TRUE VINTAGE SUEDE LEATHER CAR-COAT, 1950S TO EARLY ’60S

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE CAR-COAT, 1950S TO EARLY '60S

Classic fall/winter coat in beige suede.  The casual style here has a lightweight quilted lining and is great for days that are cool.  Thanksgiving Day celebrations can sometimes be formal, but many Americans enjoy a relaxed dinner with family and/or friends and a day which includes outdoor activities.  Perfect!

I love the heavy plastic buttons and 3/4 or “bracelet length” sleeves that look so great with a pair of longer gloves. If you see a coat or jacket with sleeves that length, don’t give in to the idea that they would be awkward.  They look so striking worn with great gloves and/or bracelets. If the top of your outfit has long sleeves that wouldn’t coordinate well, long gloves can cover the bottoms of them below the cuffs of your coat.

The term “car-coat”, as it was used in the 1940s to 1960s, usually referred to a less formal coat that was of a shorter “fingertip” length so that the hem wouldn’t get dirty as a woman stooped to get in and out of a car.

I also have some different ones – one in beige blanket material,a navy wool and one in a black and white pattern. They may get posted later on as they are for even colder weather.

This is another great style that is so practical for day to day wear and very distinctively true vintage fashion. There’s nothing else like it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BEAUTIFUL ICONIC EARLY 1960’S SUEDE COAT WITH MINK COLLAR

BEAUTIFUL ICONIC EARLY 1960'S SUEDE COAT WITH MINK COLLAR

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S MEN’S SUEDE LEATHER WESTERN-WEAR SPORT COAT

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S MEN'S SUEDE LEATHER WESTERN-WEAR SPORT COAT

Cresco Fine Sportswear designed this great jacket, with front and back yokes, in a buttery camel-color suede. It was probably sold by a Western-wear dealer or fine men’s clothing store.

All the features of fine tailoring are here – a cloth label, 3 outside pockets and at least one inside, full lining plus dyed-to-match buttons on front and at the cuffs.

A sharp-looking gentleman’s garment. True, Madge can’t do justice to the shoulders . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER FUN FIND – SUEDE AND FUR SPORTY SIXTIES MIDI COAT

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Once again, a beautifully-cared-for coat from the mad mod era of the Sixties.  This one more closely approaches the late Sixties hippie – boho styling that was popular then.  I have another one, very similar, of suede and shearling which has kind of an Asian-sheepherder vibe.  The predominant elegance of the earlier part of that decade gave way to much more casual design later on.

Regardless, this coat is very well-made and also features the basted-on collar and cuffs that make changing the look or dealing with cleaning a lot simpler.  The suede is still that super-soft fine leather that may be lambsuede (makes me sad just to think about it) which had been a popular coat material  during the Kennedy administration.  That and the beautiful fur trim (again, very sad) is a nod to the elegance that was fast slipping away.

One thing that makes me very happy when I see vintage furs is that today faux furs look virtually identical!  That’s one plus which will make the practice of raising, trapping and slaughtering animals for their furs less popular.  Please, never buy a modern garment made with real fur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S/1950’S SHERBET-COLORED PEEP-TOE PLATFORM SANDALS

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These lovely sandals are very fine, in beautiful kid suede. They have tiny peep-toes – a favorite feature of mine – and sling-back heels.

What a fabulous addition to any 3-season dress or perky pants outfit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PAIR OF TRUE VINTAGE JOHANSEN LOVELIES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

ANOTHER PAIR OF JOHANSEN LOVELIES FROM THE 1940'S - 1950'S

Just as classic as the Little Black Dress, little black pumps are obviously just as iconic. Perfect style and durability for about 70 years.  This is a dressier pair, of suede leather, which probably saved them the more frequent wear of an everyday shoe and preserved them for me.

I’m so glad!  This heel height couldn’t be more comfortable – elegant and flattering, too.
Great for dancing.

And, sometimes, for making a quick get-away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK, ORNAMENTED MID-HEEL PUMPS FROM THE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK, ORNAMENTED MID-HEEL PUMPS FROM THE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S

I just love, love, love the look of round-toed pumps! These are sweet and sassy at the same time, and oh, so of-the-period. When I really want to be back-in-the-day, these are some that I’ll wear.

Black suede, 100% leather construction with elegant bows on the vamps – this pair is made by Air Step. Another fabulous discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DeLISO DEBS BLACK SUEDE PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S DeLISO DEBS BLACK SUEDE PUMPS

When was the last time you could buy a new pair of desirable brand-name shoes for $8.00, even though on sale?  Check out the original price sticker from a department store.

Deliso Debs were popular, stylish shoes for women from 1919 until the 1970’s.  They had a reputation for being well-made and having a great fit.  I have others and just love them.

This pair is somewhat dressy, but versatile.  Again, how can you go wrong with a good pair of black pumps?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SWEATERS – FOUND IN AUSTRALIA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI always love finding true vintage sweaters in good condition, because they’re rare and a lot of fun to wear.  The weather is certainly right for them now!

The 1960’s top on the right looks very plain but it’s knitted of a yarn with sparkle, even though it is not a dressy design.  Just a cute, everyday item with Happy Days style (and  looks much better on my mannequin, “Madge”, than on the hanger – couldn’t wait to get it home).

The cardigan on the left is the star of this post.  Of soft wool, it is hand-embroidered and the body is lined.  Full-fashioned with hand-tailored details, as was usually the case with good-quality garments made before 1965 or so.  Though there is no tag saying so, it may have been made in British Hong Kong, as many of them were.

Wait till you see the next things I’ve come up with . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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