Category Archives: clothing

MY MOST QUIRKY, OLDEST EVENING COATS – FROM THE 1930’S & 1940’S

MY MOST QUIRKY, OLDEST EVENING COATS - FROM THE 1930'S & 1940'S

These black crepe coats are so fun and individual – I really love wearing them!  While not being fully antique, they are earlier examples from the ’30’s & ’40’s.  One may be from the early ’50’s . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .

On the far left, the characteristic feature of this one are the shoulder tails, which are folded across the front in this picture.  It also has a deep slit in the back hem – almost a long jacket, rather than a coat.

In the center is a rather plain, tailored black crepe coat, but you can see the scalloped hems on the sleeves.  Perfectly elegant and discreet.

On the right, a plain, one – button front crepe coat with ivory lining, deep side slits and mink cuffs at the elbows.  Hardly inconspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

3 TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S VELVET EVENING COATS & JACKETS

3 TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S - 1950'S VELVET EVENING COATS & JACKETS

In three lengths, sumptuous and elegant, black velvet evening wraps from the ’40’s and ’50’s.  Can’t see detail in these photos (black is that way!) but the detail, though lovely, is not terribly important because you can see the lines.

The detail is subtle in the garments – the focus is on elegant simplicity, beautiful fabric and beautiful cut.  What could be better over your choice of evening ensemble?

Besides, they’re very discreet at night, in the dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SWING COAT IN BLACK, WITH PHENOMENAL BUTTONS!

This true vintage beauty from the ’50s or early ’60s was another surprise find.  In textured wool, 3/4 length in a swing design (love that), angled pockets, wing collar and a silky satin black lining.

Label from Marshal Field & Company, Chicago.  The buttons, of plastic or bakelite, are carved to reflect light in such a way that they sparkle as though there were rhinestones! I’ve never seen buttons like this before (and I’ve seen LOTS of vintage buttons).

Like new.  Looks great on!  It was stuck in with a lot of other nondescript coats.  You just never know . . . .Image

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

GREAT TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S WOMEN’S BELTED WOOL CAR COAT

IMG_1138     Whoa!  It’s too big for Stella (or Madge), and for me – but, I love finding wonderful things anyway.  This, I believe, is a vintage size 16.

This coat has a quilted lining and two big pockets.  The wing collar folds over and buttons at the neck for extra warmth.  Perfect for casual good looks on errand day or going to the football stadium in October.

It’s missing the original maker’s name tag, but has a women’s garment worker tag and, hidden under the lining, the tag which I think indicates the size.  Nicely finished and made to last.  Finding it certainly contributed to making my day!  Such fun . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

 

FABULOUS FIND – 1960’S MOD LEATHER SWING CAR COAT

With  the fun styling lines of the mid-Sixties, this coat will go with almost everything and be such fun to wear.  Someone loved it because the condition is fabulous.  Also, unlike many coats with fur collars, this one is just basted in place so can easily be removed if only for a trip to the dry-cleaners.  What convenience!

I love the sporty styling of that era and the way that the back hangs loose and swings while the front ties across the waist.  The best of two designs!

A rare find, indeed, but just another day in the life of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE JEWEL-TONE EVENING COAT – IN EMERALD GREEN

IMG_1246 IMG_1247Stella by starlight in my fabulous Lillie Rubin evening coat – perfect for any special dressy occasion.  From somewhere between 1955 and 1963, it’s the most beautiful bright emerald green with a turquoise lining.  Amazing.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MORE HAND-TAILORED TRUE VINTAGE TREASURE – ANOTHER COAT, OF A VERY DIFFERENT STYLE

IMG_3904

Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year.  The style is also easy-breezy with an open front.  I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.

Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well.  Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it.  What a great way to save tons of cash.

I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it.  Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PRE-1959 LADIES’ COAT FIND WITH STUNNING COLLAR DESIGN

Wasn’t planning on picking up a winter coat yesterday, but this one is so gorgeous and unusual. I’ve never seen a collar designed this way and look at the beautiful way it will frame the face and neck. It looks absolutely stunning on.

The collar is cut mink and is attached to the coat’s neckline, but stands up all around as a wind-break and elegant style feature. Since WordPress changed their blog designer, I can’t yet figure out how to show a second photo – the collar comes to a point at the back.

The fabric is not plush, but has some nap that is cut like chenille or corduroy. Full satin lining and it’s in beautiful condition with hardly any need for touch-up. I’ll enjoy this one for a long time. Tomorrow stay tuned for something entirely different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER LATE 1960’S RETRO STYLE – VICTORIAN REVIVAL

Stella does true justice to this great find, which fits her perfectly. So late 1960’s but with an unusual 1940’s – 1950’s zipper, which tells me that it was custom-made.

Not my style, but I love finding such well-preserved dresses from iconic times like the hippie – prairie craze that went on from about 1967 – 1971. Wait till you see the next one . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S SLINKY KNIT DAY DRESS FIND

It’s great to be back at Headquarters where I’m able to show this dress on Stella. A hanger could never do it justice because of the hour-glass fit.

What a treat is always is to discover wartime and post-war garments! I also love the slinky synthetics that were popular at that time. So comfy to wear and the drapey fit is always flattering.

Love the old zippers, too. This one has a metal TALON brand. And, it’s an unusual style for that time, not often seen, but you just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM