Marlene and Celia love these! So do I – so mysterious and alluring. In the right place, nothing looks better with your LBD and veils flatter like no make-up can do.
Hats from the 1940’s – 1950’s, especially, are such favorites of mine. The little black hat goes year-round . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A BIG change from yesterday’s styles – we’re leaping ahead to Easter with these statement hats, which had a real heyday in the early-mid Sixties. Each one is completely covered in feathers of one principle color, with accent tones sprinkled in. Marlene and Celia are oh, so chic and smart.
Very flattering, eh? Hats were always popular in the mid-century, but Spring hats had a special place after a long, cold winter and heavy, dark clothing. Feather hats are especially dramatic and these two are no exception to that rule! I may be showing some more later on . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Ain’t no flowers upon these babies! They’re just about as Mod as they come, with stripes of color (although they are floral pastels) and leopard spots.
The topper that Celia likes was made by a very famous designer of the time – perhaps Calvin Klein (I’ll have to look again). Even though the Calvin label is still producing today, his clothing and accessories from the ’70’s and before were quite different.
Marlene prefers a more dramatic statement, in timeless animal print faux fur plush with just enough OP ART character to make it unmistakably ’60’s. Of course, both hats are very well-constructed.
So, no need for traveling incognito today. Go forth and make a splash!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although I always love hats, the beginning of Fall always gets me thinking about them more. And, there couldn’t be an easier style to wear than this one.
The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats. They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.
This one is a simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s, it has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt. Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.
A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body. A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.
They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Even though I’d want a heavier coat or jacket over this for winter, I’m often wearing a jacket inside all day this time of year. For cool days and evenings, I love the trim, square shape of this jacket though the shoulders are not heavily padded.
Nice nipped waist, zip front, cuff detail, front welts and it may have tab detail at the waist and, maybe, the wrists. It’s simple and tailored with a crisp look.
Not many of these are around now in excellent condition like this one. Very special – I was thrilled to find it! Looks equally good with pants or a skirt – that’s the beauty of this short style. The lack of length means that I could wear it with any style skirt – pencil or full. So versatile!
Love the ’40s. This one takes me right into film noir, walking the dark city streets with my private investigator boyfriend, looking out for the murderer . . . . . . . . around that corner? You just never know . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 