November 4, 2013

25 of my favourite vintage purchases from our trip to Alberta

Over the past few weeks, it's been nothing short of a joy to share some of the highlights, vintage fun, and deeply personal thoughts on our recent travels to Alberta with all of you.

Though, hard as it is to believe, more than a month and half has passed since we set of on our exciting journey, the spirit of adventure, exploration, challenge, and happiness that filled my heart and soul then is every bit as strong still today. I believe that it will remain as such for a long time to come, if not forever, rekindled periodically by future trips to old haunts and new destinations alike.

With my beloved Halloween behind us again for another year, and before we get in the massively busy throes of the coming holiday season that looms on the snow covered horizon, I thought I'd use the first Monday in November as the perfect time to share my last post (or at least that last one I have planned at the moment, one never knows what their travels may inspire down the road on the blogging front) devoted solely to our September 2013 trip to Calgary (and Nanton), Alberta.

I know that many of you have been highly anticipating this post, just as I've eagerly been looking forward to putting it together. This isn't a complete inventory of everything I bought on our trip, instead it’s a collection of twenty-five of my favourite items, each one of which I've listed along with where it came from and what (as best I can remember a few weeks after the fact) I paid for it (as I usually do wherever I go, I bargain hunted big time in Alberta).

As many of us do when we travel, I headed over the Rocky Mountains with a set budget (which, though I pretty much maxed out, I'm happy to say, I didn't exceed) as well as a list, in my head, of items I hoped to find. I'm always a hard core realist when it comes to vintage shopping in Canada, even when I have the great pleasure of visiting a large metropolis like Calgary. I knew that I wasn't going to be crossing all the items on vintage wish list off, didn’t have a snowball's chance of finding my vintage Canadiana holy grail, and was even skeptical as to if any vintage ski wear would come my way.

It's a good thing that I went with this mindset, because none of those items were forthcoming. That does mean however that plenty of fabulous finds weren't to be had, they certainly were, and for every piece I purchased, several other items that caught my eye had to be left behind, both for the sake of my wallet and because we had exceedingly little room to bring things home with us (the trunk on our car makes a matchbox look roomy! :)).

Ultimately, though I didn't find many of the items (such as a corde purse, vintage ski wear, or well priced celluloid and/or Bakelite jewelry) that I'd thought before hand would be awesome to track down, I did find a few things (including a darling lady's head vase, included below) and love everything that I bought, whether I had gone hunting intentionally for it not.


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Vintage plastic souvenir fan featuring scenes of Alberta | $6.99 | Inside Avenue Antiques | One of the things that I was keeping my eyes firmly peeled for was vintage collectibles from Calgary and/or elsewhere in Alberta, so when I spotted this charming little plastic fan boasting several small photographic scenes of different spots around the province, I knew immediately that it was coming home with me. 



Vintage paperback copy of Gypsy Rose Lee's autobiography | $10.00 | Inside Avenue Antiques | Though I didn't buy a single vintage magazine (the small number that I saw which appealed to my interests, were exceedingly overpriced), I did find this cool biography of famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, which I'm really looking forward to reading soon. 



Vintage pink floral cake slice plate | $4.99 | Inside Avenue Antiques | That's how this plate was labeled (cake slice) and as I think it's a darling description, I'm sticking to it. I love it's small shape, beautiful colours, and classic floral pattern. I foresee it being used a jewelry catch-all one day when I have more bedroom or bathroom dresser/counter top storage space available. For now I'm going to put it to use in my craft room in the basement.


Vintage Imperial Gem canning jars | $4.50 each | The Raven Store | Long before vintage blue canning jars experienced a massive resurgence in popularity in recent years (thanks in no small part to Pinterest), I'd been on the prowl for some. Though I'd seen others before, they'd always been priced in the $20-$75 (I kid you not!) range, which was a bit too rich for my blood. I'm glad I held out because, these two were a wonderful song at just $4.50 a piece. 



Second hand floral cross stitch throw pillow | $4.99 | Inside Avenue Antiques | This pillow, which measures about 12 inches on each side isn't the easiest thing to date. It doesn't have any tags or identifying marks, nor does it doesn't feel brand new. I'd honestly believe it was as old as from the 1940s and as recent as this decade. Whenever it hails from, I adore it and am happy to have a throw pillow (toss cushion) again, after Annie ate just about all of the ones we had before we got her (thankfully none of them were vintage or expensive!). 



Cute vintage candy tin featuring a bulldog and a chick | $2.99 | Shoulder To Shoulder Militaria & Collectibles | I popped into this small, but thoroughly well stocked shop hoping to perhaps find some WW2 sweetheart or Victory brooches, and though the wonderfully friendly owner did indeed have some sweetheart ones, they were too close to those already in my own collectible for me to invest in. Instead, I picked up this darling little vintage candy tin, a vintage figurine of a Dutch girl, plus two brooches (all included in this roundup as well), and got to meet one of the nicest sellers I encountered on our travels. 



Set of three vintage (1950s) girl figurines with parasols | $7.99 per figurine | Inside Avenue Antiques | I have an unending love of cute, kitschy 1940s and 50s girl and lady (and animal) figurines, be they Napco, Relco or any other brand, and am always on the prowl for more to add to my collection. I'd been looking to find some with their original little parasols (which are all too easily lost over the years) for ages, and was thrilled to discover this trio (plus the solo gal, who's a big bigger than these three, pictured below) on our travels. 



Vintage (1950s) pink girl with parasol planter figurine | $9.99 | The Raven Store | Measuring just a few inches high but packing a hefty dose of old school adorableness, this sweet little planter style figurine was far too darling to pass up. 


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Vintage (1950s) Valentine's Day pink girl planter figurine | $9.99 | The Raven Store | This heartwarmingly lovely little planter figurine was a last minute purchase from The Raven Store, simply because she was located on the checkout counter near the cash register and I didn't spy here until I went to pay! :) 



Cute vintage Dutch girl bell figurine | Shoulder To Shoulder Militaria & Collectibles | Though I wouldn't use her as a bell too often, lest her buckets, which work as the bell's swinging pendulums, risked chipping the figure, this precious little circa 1940s/50s girl will get plenty of use as a decorative piece on one of my bookshelves. 



Vintage cream and gold girl figurine lipstick holder | $16.99 | The Raven Store | I'd been hunting for a vintage lipstick holder in the style of this one for as long as I could remember, but had yet to come across on in person. The Raven Store had at least three different ones, of which this elegant cream and gold number was my very favourite. It's now hard at work housing my three most commonly worn lippies and I absolutely love it to pieces. 



Vintage cream and gold lady's head vase | $19.99 | | The Raven Store | Only my second lady's head vase to date and by far the better of the two in terms of condition, this glamorous beauty all but sung out my name (in an Andrews Sisters-esque voice) when I walked past. 



Vintage Lake Louise tourist souvenir dangle charm brooch | $20.00 | Shoulder To Shoulder Militaria & Collectibles | This fun little vintage tourist pin features a cable car and edelweiss flower in a nod to the mountaineers that Lake Louise - and the Rockies in general - has long attracted. 



Vintage plastic flower cameo brooch | $4.99 | Shoulder To Shoulder Militaria & Collectibles | Though I suspect it hails from the 60s, 70s or 80s, this lovely plastic cameo brooch could easily be a decade or two older or younger as well. It's age wasn't a determining factor for me, it's pretty floral design and feminine colour palette were the ticket there. 



Circa 1940s purple ruched gloves | $18.00 | A Vintage Affair | I bought five pairs of vintage gloves from various shops while on our travels, including two from A Vintage Affair on 11th Ave SW, of which these elegant ruched lilac babies are my very favourite. 



Vintage Venetian scene tapestry handbag | $40.00 | Lost Ark Antiques | Being married to a native son of Italy, I always find myself drawn to vintage items featuring Italian scenes. I'd been looking to add a Venetian tapestry handbag to my wardrobe for years and knew this one was the winner the moment I saw it. It's generously sized, in great condition, and just as pretty as pretty can be. 



Vintage spring garden scene woven straw handbag | $8.99 | The Raven Store | A gal can never have too many fun vintage straw handbags, if you ask me, and this well priced cutie will be the first one I reach for when spring returns next year. 



1950s/60s clear plastic cat eye sunglasses | $15.00 | The Raven Store | Between the fact that I'm nearsighted and require prescription lenses in my sunnies and my pesky nickel allergy, which rules frames with exposed metal out, I don't own many pair of sunglasses, in fact, prior to this purchase, I only owned one (seen here). Whether I put prescription lenses in these fun clear frames or just wear them for photo shoots, at $15.00 and fitting like a glove, there was absolutely no way I was going to pass them up! 



Vintage (c. 1950s) mandarin collar pink Chinese style shirt | $15.00 | Divine Vintage | Usually (fold over) collar-less shirts do not look good on me, but I lucked out on that front (I think, at least :)) when I slipped on this delightful 1950s pink cotton mandarin collared top. It's lightweight, comfy and very cute! I foresee wearing it with skinny black capris or cigarette pants (if I buy either) or a black pencil skirt during the spring and summer. 



Vintage yellow peasant shirt with floral embroidery | $14.00 | Divine Vintage | I'd peg this cheerful light yellow peasant shirt to most likely be from the 60s or 70s, but it will be a snap to style in 40s/50s looks, especially if partnered with a vintage a-line or circle skirt and some cute wedge sandals. 



1940s/50 vintage cotton house dress | $24.00 - 10% discount (= $21.60) | Divine Vintage | This dress looks good from a distance, and over all it's not in the worst shape ever, but it does need some TLC for sure, as there's a large split seem on one of the arms, some broken stitches here and there, and a couple of other small issues. When I pointed these out to the sale's clerk at Divine Planet (who I should mention, was very friendly, professional, and helpful), she kindly discounted the price by 10%, and at that point, for little more than $20.00, I felt this lovely vintage house dress was amply worth buying and restoring myself. 



Vintage (probably 1950s or 60s) tropical island novelty print circle skirt | $18.00 | Divine Vintage | Why do I say probably? Because though this skirt could very well be from the 50s or 60s, the hem on it strikes me as quite modern, and thus I'm left to wonder if it is in fact from the 1980s. It's all good either way, of course, especially when a tropical island novelty print is involved.



1950s/60s Mexican Sombrero novelty print skirt | (On sale for) $15.00 | A Vintage Affair | As I chatted about in last month's post about seven of my favourite places we visited in Alberta, A Vintage Affair was, hands down, my favourite vintage clothing store that we shopped in Alberta. From the stellar selection to the friendly, professional, and clearly vintage loving staff, I couldn't get enough of this fantastic shop, where I happily picked up several items, including this fun vintage sombrero print skirt which was on the sale rack, having been marked all the way down from $70 to just $15. Vintage score! :) 



Vintage (c. 1950s) Mexican tourist jacket | $45.00 | A Vintage Affair | Over night my wardrobe went from zero to two south of the border vintage items, both care of A Vintage Affair, with this awesome dark red Mexican tourist jacket being the second. My lovely friend Janey (from the blog Atomic Redhead) is a huge vintage Southwestern fashion fan, and it was her passion for this classic style of jacket (which she's blogged about before, including in this great post) that instilled a desire in me to find one of my own. 



1950s Lilli Ann purple and white polka dot suit jacket | $38.00 | Cat's Eye Vintage | One might argue that I saved the best for last with this playful, yet highly elegant, (circa) 1950s polka dot Lilli Ann blazer, which instantly made me think, the moment I found it, of my dear friend Joanna (from Dividing Vintage Moments), who is a die hard fan of, and expert on, all things Lilli Ann. This jacket was almost certainly part of a skirt suit at one point, but the skirt, sadly, was long gone by the time I found it. Nevertheless, after a thorough soaking in OxiClean and a hand washing in the bathtub, this previously (somewhat) dingy gem sprang back to life and will definitely appear here in its own vintage outfit post when spring returns. 



{All photos taken by me}


♥ ♥ ♥


Those with a keen eye may have noticed that not a single one of the items above came from a thrift store. This, I assure you, was not intentional. I set out with a list I’d made in advance of more than thirty thrift stores in Calgary, of which we were able to get to at least 15 during our time there, and - save for two pairs of vintage gloves bought for $1.99 each at a Value Village in North East side of town - I did not find, nor even so much as see, a single pre-1960s garment, accessory, household item, kitschy collectible, or other vintage piece (with the exception of a small number of vintage radios for sale at Zoe's Store on 14th Ave SW) at any of the thrift stores that we visited.

Believe me, we were thorough. Tony and I combed the racks, shelves, bins and displays of every thrift store we visited with a fine tooth combed. I wasn't expecting to show up, waltz into said thrift shops, have the heavens parts, and scores of vintage items come tumbling at feet. No, I know that it in most parts of Canada, as with much of the rest of the world, the days of such being  likely to happen are long gone, but I was genuinely surprised by the fact that I didn't see any pre-60s vintage at all (again, save for those radios).

Granted, we didn't visit all of the thrift shops in town, but we did try to get to a good cross section over the span of a week, and though it's possible that someone had merely beat us to the vintage finds that week, I sensed that 40s and 50s pieces had become exceedingly scare in recent years just about everywhere we visited. If you're headed to Calgary yourself though, do try to visit at least a few. As with thrift stores everywhere, you never know which might just offer up some stellar old school pieces one day, and the hunt is always part of the fun.

Even if the thrift stores were a bust (save for those two pairs of gloves) this time around, I'll still visit some of them - and others that I didn't get to this time around - on future trips to Calgary, just as I will return to all of the places listed above where treasures abounded. Calgary might not have a massive number of vintage and antique shops, but there are a few of each, and Nanton is teaming with antiques and collectibles, so the avid vintage collector is bound to find lots of lovely pieces that catch their fancy while they're in Southern Alberta.

I don't know where the winds of travel will blow us next, but we are hoping that another road trip holiday will be possible in 2014 (quite possibly in the fall time again). When that happens, as with Calgary, I'll head out with a list in mind, but also be open to buying what tickles my fancy, as I discover it. There's much to be said for planning, but also for the delight of finding something you didn't know you wanted, but suddenly can't imagine leaving behind in the moment.

A healthy blend of the two suits me well and helped ensure that my suitcase - and our wee little trunk - were both bursting at the seams as we made our way back to Penticton. Vintage figures wrapped in novelty print skirts, lovely yesteryear handbags stuffed with old-fashioned canning jars, and a wholeheartedly content smile on my face the whole drive home.

66 comments:

  1. Hi

    Your photos are lovely:D
    I also have canning jars and I love them:D:D

    Wish you a lovely day:D

    Merethe

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  2. Wow, great finds, girl!!! Love, love, love your asian blouse and island circle skirt. Such wonderful items to take back with you and cherish. :D

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  3. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ( sigh) I love them all.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  4. I am really loving this post you found some fabulous finds! I have been searching for an affordable head vase exactly like the one you found and the lipstick holder is the best on I have seen in a long time:) I have also found that is is getting harder and harder to find good vintage at the thrift store, but at least you guys went and searched that is always the fun part for me.

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    1. Thank you very much! So true, it's amazing to see the sticker prices on some head vases these days. While in Calgary (on the day Laurie - aka, Retro Reporter - and I hung out together) we went to an antique store that had a decent sized display (behind glass) of lady's head vases. Most were the later styles, but there were some earlier ones, too. Anyhoo, they were off-the-charts pricey! The lowest sticker price I spotted was $70, on a vase I've seen sell for $25 many times over the years. Thankfully a few bargains can still be had on these charming vases, and I really hope one comes your way soon. Since our trip, I've bought another as well, so my collection now comes in at three in total. If I can ever help you with your own hunt, sweetheart, please don't hesitate to let me know.

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. wow!
    gorgeous finds! are you sure you did´t rented a truck? ;-)
    love all this novelty garments, sadly there is nothing like this here in germany except scarves - i have paris (of cause), prague and lake balaton in hungaria.....

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    1. We should have taken a picture of the trunk of our car, let me tell you! I don't think you could have gotten a slice of bread in there once everything we were taking home was packed up (in fact, I had a back of plan of mailing some of my purchases to myself, if everything didn't fit, which in the end we were able to get it to). Renting a truck, small tow trailer, or even just a larger car (an SUV or the like, perhaps) might be a necessity on future trips like this. :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. WOW! what amazing finds Jessica! You have such a good eye for finding fantastic pieces. Love everything you found and I look forward to seeing some of the clothing pieces on your blog :) Congrats!

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  7. Wow, you did a lot of shopping, lady!!! :) I particularly like the last three items - that Lilli Ann jacket it beautiful, and the Mexican skirt and jacket will go so well together!

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! I did do quite a bit of shopping - had to make up for the massive lack of such pieces around these parts. I budgeted and saved for the trip big time (just about maxing out my personal shopping budget until the end of 2013), and am so glad I did, because it would have been tricky to see, but not be able to buy, many of these pieces (especially the clothing, lady's head vase, and vintage lipstick holder).

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. I am soooooo jealous of your Lady Head Vase - and at a killer price too! And I can't believe how great the Lili Ann looks now - you should have taken a before and after photo to compare ;)

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    1. So true, I should have! The next time I pick up a "needs a massive scrubbing" vintage piece, I'll be sure to do that. That shop (The Raven Store) in Nanton had other very well priced lady's head vases, too, but as we were only on our second full day in Alberta then, I didn't want to blow too much of my budget in Nanton and, hard as it was, limited myself to just getting the one. If you're ever down that way, you must stop in. It had the best prices, and my favourite selection, of items in Nanton.

      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Oh Jessica. You have the most exquisite taste. My heart fluttered when I saw the Valentine Girl Planter. My birthday is in February and I had a little figurine very much line that when I was a girl. Thanks for the little trip back in time. Isn't Calgary beautiful. Ahhhhhhh Lake Loiuse <3

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  10. OMG! Many treasures, dear Jessica! There will be a second part of this post with more vintage items purchased on your trip?

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  11. You sure did buy a lot of wonderful and reasonably priced items. I want one of those Mexican jackets real bad but I doubt I'll be able to find one in my size or price range. You bought a lot of wonderful skirts.

    My husbands grandmother has the exact head vase in her china cabinet. I wasn't sure of head vases came in that color combo until I saw yours.

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. Most (and it hasn't been many, mind you) of the Mexican jackets I've encountered in person over the years have been considerably too large for me. This one is roomy, but not too the point where it appears that I'm drowning in it. All this to say that there are lots out there in a range of sizes. I'd be more than happy to keep my eyes open for one in your size range, if you'd like, Mariela. Just let me know anytime if I can help you with that hunt.

      That's so cool about your grandma-in-law having the very same lady's head vase. It's so charming and pretty, plus the neutral colour palette will help ensure it works in a lot of different coloured rooms in the years to come.

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. actually your cake plate is a bone plate. it is a repository for chicken or fish bones. an elegant solution for a tricky problem. your plate is rather lovely, I have one from my Grandmothers set that is plainer but still beautifully decorated. you had some really good finds on your trip.

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    1. That is absolutely wonderful to know, thank you very much! As I mentioned, I went with that description because it's what the price tag said and I'd not seen one (a plate) quite like it before. I always loving knowing the correct name of any vintage item (or item in general) and really appreciate that you shared your knowledge, dear lady. So cool that I now own a "bone plate" (which is function I usually employ my dessert plates for - not any more, now that I have one specifically for this purpose).

      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Oh my, in the chambers of vintage gold! I'm not sure where to start typing and where to end on this post:) It's so interesting that you should have bought a book on Gypsy Rose as I have a book on her as well. I haven't started reading it as so many other things are shifting my time:) I just love all the little porcelain dolls you were able to collect. They are so charming with the umbrella's! I have one "glamour girl" head vase and I'm actually on the hunt for another one. They are so worthwhile to have and are great to store things in. Yours is so lovely and looks barely used.
    I think it is so difficult nowadays to find vintage in a thrift store that it almost makes more sense to just comb through vintage shops:) But, you are the grandmaster of "80's" does vintage that I'm sure it is so very much worthwhile for you to sneak a peak inside. $15 for those grand sunglasses! I can see why you had such a wonderful time shopping in these shops. I shall round out my comment with a big look of vintage surprise glee! Oh my! I couldn't believe that you got such a lovely Lilli Ann jacket for such a score! I do believe my heart skipped a beat when I saw this lovely gem! It's polka dot none the less! Very impressed dear Jessica and I don't believe I've seen this jacket before. I can't wait for you to display it proudly. It's so fabulous! Those bell sleeves are something else! If I ever see the matching ad for it, I'll be sure to let you know but I'd certainly say that this jacket is very early 50's. I also recently found my very first Lilli Ann polka dot suit but I'm not sure I like the jacket style for mine (more in some future post:), but I do love the style on yours! It's a grand jacket and you should give yourself a big vintage high five:)) This is so marvelous:)

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    1. Hello dearest Joanna, thank you very much for your awesome comment! Oooh, it's two bad we aren't neighbours, we could swap Gypsy books with each other after we'd read them. I know a little about this fascinating lady's life, but far from a ton, so it will be really exciting to learn more (especially in her own words).

      Aren't lady's head/glamour vases marvelous things? I can see why some people end up amassing hefty collections of them. I've bought another one since our travels to Calgary, so my collection is up to three now and I highly doubt it will stop there. :)

      You're very sweet, thank you. I actually didn't find any 80s does 40s or 50s pieces in the thrift stores in Calgary either. In fact, around these Canadian parts at least, even those are becoming quite the rarity (which makes me all the more grateful for the ones that I have already). I get most of mine on etsy and, to a lesser extent, eBay these days (where sellers know they're a demand for them, mind you, and like so many things in the vintage realm, are now often priced accordingly).

      Thank you!!! I know that if anyone is apt to find the matching ad for this charming Lilli Ann jacket (suit) it will be you (as you are - to borrow your term - the grandmaster of all things Lilli Ann). I'm really curious to know what the skirt looked like. Did it have any polka dots on it too? Did the hem flare out a bit to match the bell shape of the sleeves? Was it more a-line or pencil? So many questions - including, do you think one could ever track it down in their size? It's not beyond the realm of possibility, but I think it would be on of those hunts that took years (unless a heavy helping of random luck with on your side).

      Thank you very much for the vintage high five (*huge smiles!*). I was floored when I found it, too, and can't wait to sport it on camera (I'm thinking in the early spring, as its weight and palette are very "April - June" to me). Now, what skirt (or dress) to partner it with...that's the real question! :)

      Many thanks again for your absolutely fantastic comment and for sharing in my vintage shopping joy with me!

      ♥ Jessica

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  14. These are all beautiful! I think my favorites are the two brooches though... both so different from eachother, yet both charming. I'm sure you will have fun putting some of these finds to use in future adorable outfits!

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  15. Wow you really racked up the treasures! Great finds and even better great memories attached to each one.

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  16. So much beauty! I love the little figurines.

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  17. Oh, how fabulous! You found so many wonderfully cute and pretty vintage treasures. I'm particularly in love with your tapestry bag… magnificent!

    xo

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  18. Oh my goodness, Jessica, you did quite well indeed (and the prices for your vintage clothing in particular are outrageously good—wow), though it is too bad thrifts aren't the havens for vintage-lovers they once were. Occasionally one will luck out, though it's more likely to be in the housewares or handbag department, but perhaps we've just about come to the end of 1940s-50s and even early/mid-60s things showing up en masse in such shops; their value is too well understood, which is both good and bad—good, because these pieces won't be destroyed for Halloween costumes, but bad for the obvious reasons. ;)

    Your little parasol and other ladies are just darling, by the way! I'm picturing a little flock of them sashaying over your bookshelves. They remind me of the lovely little princesses my grandmother gave each of her granddaughters for each birthday—just a lovely little doll of a girl, dressed in a marvellous full-skirted ball gown, with the new number of years before her (8, 10, 16, for instance). And my parents wonder why I love such clothing. ;)

    Truly fabulous finds, I'm so glad you did so well. Oh—and I have to say: that fan is probably my favourite thing! Can't wait to see you use it as a prop.

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  19. My favorite piece of the 25 is your pair of purple ruched gloves! Those are sooo pretty!! Can't wait to see those in an outfit post in the future!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  20. The Raven Store was a big time score for you and I certainly would have scooped up all those gorgeous figurines too! Super jealous of your gorgeous hat skirt found for only $15! I think if that ever happened to me in Australia they would have to revive me first so I could go pay......

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet gal, it really was a huge "jackpot" of a find for us - even Tony got something there (an adorable circa 1980s hippo shaped cookie jar). That skirt was such a bargain, I know, and far below what one would usually pay for that kind of garment in a retail setting here in Canada. I've seen similar ones over the years (here) that were priced as high as $200, and few that were below $65. They nearly had to bring out the smelling salts for me, too, when I saw that it was my size and so exceedingly well priced. :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Oh wow, I have that exact same flower cameo broach. It's from the 80's, and I think it may have been an Avon release. My mother got it for me at the time because I had a matching dress. I still wear the broach :)

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    1. That is awesome to know, thank you very much, lovely lady. It didn't seem full on mid-century to me, yet nor was it completely modern feeling, so I'm especially happy to hear you confirm that my suspicions were correct and that it's a 1980s piece. Thanks again!

      ♥ Jessica

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  22. SO many wonderful treasures! I'm kind of dying over that sombrero skirt! If you ever wanna get rid of it! ;)

    And I'm glad you got yourself a Mexican Tourist jacket! And thank you so much for the kind words and links!!

    That Lilli Ann is amazing! And a score too!!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. You're very welcome, darling gal, many thanks as well for your great comment. You bet, if I ever decide to send it on to a new home, you get first dibs on that fun sombrero skirt. I really love that I've developed a greater passion for this genre of vintage clothing via all of your stellar vintage Southwestern pieces. Thank you so much for that!

      ♥ Jessica

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  23. As soon as I saw that fan I remembered having a similar one, brought back by a childhood friend from Spain. Long ago forgotten, I am now wondering what happened to it.
    Lovely purchases, it is interesting seeing what others buy. I was away at the same time as you, and bought books, books, and more books! All Agatha Christie related.
    Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments you leave on my blog.

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    1. Oooh, now that makes total sense for a tourist item from Spain, a culture whose traditional garb often included lovely fans. I bet yours was so lovely, too!

      There are tons of great bookstores (new and used) in Calgary, and when I lived there, I frequented them often, but this trip I wanted to focus on things that would be hard, to impossible, to likely find locally, so I didn't do much book shopping (we have a great, if somewhat pricey, used book store here). Next time we'll have to hit more of them though, if only to jog some great old memories. :)

      You are very welcome. Thank you in turn so very much for each and every fantastic comment you leave for me. I really look forward to your visits and cheerful comments, sweet Tracey.

      ♥ Jessica

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  24. AMAZING finds! Particularly love the tapestry handbag and the Mexican jacket!

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  25. This was so enjoyable to read, it felt like I had been able to go along on a vintage treasure hunt with you. You managed to find some wonderful pieces. I haven't seen a lipstick holder such as that before, I am not surprised it is in use already. I love the house dress, sounds like it should be fixable with a but of tlc. I can just picture you in the lilac ruched gloves, what a great colour. Also, the Mexican jacket is great, I love that style of embroidery.such lovely things to have as mementos of your fabulous trip.

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    1. Aww, that's awesome, dear Kate, I'm really happy to know that you felt that way. Isn't that lipstick holder all kinds of darling? I've seen some similar ones online before, but I don't think I'd come across that exact one until that terrific day in Nanton. It's in really good shape for its age and just as sturdy as sturdy can be. Would you like me to keep my eyes peeled for one like it for you in my vintage travels?

      Thank you very much for your great comment - big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* I'm really excited to debut those delightful ruched gloves - they have springtime written all over them to me, so that's likely when they'll appear first in an outfit post here (you never know though, what accessory a particular outfit might call for any time of the year).

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    2. That is so thoughtful of you Jessica, thanks so much. It would be marvellous if you kept your eyes peeled for one. The gloves do indeed shout springtime, as does the Lilli Ann!

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  26. Wow! Alberta must have some great shopping! I can't wait to see the purple gloves on, and I love your skirts and the Mexican tourist jacket. Looks like you not only had a great time, but added some beautiful things to your collections. Hope all is well with you!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear gal! I was (am) really happy with my vintage shopping finds from this trip. I love the hunt - the process of sniffing out bargains, sorting through racks, leaving no stone unturned. Like most big cities, Calgary still has some great vintage treasures up its sleeves, you just have to know where to look - and shop - and to be diligent in your search. If you're ever headed up that way, be sure to let me know, I have a detailed list of all the current vintage shops, plus many of the antique stores and thrift shops that I made for our travels to Calgary, which I'd be super happy to share with you anytime.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  27. wow you got amazing stuff. Vintage in nyc is SOOOOO expensive. I need to try to look a bit more in other places around here, my husband is not much of a vintage shopper though and I dont want him to be misserable so Id have to figure out how to go on my own or make it less boring for him. I really love those little figurines by the way, darling
    kate

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Kate! It's probably best to not judge the general price of vintage items in a city (or even a given store or event) based on my purchases, as I bargain shop like there's no tomorrow the overwhelming majority of the time. That said, these pieces weren't the only well priced ones that I saw or contemplated getting. There were others at some stores in the same price range, many that were higher, and some that nearly called for Bill Gate's bankroll. :)

      Perhaps if your husband started (if he doesn't already) collecting and/or wearing something vintage, he might be more keen on tagging along with you to these kinds of shops, in the hopes of finding something for his own collection there (just an idea).

      ♥ Jessica

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  28. Now, I simply MUST take a closer look at what came into your hands. :)
    Vintage plastic souvenir fan is every girls dream. Personaly, I carry one in my bag every day of the summer, because the office gets unhumanly warm.
    I never heard of Gypsy Rose Lee - so, once you start reading it.. maybe you shold write a post about her (I bet HER life was an interesting one)
    I simply adore all thing porcelain, so cake slice plate is a dream. Jars, as well. There's a little "hoarder" in me, and due to that I bring home some bottles, jars.. every now and then. I must say: my attic is getting crowded.
    The only hand-craft I ever learned was a cross-stitch, floral cross stitch throw pillow looks like a project I might consider making.
    Buldog and chick - perfct match; but I prefer figurines.The ones you've got look so well preserved; they'd be a gem for the living room. I can just imagine the joy they'll bring you every time you give them a look.
    Vintage Lake Louise tourist souvenir dangle charm brooch and plastic flower cameo brooch are both a great addition to your darling collection. Can't wait to see it featured in one of your outfit posts.
    (I must ask: how many glows you own?) :)
    Both handbags are a statement pieces. I love the usage of tapisery in fashion (not so much on the walls, they don't look like they belong there).
    As for the clothes:
    The vivid colors, the patterns, the amazing story they have.. they'll be amazing in any vintage-girls wardrobe, I'm sure.
    You are lucky to fill your match-box car trunk with a treasure!!

    By the way,
    I took the liberty and roamed your blog's archives some time ago, and I came across a divine "A to Z about me" list, that I'll use in my forthcoming 100th post (I still can't believe I'm getting closeo 100)

    Many hugs
    Marija

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    1. Hello my wonderfully dear Marija, thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. Your attic sounds like it must be packed full of treasures. We have a bit of space here to display and store items like this, but not tons, so I try to keep that in mind while shopping (you're lucky to have an attic!).

      Cross stitch is one of my favourite crafts of all time, too, and also one of the first that I learned (I think when I was about six years old). I usually like to make a big project or two a year and give them away to friends and family as special gifts, but of course sometimes I create and hold on to some for myself (which, one of these days, I need to get more of actually framed and up on the wall, instead of just tucked into a storage tote).

      Gosh, you know, that's a good question. I'd estimate - without actually counting them, just off the top of my head - that my glove collection is probably in the range of about 80-90 pairs at this point. Yikes, that really sounds like a ton when I see the number, but they have been collected over many years, so I guess broken down - at a rate of a few pairs per year - it doesn't seem like quite so many. Every now and then I go through and see if there are any that don't fit me very well or which I absolutely never wear and might be better suited to someone else and sell or give away a pair or two, but most will hopefully remain with me for many more years to come. How many pairs do you have in your collection?

      Take all the liberties that you'd like! :) I'm touched to know that post helped inspire you to want to write a similar one of your own, I can't wait to read it. Huge and very happy congrats on nearing the 100 post mark! I remember that day (for this blog) and what a milestone it felt like, just as I'm sure it will for you as well.

      Thank you again so much for your terrific comment!!!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. My mother has an adorable lady's head vase (similar to this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131021289747?lpid=82) that my grandfather brought to her in the hospital when she had her tonsils out in the mid-1960s. They always catch my eye when I'm vintage shopping, but I've never purchased one for myself.

    I love your lipstick holder and sombrero skirt! I, too, am a sucker for a novelty print.

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  30. Ok, so many awesome things here! Seriously jealous if your finds! I especially love the brocade purse with the people on it and the peasant shirt! Great loot!

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  31. Goodness, I need to go to Alberta with you!! So much beauty in each item. Those figurines are the sweetest and wow the bags are precious. Can't wait to see a post of you wearing the Lili Ann purple and White polka dot suit jacket! Thank you for sharing with us, hugs from Italy

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  32. Oh my gosh that Gypsy Rose Lee book is too good! What a find.

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  33. I didn't even know lipstick holders existed! Now I must have one. I have been searching for a head vase for years. The ones I have seen are either too expensive or in too poor of shape. I can't even tell you how many times I have had my heart broken on eBay over a bidding war...sigh...

    Yours complements your lipstick holder nicely. Someday my dressing table will be set up with all of my favorite colors tucked into pretty vintage holders. Thanks for sharing your finds. My favorite is the Lake Louise brooch.

    Cheers!
    Rebecca Jean
    Midnight Maniac

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  34. Oh man, you got some totally gorgeous bargins (swooning over your new skirts!)

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  35. Sometimes I find myself feeling guilty for buying vintage items from boutiques, as opposed to thrift stores. But sometimes it's a rough time at the thrift...where nothing on the wish-list is available. I've been there plenty of times. But if I see something I like at boutique prices, I'll splurge occasionally. All your finds are wonderful! Those little lady figurines and the the Gypsy Rose Lee book...just awesome!
    <3 Jackie @ Let's Go Thrifting

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    1. Thank you very much for your comment, Jackie. I love thrifting vintage (or newer items) whenever possible, too, but pre-60s (let alone pre-90s) vintage is becoming so, so hard to find in most thrift stores in Western (and perhaps all of, but I'm hesitant to make such a sweeping statement without knowing firsthand if such is the case) Canada, that I would have come home empty handed save for two pairs of gloves (not pictured here) if I hadn't also shopped at vintage and antique shops on our travels. I love to support these kinds of shops as well, for they'll all too quickly vanish for good (as so many already have) if the small vintage community here in Canada doesn't shop from them at least sometimes. You're so very fortunate to still be able to readily find vintage where you live. I hope that continues for many, many more years for you.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. Oh Wow! You found some lovely items. I absolutely love the mexican novelty skirt!
    Very delightful!

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  37. this is what i was waiting for ... to see your adorable treasure from your trip. the fiji skirt is my fav. i can't wait to see it worn ....

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  38. Dearest Jessica, I love your finds!!! My favorite is your LipStick Figurine/Holder. She is absolutely precious. I knwo you must be loving seeing her everyday. I love vintage girly girl figurines as well. All your items are so special. Even though the Thrift Shops did not have much to offer, you managed to find some beautiful treasures. I think vintage items are getting harder to find. There are just so many of us vintages lovers out there. Hope you are doing well my Dear Friend. I am loving having my hubby home. Been busy hanging as close to him as possible. it's like "new love" all over again. Gentle Hugs, Beverly

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  39. I love all your figurines! I have the same penchant for cute and kitschy home decor.

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  40. What a lot of lovely treasures. :) lucky gal! I love the lipstick holder, so charming. And I had a dutch girl bell figurine like that as a kid, so perhaps she is not that old. The pink Chinese shirt is the top of a pajama, I'm sure, since I have a pajama set identical to your shirt. But I'm also sure you can make it look fabulous with a pencil skirt or capris. :)

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  41. Wow Jessica, now I can only imagine what your home looks like with all these figurines....
    and of your outstanding purchases I am loving the handbag. It's exquisite.

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  42. Jessica, I have this exact same brooch (Vintage plastic flower cameo brooch). My sister gave it to me for Christmas...I know it is early 1980s...she was selling Avon at the time; I think it was Christmas1982.

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  43. Oh my god! What a great list of finds! You really did some great shopping during your trip! I don't where to start to pick my favourites, I guess I just love them all :)

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  44. Oh my gosh, what amazing treasures! I can't decide which I like the best (although that lipstick holder is just adorable).

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  45. I think you did really well on your trip, even if you didn't find some of the winter essentials you had your eyes peeled for. I especially like the cushion (I love anything where you can see the hand of the maker), the glasses (those are divine!) and the clothes. I would pick out the house dress. It's so pretty! I wish I lived near you as I could probably mend it for you - it doesn't sound like it needs too much work. I think there is more vintage available in Canada and US than in the UK. There are quite a few housewares but very little in the way of clothes. You really need to go to the capital or one of the very large cities to find anything (i.e. not the city nearest me!) and I hear you on the thrift scene. The current stock in our thrift shops is mostly worn out chain store items :( so once again, a great result from your hunt!

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    1. That is so wonderfully sweet of you, dear Philippa, thank you very much for saying you'd help mend that frock, if you lived nearby. I should be able to tackle it no problem. It needs a bit of work, but it's all repairs that should be pretty easy to do by hand (phew! :)).

      Isn't it interesting how one sees certain things in other countries. To my eyes, there is infinitely more vintage to be had in the UK (perhaps more so even than in the US - or at least parts of the US). I know that this stems in part from the fact that there is such a thriving vintage loving culture throughout the UK (which, by and large, we woefully lack in Canada), but there are other factors as well, including how often I still hear of folks finding vintage (clothing, furniture, housewares, etc) while thrifting and at car boot sales (which we don't have here, but we do have yard sales and flea markets). It seems though, almost no matter where you go in the world now, vintage clothing is getting harder and harder to find, especially at a thrift shop level (as opposed to online, at actual vintage clothing stores, and so on).

      Living in a relatively small town myself, I completely agree though that it can be soooo much trickier to find vintage nowadays in such areas. I could have hit every thrift store (six in total at the moment) in town every day for a year and almost certainly not found as many vintage items (let alone the same kinds) in a whole year here. I strongly suspect that in the years to come, much of the vintage I buy in person will from trips to larger Canadian (and, if possible, US) cities.

      Thank you again, lovely lady!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  46. Talk about swoon-worthy! WOW! I am dying over those pretty parasol girl planters! So cute! I love travel souvenirs as well- you should see my collection of scarves and fans from Italy! Husband kept saying, "Really another scarf?" ;)
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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    1. That's awesome!!! I would be buying any and all vintage Italian souvenirs that my budget could swing, if I was there, too. I have one vintage Italian souvenir scarf, but it came from etsy, if memory serves me right.

      Thank you so much for each and every one of your awesome comments today, honey!
      ♥ Jessica

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