I 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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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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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
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
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
Isn’t this the most perfect color for the holiday season?
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.
It is definitely a “statement” coat and will last for years.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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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
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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
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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