November 2, 2014

Vintage Link Love for October 2014


Though there are still the remains of many a jack-o-lantern to be seen around the neighbourhood, candy in bite size pieces and carnival worthy coloured wrappers linger in a dish on the table, and I might just watch Hocus Pocus one more time, hard as it is to believe, another marvelous All Hallows Eve has come and gone.

I hope that you each had an awesome October 31st, whether you celebrate Halloween or not and that you're gearing up for a lovely, fun filled second half of the fall. Before we know it, we'll be singing carols, festooning the banister with pine boughs, and baking up enough festive treats to feed a small army. Not today however. Right now, on this calm, chilly first Sunday in November I want to take a few minutes and share the latest batch of vintage related stories that have been capturing my eye in recent weeks.

As I knew that, like myself, most of you would not be online much (if at all) on the 31st and November 1st (a day I've long dubbed "Halloween Boxing Day" :)), I intentionally held off on sharing October's crop of links until today. Sit back, grab a mini chocolate (or eight!) and join me as we take a gander at some of the fun, fascinating, and just plain enjoyable vintage stories that are all more than a little buzz worthy.




photo VintagelinkloveblogpostheaderforChronicallyVintage_zps551f30c8.png

 

11 Things You Should Never Say to a Vintage Seller: By way of the uber hardworking, vintage loving, always entertaining Sammy Davis comes this smile-inducing eBay post that is sure to have vintage dealers and buyers like nodding their head in agreement (for those of us who are often asked around this time of the year "what our costume is supposed to be" when we're in our usual vintage attire, #5 is sure to resonate with you).


Could the clothes on your back halt global warming?: And if you want to keep nodding, this time over some considerably more serious matters in terms of their importance on the world as a whole, this great post about the effects of what we wear and how it impacts the planet is truly not be missed (it's lengthy, but well worth every minute, IMO).


Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired by Legendary Dames of TV and Film-Part 1 and Part 2: I know, I know, we're still taking down the faux cobwebs and scrubbing the grease paint-esque makeup from behind our ears, but it's never too soon to start thinking of what you might want to sport come next October 31st and this lovely photo filled pair of posts from Blue Velvet Vintage (which they shared prior to Halloween) delivers some seriously cool ideas - such as Fay Wray in King Kong, pictured below - to tuck away already for next year.






Vintage (Style) Can Be Appropriate: Natalie - whose engaging blog really deserves to be in your feeds, especially if you're a fan of contemporary literature reviews and/or great beauty and vintage related posts alike - has put together an incredibly thorough, thoughtful, fabulous post on the subject of how vintage fashions can, and do, work for folks of any age and in just about any setting. Whether you've been sporting vintage of a week or fifty years, you're sure to appreciate and find yourself agreeing with her well presented points on the subject.


12 Vintage Dealers to Follow on Instagram: Vogue's Resident Expert Shares her Feed: These days a solid chunk of the world's online vintage dealers have Instragram accounts (yours truly very much included), some of which are like works of swoon-worthy visual art unto themselves. It's no surprise then that many of the leading contenders in this field are kept close at hand by the likes of Vogue. Though this list is certainly not complete - and you'll no doubt wonder how some of the other really big names like Maejean Vintage and Dear Golden are absent from it - it's still a fascinating insight into how (modern) Vogue magazine interacts with the world of vintage fashion sellers.


In the 1930s, a Mono-Named Mannequin Took New York by Storm: Here and there over the years, I'd heard tell of "Cynthia" and seen the occasional photo of this sophisticated, sharply dressed mannequin, but it wasn't until this recent Mental Floss article that I learned the true story behind this 1930s celebrity of the non-human variety and I must say, it makes for one thoroughly interesting read.






Nine vintage fit tips for petite ladies: Emileigh's blog is chock-a-block with terrific posts on a wide range of vintage, sewing and cultural related topics that will have you reading for hours (especially if you're new or haven't visited for a while). One of her entries from September was on the subject of sporting vintage fashions as a petite gal and it really spoke to me as I'm barely 5'2" myself and while I do have an hourglass shape, fundamentally my frame is also petite (complete with really small shoulders), so I was thrilled to see another vintage gal delve into this a topic that's so near and dear to my own heart - and wardrobe!


Everyone Loves a Scottie Dog, Especially the Vintage Community!: The very lovely Liz - a fellow vintage adoring canuck - has penned a delightfully fun post on the subject of Scottie dogs and their endearing popularity as fashion muses that is sure you have you rushing out to add a new Scottie themed wearable to your collection on the double!


Beautiful Kodak Advertisements from the 1910s: As I've chatted about before (in posts such as this one from 2012), there's just something about the return of icy cold weather that puts me in the mood for all things Edwardian. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed coming across this recent Vintage Everyday entry that highlights a number of beautiful, endearingly sweet vintage colour image Kodak ads from the 1910s, which I'm sure you have a grand time checking out as well - no matter if, like me, you strongly equate winter with the 1900s and 1910s or not.






DIY 1920s Evening Bag: If the cost of most original 1920s handbags leaves you doing a double-take and sends your wallet into hiding, it might be time to create a purse of your own that takes a very solid style cue from the classic, gorgeous bags of the era. Thought purse making can seem daunting, in this wonderful how-to post, Bianca takes you through everything you'll need to do - complete with lots of helpful photos - to make an alluringly lovely 1920s style purse all your own.


10 simple steps to avoid looking costumey: As vintage wearers we know that no matter how period perfect/appropriate we're dressed, some folks will always see our attire as costumey simply because it deviates from the 21st century norm, but objectively most of us do want to avoid running into overtly costumey territory when possible and keeping such views at bay as much as we can. This post from Wearing History dishes up ten stellar suggestions to help you stay on track when it comes to that front and is a smart, excellent read and reference for vintage wearers from all walks of life.


French soldier’s room unchanged 96 years after his death in first world war: In a moving story that seems all the more fitting and poignant as we head towards Remembrance Day again next week, this article is sure to linger with you long after you've read it - reminding you of the power of a family's love and the importance of honouring those who fought so bravely, no matter how many years have passed since the last gunshot range out.





{All images throughout the list of links above come by way of the post that they are displayed directly beneath the write up of here. Please follow the links provided to learn more about these images.}




♥ ♥ ♥



There is a natural rush that comes with the start of November. We know that Christmas is just around the corner, that the year is nearing an end, and that there is so much to do to prep for the coming season (from swapping in the snow tires to bringing all the cold weather garb out of hibernation). Before the hubbub of that all starts (or gets in too full swing, if you've already kicked off gearing up for winter), I hope you'll join me in savouring a few more days of fall.

I'll be sporting its palette, munching on its seasonal produce, and reminiscing about my favourite parts that have already taken place (Halloween very much included!) for a little while longer still. How could I not? Autumn is shorter than a Manx cat's tail most years here in Canada and given that it's my favourite season, I'm in zero hurry to sweep it out the door like a crunchy crimson leaf that snuck in with the help of a hearty gale.



{I completely adore Christmas and a good many elements of winter, but for now, I want to keep celebrating the soul and beauty of autumn by way of fabulous vintage outfit choices like this amazing 40s plaid suit, lots of pumpkin recipes, strolls in the crisp fall air, and at least a few days more before my mind going into full on Santa-Claus-is-coming-to-town mode again! Image source.}



Nope, for a wee bit longer at least, I'm going to savour fall and all I treasure about it - though that doesn't mean I can't start listing to Christmas music, if so desired. Sometimes a marriage of two seasons is the best way to brace yourself for saying goodbye to one before the other arrives. Plus, it's a annual tradition in my family to start doing so come the clang of midnight on November 1st. And who am I to argue with traditional after all? :)

29 comments:

  1. Hello there!
    I have been searching for the right words to describe the swift shifting from lovely autumn days into gray(ins) winter.. and, as a cat-loving person, I find your words to be on the spot: "shorter than a Manx cat's tail". Ever so true, Jess.

    As I'm waiting for my lunch to start being digested (over-sized meals on weekends are a tradition in this family), I'm taking a look on the links you were so kind enough to provide.
    There's something deeply emotional about keeping one's room in-tacked after he/she is no more. In our culture, we do not do such things.. as a matter of fact, we are encouraged to make a change to the room as soon as we can; as a way of moving on. Seeing this solder's room, as if the WWI never started - I truly felt shivers down my spine..
    Would I go visit t? I don't know.. I doubt that. Same goes with reading published diaries: at the end, it's ultimately private matter, and who am I to poke my nose in it.. I'd feel like I'm prying.
    ..
    Next up: "Vintage (Style) Can Be Appropriate" - now, THERE's a subject I love reading about.

    Thanks for amazing links.

    We're still waiting on "what I wore for Halloween" post, dear. :)

    Many Sunday hugs
    Marija

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello dear Marija, I understand what you mean. In a way traipsing through the house to see that bedroom would risk disturbing it a little and taking away in small part from the family's desire to preserve it just as it was on that fateful day when their son was taken from them far too soon.

      Just such a post is in the works and I hope to get it up this week. Interestingly, I'd planned to do a Halloween costume post last year, but my computer at the time was on its last legs and ended up dying in early November and by the time my new one had arrived about a month later we were well into the Christmas season and it didn't seem fitting any more, so I held off. All the more reason why I'm eager to post about this year's All Hallow's Eve asap! :)

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

      Delete
  2. I love Emileigh's post - great tips in there for us petite ladies! A part of me has given up with the idea of getting much nice vintage stuff as it always seems too big all over, but I never thought about actually contacting sellers like that - d'oh! I'm also trying to make the most of the last of autumn - a pretty short season in the UK too usually, but this year we've been blessed with some really amazing weather. Instead of jumping straight from summer to winter, I feel like we're actually having an autumn for once! :) CC x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the link Jessica! I hope people DIY their own 20's bag, it really is a lot easier than it first seems!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, dear Bianca. Thank you for sharing such a handy, fantastic tutorial. I hope it spurs others on to follow your creative lead, too. It would be so cool to see other people's bags as well!

      Wishing you a fantastic start of November,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  4. such interesting reads!!!
    enjoyed it very much - especially the clothes/global warming piece!
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks so much for including my petite for tips on this link list! And now I'm going to read about the mannequin because I've never heard of such a thing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome, dear Emileigh. That post resonated with me, a fellow petite gal, so much. It's awesome that you delved into the topic. Thank you again for doing so!

      Happy start of November wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  6. Ahh thanks for the shout out Jessica :) I actually JUST bought today a Scottie dog Christmas ornanament that I saw in a store today. So funny the timing :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I so much enjoyed all of the articles! "Cynthia" was a hoot! But O fell head over heels in love with that plaid 40's suit! OMG! And, of course, the hat! :)

    Thank you for all the interesting and informative things you send our way, and in such a charming"voice". :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wasn't she something else? Of all the decades of the past century, it seems most fitting to me that she did indeed hail from the glamorous side of the 1930s.

      Thank you sweetly, dear Nicholette. It's always such a blast to tuck away stories each month for inclusion in the next edition. I'm delighted to know you enjoy these posts so much.

      Lots of hugs & happy start of November wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  8. such a great list of links

    retro rover

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fun and informative post, buddy. Halloween is so great and is followed quickly by my birthday (tomorrow). What a nice time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fabulous read! Very interesting!
    http://inkandlacedesigns.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Enjoyed these links immensely - especially the mannequin! How curious!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my gosh! Thanks so much for sharing my blog post! I feel like my life is complete now that I have been featured in a vintage link love post :) I am so grateful and I will definitely be checking out some more of these links!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *Blush* You are all together too kind, sweet dear! Your post was incredible (and so, so thorough!) and worth being shared near and far across the web so including it here was really the least I could do. I'm delighted to know that I brightened your day by doing so.

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

      Delete
  13. Ahhhh I can't believe we're already so near to Christmas - and by the way, I do look forward to all of your winter posts featuring the stunning Canadian landscape clad in snow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know!!! I whipped my Halloween decorations down on the morning of the 1st and brought our Christmas totes and boxes out of our wee basement storage room, but haven't quite started to unpack them yet. Soon, very soon though! With the unpredictable nature of my health, I know from experience that it's best not to tempt fate and leave things too long in the lest, lest an extra rough spell hits and I'm not able to decorate at all (or near as much as I'd like). I've had it happen before and want to try and prevent it from occurring again if at all possible. Plus, I already feel like I'm in a bit of Christmassy mode, so the sooner the better! :)

      Aww, that's awesome to know, thank you very much. I was just chatting with Tony yesterday about some possibly shot ideas for the coming winter months. There's one (I won't spoil the surprise and say what) that we've been wanting to do for a couple of years now once the dead of winter is upon us and hopefully 2014/15 will be the year it finally happens.

      Big hugs & oodles of happy November wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  14. I was just saying to my husband yesterday that as much as I've been "doing Christmas" already. ( post to follow this week why) I'm not ready for Christmas decorations to come out just yet. The trees are still hanging onto their leaves here in Ontario,at least in my neck of the woods they are. Because we are so close to the lake we stay a bit warmer giving us a longer fall then inland. I can still see green leaves mingled with yellow. So I think I'm going to hold on to the fall decor in my house for another week or two before I pull out Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello, Jessica and happy November to you.
    oh my goodness i just love all that you're written about fall. for instance; the "crunchy crimson leaf that snuck in with the help of a hearty gale." YES. that is so perfect. i'll also be working my way through these interesting articles. i always love these link love posts.
    i have to admit that i LOVE our American Thanksgiving, which will come the last week of November. i just love fall in general, and there's something wonderfully appealing about the atmosphere of Thanksgiving as well, almost as intoxicating as Christmas. However, the very next day i am wipping out the Christmas decorations and the tree and all the lights.
    until then, enjoy your autumn. :D
    -Abigail

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Jessica, I always love so much the interesting things you find on the blogosphere. Thank you so much to share with us! :)

    Miss Beta xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. A great round up of interesting links. I really like the Kodack photograph and that lovely plaid suit. Hope you had a marvellous Halloween.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lovely links!

    I absolutely adore autumn, but I still think I am more of a Spring girl myself :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a marvelous compilation. Thank you! You really do a spectacular job of bringing things together. Just like a little bow on a present. I can see that this takes a lot of time and effort and thank you for sharing your vast knowledge on vintage with us. I learn so many new things through your blog:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, my darling friend. These posts do take a bit of time, but they usually seem like a mere flash compared to my monthly 25 deals under $100 posts (or the four-part vintage honeymoon series I did earlier this year). Those usually take multiple days to put together and pen. I enjoy the process though of course - I doubt I'd do it if I didn't! :)

      It's always so fun to tuck away great/interesting/exciting/cool/etc links as I find them for the next edition. I always welcome submissions, so if there's ever a post of yours or that catches your eye elsewhere that you'd like me to include, please don't hesitate to let me know.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete
  20. I'm just now getting to this post as I have not had the time to devote to it until now. I love these posts and enjoy visiting every one of their sources. Great round up my dear.

    She Knits in Pearls

    ReplyDelete
  21. I really have a hard time picking a favourite from all your posts, because I love everything from your hands. :) But Vintage Link Love is ranking really high on the list. It is such a fantastic mix of fun and seriousness, tips and advice, entertainment and knowledge. And you always steel way to much of my time with them, dear. ;) This was no exception. I loved most of it, from the famous thirties dummy (so fun, and strange) to the fallen soldiers room. The last one I will send to my parents to enjoy too. They've gotten wifi and an iPad, they're 70 and have never had any such modern thing, but especially dad enjoys it a lot. He is a master of technic, he is a mechanic and only have vintage vehicles, so I think it speaks more to him. But I think I can get my mum hooked too if I send her interesting links, because she is really fond of the ones I've already sent her. Wishing you a lovely day, dear. I'm having the day off and will sew myself a houndtooth skirt, perhaps I'll even be brave enough to show myself wearing in on my blog. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It delights and inspires me (on with future editions, I mean) to know that you enjoy VVL so very much, dear Sanne. I really, genuinely like put it together. Saving interesting stories all throughout the month as they come my way. More often than not, rereading each of them again in the process of penning my post (which makes it take a bit longer for sure, but it ends up being such a lovely way to spend an afternoon or evening).

      I'm touched to know that you're going to (or have already) share(d) the last story with your parents. I hope there will be other links in future editions that you're eager to do the same with, too.

      Huge hugs & so very many thanks for your wonderfully nice comment,
      ♥ Jessica

      Delete