TRUE VINTAGE EVENING GOWN – 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S MIAMI BEACH

TRUE VINTAGE EVENING GOWN - 1950'S - EARLY '60'S MIAMI BEACH

This one is spectacular and I wonder where it was worn in vintage Miami Beach. There’s always been a lot going on there, in and out of the limelight so, you just never know . . .
I discovered it, again, by surprise (!) along with several other dresses and handbags in a seemingly unlikely spot.

There is no maker’s name on it, but it was made in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. It’s got a metal zipper up the back, and a heavy satiny rayon skirt that falls to the floor or almost to the floor, depending on the wearer’s height. The bodice is TOTALLY covered with clear iridescent bangles and edged with bronze-color glass beads. The neckline is a lower scoop in back.

I can imagine this being worn to a casino, by one of the more well-to-do patrons. It creates a regal presence and says “don’t mess with me”. . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950'S FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION.

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950'S FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

Well, now that I’ve got the road dust washed off and had a good sleep, I’ll finish up with the lovelies that I uncovered about 2 weeks ago. This one is in a dark navy color, a favorite of mine, with a neutral floral print.

I believe it is missing its belt (a frequent issue, of course) and the label is gone but there is no question that this was commercially-made. I am acquainted with the store owner where this one and its sisters were waiting and she was able to give me some of the history.

The length is below the knee and the skirt has an attached crinoline. I especially like the woven shoulder straps and neckline, done in a shiny cord of dark navy. The fit is really cute and flattering.

Not really a formal, but definitely a party/occasion dress, made for dancing the night away . . . . .. . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S VAMP VIXEN METALLIC DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S VAMP VIXEN METALLIC DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S VAMP VIXEN METALLIC WIGGLE DRESS

This is a PERFECT New Year’s Eve dress!

I’m so sorry that Madge can’t model this one. It is a KILLER dress! Imagine Scarlett Johannson, Sharon Stone, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Joan Collins, Carole Lombard and Ingrid Bergman rolled into one.  When I have time, I’ll try it on Stella.

Use your imagination. It is not tight, but fits the body – with padded shoulders and a mid-calf length. The color is gold and champagne, metallic thread – probably rayon or a rayon blend.  It’s another one of those with the funny zipper in the middle of the back, that you have to shimmy into.

I don’t know whether the woman wearing this dress is a bad girl or not. She certainly has a toe in both rooms. Anyway, it’s just stunning. Perfect for any magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARITN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

LATE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

LATE 1940'S – EARLY 1950'S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN.

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING.

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE.

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE

This one is fun! Not my best colors, but how can I not keep it and wear it? The style is casual, but it isn’t grunge-wear. In fact, it’s a rather stylish summer top with a Country Club feel and an element of elegance.

It’s fully lined in the body and buttons up the back. The sleeves and fringes are left sheer. I just love finding items like this, which tell a story about the type of woman who would have purchased and worn it. I see it with a pair of white capri’s or shorts and leather sandals – flat or with a kitten heel – worn by a dark-haired Italian actress in a James Bond movie. Only your own imagination and personal style put any limits on how it can be combined with other elements of your wardrobe.

Where to go today? Perhaps the Riviera? You just never know . .. . . . . . . . . …

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

THE MYSTERIOUS CRAFT OF MANIFESTING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION – FINDERS’ CLUE #5

Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science.  Having lots of success at it, however, involves lots of little bits of knowledge, skill and experience that come together.  They may seem simple and unexciting by themselves, but they make a BIG difference in my overall results.  Of course, there are more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to begin. FINDERS’ CLUE #5:  FIND A REALLY GOOD DRY-CLEANER, A TAILOR  & A LEATHER REPAIR SERVICE 

     A good service for each of these three things is worth it’s weight in gold!  Sometimes you’ll find the tailor at the dry-cleaner – sometimes in their own private business.  Look around and ask around.  Someone close by is also an asset, but go for the quality first.  

     Nothing can help you to preserve the life of your wardrobe items like having the advice and services of these people.  Form a good relationship with them.  Don’t be afraid to consult them about a problem or question.  When you have this back-up, it also helps you when making should I buy it or not? decisions if you see an item you like but which has a flaw.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

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Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com