February 6, 2015

A dark romance


Vintage Fashionista Friday blog graphic for Chronically Vintage photo VintagefashionistaChronicallyVintag.png


{Sumptuous, inky black velvet and gorgeous dusty maroon hued millinery blooms call this exquisitely lovely 1930s/1940s does Edwardian era wide brimmed hat - which is in stellar condition for its age - home. $75.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




{Come the ice covered days of winter, I can never get enough of a dark merlot coloured lip. What seems heavy and out of place so often in the spring and summer, is positively at home amongst the shadowy hues of this frozen season. VIP Cosmetics Lipstick in 331 Burgundy Wine, $11.00 from Amazon.}



{Red roses and blue violets not really doing it for you this Valentine's Day? While not slip on this strikingly lovely 1950s black plastic flower necklace instead and celebrate winter's colour palette and spring's triumphant return in the same go and write your own kind of style poetry in the process. $26.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.}




{Turn heads at the speed of lightning when you sport this incredibly glamorous Old Hollywood inspired champagne satin and black lace evening dress on February 14th or any day of the year. It's a timeless stunner if ever there was! Available in ladies sizes Small to XL. $160.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.}



{Locks and keys are symbols that I always associate with Valentine's Day and the fact that the locks in this fantastic vintage silver coloured charm bracelet are heart shaped just feels like the icing on the festive cake. $20.95 from Jewelry Created For You.}



{(Speaking of which…) I don't think there's any beauty brand on Etsy whose offerings I want to try for the first time more those from world famous For Strange Girls. I've been lusting after their heady scented, poetically beautiful offerings for ages now and hope that 2015 will finally be the year I'm able to give them a spin. Each of their enticing looking offerings sound appealing, but for Feb. 14th, I can't help but feel that their decadent Black Forest Cake solid perfume would be especially fitting. Brass mini compact with 2g of perfume, $36.00 from For Strange Girls.}




{If Valentine's just isn't, well, Valentine's, for you without at least a little hit of crimson (even in the midst of a darker palette), then may I suggest this gorgeous oversized 1930s red celluloid bow brooch? $49.00 from Best Ever Vintage.}




{Don't let a little bit of wear put you off, this strikingly beautiful c. 1940s black velvet kiss lock purse still has oodles of life - and love - left in it to give and would be the ideal evening back for any romantic or otherwise exciting rendezvous this month. $24.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.}




{These endlessly chic D'Orsay Black Faux Suede Closed Toe T Strap Platform Heels bring a serious dose of old school footwear elegance and allure to any ensemble. I'd be tempted to partner them with a skinny black pencil skirt and sheer lace vintage blouse with a merlot hued camisole underneath for a seductively lovely Valentine's Day dinner look. Available in ladies sizes 5.5 to 10. (Only!) $39.99 from Blue Velvet Vintage.}






When this year kicked off a few weeks ago, I welcomed it by sharing Twelve things that are inspiring my style (big time!) for 2015 as my first entry for January. Amongst the dozen entries on that list, were some that either directly or more subtly channeled a darker fashion spirit - one teaming with shades of black and grey, aged creams, regal burgundies, and burnished metallics - that has been calling my name especially powerfully since last fall.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day next week, I knew that I wanted to devote this month's edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday to this annual wintertime celebration, however I wasn't feeling perky pastels or overtly saccharine shades of red and pink this year, no, my mind went instantly to a place of black lace, time worn jewelry, sensuous fabrics, and style elements that spell romance in a more mysterious and captivatingly alluring tone of voice.

So hence the title of today's post and indeed, more likely than not, the kind of outfit I'll be sporting this year for Valentine's Day. There's no right or wrong palette for any holiday and if Cupid's busiest day of the year doesn't exactly send a jolt of joy through your soul, then perhaps slipping into a darkly hued vintage outfit like this and focusing less on romantic love and more on the fashions that you adore wearing is the way to go.

I have few qualms with Valentine's Day and am the first to admit that I love love, so to the speak, but I want to shake things up this time around and celebrating the first big holiday since New Year's Day with an outfit that lets my inner goth girl run free seems like a fitting tribute to a branch of the fashion family tree that I adore to no end.

Black lace stockings, rich velvet dresses, and aging turn of the century jewelry, here I come!

41 comments:

  1. Ooh, I love all the colours in this post! Much more my kind of Valentine's Day... all that pink is just not doing it for me. Black forest cake perfume sounds amazing - I think my love of food-themed clothes (that I now know I share with you!) could easily extend to fragrances! Actually, it possibly already does, as my favourite perfumes are those with heavy coconut scents. I hope we get to see what you wear for Valentine's :) I'm not convinced I'll be wearing anything out of the ordinary yet - but maybe I should even if I don't leave the house! CC x

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    1. Some years I'm feeling pink (it is my favourite colour after all :)) and others, like this one, I am so no in that mood (save perhaps for my beloved dusty rose). It's dark, sensual, romantic hues, scents and even my menu this time around.

      Oooh, same here! I am perpetually wild about food themed clothes and accessories and enjoy scents and beauty products that smell like yummy eats, too.

      I hope so, too. I haven't been well enough to go out beyond the mailbox for nearly a month now, so no new outfit posts in quite a while. It would be great to nab snaps of what I wear for Feb. 14th, if I am well enough to head out (fingers crossed!). If not, I can always just replicate the look later in the year and post it then with a note about it being my Valentine's Day ensemble for 2015 (we have exceedingly little natural light in our house let alone good spots to shot in/against, so we almost never take pictures indoors - as much as it would be handy if we could!).

      Thank you for your great comment, dear gal. Have a splendid weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. How deliciously decadent your choices here are, I love them.

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. They really do have a powerfully alluring pull that suits any romantic setting well, especially those during the dark winter months when this kind of palette is especially at home.

      Big hugs & happy (early) Valentine's Day wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. A simply stunning collection! I love this slightly darker take on Valentine's Day. I especially love those shoes! They're a steal at that price!

    Cheers,
    Jenny

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. Agreed, they're a total bargain and look like they'd cost significantly more than they do. I could see them being stunning with a 40s or 50s skirt suit, too, for a total board room meets femme fatale kind of ensemble.

      Have a fabulous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Have you seen Lipstick Queen's new Bete Noire collection? I'm seriously tempted. Of course, I have the added complication of having pale skin and nearly-black hair, so I look quite Goth with black clothing and a dark lip. I tried to wear black currant lipstick to work today and found the look just a bit too likely to frighten my coworkers. But I love a good dark look! I also love For Strange Women; their "Decadence and Debauchery" was my everyday perfume for a while.

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    1. You know, I haven't yet, but I will check it out at once. Your lucky duck! I have the pale skin down, but not the natural dark locks. That said, I swear, I'm going to switch to black or dark brunette hair this year. I've been feeling it for ages and got a surprisingly positive response to my (black) cheapo Halloween wig last fall that I'm thinking it's time I gave the ol' red/auburn hair a breather. We'll see! :)

      Have a marvelous weekend, dear gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. your caption for the dark lipstick is absolutely lovely.
    like, that jsut struck me right between the eyes with the lovely way it's written and the comparisons.
    i have to confess that i'm not much of a lip color wearer, but you practically sold that to me already.

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    1. That is wonderfully lovely of you say, sweet dear, thank you very much. I often wonder if most people read the captions I put underneath items in post such as this or not and am touched to know that you are amongst those who do.

      Have a beautiful weekend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Gorgeous stuff. You find such wonderful items and so many; your efforts are all I need to outfit myself! Somehow I feel like I should be paying you for this personal shopping...

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    1. That's a splendidly nice thing to say, Ally, thank you! No need in the slightest though, knowing that I bring happiness, entertainment and perhaps even some new wardrobe additions to the closets of my readers is truly all the "payment" I need.

      Have a fantastic weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Gorgeous selection of goodies here, and I do appreciate the darker hues too (I've been wearing my dark '30s inspired lipsticks a lot this winter!). It all sounds so - decadent? Opulent? I would love to see what you wear for Valentine's Day too (unless like me you're planning a day completely at home, so outfits wouldn't be internet-appropriate...!). I think I've just fallen in love with that '30s celluloid brooch too, how gorgeous!! x

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    1. Marvelous words to describe this sort of palette and dark, sultry mood, dear Porcelina. I think they're decadently opulent for sure, and powerfully memorable as well - with more than a hint of that elusive femme fetale quality thrown in for good measure, too.

      Health permitting, I'll be venturing out and will likely take outfit snaps if we do. I haven't been well enough to go out in nearly a month (not uncommon for me in the slightest), but perhaps in one week's time, on Feb. 14th, I will be again. Fingers crossed! :)

      Have a fabulous Valentine's celebration!
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. You know I'm right there with you on this one! Red and pink and hearts and flowers are fun, and I'm sure I'll be well in the mood for all those things on the 14th, but I think black lace, touchable velvet, and slinky glamour also fit right in with the mood of Valentine's Day. I think your picks do a great job bringing out the sexy, seductive side of Valentine's Day, which is just as much fun in its own way the romantic side.
    xoxo,
    Jessica, Zella Maybe

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    1. Part of me wonders if there is an element of growing up involved with the colour palette that we favour for Valentine's Day. Not, of course, that I'm implying that someone has to be young or immature to like pink, red and the like for Feb. 14th, goodness, no!!! Just that I know that the older I get in general, the more I feel myself drawn to classic, dark hues and rich, alluring fabrics like the ones featured in this post. Not only for Cupid's busiest day, but in general (case in point, I've spent hours this week searching for a brown or dark green 40s or 50s suit on Etsy - haven't hit upon the perfect one in either case yet, but the hunt continues - and all the more so because brown is my colour of the year for 2015).

      Have a fantastic weekend, dear gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. There is something so quintessentially elegant about black. Sleek and sophisticated with a dash of the vamp... oh how I love it. Great post (as always) Jessica xx

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    1. You're so sweet to me, dear Erin, thank you very much. I couldn't agree more. Black is timeless, powerfully elegant, and so becoming. The older I get, the more I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with it.

      Have a beautiful weekend and Valentine's Day, too!
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Love what you chose. I have a soft spot for the darker colours as well. I have started going out a little bit and i tend to find myself being drawn to black a lot. It's just so easy to wear!

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  11. Lovely post, Jessica! Chris has always given me black lace elegant nightgowns, black slips with rushing, my coveted vintage black ribboned bustier and on special occasion, silver trinkets from a little blue box tied with a white ribbon. I adore Valentines Day and enjoy celebrating with colors that seem not so traditional.
    Xo ChristyByTheSea.

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    1. What alluringly beautiful gifts to receive for Valentine's and other special occasions. I adore a great black nightgown myself, too. I hope that you both have a marvelous celebration this Feb. 14th - happiest (early) Valentine's Day wishes to you both!

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I've never heard of that perfume company, but after a jaunt over to their etsy page, I think I'm a new fan! This is a kind of Valentine's Day mood I could get behind

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    1. That's awesome, dear gal. I'm delighted to have been able to introduce you to that brand. I really, really hope that 2015 is the year I'm finally able to try out some of their romantically gorgeous offerings.

      Happy (early) Valentine's Day wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. A gorgeous collection here, very elegant.

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  14. Wahoo! You are breaking into my brain and speaking my language!!! Gorgeous! Gawds, that dress is to die for.

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    1. I had a sneaking suspicion that you would adore this post, my dear friend! :)

      Happiest Valentine's week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Hi Jessica, I just wanted to know where did you get that quote at the beginning of the post? Did you write yourself? Because I love it!

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    1. Hi Kristen, that's very sweet of you to ask. Yes, I wrote it myself and have used it to lead most (if not all) of my monthly Vintage Fashionista Friday posts with for years now. You're welcome to use it elsewhere, if you'd like. I just ask that you credit it back to me (Jessica Cangiano), if you do.

      Thank you, sweet gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Kate. It's one of my favourite I've ever listed in the shop. Were it not for the fact that it didn't look terribly flattering on me (hats and I are like that, they either look, humbly, amazing or very so-so - or worse! :)), I doubt I could have brought myself to list it.

      Big hugs & happy Valentine's week wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. OMG, a black forest cake perfume??? I didn't even know such a marvel existed. I must go off to check it out. Nothing better than smelling like chocolate. Le sigh! ;)

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    1. It does sound sublime! Perhaps not an every-single-day perfume for me, but the type that I'd love to sport on/to Valentine's Day, Christmas, Easter, dinner parties, those kinds of fun food centered occasions.

      Have a marvelous Valentine's week, my sweet friend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. No one can refresh and renew a holiday like you in such an elegant way, dear. Although I have never been especially fond of the goth style I could easily fall in love with all your suggestions. Especially the last shoes where you tell about the outfit that would match, made my day. Wishing you a lovely day, sweet pea. :)

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  19. I did an order with For Strange Women at Christmas. I got the Winter Kitty fragrance, in the locket. I like it but it's not the perfect fragrance for me. I think next order I'll try a sampler.

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    1. Few things are more personal then our relationship with scent, very much including perfume and it can be challenging to order a new (to use) perfume or the like online for sure. I'm sorry that Winter Kitty didn't prove to be the best match for you. I love that they order samplers and think that might be how I dip my toes in the For Strange Women waters for the first time.

      Thank you for your comment, Teri - have a splendid Valentine's week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. This Valentine's ensemble is a refreshing change from the over abundance of sickly pink and garish red that normally turns up at this time of year. You have collated a lovely range of pieces.

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. I hear you there! Sometimes I'm in the mood for full on twee pinkness and the like, but not this one in the slightest. It's dark tones, aged metals, and sumptuous fabrics for me all the way! :) What are you planning to wear tomorrow?

      Have an awesome Valentine's weekend, honey!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I just bought a new dress in a sale, not vintage but 1950's in style. It is sleeveless with a fitted bodice and a full skirt and it is made of teal velvet. That is right, teal velvet!! I love it, so probably that. What about you?

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    3. Ooohhh, that sounds so luxuriously gorgeous!!! Velvet is one of my favourite fabrics ever and I'm all for colourful versions of it.

      This year I wore a combo of black, red and grey (with silver tone jewelry). My quilted black 50s circle skirt (with a red crinoline underneath) was the star of the show. It's still very much winter here, so layers were a must as we ventured out to run errands and then to a festive family get-together at my mom's.

      I hope you had a splendid weekend - tons of hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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    4. That sounds lovely, both the outfit and your weekend!

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  21. Oh the black forest cake image made my mouth water… it reminded me of the time I lived in Germany. It was my go to dessert.

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