I found two wonderful mid-century straw hats on my last expedition! This one is summer-perfect and great with Marlene’s coloring. It’s a simple style that suits almost everyone and the big bow gives it a coquettish allure.
Straw hats are so lovely and grosgrain ribbon a classic and elegant trim. More tomorrow . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m always tickled to have the original box for any of my hats! In this case, I don’t know the brand of the hat (if there was one) but I know WHERE it came from. The department store Famous-Barr in St. Louis, MO was a division of the Macy’s chain for decades and finally closed in 2013. It had evolved in the early 20th century from two other store members of the Federated Department Stores organization and opened in 1914. The old department stores were such fun and so exciting for women, where they could receive very personal and professional service – now we just see glimpses of them in classic movies. Modern malls and superstores can’t compare.
Anyway, this “pretty” with a black velvet crown, bow decoration and a lacy woven ribbon brim is elegant without the weight of heavier styles that might dominate during the colder months. This one lets you carry the season-less drama of black into Summer and early Fall. Works for me . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Something different for today. This group of hats are similar in that they are most all of straw (the bucket hat is made of mesh) and in colors that can be worn into the fall – no pinks or pastel blues.
I love hat labels. The one with the navy band has one that says “coast to coast LINDA JANE Exclusive”. The bucket hat has a Union label inside. Tells a little about their history and who may have worn them (and where).
As accessories go, I’d say that hats may have the edge in terms of adding the most panache and/or mystery to any ensemble. Up until the early ’60s, when they sort of died out after Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox was done, a hat was SUCH an important item in the wardrobe and most women didn’t go anywhere of significance without one. (including the grocery store and the movies)
So now, they inspire fantasies of dress-up. I can get into that . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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These are such fun and add a happy, bright touch to any outfit. Raffia/cellophane hats from the 1960’s are almost always seen in pastel colors, in my experience, though neutrals like black and white were made, too. Love the grosgrain ribbon trim.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.
The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!
Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.
Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.
I love finding these beautiful vintage garments that are so unique, stylish and of exceptional quality. This one is an open-weave, so perfect for late Spring, early Fall and cool Summer nights.
True vintage sweater knits are not common finds (are any really common?) but definitely worth the treasure hunt . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s another view of the green evening coat I like to show for St. Patrick’s Day – this time with a more versatile and elegant style from the same decade. These coats are from the 1950’s/1960’s. Lighter-weight fabrics and fresh colors make them suitable for mild evenings.
So fun, with a little sparkle, the one on left is more subtle with just a bit of pattern in the glossy pale yellow material. Both have easy, elegant styling but the coat on the right is in-your-face BRIGHT with a silky emerald floral jacquard and huge collar. VERY much a sign of it’s time.
It’s so important for me to have alternative disguises available . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I LOVE this mid-century coat! It’s so post-war / early 1950’s . . . . . . Great for Spring, Summer and Fall. Of a light to medium weight rayon blend, it falls to below the knees and has a black acetate lining.. Obviously, it would like more room in my closet!
The collar, those big plastic buttons, the black/white pattern plus the shape tell its date, along with the fabric and the cut. In the last decade or so we’ve seen modern copycats of this black/white coat. The black/white check was popular again in the early to mid 1960s, but didn’t look like this one. The styles change, sometimes in a subtle way, each time there is a repeat but the fabrics and details are usually more likely to tell the different decades apart. Certainly the newer ones are easier to tell because the older fabrics just aren’t duplicated now.
It’s great to have a small steamer on hand if your space gets a bit crowded to keep things wrinkle-free, though I still haven’t found one that I really like. They’re easy to use and, when used properly, won’t harm clothing. Be careful that yours doesn’t spit drops of water that can leave spots on some fabrics. Safer and easier than ironing, most of the time.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This has been a week of more and more unusual and rare discoveries. No, I have not found a pink lab coat – it is a lower-end Easter coat made of faux linen or shantung material that pretends to be a more elegant item with the up-scale-looking fabric and decorative tabs at the waist. Better buttons would certainly transform it.
I have NEVER seen one like this! Lightweight, but fully lined. It’s very well-designed and the tailoring is nice for a less-expensive garment. I can’t imagine wearing it, but even today it would be just the thing for some girly girl to wear over her pretty Spring frock.
Some early – 1960’s lady did enjoy it and took exceptional care. This coat was obviously kept for special occasions only. Very out-of-season right now, but I just had to show you. Can only imagine what’s around the corner – stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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 . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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 . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
