This uniform jacket belonged to a family member who served as a Staff Sargeant in the Army Air Corps, World War II. I especially love the little Peace medallion on the lapel. Not sure if it would technically be illegal to wear this as a Halloween costume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“Hi” to my friend in Barcelona who loves these beautiful garments, too.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m always so happy to find one of these in almost perfect condition! So different from the others I’ve just shown. The front metal zip is unusual, rather than buttons, and the (probably) acrylic fiber is a plus over wool because of the ease of storage and care. I DO love old wool sweaters, however.
This example was made in Hong Kong (always pointing to quality construction and workmanship, at least in true vintage garments) and has the classic styling of patch pockets and striped trim. The zipper is as sturdy as they come.
A wonderful and infrequent discovery. My favorites!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the other suede-trimmed sweater I mentioned a few days ago. Traditional design and construction in this handsome, high-quality cardigan have let it last for 50+ years with very little sign of wear. Nice, soft virgin wool and buttery suede, plus knotted leather buttons made this a favorite, iconic style for decades.
I’m always so glad to find garments like this one in such wonderful condition. Big for me, but I know someone who might find it to be just the thing .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY
I’m over-the-moon with this one!! Last year I found a wonderful sweater made like this, with soft, fine suede – but this one is a full jacket WITH A ZIP-OUT PILE LINING! – and braided leather buttons. Just LOVE the quality and style of jackets made between 1940 and 1960. What a fabulous mid-century vibe.
It was another magic moment for the Magicvintagespy because this coat is in virtually perfect condition. Just like stepping into a Happy Days episode or going Back to the Future. What fun! More to come . . . . . . . stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.
The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.
These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look. You just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
While we’re acknowledging some accessories that were popular for mid-century, how about the ever-present men’s hat? Men’s vintage clothing is not my specialty, but sometimes I can’t resist. These can look just as cute or smart on women as they look handsome on men.
I still love seeing a man in a hat and, if you watch old movies 1965 and back, men wore hats almost ALWAYS when they were away from home. There were few exceptions to that rule. Men’s hat styles were almost as important as the trends in women’s frocks.
However, the design of classic accessories seems to morph more slowly than garment designs do and the style changes in men’s hats have been subtler over the decades, though still very important. Most dress hats are still made of wool felt and will last forever if protected from moths and properly stored. All it takes is a little brushing once in a while and making sure that it doesn’t get crushed.
This classic brimmed style can go with lots of things, from boho to casual to smart casual to elegant. Remind you of anyone? Come fly with me, come fly away . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.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
Handmade for a man in the 1950’s, or maybe even the Forties, but I’ll make it my own. Neat little way of unbuttoning the neckline so that it can be slipped on. The most fabulous soft cotton, due to many washings and wearings. LOVE the french sailors print!!!!!!!
And, of course, a chest pocket on the left. There is damage under one arm, so I will be taking the sleeves off and making it a cap sleeve tunic. Don’t mind – as an alteration, that’s probably better. Love it when I find unusual things like this. More coming . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing better than Sanforized cotton flannel pajamas on cool nights. Although these were made for men, the Medium size would be OK for lots of women today. At first, I thought that they were “new”, but one of them was probably worn a little. They were made in Hong Kong, so the workmanship is up to a higher standard. I love all of the old details and vintage buttons. They were sold by Sears back in the day, under the stores’ own label.
Not the most flattering or delicate of sleepwear, but still wonderful!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s a plain,white oxford shirt so I won’t bore you with the photo. The label is worth the whole find and all the details from the 1950’s to early 1960’s – – – – – –
there’s a cellophane collar prop still in place, a paper tag hanging from a button, a paper square in the pocket that was placed there by the final inspector, and an inventory stamp near the hem. An interesting thing about the fabric (besides being Sanforized) is that the weave gives it stretch, without any of our modern spandex. An extra tag sewn at the neck advertises this.
The sleeves will be too long for me so, of course, I’ll end up selling it but the best thing is the way that the story still unfolds. From what I can resource so far, this may have been a British brand. A find like this is always worth picking up just for the fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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