Tag Archives: Mad Men

ELEGANT WOOL & MINK COAT FOR THE COOLER MONTHS – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY

IMG_0975     I came across this beautiful coat while planning for another investigation trip.  Already own a number of similar ones, but I couldn’t resist the elegant lines and perfect condition of this one.  About this time of year, I begin thinking about coats, as well as sweaters and wool dresses.

Gorgeous sculptural buttons, satin lining and, of course, the pretty collar.  Although I don’t approve the fur trade, I will buy true vintage fur pieces sometimes.  This collar looks so trim and elegant and the coat hangs beautifully.

Black is also perfect.  Can’t have too many like this!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY FALL COATS & JACKETS TO MAKE AT HOME!

IMG_1030 IMG_1048 Need a new coat?  Well, in just a few minutes of your spare time . . . . . . Right!   McCalls Needlework Magazine used to publish patterns for projects like these all year.  In the 1950’s and 1960’s it was so common.

Aren’t they beautiful? – But, can you imagine making one??  Your grandmother might have.  I rarely find a hand-knitted one now, but once in a while . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE SUEDE LEATHER CAR-COAT, 1950S TO EARLY ’60S

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE CAR-COAT, 1950S TO EARLY '60S

Classic fall/winter coat in beige suede.  The casual style here has a lightweight quilted lining and is great for days that are cool.  Thanksgiving Day celebrations can sometimes be formal, but many Americans enjoy a relaxed dinner with family and/or friends and a day which includes outdoor activities.  Perfect!

I love the heavy plastic buttons and 3/4 or “bracelet length” sleeves that look so great with a pair of longer gloves. If you see a coat or jacket with sleeves that length, don’t give in to the idea that they would be awkward.  They look so striking worn with great gloves and/or bracelets. If the top of your outfit has long sleeves that wouldn’t coordinate well, long gloves can cover the bottoms of them below the cuffs of your coat.

The term “car-coat”, as it was used in the 1940s to 1960s, usually referred to a less formal coat that was of a shorter “fingertip” length so that the hem wouldn’t get dirty as a woman stooped to get in and out of a car.

I also have some different ones – one in beige blanket material,a navy wool and one in a black and white pattern. They may get posted later on as they are for even colder weather.

This is another great style that is so practical for day to day wear and very distinctively true vintage fashion. There’s nothing else like it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! SOPHISTICATION MADE PRACTICAL IN THIS KENNEDY-ERA CAR COAT

Imagine my surprise at finding this familiar style car coat from the early 1960’s in super-practical fabrics;  All-weather faux suede and a faux beaver collar!  Compare to my beautiful suede leather and genuine mink examples from the same era and you’ll see the similarities.

The design features are the same with big but discreet front pockets, side slits for easy in-out of cars, trains and buses, satin lining and a warm, pretty collar.  What a neat way to get the same elegant look, which can be dressed up or down, with carefree, weather-defying practicality.  Again, it’s a new one on me!  What fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL ICONIC EARLY 1960’S SUEDE COAT WITH MINK COLLAR

BEAUTIFUL ICONIC EARLY 1960'S SUEDE COAT WITH MINK COLLAR

Yes, I know, I know, I know – I already have several of these, but I DON’T have one this color!  These coats are so beautiful and this one so perfect that I just couldn’t resist . . . . . . . . .

I’ve seen this style coat in a range of earth-tone colors with some small variations on the design.  They are impeccably tailored and elegant in buttery suede with darker mink collars.  Must have been very popular in the early ’60’s and now have so many possibilities!  The collar closes in front with special hooks and eyes to create a rolled effect.

I love to imagine mine over a dress, skirt and blouse, slacks or jeans.  Scarves and gorgeous leather accessories complete the look.  Though it was a semi-dress item in it’s original incarnation, today it goes from casual – casual to fairly dressy in the blink of an eye.  I must photograph Stella in this coat with a variety of looks . . . . . . . . .

No wonder I couldn’t say no when I found this dark chocolate version in virtually perfect condition.  It has the original owner’s initials sewn inside, as a fun extra . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S MEN’S SUEDE LEATHER WESTERN-WEAR SPORT COAT

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S MEN'S SUEDE LEATHER WESTERN-WEAR SPORT COAT

Cresco Fine Sportswear designed this great jacket, with front and back yokes, in a buttery camel-color suede. It was probably sold by a Western-wear dealer or fine men’s clothing store.

All the features of fine tailoring are here – a cloth label, 3 outside pockets and at least one inside, full lining plus dyed-to-match buttons on front and at the cuffs.

A sharp-looking gentleman’s garment. True, Madge can’t do justice to the shoulders . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS FIND – 1960’S MOD LEATHER SWING CAR COAT

With  the fun styling lines of the mid-Sixties, this coat will go with almost everything and be such fun to wear.  Someone loved it because the condition is fabulous.  Also, unlike many coats with fur collars, this one is just basted in place so can easily be removed if only for a trip to the dry-cleaners.  What convenience!

I love the sporty styling of that era and the way that the back hangs loose and swings while the front ties across the waist.  The best of two designs!

A rare find, indeed, but just another day in the life of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

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 CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM