Just came up with this one, too. So many of the day dresses from this era were made to very elegant standards. Although a lot of lace dresses have been made in the last few years, trying to duplicate this look, I’ve never seen one done to the level of quality and design as true vintage examples.
So, be vigilant and don’t be mislead by the vintage design charlatans and scam artists . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
NEW WAVE 1980’S SHIRT JACKET
This shirt/jacket is an unusual one for me to include in my collection – is it true vitage or not? The A B S clothing company was started in 1982, so it might be 30 years old and animal prints were iconic at that time (again!). If it was made in 1982 or 1983, I’d be willing to call it true vintage and I’ll explain why.
Animal prints have been a significant fashion trend at one time in the 1940’s, mid/late 1950’s, late 1960’s and again in the New Wave early 1980’s, as far as I know. They show up at other times, too, but were a bigger deal in the fashion world at these specific times.
When I saw this item, I immediately thought of the early ’80’s and was also impressed with the quality of the garment. I have since learned that the A B S company is known for making better-quality clothing than most of what we find now. This shirt was also made in the U.S.A., which is unusual (if not unheard of) in modern clothing.
The deciding factors for me were the quality construction – 1. the fabric is heavy, with a nice hand (feel). 2. The pattern is really well-matched at the seams, so that it isn’t broken up across the garment (an important tell-tale sign of high quality). 3. The buttons are very nice black plastic faceted to look like jet beads. 4 .The shirt/jacket has french cuffs with button cuff-links (which, fortunately, were not missing!) Overall, it is a garment of significantly better quality than most. My size – excellent condition.
So, I have included it and described my thinking that justified buying it. Sometimes you can’t be absolutely sure and some knowledge and skills to make smart decisions come in handy. This is a time when price can be the final deciding factor, as well as how much you love it.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This suit is so iconic of that era. Gorgeous yellow wool in a loose weave, with a cute little vintage mink collar. If the collar is too dressy, it can easily be removed with just a snip-snip because it is hand-basted onto the neckline.
It’s easy to wear and the two pieces can be very versatile. True vintage suits are worth investing in for many reasons – the styles are usually quite elegant; tailoring is superb and the quality of materials are unavailable today. Because the designs are classic, the jackets and skirts can usually be worn in a variety of ways that would never have been thought of decades ago.
Love the big covered buttons and pencil skirt. So pretty, and a nice alternative to dark, somber colors for Fall and Winter. Being on the prowl is so much fun, because you just never know . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Made of the finest Scottish wool and specially tailored for a specific brand name. Very nice detail on the jacket front, and in back it’s got a little belt with a center button that matches the silver ones on the pockets. The skirt is straight style with a back kick pleat.
A little big on me, but it might be worth having it altered to fit. I can’t get enough of the gorgeous jackets from that time and a pencil skirt is always wonderful. Classic mid-grey, also, is great to have on hand in mix-able pieces. I’m thrilled! One of the handbags I’ll show you tomorrow would look just lovely with this . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
All hand-made – it’s a classic style which we still see, but the fit and style are different in the way that only true vintage designs can be. It hits just above the waist and belongs over a plain, black or white dress. I probably have one or two that will fill the bill . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What could be more classic than this? Made by a company called Peters; they produced this basic style for several decades. We can still find some companies making similar ones, but I always like the REAL true vintage. Just saw a classic film last night, made in 1950, where many young men were wearing “this” jacket!
Dacron easy-care water-repellent – nothing is more smart and practical than a well-made jacket like this. And, it’s in almost perfect condition (they stood up well!). In spite of that, they’re not easy to find because they were usually worn, and worn, and worn – and eventually gave up the ghost. Someone took very good care of this one, just for me . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
For Spring or Fall – or any time the temps are in that mid cool-ish range – a lightweight 3-season wool knit skirt suit by Butte Knits. I LOVE the olive drab color and the flattering fit.
This is one of a few examples I’ve found of mid-60’s suits like this, or similar. The high-end knits are so comfortable and easy to wear, but ready for just about any setting. It’s also two separates that can easily be paired with other skirts or pants for a different look.
I think my Aussie friends down under would love a garment like it at this time of year . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one is an interesting find. Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe. Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans. The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex. To me, it’s got a Grease vibe. Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt. If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color. No can do.
So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being. That’s OK. It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance. This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue! The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color. The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!! It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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One of the finds that I picked up during an investigation in New Orleans was this lovely ladies’ suit. Oh, so proper in 3 pieces with a knee-length skirt, back-button blouse and high-hip length jacket, it’s just perfect for lunching or for a business appointment.
The styling is plain, but elegant and well-cut. Hand-tailored and fully lined, with VERY unusual buttons – kind of like woven ropes – to make it interesting.
This is a basic that is flattering, well-styled and versatile – a staple to have in your wardrobe for decades and with many possibilities. Of course, the pieces can be worn separately and accessories can vary the look.
I always LOVE finding gems like this when I’m out on the prowl. They look back to an era of couture-quality fashion that was available to many people – when even the casually dressed woman with a moderate budget could dress with elegance and style in high quality apparel. . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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