Category Archives: wool

PUT SOME ATTITUDE INTO YOUR SHOPPING TRIP & SALUTE ST. VALENTINE WITH RED!

PUT SOME ATTITUDE INTO YOUR SHOPPING TRIP & SALUTE ST. VALENTINE WITH RED!

OK, it’s time to hit the streets if you don’t already have the perfect little number hanging in your closet. Even if you do, there’s always room for more, right?

So jeans, or leggings or something else comfy is the outfit for the day if you want to do some serious shopping. But, one of these (especially the red one!) will add a little panache and statement to your otherwise rather ordinary attire.

I like to keep easy-to-wear true vintage styles in standard neutrals handy for just such an occasion. Trims are generally very simple, but a cut above any mass-marketed hats sold today. The same basic designs are available now, but you’ll always find the maker’s stamp, perhaps a vintage vendor’s label and high-quality felt in a true vintage choice. They last and hold their shape better.

Even if you’re shopping on the “net”, why not dress appropriately so Cupid knows what you’re looking for . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO FORTIES – FIFTIES HATS – OUT OF WINTER INTO SPRING

TWO FIFTIES HATS - OUT OF WINTER INTO SPRING

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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YOU’RE SO VAIN: The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory – HATS

The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory - HATS

Although I always love hats, the beginning of Fall always gets me thinking about them more.  And,  there couldn’t be an easier style to wear than this one.

The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats.  They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.

This one is a simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s,  it has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt.   Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.

A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body.  A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.

They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE FIND!! THE SWEETEST LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE BABY JACKET – A MID-CENTURY TREASURE

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SUCH FUN FINDING VINTAGE CHILDREN’S CLOTHING!  THIS COAT WAS HAND-MADE WITH LOVE.

What a gorgeous little sweater-coat!  So well-made.

It’s so unusual to discover baby clothes and toddler’s outfits.  Other than special-occasion garments like christening gowns that are made to wear only once and then folded away as keepsakes, children’s-wear tends to disappear after it’s been through months of dirty diapers, falls and messy meals.

Although this little coat probably wouldn’t have been worn every day, it would have experienced some wear and tear and has been beautifully preserved.  The style and the buttons put it smack-dab in the 1940’s – early 1960’s, when the wool yarn would also have been more common for an infant’s garment than something made since then (too hard to clean when easy-care acrylic yarn is available).  The knitter’s label, however, would have been attached some time in or after the 1960’s – or it could have been made with vintage materials and a vintage pattern at a later time.

Since the blue-for-boys, pink-for-girls thing was pretty rigid until recent years, I feel safe to say that it was made for a little girl.  It’s so intriguing to wonder about the story behind it.  Was it made by a relative or close friend or even purchased at a craft show?  I’ll always wonder – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A COAT OF A BEAUTIFUL COLOR

Isn’t this the most perfect color for the holiday season?

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This true vintage coat doesn’t get the showing it deserves in this photo.  Imagine it on a larger figure and glowing in deep ruby red.  It has just one small, hidden button closing it in front.  This allows for movement on the body and an elegance different from a coat with buttoned front but is still very warm.

100% Virgin Wool, a beautiful lining and deep slash pockets are common quality elements in these vintage garments.Image  It is definitely a “statement” coat and will last for years.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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A TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CAPE AND GORGEOUS COAT FOR A CHILLY DAY

HOW ABOUT THESE WHERE THE TEMPS ARE STILL FRIGID?

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ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CAPE AND GORGEOUS COAT FOR A CHILLY DAY

The temperatures are hovering Spring-like in some places, but I know that these wonderful garments can still be worn in many cities. One reason I still like cold weather is for the opportunity to wear lovely wool clothing.

The coat has a fabulous collar and stand-out sparkley rhinestone buttons, in my favorite red. I like to wear it in the evening.  They would both be from the 1950’s – early 1960’s.

The lovely woven cape came from San Francisco and was, undoubtedly, tailor-made with a silk lining bordered by about 6 inches of hand-done embroidery. It has arm slits for convenience, so I can easily substitute it for a coat or throw it quickly over anything else I might be wearing.

“Look, Fred – who’s that mysterious woman? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE…

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MY ELEGANT 1950’S WOMEN’S WINTER COATS WITH FUR COLLARS

If you can find one this nice, grab it!

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MY ELEGANT 1950'S WOMEN'S WINTER COATS WITH FUR

Every well-dressed woman in the 1950’s needed at least one tailored wool coat of good quality. Each of these could take her anywhere – from a dress-up occasion to mundane shopping errands.

It could even be thrown over a house-dress! If she were just making quick stops, no one would have to know and her smart good looks would make a very good impression.

These are all beautifully made. The collars and the lines flatter in different ways. Basic neutrals like this are the most versatile, while also holding the top spot when it comes to enduring elegance.  Always one of the best wardrobe investments we could make . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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MY BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, FRENCH – INSPIRED MID – CENTURY WINTER COAT WITH FUR

Gorgeous for tonight . . . . . .

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MY BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, FRENCH - INSPIRED MID - CENTURY WINTER COAT WITH FUR

This is one of my very favorite coats because I LOVE the nipped waist and big, feminine collar. Really shows off the face and enhances your figure.

The mid-blue is nice, too. Not as many coats were made in this color as in the neutrals: black, brown, navy and grey. They’re all gorgeous, but this one is special. Remember, ONLY true vintage or faux fur are humane. Buying modern fur supports the cruel market.

Rarely have I seen a style like this – it is an unusual find. But, those are always the most intriguing . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGTESPY.COM

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

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ANOTHER MEGA-FUN SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1920’S WINTER COAT

ANOTHER MEGA-FUN SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1920'S WINTER COAT

In an out-of-the-way place, this beauty was very patiently waiting to be discovered.  So Downton Abbey, if that’s your cup of tea.  But, I think she wanted to be in films.

Well, she is certainly a star in my closet. There’s no one else like her. The dramatic wrap of her collar and the artistic flare of her sleeves (not to mention that figure!) . . . .

I found a real gem, and in almost perfect condition.  Black wool to mid-calf or ankles. Silky lining. What a way to make an entrance . . . . … .. … .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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