POSTING UPDATE. STAY TUNED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OK, as promised, I’m in the midst of compiling a reprise of my coat collection to pass the time while taking a break from the field. What fun!

I hadn’t looked at many of these posts for a long time and have so many wonderful coats that each one gets worn infrequently and, of course, depends on the weather and the occasion. It’s been a lot of fun reviewing them and remembering the times when they were discovered.

So many fascinating investigations – enough to make a daily update into the New Year. Of course, whenever I uncover a new find, you’ll be the first to know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FUN, FUN, FUN FIND! POST-WAR 1950’s COAT WITH LOTS OF NEAT FEATURES

You know I’m not a big coat collector, though my behavior this season might make a liar of me – so many fantastic vintage examples have come my way.  Couldn’t pass this one up.  It was sold by the old bargain department store where so many mid-century women shopped – Woolworth’s – and carries their label.

For one, the blue and gold plaid is unusual, as well as the scalloped collar and pocket flaps – this is a style more often seen in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  The swing cut and midi length are almost always signs of the early mid-century time, too.

The feature which surprised me most is the zip-out pile lining – so practical and progressive for that era (I thought!).  Without the liner, the wool shell is medium weight and has a nice black lining of rayon or acetate – good for spring, fall and mild winters.  The liner has complete sleeves that end in ribbed cuffs to make the coat truly warm for cold winters.  Such a perfect outerwear garment to be sold to modern mid-century women who were practical and thrifty to a fault (having lived through the Depression and WWII) but also ready for style and plenty to come into their lives again, which it did with a vengeance in the 1950’s.

The icing on the cake is that this coat is in almost perfect condition.  Yes, it was worn, but so well-looked-after that you’d hardly know it and those few little signs will be easy for me to repair.  So sorry that it’s way too big for me, but just had to buy it and show it to you, while repeating the story it tells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PRE-1959 LADIES’ COAT FIND WITH STUNNING COLLAR DESIGN

A PRE-1959 LADIES’ COAT FIND WITH STUNNING COLLAR DESIGN

Wasn’t planning on picking up a winter coat yesterday, but this one is so gorgeous and unusual. I’ve never seen a collar designed this way and look at the beautiful way it will frame the face and neck. It looks absolutely stunning on.

The collar is cut mink and is attached to the coat’s neckline, but stands up all around as a wind-break and elegant style feature. Since WordPress changed their blog designer, I can’t yet figure out how to show a second photo – the collar comes to a point at the back.

The fabric is not plush, but has some nap that is cut like chenille or corduroy. Full satin lining and it’s in beautiful condition with hardly any need for touch-up. I’ll enjoy this one for a long time. Tomorrow stay tuned for something entirely different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Okay, for the time being, how about a little archive review? Maybe some coats . .

Okay, for the time being, how about a little archive review? Maybe some coats . .

Baby, it’s getting cold outside and we all know where this is going. So, how about a little review of my closet and some beautiful outerwear finds?

Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GONE TO GROUND AT SATELLITE HEADQUARTERS

In the midst of existing biological threats, media storms and potentials for surveillance by hostile intelligence, this agent has sequestered our operation undercover in a secure locale as a sleeper. Be assured that reconnaisance will continue as the field has been swept, which is underway.

Meanwhile, we are cleared to confirm receipt of ongoing monitoring by associated interests and other segments of the community in the general public forum worldwide. As far as has been determined, these contacts are attributable to supportive threads and are clean. Danger of blowback is low. We are grateful for recent LIKE missives which have been vetted and filed.

As the international situation unfolds, stay tuned to this station for further intelligence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY KENNEDY ERA FUN AND WHIMSEY

Just out and about in our limited Covid way and look what I found – a classic skinny Wembley tie from Sputnik to Camelot time, late 1950’s to very early 1960’s, President Eisenhauer to President Kennedy. Couldn’t pass it up because I LOVE these – they’re so funny!

From back in the day when men usually couldn’t dress themselves on their own. So fun to think about – a time when everything was so innocent, as far as we knew. Of course, housewives were always at home to comfort and advise about domestic matters. This must have been a tie for a bachelor.

I’ll keep it for the days when I’m in an Annie Hall mood or to wear as a belt or hair tie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE PERFECTION!!!

Haven’t shown these in a while – how about my grandmother’s 1950’s kid suede sling-backs with my “new” linen pants posted a couple days ago?

Of course, I’ll have to change the blouse. Oh well, so many white and ivory options. And – I can always put in an order for something in lemon or apricot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEAT, NEAT FIND! A 1970’S – 1980’S MIDI-BLOUSE

Another true vintage retro-style discovery. I love, love, love finding super vintage separates!! This rayon blouse by Esprit will be great with my white 1940’s – style sailor pants, my 1970’s white suit, and, and, and, etc. The style era is about 1935 – 1955. It’s in beautiful condition and fits. The only thing I plan on doing is adding some modest – size shoulder pads to perfect the fit on my body. This also may help the keep the collar in line under jackets. And, I might turn up the cuffs on the sleeves. They are perfectly finished to do this without any additional sewing.

A little style tweak here and there is always fun, as well as making sure that the fit is just right for you, which can make all the difference in the world. With well-made garments, as so many true vintage ones are, alterations are often easier. When a piece is cut well, changing the size a bit doesn’t throw the lines off in a wonky way or require a lot of restyling. It’s harder to do with clothing made for imprecise sizes and without attention to detail.

So, there. A little snooty? But, so true . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM