Tag Archives: coat

ANOTHER FUN FIND – SUEDE AND FUR SPORTY SIXTIES MIDI COAT

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Once again, a beautifully-cared-for coat from the mad mod era of the Sixties.  This one more closely approaches the late Sixties hippie – boho styling that was popular then.  I have another one, very similar, of suede and shearling which has kind of an Asian-sheepherder vibe.  The predominant elegance of the earlier part of that decade gave way to much more casual design later on.

Regardless, this coat is very well-made and also features the basted-on collar and cuffs that make changing the look or dealing with cleaning a lot simpler.  The suede is still that super-soft fine leather that may be lambsuede (makes me sad just to think about it) which had been a popular coat material  during the Kennedy administration.  That and the beautiful fur trim (again, very sad) is a nod to the elegance that was fast slipping away.

One thing that makes me very happy when I see vintage furs is that today faux furs look virtually identical!  That’s one plus which will make the practice of raising, trapping and slaughtering animals for their furs less popular.  Please, never buy a modern garment made with real fur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE JEWEL-TONE EVENING COAT – IN EMERALD GREEN

IMG_1246 IMG_1247Stella by starlight in my fabulous Lillie Rubin evening coat – perfect for any special dressy occasion.  From somewhere between 1955 and 1963, it’s the most beautiful bright emerald green with a turquoise lining.  Amazing.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

WHAT A RARE FIND – CUSTOM-TAILORED WOOL COAT WITH A MATCHING HAT AND HUGE PEARL BUTTONS!

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This unusual ensemble was hand-tailored – and beautifully done!  I just love finding true vintage garments that have been custom-made.  The workmanship is often astoundingly fine.

Just look at those great buttons, too!  Rarely have I found these, plus that hat.  The fabric is a beautiful marled woolen weave in Autumn colors and both pieces are fully-lined.

A wonderful discovery from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s.  Wowee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE HAND-TAILORED TRUE VINTAGE TREASURE – ANOTHER COAT, OF A VERY DIFFERENT STYLE

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Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year.  The style is also easy-breezy with an open front.  I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.

Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well.  Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it.  What a great way to save tons of cash.

I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it.  Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER FIND – LOVELY KENNEDY ERA FINE SUEDE COAT WITH MINK COLLAR

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Yes, I know that I already have several of these but this example was just too good to pass up.  Beautiful, beautiful condition and it’s the ONLY one I have that has a tie belt!  As always, the tailoring is gorgeous and the materials of such high quality.  The styling is elegant, but also fashionable and versatile.  Like some of my others, the mink collar has been attached by hand so it’s really easy to snip it off and wear the coat with scarves or shawls instead.

True vintage coats are some of the most elegant and unique statement pieces that you can wear.  Plus, they’re one of the smartest buys.  Everyone needs at least one good coat. The retro  versions are pretty much worthless so don’t pass by the coat rack next time you’re shopping for true vintage fashion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A FUN, FUN, FUN FIND! POST-WAR 1950’s COAT WITH LOTS OF NEAT FEATURES

You know I’m not a big coat collector, though my behavior this season might make a liar of me – so many fantastic vintage examples have come my way.  Couldn’t pass this one up.  It was sold by the old bargain department store where so many mid-century women shopped – Woolworth’s – and carries their label.

For one, the blue and gold plaid is unusual, as well as the scalloped collar and pocket flaps – this is a style more often seen in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  The swing cut and midi length are almost always signs of the early mid-century time, too.

The feature which surprised me most is the zip-out pile lining – so practical and progressive for that era (I thought!).  Without the liner, the wool shell is medium weight and has a nice black lining of rayon or acetate – good for spring, fall and mild winters.  The liner has complete sleeves that end in ribbed cuffs to make the coat truly warm for cold winters.  Such a perfect outerwear garment to be sold to modern mid-century women who were practical and thrifty to a fault (having lived through the Depression and WWII) but also ready for style and plenty to come into their lives again, which it did with a vengeance in the 1950’s.

The icing on the cake is that this coat is in almost perfect condition.  Yes, it was worn, but so well-looked-after that you’d hardly know it and those few little signs will be easy for me to repair.  So sorry that it’s way too big for me, but just had to buy it and show it to you, while repeating the story it tells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PRE-1959 LADIES’ COAT FIND WITH STUNNING COLLAR DESIGN

Wasn’t planning on picking up a winter coat yesterday, but this one is so gorgeous and unusual. I’ve never seen a collar designed this way and look at the beautiful way it will frame the face and neck. It looks absolutely stunning on.

The collar is cut mink and is attached to the coat’s neckline, but stands up all around as a wind-break and elegant style feature. Since WordPress changed their blog designer, I can’t yet figure out how to show a second photo – the collar comes to a point at the back.

The fabric is not plush, but has some nap that is cut like chenille or corduroy. Full satin lining and it’s in beautiful condition with hardly any need for touch-up. I’ll enjoy this one for a long time. Tomorrow stay tuned for something entirely different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A BITTERSWEET BUT FABULOUS FIND IN FUR – TRUE VINTAGE, OF COURSE

Although seeing any fur in fashion – even true vintage ones – stabs at my heart, I can’t help loving the elegant design, art and craftsmanship showcased in these old garments. This surprising full-length mink example is retro 1940’s from the 1980’s! All in all, it’s a super and rare find. I’m happy to see it enjoyed in a responsible way while it survives and look forward to equally beautiful faux fur creations in the future.

Loving the Forties style features such as notched collar, shoulder pads and cuffed sleeves (as well as the small size)! The brand is “Miss O” by Oscar de la Renta and the neckline label says Albrect. Even though it is a more modern piece than it’s wartime grandma, the seller followed the tradition of embroidering the buyer’s initials inside the lining.

She won’t get out much, but on some starry night over a Post-war frock . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFULLY-TAILORED MID-CENTURY JACKET – A GORGEOUS PIECE FOR MY BASIC VINTAGE WARDROBE

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What a smart and well-made garment!  If it weren’t for the Ladies Garment Workers label, I might have wondered if it had been made in Paris.  Classic true navy/white check with a full rayon lining, little pockets and heavy sculpted buttons.  A tailor”s snap holds the front in place below the neckline.  Close fit, with a high hip hemline that will be perfect with a shell blouse and pencil skirt or slim pants – or even over a fitted sheath dress.

Yes, it needs a professional steaming to re-block the shape and re-align the lining and a little seam repair inside.  No big deal!  I can probably do that myself, but it would be a minor expense to have it done for me.   Sigh.  LOVE beautiful jackets.  What’s next? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER UNUSUAL VINTAGE LOUNGE-WEAR KIMONO – TRADITIONAL EAST ASIAN

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What a beautiful handmade garment!  I can’t date it and have never discovered one like it before.  Because of the traditional style and motifs, it may be hard to say exactly how old it is.  Could be several decades old, or very modern.  I was attracted by the beautiful colors and the hand-tailoring.

The belt I have used is not original, but necessary for this robe.  As I understand it, obi belts are often made separately from the robe, to special order.

Although it seems very large and long, after you wrap it it fits little size 2 Stella.  What a puzzle – not sure who it would have been made for.  The motif of cranes suggest a man (?) but I’m certainly no expert on these!  But wait – more mysteries to come . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM