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

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE ’30’S, ’40’S, ’50’S & ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE '30'S, '40'S, '50'S & '60'S

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

TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940S.

TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940S.

Even though I’d want a heavier coat or jacket over this for winter, I’m often wearing a jacket inside all day this time of year.  For cool days and evenings, I love the trim, square shape of this jacket though the shoulders are not heavily padded.

Nice nipped waist, zip front, cuff detail, front welts and it may have tab detail at the waist and, maybe, the wrists.  It’s simple and tailored with a crisp look.

Not many of these are around now in excellent condition like this one.  Very special – I was thrilled to find it!  Looks equally good with pants or a skirt – that’s the beauty of this short style.  The lack of length means that I could wear it with any style skirt – pencil or full.  So versatile!

Love the ’40s.  This one takes me right into film noir, walking the dark city streets with my private investigator boyfriend, looking out for the murderer . . . . . . . . around that corner?  You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

 

PRETTY TIE-ON FAUX FUR COLLAR – A REAL TOUCH OF TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE

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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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S ELEGANCE IN A CURLY LAMB JACKET

 

Curly lamb fur jackets and coats were common dressy items for mid-century women to own.  I picked up this example because I don’t have one in this length and I just love the tailoring.

Of course, the cut and finishing are beautifully-done.  The lining, especially, caught my eye with it’s embroidered design and the original owner’s first name and last initial stitched inside.

Such fun to wear!  Today, without the rigid rules about dress, an old fur coat looks just as great over jeans as with formal-wear.  I love enjoying these vintage garments while they last and am happy to watch real fur go out of production.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMPASSION FOR ANIMALS

On Monday I found a 1980’s retro 1940’s true vintage mink coat and there’s been a low response and no LIKES for my post about it. I interpret that as your lack of support for the use of animal skins in fashion, and even true vintage historic examples of it, which are the only ones I buy and wear. I’d much rather see that than a lot of unthinking enthusiasm. You’re so awesome!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Beautiful Mauve Kashmiracle 1970s True Vintage Coat

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This beauty that I just found would look great on any Grace Kelly wannabe.  It is very flattering on, and it has a swing-style back.  The Kashmiracle faux cashmere fabric is made of polyester, so doesn’t need quite the storage care of a wool coat, though insects can attack other fabrics, too, and (as can be seen here) crowded storage can cause wrinkles.  Love the dyed-to-match sculpted buttons.  It is a beautiful mauve color (and I found a few days later a gorgeous silk scarf  in the same tones to wear with it!)   Goes to show that you just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

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TRUE VINTAGE SPRING COAT FROM THE 1950s, IN SAPPHIRE BLUE

TRUE VINTAGE SPRING COAT FROM THE 1950s, IN SAPPHIRE BLUE

So, you’re all dressed for the event, party or dinner and must have some kind of outerwear because it’s still pretty chilly.  How about this Spring coat in the most lovely blue that echos the color of your dress and shoes!  It doesn’t have a front closure, but you can hold it together as you step out of the taxi.

I would say that it is made of a rayon blend.  Very nicely made and styled – love the color and the striped rayon/acetate lining. It is a virtual match for the dress and shoes and would create a stunning ensemble. Check out the last two posts for the dress and shoes.

Although my guess is that it was made a few years earlier than the dress and shoes, it’s not far off. Maybe closer than I think. It was just WAY too nice to pass up when I discovered it. Simple and elegant style, very chic and probably always will be. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .when magic will happen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 60’S – EARLY ’70’S MINI TRENCH RAINCOAT

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 60’S – EARLY ’70’S MINI TRENCH RAINCOAT.

A COAT OF A BEAUTIFUL COLOR

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

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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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