Answering the I ♥ Fall Tag (because I epicly do!!!)

 As many of you may have gathered by now, I absolutely adore answering tags, be they here in written form or over on my (very sporadically) updated YouTube channel. I like to keep things interesting and don't post tags here all that often, but aim for at least a couple a year.

Sometimes folks will kindly tap me to answer specific tags that they're playing along with, at others I'll discover them independently myself and feel a desire to answer the questions they pose.

Though occasionally tags (such as 100 Questions to Inspire Rapid Self-Discovery) get in-depth and personal, most are just plain fun. As well, I find them to be an excellent partner for the weekend, when few of us have the time or burning desire to delve into lengthy and/or heavy posts.




{Pure, unbridled elation fills my heart and sets me to throwing my hands up in cheer the moment fall rounds the bend again!}


Today, on the very first Friday of my absolute favourite season of the whole year, I though I'd take a stab at answering the I ♥ Fall Tag, which has been floating around the web in various iterations for at least four years, if not longer.

This tag is speedy, easy, and totally enjoyable - so I highly encourage all those for whom it also resonates with to play along as well (please be sure to leave a comment with a link to your own post or video, if you do, so that I can delight in reading/hearing your replies, too).

I ♥ Fall Tag Questions

1. Favourite fall lip product? My trusty tube of MAC Diva lipstick. It's the perfect vampy, blackberry juice hued colour to compliment so many of autumn's muted and jewel toned ensembles (not to mention, all things black and mysterious looking, too!).






2. Favourite fall nail polish? There are sooo many that I love! Narrowing it down to a single choice is not easy, but if I must pick just one, I'll have to go with the wildly beloved modern day classic, Lincoln Park After Dark from OPI (which, perhaps not all that surprisingly or coincidentally, is quite similar in hue to my lipstick choice above).



3. Favourite time of the day during fall? It's a two-way tie for me between the (truly!) golden hour and dusk, when the heavens takes on the inky, marbled look of the illustrated skies in that most awesome of Halloween classics, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.




4. Favourite fall candle? Back in 2014, when Target still existed in Canada, Tony and I picked up one of their Limited Edition brand Pumpkin Cheesecake candles that is so incredibly delicious scented, we not only haven't actually lit it yet, but we keep it out on a tiny shelf in our kitchen - where it gently perfumes the air - all year long. That one takes the (cheese)cake for me in this camp.
5. Favourite fall accessory? Any sort of vintage or vintage inspired autumn jewelry, especially if it stars maple leaves and/or pumpkins (such as this elegant antique amber and sterling silver brooch that is available in my Etsy shop).




6. Haunted house or fun fall hayride? Both, pretty please! But, if I could only pick one, haunted house all the way! I love experiencing safe thrills and chills comes October.





7. Favourite Halloween movie? Hands down, no questions asked, for all of time, Disney's 1993 gem of a film, Hocus Pocus. 





8. Favourite sweet treat to eat come Halloween night? Definitely handmade caramel apples, which I whip up a big batch for each All Hallows Eve (because, as we all know, calories don't count on October 31st! ;D).





9. Have you picked your Halloween costume for this year yet? I have indeed, but I'm not telling anyone (but my darling husband) what it is! :) I always save my reveal until the big night it itself and even like to surprise my parents with my costume choice.

Edit: When I penned this post recently, I thought I'd hit on my costume for this year, but now, I'm not as sure and am quite 50/50 between two (one of which I wore in a past year, but didn't share here yet). No matter what I go with, I'll be posting about it in November. 




10. What is your favourite thing about fall? Everything!!! In particular though, I adore how the season exquisitely marries light and dark in so many different ways, the stunning fall leaves, autumnal foods, and the various elements that I highlighted here back in a 2014 post called 5 things about Halloween That Make Me Disproportionately Happy.

(To learn more about a specific image used in this post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.)

♥ ♥ ♥

There are scarcely words enough in the languages of the world to even come close to adequately describing my elation over fall's return. While I will miss summer's powerful heat (and generally very outdoor photo shoot conducive weather), this season is so entwined in my soul that I always forgive it instantly for sending its predecessor packing.

From the fact that autumn has always felt like the true new year for me (as touched on previously in posts such as this one) to the sublime colours that Mother Nature drapes herself in to my most beloved of holidays, Halloween to, yes, really and truly, pumpkin spice everything, no other time of the year makes me quite as content, gleeful as autumn does.

Naturally, this leads me to want to "blog (and wear) all the fall things", so you can bank on a fun bevy of seasonal posts here as each week and month of this fall progresses.

Such will include scrumptious harvest fare, All Hallows Eve themed entries, cold weather styling ideas, and plenty of vintage and handmade autumn perfect finds. In fact, you could say that season is going to be as rich in fall related posts as a mug of warm apple cider is in gorgeous spiced aroma!

Here's to a brilliant, beautiful, and exciting (not to mention, playfully spooky) autumn for all of us!


*PS* Have you heard? There's two times the giveaway fun going on right now!

Here on Chronically Vintage, I've teamed up with Wise Apple Vintage this week to offer one lucky winner the chance to take home a $75.00 USD store credit to their awesome online vintage decor and collectibles shop. Enter that giveaway on this post.

And over the blog of my lovely friends the Boyer Sisters, I myself am giving away a $75.00 store credit for my Etsy vintage shop, as well as offering a limited time coupon code there for 25% off on everything in my store between September 21st and October 10th. Pop on over to their blog for your chance enter and to avail of this deep discount when you shop Chronically Vintage on Etsy.

25 Vintage Deals Under $100 for August 2015

Speedy and very busy for me, August's go-go-go pace has somewhat taken the wind out of my sails. As such, I gave serious though to skipping the 25 Vintage Deals post this month (a new one doesn't happen every single month, but I do aim to get them up whenever possible, especially since I know that they're popular with many of my readers), as they take quite a few hours – and a fair bit of energy - to put together and write.

However, on Friday night one of my conditions started flaring up and the Etsy shop related work that I had planned to do then wasn't able to happen. Instead I wound in bed and it just seemed logical to start gathering listings for today's post while I was, which is exactly what I did. :)

Though the weather here, save for a spot of rain on Friday, has been great lately and far more summery than autumnal, there are subtle signs of the next season's impending arrival and indeed, the fact that we're into the last stretch of August is one unto itself.

Given that school will be starting again for many of my readers and/or their kids, and since most of us automatically associate late summer with brand new notebooks, shiny red apples, and hitting the books, I thought it would be a lot of fun to focus August's edition of 25 Vintage Deals Under $100.00 on school days and early autumn related vintage, vintage appropriate, and handmade budget-friendly finds.

So grab a freshly sharpened #2 pencil, slip into a plaid skirt, and get ready to jot down notes on all the wallet approved bargains that are coming your way this month! :)

25 Vintage Deals under $100

for August 2015

1. No fruit is more synonymous with the end of summer and all of autumn than apples. Be they the real deal or the wearable kind like this delightfully fun little brushed gold vintage brooch, as the days grow shorter, one is always served well by upping their apple quota. $8.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




2. Chalkboard paint and chalkboard themed decor items have been all the rage for several years now, but sometimes they're no beating the real, original deal, like this great mid-century 13.5 x 19 inch handheld chalkboard slate that could easily be hung on a wall in any classroom or part of your house. $30.00 from Blue Moon Collectibles.




3. This used 1940s Double Q composition notebook is extremely cool. Inside the original owner kept school notes and filled some of the pages with her very talented illustrations. What a special slice of mid-century daily life! $15.00 from Kenton Collectibles.




4. Perfect for pre-school aged children, very much including younger siblings when their older brothers and sisters rush off to catch the school bus next month, this timelessly fun vintage metal See and Spell Toy is sure to entertain little ones and bring back plenty of memories for the the young at heart alike. $40.00 from DeeDee's Vintage Decor.




5. There is something very young-woman-about-campus to these fabulous 1940s style Tan Faux Suede Bow Accent Chunky Heel Shoes. They're stylish, comfortable looking, and so timelessly pretty! Available in modern ladies sizes 7 - 10 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




6. An awesome mid-century modern inspired print calls the fabric on this versatile little handmade zipper pouch home. Use it as a pencil case, makeup bag, small clutch - whatever you can dream up! $13.00 from The Curious Needle.




7. One of the most classic and important signs of the harvest season - the wheat stalk - stars in this timelessly pretty, Thanksgiving perfect mid-century vintage copper matching brooch and earring set. $27.00 for the set from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



8. From garments to scrapbook pages to teacher's gifts, the array of creative projects you could create with this set of handmade apple print fabric covered buttons is as vast as the number of leaves that will tumble to the ground this autumn. $4.83 for a set of five buttons from Handmade by Elaine.



9. Cute, kitschy and such a great conversation starter, this 1950s Polly red top 1950s lunchbox with matching thermos features oodles of cool mid-century illustrations and is so much fun, you might want to give it pride-of-place on a kitchen, classroom, or office shelf. $58.00 for the two-piece set from Tessie's Old Oddities.




10. Perfect now as is or with a cardi + tights (and/or tall boots) for the nippier days of the coming season, this fun, sophisticated mid-century matching cotton floral print jacket/blouse and skirt set sings with the colour palette of the changing seasons. Fits up to a 34 inch bust/26 inch waist. $52.00 for both pieces from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




11. Hand tooled leather stars in this eye-catching, festively fun little dish that suits the end of summer as well as it does each day of autumn. $12.00 from Beyond The Door.




12. Squeal worthily sweet, this 1960s Josef Originals school teacher mouse vintage figurine is as cute as September's golden light is beautiful! $6.00 from Raindrop Vintage Shop.




13. There are certain scents that will always go hand-in-hand with the return of the school year and chalk - and chalk dust - is most certainly one of those for me. Take a trip down memory lane with this delightful mid-century box of colour chalk. $10.00 from Fly By Night Vintage.




14. Jazz up your back-to-class 'do with this wonderfully cute mid-century vintage "School Days" fountain pen shaped hair barrette. $10.00 from Rosebud Cottage.




15. Nothing says fall quite like the sight of crunchy leaves carpeting the ground or the jewelry version jazzing up our favourite ensembles. Greet September's return in timeless style when you pin this elegant mid-century vintage black and coppery brown enamel maple leaf brooch to your favourite dress, blouse, or sweater - its colour palette also makes it a great choice for Halloween, to boot. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




16. Keep your noggin' nice and toasty while watching outdoor football games, picking pumpkins, or doing yard work come autumn time in this whimsically charming mid-century vintage yellow and green wool beanie hat embroidered with the team name Rough Riders. $25.00 from Savanteer Vintage.




17. Fabulous for its intended purpose or as a stylish decor item/photo shoot prop, this fun Stenso Lettering Card comes with its original wrapper and still in very good shape. $10.00 from Retro Reaction.




18. In the last few weeks I've bought four new scented candles to help ensure I'm ready to face the encroaching long nights of fall and winter all the better. If I was going to add a fifth to the seasonal collection, I would be very (!) tempted to make it this seriously scrumptious scented, autumn perfect handmade pumpkin bread soy wax tined candle. $6.00 for a 4 ounce candle from Sweet River Candle Co.




19. You like vintage school supplies, oui? Then this pretty and practical set of French language flashcards from 1959 is for you. $18.00 for 51 flashcards and their original box from Recent History.




20. Whether you're a teacher or not, chances are you enjoy the symbolic pairing of apples and late summer, including making them a part of your wardrobe. What more fun and whimsically charming way to do just that than with this big, beautiful vintage rhinestone and enamel coated green apple necklace? $26.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




21. Charming illustrations combine with wooden letters and a practical, handy education tool in this 1940s Richmond Spelling and Numbers Board, that would also make for a great piece of home decor, especially in an office or library. $24.00 from Retro Reaction.




22. For several decades now my maternal grandma has had a set of coaster which feature dried flower sandwiched between clear glass. Every time I look at this lovely mid-century vintage clear plastic brooch with its dried wildflowers, I am reminded of those coasters and warm summer and early autumn days spent at her house. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




23. Worth its asking price for the soft sage green colour and awesome font used on the cover alone, this lovely 1940s classmate autograph book is a thoroughly charming reminder of a once common item that most smart phone carrying students today have never even heard of - let alone owned. $10.00 from Lisa's Retro Style.




24. If ever there was an iconic little girl's school dress, this beautiful vintage Polly Flinder's smocked plaid number it is. Aww! Stated as being a (children's) size 5. $14.22 from Wee Little Ones Vintage.




25. Pear season is really starting to hit its stride here in the sunny Okanagan right now and will continue for several seriously delicious weeks to come. If you're a fan of this sweet, juicy fruit and/or wearable items that depict it, then this warmly hued vintage 3D plastic pear and gold tone chain necklace is for you! $18.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.

♥ ♥ ♥

I've said it before, but I'll happily say it again, there is truly something about this time of the year - especially once we hit early September - that really feels like it's the start of a new year. I use it in much the same way as one and have been doing a lot of housekeeping, organizing, and a few home repairs lately.

It's just natural that we want our abodes, our own personal sanctuaries, to be neat, tidy, and in good working order before the brutally cold winter months take hold again and we hunker down to keep the chill at bay inside of them.

This is a beautiful, endearing time of the year. Busy, yes, but also often a lot of fun and filled with such a rich bounty of seasonal joys! Some of which I've tried to capture here in today's post, which I'm very glad was able to come to fruition in the end.

Have a relaxing, wonderful second to late Sunday in August, my dear friends! 

(And if you haven't done so already, please be sure to check out and leave a comment - to support on of our own - on this week's brand new vintage blogger interview post featuring an engaging discussion with the very stylish Holly Brolsma-Colon from Veronica Vintage.)

I’ve missed you all something fierce!

Blissful start of autumn greetings, my wonderful dears! I can scarcely believe (long as it was at times!) that a month has passed since my last post. I won’t lie to you, it hasn’t been the most enjoyable month I’ve ever had. I’m grateful that it’s now behind me and am hopeful that the surgery I had will ultimately prove to have been successful.

Having recouped from my operation somewhat, I couldn’t put off hopping back into the world of blogging again even so much as one moment longer! Any time I’m not able to post for a while, I begin to pine for the companionship of my fellow vintage loving friends – and after a month of not hanging around Chronically Vintage, I was champing at the bit to get back here!

I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who left comments on my last post (as well as those lovely souls who sent emails and cards), your kindness and understanding is truly appreciated.

Other (as in, not pertaining to the surgery I recently had) serious health problems continue to be a rather substantial issue in my day-to-day life, so while I’m delighted to say that I’m back to blogging after my month of medical leave, I’m afraid that I may not be posting up a storm again quite yet (aiming for a post or two a week, when possible).


{Hip, hip, hooray! Fall, gorgeous fall is back in town and has me smiling every bit as chipperly as this chic vintage gal! Image via Sunset Flame on Flickr.}


On a cheerier note though, autumn, my most beloved of seasons has returned and I simply couldn’t be more jubilant about that! I hope that you’re all excited about the splendours of fall as well, and that this season will be superbly wonderful for each of you!