These are such fun and add a happy, bright touch to any outfit. Raffia/cellophane hats from the 1960’s are almost always seen in pastel colors, in my experience, though neutrals like black and white were made, too. Love the grosgrain ribbon trim.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I just LOVE this one, too! From the same era as the coat shown yesterday, but could have been a bit earlier. It looks best on the body, rather than on a mannequin, because the cut shows off when the body moves.
Made of rayon or a rayon blend with a beautiful drape and is fully lined with acetate satin. The buttons are just for show because it is an open-front style. The pockets sit diagonally and also have button decoration. Lots of details!
Although the swing style has been repeated at times, this authentic design is unique and never to be found except when it was new. There’s absolutely nothing like true vintage! It looks great over dresses, skirts and tops, slacks or jeans – just keep the lines sleek underneath; nothing full or poufy.
You ain’t got a thing if you ain’t got that swing . . . . . doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo waaaaaaaaaa. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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SUCH FUN FINDING VINTAGE CHILDREN’S CLOTHING! THIS COAT WAS HAND-MADE WITH LOVE.
What a gorgeous little sweater-coat! So well-made.
It’s so unusual to discover baby clothes and toddler’s outfits. Other than special-occasion garments like christening gowns that are made to wear only once and then folded away as keepsakes, children’s-wear tends to disappear after it’s been through months of dirty diapers, falls and messy meals.
Although this little coat probably wouldn’t have been worn every day, it would have experienced some wear and tear and has been beautifully preserved. The style and the buttons put it smack-dab in the 1940’s – early 1960’s, when the wool yarn would also have been more common for an infant’s garment than something made since then (too hard to clean when easy-care acrylic yarn is available). The knitter’s label, however, would have been attached some time in or after the 1960’s – or it could have been made with vintage materials and a vintage pattern at a later time.
Since the blue-for-boys, pink-for-girls thing was pretty rigid until recent years, I feel safe to say that it was made for a little girl. It’s so intriguing to wonder about the story behind it. Was it made by a relative or close friend or even purchased at a craft show? I’ll always wonder – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It’s still not too late to glam it up with fabulous fur accessories, especially during the variable March weather . . . . . . . our mothers and grandmothers had to be prepared to look chic no matter what!
Marlene and Celia have been waiting for another chance to get into the picture. Here you see them modeling a variety of mink accessories, with the exception of the black muff far left, which I believe is of rabbit fur and has a small zipper compartment and the black hat, which is curly lamb.
Whole skinned animals, with heads, feet and tails (and little glass eyes) were popular as stoles in the 1930’s & 1940’s, maybe the ’20’s, too. Big “Eeew!” factor for a lot of people now. I’ve already covered the fur issue so, if you love real furs (and animals) stick to 1960’s and before.
There’s a dark brown mink scarf that closes with a big mink-covered button (very elegant) and a blonde mink “dickie” to wear at the neckline under your coat.
The hats are probably the most visible accessory when you’re first seen – these are super-flattering but also will be warm. So, when you’re forced to take to the sidewalks, just remember —- to be well-dressed at all times is a gift to yourself and everyone who sees you.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Whether over a dress, blouse, sweater or coat collar, this removable “fur” accessory provided lots of glam and a little extra warmth. Sweet and sophisticated, without the expense and care demands of real fur.
Our mid-century gal found this addition to her wardrobe to be one that she could wear with many outfits and on different occasions, for many years to come. I’m so glad that she preserved it so well for me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Curly lamb fur jackets and coats were common dressy items for mid-century women to own. I picked up this example because I don’t have one in this length and I just love the tailoring.
Of course, the cut and finishing are beautifully-done. The lining, especially, caught my eye with it’s embroidered design and the original owner’s first name and last initial stitched inside.
Such fun to wear! Today, without the rigid rules about dress, an old fur coat looks just as great over jeans as with formal-wear. I love enjoying these vintage garments while they last and am happy to watch real fur go out of production.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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In an out-of-the-way place, this beauty was very patiently waiting to be discovered. So Downton Abbey, if that’s your cup of tea. But, I think she wanted to be in films.
Well, she is certainly a star in my closet. There’s no one else like her. The dramatic wrap of her collar and the artistic flare of her sleeves (not to mention that figure!) . . . .
I found a real gem, and in almost perfect condition. Black wool to mid-calf or ankles. Silky lining. What a way to make an entrance . . . . … .. … .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I don’t expect to see a beauty like this again, and I’ve only seen it once in a 1950’s coat. Must have been an exclusive design by this particular maker in the U.S.
A very elegant, simple and chic design, with large covered buttons, an oversize collar and this unexpected mink fur trim at the hem. I think it would have drawn many second looks!
To me, that’s one hallmark of elegant yet fashionable and creative design – the classic lines and unparalleled quality with an element of surprise.
What will appear next? You just never know . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here are three iconic coats from the Kennedy era that take the car coat to another level. But, despite the somewhat dressy mink collars, they have a sporty, European look and should get a lot of play in a true vintage wardrobe. With slacks or boots, beautiful leather gloves and a fedora they look fabulous on the street. Or, worn over a dress with heels to dinner or another dress-up event.
Quite popular in their era and in a variety of colors – I usually find earth tones like beige, browns, rust, gray, and moss green. The suede leather is always of wonderful quality, with fine grain, great color saturation and a soft, velvety finish. The styles vary slightly – collars can often be easily removed if you’d rather wear a scarf. Next time I photograph these, I want to show them with accessories.
The great thing about these, to me, is the simple, chic Jackie O styling that looks wonderful over casual or dressy day-wear – dresses, skirts, slacks, or jeans – and transitions into evening with easy elegance. I think they’ve been FAR under-rated and deserve a frequent place in the spot-light.
So, while you’re at it, get some true vintage kidskin gloves to wear with them. Find a coat with 3/4 sleeves – fabulous with longer gloves . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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An irresistible find – 100% camel hair coat from the 1960’s, in a lovely princess style. With pretty trapunto stitching accents in front, this one is a well-bred lady.
Amazing that it’s still so cold some places, but really true. We still need a chic winter coat on hand – not a parka or sports jacket. Although a coat like this is perfect anytime the weather is cold, I especially like the lighter tone in an end-of-winter coat when we’re beginning to wear Spring colors. Wouldn’t it be great over the dresses I’ve recently posted, also from the same 1960’s time?
Nothing more classic and warm than cashmere or camel hair. When I discovered this one in near perfect condition, in my size and a style I didn’t yet possess – well, what do you think I did? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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