ANOTHER FIND – LOVELY KENNEDY ERA FINE SUEDE COAT WITH MINK COLLAR

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Yes, I know that I already have several of these but this example was just too good to pass up.  Beautiful, beautiful condition and it’s the ONLY one I have that has a tie belt!  As always, the tailoring is gorgeous and the materials of such high quality.  The styling is elegant, but also fashionable and versatile.  Like some of my others, the mink collar has been attached by hand so it’s really easy to snip it off and wear the coat with scarves or shawls instead.

True vintage coats are some of the most elegant and unique statement pieces that you can wear.  Plus, they’re one of the smartest buys.  Everyone needs at least one good coat. The retro  versions are pretty much worthless so don’t pass by the coat rack next time you’re shopping for true vintage fashion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNITTED OR CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.

Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home.  Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.

If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s.  Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.

And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S BED JACKETS

THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940'S - 1950'S BED JACKETS

With this photo, I’ve shown most of my true vintage bed jacket collection.  But, as always, you just never know . . . . . . . .

The one on the left is obviously the most unusual, and the oldest (probably 1940’s), but look at the gorgeous lace, ribbons and embroidery, the feminine styles, the soft and flattering  blues of the 1950’s versions.  And, even quilting, for a morning that’s colder. No wonder I love them and do a happy dance when I find another.

All of these were probably owned by women from middle-income families and were part of an average wardrobe – frequently used.  Oh, the charm of it all . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

LATEST FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOUSECOAT – MOD AND SWEET

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Nothing “Lady of the Manor” about this dressing gown – a little bit more Carnaby Street.  Still a perfect hostess gown or leisure wear garment.

Lovely, heavy nylon with cute button trim at the neckline and the Sixties bell sleeves.  I love the print and the colors in this gown!

It’s always such fun to find beautiful clothing that is 50 years old but still in perfect wearing condition.  I breeze around the house in this one a lot!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/’60’S TRADITIONAL TAILORED MEN’S PAJAMAS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S/'60'S TRADITIONAL TAILORED MEN'S PAJAMAS

Now we’ll go, almost, to the other end of the spectrum for some standard-issue men’s or boys’ cotton PJs – though they’re spiffed up with some really neat prints.

Plain and basic in their style, they’re well-made enough to have survived in good shape. They could even have been from the ’40’s, but I don’t think so. Somewhere between 1955 and ’65 probably hits it.

Though not luxurious, they are comfortable (I can wear them!) and a lot of fun!  The red fans on the right are an unusual, to me, motif for men’s pajamas but, hey, what do I know?  They are a traditional East Asian motif and may have been an influence of the Pacific arena wars the U.S. had just been through in the Forties and Fifties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS

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With all the casual elegance of the mid-1960’s, this metallic frock is the greatest!  I was just thrilled to find this.  It’s fully-lined and in great shape.  I had to tack up the hem and give it a light cleaning – that’s all!

More perfect party-wear.  Couldn’t ask for more this holiday season.  I  enjoyed this one on New Year’s Eve.  Simply-made and easy to wear, that’s the best of the best when it’s also high quality.

Love true vintage . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FUN SIXTIES DRESS BY ANOTHER CLASSIC VINTAGE CLOTHING LABEL

IMG_1777This little ’60’s or ’70’s frock is a bit whimsical in coloring, but very traditional in style. The maker is Lanz, which started in 1922 making Tyrolean costumes in Austria.  The brand became well-known with sportswear in the mid-century U.S. and branched out.

Although their styles were fun and popular, they also remained loyal to traditional design and high quality.  This dress is a little too fussy for me, but I thought it was worth picking up for the reputation of the exceptional brand name.  Always fun to say “hello” to an acquaintance I’ve made  before . . . . . . . I’ve got at least 3 of their garments already.

The fabric seems to be silk, though there is no content label.  With this maker, I wouldn’t be surprised.  I put a red belt on for the photo, but it is not original.  The original belt may have been a tie belt – probably purple, but I’m not sure yet.  Fortunately, the hem allowance is large enough to provide the fabric for a replacement (love that!!).

Anyway, it kind of looks appropriate for this time of year with some family gatherings and more traditional events on the calendar.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

MEN’S CLASSIC DESIGN BATHROBE – TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S, ’50’S, ‘6OS

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I know Madge doesn’t look much like your granddad, but she was handy.  These are just about my favorite men’s robes – with the black satin accents. Not easy to find now!

This is such a classic style that it’s difficult to be sure what decade it’s from.  The pattern is helpful and the type of material, as well as other clues.  The satin trim is rare, as is the Sanforized cotton fabric.

Almost every old movie has scenes with men at home, wearing something like this. especially if the man is enjoying his leisure hours.  It really takes me back to classic cinema.  Beats a track suit any day.

The thing about this style is that it is also deadly attractive on women.  There’s something very fun and sexy about wearing your partner’s clothing once in a while – from shirts and PJs to robes, sweaters and jackets. Other stuff doesn’t usually work too well.. . . . . . . . . . . . .

I have another similar one which I’ll show later; it’s in a different fabric.  Perfect costume for film noir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SHIRTWAIST DRESS BY HENRY-LEE

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Made by the well-know vintage dressmaking company Henry Lee, it is a working-girl version of the classic shirtwaist dress which has looked just about the same since 1945.

A specialized treatment at the neck and faceted buttons elevate the style to a level above the standard house dress of 1962, but it’s still the same eternal design.  Dresses by Henry Lee were always carefully designed and well-made; one of those stand-by labels that women could always depend on.

Looks, to me, like a perfect back-to-school frock for a Sixties elementary school teacher or a secretary, the way they dressed back then.  It’s a little bit big for both Stella and me, so will probably find its way to eBay at some point, but I never resist taking rides Back to the Future . .. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SO UNUSUAL – 1960’S VELVETEEN MINI MATERNITY DRESS!

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What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock.  It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight.  SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.

Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties.  Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long.  But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design?  This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen.  I have to say, it is cute on Stella.

After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM