TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPRING HATS

A SIXTIES EASTER BONNET, WITH ALL THE . . . . . WHAT?!!@ . . . . . . UPON IT?

Ain’t no flowers upon these babies! They’re just about as Mod as they come, with stripes of color (although they are floral pastels) and leopard spots.

The topper that Celia likes was made by a very famous designer of the time – perhaps Calvin Klein (I’ll have to look again). Even though the Calvin label is still producing today, his clothing and accessories from the ’70’s and before were quite different.

Marlene prefers a more dramatic statement, in timeless animal print faux fur plush with just enough OP ART character to make it unmistakably ’60’s. Of course, both hats are very well-constructed.

So, no need for traveling incognito today.  Go forth and make a splash!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Sherbet colors – True vintage 1960’s Spring & Summer hats

 

 

Sherbet colors - True vintage Spring & Summer hats

These are such fun and add a happy, bright touch to any outfit.  Raffia/cellophane hats from the 1960’s are almost always seen in pastel colors, in my experience, though neutrals like black and white were made, too. Love the grosgrain ribbon trim.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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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

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A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960’S OR EARLY ’70’S

A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960'S OR EARLY '70'S

These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.

The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!

Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.

Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.

I love finding these beautiful vintage garments that are so unique, stylish and of exceptional quality. This one is an open-weave, so perfect for late Spring, early Fall and cool Summer nights.

True vintage sweater knits are not common finds (are any really common?) but definitely worth the treasure hunt . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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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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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 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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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S – EARLY 1970’S SPRING ALL – WEATHER COAT

IMG_1197Here’s Stella kitted out in a rather mod mini version of the “mid-century synthetic knit coat”.  It seems like these were very popular between about 1965 and 1975, for common everyday wear – especially Spring and Fall.  This was definitely not haute couture, but has an excellent cut and tailoring, with good quality fabric.

On the purely fashion side, very cute and has a little bit of military influence which was common then, too (metal buttons, epaulettes, decorative pockets).  Looks like the stuff that was coming out of British fashion.

During every era when a standard skirt length was recognized, women had to have coats of the proper length, too.  Unless it was a car-coat or jacket, they wouldn’t want the hem of a skirt hanging below and a knee-length coat could look kind of frumpy over a mini skirt.

Fortunately for us, the tyranny of style is pretty much over and we can be unique and stylish in any way we like, whenever we like.  Where the distinction comes in is whether we go with good design and quality (a.k.a. elegance) or with whatever is on sale at the mall this week.

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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