Okay, we’re back to the jackets and coats that will take us out of late winter and into Spring! Since I’ve been doing a lot of red lately, here’s a cute shirt-jacket that I suspect is from the early 1960s but could be older. It had a girls’ school patch on front (which I have, of course, saved) and zips part-way down the front with a metal zipper.
This is cute and very different, easy to pop on over slacks, jeans or even a shift dress or skirt and blouse. I try to picture how it was worn by the original owner.
The corduroy is of a quality rarely seen today. The photo doesn’t do it justice, as the color is actually very bright and there’s no damage and very little wear. 100% cotton and, though it is fairly lightweight, is a dense weave that stands up for years rather than breaking out in thin patches or holes quickly. That’s what I love about the older fabrics. Although some of them have some vulnerabilities and require special know-how to care for them, they all have benefits that make them special in the way the color pops or how they hang or drape on the body. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find something as good now. Although this is just a simple item, I love it and you can see how it has held up despite its age.
In a couple of weeks, I’ll begin publishing photos of a few true vintage things that I’ve kept at this second home for the warm weather, and my most recent finds! I like to keep the posts seasonal to North America, so stay tuned. You just never what will show up!
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Facebook.com/magicvintagespy
Google+, Twitter, Pinterest
I just LOVE this one, too! From the same era as the coat shown yesterday, but could have been a bit earlier. It looks best on the body, rather than on a mannequin, because the cut shows off when the body moves.
Made of rayon or a rayon blend with a beautiful drape and is fully lined with acetate satin. The buttons are just for show because it is an open-front style. The pockets sit diagonally and also have button decoration. Lots of details!
Although the swing style has been repeated at times, this authentic design is unique and never to be found except when it was new. There’s absolutely nothing like true vintage! It looks great over dresses, skirts and tops, slacks or jeans – just keep the lines sleek underneath; nothing full or poufy.
You ain’t got a thing if you ain’t got that swing . . . . . doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo waaaaaaaaaa. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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
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
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
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
