tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post1514717388207326145..comments2024-03-12T13:57:38.337-07:00Comments on Chronically Vintage: Seven vintage garments it might surprise you to learn that I don't ownWitchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-59437880094441552482015-03-17T22:52:14.890-07:002015-03-17T22:52:14.890-07:00Thank you very much for your detailed comment and ...Thank you very much for your detailed comment and thoughtful suggestions. That's an avenue I've somewhat investigated before. We don't have a local cobbler at present who is making shoes from scratch, but chances are there would be some to be had elsewhere in the province. I know that when I was speaking to a couple of them in Calgary, AB a number or years back (actually, over a decade now) when I lived there, they were quoting me in the $350+ range for leather, a bit less for suede. With the drastic increase in most things these days, I'm sure those rates would be higher now quite a bit. That's far beyond my everyday budget, but not something I'd ever rule out entirely in the long run. It's great to have that option and it makes me think that a company that really specialized in custom made vintage style/repro shoes, especially if they could come in under $200 a pair, would do extremely well. <br /><br />I'm delighted to hear that you've had good luck on the the cobblers in SF and hope that you always continue to. Thank you again for your comment, I certainly appreciate it.<br /><br />Have a great week,<br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-12800210114828632882015-03-17T22:44:10.599-07:002015-03-17T22:44:10.599-07:00Regarding vintage 1940s shoes, there may be an opt...Regarding vintage 1940s shoes, there may be an option you haven't considered. Your local old-fashioned shoe repair shop may well have a cobbler skilled enough create your perfect pair of shoes. <br /><br />I had some some beat-up boots restored by an old guy in a nondescript place in a boring neighborhood in San Francisco, and discovered he's also the manufacturer for a local small-scale shoe designer. I should think anyone who would do that would be able to create a one-off pair. And he, and his shop, looked like every other shoe repair shop I've ever seen. He wasn't some sort of hip artisan cobbler.<br /><br />So ask your local guy if he can make a custom pair, and what it would cost. Take pictures of your favorites with you. They may not be cheap or genuine vintage, but they'd be exactly what you wanted and would fit perfectly. He might be able to (or even prefer to) remake a pair you already have, which would lower your cost.<br /><br />It's funny how shoe repair is an old-fashioned thing that's still around, and every time I have to use one, I'm pleasantly surprised to get good work at a good price. PapayaSFnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-23712575915922047542015-03-07T22:00:58.946-08:002015-03-07T22:00:58.946-08:00I've found it practically impossible to find g...I've found it practically impossible to find genuine vintage shoes that fit. I've long wanted a pair of 60's mod-style flats or pumps but have yet to find a pair that fit the bill. And I'd love a pair of penny loafers to add to my collection, but for now I'm settling for repro versions.<br /><br />I also don't own a swimsuit, either vintage or modern. I simply don't go swimming often enough to need one. In fact, I don't think I've taken a dip once in the last two years. One of my friends suggested a swim in the lake a few weeks ago and I had to decline because I don't own a suit!Vanessahttp://www.nessbow.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-80192311062966504102015-02-27T17:39:12.666-08:002015-02-27T17:39:12.666-08:00Hello my darling friend, please don't worry fo...Hello my darling friend, please don't worry for the tiniest of moments. It's awesome that you've been able to go on ski trips lately and that you've been having such a lovely winter. I always adore hearing from you and know that you're just an email away, if we don't connect via our blogs, so we're never really out of touch with one another. <br /><br />How awesome that you recently bought a 1930s fedora. What colour is it? I just know you're going to style is so breathtakingly! I'm sorry that swing coats don't work very well on you either, even the gorgeous LA ones. They overpower me as well and make me look shorter (and wider) than I am usually, which is not something I want to have happen when I'm barely 5'2" to begin with. <br /><br />Like yourself, I haven't given up hope on that front entirely though and will keep trying - you never know when a certain fabric, length, cut, etc will hit the jacket pot on the swing coat front. (Lol, and no matter how it makes me look, I do so want a waist or hip length golden brown "teddy bear" fur 1950s swing coat one day - I've always madly adored the look of them!)<br /><br />Thank you very much for your fabulous comment, dearest Joanna. I think of you often and really hope that this month has been a great one for you and your family.<br /><br />Have a beautiful, relaxing weekend!<br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-61614078478558189792015-02-27T16:56:07.559-08:002015-02-27T16:56:07.559-08:00I love that about our wardrobes. They evolve, chan...I love that about our wardrobes. They evolve, change, grow, shrink, house memories, and are like a garden that we get to tend to and see blossom before our eyes time and time again.<br /><br />Big hugs & tons of happy weekend wishes,<br />♥ Jessica <br /><br />*PS* How cool that your vintage swimsuit is from your aunt. I think that clothing, jewelry and accessories that come from our relatives are the amongst, if not "the", most precious we'll ever own. Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-45214542459895749892015-02-25T18:17:10.799-08:002015-02-25T18:17:10.799-08:00Hello dear sweet Jessica:) I've been neglecti...Hello dear sweet Jessica:) I've been neglecting the blog fronts of late. I think the weekend ski trips and the children being off of school for various reasons has set me back. This is such an excellent post. I would have thought you would have a fedora. I just recently bought one. I do like the look of a great 30s fedora and they aren't easy to find in the 30s style. I look at those old movies and just love them. I also cannot wear a swing coat and it isn't for lack of trying. I've tried a few Lilli Ann's and these would be the best sort that you think I would like. They just seem so overpowering on me. But, I haven't given up and hope one day that if I try one on in person, I'll say this is lovely! I had a beautiful one I sold because it was so big for me. I hope you find your 40s shoes because when you do find a good pair they are so special but also I find delicate. So, it's a balance. The re-mix shoes are a great alternative. I just bought a couple of 40s shoes and will have to sell one because of the fit. I hope you find yours one day!Joannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16439393534029787165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-70645777185369175982015-02-25T13:05:18.743-08:002015-02-25T13:05:18.743-08:00You are so right, our wardrobes are always work in...You are so right, our wardrobes are always work in process so I guess you just never really know when you'll find the right playsuit ;)<br />I cannot believe that I have a vintage swimsuit and you don't. Although I guess it does not count if I still have not worn it. It's from the 60s and it was my aunts.Lorenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16720997862417551402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-48297758911075461892015-02-25T13:01:25.637-08:002015-02-25T13:01:25.637-08:00I hear you there big time (I'm barely 5'2&...I hear you there big time (I'm barely 5'2") and find the same to be true. Where the hem hits on the pants is super important. I find a mid-calf length, especially if it's tapered usually serves me best with cropped pants. Ooohh, I really hope you're able to find a Horrocks dress one day, too. They're stunning! It's amazing how much they've gone up in price in recent years. I kick myself for not buying one say five years ago. I suspect it will be quite the investment when I do finally add one to my closet one day. <br /><br />Have a wonderful Wednesday, my dear friend!<br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-83900471769030292112015-02-24T16:01:28.247-08:002015-02-24T16:01:28.247-08:00A playsuit with capri pants sounds a good bet. I d...A playsuit with capri pants sounds a good bet. I do have to be careful with cropped trousers as I am not very tall and sometimes they make me look stubby if they are cropped at the wrong length. I would love a Horrocks dress. I found a couple at vintage fairs but they were very tiny sizes. Boo! I didn't know about whimsys until I read Tanith's blog and I think my wardrobe would benefit from one of them! Kate-Emhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15664293299445754159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-48189253874768456472015-02-24T09:30:36.076-08:002015-02-24T09:30:36.076-08:00How immensely fortunate you are that your mom is a...How immensely fortunate you are that your mom is able to help out your wardrobe in that way. I bet her creations are gorgeous! <br /><br />Big hugs,<br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-8524008849179396732015-02-23T15:51:42.706-08:002015-02-23T15:51:42.706-08:00I have a list like that as well, but usually my mo...I have a list like that as well, but usually my mom makes me pieces that may look like that instead of buying it x)Ginger made in Japanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16753423708862806679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-49654024913567917962015-02-23T12:03:29.304-08:002015-02-23T12:03:29.304-08:00The same rings true for me as well. My legs, chief...The same rings true for me as well. My legs, chiefly from the knee up, are not my best feature in the slightest and I avoid short skirts and shorts themselves like the plague. I've seen a few 50s playsuits that had capri length pants though, not shorts, with skirts that were longer still than the pants themselves and can't help but think that might be the solution here for those of us aren't shorts fans.<br /><br />That's an excellent point regarding various vintage items generally being more associated with certain parts of the world than others. If memory serves me right, I first learned about Horrocks brand dresses though British vintage fashion blogs (and have wanted one ever since - total vintage wishlist item there for me). It's fun that the global-ness of the web allows us to expand our knowledge about subjects we love dearly in such a cool way (via vintage blogs, I mean). Are there any items that you learned about via vintage blogs that you'd love to add to your closet (but haven't yet), now, too?<br /><br />Big hugs & many thanks for your terrific comment,<br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-32686520305257470012015-02-23T11:49:36.426-08:002015-02-23T11:49:36.426-08:00Oooohhh, you lucky duck, you! Though, thankfully, ...Oooohhh, you lucky duck, you! Though, thankfully, the sun has reappeared here in the past couple of days, we're very much still in winter mood. Even with my coat and boats on, while briefly at the dog park with Tony, Annie, my sister and her dog (Beau) last night, I was shivering up a storm. Thankfully though, spring does tend to hit the Okanagan before many other corners of Canada and with a bit of luck, in about a month or so, we should start to really see, feel and smell springtime, too.<br /><br />I would love to try and help you on your vintage swimsuit quest, honey. Please don't hesitate to email me anytime with more details regarding what you're looking for and I'll do my best. It's rare for me to find vintage swimsuits around these parts (one might say "ironically" given the abundance of lakes, many of which you can safely swim in parts of, around this area of the country), but one never know when luck will strike and I'd hate to unknowingly pass up something I saw that could have worked wonders for you. <br /><br />Thank you very much for your lovely comment. I hope this final week of February is off to a splendid start for you!<br /><br />Huge hugs,<br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-71252009182649971522015-02-22T09:05:48.108-08:002015-02-22T09:05:48.108-08:00Hello there!
You know - as much as I'm searchi...Hello there!<br />You know - as much as I'm searching for, it seem to be impossible to find one: a good vintage-looking swimsuit. Not that I call it a "fortune", but in past few years I haven't went to the seaside; but the day will come (hopefully - maybe.. next year.. since this year, with all the building expenses, that will not be an option). And, once the day comes: what will I parade in?!<br />Thank you for reminding me to update my sewing list.<br />I'm adding: sewing a vintage swim suit to the list.<br />..if I can't find one - I will make it myself. :)<br /><br />Many, many hugs!<br />(it smells like spring over here)<br /><br />MarijaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04034764185511908294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-9292359858085312582015-02-22T04:50:05.255-08:002015-02-22T04:50:05.255-08:00I don't have any of the things on your list ei...I don't have any of the things on your list either. I would like a playsuit but I am not very brave about shorts. However, they are such a great summer staple I might just have to get over that fear! I am also lacking circle skirts and 1940's style plaid skirts. One thing that strikes me is that one's list of missing pieces could well vary depending on what country you are from. For example, before I read vintage style blogs by Canadians and Americans I didn't know about items such as 49ers and Mexican tourist jackets as they wouldn't have been part of an English woman's wardrobe at the time. Unless she was exceptionally well travelled I suppose.Kate-Emhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15664293299445754159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-32151073935903824622015-02-21T23:12:57.605-08:002015-02-21T23:12:57.605-08:00I've happened across some 49'ers, but livi...I've happened across some 49'ers, but living in Sunny SD, it's kind of moot to have it.<br />I'd love a pair of Penny Loafers, I owned a lot when I was a kid, but I've found them hard to find of late.<br />And I have on my to make list some playsuits. I think I'd make the blouses and shorts differing lengths for comfort purposes.<br /><br />All in all, I don't own a single thing from this list either, haha!Carlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04494877480053351419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-57607281853333447142015-02-21T17:04:39.301-08:002015-02-21T17:04:39.301-08:00I do enjoy the era in which I live-hello Netflix a...I do enjoy the era in which I live-hello Netflix and heated car seats-but, yes, the fashion of past decades would be my favorite to wear ;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09659601377598225674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-48184246978664851722015-02-21T15:50:01.909-08:002015-02-21T15:50:01.909-08:00Hi dear gal, you're far too hard on yourself, ...Hi dear gal, you're far too hard on yourself, I'm certain that folks would love to hear more about you, your life, your vintage wardrobe, your flea market finds, your love of 50s skirts, and many other topics. Do drop me a line if you'd ever like to talk more about the prospect of an interview, honey.<br /><br />Thank you very much for your comment - have a terrific weekend!<br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-72651115439770884392015-02-21T12:49:41.392-08:002015-02-21T12:49:41.392-08:00Hello dear Linda, I think it's a special gift ...Hello dear Linda, I think it's a special gift from the universe when we're tapped to be passionate about the past. It's not something that is bestowed on everyone by a long shot and for those who do share this kind of interest, it can be such an enriching, rewarding, endlessly fun blessing. <br /><br />big hugs & the happiest of weekend wishes coming your way,<br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-17161906002196271282015-02-21T12:47:21.518-08:002015-02-21T12:47:21.518-08:00Very true, leather shoes rarely hold up all that w...Very true, leather shoes rarely hold up all that well, especially if they saw a lot of wear back in the day. I'm sorry that genuine vintage shoes in your size aren't forthcoming either, sweet gal. On the extremely unlikely chance that I ever hit upon a vintage collection of (wide) size 10s in my vintage shopping hunts, you will be the first person I contact. <br /><br />Thank you very much for your lovely comment - have a fabulous weekend!<br />♥ Jessica <br /><br />*PS* I swear, I was thinking of you and your terrific 49er jackets while penning this post. Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-45562305447701686962015-02-21T12:44:38.198-08:002015-02-21T12:44:38.198-08:00Hi Tami, I hear you there! Though I am ultimately ...Hi Tami, I hear you there! Though I am ultimately grateful to live in the era when I do, I certainly wish that fashions these days were more in keeping with the mid-twentieth century decades that we hold near and dear to our hearts.<br /><br />It's great that you're a fellow hat lover as well! I'm sorry that some styles don't work fabulously on you. There are some that are rather frightening on me, too, let me tell you! Cloche and most pillboxes, for example. Have you tried "half hats" (those charming 1950s hats that were almost more like extra wide headbands) and/or fascinators? Either style - and really any type of hat - with a good dose of volume to it might lend to the appearance of a face and neck because it would draw the eye upward. <br /><br />Thank you very much for your comment. Have a terrific weekend!<br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-28260213111901842172015-02-21T11:48:27.766-08:002015-02-21T11:48:27.766-08:00I LOVE hats, but because of my short (almost no) n...I LOVE hats, but because of my short (almost no) neck and my fat face, I tend to look best in a newsboy style hat. And I would love a swing coat also. I always say that I am an adult in the wrong era-the 50's and 60's are my favorite fashion periodAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09659601377598225674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-29611683112516118872015-02-21T11:16:45.731-08:002015-02-21T11:16:45.731-08:00oh gosh, I see here quite a lot of things I would ...oh gosh, I see here quite a lot of things I would like to find in my wardrobe one day.<br />ok, I own a deadstock 50s bathingsuit that looks adorable - but not on me. Loafers are always too narow for my wide feet ... ha, but I just refound a 60s swing coat still with a tag, that I had thrifted in the States two years ago and forgot ... this will make it into my daily wardrobe for spring. yeah.<br /><br />oh, maybe I would be interested in being an interview partner ... but I really don't think the things i might have to say aren't too interesting to the people out there ...Ms. Falconhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02131781752240288828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-86725215698601798722015-02-21T08:13:45.174-08:002015-02-21T08:13:45.174-08:00Dear Jessica,
These are all so lovely, and the fi...Dear Jessica,<br /><br />These are all so lovely, and the first one is magical. That takes me way back...I don't know why, but I love clothing and music and TV and radio shows "before my time." Thank you so much for sharing these.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12692170857496442623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-74432348981317957462015-02-21T06:10:09.016-08:002015-02-21T06:10:09.016-08:00I don't own any original 1940s shoes either. T...I don't own any original 1940s shoes either. They're so beautiful but I wear a wide size 10 which is impossible to find in that era! I have found maybe 3 pairs that fit in my years of vintage hunting but the leather is always very dry and cracked and I'd be afraid to wear them. Luckily, there's a lot of great repro or vintage style shoes out there so I just stick to thoseBrittany_Va-VoomVintagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04377031677999463069noreply@blogger.com