September 22, 2012

25 vintage fall fashions under $50

There are certain days that one waits for with intense eagerness each year, their clockwork appearances like signposts on the road of life. For me, one of these days has always been that which brings with it the return on autumn.

Of all the seasons - each of which I do adore for a myriad of reasons - none holds quite as dear or precious a spot in my heart as fall. Such as been the case since I was knee high to a crimson maple leaf, and so it will always be.

From the instantly recognizable crispness of the air to the mountains of downed foliage, the golden sunlight to the harvest that nature is laying at our feet, there are countless reasons why I cherish autumn.

One of my favourites though has always been - at least up here in the wilds of Canada - that fall (baring perhaps the occasional handful of Indian summer days) definitely means the return to a cold weather wardrobe. Thigh opaque tights, soft sweaters, wool skirts, velvet blazers, leather boots, tweed hats, cozy knit scarves, you name it, I love it.

Though it’s a little sad to know the days of bare sleeves and ankles are behind us once more, any such melancholy is short lived, for as soon as I start bopping around the web looking at fall fashions, it's all I can do to refrain myself from going on a wild shopping spree!

I know that I'm not alone in this regard, and that many of you are die-hard fans of autumn (and by extension, winter) clothing, too. I'm also well aware that, much like myself, many of you also live life on a very strict budget and that you don't have scads of cash to plonk down on your threads just because a new season arrived back in town today.

Luckily however, you need not take a second mortgage to ensure your wardrobe includes all the pieces you need - and a few more you simply love and want - this year. Over the past few days this week, knowing full well that today marked the official start of autumn 2012, I scoured the internet to bring you a selection of twenty-five vintage and vintage appropriate fashions, all of which each cost less than $50.00 a piece.

I fully realize that everyone's idea of what is and isn't costly varies greatly, sometimes even from month to month, just depending on how what kind of shape your wallet is in at the moment, and felt that a $50.00 cap was a reasonable price tag at which to set the upper limit of any item included in this roundup.

I hope that you enjoy these mid-century perfect, fall appropriate garments as much as I liked sourcing them, and that - even if you don't buy any of them specifically - they serve as an inspirational jumping off points for your budget-friendly wardrobe this fall.


{Channel your inner late 50s/early 60s secretary or college girl in this striking blue and brown plaid dress with matching belt. Fits aprox. 40" bust/37-39" waist. $31.00 from etsy seller Cricket Capers.}




{Whether you love wearing black for its timeless style appeal or are looking for a marvelous Halloween eve sweater, this elegant beaded 1950s cardigan is sure to fit the bill. Fits a 42" bust. $38.00 from etsy seller Dirty Birdie Vintage.}




{Though a modern piece, the swingy a-line cut and knee-grazing hemline of this skirt - not to mention the classic (almost military uniform) neutral hue - made me think it would work splendidly in many a cold weather 1940s inspired look. Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $23.80 CNS from Forever 21 Canada.}




{Long sleeves are often a must during the fall and winter, but that doesn't mean your shirts have to be drab in the least. A Peter Pan collar and adorable bow are all it takes to give this stretch jersey top oodles of style and visual interest. Shirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $27.29 from Plasticland.}



{Shirtwaist dresses are a beloved staple in my wardrobe all year long, but come autumn I especially like to wear seasonally hued ones - such as this lovely cognac brown hued 1950s frock - with a warm cardigan, tights, and a cute pumps for a fantastic go-anywhere daytime look. Vintage dress fits a 43" bust/36" waist. $34.50 from etsy seller 27ogle.}





{Perfect as is if you're lucky enough to still have decent weather, or worn under a beloved cardigan, shrug, bolero, or jacket all season long, this curve-hugging Va-Voom Vixen Top brings plenty of vintage style and flattering allure to the fashion table. Shirt comes in sizes small to 2XL. $38.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a beautiful autumn leaf pattern, this 1950s housecoat dress is one of the loveliest ways I can think to instantly inject a huge dose of the season's rich palette into your closet. Fits a 41" bust/31" waist. (Currently on sale for) $41.60 from etsy seller Ginger Root Vintage.}
 



{Inspired by styles from the 1930s, these faux leather, vegan-friendly Whiskey Mill Oxfords are as autumn appropriate and timeless as a shoe can get. In half and full shoe sizes 6 to 10. $37.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a height enhancing row of monochromatic buttons up the front and two generously sized hip pockets, the Just Dandy Skirt calls to mind similar styles from the 1940s well on into the 50s, and would make for an excellent cold weather wardrobe staple (as, let's face it, just about every top goes well with a long black skirt). Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $39.99 from ModCloth.}



{When one hears that words "cotton blouse", summer is likely the first season to pop into your mind, but when the fabric has a decent weight to it, and the style boasts a high collar and elbow skimming sleeves, it's possible to easily wear a cotton shirt - such as this cheerful orange 1950s example - long after Labour Day. Fits a 20" bust/36" waist. $30.00 from etsy seller Savvy Spinster Vintage.}
 



{Here's a piece that I definitely need more of in my wardrobe, a classic mid-century blazer. This particular vintage jacket hails from the 1940s and has a boxy, but not shapeless style that would be terrific with everything from pencil skirts to wide legged trousers. Fits a 34" bust/36" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Vintage Archives.}



{If it wasn't for the fact that I'm allergic to wool, these utterly darling pink cherry gloves would be headed straight to my house in the mail as we speak. Alas, I am, and so my pesky allergy is one of you lucky ladies' gain. Smile Aprox. size 7.5 gloves. $25.00 from etsy seller Luxury Life.}




{Every well stocked wardrobe need a nice medium to heavy weight sweater or two in classic hues, like this delightful cable knit cream 1940s cardigan that would go with nearly any cold weather outfit you could dream up. Fits a 34 to 38" bust, waist not specified. $28.00 from etsy seller Resurrecting Vintage.}
 



{Shimmering sequins and elegant applique add eye-catching appeal to this simply tailored, beautiful rust hued 1930s crepe dress. Fits a 43" bust/almost 33" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Recollection Clothing.}





{As you gals know, I'm a huge fan of pencil skirts and fully believe that just about any woman can wear one, so long as she finds a cut, fabric and colour that works for her figure. As such, I'm always on the prowl for vintage skirts in versatile colours and fabrics that will see me through autumn and well beyond. This classic brown wool 1950s pencil skirt would certainly hit that mark. Fits a 27" waist/40" hips. $29.00 from etsy seller KenghaRue - who is having a 20% off sale on all items in their shop during September 2012 if you use the coupon code Back2School when you checkout.}




{A return to nippy temperatures means it's time to bust out the thicker fabric hats to help keep your noggin toasty on even the chilliest of October and November eves. This sophisticatedly lovely 1940s wool hat in a neutral taupe hue is definitely the kind of topper that you'll reach for year after year, thanks to its fun toque inspired cut and goes-with-almost-anything material and colour. Inner hat circumference measures 21.5. $30.00 from etsy seller Guermante's Vintage.}



{The resplendent spirit of the season is out in full bloom in this beautiful 1950s cardigan with it's festival fall leaves and October perfect palette. Fits (unstretched) a 37" bust/26" waist. $46.00 from etsy seller Jumblelaya.}
 



{Sometimes when those autumn winds pick up, you want a little something extra to help keep the chill at bay, but aren't quite ready for a full on winter coat. Enter capelets and shawls, such as this charming 1950s hand knit wool collar caplete that boosts a fun fringe and soothing cream and blue colour palette. Measures 25" around with a 16" neck opening. $25.00 from etsy seller Vintage FanAttic.}
 



{Tartan and fall go hand in hand like Halloween and trick-or-treating, in my books, and I always keep my eyes peeled for fun, seasonal pieces in this beloved Scottish pattern come September. These cute bow adored tartan flats look very comfy and like they'd be the perfect thing to wear for an evening walk through the crispy, beautiful autumn leaves. Available in shoe sizes 5 to 10. $27.00 from ASOS (USA).}



{Brocade was all over the fall/winter runways this year, and while I don't dress with an eye towards modern fashion trends in the slightest, I do find it interesting when a classic piece or material suddenly has the spotlight shone on it once more. If, like me, you've long adored this chic fabric, then this sophisticated green and brown 1950s brocade jacket is just the ticket for you - whether you're trying to channel this season's trends or just sticking with what you've always loved. Fits a 38" bust/36" waist. $38.00 from etsy seller MadMak's Closet.}



{Orange can be a tricky colour for some folks - myself very much included – to pull of successfully, but hues on the darker end of the spectrum can be considerably easier in this regard. If you're also a fan of rusts, pumpkins, and burnished coppers, you'll likely find your eye drawn to this classic ribbed knit 1950s top, too. Fits a 36" bust/27" waist. $32.00 from etsy seller RakShniya Vintage.}





{Like a cross between the best shoes of the 1930s and 70s, these warm honey hued t-strap heels are absolutely beautiful. The bow adds sweetness, while the stacked heel provides a sturdy platform upon which to jump, jive and wail the night away. Available in half and whole shoes sizes 5.5 to 11. $34.99 from ModCloth.}
 



{Evoking thoughts of everything from cheering football crowds to awesome evenings spent in front of a bonfire, plaid wool (Pendleton-esque) jackets have been a beloved part of many peoples' fall wardrobes for decades now. If you're looking to add one (or another one!) to your closet, then this wonderful brown and grey 49ner style wool jacket might just the ticket. Fits a 43" bust/41" waist. (Currently on sale for) $32.00 from etsy seller Merletto.}




{While you might still have clear skies and sunshine where you live, it likely won't be too long before many of us are gearing up for another round of snow filled months, and that may mean a return to outdoor winter sports. If skiing is in the cards, then you'll likely flip for these fantastic wool gabardine 1940s ski pants – which would look equally cute on athletes and ski lodge bunnies alike. $20.00 from etsy seller Vintage Zipper.}
 



{If you set out with the sole intention of finding a 1950s wiggle dress in the most autumnal palette you could possibly unearth, chances are it would look something like this alluring, flat out beautiful example. No need to search high and low though, if your measurements jive with those of this seasonally stunning frock, the sleuthing has already been done for you. Fits a 35.5" bust/27.5" waist. $48.00 from etsy seller Stop The Clock Vintage.}


{Please note that all prices listed here are in US or, if specified, Canadian, dollars and that they were accurate as of the time of writing.}


Aside from the fact that I love, and work hard, to find as many bargains as I can when shopping for myself and my family, part of the reason that I usually like to keep an extra tight watch on what the garments in my fall wardrobe cost is because Christmas is right around the corner (just three months and three days away from today's date), and that means a sharp increase in spending come November and December.

This is true for the bulk us us who celebrate any of the gift-giving winter holidays, and with retail prices continuing to soar, most of us need ever extra penny we can get this year.

I didn't find all of the items in today's post in one evening, however doing so didn't take up weeks of my time either. A handful of keywords and the fact that some sites (like etsy) let you search based on lowest price first made tracking down some really charming, timelessly stylish vintage pieces for fall a fun task that ultimately took very little time. In fact, it was hard to stop at just twenty-five garments, but that seemed like an ideal number for this post as it was half of the maximum budget for each piece.

I'm positively ecstatic that fall is here once more and look forward to hopefully adding a few new (as in vintage) garments to closet this season. By the same token, I'm bubbling with excitement to both see the amazing autumn fashions you'll be sporting and to share snapshots of some of my favourite pieces with all of you.

Covering both fashion and various other topics, I've got scores of great posts in the works for this season and think that 2012 is going to deliver one of the best autumns ever!

19 comments:

  1. Great roundup! I've already "favourited" a few of those beauties on etsy!

    Lisa.

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  2. Wow Jessica! These clothes are stellar! I especially love the pink gloves, ALL the cardis and the rust shirtwaist. As usual, your commentary is great! Can't wait to see more.

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  3. Jessica, you describe the excitement of approaching fall so colorfully. I'm one of those fall season die hards, too. There's a unique energy that no other seasons possesses.

    The Modcloth shoes are adorable. Just adorable,

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  4. Dear Jessica,

    I have several thoughts running thoughts my mind in answer to this post; however, I am short on time and not quick when writing. I think, if you don’t mind, that when I have time I will re-post a few of your items that are my top favorites.

    I do want to tell you that I much enjoyed reading this post. Your descriptions of autumn and all the reasons it is your favorite season are so vivid, things I feel but am not so talented in expressing. Everything about autumn excites me ~ I even love the name, although typically, Americans refer to it as fall, but autumn seem a more picturesque word.

    I look forward with anticipation to your coming post.

    :) Hope

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    1. Hi Hope, thank you very much for your immensely sweet words. By all means, do feel free to avail of the items listed here - so much of the point of posts like this is to share these fun vintage finds with all of my wonderful readers and for them to then buy - or blog - whatever they'd like.

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I love autumn too. The crisp cool yet sunny weather. The rustling of falling leaves and an excuse for hot chocolate and cookies.
    These clothes are darling! I really like the cabled cardi, rust pullover and those wool gloves. Saved the photo so I can embellish a pair of plain gloves. This year I'm making my family all of their Christmas presents. My mom gave me a lot of yarn and I'm making hats, scarves, and media holders. It gives me something to do and it's more personal.

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    1. Three big cheers for hot cocoa and cookies for sure! :) Aren't those gloves just as darling as all get out?! I'm delighted to know they inspired you and would love to see a snap of any your make that are similar. Three cheers, too, for homemade gifts, they really are so heartwarmingly thoughtful and special.

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Oh my, I just got the same ski pants in the mail today, they are so cute. You'll be seeing them on my blog soon.

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  7. I think that is a great list of items esp the ones from etsy! I love your taste. I am now heading to etsy to keep searching on...you have inspired to look for some more fall pieces heehe xox

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  8. Okay, after looking through all these photographs of lovely clothes, my head is spinning with delight! I absolutely fell in love with the first dress the moment I saw it! I loved the pink mittens too and the shoes and . . . well, almost everything! You have great taste in clothing! :)

    Autumn is my favorite season as well. :)

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    1. Thank you deeply, Mara, what a terrific compliment to start the earliest Sunday morning hours off with. I'm delighted to know you enjoyed these season vintage pieces and really hope they inspire you this autumn as well.

      ♥ Jessica

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  9. thank you so much for this post ... great idea! love the last dress most.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.de

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  10. What a great collection you have put together here. Two of the etsy dresses I had already marked in my favorites but, boy oh boy, that last one is beautiful. If it would only fit me!

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  11. Hi! You are so sweet! I just got your message and it made me laugh a little. Dave is my 3 year old Boxer dog! My boyfriend's name is Nick, but he doesn't like me to put his name or picture on my blog! I can totally understand the confusion though!
    Hope you had a great weekend! btw. The pup is totally on the mend now. :)

    Lisa.

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    1. *Blush!!!* Silly me, I'm sorry. Someone could totally make the same mistake with me, as our cat is named Stella, and it would be easy to think I was taking about a child or other person I knew. Happy to hear that Dave is on the mend - I adore Boxers, and will definitely remember your sweet pup's name now :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I am in love with all the shoes and the black skirt just under the first pair of shoes...seriously want to buy all 4 items. Being allergic to wool sounds awful :( i love my knits!
    xox

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    1. I love all of the shoes here so much, too! Especially the bow bedecked t-straps.

      Being allergic to wool is pesky indeed (I usually get terrible rashes from materials with even a small amount of wool in them), but I've found ways around the problem in some cases. Lined skirts worn with long sleeves and gloves, or a wool coat (again lined) with a scarf (as a buffer between my neck and the coat) can often allow me to wear some types of wool garments relatively safely. Thankfully there are a number of felt, acrylic, cotton, etc options out there when it comes to winter wear, so usually bypassing wool isn't too big of a headache.

      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Love these. I really do live by a tight budget so I do my best to find a good deal wherever I can and sometimes buy vintage inspired over vintage because it costs less. I'm currently bidding on a interesting pair of 50s jeans on ebay. Would be great this fall/winter!!

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  14. J'ai craqué sur la première robe, du coup je l'ai acheté. Merci.

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