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
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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
Cautiously still in shoulder season – sticking to classic tones and sizes – these can still be called Spring hats. The very special one at left on Marlene would have accompanied a particular suit or frock. Hats used to be so creative and capable, if carefully selected, of making a stunningly good impression!
The navy wool hat at right on Celia is the perfect one to wear with an early Spring coat in a coordinating tone. It is simply a classic wardrobe staple and warming when the weather is cool.
Nothing picked up the spirits like a new hat. It seems that women loved them even more than new shoes! Well, I can understand that, because around your face and shoulders the right hat can make you look absolutely beautiful . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
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Marlene and Celia love these! So do I – so mysterious and alluring. In the right place, nothing looks better with your LBD and veils flatter like no make-up can do.
Hats from the 1940’s – 1950’s, especially, are such favorites of mine. The little black hat goes year-round . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A BIG change from yesterday’s styles – we’re leaping ahead to Easter with these statement hats, which had a real heyday in the early-mid Sixties. Each one is completely covered in feathers of one principle color, with accent tones sprinkled in. Marlene and Celia are oh, so chic and smart.
Very flattering, eh? Hats were always popular in the mid-century, but Spring hats had a special place after a long, cold winter and heavy, dark clothing. Feather hats are especially dramatic and these two are no exception to that rule! I may be showing some more later on . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Gorgeous little Spring hats from the Fifties, or maybe a little earlier – these definitely remind me of April showers and Easter egg hunts. Nothing more classic than navy and white any time of year.
These styles that perch on top of your coiffure are easy to wear and very flattering and can be worn over almost any hairstyle. I’m always thrilled to discover one, as they’re a rare find.
Specimens like this sometimes lurk in dark areas, in hidden containers. Sometimes they come out at special events. Occasionally they can be coaxed into view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Ain’t no flowers upon these babies! They’re just about as Mod as they come, with stripes of color (although they are floral pastels) and leopard spots.
The topper that Celia likes was made by a very famous designer of the time – perhaps Calvin Klein (I’ll have to look again). Even though the Calvin label is still producing today, his clothing and accessories from the ’70’s and before were quite different.
Marlene prefers a more dramatic statement, in timeless animal print faux fur plush with just enough OP ART character to make it unmistakably ’60’s. Of course, both hats are very well-constructed.
So, no need for traveling incognito today. Go forth and make a splash!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It’s still not too late to glam it up with fabulous fur accessories, especially during the variable March weather . . . . . . . our mothers and grandmothers had to be prepared to look chic no matter what!
Marlene and Celia have been waiting for another chance to get into the picture. Here you see them modeling a variety of mink accessories, with the exception of the black muff far left, which I believe is of rabbit fur and has a small zipper compartment and the black hat, which is curly lamb.
Whole skinned animals, with heads, feet and tails (and little glass eyes) were popular as stoles in the 1930’s & 1940’s, maybe the ’20’s, too. Big “Eeew!” factor for a lot of people now. I’ve already covered the fur issue so, if you love real furs (and animals) stick to 1960’s and before.
There’s a dark brown mink scarf that closes with a big mink-covered button (very elegant) and a blonde mink “dickie” to wear at the neckline under your coat.
The hats are probably the most visible accessory when you’re first seen – these are super-flattering but also will be warm. So, when you’re forced to take to the sidewalks, just remember —- to be well-dressed at all times is a gift to yourself and everyone who sees you.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whether over a dress, blouse, sweater or coat collar, this removable “fur” accessory provided lots of glam and a little extra warmth. Sweet and sophisticated, without the expense and care demands of real fur.
Our mid-century gal found this addition to her wardrobe to be one that she could wear with many outfits and on different occasions, for many years to come. I’m so glad that she preserved it so well for me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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