Can’t say exactly when this dress was made – definitely 1970’s/’80’s or before – but isn’t it cute! Again, it’s too big for me but will be an easy alteration because of the style and construction. LOVE the print and colors and the swing design. I’ve added this bright red belt for fun but it would look just as nice with a navy belt, which would be much more subtle.
Can’t wait for next summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
Nicely-done reproduction of a wartime 1940’s shirt dress. The fabric has a nice hand and finish. Plus, there are attractive tailoring details such as a hook and eye at the waistline and 1″ hem allowance.
I came across two more repro dresses that were worth picking up during my recent travels and will post them for you soon . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although seeing any fur in fashion – even true vintage ones – stabs at my heart, I can’t help loving the elegant design, art and craftsmanship showcased in these old garments. This surprising full-length mink example is retro 1940’s from the 1980’s! All in all, it’s a super and rare find. I’m happy to see it enjoyed in a responsible way while it survives and look forward to equally beautiful faux fur creations in the future.
Loving the Forties style features such as notched collar, shoulder pads and cuffed sleeves (as well as the small size)! The brand is “Miss O” by Oscar de la Renta and the neckline label says Albrect. Even though it is a more modern piece than it’s wartime grandma, the seller followed the tradition of embroidering the buyer’s initials inside the lining.
She won’t get out much, but on some starry night over a Post-war frock . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Look what I discovered and picked up for pennies! Although I avoid buying any modern pieces of leather, skins or fur, I’m still captivated by the style and quality of true vintage examples which have endured in the second-hand market.
Made in Mexico, this belt from a bygone era combines the best features of beauty and craftsmanship. (And, it’s my size!)
Someone enjoyed this lovely accessory for years and perhaps was reminded of a great trip south of the border. I’ll carry on the fantasy while I nip the waists of pants, skirts and jackets. Ole’!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Can’t you see Stella greeting her cocktail party guests at the door of her penthouse on Park Avenue? At first glance, in photos 3 & 4, this looks like a sumptuous but sedate evening gown. However, when she begins to walk . .
there’s a strapless jumpsuit underneath! Wide embroidered mesh panels with streams of shiny sequins from shoulder to hem, finely tailored with satin binding, waft and swing across her legs as she fetches your martini. I have never, ever discovered one of these and I’m so excited!
It’s Joan Leslie by Kasper and it’s a late 1960’s – early 1970’s vintage. Almost looks like ’40’s – ’50’s to me, but that would pre-date the label. Just a continuation of the glam costumes which began to appear in the 1920’s when women’s hostess outfits started showing up with wide-leg silk and satin pants.
So, I always love a party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAEGSPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It needed some TLC that I finally had time to do. See the result in the next post. . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Pretty taupe color leather and cast metal decoration with little cabochon “stones” in pastel colors. I especially like the leather wrist strap and the little dangle on the front.
Inside, the capacity is small with rayon lining and two little pockets. Delightfully clean and with the obligatory tissue paper for storage. Sweet!
That’s it for right now but, wonder what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Really interesting shapes, depending on how you look at it. Big enough inside to hold a sheaf of 8 1/2″ by 11″ pages, too! No maker’s name inside, but who cares?
It’s well-made, also, as I would expect from that mid-century time. The body is woven of some type of fiber or reed. Tubular handles are gold-tone and the clasp and anchors on the bottom (which I haven’t photographed) are black leather. It has little feet, too.
This is the “youngest” of my recent discoveries, but there are two more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
At first look I would immediately say that this dress is of the same era as the previous one shown yesterday. Well, almost . . . . . . . . . . .BUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The raglan sleeves have gussets sewn in the underarms. This is a feature usually seen in 1950’s dresses and earlier. So, this little number may be a bit older. It’s also very well-made with a beautiful shantung fabric, made of rayon rather than the more common silk shantung. The bolero jacket is very practical and pretty.
I could have these dresses altered to fit me but, since I have others very similar, they’ve gone on to eBay. The find was the fun this time. One more to go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 