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
This is one of my very favorite coats because I LOVE the nipped waist and big, feminine collar. Really shows off the face and enhances your figure.
The mid-blue is nice, too. Not as many coats were made in this color as in the neutrals: black, brown, navy and grey. They’re all gorgeous, but this one is special. Remember, ONLY true vintage or faux fur are humane. Buying modern fur supports the cruel market.
Rarely have I seen a style like this – it is an unusual find. But, those are always the most intriguing . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGTESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Just the right topper for your elegant suit on Christmas Day.. . . . . . ..(or any other day – let’s not be fussy . . . . . .. ). Soft, plush and luxurious, these true vintage masterpieces also have lovely printed linings.
Lady-like and refined, they’d go very well with the suit shown yesterday or any dress with that same character. I’d even wear them with pants and more casual clothing at times, but these were born to be thoroughbreds.
The one on the right is from Marshall Field and Company in Chicago and belonged to my grandmother. It only remains to say that I wish you all a joyous season with all the ones you love and a fabulous New Year. Thanks for this first year of Magicvintagespy.com and here’s to 2014!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
These pumps are a perfect cross between cute and stylish shoes and sensible footwear for an office or on-your-feet job. They’d go great with the slacks, skirts or dresses of that mid-century time.
By Air Step, one of the earlier makers of mid-priced shoes and purses that were sold all over the U.S. – almost like chain stores do now, but with a bit more personal feel. There was a whole basket of them then, some with a little more prestige than others.
I just love finding items that are hardly worn – it tells me such a story about the former owner, who cared for her wardrobe and used it lightly. Of course, there could be other explanations, but I’ve seen so many examples of this with older items that it seems like the most plausible explanation. The attitude toward clothing before 1970 was very different than what it is today.
This pair reminds me of the Mod British influence in the late ’60’s, with the short tie vamp and no tongue – it’s just decorative – they slip on. I also like the combination of smooth and suede leather and always love dark brown.
It’s a good work shoe, too. Comfortable to stand and walk in. Just right to wear with that pleated skirt or secretary dress . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Someone was tempted to remember their mid-century trip-of-a-lifetime to Las Vegas with a splashy embroidered sweater, before the time of T-shirts being worn every day and taking over as souvenirs of our vacations. Same idea, different era. What happened in Vegas didn’t always stay there.
The most fun fashions have usually fallen somewhere along the spectrum of bad taste, and this one is no exception – how could you not love it?! Like almost all souvenir items, it’s not of exceptional quality – but it still has lasted 50 years in good condition. You won’t find anything exactly like it now.
Knit of acrylic yarn, for purely casual wear – our adventurous gambler maybe wore it to her weekly card games or just to advertise her trip to an “exotic” destination. Going to Vegas used to be a much bigger deal than it is today. After all, it was Mafia territory, full of high rollers and shady ladies. Some things never change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 