Tag Archives: store

TWO FORTIES – FIFTIES HATS – OUT OF WINTER INTO SPRING

TWO FIFTIES HATS - OUT OF WINTER INTO SPRING

Cautiously still in shoulder season – sticking to classic tones and sizes – these can still be called Spring hats.  The very special one at left on Marlene would have accompanied a particular suit or frock.  Hats used to be so creative and capable, if carefully selected, of making a stunningly good impression!

The navy wool hat at right on Celia is the perfect one to wear with an early Spring coat in a coordinating tone.  It is simply a classic wardrobe staple and warming when the weather is cool.

Nothing picked up the spirits like a new hat. It seems that women loved them even more than new shoes!  Well, I can understand that, because around your face and shoulders the right hat can make you look absolutely beautiful . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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3 TRUE VINTAGE 1960’s MEN’S HATS – STETSON, FELT OR LEATHER

3 TRUE VINTAGE 1960's MEN'S HATS - STETSON, FELT OR LEATHER

While we’re acknowledging some accessories that were popular for mid-century, how about the ever-present men’s hat?  Men’s vintage clothing is not my specialty, but sometimes I can’t resist. These can look just as cute or smart on women as they look handsome on men.

I still love seeing a man in a hat and, if you watch old movies 1965 and back, men wore hats almost ALWAYS when they were away from home.  There were few exceptions to that rule. Men’s hat styles were almost as important as the trends in women’s frocks.

However, the design of classic accessories seems to morph more slowly than garment designs do and the style changes in men’s hats have been subtler over the decades, though still very important.  Most dress hats are still made of wool felt and will last forever if protected from moths and properly stored.  All it takes is a little brushing once in a while and making sure that it doesn’t get crushed.

This classic brimmed style can go with lots of things, from boho to casual to smart casual to elegant. Remind you of anyone? Come fly with me, come fly away . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

1940’s – 1950’s VEILED HATS WITH YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

1940's - 1950's VEILED HATS WITH YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Marlene and Celia love these! So do I – so mysterious and alluring.  In the right place, nothing looks better with your LBD and veils flatter like no make-up can do.

Hats from the 1940’s – 1950’s, especially, are such favorites of mine.   The little black hat goes year-round . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID – 1960’S WOMEN’S SPRING HATS, COMPLETELY COVERED IN FEATHERS!

TRUE VINTAGE MID - 1960'S WOMEN'S SPRING HATS, COMPLETELY COVERED IN FEATHERS!

A BIG change from yesterday’s styles – we’re leaping ahead to Easter with these statement hats, which had a real heyday in the early-mid Sixties. Each one is completely covered in feathers of one principle color, with accent tones sprinkled in.  Marlene and Celia are oh, so chic and smart.

Very flattering, eh?  Hats were always popular in the mid-century, but Spring hats had a special place after a long, cold winter and heavy, dark clothing.  Feather hats are especially dramatic and these two are no exception to that rule! I may be showing some more later on . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

CONTINUING WITH THE HAPPY BLUES FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS OR SO - PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

Gorgeous little Spring hats from the Fifties, or maybe a little earlier – these definitely remind me of April showers and Easter egg hunts.  Nothing more classic than navy and white any time of year.

These styles that perch on top of your coiffure are easy to wear and very flattering and can be worn over almost any hairstyle.  I’m always thrilled to discover one, as they’re a rare find.

Specimens like this sometimes lurk in dark areas, in hidden containers.  Sometimes they come out at special events.  Occasionally they can be coaxed into view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPRING HATS

A SIXTIES EASTER BONNET, WITH ALL THE . . . . . WHAT?!!@ . . . . . . UPON IT?

Ain’t no flowers upon these babies! They’re just about as Mod as they come, with stripes of color (although they are floral pastels) and leopard spots.

The topper that Celia likes was made by a very famous designer of the time – perhaps Calvin Klein (I’ll have to look again). Even though the Calvin label is still producing today, his clothing and accessories from the ’70’s and before were quite different.

Marlene prefers a more dramatic statement, in timeless animal print faux fur plush with just enough OP ART character to make it unmistakably ’60’s. Of course, both hats are very well-constructed.

So, no need for traveling incognito today.  Go forth and make a splash!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S – EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S - EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

I just LOVE this one, too!   From the same era as the coat shown yesterday, but could have been a bit earlier.  It looks best on the body, rather than on a mannequin, because the cut shows off when the body moves.

Made of rayon or a rayon blend with a beautiful drape and is fully lined with acetate satin. The buttons are just for show because it is an open-front style. The pockets sit diagonally and also have button decoration. Lots of details!

Although the swing style has been repeated at times, this authentic design is unique and never to be found except when it was new.  There’s absolutely nothing like true vintage! It looks great over dresses, skirts and tops, slacks or jeans – just keep the lines sleek underneath; nothing full or poufy.

You ain’t got a thing if you ain’t got that swing . . . . . doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo waaaaaaaaaa. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RARE FIND!! THE SWEETEST LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE BABY JACKET – A MID-CENTURY TREASURE

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SUCH FUN FINDING VINTAGE CHILDREN’S CLOTHING!  THIS COAT WAS HAND-MADE WITH LOVE.

What a gorgeous little sweater-coat!  So well-made.

It’s so unusual to discover baby clothes and toddler’s outfits.  Other than special-occasion garments like christening gowns that are made to wear only once and then folded away as keepsakes, children’s-wear tends to disappear after it’s been through months of dirty diapers, falls and messy meals.

Although this little coat probably wouldn’t have been worn every day, it would have experienced some wear and tear and has been beautifully preserved.  The style and the buttons put it smack-dab in the 1940’s – early 1960’s, when the wool yarn would also have been more common for an infant’s garment than something made since then (too hard to clean when easy-care acrylic yarn is available).  The knitter’s label, however, would have been attached some time in or after the 1960’s – or it could have been made with vintage materials and a vintage pattern at a later time.

Since the blue-for-boys, pink-for-girls thing was pretty rigid until recent years, I feel safe to say that it was made for a little girl.  It’s so intriguing to wonder about the story behind it.  Was it made by a relative or close friend or even purchased at a craft show?  I’ll always wonder – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER MEGA-FUN SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1920’S WINTER COAT

ANOTHER MEGA-FUN SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1920'S WINTER COAT

In an out-of-the-way place, this beauty was very patiently waiting to be discovered.  So Downton Abbey, if that’s your cup of tea.  But, I think she wanted to be in films.

Well, she is certainly a star in my closet. There’s no one else like her. The dramatic wrap of her collar and the artistic flare of her sleeves (not to mention that figure!) . . . .

I found a real gem, and in almost perfect condition.  Black wool to mid-calf or ankles. Silky lining. What a way to make an entrance . . . . … .. … .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A VERY DISTINCTIVE TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WINTER COAT

A VERY DISTINCTIVE 1950'S WINTER COAT

I don’t expect to see a beauty like this again, and I’ve only seen it once in a 1950’s coat. Must have been an exclusive design by this particular maker in the U.S.

A very elegant, simple and chic design, with large covered buttons, an oversize collar and this unexpected mink fur trim at the hem. I think it would have drawn many second looks!

To me, that’s one hallmark of elegant yet fashionable and creative design – the classic lines and unparalleled quality with an element of surprise.

What will appear next? You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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