Tag Archives: sixties

A TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CAPE AND GORGEOUS COAT FOR A CHILLY DAY

HOW ABOUT THESE WHERE THE TEMPS ARE STILL FRIGID?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CAPE AND GORGEOUS COAT FOR A CHILLY DAY

The temperatures are hovering Spring-like in some places, but I know that these wonderful garments can still be worn in many cities. One reason I still like cold weather is for the opportunity to wear lovely wool clothing.

The coat has a fabulous collar and stand-out sparkley rhinestone buttons, in my favorite red. I like to wear it in the evening.  They would both be from the 1950’s – early 1960’s.

The lovely woven cape came from San Francisco and was, undoubtedly, tailor-made with a silk lining bordered by about 6 inches of hand-done embroidery. It has arm slits for convenience, so I can easily substitute it for a coat or throw it quickly over anything else I might be wearing.

“Look, Fred – who’s that mysterious woman? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE…

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MY BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, FRENCH – INSPIRED MID – CENTURY WINTER COAT WITH FUR

Gorgeous for tonight . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

MY BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, FRENCH - INSPIRED MID - CENTURY WINTER COAT WITH FUR

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

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S – EARLY 1970’S SPRING ALL – WEATHER COAT

IMG_1197Here’s Stella kitted out in a rather mod mini version of the “mid-century synthetic knit coat”.  It seems like these were very popular between about 1965 and 1975, for common everyday wear – especially Spring and Fall.  This was definitely not haute couture, but has an excellent cut and tailoring, with good quality fabric.

On the purely fashion side, very cute and has a little bit of military influence which was common then, too (metal buttons, epaulettes, decorative pockets).  Looks like the stuff that was coming out of British fashion.

During every era when a standard skirt length was recognized, women had to have coats of the proper length, too.  Unless it was a car-coat or jacket, they wouldn’t want the hem of a skirt hanging below and a knee-length coat could look kind of frumpy over a mini skirt.

Fortunately for us, the tyranny of style is pretty much over and we can be unique and stylish in any way we like, whenever we like.  Where the distinction comes in is whether we go with good design and quality (a.k.a. elegance) or with whatever is on sale at the mall this week.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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3 SOPHISTICATED AND CHIC LATE 1950’S / EARLY 1960’S CAR COATS IN FINE SUEDE WITH MINK

3 SOPHISTICATED AND CHIC LATE 1950'S / EARLY 1960'S CAR COATS IN FIND SUEDE WITH MINK

Here are three iconic coats from the Kennedy era that take the car coat to another level. But, despite the somewhat dressy mink collars, they have a sporty, European look and should get a lot of play in a true vintage wardrobe.  With slacks or boots, beautiful leather gloves and a fedora they look fabulous on the street.  Or, worn over a dress with heels to dinner or another dress-up event.

Quite popular in their era and in a variety of colors – I usually find earth tones like beige, browns, rust, gray, and moss green.  The suede leather is always of wonderful quality, with fine grain, great color saturation and a soft, velvety finish. The styles vary slightly – collars can often be easily removed if you’d rather wear a scarf.  Next time I photograph these, I want to show them with accessories.

The great thing about these, to me, is the simple, chic Jackie O styling that looks wonderful over casual or dressy day-wear – dresses, skirts, slacks, or jeans – and transitions into evening with easy elegance. I think they’ve been FAR under-rated and deserve a frequent place in the spot-light.

So, while you’re at it, get some true vintage kidskin gloves to wear with them. Find a coat with 3/4 sleeves – fabulous with longer gloves . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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IT’S STILL FREEZING – BE A PRINCESS IN STYLE! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CAMEL HAIR COAT

BE A PRINCESS IN STYLE! TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S CAMEL HAIR COAT

An irresistible  find – 100% camel hair coat from the 1960’s, in a lovely princess style. With pretty trapunto stitching accents in front, this one is a well-bred lady.

Amazing that it’s still so cold some places, but really true. We still need a chic winter coat on hand – not a parka or sports jacket. Although a coat like this is perfect anytime the weather is cold, I especially like the lighter tone in an end-of-winter coat when we’re beginning to wear Spring colors.  Wouldn’t it be great over the dresses I’ve recently posted, also from the same 1960’s time?

Nothing more classic and warm than cashmere or camel hair. When I discovered this one in near perfect condition, in my size and a style I didn’t yet possess – well, what do you think I did? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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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

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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

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MORE RARE FINDS – PINK KENNEDY ERA SPRING COAT

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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

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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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