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
Need a new coat? Well, in just a few minutes of your spare time . . . . . . Right! McCalls Needlework Magazine used to publish patterns for projects like these all year. In the 1950’s and 1960’s it was so common.
Aren’t they beautiful? – But, can you imagine making one?? Your grandmother might have. I rarely find a hand-knitted one now, but once in a while . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This lovely true #vintage #coat is in a brown tweed with flecks of other warm colors and has a brown acetate lining. Though the photo doesn’t do it justice, it is really cute and has a nice swing. It makes me think of Britain, though I think it was made in the U.S. – “a Petite by Fashioned”. It’s so classic and of high quality that I can’t say exactly when it was made.
I love the little straps with buttons that decorate the collar on either side of the neck. Little touches like this are the delight of true vintage items and aren’t done nearly as well (if at all) on more modern #clothing.
This coat closes with only one hidden button in front. I have one or two others like this and several, as well as capes, that don’t close at all or just at the neck. I wondered when I wore it the last time if it would be warm enough in 20-something cold. It was just fine!
So, don’t let lack of button closure discourage you from buying a great vintage coat if you #find one that you love. Adding a belt is always a cool option, if you want to.
I was thrilled to find it – I’ve never seen another like it. True vintage is so original! You just never know . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
And, just my size! What a beauty – I’m glad to add it to my collection. Lovely plush wool with a pretty mink collar. Always love the swing-back styling, too.
Another advantage of this particular design is that the collar could be easily removed if I prefer a collarless style – very pretty with long scarves and mufflers. That’s a good thing to look for – when construction makes alterations easy.
Even with something pretty straightforward like this, always lots of important clues to be on the look-out for . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love this coat, it’s so warm and snuggley! The genuine sheepskin collar is actually an off-white color with brown tips (these may have been dyed – I’m not sure if natural sheepskin has those color variations). The inside is lined with faux-sheepskin cut pile, the outer suede is genuine. This coat is very well-made but by whom I don’t know because the maker’s label was removed by the previous owner, as I’ve often found in other true vintage items.
In such good condition and so flattering, it’s another of my favorites that I bought for a song! You just never know . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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This is a real find that turned up by surprise, with an iconic Fifties style. What a beauty! With the exception of some wear to the inside of the right-hand pocket, it is in virtually perfect condition.
Love the huge collar and big plastic buttons. It has a maker’s label, beige satin lining with tiny tailoring stitch details. Warm and fabulous. Never seen one like this before! You just never know . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Classic fall/winter coat in beige suede. The casual style here has a lightweight quilted lining and is great for days that are cool. Thanksgiving Day celebrations can sometimes be formal, but many Americans enjoy a relaxed dinner with family and/or friends and a day which includes outdoor activities. Perfect!
I love the heavy plastic buttons and 3/4 or “bracelet length” sleeves that look so great with a pair of longer gloves. If you see a coat or jacket with sleeves that length, don’t give in to the idea that they would be awkward. They look so striking worn with great gloves and/or bracelets. If the top of your outfit has long sleeves that wouldn’t coordinate well, long gloves can cover the bottoms of them below the cuffs of your coat.
The term “car-coat”, as it was used in the 1940s to 1960s, usually referred to a less formal coat that was of a shorter “fingertip” length so that the hem wouldn’t get dirty as a woman stooped to get in and out of a car.
I also have some different ones – one in beige blanket material,a navy wool and one in a black and white pattern. They may get posted later on as they are for even colder weather.
This is another great style that is so practical for day to day wear and very distinctively true vintage fashion. There’s nothing else like it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This true vintage beauty from the ’50s or early ’60s was another surprise find. In textured wool, 3/4 length in a swing design (love that), angled pockets, wing collar and a silky satin black lining.
Label from Marshal Field & Company, Chicago. The buttons, of plastic or bakelite, are carved to reflect light in such a way that they sparkle as though there were rhinestones! I’ve never seen buttons like this before (and I’ve seen LOTS of vintage buttons).
Like new. Looks great on! It was stuck in with a lot of other nondescript coats. You just never know . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whoa! It’s too big for Stella (or Madge), and for me – but, I love finding wonderful things anyway. This, I believe, is a vintage size 16.
This coat has a quilted lining and two big pockets. The wing collar folds over and buttons at the neck for extra warmth. Perfect for casual good looks on errand day or going to the football stadium in October.
It’s missing the original maker’s name tag, but has a women’s garment worker tag and, hidden under the lining, the tag which I think indicates the size. Nicely finished and made to last. Finding it certainly contributed to making my day! Such fun . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM
Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year. The style is also easy-breezy with an open front. I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.
Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well. Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it. What a great way to save tons of cash.
I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it. Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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