November 30, 2014

Vintage Link Love for November 2014


It's scarcely a secret that time seems to past by more quickly the older that one gets (I've experienced this firsthand for many years now), but even I was a little bit floored by how incredibly quickly November whizzed past. It was, for me, the speediest month of 2014, despite the fact that it wasn't perfect by any means.

For example, it started out with a bad ear infect in my left ear (just a four or five days after the lengthy flu I had in October wrapped up; I strongly believe the two are connected) that is still going on and which as rendered me quite hard of hearing on that side (meds aren't helping much yet, but hopefully they will do their job soon!).

Then mid-month, I experienced the death of my beloved Canon DSLR, which had been my loyal friend, and diligent workhorse for over seven years (it had been living on borrowed time already for several months though and had a slew of issues, so I knew that the end really was near).

And most recently, two days ago on Friday morning I woke up with same cold that Tony had been battling since Monday. It was pretty much a given that I'd get it. We almost always share bugs - it's nearly impossible not to when two people spend so much time together in the same house.

Unlike the ear infection and cold, which don't have any quick fixes, when it comes to my camera - which is a must have piece of equipment not only for its own joys, but for taking photographs for all the photos for my Etsy shop (which I shot myself) - I splurged on the latest model, the T5i, of the Canon Rebel (I'd previously had a Canon XSi Rebel).

It's a such a stellar, lightweight, modern, versatile, delightful camera to shoot with and though it was a bit sad to part ways with my older Rebel (we'd been through so much and made so many awesome memories together), I must say, I'm head-over-heels with this new version and truly can't recommend it highly enough if you're in the market for a great, not-too-crazy-expensive DSLR yourself (I got the body only, not the kit, as objectively, much as I adore buying lenses, I don't technically need any new glace at the moment...yes, that stance takes major willpower on my part! :D).

Online things were buzzing with activity, too, and not just because of Chronically Vintage's first annual Vintage Secret Santa holiday gift exchange, which saw 260 participants join up to take part. Everyone has been emailed their VSS match, so on the very off chance that you haven't received yours (please check your spam and deleted message filters first), please email me right away so that I can resend that information to you.

Though this (the #vintagesecretsanta) was certainly a big and exciting part of November, again, it wasn't the only thing that had me my toes this month. Throughout the last few weeks, I've had the immense pleasure of being interview and/or written about on the following five websites, including by the stellar UK site We Heart Vintage, who tapped me to share some of my top tips for achieving success on Etsy.

I was incredibly touched that they did as much, especially given that I'm such a relatively new Etsy seller. I loved getting too talk about some of the things that are really working for me there (on Etsy) so far for the first time publicly and suspect that I'll probably post on this subject here on CV, too, as time goes on (and I've got my experience as an Etsy seller to my name).

The lovely folks behind Ruby Lane's stellar digital magazine, Ruby Read, asked me to take part in one of their magazine articles, which I did, along with numerous other leading vintage/fashion related bloggers. Turn to page 35 to see my contribution, then settle in a little while and enjoy reading the rest of this wonderful edition.

I shared a splendidly lovely interview with fabulous vintage shop Betty Rae Vintage over on their blog, which you can read here. I really enjoyed the range and scope of questions that they asked (especially question #7).

The wonderful Ms. Emileigh from the terrific vintage blog Flashback Summer honoured my Etsy shop and I with a post in November, in which she chatted about vintage sweetheart jewelry and highlighted some of the pieces of such that I had in stock at the time of writing. I've always had a great love of sweetheart jewelry myself, so I was all the more thrilled when I saw that Emileigh had very kindly featured my shop in a post on this great subject.

And last, but definitely not least, I was tickled pink to be included in a post about different, unexpected ways to style vintage cardigans, which appeared on the relatively new - and very charming - vintage blog, The Girl Kissed By Fire (which if you're not already following, I highly suggest you do - just as for the other blogs and sites mentioned above).

Now, elsewhere on the web throughout November, in posts I wasn't involved with :), there was no shortage of interesting, informative, and fun happenings as well. As usual come the end of the month, I've rounded up a dozen of the ones that stood out to me and which I'm delighted to share with you here today.


photo VintagelinkloveblogpostheaderforChronicallyVintage_zps551f30c8.png


Alice Guy, Cinema Pioneer: Alice Guy's name is one that I've heard in vintage movie circles over the years, but it wasn't until I happened upon this wonderful recent post from V is for Vintage that I really became well acquainted with this early female movie director and her extensive roster of films (400+!). She's a thoroughly fascinating, admirable pioneer of the film industry for sure and deserves to have the limelight shone of her, instead of just on the actors and actresses she filmed.

Silver hair comb history: Hair combs are one of those immensely lovely accessories that one rarely sees worn these days, especially if we exclude weddings. Yet in decades and centuries past (and still to this day in some cultures around the world) they were an integral part of a woman's wardrobe of accessories, in no small part because most ladies of yore had long locks that were frequently worn partially or entirely up. In this beautiful post, Bianca (herself a passionate hair comb collector who has written other posts on the subject as well) takes a look a particularly marvelous type of comb, those made of silver, and leaves you wanting to add one (or more!) to your own hair accessory collection on the double!


But it's my head we're talking about, sir (a look at the history of turbans): Turbans are one of those vintage accessories that I absolutely love and always enjoy seeing, yet for no particular reason, rarely sport myself (you're much more likely to see me in a snood or WW2 war worker style headscarf/bandana). This engagingly lovely post about their history from Marija shines the spotlight on turbans and was just the reminder I needed to actually wear them for one this winter.




Fashion during the Blitz – Technicolor film by Jack Cardiff: I posted a link to this great piece from Glamour Daze on Facebook recently, but absolutely had to share it here as well as it is such a rare, marvelous look at ladies fashion during the endlessly challenging years of WW2 in the UK. I dare you not to go weak in the knees for every last garment and accessory featured in it!


8 reasons vintage lovers love themselves: Sammi Davis has been knocking it out of the ballpark this year with her delightfully entertaining (and informative) guides/posts about vintage for eBay, and this recent edition, which focuses on reasons why vintage lovers excel at loving themselves (no arguments there on my end) is no exception.


The Faces of the Men who Fought in WW1: Penned in honour or Remembrance/Armistice Day, this moving post We Heart Vintage is a gripping, powerful reminder of the incredibly human side of war and how so many of the faces in these photos never made it home to their loved ones again, all in the name of ensuring that when the last guns of war range out during the atrocious four year fight, freedom prevailed.




The Martian Invasion of 1938: In 1938, a live broadcast of H.G. Wells' famous War of The Worlds story caused a great deal of temporary stress and problems when certain listeners around America believed what they were hearing was in fact a live news report. This engaging post shares the author's mother's firsthand account of how that day unfolded for her and some of her relatives. In this day and age of CGI, news at our fingertips (and in our pockets), and a great deal more skeptics about a lot of things, it's easy to forget that there was once a time when something like this could happen a few short decades ago.


Repro/vintage clothes in Denmark and the EU: Danish blogger and my dear friend, Sanne, has done a stellar job of rounding up some of best vintage and vintage reproduction websites from Denmark and elsewhere in the EU. If you live in Europe or are just searching for more great sources of vintage/repro (and who isn't?), this post is definitely for you!


Grandchildren of classic film stars: Looking for proof that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to appearance? Enter this terrific look at some of the grandchild of classic film starts from A Vintage Nerd that will have you going "wow" with each new entry that Daffny shares.





Lady in Retirement: How Can I Dress Professionally Now That I Don’t Have a Job?: Over the years I've received a few requests for suggestions on how to wear vintage after middle age. I may write a full post on that topic one day, but I feel like I need a few more years under my belt first. To help those who may be looking for fashion advice in this sphere, I highly recommend this great post Witness 2 Fashion.


6 reasons vintage suits trump modern suits: This Flashback Summer post gets a resounding nod of agreement from me from start to finish. Vintage suits are incredibly elegant, stylish and figure flattering (especially you involve, if needed, a bit of custom tailoring). They deserve a place in just every vintage loving lady's wardrobe and are a beloved staple in mine the whole year 'round.


Oscar de la Renta's early years: On the heel's of legendary fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta's recent passing, Vogue (fittingly!) take a look at the early years of his career in this article that is sure to make anyone with a passion for gorgeous couture swoon!





{All images throughout the list of links above come by way of the post that they are displayed directly beneath the write up of here. Please follow the links provided to learn more about these images.}


♥ ♥ ♥



Chances are you've already started to prepare for the holidays. Perhaps your halls are decked, your cards sent and your fruitcakes are soaking. We're about to head into a hectic, magical, fun filled, beautiful, and yes, at times, stressful, chapter of the year, but it is one that I doubt few of us who celebrate it would ever want to go without it. Here on the blog front, I'll be bringing you multiple festively themed posts and very much forward to seeing all of yours as well.

November might have been quick, and at times rocky, but it was also a welcome respite between the many activities of October and the even more jam packed schedule of December, and in a way I'm sad to say good bye to it. Not too heartbroken though, as I do love and cherish Christmas immensely and am also a bit eager to welcome the New Year and see what 2015 has in store for us.




{Yippee!!! Tomorrow December will be here and with it a return of this splendidly fabulous, fun filled season of giving, love, merriment, feasting, and celebrating. I'm in a really Christmassy mood this year and can hardly wait to enjoy ever one of the last remaining 31 days of the year. Image source.}


First though, let's trim our trees, send out our Vintage Secret Santa gifts, bake a million and one holiday treats, and savour everything that is good and beautiful about this enchantingly lovely time of the year!

36 comments:

  1. I visit your blog because I like you but I get the added bonus of exceptional content. Your posts are always so full of great stuff. Among the best on the Net. You are my entertainment center!

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  2. Great list, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you very much, Lisa. Happy link reading!

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. The thought of my DSLR dying fills me with horror - thank goodness you were able to replace yours! I agree that November whizzed past, but all the better for making December hurry right up and get here :) I'm sorry to hear you were poorly on and off for most of it... but still, luckily for us you're still able to write great content ;) Glad to find The girl kissed by fire blog through you, looks like there could be some great tips there! x

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    1. Aww, you have no idea how much words about me still posting even when I feel extra poorly mean to me. Thank you! Looking back I see that I "only" posted 13 times this month, which is my lowest (by one) number of posts in a given month so far this year. I think it will be closer to the norm each month in 2015 though, as I find that posting about three times a week (as opposed to 3-4 or even 5 sometimes) works a lot better for me now that I have my Etsy business keeping me on my toes everyday, too.

      I really like The Girl Kissed By Fire. It's a fairly new vintage fashion blog and features some wonderful outfit photos and fun ideas. Definitely one to add to your feedreader.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. I started the fruitcake fruits soaking a few weeks ago -- not many people know that's the official start of the holidays! :-P

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    1. It definitely is! :) Agreed, a lot of people no longer make fruitcakes at home, so that classic tradition isn't as widespread as it once was. It's great to know that thanks to folks like us though, it hasn't died out entirely.

      Happy baking and Christmas season, dear Tegan!
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Another lovely column by a lovely gal!

    I am extra excited to be a part of the Secret Santa fun! Great idea!

    I hope your health in this new year will fill you a renewed vigor! (Tho one wonders: "What happens when the Energizer Bunny has even MORE energy?" :) xox

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Nicholette. I'm so thrilled that you're taking part in the Vintage Secret Santa!

      Wishing you a marvelous holiday season and New Year, too!

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. So many fun links to check out! Just what I need on a blustery cold day here in Colorado, and thank you for including my post on silver combs! I hope you feel better soon!

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    1. You're super welcome, my dear friend. I adore your hair combs series (and all your other posts, too). I think of you now whenever I see any kind of yesteryear hair comb and you've definitely deepened my own love of them through your engaging writing.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. ah, camera woes. technology: we both love and hate it, right? but glad to read that the situation has improved! i'm always OVER THE MOON when i get a new camera.
    also love the link love posts, but just to let you know, i think the look a-like stars link from a Vintage Nerd is broken or something. is it just me maybe? it always takes me to the wrong site. but i know her blog so i'll just go to it and work from there.
    hope you had a wonderful weekend :)

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    1. Hi sweet gal, thank you very much for pointing that out. Dafny very recently lost her URL, unfortunately (my heart so broke for her when I saw her say that that happened to her), and I think that this link may go to her blog when it was on a custom URL (I saw the links for these monthly posts as I find them, so I would have done sow with Daffny's when it was still directing to her old domain). I'll update it to her new one right away. Thanks again for letting me know about that.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Fabulous post as always Jessica :)
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

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  9. Dear Jessica, I am always amazed by how many time you obviously must be spending when you write your posts. So I'd rather have "only" 13 posts per year, but every one worth reading from A to Z. So you certainly don't have to worry about that.
    I feel, by the way, that writing once a month a nice post is better for most readers than a bunch of careless ones. On the other hand, especially during this time of year, most people are busier than usual with the holiday ahead. And - you wouldn't believe it - November was the speediest month even here in my country. A global issue? :-)

    I deeply hope you enjoy December as much as I do, despite having tons of work with preparations and the kids etc., but I enjoy it very much, always did, always will.

    Kind regards from cold, foggy and grey Switzerland, Doris

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Doris. I'm a firm believer that there isn't a universal "right number" of blog posts, just the right number for you and your life. I agree that quality should always trump quantity when it comes to one one shares and have lived by that motto for as long as I've been writing content online.

      I adore December. It's such a poignant month. Wrapping up one year and launching us (hopefully merrily) into the next, filled with festivities and bursting with cheer - all things that I adore!

      Big hugs & the very happiest of holiday season wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Thank you so much for linking to thegirlkissedbyfire.com and sharing all those great links!
    I feel similar about last month, may December be full of health and joy :)

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    1. You're so very welcome, sweet gal. Thank you again for shining the spotlight on my fun cardigan outfit from our Vancouver Island.

      Big hugs & the happiest of holiday season wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. You certainly have had a busy month! So glad to see you getting the recognition you so deserve.
    Much love Deb x

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    1. That's wonderfully kind, Deb, thank you very much. It's always a sincere honour to be interviewed and/or featured in any site, magazine, paper, you name it and I was thrilled to be so busy on that front in recent weeks.

      Lots of hugs & festive December wishes coming your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. "Stay still, my gentle heart"..
    You have been so kind and amazing with this post, darling!
    I can't thank you enough for featuring ME and my little blog. :)
    ...
    I love almost everything Sammy Davis has to write, and this 8 reasons are yet another stellar text. Most of all the part with "call us crazy, please" :)
    Also, the Flashback Summer blog - true to the last word: vintage suits (and vntage patterns, in my case) truly DO stand the test of time. Nothing beats the pencil skirt OR the pleated skirt. And there's no match to a well-fitted lady's jacket.

    Keep these links coming, dear.
    Because, there always are some posts that I miss out (you catch them and send them my way). So, thank you for being so amazing!

    Marija

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    1. Aww, you're making me blush over here, darling girl. Thank you very much! It's a joy to write these posts and celebrate some of the most interesting, exciting, intriguing or sometimes just plain cute stories that have caught my eye lately with all my online friends. Yours on turbans definitely fit that bill and I couldn't wait to include it in November's edition of Vintage Link Love. Thank you again for sharing it and reminding me to rock turbans more often myself.

      Big hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Congrats on all the good press! I did read your article about having a successful Etsy shop, and while I can't quite put the advice into use (vintage girls are required by law to have an Etsy shop, obvs, but mine's empty), I'm sure I'll end up referring back to it sometime in the not too distant future.
    Ooh, these links are fantastic! I've definitely got to pull some of these up when I get a little time, they sound really interesting. The first one, about the female director, is really intiguing, as are the fashion during the Blitz and Sammi Davis article. Thanks for an awesome roundup, I know my day will go much faster with these to read.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet gal. Please let me know right away if you opt to take your Etsy shop to the next level. I'd love to help promote it here on my blog, just as you've so thoughtfully done for mine on various occasions.

      Tons of hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Oh I love that picture with the dog in it

    retro rover

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    1. As do I - my heart breaks for the wee dog though, as I'm sure the battlefield is a tremendously stressful and unnerving place for any animal, no matter how much love and attention it gets from the troops its working with/keeping company.

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. aaahh - my high gloss, high content mag arrived! :-)
    spend the sunday evening on it and it was fun and interesting like always!
    i have to add that turbans were on the fashion radar in the 80´s too and i used to wear them in my late teens. but back then they had an open back were the big (permed/teased) hair came out. oh my.
    supertanker of hugs to you!
    xxxxxx

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  16. Jessica
    So sorry to hear you've been battling a bug or two. November was very swift but I also look forward to the Holiday. I'm off for a full day that hopefully includes a little secret Santa shopping. :}
    Be well
    Kelly

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  17. Thanks again for the interview Jessica! Everyone is absolutely loving it! x

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    1. That's awesome to hear! Thank you for the wonderful feedback about it and again for wanting to feature Chronically Vintage on your fabulous site.

      ♥ Jessica

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  18. I hope your feeling a bit better Jessica as the Holiday season is upon us. I know being sick during the holidays is terrible! I use to get the flu every year it seemed at christmas, so depressing.

    These are great link loves I must say. I especially enjoyed the one with the grandkids of movie stars. That was really cool!

    I also purchased my secret santa gift and just waiting for it to arrive so I can send it on it's way! Can't wait for all the pictures too start appearing :)

    Happy Wednesday!

    Liz

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Liz. Poor Tony has it more rough with this virus than I do, but my ear is still giving me problems and it's been a month now with hearing loss on that side (which is worrying). Hopefully though we'll both be on the mend soon and able to celebrate the holidays without coughing up a storm in the process. I'm very sorry that you usually fall ill around this time of year, too, and hope dearly that you're spared this December.

      How exciting!!! I'm really excited to see peoples' photos as well and hope that a lot of folks do take snaps and label them with the #vintagesecretsanta hashtag so that we can all check out what others received as part of this super fun gift exchange. Thank you again very much for taking part in it!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Once more you have stolen way too much of my time and once more I have to thank you for a wonderful mix of informative, funny and interesting links, where a few of them will be send to my parents, as I've told you before I do. And thank you SO much for featuring my link here, I was so honoured that I had to thank you in a e-mail immediately, because I know this type of posts take some time for me to go through (I keep it for several days of entertainment). :) A post about vintage fashion style for middle aged women (me, ahem) would be very welcome. I am much aware of what to wear since I am not in my twenties anymore, but reverse I don't think fifties fashion is only for the youngsters. I often think if I am too old for petticoats and wiggle dresses. Today I have the day off and have just wrapped all my Christmas gifts and posted a photo on Instagram with me wearing my lovely secret santa gift. Thank you again so much for hosting this fun filled Christmas gift exchange. Wishing you a lovely day, dear.

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    1. You are sincerely welcome, my beautiful friend. Thank you for the time, effort and research that you put into compiling and writing that post. I'm sure it will be of great help to many in Europe and further afield for ages to come.

      Very much so. I'd almost argue, as much as a lot of people associate 1950s fashion with the very young, that it was the decade of the mature, endlessly chic woman who wore Dior (or Dior inspired) suits, curve hugging wiggle and sheath dresses with either understated or opulent accessories, blindingly chic hats, and sturdy, classic shoes that will never go out of style.

      Being thirty myself, I still dabble in some younger styles, but I know that some looks will only age me after a certain point and have already found myself shifting more towards the sort of looks one might have seen Dovima sport in the 50s more than Doris Day in recent years, knowing that middle age is just a decade away for me. I don't see that as a negative. A woman who is 40, 50, 60, 70 or beyond and knows how to dress for her age, body and lifestyle is one of the most beautiful things on earth.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your wonderful comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. I am very impressed at how busy you were in November despite being poorly. I really hope that you are feeling a little better now. I read all your articles on the other blogs and particularly enjoyed the Etsy one. Some great links here, lots for me to read!

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    1. You're such a sweet, awesome person, Kate-Em. Thank you very much across the board. I truly appreciate your readership and friendship alike.

      Have a beautiful weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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