Genuine mink fur novelty jewelry had a bit of mid-century popularity during the 1950’s. Kind of a fun idea at the time, BUT –
if we could go back in time to advise our young grandmothers, we might say “Be careful what you ask for!” This whimsical little mink “brooch” may not be exactly what Ethel had in mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Perfect for a special cold weather dinner or other holiday event or for a dressy winter wedding (as guest or bride), a semi-formal skirt suit is always astonishingly elegant.
This little lovely is of wool in a cream beige textured weave, with large ornamental buttons and a boxy cut, beautifully made, of course. Knee or just-below length skirt and a hip-skimming jacket with bracelet-length sleeves.
The most arresting feature is the mink collar, which amps the visibility of this ensemble to a high level. Or, you could remove the fur and replace it with a silk scarf or a pearl collar. It will make a noticeable entrance, but it’s powerful presence will only build after that.
You can decide if you’re Jackie Kennedy or Princess Grace or, or, or . . . . . . . . .. That’s the fun – you just never run out of options . . . . . . . . . ……. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just had to add these to my collection when I found them! The coat on the left is a lightweight wool in a textured weave and could possibly be worn over a dressy day-dress, too. The coat on the right is a lightweight black crepe. Let me describe them in more detail . . . . . . ..
The brown coat on left has a rippley collar and bands of fur – probably mink (not sure) – around the collar and down the front. It has big fabric-covered buttons in front and on each sleeve. It could be knee-length only if you’re quite short. This one was made during the 1940’s.
The black one – more an “opera coat” (but not long enough) – is made of black rayon, lined in white, with sable-colored mink on the cuffs. Perfect sleeve length for long gloves. It would be knee-length on someone of average height. I think it was made to wear over LBDs in the ’50’s.
What finds! I discovered 3 of the longer coats within a few months of one another – 2 black and one ivory cream – but I’ve never seen one since. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This “walking suit”, with large braided buttons and a big shawl collar is made of heavy boucle’ knit in wool. The jacket is longish and the skirt (before I folded the hem up) is below the knee. It was sold during the post-war era 1945 – 1955.
Many suits like this have fur collars, a lot like coats, because they were made to almost double as outerwear in colder weather. Since women had become more active in the work-force, they were out and about more and their clothing had become less “dainty”, though still very beautiful. These might also be called “city suits” – made for walking the long blocks in downtown urban areas.
I’ve removed the fur collar, which had been hand-tacked on, and could certainly see wearing this today! With a pretty sweater and scarf, maybe a hat, it would be plenty warm – saves the bulk of a coat. Just right for window-shopping or errands in the city. Elegant and practical, too. Best of both worlds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This suit is so iconic of that era. Gorgeous yellow wool in a loose weave, with a cute little vintage mink collar. If the collar is too dressy, it can easily be removed with just a snip-snip because it is just hand-basted onto the neckline.
It’s easy to wear and the two pieces can be very versatile. True vintage suits are worth investing in for many reasons – the styles are usually quite elegant; tailoring is superb and the quality of materials are unavailable today. Because the designs are classic, the jackets and skirts can usually be worn many ways that would never have been thought of decades ago.
Love the big covered buttons and pencil skirt. So pretty, and a nice alternative to dark, somber colors for Fall and Winter. Being on the prowl is so much fun, because you just never know . . . …
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