Category Archives: winter

A VERY DISTINCTIVE TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WINTER COAT

A VERY DISTINCTIVE 1950'S WINTER COAT

I don’t expect to see a beauty like this again, and I’ve only seen it once in a 1950’s coat. Must have been an exclusive design by this particular maker in the U.S.

A very elegant, simple and chic design, with large covered buttons, an oversize collar and this unexpected mink fur trim at the hem. I think it would have drawn many second looks!

To me, that’s one hallmark of elegant yet fashionable and creative design – the classic lines and unparalleled quality with an element of surprise.

What will appear next? You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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IT’S STILL FREEZING – BE A PRINCESS IN STYLE! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CAMEL HAIR COAT

BE A PRINCESS IN STYLE! TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S CAMEL HAIR COAT

An irresistible  find – 100% camel hair coat from the 1960’s, in a lovely princess style. With pretty trapunto stitching accents in front, this one is a well-bred lady.

Amazing that it’s still so cold some places, but really true. We still need a chic winter coat on hand – not a parka or sports jacket. Although a coat like this is perfect anytime the weather is cold, I especially like the lighter tone in an end-of-winter coat when we’re beginning to wear Spring colors.  Wouldn’t it be great over the dresses I’ve recently posted, also from the same 1960’s time?

Nothing more classic and warm than cashmere or camel hair. When I discovered this one in near perfect condition, in my size and a style I didn’t yet possess – well, what do you think I did? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION

FINALLY! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SPRING COATS FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

FINALLY! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SPRING COATS FROM THE 1940'S - 1950'S

Yes, these are still wool coats, but lightened up in color and style. They definitely have a Spring-like feel, though still substantial enough to ward off the frigid temps that are hovering in many places.  No matter Global Warming, etc.;  some years are still pretty cold and some places continue to freeze while others turn balmy.  I’ve heard it was recently -30 degrees in southern Ontario, Canada!  That means, also,  Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho,  Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York . . . . . . . . . and cold nights in many other places

In other words, don’t write off the importance of having a fabulous true vintage wool coat or two (or 3, or 4 . .. . . . . . .).   I love heavier ones for deep winter, but these are such cute, girlish/ladylike designs – they put a spring in my step (no pun intended, but why not!). Very neutral, so they can complement the pastels that we want to start wearing now.

I just love the design details of these mid-century, wartime and post-war outerwear garments with big collars and buttons, smart trimmings, fun pockets and beautiful fabrics.  From preppy to I Love Lucy – It’s fun to have all three and to pick the one that’s just right . . . . . . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ELEGANT WOOL & MINK COAT FOR THE COOLER MONTHS – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY

IMG_0975     I came across this beautiful coat while planning for another investigation trip.  Already own a number of similar ones, but I couldn’t resist the elegant lines and perfect condition of this one.  About this time of year, I begin thinking about coats, as well as sweaters and wool dresses.

Gorgeous sculptural buttons, satin lining and, of course, the pretty collar.  Although I don’t approve the fur trade, I will buy true vintage fur pieces sometimes.  This collar looks so trim and elegant and the coat hangs beautifully.

Black is also perfect.  Can’t have too many like this!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER UNUSUAL FIND FROM MY CLOSET – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S COAT

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Love this true vintage coat!  Beautiful wool, by Sterling, also with a one-button closure and lovely shawl collar.  This kind of sumptuous material is pure vintage and the pattern makes it unusual.

Neutral colors make it perfect for any cold season – autumn on into winter.

It was a surprise find that I snapped up in a flash!  Most of my finds are that way, which is what makes vintage-hunting so much fun and such a wonderful bargain.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY FALL COATS & JACKETS TO MAKE AT HOME!

IMG_1030 IMG_1048 Need a new coat?  Well, in just a few minutes of your spare time . . . . . . Right!   McCalls Needlework Magazine used to publish patterns for projects like these all year.  In the 1950’s and 1960’s it was so common.

Aren’t they beautiful? – But, can you imagine making one??  Your grandmother might have.  I rarely find a hand-knitted one now, but once in a while . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A CLASSIC MID-CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE CASUAL SWING COAT

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This lovely true #vintage #coat is in a brown tweed with flecks of other warm colors and has a brown acetate lining. Though the photo doesn’t do it justice, it is really cute and has a nice swing.  It makes me think of Britain, though I think it was made in the U.S. – “a Petite by Fashioned”.  It’s so classic and of high quality that I can’t say exactly when it was made.

I love the little straps with buttons that decorate the collar on either side of the neck.  Little touches like this are the delight of true vintage items and aren’t done nearly as well (if at all) on more modern #clothing.

This coat closes with only one hidden button in front.  I have one or two others like this and several, as well as capes, that don’t close at all or just at the neck.  I wondered when  I wore it the last time if it would be warm enough in 20-something cold.  It was just fine!

So, don’t let lack of button closure discourage you from buying a great vintage coat if you #find one that you love.  Adding a belt is always a cool option, if you want to.

I was thrilled to find it – I’ve never seen another like it.  True vintage is so original!  You just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND TODAY! . . . . . 1950’S WINTER SWING COAT

And, just my size!  What a beauty – I’m glad to add it to my collection.  Lovely plush wool with a pretty mink collar.  Always love the swing-back styling, too.

Another advantage of this particular design is that the collar could be easily removed if I prefer a collarless style – very pretty with long scarves and mufflers.  That’s a good thing to look for – when construction makes alterations easy.

Even with something pretty straightforward like this, always lots of important clues to be on the look-out for . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Warm and Flattering True Vintage1970s Suede and Shearling Coat

Love this coat, it’s so warm and snuggley!  The genuine sheepskin collar is actually an off-white color with brown tips (these may have been dyed – I’m not sure if natural sheepskin has those color variations).  The inside is lined with faux-sheepskin cut pile, the outer suede is genuine.  This coat is very well-made but by whom I don’t know because the maker’s label was  removed by the previous owner, as I’ve often found in other true vintage items.

In such good condition and so flattering, it’s another of my favorites that I bought for a song!  You just never know . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S FAUX BEAVER FUR COAT – LUCY WOULD HAVE LOVED IT!

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This is a real find that turned up by surprise, with an iconic Fifties style.  What a beauty!   With the exception of some wear to the inside of the right-hand pocket, it is in virtually perfect condition.

Love the huge collar and big plastic buttons.  It has a maker’s label, beige satin lining with tiny tailoring stitch details.  Warm and fabulous.  Never seen one like this before!  You just never know . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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