Just had to show you this one quickly – they sometimes came in fun colors, too! Fabulous condition, too! It needs a button, but I can do that. I may even have a matching one in my stash. So fun to find one of these in great shape.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Source: ANOTHER RARE FIND – MEN’S MID-CENTURY LEISURE CARDIGAN SWEATER IN WOOL AND SUEDE LEATHER
Completely different from yesterday’s cardigan but so much fun! It’s another must-have vintage sweater to wear with cigarette pants. A pretty open-weave Orlon sweater knit with metallic thread design to be worn with a black skirt or slacks at some mid-century party event. It is absolutely amazing that it’s survived for 60 years in almost unworn condition!
Just like the women of the 1940’s onward, I’m grateful for these lovely acrylic yarns that can be washed in a machine (with care) and don’t have to be stored in a moth-proof container. Orlon was a revelation and major time-saving blessing to wartime and post-war ladies who still did most of their housework by hand.
Although we’re so used to acrylic fibers now, these early ones were really special in terms of their quality or, perhaps, it is the garment itself that is made so well that the fabric looks great after more than half a century. I’m sure that I also, again, have to thank the first owner of this elegant top for taking such good care of it.
I’m over the full moon again, and wondering what will turn up next . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a beautiful decorated sweater meant, mostly, for evening wear. It is fully lined in silk with black beads and spangles decorating front and back. Many mid-century women had one of these – it was a classic standard.
Made in Hong Kong, the quality is a cut above many garments made elsewhere. This seems to have been the case for many decades. It’s another one of those iconic garments that is a must-have for any vintage wardrobe and, maybe, more than one since the colors and decorative patterns were varied and unique.
Though high-quality tailoring was particularly true for vintage garments made several decades ago, I still take special note when I find modern clothing that has been made in Hong Kong. The materials and tailoring are still almost always excellent in garments made there..
There is no wrap more elegant, excepting perhaps a wonderful vintage fur, than a beautifully-made hand-decorated fine wool cardigan thrown over your shoulders. It can be worn in many ways and will never let you down.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the other suede-trimmed sweater I mentioned a few days ago. Traditional design and construction in this handsome, high-quality cardigan have let it last for 50+ years with very little sign of wear. Nice, soft virgin wool and buttery suede, plus knotted leather buttons made this a favorite, iconic style for decades.
I’m always so glad to find garments like this one in such wonderful condition. Big for me, but I know someone who might find it to be just the thing .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY
I always have my eye out for great slacks like these, but they’re SO rare. Love these late Sixties flares that are reminiscent of 1940’s women’s styles and sailors’ pants. Such a treat to find slacks that fit like a glove.
The cut velour fabric is comfy but not too plush. Good for wear in any cool weather (I like them most in Fall, of course) and also in a great neutral color; much more versatile than some of the wild prints from that time that are really Mod-cute but wearable with only one or two tops in the closet.
They’ll look great with that cheetah-print blouse from a few days ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a wiggle dress this is! Marilyn Monroe – move over!! What a rare find – couldn’t believe it when it appeared (no, I fib. Of course I could). It’s hand-knitted, as was the one given to me several years ago by my friend Rosalie, who had made it herself in 1952. Likely, many women who were competent needle-workers did so when this style was popular.
This example is made of the same glossy yarn I wrote about several days ago. My other garments made from it are casual sweaters, so I was floored to find this lovely dress of the same material! Just perfect for a sophisticated occasion. I’m keeping it for wearing at just the right vintage venues (local museum events come to mind) or theme cocktail parties, Halloween . . . . . . . . ..
Anyway, I’ll be having LOTS of fun with it. That’s what it’s all about!!! Too much enthusiasm? Never . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Mod floral cheetahs for me and the gold “Campus” sweater for my husband. These pieces are not quite so old and classic, but I like the Sixties fun.
But, when you’re the Magicvintagespy, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m over-the-moon with this one!! Last year I found a wonderful sweater made like this, with soft, fine suede – but this one is a full jacket WITH A ZIP-OUT PILE LINING! – and braided leather buttons. Just LOVE the quality and style of jackets made between 1940 and 1960. What a fabulous mid-century vibe.
It was another magic moment for the Magicvintagespy because this coat is in virtually perfect condition. Just like stepping into a Happy Days episode or going Back to the Future. What fun! More to come . . . . . . . stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The nights are getting pretty cool, to say the least! So, I’ve pulled out my flannel robes and this one is a favorite – owned by a great-aunt in the 1940’s.
There’s nothing like snuggly cotton flannel on a cold evening. And, red is even better. Warms me up just to look at it.
Cuffed sleeves, patch pockets, tie belt – what makes it different? The look of the fabric and the construction details, for two. Nothing could be more classic, but this one is true vintage, too.
It just puts me back-in-the-day immediately because I know it has curled up by the fire on many a cold Autumn or Winter night . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another rare find! This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves. I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.
Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs. Buttons up the back. Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.
What a pleasure to discover this one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION
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