Tag Archives: shopping

FINALLY! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SPRING COATS FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

FINALLY! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SPRING COATS FROM THE 1940'S - 1950'S

Yes, these are still wool coats, but lightened up in color and style. They definitely have a Spring-like feel, though still substantial enough to ward off the frigid temps that are hovering in many places.  No matter Global Warming, etc.;  some years are still pretty cold and some places continue to freeze while others turn balmy.  I’ve heard it was recently -30 degrees in southern Ontario, Canada!  That means, also,  Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho,  Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York . . . . . . . . . and cold nights in many other places

In other words, don’t write off the importance of having a fabulous true vintage wool coat or two (or 3, or 4 . .. . . . . . .).   I love heavier ones for deep winter, but these are such cute, girlish/ladylike designs – they put a spring in my step (no pun intended, but why not!). Very neutral, so they can complement the pastels that we want to start wearing now.

I just love the design details of these mid-century, wartime and post-war outerwear garments with big collars and buttons, smart trimmings, fun pockets and beautiful fabrics.  From preppy to I Love Lucy – It’s fun to have all three and to pick the one that’s just right . . . . . . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

Here’s another view of the green evening coat I like to show for St. Patrick’s Day – this time with a more versatile and elegant style from the same decade.  These coats are from the 1950’s/1960’s. Lighter-weight fabrics and fresh colors make them suitable for mild evenings.

So fun, with a little sparkle, the one on left is more subtle with just a bit of pattern in the glossy pale yellow material.  Both have easy, elegant styling but the coat on the right is in-your-face BRIGHT with a silky emerald floral jacquard and huge collar.  VERY much a sign of it’s time.

It’s so important for me to have alternative disguises available . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

EARLY ’60’S (OR LATE ’50’S) DRESSY 3/4 SLEEVED COAT JACKET FROM A CHICAGO DESIGNER

EARLY '60'S (OR LATE '50'S) DRESSY 3/4 SLEEVED COAT JACKET FROM A CHICAGO DESIGNER

This is an LBC  rather than an LBD – a Little Black Coat.  One of my very favorite surprise finds!   And, just perfect for shoulder-season wear – when it’s not too hot or too cold outside yet.

Late ’50’s – early ’60’s – just about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s time.  She could have worn one like it over a dressy LBD or evening wear.  Look at the trim around the collar and the heavy, glossy fabric.

It has 3/4 length sleeves with bows at the cuff, large covered buttons and a bow at the neck and falls straight in a boxy cut.  Two side pockets at the hips.  The length of the hem would also be 3/4 on a taller person.

From a Chicago clothier – maybe tailor-made and very distinctive.   I’ve never run across one like it before, or since, but I have seen pictures of them from that time.

Just perfect for Stella!  I love it when something like this appears . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE SWING COAT FOR SPRING, FROM THE LATE 1940s TO EARLY 1950S.

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE SWING COAT FOR SPRING, FROM THE LATE 1940s TO EARLY 1950S.

I LOVE this mid-century  coat!  It’s so post-war / early 1950’s . . . . . .  Great for Spring, Summer and Fall.  Of a light to medium weight rayon blend, it falls to below the knees and has a black acetate lining.. Obviously, it would like more room in my closet!

The collar, those big plastic buttons, the black/white pattern plus the shape tell its date, along with the fabric and the cut.  In the last decade or so we’ve seen modern copycats of this black/white coat.  The black/white check was popular again in the early to mid 1960s, but didn’t look like this one.  The styles change, sometimes in a subtle way, each time there is a repeat but the fabrics and details are usually more likely to tell the different decades apart.  Certainly the newer ones are easier to tell because the older fabrics just aren’t duplicated now.

It’s great to have a small steamer on hand if your space gets a bit crowded to keep things wrinkle-free, though I still haven’t found one that I really like. They’re easy to use and, when used properly, won’t harm clothing.  Be careful that yours doesn’t spit drops of water that can leave spots on some fabrics.  Safer and easier than ironing, most of the time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MORE RARE FINDS – PINK KENNEDY ERA SPRING COAT

img_2107

This has been a week of more and more unusual and rare discoveries.  No, I have not found a pink lab coat – it is a lower-end Easter coat made of faux linen or shantung material that pretends to be a more elegant item with the up-scale-looking fabric and decorative tabs at the waist.  Better buttons would certainly transform it.

I have NEVER seen one like this!  Lightweight, but fully lined.  It’s very well-designed and the tailoring is nice for a less-expensive garment.  I can’t imagine wearing it, but even today it would be just the thing for some girly girl to wear over her pretty Spring frock.

Some early – 1960’s lady did enjoy it and took exceptional care.  This coat was obviously kept for special occasions only.  Very out-of-season right now, but I just had to show you. Can only imagine what’s around the corner – stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER UNUSUAL FIND FROM MY CLOSET – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S COAT

IMG_0114

Love this true vintage coat!  Beautiful wool, by Sterling, also with a one-button closure and lovely shawl collar.  This kind of sumptuous material is pure vintage and the pattern makes it unusual.

Neutral colors make it perfect for any cold season – autumn on into winter.

It was a surprise find that I snapped up in a flash!  Most of my finds are that way, which is what makes vintage-hunting so much fun and such a wonderful bargain.

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

IMG_1047 IMG_1049

A CLASSIC MID-CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE CASUAL SWING COAT

IMG_0112

This lovely true #vintage #coat is in a brown tweed with flecks of other warm colors and has a brown acetate lining. Though the photo doesn’t do it justice, it is really cute and has a nice swing.  It makes me think of Britain, though I think it was made in the U.S. – “a Petite by Fashioned”.  It’s so classic and of high quality that I can’t say exactly when it was made.

I love the little straps with buttons that decorate the collar on either side of the neck.  Little touches like this are the delight of true vintage items and aren’t done nearly as well (if at all) on more modern #clothing.

This coat closes with only one hidden button in front.  I have one or two others like this and several, as well as capes, that don’t close at all or just at the neck.  I wondered when  I wore it the last time if it would be warm enough in 20-something cold.  It was just fine!

So, don’t let lack of button closure discourage you from buying a great vintage coat if you #find one that you love.  Adding a belt is always a cool option, if you want to.

I was thrilled to find it – I’ve never seen another like it.  True vintage is so original!  You just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND TODAY! . . . . . 1950’S WINTER SWING COAT

And, just my size!  What a beauty – I’m glad to add it to my collection.  Lovely plush wool with a pretty mink collar.  Always love the swing-back styling, too.

Another advantage of this particular design is that the collar could be easily removed if I prefer a collarless style – very pretty with long scarves and mufflers.  That’s a good thing to look for – when construction makes alterations easy.

Even with something pretty straightforward like this, always lots of important clues to be on the look-out for . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM