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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This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.
Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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No matter when you wear the green hat, it’s going to draw attention. So, why not St. Paddy’s Day? The black and white number with artistic feather trim is also to die for. Chin straps were so practical.
These two are from the 1950’s and/or 1940’s. Marlene and Celia are feeling pretty “haute mode”.
Just love feather hats, and I’ll be showing some more before the Spring fashion parade is through. Notice that we’ve also got a veil. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Couldn’t believe it when I spotted this one – an ivory crepe swing jacket with lovely shoulders and fabulous drape. It closes with a single covered button at the neck. It’s a great silhouette, very elegant with lots of presence!
Over skirt, dress or slacks it’s so elegant and moves wonderfully. One of my best examples of what made Forties
fashions fabulous . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This little cutie turned up in a surprising place (which often happens, so it’s no surprise to me!). So dainty and feminine, yet super practical.
Have you ever wanted to wear a smashing sleeveless LBD and needed some warmth, but didn’t like the idea of a fur,shawl or a cardigan sweater? This wrap is very subtle and light, but may provide the extra coverage that makes the difference between comfort and shivers.
Of very fine black mesh with ruffles sewn all around and hook & eye closures, I’m guessing that this garment was made in the ’50’s, but it could be earlier or slightly later. At any rate, it’s unmistakably true vintage and unique!
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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Trifari made lovely costume jewelry – here are a few examples of pins and earrings from several decades. Always high quality. Pick them up if you find them . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.
When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size. From the 1940’s, the fabric was a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.
It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label. I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.
After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went. I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.
So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!
Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared. Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!! Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence. Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!
With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.
The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .
No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out. I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .
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This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy. It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.
Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy. but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.
I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them! More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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