Tag Archives: jacket

FOUND! BACK OF THE COAT CLOSET, A CLASSIC MEN’S MID-CENTURY STYLE SPORTSWEAR JACKET

Can’t get more classic than this! It’s got all the bells and whistles: Classic tailoring – metal front zipper, slash pockets, adjustable button cuffs, adjustable stand collar. Mid-century modern fabric innovations – water-resistant, all weather, wash and wear, wrinkle resistant Dacron Polyester and Cotton blend.

So perfectly preserved, so classic in every way. The style could have been sold in the 1950’s, 1960’s or 1970’s but the label places this one in the 1980’s. Probably that is the only thing that changed. Some old companies sold high quality garments in the same styles for decades that continued to be very popular.

This was a men’s jacket back in the day, though it’s really uni-sex. The little size tag that would hang below the label is gone, but it’s small – like a 36. Lucky me! It’s another keeper. Will be back soon with the final find. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT, WARM AND HUMANE TRUE VINTAGE OUTERWEAR FOR A FORMAL OCCASION

Evenings are still cold enough to require a warm coat or jacket over formalwear. A blonde faux mink jacket fills the bill and masquerades beautifully. As a great example of mid-century faux furs, this one appears genuine until the closest examination is made.

Styled and tailored as the best furs have always been, this jacket has a full cut, wide collar, cuffs, slash pockets and decorative buttons. A silky full lining covers you inside. The only break with pure vegan construction is a strip of what I believe is leather that faces the front closure on each side. To the credit of the maker, this addition does a good job of strengthening the foundation for the buttons and buttonholes (super important!) and helps the jacket to fall correctly. Now there are ways of accomplishing this with vegan materials.

Again, this coat demonstrates the garment industry’s post-war/mid-century efforts to make the type of wardrobe items which were formerly luxury goods become available to women of the middle classes. Today this trend has continued to build in many segments of wardrobe manufacture i.e. shoes, handbags and sachels/briefcases as well as cosmetics and personal care products which used to be made wholly or in part of substances harvested from animals (fur, skins, leather, whale oil, wool, lanolin, and more). Humane culture is finally becoming mainstream. How Woke of us!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

POST-WAR TAILORED JACKET IN WINTER WHITE

If you look very closely you can see the many design details included in this lovely garment. The only feature you may not see in this photograph are fabric tabs with buttons at each hip, just behind the pockets. They’re just for style – no function at all – but that’s usually what fashion is all about. If you find a garment that looks absolutely great, with every detail enhancing the fit and the utility as well, that’s gravy and BUY IT!

That’s not to dis this jacket at all. Lightweight wool with a full lining. The pockets are real and there’s even a hanging loop at the back of the neckline. Did I mention that it’s in pristine shape?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC MID-CENTURY DRESSY-CASUAL LEATHER JACKET

From about the late 1950’s to the mid-1970’s a classic jacket like this one would go almost anywhere, day or evening, over your slacks, skirt or dress. Not meant for formal wear, but always part of a “well-dressed” woman’s wardrobe. Leather items were considered to be “quality” garments. Well-crafted and elegant in style, outerwear like this replaced the previous “car coat” when longer hemlines were not the daily standard anymore.

We’ve continued to love leather jackets of various styles over the decades since the “bomber jacket”, developed by the military during WW1, became popular as a fashion item after the 1940’s. Although it requires some extra care, properly tanned leather is durable and maintains its good looks. Now, however, we are better-informed about how leather for clothing is produced and have the dilemma of choosing to go vegan in our clothing selections. As you know, I’ve made my choice.

Less vulnerable to the elements than fur, my leather jackets will continue to serve me for the rest of my life if I look after them. I’ll probably never have to make the choice between authentic and faux leather. True vintage leather garments and accessories made before 1980 are investments and still an ethical choice.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DRESSY SWEATER JACKET FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

Heavy sweater “wraps” have been on the scene at least since the 1940’s, according to my closet, but have always seemed sidelined from the fashion spotlight. Lighter-weight beaded cardigans have certainly had their day in the vintage clothing spotlight but their more substantial sisters often go unnoticed. With furs, satin and velvet taking center state for evening and other dressy occasions, elegant garments like this one have gotten less attention – especially during the early mid-century. However, this seems to have become less true in the 1960’s and 1970’s, when heavy knits came into mainstream fashion again.

The jacket above belonged to my mother – a perfect fit for me which I’d like to keep. Alas, bright yellow is NOT my color so it’s another item which will be moved on. Made by the label Banff, the quality is unmistakable and lasting. As those of you who’ve followed me know, I own several Banff pieces and recommend them highly as a worthy true vintage brand. These days, a pair of elegant trousers and blouse with this sweater would be suitable for many events that formerly would call for formal dress. Ahh – love fashion freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLO: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MAJOR GLAM IN TRUE VINTAGE FURS – STOLE/CAPE AND JACKET FROM THE 1940’S / 1950’S

MAJOR GLAM IN TRUE VINTAGE FURS - STOLE/CAPE AND JACKET FROM THE 1940'S / 1950'S

Daytime into evening glamour for some well-dressed women back in the day.  I just love the details and distinctive style of these.

Unmistakably true vintage, they’re extremely versatile today when we might wear them with anything from jeans to evening clothing.  And, of course, a perfect final touch to any period costume.

Naturally, they’re beautifully finished inside, with the original owner’s initials sewn to the lining.  The little pockets on the front of the cape are an interesting feature – and that BIG button closure – AND the huge cuffs on the ’40’s jacket – LOVE!

Since supporting the current market for new furs is a major no-no for anyone who values animal rights, as I do, I’m grateful for the excellent imitation furs that are being made now and that the sales of new real furs seem to be diminishing – at least in the U.S.  I hope that’s true.

It’s OK to enjoy these pretty designs from a half-century ago for their place in fashion history and beautiful craftsmanship.  I never get tired of wondering and imagining about the origins and histories of the lovely garments I find, and how to wear them now . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FUR CAPE FROM THE 1930’S – 1940′ S – EARLY 1950’s

TRUE VINTAGE FUR CAPE FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S - early 1950's

I just love this cape and it’s little details.  I’m an animal rights activist and don’t approve of the fur trade in any way, but I have collected old ones from back in the day.

Not sure what the origin of this fur is.  The stripes are clearly dyed, probably to resemble mink.  It’s got these funny little tabs to “close” the bottoms of the arm slits, for a better appearance and added warmth.

Of course, it had patches sewn inside with the owner’s initials embroidered on, along with the maker’s label, both of which are gone now.  Surprisingly, it’s in great condition for its age – still soft and radiant.

These garments are so full of history that they intrigue me as much as any other vintage fashion.  I wear them, too.  Some people would say this is hypocritical but  I would disagree – buying or wearing antique fur or leather does not support the current market for these things unless someone makes an irresponsible decision.  I suggest that we should all be responsible for our choices in the marketplace – so, if you like my vintage fur, don’t use that as an excuse to go out and buy a modern one.  Search for another vintage fur at least 50 or more years old or buy an imitation fur replica and do something kind for wildlife or your pet.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WWII AIR CORP UNIFORM JACKET W/DECORATIONS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S WWII AIR CORP UNIFORM JACKET W/DECORATIONS

This uniform jacket belonged to a family member who served as a Staff Sargeant in the Army Air Corps,  World War II.  I especially love the little Peace medallion on the lapel.  Not sure if it would technically be illegal to wear this as a Halloween costume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“Hi” to my friend in Barcelona who loves these beautiful garments, too.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER THRILLING FIND! 1950’S 1960’S MEN’S CARDIGAN SWEATER

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I’m always so happy to find one of these in almost perfect condition!  So different from the others I’ve just shown.  The front metal zip is unusual, rather than buttons, and the (probably) acrylic fiber is a plus over wool because of the ease of storage and care.  I DO love old wool sweaters, however.

This example was made in Hong Kong (always pointing to quality construction and workmanship, at least in true vintage garments) and has the classic styling of patch pockets and striped trim.  The zipper is as sturdy as they come.

A wonderful and infrequent discovery.  My favorites!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM