Here’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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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
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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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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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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
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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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I know, I know, I know – I already have several of these, but I DON’T have one this color! These coats are so beautiful and this one so perfect that I just couldn’t resist . . . . . . . . .
I’ve seen this style coat in a range of earth-tone colors with some small variations on the design. They are impeccably tailored and elegant in buttery suede with darker mink collars. Must have been very popular in the early ’60’s and now have so many possibilities! The collar closes in front with special hooks and eyes to create a rolled effect.
I love to imagine mine over a dress, skirt and blouse, slacks or jeans. Scarves and gorgeous leather accessories complete the look. Though it was a semi-dress item in it’s original incarnation, today it goes from casual – casual to fairly dressy in the blink of an eye. I must photograph Stella in this coat with a variety of looks . . . . . . . . .
No wonder I couldn’t say no when I found this dark chocolate version in virtually perfect condition. It has the original owner’s initials sewn inside, as a fun extra . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year. The style is also easy-breezy with an open front. I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.
Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well. Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it. What a great way to save tons of cash.
I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it. Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Could be a Prom – party, wedding or casual summer day dress according to your wish! Love well-made frocks like this one, which has pretty fabric and trim as well as a liner that prevents see-through (excepting for a bit at the midriff and on the sleeves). Just right!
I’m always super-happy to find a gown or long dress of this genre and era. And, in perfect condition. Things just keep getting better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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