Category Archives: ’70’s

A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960’S OR EARLY ’70’S

A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960'S OR EARLY '70'S

These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.

The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!

Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.

Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.

I love finding these beautiful vintage garments that are so unique, stylish and of exceptional quality. This one is an open-weave, so perfect for late Spring, early Fall and cool Summer nights.

True vintage sweater knits are not common finds (are any really common?) but definitely worth the treasure hunt . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SCRUMPTIOUS NEW FIND! MID-CENTURY SUEDE JACKET

IMG_1070I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE jackets like this.  It’s beautifully hand-tailored in the softest suede, with horn buttons.  They used to make such gorgeous outerwear coats and jackets.

This one is like new!!!  Oh, I am so blessed (not to mention pretty darn good at this!) . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Beautiful Mauve Kashmiracle 1970s True Vintage Coat

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This beauty that I just found would look great on any Grace Kelly wannabe.  It is very flattering on, and it has a swing-style back.  The Kashmiracle faux cashmere fabric is made of polyester, so doesn’t need quite the storage care of a wool coat, though insects can attack other fabrics, too, and (as can be seen here) crowded storage can cause wrinkles.  Love the dyed-to-match sculpted buttons.  It is a beautiful mauve color (and I found a few days later a gorgeous silk scarf  in the same tones to wear with it!)   Goes to show that you just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 60’S – EARLY ’70’S MINI TRENCH RAINCOAT

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 60’S – EARLY ’70’S MINI TRENCH RAINCOAT.

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S – EARLY 1970’S SPRING ALL – WEATHER COAT

IMG_1197Here’s Stella kitted out in a rather mod mini version of the “mid-century synthetic knit coat”.  It seems like these were very popular between about 1965 and 1975, for common everyday wear – especially Spring and Fall.  This was definitely not haute couture, but has an excellent cut and tailoring, with good quality fabric.

On the purely fashion side, very cute and has a little bit of military influence which was common then, too (metal buttons, epaulettes, decorative pockets).  Looks like the stuff that was coming out of British fashion.

During every era when a standard skirt length was recognized, women had to have coats of the proper length, too.  Unless it was a car-coat or jacket, they wouldn’t want the hem of a skirt hanging below and a knee-length coat could look kind of frumpy over a mini skirt.

Fortunately for us, the tyranny of style is pretty much over and we can be unique and stylish in any way we like, whenever we like.  Where the distinction comes in is whether we go with good design and quality (a.k.a. elegance) or with whatever is on sale at the mall this week.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

Warm and Flattering True Vintage1970s Suede and Shearling Coat

Love this coat, it’s so warm and snuggley!  The genuine sheepskin collar is actually an off-white color with brown tips (these may have been dyed – I’m not sure if natural sheepskin has those color variations).  The inside is lined with faux-sheepskin cut pile, the outer suede is genuine.  This coat is very well-made but by whom I don’t know because the maker’s label was  removed by the previous owner, as I’ve often found in other true vintage items.

In such good condition and so flattering, it’s another of my favorites that I bought for a song!  You just never know . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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MID-CENTURY HOME-SEWN FLORAL FORMAL DRESS —PROM, ANYONE?

    Empire A-line styling with flutter sleeves and a floral print – couldn’t get more ’60’s early ’70’s than that. But, there are so many retro versions made recently – why would I decide to collect this one?

    Frocks that I might otherwise pass on if they were commercially – made, I will collect if custom-tailored. Hand-sewing always tells it’s own story, with special touches and unique designs or fabrics.

    So, this dress is especially pretty and versatile. It only needs a few TLC interventions and will be ready to go. I might lose the sleeves, as I like sleeveless styles so much, but will decide later.

    More finds from this general era, but very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    1970’s CUSTOM-TAILORED EVENING GOWN

    At first glance, this frock looks like something modern but the tailoring details and fabric tell it’s true age. It’s hard to be sure of the true color in this photo, but it is another beautiful velvet, in aubergine with iridescent flocking in a floral design. Again, sorry for the poor focus.

    This dress could go from being a swanky hostess outfit at home to a night on the town. Long sleeves are so practical in the evening and the deep slit in front adds the drama that is lacking in this otherwise conservative style.

    Very well-made and fits like a dream. I’ll get a lot of use out of it, when the occasion calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    FOUND YESTERDAY – A “TRUE BLUE” VINTAGE LITTLE HOME-SEWN SUMMER DRESS

    From about 1965 – 1970, this ordinary-looking little frock is an exciting find to me. Why? It’s rare to find a dress from this era in perfect condition and with all the hallmarks of a true vintage piece. And, it’s very cute!

    In traffic – sign yellow, which was a very popular color for clothing at that time, it’s an eye-grabber. It’s a slightly – fitted A – line style that is very flattering on the body. Although there are many dresses on the market in recent years that may look identical from a distance, this one stands out on closer examination with authentic construction and styling from back in the day. Always thrills me!

    Although some modern companies have tried to mimic these features and fool shoppers into thinking they’re buying a vintage garment, they’re not successful if you know your stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

    I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

    1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

    Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM