus adding the depth and shimmer to the color.
Shoulder pads, a nipped waist and plunging back above a button-and-zipper closure. Couldn’t be a more flattering style on someone with a slim figure. The waistline also has belt loops, showing that a wide cinch belt was the original. It will be fun to find the one I like best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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OK. Let’s compare this frock to the dress shown yesterday. . . . . . . ..
This was a completely magical find! For the first thing, I almost missed it. I was an inexperienced sleuth at the time, years ago, and wasn’t sure what I was seeing.
Second, it was at least 3 sizes too big, with some dowdy design features that were not appealing. However, this is a 100% silk dress with a designer label.
Look at the draping and the ruching – GORGEOUS!! Another woman remarked about it and woke me up.
After a few very simple alterations, without doing anything that can’t be reversed, voila’! An absolute Mata Hari, femme fatale frock. Who knew?
From the same 1950’s era as yesterday’s dress – just as elegant but with a totally different feel. This dress is very sexy and dramatic, but not in any way sleazy or tacky. That’s the beauty of true vintage style and quality . . . . . . . . .
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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More slips! I’m not near done yet . . . . .
These are beautiful with unusual decoration, in the smoothest, softest nylon. One may be in silk, which was also popular then, for the nicer things.
I love the beige color and the lovely lace and embroidery to die for – different from the vast majority made later.
How could you ever feel less than wonderful wearing one of these? Marvelous to have hidden assets . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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PARTY, PARTY, PARTY . .. . . . . . . . . ..
Staying in the spirit – looking ahead to the Christmas Dance (or the Valentine’s Day Dance)! I just love this little circle skirt dress with sequins on the bodice.
Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing. Just right for dancing.
This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside. Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric. You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.
Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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THIS IS SOME OF THE BEST FUN – FINDING A FABULOUS PIECE AND ALSO HAVING THE CHANCE TO BE CREATIVE .. . . . . . . . .
While we’re in the mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.
Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline. The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.
Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.
I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!
Worth of Peggy Lee any…
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Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Have fun!
This one is my very favorite – in a silvery plum. I think Peggy Lee would have loved performing in this.
Your regular boyfriend can escort you around in this one, but he’d better be prepared for the competition . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
SWEET DREAMS, SWEETHEARTS . . . . .
There’s nothing like a silk or fine nylon gown against the skin. These also have beautiful lace on the bodices.
If you dream of being in the movies, here’s your wardrobe. These are real special prizes of mine.
Forget all the lace and frills on anything modern; one of these gowns will give you complete amnesia.
Have a lovely day, and night . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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