These scarves are of a vintage style I see rarely – sewn in a continuous circle and open in the back. You can scrunch and spread them but they have no elastic built in. Mid-century film stars loved this style.
The idea is to make a chic “hat”, pinned and adjusted to your type of hairstyle, or a quick and elegant solution to bad hair days. They’re usually sheer rayon, nylon or silk.
Must have been, more or less, a brief “fad”. It would be easy to make or fake now, but the real thing is always more intriguing . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A little change-up for the last day of April. An early 1960’s velveteen “all-weather” coat that I would double as an evening coat! Love the covered buttons and the beautiful attached neck scarf, plus stylish 3/4 sleeves that look SO fabulous with longer gloves. I’ve found several of these (one in emerald green!). Made in Canada.
Stella is also modeling a great nylon black and white checked coat from the 1950’s that I found in Australia. These utilitarian coats were popular in the ’40’s and ’50’s, but this is the most stylish example I’ve ever seen, with a print, rather than plain.
Finally, most of my umbrella collection. Some have great prints and some are most distinguished by the handles. Always a fun statement. Love the old Lucite and the vibrant colors! I may be able to use one today . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Celia and Marlene are modeling the ever-chic-and-elegant scarf tie style popularized by and named for Grace Kelly in the early 1950’s. It frames your face and covers your hair beautifully, doesn’t flap or blow and lets you show off that gorgeous true vintage print scarf you just found!
Celia wears a vintage floral print in silk which highlights rose and blue tones. Marlene opts for a multi-color basket-weave print with a coffee brown border, also in silk.
This is one of the most elegant disguises I wear . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The colorful, naive graphics of true vintage souvenir scarves and hankies are SO much fun!! It’s wonderful to find one in silk, or any high quality vintage fabric like rayon or fine 100% cotton.
The designs are always so cute and bright. Not a good disguise, though, unless I’m wanting to look like a tourist . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this one a beauty?! There are the green and blue tones so popularly paired together in the early 1960’s, the great graphic design and, of course, the designer’s signature. Whenever I see one in excellent condition (that’s almost always true), I always pick it up.
I love how well these scarves hold up over the years. That’s a testament to quality, and to the women who treated them with care. Nothing adds a better and more authentic vintage touch to your outfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This neckline accessory would look great with a Spring dress for an afternoon of casual shopping. I love, love, love finding old scarves with their original labels still attached, and this one is so interesting.
Hand-finished scarves from Japan were common in wardrobes before and after WWII. In this case, the fabric content is unique – a blend of silk (how Japanese is that?!) and Vinal, an unusual synthetic material trademarked there. I could find very little about this on the internet, but have seen many old scarves made of sheer chiffon-like fabric that is similar but may have been made elsewhere and not be the same.
Although the labels on scarves are sometimes obtrusive and may need to be removed, they should always be saved. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here are 3 small scarves from my large collection. I have selected them to show you for their unusual patterns. Vintage novelty graphics and florals are lovely and very distinctive. Always perfect to brighten a jacket pocket, or add a bright touch to your neckline, to a purse handle or your hair.
On the other hand, patterns like the one on top – looks like little postage-stamp drawings – are very unusual and interesting. Check out the green square on right – see the little ballerinas around the edge? FUN! I loved discovering this one!!
The fabrics in these scarves are also unique by today’s standards. The silks are lovely and delicate. Hems are always hand-stitched. Rayons and nylons also have a really nice “hand”. Even the old polyesters are different.
I’ll show more of my favorites in different sizes and styles. Marlene and Celia are always very happy for another opportunity to model and, I’ll be introducing Daphne . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
After the cold weather, we’re always ready to break out different accessories with our lighter-weight clothing and brighter colors. Stay tuned for a fun Spring accessories series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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