This wool beauty has a label which says “The Parisian”. It has a true silk lining and very stylish design. No fear of using some extra fabric here. And, of course, great pockets. This one just says “Lady of leisure” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a casual coat from post-WWII mid-century that closes with one hidden button and loop at the waistline. It’s got specialized tailoring details that are my favorite part. The wool fabric is a great “tweed” with fall colors, so a good choice for September. The brown lining is shiny and silky but it’s also got a decorative border above the hem that is embroidered in glossy brown thread. Hidden, but pretty!
See above how the pockets are accented with fabric-covered buckles that don’t do anything but look smart. Unfortunately, the pockets are only deep enough for a tissue or a small coin-purse, but that’s OK. I’ll enjoy wearing it on walks and I can still stop at the corner store. The neckline area, just above the collarbones, is accented with tabs and buttons which also don’t do anything but look stylish. And, the back vent in the hemline is practical but adds the look of good design. A winner!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Despite the uptown appearance, this coat is made of humble fabric but expertly done. Not sure when it was created – could be anywhere from the 1940’s to the very early 1960’s – but it follows the pattern of economy that my recent posts have been showing. However, though it has no labels, I suspect that it was not made at home but was made commercially. It is really well-done and beautifully-designed with seaming that gives it a special fit and flare shape. It’s still got great shoulders, too.
And, of course, the hip pockets that are so important and useful on a good coat. The best ones are made like these last three I’ve shown which hide the pockets so well in the design that they are almost invisible.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Today I’m right in the middle of a big vetting of the archive files from sweaters to fur coats. This morning I parted with a beautiful 1960’s sweater, which was wrenching. But, there eventually comes a time when all the intelligence must go public and the vault must be reorganized and cleaned. You’ll be seeing more of this class of intel over the next few days, with more bits and pieces to come later. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The pair on top, with the vamp decoration, alas was too small for me. But, this second pair goes so well with my wartime and mid-century day and house dresses. I love wearing them all the time. Even love the brand name: Vitality!
So cute. Both these pairs are examples of economical footwear of the time with leather or composite soles and man-made uppers. In spite of the cheaper construction, however, they last and last – unlike many products for sale today. Hope we’re going back in that direction. Too much cheap clothing and accessories in the landfills.
No doom & gloom here. Things look good from behind-the-scenes. Happy Holidays and looking forward to a fabulous 2023!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, it’s a wiggle dress again. Despite the killer silhouette, it looks very demure until you see the back, where it plunges to the waist. The tailoring features are the most notable to me – the fabric is wool as I may never have felt before. It is woven and opaque, but so lightweight that it feels almost as soft and silky as tissue paper. There are also gussets sewn in at the armholes, which is a relatively rare 1950’s construction detail.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is so beautifully-designed. Look at those tailoring details! Gorgeous silk satin fabric. Superior quality overall. Might have been from Montreal (maybe originally from France), which may explain it! It’s dynamite on just the right figure, as many wiggle-dresses were from about 1952 – 1962.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a great find! This dress makes me think of the ones the dancers wear in performances of West Side Story. Too bad it’s a size too small for me. So, it goes up on eBay. Maybe someone will want to make a splash at the Prom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you look very closely you can see the many design details included in this lovely garment. The only feature you may not see in this photograph are fabric tabs with buttons at each hip, just behind the pockets. They’re just for style – no function at all – but that’s usually what fashion is all about. If you find a garment that looks absolutely great, with every detail enhancing the fit and the utility as well, that’s gravy and BUY IT!
That’s not to dis this jacket at all. Lightweight wool with a full lining. The pockets are real and there’s even a hanging loop at the back of the neckline. Did I mention that it’s in pristine shape?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The best thing about this dress is that it was given to me by the (now deceased) mother of a dear friend who wore it to a gala while her husband was in the military. So, I know its exact year and ownership history. It is beautifully-made and I suspect that it was custom-tailored for her. If laid out flat, the skirt is almost a full circle. Rhinestones, lace, yards of taffeta and netting and a fit to die for.
MORGAA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
