3 TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S VELVET EVENING COATS & JACKETS

3 TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S - 1950'S VELVET EVENING COATS & JACKETS

In three lengths, sumptuous and elegant, black velvet evening wraps from the ’40’s and ’50’s.  Can’t see detail in these photos (black is that way!) but the detail, though lovely, is not terribly important because you can see the lines.

The detail is subtle in the garments – the focus is on elegant simplicity, beautiful fabric and beautiful cut.  What could be better over your choice of evening ensemble?

Besides, they’re very discreet at night, in the dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S DOES 1940’S VELVET EVENING GOWN

Beautiful acetate/rayon velvet fabric and a gorgeous sweetheart neckline with pretty drop shoulders. Love this style! Also, it has nice tailoring as in the dress I showed yesterday. Whereas the shirtwaist from yesterday is WAY too big for me and will be sold, this dress will be simple to make a little smaller if I wish. We’ll see – it might end up on the eBay block, also, depending on what I think when standing in front of the mirror.

The only style element that I don’t like since it seems a little over-the-top is the thigh-high front slit. Fortunately, that should also be easy to change. Though you know that I always prefer a garment that is from the same decade as it’s style, rather than a re-make, I’m willing to pick up well-done pieces from the 1980’s and 1990’s. So, stay tuned. More to come . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A VERY UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE STATEMENT DRESS!

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I have dresses and a couple of coats trimmed with fur on the sleeves and a a couple of coats with fur around the hems but this is my first find of a dressy dress with this kind of trim.  Made in a 1950’s style, but I think it is from the 1970’s (maybe the 1960’s).  How unusual!

Very much of-the-season in perfect plush velvet for all the holiday party activities that about to crowd our calendars.  What an entrance I’d make to an evening Thanksgiving dinner.   Hmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1970 HOMECOMING DRESS

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Two “new” finds today – I’m on a roll.  This little frock caught my eye because of the fabric – real, plush, beautiful VELVET.  We just don’t see that anymore.  The lace trim is also very nice.  Stiff and Elizabethan.

Aside from the fabric, it’s just as cute as can be and oh, so of that time.  Mini, slightly Mod but also demure.  I love it and it was worth snapping up even if it isn’t quite my size, just for the fabric.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS CUSTOM-MADE POST-WAR FORMAL GOWN IN SUMPTUOUS BLACK RAYON VELVET

Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me.  It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath.  Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.

One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon.  Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress.  I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.

Anyway, who wouldn’t love it!  I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went.  That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

 

A MAGICAL FIND – PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE VEIL ILLUSION HAT

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Couldn’t be simpler, but that’s what makes it so elegant and lovely.  I also like the midnight navy color – a nice switch from black.

Velvet and netting – nothing is more flattering and alluring while adding a touch of mystery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1980’S GUNNE SAX DRESS

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So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved.  Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.

Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before.  They are definitely of an “era” and well-made.  This one will be fun to wear.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER-PRETTY AND ELEGANT 1950’S HAT

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Velvet pillbox with a huge satin bow behind.  And, lined in brilliant red. Originally from the Sears & Roebuck Millinery Department.  Pretty cool!

So timeless and elegant, it’s another forever find . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A BEAUTIFUL 1930’S BLACK VELVET EVENING HANDBAG

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In such good condition, too!  That was one of the biggest reasons that I grabbed this, though I do have some others that are similar.  The inside is also very clean and undamaged PLUS I can see the maker’s name stamped inside, though it wouldn’t be readable in a photograph.  It;s also got little amber-colored “jewels” decorating the snap clasp.

It’s just a small evening bag large enough to carry the essentials (the 1930 essentials, that is) such as lipstick, a comb, some money and a key – oh, maybe some rouge and a hankie, too.  Forget the cell phone.

Maybe there might be room for a miniaturized transmitter and  camera, in a pinch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM