YOU’RE SO VAIN: The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory – HATS

The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory - HATS

Although I always love hats, the beginning of Fall always gets me thinking about them more.  And,  there couldn’t be an easier style to wear than this one.

The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats.  They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.

This one is a simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s,  it has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt.   Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.

A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body.  A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.

They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940S – ’60S CORDUROY JACKET/SMOCK

TRUE VINTAGE 1940S - '60S CORDUROY JACKET/SMOCK

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
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SCRUMPTIOUS NEW FIND! MID-CENTURY SUEDE JACKET

IMG_1070I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE jackets like this.  It’s beautifully hand-tailored in the softest suede, with horn buttons.  They used to make such gorgeous outerwear coats and jackets.

This one is like new!!!  Oh, I am so blessed (not to mention pretty darn good at this!) . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE BOLEROS, CAPES, SHRUGS AND SHAWLS FROM McCALL’S

IMG_1480With all the graduation parties going on and the weddings coming up, we’re sure to need little cover-ups like these for the cool nights.  Despite the hot days in some places, it’s still Spring!

Well-dressed ladies in 1956 loved pretty “wraps” to wear over their dressy finery at times when a jacket or coat just wouldn’t do.  What could better than to pick the perfect style, material and color for your own custom-made accessory?

Skilled needle-workers could whip up one of these in no time.  Inspired? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MORGANA MANIFESTS MORE! TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FUR JACKET – ELEGANCE FOREVER

 True vintage (at least 40 – 50 years old) furs are some of the most fabulous examples of elegance in tailoring. I’m avid for animal rights and welfare, so I’ll start by saying that the wonderful imitations today make it unnecessary and morally criminal to support the market for fur by buying real fur that is still in production.

That said, lets explore some of the thrilling features of this old piece.  Of black curly lamb, with a black mink collar and full silk lining; a high quality fur coat, jacket, stole or other garment always had a label from a good furrier attached. This one was in New York, N.Y..  The stylist also had her own label inside.  Final touches included the initials of the original owner sewn in the lining and a hook and eye closure in front, plus a decorative button and little shallow pockets at the waist.

Aside from the luxurious material and obvious style, the best and most elegant pieces never were flashy or garish.  As with this one, a look told the story of the value and high price tag without having to shout.

So glad that it’s easy for me to find the best of this kind of classic wardrobe staple by going vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S – EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S - EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILALBLE ON AMAZON.COM

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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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGTESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM