Tag Archives: vintage

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES MOD SUMMER MINI-DRESS

IMG_1500This is the latest of my latest discoveries – the real deal from when mini-dresses were a “new” thing, and somewhat daring (not forgetting the 1920’s, of course).  It’s made of a nice synthetic fabric in a fine rib knit. Love the funky print and the sunny colors.

At first glance it looks like it could have been made yesterday, but it’s got fully built-in and substantial bra cups in front such as you see only in mid-century bathing suits and the occasional vintage dress.  In other words, it’s constructed like a brick house – no worries or straying straps.

That’s only one of the many things I adore about true vintage fashion – the superior construction which makes many items easy to wear because of thoughtful features that minimize the need for special undergarments – and saves us from wardrobe malfunctions!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER – A SAUCY LITTLE FIFTIES DRESS (AND THE LINGERIE SLIP I WEAR WITH IT!)

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER – A SAUCY LITTLE FIFTIES DRESS (AND THE LINGERIE SLIP I WEAR WITH IT!)

A SAUCY LITTLE FIFTIES DRESS (AND THE LINGERIE SLIP I WEAR!)

I just love this dress, with the big bow and button in front.  The colors are so sunny and really stand out!

It’s made of a heavy cotton that doesn’t show through, but I like to wear a comfy nylon slip underneath and this lovely orange one from the 1950’s just fits the bill.  I really like wearing lingerie that matches my outfit and the Fifties were famous for their bright undergarment colors (especially in slips).

With a fabric-covered belt it fits nicely and looks cute as well as lady-like. Just depends on which way you want to go . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ONE OF MY FAVORITE (I SAY THAT A LOT!) TRUE VINTAGE DRESSES FROM THE 1970’S, BY COS COB

ONE OF MY FAVORITE (I SAY THAT A LOT!) TRUE VINTAGE DRESSES FROM THE 1970’S, BY COS COB

ONE OF MY FAVORITE (I SAY THAT A LOT!) DRESSES FROM THE 1970'S, BY COS COB

I love wearing this dress and it’s special because it belonged to a family member.  Cos Cob was a well-known maker of women’s sportswear back in the day, similar to Bobbie Brooks, but I don’t think that the company was as old.

This dress is cotton in a wonderful print, with a long pointed collar and nice, easy shape.  Thank goodness it isn’t culottes, which were popular then.  They look convenient, but they’re really not.

A sleeveless shift is great for casual summer wear and always looks smart if you accessorize properly.  That’s the key to transforming most ensembles and women used to do that so well.  The Europeans, I must say, are better at it than Americans now.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER SUNDRESS FROM THE 1960’S!

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER SUNDRESS FROM THE 1960’S!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  A very cool find from Canada.  This one is bright red & white cotton plaid, with big white buttons front and back and patch pockets.  By Nu-Mode, it’s just the cutest sundress!

Ankle length, with a big ruffle at the bottom and looks very good on.  Quintessential late 1960’s, for sure!

MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, LinkedIn, & more . . . .

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

TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SUMMER DRESS IN RAINBOW SHERBET COLORS

TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SUMMER DRESS IN RAINBOW SHERBET COLORS

TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SUMMER DRESS IN RAINBOW SHERBET COLORS

This dress is so pretty and fun to wear.  When I found it, the original belt was missing, as is often the case, but because of all the multi-colors, not difficult to find one that works.

The style is Forties or late Thirties, because it had short sleeves with a bit of puff at the shoulder, but I suspect it may not be quite that old – maybe made in the early ’70’s during the ’40’s fashion craze.   I removed the sleeves because they were not particularly flattering to me and I wanted a bit more sophisticated look, though it’s very casual.  I love the bands of color, switched at the hem.

When I find a dress that has damage or is not a high-quality piece, I feel free to make some alterations to suit myself. This dress had no damage, but it’s not high-end.  Of course, I did save the sleeves and they could be re-attached at any time.  To me, that’s important with true vintage apparel – to protect its integrity and value.

This is just a cool, summery, happy frock – and one can’t have too many of those!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE COTTON CANDY CONFECTION OF A FROCK – EARLY 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE COTTON CANDY CONFECTION OF A FROCK - EARLY 1960'S

Time for a new color.  This dress is spun sugar pink, with bubblegum, white and (dare I say it – puce).  That’s an awful name for a color, but mixed with these others it is very effective.

There’s no tag remaining, so I don’t know for certain that this dress was commercially-made but it certainly looks as though it was.  The bodice is lined and the belt would have required some exceptional skill to make at home.

This type of fabric was called “whipped cream”, I think.  A type of synthetic, but I can’t say which.  It has unusual body that gives it a form of its own.  The tie belt and blousey effect create a flattering fit.

Back zipper – simple style, but very much a stand-out.  It makes me think of an ice cream social in the summer . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM