March 10, 2015

The cutest heels I've ever owned care of Born Bad Betty




Outfit details

C.late 1930s/early 1940s red straw hat: Frugal Frocks 

Pearl stud earrings: eBay or Claire's 

C. 1940s triple-strand pearl necklace with sterling clasp: Thrifted (this necklace is a touch longer, but I wanted a choker length one to pair with this keyhole neckline dress so I simply used a hair elastic to temporarily shorten the length in the back, which was then hidden by my hair - this is a great way to get more millage out of many styles and types of necklaces

Black and pine green 1940s swing style dress: Hell Bunny (purchased from Blame Betty's bricks and mortar shop in Calgary, AB) 

Black cropped cardigan: Fairweather 

Gold toned metal bangle bracelet: Payless 

Vintage strawberry brooch: Either eBay or thrifted 

(Awesome!) 1940s/1950s cream gloves: Gift from a dear vintage loving friend ♥ 

Mid-century vintage red faux leather handbag: I Love Vintage Stuff 

Black seamed nude stockings: eBay 

Red vintage style "Strawberry Fox" heels : Born Bad Betty 

Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano

























































First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank everyone for your empathetic, caring comments on Sunday's post about unexpected having to do my business taxes at breakneck speed last week. To all those facing similar situations or simply having to do your taxes in general this year, believe me, I feel you pain and am always here if you need someone to vent to during the process. By Sunday evening I had essentially completed and submitted everything and was officially as spent as a quarter at a slot machine!

I have to say though, continually operating on almost no sleep (not joking at all) and being so stressed last week because of my taxes, really did a number on me. I debated taking this week off from all forms of work actually, but for a multitude of reasons, that isn't possible. Instead, too drained to even lift my laptop (zero exaggeration there), I spent Sunday night and all of Monday either sleeping or kicking back with a marathon of the really enjoyable travel show Departures on Netflix. Though I'm still massively beat, things will gradually be returning to their usual pace workflow wise from today onward and hopefully next week they'll be completely back on track and my energy levels (microscopic at the best of times) will have also been recharged a bit, too.

Now, if I can stop yawning, on with the show! Before you think I'm being OTT a tad with the title of today's post, I need raise a point that I've touched on many times here over the past (nearly) six years and that is the fact that I have hard to fit feet (crazy high arches) that tend to fall somewhere between average and wide widths, depending on the brand (I swear, if there was a size between those two standard sizes, an "average and a quarter shoe", if you will, that would be my size), and as a result, I can often try on 100 - 200+ pairs of shoes before I find one that even remotely comes close to being comfortable/fitting me properly.

As such, my choice of footwear has often been a matter of what fits, with, if I've been extra lucky, some prettiness thrown into the mix. Having had such poor shoe luck over the years, I've as good as given up ordering pairs online, where an endless see of gorgeous/cute/alluring/vintage appropriate/you-name-it options exist at nearly every price point. I've been burned there too many times with shoes that didn't fit a lick and which due to Canada Post's high shipping charges, I usually couldn't send back, instead reselling or gifting them to friends or relatives.

Thus, knowing that there are no guarantees when it comes to me and shoes, when a footwear company approaches me about doing a product review, I always tread (pun intended :)) very, very lightly. I've kindly turned down many offers when the shoes weren't bracingly mid-century and/or rockabilly/pinup appropriate, in fact this is only the second time I've ever worked with a company in this capacity.

The absolutely darling red faux suede, fabric strawberry adorned shoes that I'm sporting in these photos (which we shot the weekend before last here in town near the River Channel on a chilly late Saturday afternoon when the sun was shining meekly and frost dotted the ground) were very kindly sent my way by way of the terrific British vintage inspired footwear and handbag company Born Bad Betty.

The fine folks there were gracious enough to let me select any pair from their current offerings - which was no easy choice, let me tell you, as all of their styles are smashing and very vintage appropriate - and then promptly sent them to me for review. Their customer service was top-notch every step of the way and in addition to today's post, later this month I'm going to be teaming up with Born Bad Betty again for an exciting giveaway where one lucky winner will win the BBB pair of shoes of their choice.

I'm going to be talking a lot more about the company then, but now let me begin by saying that they're a fairly newcomer on the old school inspired footwear scene who are quickly gaining an avid following their home country of the UK and further afield, too. The brand's offerings are not only cute and creative (think dangling charms and delightful motifs), but I can attest to the fact that they're very comfortable.

Though I wouldn't say the fit of the pair I received was absolutely 100% perfect, that is an incredibly hard thing for me to find with any brand and unlike most shoes, much to my delight, these fit me quite well and I had zero issues wearing them and walking around for several hours on the day when these photos were taken (that's the first time I've worn them outside of the house).

Naturally you can imagine my happiness and surprise that the fit turned out as well as it did! I opted for the Strawberry Fox pair of heels from Born Bad Betty because strawberries are not only one of my favourite fruits ever, but also a design on clothing or accessories that I've always been wild for (chalk that up in no small part to spending some of the earliest years of my life in a town that had a big annual strawberry festival).

Another factor in my decision making process was definitely the fact that I own so few cute shoes. I stand by the title of this post, these are hands down the cutest high heels I've ever owned and I'm tickled pink (or would that be strawberry red) to have these wonderful shoes in my wardrobe now. They're comfortable, sturdy, well made, and very, very pretty. I would note that the found the soles to be a touch slippery at first, but even just walking around on pavement for a few minutes seemed to have helped scuff the bottoms a touch and create some grip, so I didn't take a tumble or even come close to it at any point during our outing.

I truly appreciate that Born Bad Betty sent me these uber darling strawberry heels and want to extend my sincere thanks their way for doing so.

On the day these snaps were taken, I'd had plans for an entirely different outfit with a vintage garment that recently I'd purchased online, however it quite literally started to fall apart on me as I put it on for the first time (a story I may devote a whole post here to at some point - it remains to be seen how things turn out there), so with daylight fading fast, I had to think on my (cute high heel adorned) feet quickly and toss this ensemble together in under five minutes. Tony actually said that he liked it more than the originally planned look and I liked the two equally, so while I wasn't happy about my new purchase being a serious bust, I was glad that this outfit was able to come together so nicely on the fly.

This charming 1940s style green and black dress, the only peephole dress I own actually, was the first piece I ever purchased (back in 2013) from Hell Bunny. It was love at first wearing with this frock and I've been a firm fan of the brand ever since, adding several more of their garments to my closet in the time since then. I'm petite framed (5’2”) and not overly well endowed (average, but not exactly giving Dolly Parton a run for her money, if you know what I mean), and I do always like to maintain a degree of modest with my outfits, so I don't usually wear keyhole style dresses (which tend to dip down waaaaay too far on me for my tastes), but this one is the exception to the rule and I'm almost shocked it took me this long to share it on camera.

As we're ever-so-slowly starting to emerge from winter, it felt like a good choice to usher the upcoming season in with, as did this marvelously fun circa early 1940s red straw hat, a recent buy from my go-to vintage shop in the Okanagan, Frugal Frocks located nearly two hours north of us in the small town of Armstrong, B.C. (and whom I blogged about here last year). I'm a massive fan of wide brimmed vintage hats like this and had wanted a red one for ages, so hitting upon this gem so close to home was an exciting score to say the least.

I opted to sport it that day because I'm a big fan of matching one's hat to their shoes sometimes and when you're wearing red heels like these fun Born Bad Betty beauties, it seems all the more fitting to do so with a newly acquired crimson chapeau like this.

If you haven't checked out Born Bad Betty's offerings yet, I highly suggest doing so. At present, a lot of their merchandise is heavily on sale, which is a boon for all customers, but especially those (like myself) who are located outside of the United Kingdom and may be dealing with weaker currencies than the British pound.




With spring and then summer just around the corner and scores of sunny days to come, you can bet that I'll be prancing around town in these sweet, sassy, mid-century appropriate strawberry heels from now until Old Man Winter comes calling again - especially since it certainly isn't everyday I get a cute pair of shoes that actually fit me and which suit my vintage wardrobe so wonderfully. Thank you again, Born Bad Betty for making that happen!

77 comments:

  1. I'm so pleased you found some shoes that fit you! I completely understand and share the pain of not being able to buy shoes online as they virtually never fit - so now I'm sharing your joy that this adorable pair actually worked out. I love them - strawberry motifs are one of my favourites and these are just so cute. I'm 99% certain they wouldn't fit me at all, but I love seeing them on you. And I love the matching brooch! Your outfits are also so divine, Jessica <3 CC x

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal! I'm very sorry to hear that you're in the same boat (or would that be "boot"? :)) too when it comes to shoe shopping, especially online. I've always wondered, though know it would be impossible to get widespread stats on such, how many folks have hard to fit feet and thus usually do not buy shoes online?

      How awesome that you're a big fan of strawberry motifs as well! They really are as darling as darling can be! Should I ever have you as my Secret Santa match or another opportunity to send you a present, I will definitely keep that mind.

      You're the sweetest! Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment and compliments.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. Wow, Jessica -- these shoes are adorable! You look great in them. And the outfit is perfection. A lovely color combination and skillful assembly. Wonderful.

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  3. I love your hat! I am so transfixed by straw hats right now, I think it's because it is the one style I really can't make on my own (since materials for straw are so hard to find anymore). This outfit is lovely! I like how the ensemble is red and green and yet doesn't feel at all "Christmas" as red and green are want to do. I will have to go browse Born Bad Betty now, as I do love me some vintage inspired shoes :)

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    1. That is a really interesting point, dear Bianca. Not being a milliner or dabbling in that awesome art, I wasn't aware of the fact that straw hats are a lot trickier to make these days due to a scarcity of materials. I'm sorry that such is the case. On the exceedingly (and I do mean exceedingly!) off chance I ever come across some NOS/dead stock straw for hats, I will let you know right away.

      Thank you very much! That is always a massive risk with red and green for sure, but I find that if you keep the colours in different portions and introduce others (in this case cream, black and gold) into the mix, that can help a ton - which is great, because I really enjoy red and green together.

      Happy BBB browsing!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. I'm a big fan of Hell Bunny too, though I gather they are not necessarily a good fit for those with a rather more generous bust, or the 'well upholstered' as my Nan used to say! Thankfully I fall short of that camp so they fit me well lol.

    Nothing worse than a dress that is not what you expect, falls to bits, or in my case is full of holes. I'm sorry to hear your new purchase didn't work out. I hope you have some come back on that one.

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    1. Oh, what a great term for those who are especially blessed in the bust department. I shall have to fold that into my vocabulary now, too. :)

      Thank you very much. I sincerely hope so, too. I really don't want to say much yet, as I'm still in the midst of trying to work things out with the seller, but I do suspect a post all about this experience will appear here one day. I've been very fortunate over the years. This is actually the first vintage item I've ever bought, online or off, that I had quite literally fall to pieces on me as soon as I put it on. Considering the abundance of vintage I've bought and currently buy, this being my first such experience, is really getting off quite lucky. Hopefully I won't run into again ever or at least for a very long time and that this story will have at least a quasi-happy ending.

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

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  5. the cutest vintage strawberry fairy ever!!!!!!
    tony is right - that ensemble is absolutely fabulous! from the awesome hat over the GREEN! dress to the cute shoes. not to mention the beautiful gloves! and with your wonderful smile and elegant poses! sigh.
    tons of careful hugs - the hat! - to you my dear!!!!! xxxxxxx

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    1. Aww, thank you very much, my darling friend - you flatter me to no end! I must say, considering I had to rethink my outfit at the last minute (we wouldn't have had enough light to shot in, had I not worked quickly there), I'm really happy with how it all came together, too.

      Huge hugs & happy mid-March wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. there are times when due to other events or not being able to shut a creative streak down that i've stayed up all night, operating on the occasional nap or car ride. but isn't it nice to have those quiet, sleep and marathon tv show days? i declare, that is the only thing that keeps me sane sometimes. and what a great idea to tie up the necklace! i must say you look stunning!

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    1. It really is - they're extremely few and far between for me in recent years, so I enjoy those that do happen all the more. Honestly and objectively, I need to take more time off, but it's very hard when you're a natural born workaholic who is running a full-time blog and Etsy shop. Still, I know that I need to pace myself more and take actual days off sometimes, whether I spend them vegging on the coach or out and about or crafting at home - the key is just to step away from work and give my mind and spirit a much needed breather.

      Thank you very much, honey. I'm happy to know you like that tip about adjusting the length of a necklace. It really is handy, especially if you don't own a ton of different necklaces (which I do no do, due mainly to my pesky nickel allergy). I hope that you're doing well and having a splendid March so far.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Your haaaaaaattttt!!!! It's perfection! It's absolutely perfection!

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    1. At the risk of sounding biased because I own it, I agree 100%!!! :D I wish I could find a whole rainbow of this exact same vintage straw hat. My two favourite hat styles of all time are tilt and wide brimmed, the later of which I find to be very flattering on me, and thus I can't help but adore it even more.

      I'm happy to know that you love this hat as well - I'm sure it will appear here in many outfits over the years. And of course speaking of hats, we both know what other new one will be making its debut in the near future now that winter is finally starting to dissipate and give away to the glorious beauty of spring.

      Tons of hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. They look great on you and match well with the lovely green dress.

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  9. Those shoes are absolutely dream-worthy! Actually, the whole outfit is amazing! You look great!
    I know your pain with the shoes. I have incredible big feet for a female, and it's actually really difficult to find the right pair of shoes. I have an EU size 41 (US: 10.5 & UK 8.5). Glad you found such a great pair!
    x Angela // the-style-doll.blogspot.com

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    1. They so are, sweet Angela, I completely agree! I'm sorry to hear that you have hard to fit feet as well. Mine average a US size 8, though they look smaller then they really are (even my own aunt, just last month, was shocked when the topic of shoe sizes came up and I said I was a size 8, just like her - she, as most people tend to, assumed I was a 6 or 6.5). It was always frustrating to find shoes growing up, but since world of online shoe shopping opened up, great as it is in general, it can certainly feel like it's adding insult to injury if you don't have easy to fit feet, because now suddenly there are countless more pairs you can see, but not be able to buy in many cases.

      When I put together posts like those in my Vintage Fashionista Friday series, I often try to look for modern brands that sell a wide range of styles to include there and will do so all the more now that I know you wear a larger size, dear gal.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your splendidly nice comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I know I've said it before, but I must say it again, you are such an amazing style inspiration!!! I would have never thought to pair red accessories with the dark green and black dress. Even considering that red is my favorite color and I consider it a neutral, I would have never considered this combo. But it looks amazing, like the designer had intended it to be styled like this from the start. I'm excited to see how Born Bad Betty grows, there selection is darling now. Unfortunately, due to my back, I can only wear flats and they currently only have 2 styles. Of which, I already own very similar pairs. Too similar to justify spending the money. Not to mention our still sub-zero temperatures prevent ballet flats. Wonderful post, dear friend. It always feels like such an honor to be invited into your life.

    She Knits in Pearls

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    1. Thank you deeply, lovely Cherry. You words touched my heart and made me smile to no end. To be told that I'm a style inspiration is truly one of the highest compliments and honours I could ever hope for and to know that I'm such for a dear friend like you makes it all the more meaningful to me.

      I too hope that they continue to expand their flats section. There are tons of folks who have to, or simply prefer to, wear flats and they deserve to have just as many stylish, vintage-y shoe options as those who sport heels (or a combo of the two; which is the camp I fall into).

      Truly, thank you again. I've really been having one of those days today, but, I swear, your comment turned it right around for me.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. These shoes are absolutely adorable! I am in love with the strawberry theme going on here. Definitely what we need after a long winter! I also have to comment on the dress--that peek-a-book design is so awesome, and the color is just gorgeous. Perfect outfit!

    Also, I'm so happy to hear you have gotten everything settled and submitted with your taxes. It's just awful when stressful situations like that are just sprung on you--it seems to take a little longer to recover once everything is settled again. You have certainly earned some relaxation!

    Cheers,
    Jenny

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Jenny. My stars, did it make for a long week - the longest perhaps since I launched my Etsy shop last May, come to think of it. Thankfully things should be smoother sailing now for the rest of the month, then Tony and I will tackle our personal income taxes in April.

      Agreed! I intentionally plan to have this post tie in with the start of spring, but now that you mentioned it, I'm so glad that it did because no fruit says spring to me like strawberries (lemons and blueberries are close seconds). They're a firm favourite of mine on every front and now that I have these great BBB heels, I'm sure I'll be wearing them even more often from this point onward.

      Tons of hugs & many thanks for your wonderfully nice comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. One hundred times: Yes!
    Jessica, they are divine. Not an overstatement, trust me. And my joy is even more grand knowing (and reading on it here) how you suffer from the shoe-issue.
    I do not know what your original outfit was, but I believe this one makes your shoes (and the hat -loving it!) pop up. Onebgreat thing about clothes that I have learned was: it's all about going backwards.. using garnebts to enphasize am amazing brooch, for instance. In this case: your clothing choice made the shoes sparkle (and a sudden "Wizard of Oz" feeling is in the air). :)

    As to a "fallen apart" dress. I've been there. I was so happy to finish up a skirt, and as I was about to put on the waist to the thing.. it all went to pieces.. that is how I learend the lesson of "never EVER use inexpensive material".

    Marija

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    1. That is a wise and excellent piece of fashion advice, my dear friend. I too often work backwards or from smallest to largest item. It might be a brooch, a pair of earrings, a bangle bracelet, the pattern on a skirt, the hardware on a purse, you name it - something small that triggers a sartorial avalanche and really brings the whole outfit together. One of these days, I don't doubt, I'll pen a post with that very point at its heart.

      Oh no! I'm sorry to hear about your skirt. In my case, it was a mid-century suit and both the jacket and skirt literally fell apart (the thread used for the seams has rotted and is now causing every seam to split wide open) as I put them on. I've never experienced anything like that before and I hope that I don't again for a very long time to come. I'm waiting to see what will happen with the seller here, so I don't want to say too much publicly about it yet, but if I do end up keeping what remains of the suit, as the fabric itself is still in decent shape, I'd love to try and have a skilled seamstress, ideally one with vintage fabric experience, try to sew it back together again. We'll see!

      Tons of hugs & many thanks again for your endlessly lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. So much cuteness in one post, I don't where to start!! I love the shoes of course, they're just adorable and really wearable with that heel height. Then there's the hat, the brooch, and the fab dress with great keyhole detail. You put so much thought into your outfits, accessorising down to the last tiny detail, and it pays off - what a stylish lady you are in this!

    I feel for you on the taxes - I had to do a rush tax submission a few months ago because even though I've not been self-employed for a year or so, it was within the last tax year and I only realised right at the last minute, oops!!

    x

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    1. Oh no, I'm sincerely sorry that you found yourself in similar boat. I honestly feel like I went ten rounds in the ring with Mike Tyson after last week. That combination of being rushed, stressed, working around the clock, barely sleeping and having to learn + do so much on the fly for the first time really did a number on me. Hopefully I can recoup a bit this week and hop back into my usual swing of things from next week onward (very much including listing more items in my Etsy shop).

      Thank you for your immensely nice compliments about this outfit and my style, as well as for raising the point about the heel height. I didn't touch on that in my post here, but it really is a comfy, super easy to walk in height. I could easily wear that height every day, no problem.

      Many thanks again & score sof hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Oooh, aren't you daring with your cut-out bodice!

    Your new shoes are too adorable. :-)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Dawn! I really am. As an adult, this is certainly on the more risque side of the closet for me, so to speak. I say "as an adult" because I was a bit more daring with some of my fashion choices in my teen years, but even then I always kept a degree of modesty firmly in mind.

      I really like this dress and am fine with the amount of skin it shows. As I've entered my 30s, I've actually been finding myself drawn to somewhat more sensual styles like this again (which I know comes from reaching a place of greater self-love and body acceptance), so perhaps you'll see other keyhole dresses or shirts sported here in the future.

      Have a marvelous week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Dear Jessica,
    As always you're beautiful!
    Hugs from Normandie!

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    1. You're as sweet as the first strawberries of spring, dear Maud, thank you deeply!

      Tons of hugs & happy Wednesday wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Oh. my. word. Those shoes are adorbs! I'm a big fan of strawberries too. (I actually own a pair of shoes decked with the fruit, but they're Miss L Fire.)

    This whole ensemble is just lovely. I especially love the hat, and the dress, and the gloves, oh sheesh, I love it all! :D

    Heading over now to check out the shoe selection. :)

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  17. Such a great early spring outfit
    Retro rover

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  18. I'm partial to red shoes, and those are simply perfect! Peephole-style dresses don't tend to do me any favors, but the one I do have is also green, and also a modern brand inspired by vintage styles: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5o4NzNJiXgY/UCJKNDA0PCI/AAAAAAAACas/roDaIQYSWvk/s1600/DSCN8616.JPG

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    1. Red shoes are a major favourite of mine as well, sweet dear. I have a great faux patent leather pair of pumps that I wear often and have shared in outfit posts here many times, but these are the first cute red one I've had in ages and certainly the most adorable by far. Thanks for sharing that post with me - off to check it out at once.

      Have a fabulous week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. I adore those shoes! They are fun and sassy!
    I thought of you this weekend when I found a vintage looking dress at the thrift store-it was a Hell Bunny dress-then I saw you mention it (the brand) in this piece! It was so cute, but alas-3 sizes too small :(

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    1. Ooohh wow, that's really cool! There are so few vintage and repro fashion fans around there, I think I'd fall over on the spot if I saw a Hell Bunny dress (or any repro/vintage inspired brand name piece) while out thrifting. I'm touched that seeing it made you think of me.

      I really love Hell Bunny's offerings. They're affordable, well made, and fit me awesome - perhaps better than any other such brand, come to think of it. I've already purchased two new Hell Bunny pieces this year (fro their new spring/summer line) and would be surprised if they're my last for 2015.

      Lots of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I ran across of vintage-inspired clothing store at the Mall of America here in Minnesota and fell in love! The genre was probably 40's to 60's. I was swooning, but the friend I was with didn't really dig it :( I'll have to go take a look by myself someday soon! I'll have to check out Hell Bunny on line to have a look-see

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    3. Ooohh, you lucky duck, that sounds so awesome!!! You can hundreds, perhaps even a thousand or more miles between such stores here in many parts of Canada and we certainly don't have any around my town. I hope you have a blast when return alone or with others who are apt to get the appeal of such fashions.

      Have a wonderful Wednesday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. I adore the outfit! I love how you tied in the strawberry theme with that brooch and a dark green dress. Buying online is always a bit of a gamble, which is why I am purely a clearance/sale shopper. Sometimes I would like to take the gamble with expensive products, but I am haunted by bad experiences...

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  21. What a lovely outfit! I really like the color s and how you combined them!

    All the best,
    Petra

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  22. My dearest darling Jessica, you look gorgeous on this outfit. I like the combination of red/green/black, you always have such an eye for color. Your hat is beautiful! And red is a rather special color for a hat. Suits you so well princess friend! Your dress seams to be comfortable and pretty (I understand about peepholes, I also feel quite shy to wear them myself), Your shoes are a delight, so cute they are (I love cute fruit and strawberries are very cute). It's amazing that you can walk on them, I know how difficult it is to find suitable shoes, that's a winner! I have to say that your gloves were a rather nice gift, they have an incredible beautiful shape, I love them!

    Please take a rest dear friend. You well deserve it! :)
    Many hugs from,

    Beta

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    1. Sweet Beta, thank you deeply for your immensely lovely, and very flattering, compliments. Isn't this hat something else? Yes, sure, it's faded a bit over time, but you know what, that just makes me adore it all the more because it's a testiment to the many decades it's lived and enjoyed life in the sun.

      That dress is so comfy - like, I wish most of my pajamas could be as comfortable as it. Honestly, that's how I feel about all the dresses and cardigans I own from Hell Bunny. I really do think their offerings suit my body and lifestyle better than, or at least as well as, any other repro or vintage inspired brand I've ever tried. Not only that, but they're fairly reasonably priced, so I don't have to save up for many months at a time usually to buy a new piece from this line - in fact, I've purchased two new ones from their spring/summer 2015 line already this year (a flower + bird print skirt and a darling dragonfly print dress). If you get a chance to order any of their offerings, I really hope that you have the same kind of luck with them that I have so far.

      Aren't those gloves something else? They came from a super stylish vintage loving friend in the States who always, hands down, finds the most stunning gloves. She gave me the amazing black and gold pair I wore at the Vintage Expo in Victoria last fall, too, and some other pairs over the years that are equally sublime.

      Thank you again, honey. Tons of hugs and happy Wednesday wishes coming your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Great hat dear Jessica! I love the shoes as well!
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

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  24. You look beautiful! and super duper cute shoes!!!

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  25. I'm busy buying a ticket to fly over to you and literally rip that fabulous green dress off you! Hold on. On second thought you are so much smaller than me, so I will never ever be able to squeeze myself into it, so I will just turn green (!) with envy. I just adore green dresses. But your shoes, uh-huh! They take the scene too. I will take a look at their website tomorrow, I'm so happy they are in the UK, which suits me much better since I live in Denmark. Btw.: I will add them to my my list of vintage/repro clothing in the UK. I do not understand why you could not take a few days off and do absolutely nothing. Little lady, you are not good at being good to yourself! (raised finger) PS: Do tell Tony that we want to see the heels of the shoes you are wearing, it is very important. ;) Wishing you a lovely day, dear. :)

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    1. Thank you very much my sweet friend. Aww! You could borrow it anytime, if we lived nearby. I don't think we're that far apart size wise, plus there's a bit of room in this dress. I don't have to belt it or otherwise cinch the waist, but do like to in general, so I usually do with it. I liked how the cropped cardigan took care of that here. :)

      I always try to think about my international readers and friends and love featuring brands from the UK, elsewhere in Europe, Australia, etc, as certainly not everyone who loves vintage resides in North America and I've always felt that it's important to keep the global audience in mind when posting. In 2012 I wrote a post about ten of the (then) top repro/vintage style brands in the UK and it has proven (based on the stats for it) to be one of my most popular posts ever: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/01/ten-of-uk-best-vintage-reproduction.html

      I've been thinking about doing a "part two", perhaps as soon as this year. I'd also like to put together something similar (for the first time) for those in Australia and have started amassing lists (of sites) on both fronts.

      It's true, I'm awful at that and fully acknowledge it, but I'm a perpetual workaholic and really, genuinely struggle to take even one day off, let alone a week (with exceptions made of course for when my health strictly dictates that I must). I had two posts I needed to write and post for two different sponsors (one of which was this very post) that had been scheduled with each of them weeks ago, and I always strive to keep my word with posting dates, so that wasn't something I could postpone. Plus recent Etsy orders to send out, work that I do almost every week for some of the websites that Tony and I run, dozens of emails to catch up on from last week, and a few other things, so I opted to keep working, but do promise you that I'm pacing myself and trying to get in extra sleep to make up for that which I skipped last week - and I have every intention of taking the weekend off to spend with Tony (I need the breather!!!).

      I will pass your message along to Tony about the heels. :)

      Thank you for always being one of the most caring people on earth, dear Sanne. I'm blessed to have you in my life.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. You are the sweetest, dear. I often think how fabulous it was if we lived near each other. Then we could just pop by for tea, chat about mid-century fashion and style, and I could do your nails. Aah, dreaming. :) Do make a part two of your UK lists, and do take a look of mine: http://gt-sanne2.blogspot.dk/2014/10/reprovintage-clothes-in-denmark-and-eu.html and steal what you don't already have in your collection. You were so kind to send a list of your UK links, so now I can return the favour. Wishing you a great day, and I demand (!) you to take the weekend off! :)

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    3. It would be too cool for words!!! Why, oh why, must teleportation be impossible. Were it real, I'm sure we'd be popping by to visit each other all the time.

      You're as sweet as they come, too, dear Sanne. Thank you very much for offering the use of your fantastic list and for encouraging me to write part two of mine. It's a deal then! :)

      Sending tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  26. STRAWBERRIES!!! *FAINT* STRAWBERRIES! Holy smokes, I LOVE. ADORE. LOVE strawberry ... anything. Real yummy strawberries. Strawberry brooches. Strawberry, the color. STRAWBERRY SHOES! Oh honey! YOU LOOK SO AWESOME. Can you tell that I'm excited about your outfit and STRAWBERRIES?

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    1. Your palpable enthusiasm and passion for strawberries mirrors my own entirely - and I seriously love it! :) Thank you very much, my sweet friend. I will definitely remember that you're wild about them, too now. They are, to me (both of us?), what cherries are to many in the vintage and rockabilly realm - my top fashion fruit choice any day of the week! (That isn't to say I don't adore cherries, too, I certainly do, but strawberries are "it" for me!)

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. wonderful spring look! the hat is soooo adorable! WOW!

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  28. I love the red in your outfit. It is my favorite color after all. Beautiful, just beautiful! Xx ChristyByThe Sea xx

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    1. Thank you very much, my darling friend! It's one of mine too and has really developed into my signature colour bar none in recent years (I'm going to devote a post all about that fact a little later this year).

      Tons of hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. What a gorgeous outfit! I adore the brooch and the shoes. The colour of the frock really sets of your titian hair. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! I love this colour so much. Whether one calls it pine, forest or hunter green, it has been in my top five favourite colours for as long as I can recall. It's not the easiest hue to find in the fashion world (unless it's having a moment), let alone the vintage one, so when I do strike upon it, I usually try to nab up that item right away. My latest - thoroughly exciting - pine green fashion buy was a fabulously voluminous crinoline/pettiskirt from the very same brand as this dress, Hell Bunny. I'm sure it will appear here on my blog sooner or later! :)

      Thanks again & have a fantastic Friday!
      ♥ Jessica

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  30. Oh, your shoes and brooch are so cute Jessica! And that dress looks lovely on you.

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer
    boyerfamilysingersblog.com

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Brigid. It's a more daring design that I'm usually comfortable sporting, but I feel that it's still tasteful and very vintage appropriate, especially as a layering piece, so I figured it was high time I debuted it here.

      I hope that you and your lovely sisters are well and having a great month.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Damn, lady, you look great! I'm sorry that the tax thing was so, well, taxing, but I'm glad that you made it through, and I hope you're feeling 100% again.
    I'm really loving this outfit on you. The shoes are insanely cute, and I really love this color story - I wouldn't have expected to see them paired with the rich teal and the black, but I think it really works! I'm also really loving the hat, which I think would be the perfect accessory for a nautical inspired look later in the summer.
    <3
    Jessica, Zella Maybe

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    1. It so was and goodness, have I been paying the price on the health front this week because of it. Oh well, many lessons learned and that is always worth something for sure, so I can't harp too much (lol, unless I get audited, then all bets are off! ;)). Thank you very much for your understanding and caring words.

      Definitely! This hat practically begs to be used in a nautical inspired ensemble and I will strive to do just that later this year. Interestingly, my most nautical style dress is sweet, cotton candy-esque pink, not, say, red, white or blue, and I doubt the two would work well together (save perhaps for Valentine's Day), but I can certainly put together a look involving other sea worthy pieces. I recently thrifted a super nautical appropriate (vintage appropriate modern) striped top and am thinking that the two might play nicely together.

      Many thanks again. Have a wonderful weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. You look head to toe gorgeous, my friend! That hat is fantastic!

    I'm glad your business taxes are out of the way and that you're getting back to the normal pace of things. You deserve that much needed rest! <3

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  33. How lovely to be able to pick the shoes you wanted! I have to say the dress and cardi combo is so flattering - you have the nicest figure and I love the strawberry brooch. Sorry you haven't been sleeping though :( I really hope the stress lifts and you can sleep again x

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    1. Thank you very much across the board honey. Though I am feeling the ramifications this week (big time!) of little sleep and oodles of sudden stress like that, I do feel fortunate that when I need to, I can often survive on very little sleep. I've had painsomnia (chronic pain that is so severe it keeps you awake, or wakes you up from, sleep) for nearly thirteen years now, so I'm lucky to get a few short hours each night and that coupled with my natural night owl tendencies really plays a roll in my ability to do such. Still, I love and need sleep as much as the next person and wouldn't want to intentionally get by on so little for more than a week or two, if at all possible.

      This week I've been making up for it big time. In fact, I'm so run down from last week, I'm having a hard time staying up for more than half a day at a time. Hopefully by next week the scales of sleep, so to speak, will be more balanced once again.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Cutest heels and the cutest outfit ever! I adore your kitty-ear hat, and the colors of your outfit, and you strawberry brooch, and your amazing gauntlet gloves, and, and, and ~ *gush*

    For an outfit pulled together on the fly, this one is certainly is a stunner! And the hunter green is a fabulous color on you dear Jessica, definitely one you should wear often! :) ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. You're so sweet, Bonita, thank you very much! I love your enthusiasm for this look and share it with you completely. Agreed! Pine/forest green is one of my favourite colours ever (it's in my top five for sure) and I so wish it was easier to find in vintage/repro form, because I could honestly see it being every bit as much a signature colour for me as red is, were such the case. Hopefully more vintage style brands will continue to put out pieces in pine/forest/hunter green so that I can snap them up and sport them here, too. :)

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. I love the red and green together and those gloves are perfection such a lovely gift! Those shoes do look really comfortable and so so adorable. I have never had any luck ordering shoes online it is the one clothing item I never hunt for. I find one pair that fits and wear them till they die.

    In response to your comment on my blog I am pretty sure all the mini 4.5 shoes were from the same gal I am pretty sure when I do buy a bunch items at one time I am buying the same persons donations!
    Here in Winnipeg there isn't really a huge trend or market? for vintage shoes the vintage shops don't carry much and the pickers don't grab them so you can usually always find pre-60s at the thrift any given day. Finding some that fit you is another thing they are usually pretty narrow:(

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  36. His look was sensational in these pictures, wonderful! I like the way you are careful when composing the look and combines small details like the strawberry brooch and the ornament in the shoe. Glamor my dear!
    A big hug from his friend Cris.

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    1. You're so wonderfully sweet, dear Cris, thank you very much!

      Huge hugs coming right back at you from (currently rainy) Penticton!
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. I LOVE this look! It is such a springtime/summer look using what people normally think of as Christmas colors. It's simply darling!

    I'm sorry you're feeling so tired and stressed. I do hope you feel better soon!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. You know, I really do, too. For a true on the fly outfit, it came together rather nicely, if I may say so myself. The dress is a bit daring for me, but still within the limits of my comfort zone and the overall 40s silhouette it channels is one I madly adore.

      That's very sweet of you, thank you. I'll bounce back. It might take a while, but with spring's return in sight, I know that will help recharge my batteries even more quickly.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  38. Jessica, I love how you add splashes of color blocks into your outfits. That purse!!! Love:) Oh and of course, you know how I feel about gauntlet gloves. You wear your whole outfit with such style. I love seeing these posts. I hope you can get into more smooth sailing soon. I have a feeling with the weather changing things will get easier :) Peace and love to you! The great thing is that the stress is now behind you :)

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    1. That I do and I feel the same way as you do about them. The more the merrier and the bigger the gauntlet part, the better. They're such an amazing way to inject instant mid-century oomph and glamour into any look.

      Thank you very much. We had a bit of sunshine on Saturday (and also some near gale force winds) and that helped recharge my batteries. I'm still a bit drained, but am able to get back into the swing of things this week. I spent yesterday largely writing posts and today listing in my Etsy shop, which felt great, as it had been more than two weeks since I'd last done so due to everything pertaining to the tax situation. There's still each of our personal income taxes and Tony's business ones to do a little later in the spring, but at lease we've got years of practise with those and we knew beyond a shadow of a doubt when they're do, so no stressful surprises in terms of the dates there (phew!).

      Tons of hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  39. Those gloves are amazing, they really add a finishing touch to a lovely outfit. The shoes are such fun, I am glad that you found a pair you like that fit well. I have very wide feet so I find it hard to find shoes to fit too. I find it hard enough in a shop so am wary of buying them online. I hope you are getting some rest after the tax situation. Take care!

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely Kate. I'm sorry that shopping for shoes online is tricky for you as well. Tony has very wide feet and has never bought shoes online. He's actually looking for hiking boots right now and isn't find much at all locally in his size (width), but doesn't want to gamble with ordering online, as the return shipping costs are always so steep. We're going to go out again probably today to see a few other places in our end of the Okanagan might have something that works for him. Fingers crossed!

      I did get a bit of rest last week, thankfully, and it helped a lot, thank you. Naturally that was followed by a jam packed weekend and what has so far been a fairly busy week though - but thankfully, not with anything pertaining to taxes.

      Big hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  40. Beautiful heels Jessica.
    As usual, you're looking dapper - you're a modern day vintage princess.

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    1. That is an incredibly lovely, touching compliment, dear Lorena. Thank you very much!!!

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  41. They are indeed lovely shoes and how I love red shoes! My mother always wore red button fastening dolly shoes when I was growing up so I have a fondness for them and long for a pair of red dolly shoes of my own.

    I love strawberries too, they're my favourite summer fruit next to peaches and nectarines so I love the touches of strawberries in this outfit. I have a gorgeous Austrian fruit brooch which I wear with my strawberry skirt.

    I hope you are recovered from this trying (or should that be taxing) time by now xxx

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  42. You look radiant in these photos! I really love this outfit!

    Lisa.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear, what a terrifically lovely compliment!

      ♥ Jessica

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