Tag Archives: mink

ANOTHER LUXURY FUR – THIS ONE A STOLE, FROM THE 1950’S

Although it’s probably not THE finest, I think that this fur is genuine mink.  So pretty and stylish, in a color and design that I didn’t yet own.  As always, I love the little details.

The stole has straps sewn inside which keep it from falling off your shoulders.  There are little, teeny pockets at the rounded ends in front – just big enough to curl your hands into to keep them warm.  The silky lining has these WONDERFUL planets and stars embroidered all over!!  AND –

I love the label – “The Store that Quality Built”.  Wish more vendors would take that as their motto now.  AND –

of course, the original owner’s initials are embroidered inside.  Such elegance . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED EVENING BLOUSE FROM NEW ZEALAND

IMG_1074     Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip.  Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!

This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim  – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric.  The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country.  Stay tuned to see more . . . . .

It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day.  I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.

But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

STUNNING 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED DRESS

IMG_0943
This dress/gown/frock was such fun to discover – it’d been a while since I had run across a fur-trimmed garment with sleeves like this, and never on a dress.  This is more than a cocktail dress, but not quite formal.  Was this specially made for a visit to the Queen?

Like one of my 1940’s  wedding gowns, it is a brocade-type fabric, though a bit less heavy. I am puzzled as to what type of event this dress would have been worn to.  Time for some research.  Any ideas?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOWEE AGAIN!!! MORE GREAT FINDS TODAY

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11111211111112111Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune.  I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog.  Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

THE 1950’S HUSBAND’S ANSWER TO BUYING A MINK

THE 1950'S HUSBAND'S ANSWER TO BUYING A MINK

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950’S / EARLY 1960’S

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950'S / EARLY 1960'S

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

TWO UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS – 1940’S – 1950’S

TWO UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS - 1940'S - 1950'S

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

TRUE VINTAGE FAUX FUR FABULOUS FROM THE SEVENTIES

Though not purely the best of the best, this is a good example of faux fur that has been available for several decades.  I have others from the 1950’s.  It’s a reliable true vintage brand, and is a fabulous alternative to real fur – has to be seen up close and touched to be sure.  Some made now require a second look and feel.  Vive les animaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

YESTERDAY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MINK PILLBOX HAT

IMG_1751Although it’s never, to me, the right thing to support a market for fur, I will continue to cherish these old vintage (50 – 60+ years) pieces of past-time high fashion.  When humanity didn’t know any better, a touch of mink was the ultimate in luxury and chic for a middle-class gal.

This pillbox style is awfully cute with the topknot.  It’s fun to find a true vintage fur that is still in good condition and, since it was so well-made and looked-after, will last for many more years.  I’ll show you two more recent finds in a few days.

However, the faux furs made now are so authentic and affordable that there is no justification for buying any kind of modern animal fur.  As beautiful as furs can be, they’re more beautiful on the animals and the fur trade should be just as dead as the poor creatures that it has killed.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MORGANA MANIFESTS MORE! TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FUR JACKET – ELEGANCE FOREVER

MORGANA MANIFESTS MORE! TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FUR JACKET – ELEGANCE FOREVER.