Tag Archives: suit

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950’S / EARLY 1960’S

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950'S / EARLY 1960'S

Perfect for a special cold weather dinner or other holiday event or for a dressy winter wedding (as guest or bride), a semi-formal skirt suit is always astonishingly elegant.

This little lovely is of wool in a cream beige textured weave, with large ornamental buttons and a boxy cut, beautifully made, of course.  Knee or just-below length skirt and a hip-skimming jacket with bracelet-length sleeves.

The most arresting feature is the mink collar, which amps the visibility of this ensemble to a high level.   Or, you could remove the fur and replace it with a silk scarf or a pearl collar. It will make a noticeable entrance, but it’s powerful presence will only build after that.

You can decide if you’re Jackie Kennedy or Princess Grace or, or, or . . . . . . . . .. That’s the fun – you just never run out of options . . . . . . . . . ……. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE 1940’S TO EARLY 1950’S JACKETS

ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE 1940'S TO EARLY 1950'S JACKETS

From my just-about-favorite era, this is one of the items I have acquired from a vintage clothing shop and I just LOVE it. The shape and all the contrast trim is so smart!  It has a bit of a military vibe, which so many wartime  designs tended to.

As always, it is very well-made and tailored in mid-gray wool with charcoal accents on the collar, buttons and cuffs.

Alas, the original skirt was not with it, but it was not difficult to find a charcoal skirt that matches well, though is shorter than most skirts would have been, except during the war when they were shortened due to rationing of fabric.

This color and style is easy to mix and match with different-style skirts and slacks, especially if you stick with the charcoal color. A go-to jacket forever . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A FAVORITE DARK NAVY BLUE HOUR – GLASS SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940’S TO 1950’S

A FAVORITE DARK NAVY BLUE HOUR - GLASS SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940'S TO 1950'S

This jacket and skirt suit is from the Post-war, change-of-decade time after WWII. As with a number of my suits, the skirt is not the original, which would have been a longer one, below the knee.  With diligent sleuthing, I’ve been able to match up “new” skirts very well for color and fabric.

The collar detail on this jacket is so distinctive! Seems to be more of an into – Spring style, though it is of wool. I just love that white accent on dark navy blue.

The shape, also, is a favorite – nothing more flattering than that! This is probably my favorite era for skirt suits because of the fit and the pretty details that they usually have.

But, I have lovely jackets and suits dating from the late ’30’s through the ’60’s and you can find flattering and beautiful things from any era. If you have the eye to spy . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE POST-WAR “WALKING SUIT” WITH FOX FUR COLLAR

This “walking suit”, with large braided buttons and a big shawl collar is made of heavy boucle’ knit  in wool. The jacket is longish and the skirt (before I folded the hem up) is below the knee.  It was sold during the post-war era 1945 – 1955.

Many suits like this have fur collars, a lot like coats, because they were made to almost double as outerwear in colder weather.  Since women had become more active in the work-force, they were out and about more and their clothing had become less “dainty”, though still very beautiful.  These might also be called “city suits” – made for walking the long blocks in downtown urban areas.

I’ve removed the fur collar, which had been hand-tacked on, and could certainly see wearing this today!  With a pretty sweater and scarf,  maybe a hat, it would be plenty warm – saves the bulk of a coat.   Just right for window-shopping or errands in the city.  Elegant and practical, too.  Best of both worlds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TARTAN WOOL TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LADIES’ JACKET AND SKIRT SUIT

TARTAN WOOL 1950'S LADIES' JACKET AND SKIRT SUIT

Now I’m going to start moving into some earlier styles, from the Forties and Fifties.  This is so cute, and also festive!  The little jacket has those stylish features of that era like a tiny collar with cut-in detail at the back of the neck, 3/4 sleeves, pert little buttons and a nipped waist.

I also love the longish pleated skirt because it is stitched down and slim over the hips. This adds to the hourglass silhouette of this ensemble and the swing of the skirt.  Pieces like these two always make great separates, too – something I really appreciate about suits!

Made of a lightweight wool, it’s just right for the weather now. The colors are also a nice break from the blacks and dark tones that are usually seen so much.

Women and the fashion designers in the Fifties always thought about looking pretty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS FIND – ELEGANT SKIRT SUIT BY DESIGNER HENRI’ BENDEL

FABULOUS FIND - ELEGANT SKIRT SUIT BY DESIGNER HENRI' BENDEL

This suit is SO elegant & classic, it’s hard for me to date it precisely. I’m guessing it may have been made during the 1960’s.

One of my favorite ensembles – it has “couture” written all over it and you really understand what that means when it is on the body. What a cut! I always draw admiring looks and compliments when I wear it.

In a slate blue/cranberry weave with a gorgeous cranberry lining. Cuff detail and silver buttons shaped like turtles – I just love it!

If I ever have meetings with bankers or have other reasons to appear very “well – heeled”, this is the disguise I choose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (with one of those slips underneath). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LOVELY CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT FROM NEW YORK CITY

LOVELY CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT FROM NEW YORK CITY

I’ve SO enjoyed going through my skirt suit collection  for this series of posts! I was reminded of how great a find this one was, during a special trip to the Big Apple.

All the suits you’ll see are from the 1940’s to the mid 1970’s. This one is so classic it could almost go anywhere in that period. In this case, the skirt has been shortened a few inches – always without cutting off material, so the original length can easily be restored!

The details most loved about this one are the great colors – always love the unusual combination of blues and browns – and the suede trim.

The classic cut is also one of the best, best things about any garment and why true vintage is usually way ahead of modern clothing. This suit, like most I’ll show, will look sophisticated and elegant for as long as I own it.

If you think “dowdy” or “matronly” when you see this photo, you’re not using real style sense. Don’t forget that an ensemble like this can be worn many ways, including using the jacket and skirt as separates, and with many different accessories, making it fresh and versatile each time.

And, there’s never any competition for true elegance . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY RED SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY - COLORED 1950's to EARLY 1960'S SKIRT SUIT: NICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Now I’ll start showing you my best true vintage winter outfits, to go along with the beautiful lingerie.  This suit from the 1950’s or early ’60’s is very tailored in it’s lines. Nicely made, for a small women’s clothing store (the store was small, and probably the women, too, back then!).

It’s not flashy, but is very elegant – the kind of pieces you could wear this way and that way for years. The fabric itself is very lovely, in a tweedy weave with tones of berry with charcoal mixed in. The collar is accented with suede leather. Nice buttons, with suede leather centers.

Just think of wearing this with one of yesterday’s full slips underneath. Quite appropriate for this month of January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER GREEN MID-CENTURY FIND – RARE RIBBON SKIRT FROM THE 1950’S!

IMG_1705In almost the same shade of green as yesterday’s dress, I discovered this skirt on the same day. Wow – I’ve just recently found a trove of true vintage dresses, skirts, accessories, lingerie, shirts and blouses (we’ll get to the one Stella’s wearing later).  Not to mention, of course, my fabulous vintage navy pea jacket find!

Dresses and suits made of this knit material with grosgrain ribbon sewn closely all over in a swirly pattern were very popular among the dressier set in the Fifties. I have a black suit decorated this way and I remember that my great grandmother had a dress.  This skirt might have had a matching jacket originally since, as I said, this style is usually seen in dressy garments.

However, it will work well as a separate, too, and is a great foundation for a beautiful blouse or sweater – no jacket needed.  That’s one thing I like about true vintage suits as opposed to dresses – although our grandmothers were tied in to wearing the jacket and skirt together as an “outfit”, as dictated by the fashion rules of the time, we can do so many wonderful things with the separate pieces now, as well.

Once in a while I see one of these ribbon garments, but very rarely – SO, it was ANOTHER Eureka moment for the Magicvintagespy.  Life is fun!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TRUE VINTAGE 3 – PIECE 1960’s WOMEN’S SILK SUIT FROM NEW ORLEANS – PERFECT WITH YESTERDAY’S SHOES!

A TRUE-VINTAGE 3-PIECE SUIT FROM NEW ORLEANS – PERFECT WITH YESTERDAY’S SHOES

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A TRUE VINTAGE 3 - PIECE 1960's WOMEN'S SILK SUIT FROM NEW ORLEANSOne of the finds that I picked up during an investigation in New Orleans was this lovely ladies’ suit. Wouldn’t those shoes I showed yesterday be perfect with this?

Oh, so proper in 3 pieces with a knee-length skirt, back-button blouse and high-hip length jacket, it’s just perfect for lunching or for a business appointment. The styling is plain, but elegant and well-cut. Hand-tailored and fully lined, with VERY unusual buttons – kind of like woven ropes – to make it interesting.

This is a basic that is flattering, well-styled and versatile – a staple to have in your wardrobe for decades and with many possibilities. Of course, the pieces can be worn separately and accessories can vary the look.

I always LOVE finding gems like this when I’m out on the prowl. They look back to an era of couture-quality fashion that was available to many people – when even…

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