DARK CHOCOLATE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP? EVERY GIRL LOVES CANDIES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP?  EVERY GIRL LOVES CANDIES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

Moving into the mood for a special date on St. Valentine’s Day, how about a little silk jacket in sweet cherry red from the 1950’s over your LBD? I love this one in a red and black print.

Pictured here with a modern skirt, you could also top a dress or slacks with this one. The nice short length is very versatile. Leave it open over a pretty, simple shell or blouse or wear it closed.

Just a little smolder while you sip a red in some small cafe’ . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940S – ’60S CORDUROY JACKET/SMOCK

TRUE VINTAGE 1940S - '60S CORDUROY JACKET/SMOCK

Okay, we’re back to the jackets and coats that will take us out of late winter and into Spring! Since I’ve been doing a lot of red lately, here’s a cute shirt-jacket that I suspect is from the early 1960s but could be older. It had a girls’ school patch on front (which I have, of course, saved) and zips part-way down the front with a metal zipper.

This is cute and very different, easy to pop on over slacks, jeans or even a shift dress or skirt and blouse. I try to picture how it was worn by the original owner.

The corduroy is of a quality rarely seen today. The photo doesn’t do it justice, as the color is actually very bright and there’s no damage and very little wear.  100% cotton and, though it is fairly lightweight, is a dense weave that stands up for years rather than breaking out in thin patches or holes quickly. That’s what I love about the older fabrics. Although some of them have some vulnerabilities and require special know-how to care for them, they all have benefits that make them special in the way the color pops or how they hang or drape on the body. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find something as good now. Although this is just a simple item, I love it and you can see how it has held up despite its age.

In a couple of weeks, I’ll begin publishing photos of a few true vintage things that I’ve kept at this second home for the warm weather, and my most recent finds! I like to keep the posts seasonal to North America, so stay tuned. You just never what will show up!

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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MORGANA MANIFESTS MORE! TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FUR JACKET – ELEGANCE FOREVER

 True vintage (at least 40 – 50 years old) furs are some of the most fabulous examples of elegance in tailoring. I’m avid for animal rights and welfare, so I’ll start by saying that the wonderful imitations today make it unnecessary and morally criminal to support the market for fur by buying real fur that is still in production.

That said, lets explore some of the thrilling features of this old piece.  Of black curly lamb, with a black mink collar and full silk lining; a high quality fur coat, jacket, stole or other garment always had a label from a good furrier attached. This one was in New York, N.Y..  The stylist also had her own label inside.  Final touches included the initials of the original owner sewn in the lining and a hook and eye closure in front, plus a decorative button and little shallow pockets at the waist.

Aside from the luxurious material and obvious style, the best and most elegant pieces never were flashy or garish.  As with this one, a look told the story of the value and high price tag without having to shout.

So glad that it’s easy for me to find the best of this kind of classic wardrobe staple by going vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S – EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S - EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

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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TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940S.

TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940S.

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

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S ELEGANCE IN A CURLY LAMB JACKET

 

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

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

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

A COAT OF A BEAUTIFUL COLOR

Isn’t this the most perfect color for the holiday season?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

This true vintage coat doesn’t get the showing it deserves in this photo.  Imagine it on a larger figure and glowing in deep ruby red.  It has just one small, hidden button closing it in front.  This allows for movement on the body and an elegance different from a coat with buttoned front but is still very warm.

100% Virgin Wool, a beautiful lining and deep slash pockets are common quality elements in these vintage garments.Image  It is definitely a “statement” coat and will last for years.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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3 SOPHISTICATED AND CHIC LATE 1950’S / EARLY 1960’S CAR COATS IN FINE SUEDE WITH MINK

3 SOPHISTICATED AND CHIC LATE 1950'S / EARLY 1960'S CAR COATS IN FIND SUEDE WITH MINK

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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