Tag Archives: stole

A PERFECT “WRAP” FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NIGHT

I love posting this stole because it is a winner on at least 3 counts: It’s true vintage from the 1970’s. It’s CRUELTY-FREE! and It looks great. Even many of the faux furs available as far back as the 1950’s (and a few in the 1940’s) are beautifully-done fakes. Those available today are as good or better.

So, although I have many gorgeous and some unusually-styled actual fur garments from the early 1960’s and before, FAUX FUR IS THE GOLD STANDARD TODAY. I have nothing against buying and wearing a true vintage fur as long as they last, but please do not support the people who are trapping, raising and killing animals now by buying their products. Be wary of bits of fur trim on modern garments, too. By our responsible actions as consumers, the market for fur from living animals will die out and become only a part of our fashion history.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MAJOR GLAM IN TRUE VINTAGE FURS – STOLE/CAPE AND JACKET FROM THE 1940’S / 1950’S

MAJOR GLAM IN TRUE VINTAGE FURS - STOLE/CAPE AND JACKET FROM THE 1940'S / 1950'S

Daytime into evening glamour for some well-dressed women back in the day.  I just love the details and distinctive style of these.

Unmistakably true vintage, they’re extremely versatile today when we might wear them with anything from jeans to evening clothing.  And, of course, a perfect final touch to any period costume.

Naturally, they’re beautifully finished inside, with the original owner’s initials sewn to the lining.  The little pockets on the front of the cape are an interesting feature – and that BIG button closure – AND the huge cuffs on the ’40’s jacket – LOVE!

Since supporting the current market for new furs is a major no-no for anyone who values animal rights, as I do, I’m grateful for the excellent imitation furs that are being made now and that the sales of new real furs seem to be diminishing – at least in the U.S.  I hope that’s true.

It’s OK to enjoy these pretty designs from a half-century ago for their place in fashion history and beautiful craftsmanship.  I never get tired of wondering and imagining about the origins and histories of the lovely garments I find, and how to wear them now . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE ’30’S, ’40’S, ’50’S & ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE '30'S, '40'S, '50'S & '60'S

It’s still not too late to glam it up with fabulous fur accessories, especially during the variable March weather . . . . . . . our mothers and grandmothers had to be prepared to look chic no matter what!

Marlene and Celia have been waiting for another chance to get into the picture.  Here you see them modeling a variety of mink accessories, with the exception of the black muff far left, which I believe is of rabbit fur and has a small zipper compartment and the black hat, which is curly lamb.

Whole skinned animals, with heads, feet and tails (and little glass eyes) were popular as stoles in the 1930’s & 1940’s, maybe the ’20’s, too.  Big “Eeew!” factor for a lot of people now.  I’ve already covered the fur issue so, if you love real furs (and animals) stick to 1960’s and before.

There’s a dark brown mink scarf that closes with a big mink-covered button (very elegant) and a blonde mink “dickie” to wear at the neckline under your coat.

The hats are probably the most visible accessory when you’re first seen – these are super-flattering but also will be warm. So, when you’re forced to take to the sidewalks, just remember —- to be well-dressed at all times is a gift to yourself and everyone who sees you.

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

 

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

 

NEW FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S EVENING GLAM

IMG_1498 IMG_1494These two belong together!  Both the dress and stole are from the same era.  Faux mink by Glenoit and a custom-tailored cocktail dress with illusion neckline.

Bodice treatment of this type is so pretty – I’ve got examples from the 1940”s to early 1960’s.  Although the dress is of modest quality, these kinds of necklines are not easy to make (no, I’ve never tried it – I can tell!)  It’s obvious that the sewer knew what they were doing.

The fur is well-made and subtly dyed, with a brocaded lining.  It has stood up to wear and time extremely well over 50 – 60 years.

. . . . . more examples of hand-tailored elegance that even the budget-minded woman could enjoy back in the day . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

THREE BEAUTIFUL BLONDE TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S FURS – ONE IS AN IMPOSTOR . . . . . . . . . . . .

THREE BEAUTIFUL BLONDE TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S FURS - ONE IS AN IMPOSTER . . . . . . . . . . . .

These sisters look like the real deal, but the jacket on the left is a faux fur. I’ll show more of them later.

The fakes made in the Fifties are of excellent quality and, like many now, require a second look and a touch to be sure. Sometimes even the touch doesn’t completely convince!

Usually, if not always, these lookalikes are made by furriers who sew them and finish them in much the same way as the true furs. The linings are really beautiful, as well as the fasteners, and sometimes the owner’s initials are sewn inside, too – just like the real thing.

So much better for our furry friends! These days you can buy almost any type of imitation fur in a completely convincing version. Don’t be seduced by cute little sweaters or jackets with just a bit of real fur trim. A lot of that comes from China now and I’ve read that their practices in the fur trade can be horrendous. . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com