The perfect Luxulite brooch for Peach Fest + embracing autumnal hues early

Outfit details

1940s style forest green snood: eBay seller tina.g-2008
Vintage style plastic peach rose stud earrings: Handmade by me
Brown thin knit cardigan: Suzy Shier
1940s style plastic peach dangle brooch: Luxulite
C. 1980s does 1940s/1950s mustard yellow dress: (I think) eBay
Pine green faux leather skinny belt: eBay
Yellow plastic bangle bracelet: Forever 21
Vintage peachy-orange and dark green plastic bangle bracelets: Unknown, had for years (probably thrifted)
1950s/1960s brown faux patent leather handbag: Frugal Frocks
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
1940s style faux leather round toe pumps: Walmart
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace
Nail colour: Essie Roarrrrange


Photography by Tony Cangiano

♥ ♥ ♥

My love of autumn and its colours palette isn't exactly a highly guarded secret. From the earliest days of my blog's life, all the way back in 2009 right up until the present, I have made both a key element of the annual ebb and flow of happenings here and am sure that I always will.

Perhaps its because we've had so few truly summery (or late spring, for that matter) days this year, but even though we're still a few weeks away from autumn's official return, I'm already starting to embrace this beautiful season once more.

The first of my harvest themed decor items are making their way out of storage, dishes starring root veggies, cinnamon, and/or long, slow cooking times are appearing on the table; and, to the surprise of no one who knows me, I'm sure, I've begun wearing autumnal hues, too.

Not entirely, of course - it is still technically summer and I do want to get my "light and bright" colour palette on for a while longer, but here and there for sure, especially on rainy and/or overcast days like this past Sunday when we grabbed these snaps against the backdrop of a local hedgerow just up the street from our house.

Last week was Peach Fest here in Penticton and while we didn't get to a ton of events (in part because it overlapped with Tony's birthday weekend), we did enjoy some of the local festivities and the general air of high spirited merriment that fills the town while such is underway.

In honour of a festival whose roots center around the luscious, scrumptious peach that grows in abundance around these parts and has long been an integral factor in the local economy, I knew exactly what vintage inspired novelty brooch I wanted to wear.

I purchased this awesome Luxulite brooch last year in fact with the primary intention of sporting it for the Peach Festival, so I knew that on Sunday, the day after Tony's birthday, the time had come to debut it here on my blog.

To create the rest of my ensemble, I used the colours in my brooch as a jumping off point, while also looking ahead to fall and its earthy, inviting hues that so many of us melt like butter over.

And speaking of buttery shades, this c. 1980s does 1940s/1950s mustard yellow dress, which I've had for a few years now, is one of my all-time favourite dresses. If, for some strange reason, I had to shortlist my entire dress collection down to just ten, or really, even merely five, this dress would make the cut, no questions asked.

It has somewhat poufy sleeves though, which look a touch bulky under a fitted cardigan like this brown one, but aside from that (and really, that isn't even a truly negative point), it's pretty much my dream solid coloured dress and I reach for it the whole year round - especially from mid-summer to late autumn.

It felt like a while since I'd last rocked a snood on camera here, so picking up the green in the Luxulite brooch, I opted for a dark forest green one and repeated that same colour in my choice of skinny belt, as well as one of my vintage plastic bangle bracelets.

This brown cardigan has some light grey hued plastic pearl buttons on the front. Pretty for sure, but they didn't go with the general palette or look of this outfit one iota, so instead I tied the cardi and tucked most of the buttons in the knot and folds created by that process. Issue solved! :)

I was quite bushed (and full – so many carbs!) from Tony's birthday celebration the day before, so I wanted comfy and cozy, but still well put together and I feel like this fun Peach Fest meets autumn colour filled outfit delivered nicely on that front.

Stay tuned later in August, to see what I sported for my husband's b-day itself, and then for a whole bevy of fall hued and themed outfits that will be coming down the pipeline here as summer continues to wind down and we embrace the return of my absolute favourite time of the year.

I can hardly wait for the crisp, refreshing days of fall - but first, am hoping that we get at least a few more sporadic rain-free days, as I do have some further thoroughly summertime-y looks that I'm eager to share here with you this year before pumpkin-spice-everything officially returns.

*PS* This coming Monday (the 15th) I'll be having a routine medical procedure (I've had the exact same one numerous times over the years) at the hospital, so I'm giving myself the weekend off from blog post writing (though will still be online plenty) to relax and prepare for such. I will have two or three new posts for you next week, starting with one on Monday itself, so happily no major disruptions to life as usual here on my site. :)

25 awesome red, white and blue-tiful vintage fashion finds for the 4th of July

 It might seem strange to some that I, a born and bred Canadian, would have a deeply rooted passion for America's birthday, but that indeed I do! As I've discussed here in various posts over the years, America's culture is very much intertwined at times with ours and it is impossible, for me at least, to share a border with a country and not be aware of all of its holidays - especially when they're as monumental and important as the 4th of July.

We Canadians, typically a more subdued bunch who are prone to quiet celebrations and understated shows of patriotism, do go all out for our nation's own birthday, which falls on July 1st, but there's still something deeply appealing to me about how gung-ho Americans get regarding Independence Day. From parades to festive foods to epic fireworks shows, it's all so lively, festive and fun (not to mention a marvelous way to kick off the first full month of summer!).

I've never celebrated the 4th of July on American soil, but would very much welcome the chance to do so one day. Until then, I'll happily mark the occasion in spirit from this side of the 49th, as well as here on my blog. This time around, with a selection of 25 exciting, holiday perfect red, white and blue vintage items of clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Naturally, one does not have to be an American or observe the 4th of July to embrace these patriotically hued pieces - the colours of which jive with those used for the flags of numerous other countries around the world, too, including the UK, France, The Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Thailand, Norway, Chile and many more. They're lively and fun, suiting the bold, dynamic months of summer superbly, while also (especially the red pieces) transitioning beautifully into fall.

I hope that you have as much fun checking out these stylish vintage wearables - each of which stars at least one of America's national colours - as might be had at a huge 4th of July bash, with sparklers, star topped cupcakes, and miniature American flags as far as the eye can see!

25 awesome red, white and

blue-tiful vintage fashion finds

for the 4th of July

1. Equally at home as part of both Canada Day and July 4th outfits, as well as nautical ensembles, too (not to mention Christmas and Valentine's Day ones), this beautiful c. 1930s/1940s woven vintage seed bead necklace is such a stylish, versatile piece that you'll be apt to reach for often the whole year through. $28.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




2. A relaxing palette of beautiful blues call this elegant 1950s floral print short sleeve dress home and would be a great choice for any holiday, picnic, birthday party, afternoon tea, or stylish everyday warm weather outfit. Fits up to a 36 inch bust/28 inch waist. $89.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




3. As awesome for Viva Las Vegas as it Independence Day, this bold, chunky 1950s/1960s molded red plastic and silvery-gold tone metal panel bracelet is such a chic piece that works wonders in the context of all sorts of vintage, pinup, rockabilly, retro, and modern looks. $35.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




4. File this incredible 1950s red and white wool rodeo queen worthy pants suit under "jaw dropping" because that is precisely what it is. Wow, wow and wow again! Even if it happens to be too warm to wear outdoors on the 4th, this really is the sort of head turning vintage western wear suit that will serve you well in the nippier months for many years to come. Fits up to a 36 inch waist (jacket) and 25 inch waist (pants). $250.00 from The Best Vintage Clothing.




5. Few things give off more of a festive vibe than bows, which this classically elegant 1940s/1950s navy blue ladies plus size crepe dress has in strategically appealing spots on both the neckline and skirt areas. Fits up to a 38 inch bust/34 inch waist. $75.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




6. Fabulous for when you need a little extra warmth after the sun sets - say, while watching festive fireworks or shooting stars whizzing across the inky summer sky - this gorgeous 1950s red angora and white beaded cardigan is will have your back now and see you warmly on through to the chillier months, too. Fits up to a 38 inch bust. From Bobbins and Bombshells.




7.They might not be soaring eagles, but the adorable birds depicted on this pair or white and blue mid-century vintage plastic hair barrettes are still more than worthy of being sported for any July 4th celebration. $15.00 for the pair from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




8. Awesome with shorts, capri pants, skirts, or even as a bathing suit cover up, this delightfully fun 1950s red, white and blue striped sleeveless blouse is sure to become a firm favourite in your sunny weather vintage wardrobe. Fits up to a 40 inch bust/38 inch waist. $35.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




9. Red and white combine forces with warm toned brass in this absolutely beautiful c. 1930s rhinestone and imitation pearl skeleton key and flower brooch that make for such a head-turning piece of 4th of July (or anytime!) jewelry. $24.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




10. Oh my word, how fabulously cute + chic is this magnificent mid-century vintage Sally Victor red, white and navy blue straw hat with navy veil? This yesteryear chapeau would rock for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, President's Day, WW2 related events, or anytime you want to sport some seriously patriotic hues on your head. (On sale at the time of writing for) $44.00 from The Best Vintage Clothing.




11. I recently acquired, and have subsequently been listing, a lovely selection of mid-century vintage Mexican jewelry (including both sterling silver and alpaca pieces), amongst which one finds this generously sized, deeply attractive panel bracelet with its chunky blue plastic cabochons and great Southwestern design. $38.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




12. Sweet and feminine, with a gentle hue that plays surprisingly well with red, this lovely 1950s baby blue cardigan is just the lightweight topper to see you through the whole summer in great old school style. Fits up to a 40 inch waist/36 inch waist (at the bottom of the cardigan). $15.00 from Sanne's Vintage Jools.




13. Another delightfully pretty piece of mid-century costume jewelry that will serve you well for a myriad of different events across the calendar, from Independence Day to Christmas, this fun vintage red and white plastic beaded choker necklace will look so sweet with all kinds of vintage, pinup, rockabilly, and glam modern outfits. $16.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




14. Perfect for air conditioned indoor summertime events and cooler days throughout the rest of the year, these classy - and very classic looking - mid-century vintage red, white and blue kid leather gloves are a deeply lovely pair with so much appeal to them. Estimated to fit a modern size small - medium. $25.00 from Carla & Carla.




15. These c. 1980s does 1950s/60s style stunners are, hands down, bar none, one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous pairs of vintage earrings I've ever seen. With luminous AB stones (that call to mind the flashes of light produced by a 4th of July fireworks show), a chic dangle design, and generous size that makes them an instant statement piece, these vintage red rhinestones are truly knock-your-socks off amazing! $22.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




16.A timeless trio of seafaring and 4th of July worthy colours star in this beautiful 1950s navy blue wide brim straw hat. which includes a delightfully fun white hatband woven through red decorative loops. $46.00 from The Vintage Mistress.




17. Hunting for an absolutely elegant maxi skirt to wear to a wedding, garden party or other special event this summer? May I suggest this stunning c. 1970s periwinkle blue silk number that has such an awesome Edwardian revival quality to it. Fits up to a 30 inch waist/free hips. $45.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




18. If you happen to be one of those lucky ladies with very small feet and are presently looking for a seriously cool new pair of shoes for the summer months, may I recommend these darling 1940s/1950s cork and raffia wedges? Listed as being a US ladies size 5. $75.00 from Lucky Dry Goods.




19. Headed to the Jazz Age Lawn Party this summer or know a dapper chap who is? May I suggest this elegant and eye-catchingly attractive c. 1930s/1940s 10K gold filled Swank brand men's tie clip (which could, of course, be rocked by ladies as well) with its beautiful little blue cabochon ends. $25.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




20.The 4th of July's classic colour palette is rendered in gentle shades and teemed with cheerful green in this sweeter-than-sweet 1950s sundress that would be ideal for a summertime tea or garden party. Fits up to a 36 - 38 inch bust/28.5 cm waist. $114.00 from Archetype Vintage.




21. It's never too early to start planning your fall time outfits, especially when they involve beautiful vintage earrings like these glamorous mid-century vintage red leaf and aurora borealis charmers that can just as easily be worn at other times of the year - July 4th very much included - as well. $15.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




22.Equal parts patriotic and pretty, this fantastic c. 1930s/1940s molded plastic and reverse carved glass brooch would be an especially fitting 4th of July vintage jewelry choice for those who live in, or have family ties to, New York. $18.50 from Yesterday's Attic.




23. As serene as a summer's day spent at the beach, this wonderful c. 1930s/1940s graduated blue glass bead necklace is the sort of sophisticated vintage jewelry box staple that goes with a million and one outfits, no matter if it's January or July. $35.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




24. So immensely sweet for the littlest holiday celebrators in your life, this darling vintage red, white and blue infant's dress is as home on July 4th as it at the beach all summer long. Listed as being suitable for a 12 month old child. $24.99 from Old Fashion Baby.




25. The 4th of July just wouldn't be the same without some eagle imagery, which speaks to the rich history of the nation's association with this majestic bird and the freedom it represents. Channel some of that same patriotism with you sport this beautiful little circa WW2 era rhinestone adorned eagle stick (or hat) pin at any time of the year. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



{To learn more about a specific item or image featured in today's post, please click on its photo or on the link in the text below to be taken to its respective source.}

♥ ♥ ♥

No matter if your country is celebrating a birthday or other big event in the near future or not, there is an energetic giddiness to these first days of summertime that fills one's heart with joy, giving a much needed sense of promise and wonder alike to this hottest (in the Northern Hemisphere) chapter of the year and that alone is worth toasting with great enthusiasm.

I'll be doing just that in the coming weeks, as they lead into various family birthdays (including my own), Canada Day, July 4th, and many other great points that make the early days of summer to incredibly enjoyable.
 

Here's to an sun-kissed, carefree, beautiful season ahead for all of us - and the very happiest of July 4th wishes to all of my dear US friends and blog readers!

Sporting a vintage rainbow in downtown Penticton (plus an important note about my summer)

Outfit details

Red crochet snood: eBay seller tina.g-2008
Gold tone stud earrings: Either Payless or Claire's
Coral/orange cardigan: Thrifted
C. 1960s blue berry and gold tone metal brooch: Jardin Antiquesin Okanagan Falls
Mid-century vintage "rainbow" dress: Now So LA
Gold tone metal bangles: Payless
Vintage red plastic bangle: Thrifted
Blue cross body purse: eBay
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Red patent pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano

♥ ♥ ♥

In the last month or so, we have had numerous rainy days, many of which were accompanied by thunder and lightning storms, and which inevitably - and much to our viewing pleasure - resulted in tons of flat out stunning rainbows. In fact, at one point, Tony and I started sarcastically joking each time one popped up by saying, "Ooooh, how original Penticton, another rainbow!" :D Of course we were totally kidding and adored seeing all of these majestic meteorological phenomena added an incredible vibrancy to our skies.

Inspired by the plethora of 'bows, I felt that it was high time I shared one of my very favourite warm weather dresses with all of you, as its palette takes a serious cue from rainbows everywhere and also suits the sizzling hot season that we're heading into so nicely.

This is, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it, a boldly hued frock and as such, it’s wise to keep accessory colours both in the same tonal range and to something of a minimum. One red and two gold bangles on my wrists, a cute c. 1960s berry brooch, a red snood, and a blue cross body/shoulder bag, plus red patent heels were it, save for my coral hued cardigan.

As a massive fan of celebrating the importance of colour in your wardrobe, this is a fun, cheerful outfit that embraces that concept head on, and while it might brighten the day big time, it would be  apt to feel rather out of place in the fall, winter, or early spring. It screams late spring or summer and is instantly reminiscent of not only a rainbow's symphony of hues, but of those found in the sort of glorious, heat baked sunrises and sets that usually only appear during this chapter of the year as well.

These snaps were taken right here in downtown Penticton on a small foot bridge that connects Ellis Street with the back of Main Street. As two of the oldest and most historically riches streets in the town, this is spot that always seems especially natural to me for a vintage outfit photo shoot (we've shot here once before, as you may recall from this 2013 outfit post), even if the wee bridge itself is quite modern.

As I'd touched on briefly in this post earlier in the month, Tony is going to the States for work this summer. In fact, he left yesterday and will be gone until the first week of September. That means it's just me and the adorable pets for the next few weeks and as such, this summer is going to be very different in some respects.

All though the prospect of Tony heading south for the summer came about relatively quickly, in a matter of just a few weeks during the second half of the spring, in that time, as much as my health would permit, we scrambled to get as many outfit photo shoots in as we could before he left.

While I may have posted a few more between June and September had Tony been here all summer like usual, over all we were still, fortunately, able to nab several and thus I'll be able to continue to share new vintage outfits with you all summer long (yippee!), even though my darling photographer will be over 1,500 kilometers away.

Without Tony home to help with certain aspects of daily life, and because I don't drive (though thankfully my parents do and can give me lifts sometimes for things like grocery shopping and doctors appointments; I'll use a taxi or public transportation for those when they're not able to), I know that his absence will have a deep impact not only on my heart (as in, I'll miss him dearly!), but significantly on the state of my health at times throughout the next 2.5 months, too.

I can only guess as to how big of an impact that will be and how it will play into my day-to-day life, including blogging and running my Etsy shop, but as always, I'll hope for the best, think positively, and do as much as I realistically can. Though this time apart will be a hard on both of us (prior to this, the longest we've ever been apart since tying the knot in 2004, was 8 or 9 days), thanks to the fact that summer passes at the speed of light no matter what, I bet it won't feel like long until we're back in each other's arms again.

In the meantime though, there will be lots keeping me busy this summer on top of work. From my birthday next month on the 10th to Peachfest in August, time spent with family and friends to hitting as many yard sales on foot as I possibly can, I know I'll be on my toes all summer long and I think that's a very good thing when one is missing the love of their life something fierce.

So, my dears, while this summer isn't likely to unfold quite how I'd envisioned earlier in the year, I have no doubt that it will still be plenty of fun, full of hard work, and perhaps, who knows, maybe even include another rainbow or two. If not, there's always this fab sunrise hued dress to keep me covered in that department! :)

Flickr Favourites: August 10, 2013

{Summer 1909 - Frank W Benson ~ MyLiliesMyLo}

{Blue and white china ~ The Old Blue Shed}

{Montgomery Ward Summer 1942 ~ vintagestitches}

{Summer skies ~ wolvessss}

{Ready For The Regatta (1937) ~ paul.malon}

{Bellas Hess & Co. Spring and Summer 1919 Catalogue No.87 ~ vintagestitches}

{Basinful of Fun No. 20 ~ Print and Pulp}

{Liam ~ ~Romantic~Vintage Home~}

{Wakes Spring-Summer 1948-49 ~ nettness}

{Lace on shelf ~ Romantic Home}

{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on its title to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}

♥ ♥ ♥

There is something about these lava hot days of August that seem to perpetually put me in the mood for either wildly vibrant, deeply saturated colours of the sort one might extract from a tropical flower garden or, alternatively, for a palette that is gentle, elegant and nearly devoid of hue, save for a few splashes of relaxing blue.

The Edwardians were experts on the later, in my opinion. Most ladies of the day (especially during the 1910s) had at least one solid white cotton and/or lace ensemble to sport while the mercury shot its way through the stratosphere. Women, men and children alike were experts on pale summer wardrobes - a look which was no doubt influenced at least in part by the Victorian and Edwardian tradition of taking a summer holiday (or spending the whole season there, if one had the means) at the beach, far away from the maddening heat and crowds of life in the city.

Penticton is a town built in no small part on, and around, the tourism industry, and each year from early June to Labour Day, the local population temporarily swells to well over double it's usual number (of around 32,000), so the locals aren’t treated to that same kind of “escapism” luxury, but we do still get to live in a town that boasts not one, but two, gorgeous lakes and some of the finest summer weather Canada has to offer.

Most tourists these days don bikinis and board shorts, and I can't recall ever seeing anyone at the beach in a snow white tea gown, but I love the very notion of this kind of romantic, turn of the century summer style and the colour scheme that it entails.

Presently I'm in the mood for the softer shades of August - the hues that are akin to an icy blast from a powerful electric fan, and which sing of serenity and taking things nice and slow. Be they Edwardian or from later in the century (right up to the present day), I love whitewashed, mellow, gentle summer shades of dusty cream, aged ivory, vanilla ice cream white, and blues spanning from whisper soft to rich, inky navy.

This palette can go in a nautical direction (befitting Penticton's lakes) or call to mind anything from a day spent on the ski hill to the weathered, flaking paint on the wrap-around deck of an early twentieth century country farm house. It's sweet, innocent, comforting and more than a little ideal for days so very warm, you almost forget a season known as winter even exists at all.

It does though, but it's still a long, long ways off for most, and that means we need to avail of every possible source of refreshing coolness we can get our paws on, starting with the ten timelessly lovely images included in today's edition of Flickr Favourites.

They might not make you feel quite as chilly as rolling around in a snow bank would, but I hope they'll bring a little bit of much needed relief from August's sizzling sun your way on this fine Thursday morning.