TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – ’70S “HAPPY DAYS” UNISEX JACKET

Doesn’t this just make you want to pull out the Mickey Mouse ears, saddle shoes, or Keds and toast marshmallows? Or maybe put on the Frye boots, a workshirt and painter pants for a “70s thing – whatever mood you’re in, it’s fun to have garments like this in the closet. ONE GLANCE and I knew that it was not a modern item. That’s the cool thing about true vintage – even people who aren’t expert at picking it out will notice something different or intriguing about what you’re wearing that sets you apart from the crowd.

This one is of a heavy knit that has kept its shape beautifully. Aside from a little fuzz, which can be shaved away, it is in excellent condition. I suspect that it is from the 1960s, all things considered, though the style could span 2 or 3 decades. It’s certainly not a high-end item but, what fun! When I saw it I snapped it up and have enjoyed it ever since. You just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

WHY IS TRUE VINTAGE THE BEST IN FASHION?

If you’ve been watching while I share my closet, you know that some of the items are astounding, some may not appeal to you, some might look better modeled by a person, rather than Madge or Stella (my mannequins – they work very hard), or that some could use a steaming or a press to look their best.

Keep in mind that I have loved true vintage clothing and accessories forever because of their special characteristics, and even the most humble item has some very unique qualities.

In decades past, consumers looked for excellent design, quality materials, fine workmanship, durability and value when they shopped and manufacturers produced goods to these standards.  It was more important to have a few lovely, well made and dependable things that felt good to own than a couple dozen mediocre items that were economical but lacked real style and wouldn’t last.  Today we seem to have settled for cheaper, flashier, disposable fashion  with the result that everyone looks more or less the same (even those who are trying to be different) and few people are truly stylish or elegant.

That is why I have loved to collect and wear true vintage since I was in college and really enjoy sharing my passion.  There is no comparison to the quality of materials used, the beautiful designs and superb workmanship in even very simple styles.  The humblest garment is a champion of durability and has a certain cache’ that can’t be found elsewhere.  Most everything you buy will be one-of-a-kind, at least for all practical purposes.  You’re unlikely to see anyone else wearing your outfit and some were truly one-off when they were made.

When I post my photos, I’ll tell you about the lovable features of these pieces and share the magic and excitement of finding and wearing them.  When you’re on the hunt for vintage fashion, amazing things are always just around the corner . . . . you just never know!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COMfile0001209214386  ebook cover #1 (1)

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL SHIRT-JACKET

True Vintage 1950s Wool Shirt-Jacket

This very casual mid-century jacket has great features such as big shell buttons in front and at the cuffs, a lining around the neck and upper back for comfort, modest shoulder pads and front patch pockets. Built for practicality, but stylish in true vintage fashion! The label says: Wonder Fabric virgin wool Vagabond by Chippewa.
I love to imagine who wore this and where it was worn. Feels to me like jeans and saddle shoes or Keds would be just right – for a picnic or raking a few leaves. So much fun to find this one! When you’re being a vintage sleuth, it’s one great surprise after another and you just never know . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FAUX FUR CAR COAT

  Autumn is here and winter’s coming, but I’m glad for any excuse to wear my lovely collection of coats, capes and jackets. This one is a great, sporty 3/4 length faux leopard from the 1950s that was a surprise find!  Since I know where to go and what to look for, this happens to me a lot but still thrills me to pieces!

     A really iconic ’50s thing, these faux leopard items in high quality clothing are a delight to wear.  This coat is by Kilimanjaro, with a matching belt (not fastened), front patch pockets, a black satin acetate lining and that beautiful collar.  Wear the collar down or hooked in front to form a warm cowl to protect your neck.

 Picture it with black skinny stirrup pants and a black fur toque.  I think there was some movie set in Switzerland in the very early 1960’s with Audrey Hepburn where she wore this type of clothing – Charade? . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

SNOWY NIGHTS – TRUE VINTAGE PJ TIME . . .

IMG_0072Fabulous true vintage PJs from the 1950s or early 1960s.  How interesting – these have a motif of hand fans but are clearly a boys’ or small men’s style.

It’s got wonderful big plastic buttons, piping on the pocket, cuffs and collar and a vintage label. The beautiful cotton fabric and the print are so cool, you just can’t beat original vintage!  Nothing else looks or feels the same.

Lovely to snuggle up in these during the wintry weather . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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