Category Archives: jacket

A FAVORITE DARK NAVY BLUE HOUR – GLASS SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940’S TO 1950’S

A FAVORITE DARK NAVY BLUE HOUR - GLASS SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940'S TO 1950'S

This jacket and skirt suit is from the Post-war, change-of-decade time after WWII. As with a number of my suits, the skirt is not the original, which would have been a longer one, below the knee.  With diligent sleuthing, I’ve been able to match up “new” skirts very well for color and fabric.

The collar detail on this jacket is so distinctive! Seems to be more of an into – Spring style, though it is of wool. I just love that white accent on dark navy blue.

The shape, also, is a favorite – nothing more flattering than that! This is probably my favorite era for skirt suits because of the fit and the pretty details that they usually have.

But, I have lovely jackets and suits dating from the late ’30’s through the ’60’s and you can find flattering and beautiful things from any era. If you have the eye to spy . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE POST-WAR “WALKING SUIT” WITH FOX FUR COLLAR

This “walking suit”, with large braided buttons and a big shawl collar is made of heavy boucle’ knit  in wool. The jacket is longish and the skirt (before I folded the hem up) is below the knee.  It was sold during the post-war era 1945 – 1955.

Many suits like this have fur collars, a lot like coats, because they were made to almost double as outerwear in colder weather.  Since women had become more active in the work-force, they were out and about more and their clothing had become less “dainty”, though still very beautiful.  These might also be called “city suits” – made for walking the long blocks in downtown urban areas.

I’ve removed the fur collar, which had been hand-tacked on, and could certainly see wearing this today!  With a pretty sweater and scarf,  maybe a hat, it would be plenty warm – saves the bulk of a coat.   Just right for window-shopping or errands in the city.  Elegant and practical, too.  Best of both worlds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TARTAN WOOL TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LADIES’ JACKET AND SKIRT SUIT

TARTAN WOOL 1950'S LADIES' JACKET AND SKIRT SUIT

Now I’m going to start moving into some earlier styles, from the Forties and Fifties.  This is so cute, and also festive!  The little jacket has those stylish features of that era like a tiny collar with cut-in detail at the back of the neck, 3/4 sleeves, pert little buttons and a nipped waist.

I also love the longish pleated skirt because it is stitched down and slim over the hips. This adds to the hourglass silhouette of this ensemble and the swing of the skirt.  Pieces like these two always make great separates, too – something I really appreciate about suits!

Made of a lightweight wool, it’s just right for the weather now. The colors are also a nice break from the blacks and dark tones that are usually seen so much.

Women and the fashion designers in the Fifties always thought about looking pretty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS FIND – ELEGANT SKIRT SUIT BY DESIGNER HENRI’ BENDEL

FABULOUS FIND - ELEGANT SKIRT SUIT BY DESIGNER HENRI' BENDEL

This suit is SO elegant & classic, it’s hard for me to date it precisely. I’m guessing it may have been made during the 1960’s.

One of my favorite ensembles – it has “couture” written all over it and you really understand what that means when it is on the body. What a cut! I always draw admiring looks and compliments when I wear it.

In a slate blue/cranberry weave with a gorgeous cranberry lining. Cuff detail and silver buttons shaped like turtles – I just love it!

If I ever have meetings with bankers or have other reasons to appear very “well – heeled”, this is the disguise I choose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (with one of those slips underneath). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LOVELY CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT FROM NEW YORK CITY

LOVELY CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT FROM NEW YORK CITY

I’ve SO enjoyed going through my skirt suit collection  for this series of posts! I was reminded of how great a find this one was, during a special trip to the Big Apple.

All the suits you’ll see are from the 1940’s to the mid 1970’s. This one is so classic it could almost go anywhere in that period. In this case, the skirt has been shortened a few inches – always without cutting off material, so the original length can easily be restored!

The details most loved about this one are the great colors – always love the unusual combination of blues and browns – and the suede trim.

The classic cut is also one of the best, best things about any garment and why true vintage is usually way ahead of modern clothing. This suit, like most I’ll show, will look sophisticated and elegant for as long as I own it.

If you think “dowdy” or “matronly” when you see this photo, you’re not using real style sense. Don’t forget that an ensemble like this can be worn many ways, including using the jacket and skirt as separates, and with many different accessories, making it fresh and versatile each time.

And, there’s never any competition for true elegance . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY RED SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY - COLORED 1950's to EARLY 1960'S SKIRT SUIT: NICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Now I’ll start showing you my best true vintage winter outfits, to go along with the beautiful lingerie.  This suit from the 1950’s or early ’60’s is very tailored in it’s lines. Nicely made, for a small women’s clothing store (the store was small, and probably the women, too, back then!).

It’s not flashy, but is very elegant – the kind of pieces you could wear this way and that way for years. The fabric itself is very lovely, in a tweedy weave with tones of berry with charcoal mixed in. The collar is accented with suede leather. Nice buttons, with suede leather centers.

Just think of wearing this with one of yesterday’s full slips underneath. Quite appropriate for this month of January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

A most lady-like sweater-jacket, lined in acetate. The heavily-beaded design is repeated on the back, as well.  3/4 sleeves add to that vibe – so Kennedy Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Jackets like this were worn over sheath dresses, with slacks and skirts. This one is by Banff, a former maker of fine knits.  Remember the yellow summer sweater I showed a couple of months ago?  Same maker.

These were available for sale at fine department stores and in small specialty shops, sometimes in popular vacation areas.

Again, not my color but, hey, the right necklace or scarf/blouse/dress underneath can take care of that in no time . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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LONG-AWAITED FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S AUTHENTIC NAVY PEA JACKET!!!!!!!

IMG_1714I’ve been looking for one in my size for a long time and, THERE IT WAS!  A real-deal men’s pea jacket in wonderful almost-black close-woven wool, with those buttons with the anchors on them.  There are not many guys who wear a size 34, so this catch was elusive, but a good investigator never lets the trail get cold.

These jackets are so warm and have such a wonderful fit.  Even a gal with an hourglass shape looks great if the size is right.  Remember that these coats are made for working sailors who need protection from the elements while still looking smart and spiffy.

Just right, in time for Fall and Winter weather.  Layered over a turtleneck sweater, or a cable-knit, or whatever.  I can dress it up and around in lots of ways.   I’m just so delighted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

CASUAL CORDUROY JACKET: TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S

HERE’S ONE THAT’S JUST AS CLASSIC AS BLUE JEANS . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Casual Corduroy Jacket True Vintage 1940s - '50sThis is a great true vintage jacket that I love. It is unlined, so I can start wearing it now in the evenings.

Easy zip but stylish, too.  The so-retro pointed collar is great and my hat’s off to the designer who placed those welts on the shoulders.   They’re very flattering to most women and, along with the fitted waistline and slash pockets at the hips, really improve the looks of almost all figures.

That’s what I like best about true vintage fashion – the tailoring is usually so good with surprising designs! Though this is not a high-end item, touches like that make it superb.

The style is so classic in it’s lines that I can pair it with almost any casual clothing and can snazz it up with accessories, too.   Final favorite feature? – It reminds me of old movies. . . . . . . . . . . . …

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FUN & MOD TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S WOOL JACKET

I’m really starting to think about seasonal wardrobe changes now!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

True Vintage 1960s Lightweight Wool Spring Jacket

This lined jacket, labeled “Young Girl”, is full of nautical style details. Epaulets, double-breasted and the bright navy color make me think of Spring styles, which have often had a nautical theme, but it works equally well in the Fall.  Classic but cute – it really calls for a hat or cap like the ones I’ve seen from the late 1960’s.

The oversize breast pocket is interesting and there are also slash pockets with welts at each hip, which can’t be seen in the photo. Button tabs at the hip allow for a small size adjustment. Buttons at the sleeve cuffs also allow for an adjustment. Since this is a Girls’ size 18, perhaps it was styled to accomodate some growth – a very practical idea and always workable on such a classic style which never goes out of fashion.

I wish that clothing-makers still used that kind of quality…

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