Need a new coat? Well, in just a few minutes of your spare time . . . . . . Right! McCalls Needlework Magazine used to publish patterns for projects like these all year. In the 1950’s and 1960’s it was so common.
Aren’t they beautiful? – But, can you imagine making one?? Your grandmother might have. I rarely find a hand-knitted one now, but once in a while . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic fall/winter coat in beige suede. The casual style here has a lightweight quilted lining and is great for days that are cool. Thanksgiving Day celebrations can sometimes be formal, but many Americans enjoy a relaxed dinner with family and/or friends and a day which includes outdoor activities. Perfect!
I love the heavy plastic buttons and 3/4 or “bracelet length” sleeves that look so great with a pair of longer gloves. If you see a coat or jacket with sleeves that length, don’t give in to the idea that they would be awkward. They look so striking worn with great gloves and/or bracelets. If the top of your outfit has long sleeves that wouldn’t coordinate well, long gloves can cover the bottoms of them below the cuffs of your coat.
The term “car-coat”, as it was used in the 1940s to 1960s, usually referred to a less formal coat that was of a shorter “fingertip” length so that the hem wouldn’t get dirty as a woman stooped to get in and out of a car.
I also have some different ones – one in beige blanket material,a navy wool and one in a black and white pattern. They may get posted later on as they are for even colder weather.
This is another great style that is so practical for day to day wear and very distinctively true vintage fashion. There’s nothing else like it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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It’s still cool enough to wear them for dressy evenings and I love to top my party-wear with these old fur-trimmed lovelies. The brown one is from the Forties and is of a light-weight wool with dyed rabbit trim. The black coat is lined rayon crepe with mink at the cuffs – perfect over a little black dress.
This time of year, with Valentine’s behind us, St. Pat’s day and Easter approaching is full of special events going on and good opportunities to dress up a bit. Never to be missed! Go forth and enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Cresco Fine Sportswear designed this great jacket, with front and back yokes, in a buttery camel-color suede. It was probably sold by a Western-wear dealer or fine men’s clothing store.
All the features of fine tailoring are here – a cloth label, 3 outside pockets and at least one inside, full lining plus dyed-to-match buttons on front and at the cuffs.
A sharp-looking gentleman’s garment. True, Madge can’t do justice to the shoulders . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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 . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
What a smart and well-made garment! If it weren’t for the Ladies Garment Workers label, I might have wondered if it had been made in Paris. Classic true navy/white check with a full rayon lining, little pockets and heavy sculpted buttons. A tailor”s snap holds the front in place below the neckline. Close fit, with a high hip hemline that will be perfect with a shell blouse and pencil skirt or slim pants – or even over a fitted sheath dress.
Yes, it needs a professional steaming to re-block the shape and re-align the lining and a little seam repair inside. No big deal! I can probably do that myself, but it would be a minor expense to have it done for me. Sigh. LOVE beautiful jackets. What’s next? . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Oh, I love this – just my style. Dark navy gabardine fabric with a fabric-covered belt and interesting details. Peplum waistlines are so flattering, on the right figure.
This beauty is in such good condition for it’s age. I do need to replace the tattered lining and re-install shoulder pads, but that is a minor repair. The best things are the authentic 1940’s styling, the belt in great condition, the quality fabric and tailoring. I’ll wear it forever.
What’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Though certainly not a star when it comes to quality or design, it’ll be fun to wear when I’m in the mood. Even the best of the late 1960’s to early 1970’s wasn’t great.
In this case, worth picking up for several reasons. 1. Perfect condition and commercially-made. When I see items like this in great shape, they’re usually home-sewn. Probably women who sewed appreciated the value of their clothing more. I rarely find a true vintage knit from this era that was commercially-made unless it’s a rag. 2. The content & care tag and the Ladies Garment Workers Union tag are still present. 3. The fabric and styling are purely from the era. Although some fairly faithful retro copycats have been made in recent years, there’s always nothing better than an original. 4. The pattern, collar and color are just cute!
So, that rounds out my week. We’ll see what happens around May Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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