Love this true vintage coat! Beautiful wool, by Sterling, also with a one-button closure and lovely shawl collar. This kind of sumptuous material is pure vintage and the pattern makes it unusual.
Neutral colors make it perfect for any cold season – autumn on into winter.
It was a surprise find that I snapped up in a flash! Most of my finds are that way, which is what makes vintage-hunting so much fun and such a wonderful bargain.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s still cool enough to wear them for dressy evenings and I love to top my party-wear with these old fur-trimmed lovelies. The brown one is from the Forties and is of a light-weight wool with dyed rabbit trim. The black coat is lined rayon crepe with mink at the cuffs – perfect over a little black dress.
This time of year, with Valentine’s behind us, St. Pat’s day and Easter approaching is full of special events going on and good opportunities to dress up a bit. Never to be missed! Go forth and enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In three lengths, sumptuous and elegant, black velvet evening wraps from the ’40’s and ’50’s. Can’t see detail in these photos (black is that way!) but the detail, though lovely, is not terribly important because you can see the lines.
The detail is subtle in the garments – the focus is on elegant simplicity, beautiful fabric and beautiful cut. What could be better over your choice of evening ensemble?
Besides, they’re very discreet at night, in the dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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
Beautiful acetate/rayon velvet fabric and a gorgeous sweetheart neckline with pretty drop shoulders. Love this style! Also, it has nice tailoring as in the dress I showed yesterday. Whereas the shirtwaist from yesterday is WAY too big for me and will be sold, this dress will be simple to make a little smaller if I wish. We’ll see – it might end up on the eBay block, also, depending on what I think when standing in front of the mirror.
The only style element that I don’t like since it seems a little over-the-top is the thigh-high front slit. Fortunately, that should also be easy to change. Though you know that I always prefer a garment that is from the same decade as it’s style, rather than a re-make, I’m willing to pick up well-done pieces from the 1980’s and 1990’s. So, stay tuned. More to come . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I found this old shirt made of wonderful rayon fabric several years ago – the collar and sleeves had been cut off but I couldn’t pass it up. The feel and print have such a 1940’s vibe. With a little piping around the raw edges and a touch of lining here and there plus some buttons replaced, it’s become a great vest or even a sleeveless blouse.
It’s rare that I decide to do this type of rehab, but sometimes it’s definitely worth it! And, the possibilities can be almost endless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Rare and unusual short-sleeved jacket with many of the best features of the wartime / post-war originals. I have several of the real Forties examples in my collection for comparison. Look at the detail photo for a better view of the covered buttons, sleeve pleats and crepe-style fabric.
Love the fitted cut, all the tailoring detail and smooth lines. Made before quality really hit bottom, it’s an honest and true attempt to simulate the real deal.
These jackets look wonderful over pencil skirts, cigarette or wide-leg pants and skinny sheath dresses. A super find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Long, sweeping gown in a beautiful, heavy cotton(?) – the photo on left shows the cut while the photo on right gives the true color and close-up of the interesting print. This dress has many construction contradictions; some point to 1940’s and some to 1960’s. Undoubtedly, it was custom-tailored.
Maybe our mid-century tailor was very experienced and knew how to use various methods to achieve exactly the slinky, hourglass fit she wanted. The bell sleeves and commercial braid trim say 1960’s but the mid-back zipper placement, dip in the front waistline and fabulous art print fabric say 1940’s. Looks like a film noir hostess gown. I love a mystery!
Anyway, it’s an absolute beauty and fits me like a glove. Dresses with the zipper placed mid-back are always a trick to get into and out of – pays to understand the method. However, when the fit is right and the construction good, it’s a snap. Tomorrow I’ll show you a cute shift with a clear Sixties pedigree. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Oh, I love this – just my style. Dark navy gabardine fabric with a fabric-covered belt and interesting details. Peplum waistlines are so flattering, on the right figure.
This beauty is in such good condition for it’s age. I do need to replace the tattered lining and re-install shoulder pads, but that is a minor repair. The best things are the authentic 1940’s styling, the belt in great condition, the quality fabric and tailoring. I’ll wear it forever.
What’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
