Tag Archives: true vintage

A FUN, FUN, FUN FIND! POST-WAR 1950’s COAT WITH LOTS OF NEAT FEATURES

You know I’m not a big coat collector, though my behavior this season might make a liar of me – so many fantastic vintage examples have come my way.  Couldn’t pass this one up.  It was sold by the old bargain department store where so many mid-century women shopped – Woolworth’s – and carries their label.

For one, the blue and gold plaid is unusual, as well as the scalloped collar and pocket flaps – this is a style more often seen in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  The swing cut and midi length are almost always signs of the early mid-century time, too.

The feature which surprised me most is the zip-out pile lining – so practical and progressive for that era (I thought!).  Without the liner, the wool shell is medium weight and has a nice black lining of rayon or acetate – good for spring, fall and mild winters.  The liner has complete sleeves that end in ribbed cuffs to make the coat truly warm for cold winters.  Such a perfect outerwear garment to be sold to modern mid-century women who were practical and thrifty to a fault (having lived through the Depression and WWII) but also ready for style and plenty to come into their lives again, which it did with a vengeance in the 1950’s.

The icing on the cake is that this coat is in almost perfect condition.  Yes, it was worn, but so well-looked-after that you’d hardly know it and those few little signs will be easy for me to repair.  So sorry that it’s way too big for me, but just had to buy it and show it to you, while repeating the story it tells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PRE-1959 LADIES’ COAT FIND WITH STUNNING COLLAR DESIGN

Wasn’t planning on picking up a winter coat yesterday, but this one is so gorgeous and unusual. I’ve never seen a collar designed this way and look at the beautiful way it will frame the face and neck. It looks absolutely stunning on.

The collar is cut mink and is attached to the coat’s neckline, but stands up all around as a wind-break and elegant style feature. Since WordPress changed their blog designer, I can’t yet figure out how to show a second photo – the collar comes to a point at the back.

The fabric is not plush, but has some nap that is cut like chenille or corduroy. Full satin lining and it’s in beautiful condition with hardly any need for touch-up. I’ll enjoy this one for a long time. Tomorrow stay tuned for something entirely different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEAT, NEAT FIND! A 1970’S – 1980’S MIDI-BLOUSE

Another true vintage retro-style discovery. I love, love, love finding super vintage separates!! This rayon blouse by Esprit will be great with my white 1940’s – style sailor pants, my 1970’s white suit, and, and, and, etc. The style era is about 1935 – 1955. It’s in beautiful condition and fits. The only thing I plan on doing is adding some modest – size shoulder pads to perfect the fit on my body. This also may help the keep the collar in line under jackets. And, I might turn up the cuffs on the sleeves. They are perfectly finished to do this without any additional sewing.

A little style tweak here and there is always fun, as well as making sure that the fit is just right for you, which can make all the difference in the world. With well-made garments, as so many true vintage ones are, alterations are often easier. When a piece is cut well, changing the size a bit doesn’t throw the lines off in a wonky way or require a lot of restyling. It’s harder to do with clothing made for imprecise sizes and without attention to detail.

So, there. A little snooty? But, so true . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TAILORED BLOUSE THAT IS BOTH TRUE VINTAGE AND RETRO . . . . . . . . . .

1940’s styling from the early 1970’s, when a Forties wave was happening in fashion. Under the Shirt Accent label, this blouse has Dolman sleeves, a ’40’s style wing collar and side seam vents at the waistline.

As is often seen with vintage tailoring, the blouse is purposed to be very versatile. It can be worn casually, un-tucked with jeans, pants or shorts. However, dressed up a bit with skirts and high-waist slacks it will tuck in nicely.

No doubt, this garment had been someone’s staple for 45 – 50 years with only one tiny seam repair needed. Now it will be mine for another 50?

Tomorrow we’ll be traveling back in time to a much earlier era . . . . . . . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HOW ABOUT A STROLL THROUGH THE VINTAGE FASHION ARCHIVES?

Just a reminder, darlings, that while we’re having all this extra unstructured time there are several thousand posts in the MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM archives available for enjoyment and research. It’s even fun for me to have a review!

THANKS for all your recent visits and first visits. It’s fun to know who’s still “on the same page” with me during this very different time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CUTE LITTLE APPLE PRINT ON A 1930’S – 1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS

It was the height of my happy dance when I spied this lovely! Almost-perfect condition (just a little hole mend in an inconspicuous area and missing belt) and from my favorite decade(s). Sorry that the pic is a bit out of focus – the apple print is very sweet.

A simple v-neckline with a fabric string tie. Seam at the waist, belt loops and gentle shaping, midi-length. With the black rayon background, the belt will be very easy to replace. Perfect for everyday.

Tomorrow, we’ll be traveling up toward modern time (as late as the early 1970’s). Keep watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE WE GO AGAIN . . . . . . . . . . .

So, I have queued-up my latest group of finds for your viewing over the next 3 days BUT there’s already been another discovery! I’ll get it added to the line-up right away.

The message is: I may be on a roll and can’t predict how it’s going to go. Thanks for sticking with me. Stay tuned and expect more at any time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FIRST – AND FAVORITE(?) FIND FOR 2020

Beautifully – decorated pale pink cardi sweater from the Fifties or early Sixties. As you can see, it needs some TLC, but I can do that. In fact, I’ve already eliminated the stains since photographing it a few hours ago.

The missing beads will take a little more time – when I get back to headquarters some replacement pearls and a few rearrangements will have it in street-ready condition in no time. Is it really my favorite of the recent haul? I don’t know, but it’s so iconic, sweet and miles better than any of the lookalikes made in recent years. With a skirt or a pair of jeans it sends me right back in the day.

So, more to come . . . . dresses, dresses, dresses, and shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

OH, BABY. . . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, hiya all. Just back from almost 2 months of travels, and not a single sleuthing opportunity abroad (although I have cataloged a dossier of half a dozen suspicious sites for future reference). However, after returning to home ground, I did hit a fabulous jackpot in one unsuspected spot and will share those finds with you in the coming days.

Meanwhile, happy 2020 and gear your thoughts and expectations to wonderful developments in spite of what seems to be going on right now. We have a brilliant NOW on the way and it is being created by us as I write. Keep that in mind when you speak and dream.

Looking forward to showing my “newest” true vintage treasures . . . . . . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A HOME-MADE HAND-MADE 1950’S NOVELTY KITCHEN APRON

What a great find! Not too many like this one left and it’s a real gem. The apron’s been sewn together of cotton fabric with our ’50’s housewife embroidered on. She has a cotton print pouf dress with a lace collar, pearl necklace and earring. In one hand she holds a coffeepot and in the other a cup, which doubles as the obligatory little pocket for a hankie or small tool.

Finding something so unique and whimsical is a real treat. And, to think that it was made for fun 60 or more years ago is a bonus. So much better than anything modern, no matter how cute.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM