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
Classic fall/winter coat in beige suede. The casual style here has a lightweight quilted lining and is great for days that are cool. Thanksgiving Day celebrations can sometimes be formal, but many Americans enjoy a relaxed dinner with family and/or friends and a day which includes outdoor activities. Perfect!
I love the heavy plastic buttons and 3/4 or “bracelet length” sleeves that look so great with a pair of longer gloves. If you see a coat or jacket with sleeves that length, don’t give in to the idea that they would be awkward. They look so striking worn with great gloves and/or bracelets. If the top of your outfit has long sleeves that wouldn’t coordinate well, long gloves can cover the bottoms of them below the cuffs of your coat.
The term “car-coat”, as it was used in the 1940s to 1960s, usually referred to a less formal coat that was of a shorter “fingertip” length so that the hem wouldn’t get dirty as a woman stooped to get in and out of a car.
I also have some different ones – one in beige blanket material,a navy wool and one in a black and white pattern. They may get posted later on as they are for even colder weather.
This is another great style that is so practical for day to day wear and very distinctively true vintage fashion. There’s nothing else like it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Imagine my surprise at finding this familiar style car coat from the early 1960’s in super-practical fabrics; All-weather faux suede and a faux beaver collar! Compare to my beautiful suede leather and genuine mink examples from the same era and you’ll see the similarities.
The design features are the same with big but discreet front pockets, side slits for easy in-out of cars, trains and buses, satin lining and a warm, pretty collar. What a neat way to get the same elegant look, which can be dressed up or down, with carefree, weather-defying practicality. Again, it’s a new one on me! What fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I know, I know, I know – I already have several of these, but I DON’T have one this color! These coats are so beautiful and this one so perfect that I just couldn’t resist . . . . . . . . .
I’ve seen this style coat in a range of earth-tone colors with some small variations on the design. They are impeccably tailored and elegant in buttery suede with darker mink collars. Must have been very popular in the early ’60’s and now have so many possibilities! The collar closes in front with special hooks and eyes to create a rolled effect.
I love to imagine mine over a dress, skirt and blouse, slacks or jeans. Scarves and gorgeous leather accessories complete the look. Though it was a semi-dress item in it’s original incarnation, today it goes from casual – casual to fairly dressy in the blink of an eye. I must photograph Stella in this coat with a variety of looks . . . . . . . . .
No wonder I couldn’t say no when I found this dark chocolate version in virtually perfect condition. It has the original owner’s initials sewn inside, as a fun extra . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Cresco Fine Sportswear designed this great jacket, with front and back yokes, in a buttery camel-color suede. It was probably sold by a Western-wear dealer or fine men’s clothing store.
All the features of fine tailoring are here – a cloth label, 3 outside pockets and at least one inside, full lining plus dyed-to-match buttons on front and at the cuffs.
A sharp-looking gentleman’s garment. True, Madge can’t do justice to the shoulders . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This true vintage beauty from the ’50s or early ’60s was another surprise find. In textured wool, 3/4 length in a swing design (love that), angled pockets, wing collar and a silky satin black lining.
Label from Marshal Field & Company, Chicago. The buttons, of plastic or bakelite, are carved to reflect light in such a way that they sparkle as though there were rhinestones! I’ve never seen buttons like this before (and I’ve seen LOTS of vintage buttons).
Like new. Looks great on! It was stuck in with a lot of other nondescript coats. You just never know . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whoa! It’s too big for Stella (or Madge), and for me – but, I love finding wonderful things anyway. This, I believe, is a vintage size 16.
This coat has a quilted lining and two big pockets. The wing collar folds over and buttons at the neck for extra warmth. Perfect for casual good looks on errand day or going to the football stadium in October.
It’s missing the original maker’s name tag, but has a women’s garment worker tag and, hidden under the lining, the tag which I think indicates the size. Nicely finished and made to last. Finding it certainly contributed to making my day! Such fun . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM
Yes, I know that I already have several of these but this example was just too good to pass up. Beautiful, beautiful condition and it’s the ONLY one I have that has a tie belt! As always, the tailoring is gorgeous and the materials of such high quality. The styling is elegant, but also fashionable and versatile. Like some of my others, the mink collar has been attached by hand so it’s really easy to snip it off and wear the coat with scarves or shawls instead.
True vintage coats are some of the most elegant and unique statement pieces that you can wear. Plus, they’re one of the smartest buys. Everyone needs at least one good coat. The retro versions are pretty much worthless so don’t pass by the coat rack next time you’re shopping for true vintage fashion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
It isn’t signed, though I’m not sure a fabric of this weight would be . . . . . . . ? The semi-glossy material and construction have the hallmarks of a fine Italian knit with full-fashioning, carefully finished seams and signs that the missing label had been hand-sewn in place.
Could be true vintage, or not. But, anyway, it’s a quality piece and I’m so happy to have found it! 1960’s all over again in beautiful colors. Next time I’m in a Jetsons mood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Don’t know what I was thinking a few days ago when I said “found something else that I’ll be showing you soon” – I found 4 more somethings! So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 