1950s “KORET OF CALIFORNIA” LIGHTWEIGHT CASUAL JACKET FOR SPRING

True vintage nipped-waist jacket with big shell buttons and a fabulous fit. Love it. This is a hopsacking-type rayon blend material loosely woven. When I saw it I grabbed it up because all the vintage hallmarks were there in the materials, workmanship and the label. Yes, Koret is still manufacturing clothing, but I have not seen a modern label which reads Koret of California. And, of course, it looks like a vintage label.

Even though I found this in recent years, I was still not highly experienced – I wasn’t quite the magicvintagespy yet. After I got it home, I almost gave it away because of issues which I hadn’t thought of and made it less wearable for me. I’m glad that I didn’t give in, because I figured out how to solve them all. A frustrating problem for me when I finally had more time to do vintage-hunting was that I often ended up with some things that didn’t suit after all and I didn’t know what to do.

Now that is not an issue. i can address almost any problem that used to make me think I was at a dead end. When I’m shopping, I’m really good at knowing when to leave something behind that I might have picked up before and regretted. And, so many things that I might have given to a thrift shop, sadly, I can now make a part of my wardrobe after all! I find a lot more than I used to, as well.

It’s been worth every minute. Although sleuthing for vintage has always been a lot of fun for me, now the excitement is through the roof! My intention is to be contagious – I really want to spread the fun!! It’s so energizing to wonder – what will I find today? You just never know . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940’S.

TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940S..

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – 1960s WOMEN’S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s WOMEN'S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s WOMEN’S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s WOMEN'S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET

This fine leather jacket is from the early 1960s. It is fully lined with a glossy acetate satin material. The tailoring is impeccable, made of high quality leather that lasts for decades. There is only one thing that is not original and that is the buttons. When I found it, one of its leather-covered buttons was missing, so I substituted vintage plastic buttons. Some other style, perhaps of wood or braided leather might look nice, too. That’s one reason that I keep a collection of vintage buttons at home.

What can I say – this classic style goes almost everywhere, with almost everything, at almost any time of year. I have several styles that I’ve found in my hunting expeditions and I love every one.

Use some leather conditioner once a year and basic good care (you know, hang it up properly and wipe off any spills right away) and it’ll be passed on to your grandchildren, or, whomever . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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TWO CUTE TRUE VINTAGE JACKETS FROM THE LATE 1940’S TRANSITION (PLEASE!) INTO SPRING

TWO CUTE TRUE VINTAGE JACKETS FROM THE LATE 1940S TRANSITION (PLEASE!) INTO SPRING.

TWO CUTE TRUE VINTAGE JACKETS FROM THE LATE 1940S TRANSITION (PLEASE!) INTO SPRING

TWO CUTE  TRUE VINTAGE JACKETS FROM THE LATE 1940S TRANSITION (PLEASE!) INTO SPRING

Yes, we’re still in it (with temps in the “teens and winter storms) but these jackets start moving us toward Spring with winter white (a traditional late-winter color) and an unlined style.

Jacket #1 on the left is wool with a full lining. No labels remain. Look at the details! Clothing from the ’40s and ’50s had such interesting tailoring touches – every one I find is different in its own way. This one probably had a skirt that went with it at one time . . . . . .

Jacket #2 is lighter-weight and unlined. It does have a matching skirt and was made by the Lampl company. Worn as a cute little suit or as separates, it’s also a winner – looks like a fashion for a ’40s working girl. Neither of these jackets have the iconic huge shoulders of the 1940s, so I would place them toward the end of the decade or, possibly, in the early 1950s. No matter – I always do a little jump for joy when I discover one!

As posted yesterday, I had a FABULOUS day doing my undercover work. It looks like I’ll be able to post daily again, every day excepting Sunday (so that I can get some other things done!) I may skip another day here or there if I’m traveling or something else is happening. I’ll let you know if that comes up. Please join me again tomorrow!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE CAR-COAT, 1950S TO EARLY ’60S

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE CAR-COAT, 1950S TO EARLY '60S.

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940S – '60S CORDUROY JACKET/SMOCK.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – ’70S “HAPPY DAYS” UNISEX JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – '70S "HAPPY DAYS" UNISEX JACKET.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – ’70S “HAPPY DAYS” UNISEX JACKET

Doesn’t this just make you want to pull out the Mickey Mouse ears, saddle shoes, or Keds and toast marshmallows? Or maybe put on the Frye boots, a workshirt and painter pants for a “70s thing – whatever mood you’re in, it’s fun to have garments like this in the closet. ONE GLANCE and I knew that it was not a modern item. That’s the cool thing about true vintage – even people who aren’t expert at picking it out will notice something different or intriguing about what you’re wearing that sets you apart from the crowd.

This one is of a heavy knit that has kept its shape beautifully. Aside from a little fuzz, which can be shaved away, it is in excellent condition. I suspect that it is from the 1960s, all things considered, though the style could span 2 or 3 decades. It’s certainly not a high-end item but, what fun! When I saw it I snapped it up and have enjoyed it ever since. You just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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