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 . . . . .
These black crepe coats are so fun and individual – I really love wearing them! While not being fully antique, they are earlier examples from the ’30’s & ’40’s. One may be from the early ’50’s . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
On the far left, the characteristic feature of this one are the shoulder tails, which are folded across the front in this picture. It also has a deep slit in the back hem – almost a long jacket, rather than a coat.
In the center is a rather plain, tailored black crepe coat, but you can see the scalloped hems on the sleeves. Perfectly elegant and discreet.
On the right, a plain, one – button front crepe coat with ivory lining, deep side slits and mink cuffs at the elbows. Hardly inconspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
Stella does true justice to this great find, which fits her perfectly. So late 1960’s but with an unusual 1940’s – 1950’s zipper, which tells me that it was custom-made.
Not my style, but I love finding such well-preserved dresses from iconic times like the hippie – prairie craze that went on from about 1967 – 1971. Wait till you see the next one . .
It’s great to be back at Headquarters where I’m able to show this dress on Stella. A hanger could never do it justice because of the hour-glass fit.
What a treat is always is to discover wartime and post-war garments! I also love the slinky synthetics that were popular at that time. So comfy to wear and the drapey fit is always flattering.
Love the old zippers, too. This one has a metal TALON brand. And, it’s an unusual style for that time, not often seen, but you just never know . . . . . . . .
Empire A-line styling with flutter sleeves and a floral print – couldn’t get more ’60’s early ’70’s than that. But, there are so many retro versions made recently – why would I decide to collect this one?
Frocks that I might otherwise pass on if they were commercially – made, I will collect if custom-tailored. Hand-sewing always tells it’s own story, with special touches and unique designs or fabrics.
So, this dress is especially pretty and versatile. It only needs a few TLC interventions and will be ready to go. I might lose the sleeves, as I like sleeveless styles so much, but will decide later.
More finds from this general era, but very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .
At first glance, this frock looks like something modern but the tailoring details and fabric tell it’s true age. It’s hard to be sure of the true color in this photo, but it is another beautiful velvet, in aubergine with iridescent flocking in a floral design. Again, sorry for the poor focus.
This dress could go from being a swanky hostess outfit at home to a night on the town. Long sleeves are so practical in the evening and the deep slit in front adds the drama that is lacking in this otherwise conservative style.
Very well-made and fits like a dream. I’ll get a lot of use out of it, when the occasion calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
So unusual to find a maternity blouse this old, let alone two of them within a couple of weeks! This example is definitely from the 1960’s, per the fabric, but with styling from an even earlier era.
Peter Pan collar, contrasting cuffs, back button closure and a deep inverted pleat in front. Although maternity wear was available commercially long before this garment was made, most early pregnancy-wear seems to have been sewn at home.
It’s fun to see prim and proper pregnant meet psychedelic! More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OK, we’re going from oldest to youngest in these next 3 posts. My apologies for the poor focus. Cropping efforts didn’t come through, either, but you can see all that is necessary for this description. Was astounded a few days ago to find this rare garment! In the past two years 3 or 4 frocks in this early 1950’s style have suddenly come my way; haven’t seen them before that for quite a long time. . . . . . . . . . . .
Like only one of my other examples of this fashion, the gown pictured here was custom-tailored (probably at home) and made for an adolescent girl, from the style indications. Usually, dresses made with the fur-trimmed sleeves, neckline or hem were sophisticated styles made for women. Of course, girls like to wear their own versions of adult designs in every decade.
Aside from the empire styling, rather than a New Look design, one tell-tale clue is the type of fur used. Garments made for women usually had mink trim, whereas the 2 girls’ dresses I’ve discovered have had what looks like rabbit hair. However, the cranberry velvet is plush and I’m sure the young miss who wore it was pleased. It’s so much fun to follow the stories that these old clothing items tell. Stay tuned for a 1960’s item – a repeat of another recent find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magicvintagespy 