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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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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With 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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It’s still not too late to glam it up with fabulous fur accessories, especially during the variable March weather . . . . . . . our mothers and grandmothers had to be prepared to look chic no matter what!
Marlene and Celia have been waiting for another chance to get into the picture. Here you see them modeling a variety of mink accessories, with the exception of the black muff far left, which I believe is of rabbit fur and has a small zipper compartment and the black hat, which is curly lamb.
Whole skinned animals, with heads, feet and tails (and little glass eyes) were popular as stoles in the 1930’s & 1940’s, maybe the ’20’s, too. Big “Eeew!” factor for a lot of people now. I’ve already covered the fur issue so, if you love real furs (and animals) stick to 1960’s and before.
There’s a dark brown mink scarf that closes with a big mink-covered button (very elegant) and a blonde mink “dickie” to wear at the neckline under your coat.
The hats are probably the most visible accessory when you’re first seen – these are super-flattering but also will be warm. So, when you’re forced to take to the sidewalks, just remember —- to be well-dressed at all times is a gift to yourself and everyone who sees you.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Curly lamb fur jackets and coats were common dressy items for mid-century women to own. I picked up this example because I don’t have one in this length and I just love the tailoring.
Of course, the cut and finishing are beautifully-done. The lining, especially, caught my eye with it’s embroidered design and the original owner’s first name and last initial stitched inside.
Such fun to wear! Today, without the rigid rules about dress, an old fur coat looks just as great over jeans as with formal-wear. I love enjoying these vintage garments while they last and am happy to watch real fur go out of production.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This beauty that I just found would look great on any Grace Kelly wannabe. It is very flattering on, and it has a swing-style back. The Kashmiracle faux cashmere fabric is made of polyester, so doesn’t need quite the storage care of a wool coat, though insects can attack other fabrics, too, and (as can be seen here) crowded storage can cause wrinkles. Love the dyed-to-match sculpted buttons. It is a beautiful mauve color (and I found a few days later a gorgeous silk scarf in the same tones to wear with it!) Goes to show that you just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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So, you’re all dressed for the event, party or dinner and must have some kind of outerwear because it’s still pretty chilly. How about this Spring coat in the most lovely blue that echos the color of your dress and shoes! It doesn’t have a front closure, but you can hold it together as you step out of the taxi.
I would say that it is made of a rayon blend. Very nicely made and styled – love the color and the striped rayon/acetate lining. It is a virtual match for the dress and shoes and would create a stunning ensemble. Check out the last two posts for the dress and shoes.
Although my guess is that it was made a few years earlier than the dress and shoes, it’s not far off. Maybe closer than I think. It was just WAY too nice to pass up when I discovered it. Simple and elegant style, very chic and probably always will be. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .when magic will happen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Isn’t this the most perfect color for the holiday season?
This true vintage coat doesn’t get the showing it deserves in this photo. Imagine it on a larger figure and glowing in deep ruby red. It has just one small, hidden button closing it in front. This allows for movement on the body and an elegance different from a coat with buttoned front but is still very warm.
100% Virgin Wool, a beautiful lining and deep slash pockets are common quality elements in these vintage garments.
It is definitely a “statement” coat and will last for years.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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HOW ABOUT THESE WHERE THE TEMPS ARE STILL FRIGID?
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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If you can find one this nice, grab it!
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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