May 4, 2015

Ooh, foxy scarf lady!




Outfit details

C. 1980s paisley print scarf (worn on my head): Thrifted (Value Village)
White plastic rose earrings: Claire's
1940s style sparkly gold sunglasses: Canadian Tire
Custom handknit fox scarf: Delightful Handiwork
Forest green button front shirt: Joe Fresh
1940s style side button jeans: Freddies of Pinewood
Vintage yellow and orange Bakelite bangles, and wooden bangles: Assorted sources
Camel coloured cross body purse: eBay
Contemporary 1940s style camel coloured shoes: Swap meet find years ago
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano







































Granted Jimi Hendrix and 1940s garb might not always be the first natural pairing that you think of, but I couldn't help borrow and slightly modify the title of this rock legend's classic track for today's vintage outfit post, as it really does suit it so splendidly well. :)

Many a photographer will tell you that shooting in harsh afternoon sun is a big no-no (even though hip fashion magazines have been doing it for decades), and in general, I'm with them on that, but sometimes it's flat out fun to venture down the unconventional path, especially if that's when you happen to find yourself on a quaint, peaceful dirt farm road in East Kelowna on a nippy April day while wearing your brand new knit fox scarf.

Designed to look resemble classic fur scarves, wraps and stoles of decades past made from whole or partial animal pelts, this gloriously adorable creation is one that I recently bought from fellow vintage blogger Michelle's Etsy shop Delightful Handiwork. She posted about her own identical scarf not too long ago on her blog (also called Delightful Handiwork) and the moment I saw this darling creation, I knew that I absolutely had to purchase one.

I zipped an email her way and before I knew it, her knitting needles were clacking away and just a couple of weeks later, this cuter-than-the-day-is-long tawny red and white fox scarf - designed in the classic Miss Marple style - had landed on my doorstep.

Fortunately since chilly weather often lingers into April (or even May) in Canada, I was able to test drive this excellently well made scarf a few times before spring really started to hit it stride and may honestly whip it out even though it now has. Say, on rainy day and/or chilly days or at an evening beach bonfire come summer.

I love supporting fellow Etsy sellers and I also adore a heavy-handed dose of whimsy in my wardrobe. This gem of a hand knit scarf delivers like there's no tomorrow on that front. At just $20.00 USD + shipping, it's also a serious bargain, too, IMO, for a handmade creation and I would happily purchase more from Michelle to give as gifts or if she makes other variations featuring different precious critters in the future.

On the day that these photos were taken, Tony and I attended our town's annual gun + antique show, which is about 98% guns and the like, both past and present, and about 2% other vintage items, so the name of this event is somewhat misleading. However, this wasn't my first time visiting it, so I knew what was in store for us there. While guns and hunting aren't personally my cup of tea, I couldn't help but think that the natural association of fox those two things made this a cheeky place to wear my new scarf to.

No one other than Tony picked up and commented on the association, but I still liked being able to have a somewhat themed accessory to sport to such an event. Very little vintage was to be had, but I did pick up a couple of small items for the shop and one seriously cool book from 1958 featuring hundreds (if not more) B&W photos all from classic mid-century movies. It's missing its dust jacket, but for $14 (the seller would only come down a dollar from his asking price of $15), it was still a steal of a deal for all of the cinematic history it houses (I will definitely try to share some pages from it here and/or on Instagram in the future).

Fashion, like sunlight, doesn't always have to take the path most followed. No matter your stance on wearing real fur (and/or hunting), you can easily sport a darling vintage appropriate handknit creation like this uber sweet fox scarf. I really adore how as time goes on, we are fortunate as old school fashion fans to consistently have creative folks like Michelle offering up products that not only look the yesteryear part, but which are skillfully made, and available to one and all the world over.

So while I don't plan to suddenly do all my photo shoots in the glaring mid-day sun, sometimes it's more than worth it to try something new and worry more about capturing the moment, than twiddling your thumbs while you wait for the golden hour to appear. When a scarf this adorable is around your neck, you want to take photos the very moment you slip it on - or at least asap, as we did that windy, golden springtime afternoon last month.

74 comments:

  1. Such an adorable scarf, and the photos are nothing less than outstanding!

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, sweet Lindsay. I will pass along your wonderfully nice compliment to the man with the camera! :D

      Have an awesome week,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Sue! They're not prescription, so my vision is atrocious in them, but they sure are cute, so when I'm just standing still like this, they make for a great prop with handy practical (sun blocking) properties. :)

      Have a fantastic week,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  3. That is an adorable scarf. I love your jeans. I wish they would bring those back. I am so tired of skinny jeans that are low rise. They do nothing for my figure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, dear Sylivie. They're from a UK brand that specializes in repro denim (but also sells other types of clothes, too) called Freddies of Pinewood. I own three or four pairs of pants and an about the same number of tops from them and truly can't recommend their offerings enough. They are a bit of an investment, especially for those of us outside of the UK, but their quality is fantastic and their products thoroughly mid-century looking.

      Have a wonderful week,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  4. That scarf is THE cutest!!! I love the sweet playful addition it makes to your outfit :D It actually reminds me a little of a fox hand puppet my mother knitted me when I was a toddler (I went through a phase where I was obsessed with foxes and only wanted fox toys to play with).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. I have always wildly adored foxes, too. They're such a clever, beautiful, one might even say, regal animal. Now that I know you're wild about them, too, I shall think of you each time I'm fortunate enough to spot one (which is usually just very early in the morning in secluded, woodsy areas during the spring and summer).

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

      Delete
  5. That scarf is killing me! So funny. And your pants are beautiful. I love that style.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it just the cutest thing you ever did see? I love a serious dose of whimsy in my wardrobe like this. It can be harder to pull off without looking unintentionally twee as one gets older, but I think the classic design and colour palette here ensures that anyone from a child to a senior citizen could easily sport this fun fox scarf.

      Thank you very much for your great comment, Ally. I hope that your week is off to a sunny start!

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  6. Foxy lady indeed, that's such an adorable scarf! I think these photos have a lovely quality to them actually, especially where the sun's behind you. You've got to just take some photos and not always be waiting for perfect lighting that might never come!! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well said, my dear, I'm with you there entirely. Spontaneity is often far too overlooked in their era of selfies, social media, and magazine worthy blog photos. All those things are great and have their place, but so does just capturing the moment, with whatever light is available, right then and there.

      Thank you for your wonderful comment. Big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  7. Oh my gosh, I'm looking up a crochet pattern for a scarf like that right now! That is so cute. We hit 80 degrees this weekend, so knit scarves are out of my rotation for a while...

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love these photos! The sun drenched quality is really gorgeous, and I think it really makes the green and russet tones in your outfit pop. That fox scarf is seriously cute, and I'm thinking I might have to snag one for a particular fox loving friend. Thank you for the awesome inspo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know, it really does (make them pop), great point. I feel like thinking and operating outside of the box with some of my photos this year (i.e., the one last month where I was laying on that blue dock) and this shot continues in that vein for me.

      I bet your friend would love one. They're so well made, cute as a button, and wonderfully cozy to boot.

      Have a splendid week, dear gal!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  9. I've wanted a fox scarf like that the longest time. Hopefully one day I will learn to knit properly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd seen similar ones before and daydreamed about owning one for years, too. As I'm not a knitter and highly doubt I ever will be, so when I saw that Michelle's offerings were just $20 USD, I had to snap one up instantly and I'm so glad that I did, because it's fantastic. If you want to treat yourself, I can't recommend buying one of her creations highly enough.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  10. I love the lighting! It makes your hair look amazing, and super shiney :D And what a cute scarf :) It suits the activities of the day quite nicely.
    ~Theresa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very sweet, dear Theresa, thank you for the wonderfully nice compliment. Being a full-time wig wearer due to medical hair loss, compliments on my "hair" mean all the more to me.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  11. What a terrific post, Jessica! Thanks so much for featuring my little fox scarf. It looks smashing on you. I just love how you've styled it. :D That is such a hoot that you wore it to a gun show!

    I think these photos have such a delightfully warm feeling to them due to the golden sunshine. :)

    {hugs}
    Michelle ^_^
    Delightful Handwork

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi darling gal, thank you very much for your lovely comment. I really could not wait (to fall, say) to share this scarf. It's the cutest one I've ever owned hands (err, fox paws) down and I was actually glad when the weather stayed nippy enough to sport it in April. Thank you again for the top-notch job you did on this scarf. I love it to bits and look forward to wearing it for many years to come.

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  12. It's a very cute scarf and it finishes off your charmingly casual and yet - of course - still incredibly well put together outfit perfectly. I find it really hard taking photos in bright sunshine, but you've nailed it here - I love these shots! The ones with the sun behind you are just wonderful. Very lovely :) CC x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet CiCi, thank you very much for your terrifically nice comment and compliments. My outfits and even style (to a degree) may vary at times, but the one consistent through them all will be that there's a fun, cohesive colour palette going on and I love that you pick up on that fact, my fellow vintage fashionista.

      Sending tons of hugs & happy wishes for this new week your way,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  13. I love these photos! That outfit is so cute and just the right amount of vintage casual. The scarf is adorable--I'd wear it! Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a lovely fun scarf. I have a similar knitting pattern somewhere :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your Fox scarf is too cute! Such a clever concept!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is! I could see this working well with numerous other types of animals as well.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment, sweet dear.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  16. Foxy indeed! How cute. I remember coming across some of those fox stoles with the heads and feet still on while rummaging through stuff at my grandmother's house when I was little. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Goodness, I can fully imagine!!! I don't recall the first time I saw a genuine fur with a head and/or limbs on it, but I know that I've been intrigued by them since I was a youngster. Thankfully this is a great way to get the look without sporting fur (I'll happily wear vintage fur, but don't support the modern fur industry) - plus, if need be, it can be tossed in wash, which gives it a big leg (fox paw) up from most real furs.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Dawn. Have a beautiful week!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  17. You look so lovely in this outfit, it really suits you, and that scarf is adorable!! So cute! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so sweet of you to say, Hayley Ann, thank you very much. I love the colours at work here. They're very autumnal, yet look right at home in mid-spring, so that's an extra point in their favour in my books.

      Big hugs & tons of happy wishes for the first (full) week of May,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  18. How eternally cute!! The sunlight doesn't seem harsh, but enhancing, happy and totally begging to be noticed, bursting fourth from it's winter time clutches. The colors here are smashing. and to be honest, i could help but really smile while scrolling through this. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is marvelous and very beautiful way to look at things and one that I'm certainly on board with! Compared to say, 3 pm on an August afternoon, this is pretty tame, but I guess after another lengthy Canadian winter, it seems pretty glaring. :)

      Aww, that's lovely to hear. Thank you so much for sharing that with me, sweet dear. It warms my heart to know that I brought a smile your way.

      Big hug,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  19. Ohhh, I've seen these cutie foxes on etsy before but never styled in an outfit. It looks rad, I also love the cut of your jeans. Very vintage! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. While the fox is a cutie, I am even more drawn to your great blouse/buttondown! I cant find and similar army green colored ones in the shops that don't have large pockets on the front, which I like the look of but definitely do not work on my shape! The wood shingled wall behind you is pretty cool too, it is always great stumbling upon good outfit photo backdrops like that.

    Though I am pretty anti-gun in general, I think seriously old antique guns are pretty cool to look at. I saw some beautifuly inlayed 17th century hunting rifles at a museum in London that were definitely more art than weaponry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet dear, thank you very much for your comment. You wouldn't know it here, bit this button front shirt is actually more of a soft pine green colour when not in glaring sunlight. I'm with you entirely on how tricky olive/army green shirts are to find though. I've noticed that in the summer and fall it's a colour that Forever 21 tends to bring in a bit (not all that surprisingly given how well that hue suits autumn), but you could risk running into those big pockets and/or collarless styles there for sure (I know exactly what kind of shirt you mean there, BTW - not my style either).

      I don't shot or hunt myself, but like yourself, I enjoy looking at and reading things pertaining to historical weapons. They were important parts of human history and it's impressive that we still have many fine examples from centuries past with us to this day.

      Back to shirts... :) Some good US brands/stores for classic blouses/button front shirts that might be worth checking out, especially in the summer - fall, as they're getting in their cold weather lines, are L.L. Bean, J. Crew, Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Old Navy, Joe Fresh, Brooks Brothers, Liz Clairborne, Talbots, and Sears. If I see any classic button fronts in this shade online, I'll be sure to let you know (I so wish more repro/vintage inspired brands would put out garments in this shade!).

      Have a terrific week,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  21. Jessica, I love this entire outfit, and the foxy scarf just finishes it perfectly! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Linda. Next time around (or at least at some point in the future), I think I'm going to see if I find a nice skirt or dress in my closet to pair this with and see how glam we can make Ms. Fox look. :)

      Tons of hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  22. Replies
    1. Thank you very much, my sweet friend. It's the cutest scarf I've ever owned and I'm actually hoping for a few chilly days this summer so that I don't have to wait until fall to wear it again! :)

      Big hugs & happy May wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  23. These photos look so warm and cozy, Jessica! And your fox scarf is SO cute! Love it!

    Brigid
    the Middle Sister and Singer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet Brigid. It is definitely warm and cozy as cute as can be. Michelle did a fantastic job and I can't recommend her offerings highly enough. If she ever makes other versions with different animals, I'll be queuing up to buy them! :)

      Wishing you and your lovely sisters a fantastic week,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  24. How beautiful, Jessica!! I love that adorable scarf that Michelle made, and you styled it perfectly! What better place to wear it than to a gun show!! :)
    You look gorgeous, as always!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really was a fitting place, even though I would never hunt for food myself (I don't oppose it if done ethically, but I could never bring myself to personally take an animal's life unless it was in true self defense of my own), I thought it would lend a tongue-in-cheek vibe the day's events.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. Huge hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  25. I'm just in love with that scarf! It's too adorable and it's knitted! Handmade makes it extra special :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, sweet Crissy. I'm head-over-heels in love with it, too. Michelle knocked it out of the ballpark here big time!

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

      Delete
  26. I literally love everything about this outfit. You look really cool! X x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's such an awesome compliment, thank you very much, sweet Philippa. It's not everyday I get told that I look cool. You've made my week!

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

      Delete
  27. Ha!
    This is the most fun item I've seen in ages, my dear.
    The fox, as we all know, does have it's history with boeing around lady's neck.. but this is bringing it to a whole new level. And, I love it.

    Marija

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it heaps of fun? Life is so serious and challenging at times, we all need some whimsy and sweetness in our wardrobes like this to help counterbalance that fact.

      Big hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  28. What a charming and cute scarf. And what an incredibly low price! I'm a knitter myself and know how much work a scarf like this implies, so it is truly a bargain and makes a great gift. I am sure smaller girls will love it too and that it will make them fell like real ladies. Lovely photos, Tony can go against all photography rules I'm sure (do tell him). XOXO from sunhiny Denmark :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sweet Sanne, thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. Agreed! She is offering an incredibly good bargain on these scarves. I almost did a double take when I saw how reasonable her prices are. They're so well made, too - not to mention cute and comfy as the day is long.

      I will definitely let him know, thank you very much.

      Huge hugs & happy day off wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  29. Oh such a cute scarf! I'm definitely going to have to share the link with a facebook friend who loves foxes. I think shooting in the sun is a bit hard on your eyes (most outdoor photos of me are with closed eyes) but the brightness does add a certain quality to the photo. It will definitely be interesting when i enter the pin up competition this weekend, going and posing in the sun in the middle of the day....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It can be for sure. There's no way I could have done it and kept my eyes open if I wasn't wear sunnies. I try to keep a pair in the car all the time so that I'm covered for occasions like this. I only have three pairs (and only one of those is prescription, so my vision is pretty poor in the other two), but thankfully the one I had to hand that day was the pair that suited this outfit best.

      Thank you for letting me know that you plan to share about this post (or Michelle's shop) with your friend. I hope she loves these cute scarves as much as I do.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  30. OMG could you get any more cute!? That little fox scarf! I die!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As do I! It's just the cutest accessory I've ever owned. Michelle knocked it out of the ballpark and then some with this fabulously fun fox scarf.

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

      Delete
  31. Oh I love this scarf! Such fabulous work, and a great outfit to match :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet gal! I love this scarf, too. It's the perfect mix of cute + whimsical + cool.

      Wishing you a beautiful Thursday,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  32. I really like the light in these photos, the colours of your outfit and the warmth of those shingles make them so attractive to look at. Great scarf, I really like the idea, in fact I think I kept a pattern for one from a magazine. A fabulous knit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Glaring though it were (especially by April's sunlight standards), I really liked it, too. I find that some types of harsh light can actually be surprisingly flattering, as they sort of work like one of the more yellow filters on Instagram, and didn't mind the light here at all.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  33. Loving the fox scarf! :) I have a badger one that is similar, its just so fun! Your friend is very talented!

    Jerra xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my word, a badger would be amazing! May I ask, did you make it yourself or purchase it. If so, where did you get it from? I'd love to add a badger to my wardrobe, too. They're not an overly common critter in most parts of Canada (I've never seen one in the wild myself) and that just ads to why I'd love to have a knit one come live in my closet. :)

      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  34. That scarf is the cutest!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It truly is!!! Michelle really knocked it out of the cuteness ballpark here! :)

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment. Have a fantastic weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  35. I love the fox scarf!! The outfit compliments it beautifully - just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Chantal, thank you very much!!! I'm so happy that the weather was still nippy enough to warrant a scarf, but not to the degree that a coat and winter boots were needed, too. Had it not been, I might have had to wait months to share about this new, uber cute purchase and that would have felt like a small eternity with something this darling. :)

      Have a marvelous weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  36. Replies
    1. Thank you very much, sweet Beverly. It really could be in the dictionary beside the world adorable! :) Michelle did such a splendid job with this scarf. Not only is it cute as all get out, but it's very well made, comfy and cozy - and affordable, to boot. You couldn't ask for more in a scarf or any garment, for that matter.

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

      Delete
  37. Gosh, what a gorgeous outfit! I love the touch of whimsy and kitch the fox scarf adds to your outfit Jessica. I'm a huge fan of 'cute' and I just about squee'd when I saw your photos. Plus, the irony! Oh, hahaha! I'm surprised no one got the fox hunting reference! You sure think they would at an antique gun fair!

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was rather surprised as well, but perhaps (and I'm very happy about this point) because fox hunting is not nearly as common in Canada as it is in, say, the UK, people didn't put two and two together. Who knows? Tony and I enjoyed the inside joke all the same, but maybe if we go next year, I'll try to find a vintage gun or bullet shaped brooch to wear instead. I don't own one (as I don't shot or hunt myself), but I know there are some out there. If it was a more old-fashioned looking pistol, it would also work great for wild west and stampede related events, so I'm sure it would worn for other occasions, too.

      Thank you very much for your terrific comment, sweet Bonita. I hope that you're doing well and having a beautiful month of May.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  38. Oh, how adorable. And that color, much like the ochre sweater you wore last fall I think and showcased on here, is simply wonderful on you. I've been itching to knit again. I haven't knitted in well over a year, gosh it's been too long.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so sweet of you to remember that outfit (from our trip to Vancouver Island) last fall. Earth tones have always felt really, really natural to me and I love that many of them work well, IMO, with my colouring - this olive-y green shade being one of them.

      Many thanks & have a terrific weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete