All hand-made – it’s a classic style which we still see, but the fit and style are different in the way that only true vintage designs can be. It hits just above the waist and belongs over a plain, black or white dress. I probably have one or two that will fill the bill . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What could be more classic than this? Made by a company called Peters; they produced this basic style for several decades. We can still find some companies making similar ones, but I always like the REAL true vintage. Just saw a classic film last night, made in 1950, where many young men were wearing “this” jacket!
Dacron easy-care water-repellent – nothing is more smart and practical than a well-made jacket like this. And, it’s in almost perfect condition (they stood up well!). In spite of that, they’re not easy to find because they were usually worn, and worn, and worn – and eventually gave up the ghost. Someone took very good care of this one, just for me . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is an interesting find. Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe. Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans. The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex. To me, it’s got a Grease vibe. Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt. If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color. No can do.
So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being. That’s OK. It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance. This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue! The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color. The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!! It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
facebook.com/magicvintagespy
Morgana Martin Amazon.com
Google+, Twitter & Pinterest
True vintage from the 1950’s, this one was not made for a lunch date at the local diner. We’re in to Spring-weight fabric here, but black and white is always season-less (or is it dark navy? It’s close . . . .)
Just look at the beautiful drape on the bodice, and the sweet cap sleeves. The jacket, again, has 3/4 sleeves to show off the elegant gloves and fine bracelet or watch.
Another of those outstanding ensembles which can take you almost anywhere . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Though it’s not by a high-end designer, it would have been right for Jackie Kennedy. This lovely wool suit was just the thing in 1962. So well-made, with all the little tailoring details that are so important.
One of my favorite things about it is that the mink collar is lightly stitched on, so that it can be easily removed. It’s nice to have that choice.
Not my color, unfortunately, so I recently put it on eBay but I have two other colors very similar which I can wear. It’s fun to see how all of them are as alike as colored Easter eggs, yet each one is different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
One of the finds that I picked up during an investigation in New Orleans was this lovely ladies’ suit. 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 the casually dressed woman with a moderate budget could dress with elegance and style in high quality apparel. . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
As it gets warmer, I may be showing some light jackets. This one is from the ’60’s in a kind of fantasy floral print – not psychedelic, but a little abstract. Flower Power ruled! I love the colors in this and the nice, easy but chic fit.
The poly/rayon/whatever fabric that was often used then shouldn’t automatically be thrown in the washer like we tend to do with everything now. The label on this jacket says that it also needs the care of spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning, but I’ve still found it easy-wear. Just a little extra care does the trick.
Don’t panic! There are simple ways to deal with this. I have lots of items that can’t be machine washed, but I hardly EVER have to go to a dry-cleaner (can’t remember the last time). Not dissing them – they are a god-send when you really need a good one.
This is a perfect jacket over capris, little skirts and sheath dresses. It’s fun to try finding pieces in coordinating colors for the kind of funky, vintage hues. But, there is always ivory or black which can work.
Not a go-to, every-day jacket but it’s right for a day of fun – can’t have too much . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This outfit was custom tailored in the mid-1960’s. Bell sleeves and easy fit. The fabric is a swirly paisley print in aqua tones and it includes the addition of a matching jacket to create an ensemble.
So many dresses in the ’50’s and ’60’s were made with matching jackets and even matching accessories. Though this is a fairly casual dress, it follows that lady-like trend and seems to teeter on the edge of the fashion divide between the rather prissy Fifties and early Sixties and the Mod and wild times just after. Looks like the dressmaker originally intended to make a sleeveless frock, then changed her mind. As it is, we’ve got a day dress that Twiggy would look just fab in, photographed on some 1965 magazine cover.
What a luxury to have your own dressmaker to custom-tailor your wardrobe! So many women did. Most neighborhoods in the city had a tailor’s shop where this kind of work was done. In towns and villages there was usually a woman nearby who did dressmaking in her own home. And, of course, many women were still doing their own home sewing then.
Maybe I’ll take the sleeves off some time and wear this dress with the jacket – but, no . . . . love the dress just as it is. I’ll check out the jacket with my selection of skirts . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It is just incredible that these things survive! Although this cute little coat could have been made more recently by a master needle-worker, I’m betting that it’s a mid-century creation. Much prettier in person, the yoke is composed of very intricate-looking sculptural stitches and the yarn feels like angora.
Similar to the one I showed several weeks ago, it’s pink – probably made for a girl back in the day since pink for girls and blue for boys was pretty much what everybody did when it came to babies. There are still some women around who can knit well and a few who have taught themselves in order to revive these old skills. But, they are a rare breed. A classic garment like this is worth collecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 