Love this true vintage coat! Beautiful wool, by Sterling, also with a one-button closure and lovely shawl collar. This kind of sumptuous material is pure vintage and the pattern makes it unusual.
Neutral colors make it perfect for any cold season – autumn on into winter.
It was a surprise find that I snapped up in a flash! Most of my finds are that way, which is what makes vintage-hunting so much fun and such a wonderful bargain.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
And, just my size! What a beauty – I’m glad to add it to my collection. Lovely plush wool with a pretty mink collar. Always love the swing-back styling, too.
Another advantage of this particular design is that the collar could be easily removed if I prefer a collarless style – very pretty with long scarves and mufflers. That’s a good thing to look for – when construction makes alterations easy.
Even with something pretty straightforward like this, always lots of important clues to be on the look-out for . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gorgeous, gorgeous coat in PERFECT condition! Not as over-the-top as most fur coats, it’s very versatile and still chic and elegant as can be.
All the original closure toggles and hooks are there; the original owner’s initials sewn inside. I’ll love this for a long time. In fact, I’m wearing it tonight for a dinner out!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a real find that turned up by surprise, with an iconic Fifties style. What a beauty! With the exception of some wear to the inside of the right-hand pocket, it is in virtually perfect condition.
Love the huge collar and big plastic buttons. It has a maker’s label, beige satin lining with tiny tailoring stitch details. Warm and fabulous. Never seen one like this before! You just never know . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.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
It’s still cool enough to wear them for dressy evenings and I love to top my party-wear with these old fur-trimmed lovelies. The brown one is from the Forties and is of a light-weight wool with dyed rabbit trim. The black coat is lined rayon crepe with mink at the cuffs – perfect over a little black dress.
This time of year, with Valentine’s behind us, St. Pat’s day and Easter approaching is full of special events going on and good opportunities to dress up a bit. Never to be missed! Go forth and enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
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