Tag Archives: wool

A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY RED SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY - COLORED 1950's to EARLY 1960'S SKIRT SUIT: NICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Now I’ll start showing you my best true vintage winter outfits, to go along with the beautiful lingerie.  This suit from the 1950’s or early ’60’s is very tailored in it’s lines. Nicely made, for a small women’s clothing store (the store was small, and probably the women, too, back then!).

It’s not flashy, but is very elegant – the kind of pieces you could wear this way and that way for years. The fabric itself is very lovely, in a tweedy weave with tones of berry with charcoal mixed in. The collar is accented with suede leather. Nice buttons, with suede leather centers.

Just think of wearing this with one of yesterday’s full slips underneath. Quite appropriate for this month of January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

A most lady-like sweater-jacket, lined in acetate. The heavily-beaded design is repeated on the back, as well.  3/4 sleeves add to that vibe – so Kennedy Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Jackets like this were worn over sheath dresses, with slacks and skirts. This one is by Banff, a former maker of fine knits.  Remember the yellow summer sweater I showed a couple of months ago?  Same maker.

These were available for sale at fine department stores and in small specialty shops, sometimes in popular vacation areas.

Again, not my color but, hey, the right necklace or scarf/blouse/dress underneath can take care of that in no time . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE END-OF-MOD WOOL SHEATH DRESS

IMG_1737The cut and design of this frock, as unremarkable as it looks (especially in this picture), told me immediately from when and what it was!  It’s a soft wool knit from the late 1960’s.

Beautiful fabric!  And, like the wool dress from a couple of days ago, no itch factor here.  Of course, I’ll still enjoy a gorgeous lingerie slip underneath on a cold, wintery day.  The crocheted trim breaks up the plain lines and the fit is lovely.

So glad that I’ve discovered so many  in-season items recently that are appropriate for this cold that most of us are experiencing now.  For those of you who are not, I’ve still got several summery finds coming up, too.

Later today, I’ll post a little rant about design with pictures  of the true vintage tailoring tools I recently found and how they’re a help to sewing and altering, if that’s something you like to do.  If not, it’s still good to know some of the things that make the difference between  real deal vintage and the copy-cat retro fashions.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL DRESS – TRIMMED IN MARABOU FEATHERS

IMG_1743Here’s my neat-o find from yesterday.  This is the best photo I could get, so hang with my description.

A classic wool crepe cocktail frock in an unusual style.  Cocktails? Dinner? Theater?  I guess it could be designed for any of these.  Usually dresses of this sort are sleeveless and at least a little bit revealing, but this one is completely different.

Styled as a back-zip sheath with a bateau neckline – very conservative – but revved up by the sleeves.  They are the best part of all:   3/4 length, with a slit in front up to the elbow joint, and trimmed all around with marabou.  They would call for long, beautiful gloves and/or a diamond bracelet or watch because that’s where the attention is focused.

Fully lined in a soft, woven material – this dress is made to be worn during colder weather when the sleeves and wool content would feel welcome.  It’s really nice to have a party or dress-up piece like that instead of having to resort to wearing dress pants or a long skirt and sweater during winter weather.

So I find, again, that there can always be something interesting hiding around every corner . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LONG-AWAITED FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S AUTHENTIC NAVY PEA JACKET!!!!!!!

IMG_1714I’ve been looking for one in my size for a long time and, THERE IT WAS!  A real-deal men’s pea jacket in wonderful almost-black close-woven wool, with those buttons with the anchors on them.  There are not many guys who wear a size 34, so this catch was elusive, but a good investigator never lets the trail get cold.

These jackets are so warm and have such a wonderful fit.  Even a gal with an hourglass shape looks great if the size is right.  Remember that these coats are made for working sailors who need protection from the elements while still looking smart and spiffy.

Just right, in time for Fall and Winter weather.  Layered over a turtleneck sweater, or a cable-knit, or whatever.  I can dress it up and around in lots of ways.   I’m just so delighted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FOUND YESTERDAY – THE CUTEST TRUE VINTAGE CHRISTMAS DRESS IN THE WORLD!!!

IMG_1686IMG_1687Well, probably – it would certainly have a huge chance of winning the contest!  Don’t you love the collar?  And the bright red wool.  It’s party time!

There’s no label – I suspect the dress was custom-tailored.  And, for a woman a lot shorter than Stella – the hem should at least be at the knee and the sleeves a tiny bit longer because I’d date it about 1960.

It’s finds like this that make my day – but there’s lots more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

FUN & MOD TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S WOOL JACKET

I’m really starting to think about seasonal wardrobe changes now!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

True Vintage 1960s Lightweight Wool Spring Jacket

This lined jacket, labeled “Young Girl”, is full of nautical style details. Epaulets, double-breasted and the bright navy color make me think of Spring styles, which have often had a nautical theme, but it works equally well in the Fall.  Classic but cute – it really calls for a hat or cap like the ones I’ve seen from the late 1960’s.

The oversize breast pocket is interesting and there are also slash pockets with welts at each hip, which can’t be seen in the photo. Button tabs at the hip allow for a small size adjustment. Buttons at the sleeve cuffs also allow for an adjustment. Since this is a Girls’ size 18, perhaps it was styled to accomodate some growth – a very practical idea and always workable on such a classic style which never goes out of fashion.

I wish that clothing-makers still used that kind of quality…

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BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY HAT IN EMERALD GREEN – TRUE VINTAGE MADE IN FRANCE

BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY HAT IN EMERALD GREEN – TRUE VINTAGE MADE IN FRANCE.

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE FIND – CLASSIC PINK WOOL STRAIGHT SKIRT FROM THE SIXTIES

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE FIND – CLASSIC PINK WOOL STRAIGHT SKIRT FROM THE SIXTIES.

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE FIND – CLASSIC PINK WOOL STRAIGHT SKIRT FROM THE SIXTIES

     Just another plain old skirt, right?  Wrong.        Why? . . . . . . . .

This skirt, of pretty wool fabric, is fully lined with a deep hem finished with hem tape.  It fits like a dream – the darts are in the right places and the waist is well – proportioned instead of being way too big.

The hook and eye above the zipper close securely and stay closed.  Classic and elegant – just the way a quality garment should be made.  No wonder it’s been around for fifty years,  Whenever I discover one, I nab it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM