Tag Archives: ’50’s

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

HOW ABOUT THESE WHERE THE TEMPS ARE STILL FRIGID?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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

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

Gorgeous for tonight . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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

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MORE “NEW” TRUE VINTAGE FINDS! TODAY: MID-CENTURY ROBIN’S EGG BLUE LEATHER COAT

IMG_1666 IMG_1667Almost all of the items shown this week come from my friend, Rosalie, the seamstress/tailor and expert handicrafter whom you may remember from previous posts – this time gifted by her daughter, my friend Kay.  As we were wondering exactly what years this fabulous coat came from, a 1958 penny fell out of a pocket and confirmed my best guess.  Thanks!

I’ve come across several coats and jackets from right around 1960 plus or minus that have featured leather in unusual and beautiful hues.  A fabulously-tailored leather garment is always a joy to behold, and to wear.  This one has tab and button detail at both sides of the waist, incorporated with stylish pockets.  No front closures – an interesting feature of a few coats from that time that create an unique look.

Yes, it shows a little wear and damage from storage but is cleaning up nicely. Overall condition demonstrates how well it is made and the care that was given years ago. What a pretty fashion item from the Kennedy era  . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A VERY DISTINCTIVE TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WINTER COAT

A VERY DISTINCTIVE 1950'S WINTER COAT

I don’t expect to see a beauty like this again, and I’ve only seen it once in a 1950’s coat. Must have been an exclusive design by this particular maker in the U.S.

A very elegant, simple and chic design, with large covered buttons, an oversize collar and this unexpected mink fur trim at the hem. I think it would have drawn many second looks!

To me, that’s one hallmark of elegant yet fashionable and creative design – the classic lines and unparalleled quality with an element of surprise.

What will appear next? You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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3 SOPHISTICATED AND CHIC LATE 1950’S / EARLY 1960’S CAR COATS IN FINE SUEDE WITH MINK

3 SOPHISTICATED AND CHIC LATE 1950'S / EARLY 1960'S CAR COATS IN FIND SUEDE WITH MINK

Here are three iconic coats from the Kennedy era that take the car coat to another level. But, despite the somewhat dressy mink collars, they have a sporty, European look and should get a lot of play in a true vintage wardrobe.  With slacks or boots, beautiful leather gloves and a fedora they look fabulous on the street.  Or, worn over a dress with heels to dinner or another dress-up event.

Quite popular in their era and in a variety of colors – I usually find earth tones like beige, browns, rust, gray, and moss green.  The suede leather is always of wonderful quality, with fine grain, great color saturation and a soft, velvety finish. The styles vary slightly – collars can often be easily removed if you’d rather wear a scarf.  Next time I photograph these, I want to show them with accessories.

The great thing about these, to me, is the simple, chic Jackie O styling that looks wonderful over casual or dressy day-wear – dresses, skirts, slacks, or jeans – and transitions into evening with easy elegance. I think they’ve been FAR under-rated and deserve a frequent place in the spot-light.

So, while you’re at it, get some true vintage kidskin gloves to wear with them. Find a coat with 3/4 sleeves – fabulous with longer gloves . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FINALLY! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SPRING COATS FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

FINALLY! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SPRING COATS FROM THE 1940'S - 1950'S

Yes, these are still wool coats, but lightened up in color and style. They definitely have a Spring-like feel, though still substantial enough to ward off the frigid temps that are hovering in many places.  No matter Global Warming, etc.;  some years are still pretty cold and some places continue to freeze while others turn balmy.  I’ve heard it was recently -30 degrees in southern Ontario, Canada!  That means, also,  Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho,  Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York . . . . . . . . . and cold nights in many other places

In other words, don’t write off the importance of having a fabulous true vintage wool coat or two (or 3, or 4 . .. . . . . . .).   I love heavier ones for deep winter, but these are such cute, girlish/ladylike designs – they put a spring in my step (no pun intended, but why not!). Very neutral, so they can complement the pastels that we want to start wearing now.

I just love the design details of these mid-century, wartime and post-war outerwear garments with big collars and buttons, smart trimmings, fun pockets and beautiful fabrics.  From preppy to I Love Lucy – It’s fun to have all three and to pick the one that’s just right . . . . . . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

Here’s another view of the green evening coat I like to show for St. Patrick’s Day – this time with a more versatile and elegant style from the same decade.  These coats are from the 1950’s/1960’s. Lighter-weight fabrics and fresh colors make them suitable for mild evenings.

So fun, with a little sparkle, the one on left is more subtle with just a bit of pattern in the glossy pale yellow material.  Both have easy, elegant styling but the coat on the right is in-your-face BRIGHT with a silky emerald floral jacquard and huge collar.  VERY much a sign of it’s time.

It’s so important for me to have alternative disguises available . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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EARLY ’60’S (OR LATE ’50’S) DRESSY 3/4 SLEEVED COAT JACKET FROM A CHICAGO DESIGNER

EARLY '60'S (OR LATE '50'S) DRESSY 3/4 SLEEVED COAT JACKET FROM A CHICAGO DESIGNER

This is an LBC  rather than an LBD – a Little Black Coat.  One of my very favorite surprise finds!   And, just perfect for shoulder-season wear – when it’s not too hot or too cold outside yet.

Late ’50’s – early ’60’s – just about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s time.  She could have worn one like it over a dressy LBD or evening wear.  Look at the trim around the collar and the heavy, glossy fabric.

It has 3/4 length sleeves with bows at the cuff, large covered buttons and a bow at the neck and falls straight in a boxy cut.  Two side pockets at the hips.  The length of the hem would also be 3/4 on a taller person.

From a Chicago clothier – maybe tailor-made and very distinctive.   I’ve never run across one like it before, or since, but I have seen pictures of them from that time.

Just perfect for Stella!  I love it when something like this appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE SWING COAT FOR SPRING, FROM THE LATE 1940s TO EARLY 1950S.

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE SWING COAT FOR SPRING, FROM THE LATE 1940s TO EARLY 1950S.

I LOVE this mid-century  coat!  It’s so post-war / early 1950’s . . . . . .  Great for Spring, Summer and Fall.  Of a light to medium weight rayon blend, it falls to below the knees and has a black acetate lining.. Obviously, it would like more room in my closet!

The collar, those big plastic buttons, the black/white pattern plus the shape tell its date, along with the fabric and the cut.  In the last decade or so we’ve seen modern copycats of this black/white coat.  The black/white check was popular again in the early to mid 1960s, but didn’t look like this one.  The styles change, sometimes in a subtle way, each time there is a repeat but the fabrics and details are usually more likely to tell the different decades apart.  Certainly the newer ones are easier to tell because the older fabrics just aren’t duplicated now.

It’s great to have a small steamer on hand if your space gets a bit crowded to keep things wrinkle-free, though I still haven’t found one that I really like. They’re easy to use and, when used properly, won’t harm clothing.  Be careful that yours doesn’t spit drops of water that can leave spots on some fabrics.  Safer and easier than ironing, most of the time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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