Eight things that have really been inspiring my style so far this year

Back at the very start of 2015, I kicked off the new year by penning a post in which I shared twelve of the things (one for each of the upcoming twelve months of the year) that were inspiring my style at the moment. I've thought back to, and drawn inspiration from, that post many times in the roughly 1 2/3rds of a year that have passed since then and am constantly delighted by the fact that each of those twelve fashion elements continues to shape and drive my personal style to this day.

Naturally, they're not the only ones that are doing as much as we start to head into the final weeks of summer, I thought it would be a lot of fun to share a brief overview of eight different things (again, one for each month that we've experienced so far this year) that have been speaking loudly and clearly to me from a sartorial standpoint so far throughout 2016.

1. Stripes

For much of my adult life, especially if we're talking the horizontal version, I largely avoid strips and didn't think that they worked all that well for me, but in the last year or two, I've been noticing a real pull towards them all of a sudden. In particular, I'm finding myself smitten with narrow vertical stripes and/or pieces that combine both vertical and horizontal lines in the same garment. I'm also discovering that stripes can work for me, especially if they're fairly thin and in flattering colours.

Earlier this year I picked up a great 1950s striped dress that I simply had to have the moment I saw it, as its colour palette instantly caused a fun fall time outfit to spring to mind and I can't wait to share such with you here in the near future. So, in short, strips and me are on good terms these days and I'm genuinely happy about that fact.

2. Vintage cartwheel/platter hats

It's scarcely a state secret that I utterly and completely love vintage hats of all types, but did you know that in recent years, I've been gravitating more and more towards especially wide brimmed cartwheel and platter styles? I find that they tend to work wonderfully well for my face type and that they suit the sorts of fashions I'm leaning all the more towards as I progress through my 30s.

Were it not for the super steep shipping prices to send such generously proportioned styles (and really, most things in general) to Canada these days, I'm sure I'd own many more than I presently do. Fortunately I do have a lovely little collection of such and as you may have noticed from some of my recent outfit posts this year, they're getting a lot of use these days.

3. Muted colours

I've already chatted about my current (huge!) passion for "all the vintage muted colours" here in at least a couple of posts this year (such as this one), so I won't do my impression of a broken record. In short, I'm currently madly in love with vintage 1940s, 50s and early 60s garments in earthy tones, be they solids or (especially) patterns, and don't foresee this interest waning anytime soon.

4. Colonial area fashions, decor and crafts

For as long as I can recall, I've felt a strong pull towards the general styles, art, and decor of America and Canada's earliest days, and in particular, am refereeing styles up until the end of the 18th century when I speak of colonial era influences.

Though such can be a bit tricky to interpret overly literally in the context of mid-century fashion, subtle touches (beyond just pilgrim collars, like those on the 1950s frocks pictured above, and shoe buckles), can be had, such as classic fabrics that call to mind those used in the 17th and 18th centuries in North America, traditional looking hand stitched details, certain styles of shawls, and various others.

In this instance, it's less about dressing as though I was from that time period (as fun and exciting as such would be!) and more about letting the general aesthetic of such weave itself throughout various areas of my life and wardrobe alike.

5. Elizabeth Taylor's look during the mid-1950s to early 1960s

From her immensely chic short hairstyles to her elegantly gorgeous attire and her perfectly on point make-up, just about everything that Liz sported during this period is right up my styling alley and has influenced me for many years now, continuing to so all the more in this decade of my life

6. Leaf themed jewelry, accessories and prints

A natural - pun intended - extension, one might say, of my current interest in muted hues and patterns featuring such, I've really, really been digging leaf and fern themed/printed fashions, especially - perhaps not surprisingly to anyone who knows me well - those of a autumnal nature. I certainly won't be retiring my beloved florals anytime soon, but they've been joined by more leaf themed pieces this year and I'm pleased as punch about that fact.

7.Claire McCardell's work

Mid-century American fashion Claire McCardell's work has long resonated with me (especially her way with wrap dresses and draping). Innovative and stylish, McCardell championed a (by the standards of the day) leisurely look and was especially keen on sport and swimwear, as well as a distinct American style that was both refined and playful at the same time.

Though tragically, her life was cut short due to cancer when she was in her 50s, Claire McCardell was able to leave a very lasting impression of the mid-century fashion scene and is a name that deserves to be known and appreciated by fashion fans everywhere (plus she was an engaging author, whose book, What Shall I Wear?, is one of my favourite written about contemporary style during the fifties)

8. Celestial stars

I can't remember a time when I wasn't drawn to star imagery and fashions pertaining to such (and of course absolutely adore the real twinkling deal, too), but in recent years I've been going all the more wild for such and would love to add another celestial print garment or two (I have a lovely vintage star print dress already) to my closet in the near future. Who knows, perhaps their landing there is already - *cough, cough* - written in the stars! :)



{To learn more about a specific image used in today's post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}

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Now granted, for some people, such is strongly the case, but I think it's very important to make the distinction that what we wear doesn't always equate to what is actually inspiring us - at least not in glaringly obvious ways. It's totally possible to draw inspiration from something, but not to channel it literally in your wardrobe (or home decor, for that matter).

With some of the eight entries above, it's easy for me to weave them into certain ensembles, but for others - such as my passion for colonial era styles - such is not always overly feasible, but that doesn't mean that these things don't hold sway over us and/or that they aren't manifested in subtle, no less important, ways.

Sometimes simply reading about and/or looking at images that speak to us can drive our style and that is one of the most exciting things about inspiration itself. We're free to interpret and run with it however our heart desires (at least within the scope of our means).

I wouldn't say that my style has undergone any radical changes in recent months, though I do notice various subtle things evolving on that front as I get older (including certain points that I raised in this post), and also in part thanks to the various elements that are inspiring me at any given moment.

For example, while I still love (and own a delightful little collection of such) hair flowers, I haven't felt pulled towards wearing them very often lately (florals crowns though, big time!), nor have I been rocking many square shaped necklines, as I've come to realize that such (much like collar-less styles and v-necks) are not always overly becoming on me.

Little things, but ones that I take notice of, just as I do those style elements step in to take their place in terms of what I may opt to wear more often.

I've said it before, but I will happily say it again. Our closets should continue to evolve as we do. It's easy to grow stagnant in what we wear, but continually seeking and recognizing inspiration, as it strikes, can be a powerful tool in combating such.

As we delight in this final month of summer and head into my all-time favourite season, fall, I look forward to seeing how the eight things shared here today continue to influence what I wear, how I'll interpret them in the outfits I share here, and what other fun/beautiful/unique elements will shape my style in the second chapter of 2016 and beyond.

Naturally, I'm sure many of them will enjoy at last a moment or two in the spotlight here. After all, if a vintage fashion blogger can't readily share what's inspiring them on their own site, who can! :)

Vintage earth tones, a cute fox brooch, and a fab swing skirt sported on my parent’s driveway

Outfit details

C. 1930s/1940s black felt and cream faux pearl hat: Unknown, had for many years
Black stud earrings: Claire's
1950s (or early 60s) muted green floral print blouse: Used House of Vintage
Cute vintage black plastic fox brooch: Broesj
C. 1980s brown woven belt: Thrifted (Value Village, if memory serves me right)
1940s/1950s style black circle “Paula” skirt: Hell Bunny (purchased via Blame Betty)
Black plastic rose stretch bracelet: Thrifted (Value Village)
Faux pearl stretch bracelet: Real Canadian Superstore
Brown faux leather handbag with white top stitching: eBay
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Brown 1940s style round toe pumps: Walmart
Lip colour: MAC Party Line
Nail colour: Sally Hansen Golden-I

Photography by Tony Cangiano  

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Before we delve into the heart of today's post, I must say for the record, that this outfit had gloves - elegant olive green gloves, to be exact - but after a very long day of driving (these snaps were taken right after we got back to Penticton on the day we returned home from our recent trip to the Kootenays), I completely forgot to put them on before the camera made an appearance. C'est la vie!

This outfit is very, very characteristic of the type that I tend to wear when reaching for separates while on a holiday, road trip, or other jaunt away from home - as well, naturally, as while I'm on local turf, too. It's comprised of a fabulous 1940s/1950s style “Paula Skirt” from Hell Bunny that I picked up in early 2015, I believe it was, from Blame Betty, one of Canada's few online vintage/pinup girl/rockabilly clothing sellers.

From the first wearing onward, it became one of my favourite skirts I've ever owned and I absolutely live in it now any time I want a fuller black skirt (as opposed, to more of a pencil or a-line style). It's comfortable, swishy and can be partnered with a crinoline of the correct length, if so desired, but I tend to let it hang au naturel, which generally helps to lend it even more of a forties vibe.

My love of muted vintage colours, which I've touched on in a couple of posts here recently, is only growing stronger with each passing day. Thus, I packed a wardrobe largely comprised of such for our fun long weekend getaway in April and opted to sport this charming dark earth toned blouse for the day that we headed back to Penticton from Nelson.

It's one of three vintage blouses that I bought (along with some other items, including an amazing mid-century vintage red winter coat, that I haven't debuted here yet, but plan to next fall or winter) from Used House of Vintage in Vancouver, while we were in that gorgeous city at the end of last autumn.

Though my collection of such might not win any awards for the biggest size ever, I actually have an incredibly huge love for vintage blouses and have been diligently working to expand the selection in my wardrobe in recent years. Adding three to it in one fell swoop a few months ago definitely helped big time and I'm sure that the other two - one of which is an original c. 1950s Levi Straus paisley print blouse - will appear here on the blog as time goes on, too.

When vintage blouses pair with muted hues, as they do here, well, let's just say it's all I can to to keep my legs from turning to complete and total Jell-O!

I was in a major mood for all things wilderness related, too, while we were bopping around the gorgeous evergreen bedecked Kootenays, so I decided to pair this darling mid-century blouse with a very cute little vintage black fox brooch that I picked up a few months ago from Dutch Etsy seller Broesj.

It's such a fun, sweet piece of costume jewelry and I just love that its combination of black plastic and clear rhinestones will make it a snap to sport the whole year through (much, really, like this 3/4 sleeve vintage blouse itself).

These snaps were taken, as mentioned above, right after we got back to Penticton on one of the sunnier days that we've had this (rainy/windy/often usually nippy) spring. We wanted to share the highlights of our travels with my folks while they were still bracingly fresh in our minds, so we quite literally drove straight to their house after returning to our town.

Over the years, you've seen outfit shoots taken in my parents backyard and on their deck (also on the back of the house), but I don't believe we've done one in their driveway before and in the interest of keeping the background scenery here fresh on a frequent basis, it seemed like a lovely spot to grab some snaps.

And you know, even though I forgot to slip on my olive hued gloves, I still love the the over all look of this outfit - perhaps even, given the sunny weather that day, all the more so - without them.

It's hard to believe that nearly two months have passed since these photos were taken. It's fitting that they were nabbed in mid-spring, as this will be last outfit post of the season before we jump head first into an exciting bevy of summertime outfits starting next week.

I've greatly enjoyed the fun assortment of looks that I was able to share with you guys here this spring and am genuinely excited to launch into another summer's worth of diverse vintage, reproduction, and vintage appropriate looks - including (hopefully!) what I'll be sporting for Canada Day, my birthday, Tony's birthday, the August long weekend, Labour Day, and plenty of other fun events and delightful everyday outfits alike.

Here's to the last lovely week of spring 2016 and everything - fashion related and otherwise - that summer promises to hold in store for each of us, my dear friends!

Meet Skye: Passionate writer, devoted shirtwaist dress fan, and epic vintage hat lover!

May is nearing its end and summer is rearing to round the bend, ready to brighten - quite literally - our lives once more. At the moment though, we're still enjoying the final weeks of spring and as such, it's time to hop right into May's edition of our fun Meet a Fellow Vintage Blogger ongoing interview post series.

Today I'm deeply honoured to have the opportunity to interview none other than Skye from the bracingly wonderful vintage fashion blog, My Kingdom for a Hat. I've been an ardent follower of Skye's blog since discovering it quite some time ago now and greatly appreciate the wit, intellect, and creative flare that she brings to both her writing and her wardrobe choices.




Skye and I share numerous points in common, from a mad love of shirtwaist dresses (the size of her collections smokes mine out of the water!) and vintage hats, Halloween, great books, writing, sporting crimson hued locks, and so much more.

A fascinating, charismatic woman, Skye's honest opinions, exciting ensembles, and stunning yesteryear hats make following her blog a joy of no small magnitude, and really am pleased as can be that she was keen to take part in this series and share so much about herself with us here this month.

Grab your favourite springtime beverage, pull up a cozy seat and join me in to getting to know more about Skye, as we discuss everything from Flannery O'Connor novels to her love of Maleficent, and of course old school chapeaus in spades, too!


Welcome, Skye! For those who are just having the pleasure of meeting you and your vintage blog, My Kingdom for a Hat, for the first time, could you please tell us when your site launched and what inspired its lovely name?

I made my first post on May 2nd, 2012. It was finals season, so what else would I do, in a fit of procrastinatory pique, but start a blog? I'd been sharing my outfits on Facebook for a few months, and I decided it was time for a proper home. The blog was called Color Me Brazen then, a name I kept for almost a year. I've been My Kingdom for a Hat since March 2013. It's a pun on Shakespeare's, "my kingdom for a horse".




Let’s talk vintage hats then, shall we? What sorts of things draw you to a given hat? How often do you tend to wear one?


I wear a hat - or a headscarf, if it's hot - every day. I'm fondest of pillbox and calot styles. Anything that requires pins, really - I love that unmistakably vintage look. Impracticality delights me. Beads, feathers, veils - bring me form over function, every time.


Do you share my perpetual sense of bewilderment (even though I do fully understand the plethora of reasons why such is the case) over the fact that most people willing gave up the wearing of fashionable hats with nary a hint of protest, and, to your mind, what was the leading cause (or causes) for the demise of this thoroughly marvelous accessory?

I know this one! Western fashion, through the 20th century, was basically a march from style to substance. A hundred years ago, people either made their own clothes or had them tailored. Ready-to-wear garments didn't exist on any meaningful scale until the 1920s.

As they became more common, people's tastes grew progressively more casual, and that's about when we dispensed with hats, gloves, etc. People didn't want to spend time and money on non-functional accessories, and I can't say I blame them! I enjoy the ritual of lacing my corset and pinning on my hat just right, but it's definitely not for everyone.




We share an unfettered passion for shirtwaist dresses. What is it in particular about this deeply classic style of garment that appeals to you?

I'm the laziest seamstress ever, and a full skirt/fitted bodice dress is easiest to sew. But really, I'm just a hedonist. I'm very sensory, and swishing about in several yards of fabric is pure luxury.



As I’m sure inquiring minds may wish to know, how many would you say you own at present?

Oh lord - 50? 60? I did an inventory recently, but I turn over my stock a lot. I'm always sewing new things and selling old ones.




What decades do you find yourself most drawn to from a fashion standpoint? Do these differ from, or jive with, the ones that you yourself currently wear?

I find the 1910s and '20s incredibly interesting. I don't think people fully realize that history isn't a linear trip from oppressive to progressive, and the early 20th century shows us that. Women then had more freedom, in some ways, than women 30 years later! Flappers' fashions would make their granddaughters blush. I mostly wear '40s and '50s, though. As much as I love the Roaring Twenties, I'm not quite comfortable in above-knee skirts.


In addition to awesome vintage hats, what are some “must have” yesteryear accessories in your books?

Curlers! I've almost gotten used to sleeping on them. And gloves, of course, though adapting them for modern day is hard. Ladies of old didn't interact with technology the way we do. Try texting with satin fingertips...




And speaking of things pertaining to books, you’re a passionate writer, can please tell us more about the roll(s) in which writing currently plays in your career and daily life alike?

I am always writing. When I don't have pen and paper, I'm texting myself story ideas. When I don't have my phone, I'm whispering them under my breath, trying to commit them to memory. It's in my blood. I taught myself to read and write when I was four, and I wouldn't even know how to stop. I finished three novels before I graduated from high school, and I desperately wanted to be a teen author. Sometimes I judge myself for having missed the chance - and then I remember I'm only 22. Such an old fart, right?


Right now I work as an office manager, and I write and edit all official company literature. In high school, I was copy editor - their youngest ever- for my town's monthly newspaper. I've written for online magazines and for local community theater. I spend an embarrassing amount of time arguing politics on the internet - I'm actually trying to turn my political blog into a quarterly magazine. In April, I had a short story published in one of Yale's literary journals. I have a few more coming out this summer, and I'm hoping to publish my short-story collection within the next couple of years.


Oh, and the fanfiction. So much fanfiction. I freely admit to being one of Those Girls.


It’s an oldie, but a goodie all the same: Who (past or present), from the arts and literary world, would be seated at your fantasy dinner party?

Louise Brooks, first of all. She was the OG flapper. The real thing, not just for the movies. I've heard she read Schopenhauer on set, which appeals to the snob in me. Eleanor Audley, who played Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty, and Angelina Jolie, who played her in the 2014 remake. Gregory Maguire, Stephen Sondheim. Ayn Rand, because I love arguments over dinner. And Oscar Wilde, in case the party started lagging.




Would you describe yourself as a bookworm?

Definitely! Though "books" is putting it broadly. I read mostly longform journalism lately, plus short stories on writers' forums online. The last book I read was Flapper by Joshua Zeitz, a social history of the Jazz Age (J’s note: I own and have read that book as well; it’s excellent!).


What are some of your favourite vintage/classic literature titles?

I was a Latin major, so my definition of "vintage titles" might be skewed! I love Ovid and Catullus. Their work has a crassness people don't expect from the ancients. But people have always been just people, and I love that. There's a famous bit of Roman graffiti that reads "on April 19th, I made bread". So #relatable.

To go a little more recent - I'm a big Flannery O'Connor fan. Everything That Rises Must Converge has been a big influence on my own writing. And as of last year, my all-time favorite book is officially vintage. Wicked was published in 1995. I love retold fairy tales, and Gregory Maguire was my introduction to the genre.




Aside from your beautiful wardrobe, what are some ways in which you inject vintage into your life?

My house is almost 100 years old, which I love. And I buy most of my housewares second hand. My partner and I are slowly amassing antique furniture, including one beautiful but very uncomfortable couch. We're involved with lots of historical reenactment events - Renn Faires, etc. And I make flower wines, which makes me feel positively medieval.


Like myself, you adore the past, but wouldn’t want to permanently live there, if such were possible. However, are there any elements of the decades you hold most dear that you wish were still more prevalent in today’s society?

The self-sufficiency. I rely on modern convenience as much as anyone else, but I make a point of knowing how to cook, sew, shovel a driveway, etc. It's important to know I could take total care of myself, even if I don't currently have to. I'm from New England: blizzard survival skills are a must.




There is an immense allure and undeniable beauty to vintage fashion, which accounts, in part, for its popularity and appreciation to this very day. To your mind, are there elements of 21st that may be looked back upon with similar reverence and appreciation, or will we continue to hold the “golden era” of fashion in high esteem, but not be anywhere near as keen to rekindle today’s looks in another, say, fifty to eighty years? (Not that the two couldn’t, of course, cohabitation in the sartorial world then, too.)

I honestly don't know! Today's fashions are less their own thing and more a remix of the past. We have more access to other eras and cultures than ever before; the lines are more blurred. 2016's "look" is much more eclectic than 1916's. If anything, I think today's renditions of vintage styles will go down in history. "2010s does '50s" will be the "'80s does '50s" of thirty years from now.



How far back in time does your passion for vintage fashions stretch? Were there any defining experiences in particular that cemented such for you?

I've always loved costumey clothes. I was a theater geek; I wore cloaks and sparkly shoes to school well into my teens. I went thrifting all the time, and I took pride in the fact that I would wear anything. When I was about 18, I fell in love with the "vintage dresses and colorful tights" ModCloth aesthetic. I walked around like a total hipster for a couple of years until I started craving more elegance. Now I wear vintage as it was supposed to be worn: the whole corset and caboodle. It feels right - even more so when I get asked if I'm in a play.




At this point in your life, how would describe your personal style?

"Walking anachronism". I love straight-up vintage; forget the "modern twist". If I don't look like your grandma in her prime, I'm not feeling my best.


We share many points in common, another of which is an unending love for All Hallows Eve. Can you share more about your passion for such and some ways (if applicable) in which you keep such going strong all throughout the year?

I've been volunteering at haunted houses for a decade (J's note: that is officially awesome!). It's actually how I met my partner of three years. Since 2014, I've been on the production team of the largest haunted event in the county.

I make costumes, help script scenes, and attend your demon-wrangling needs. This year, though, my partner and I are taking time off to experience other local haunts. We're calling it "research and development", though our motives are totally ulterior and we both know it.


Does your love of Halloween factor, in any outwardly discernible way, into your current fashion choices?

I love Halloween in part because it's an excuse to be totally, unabashedly garish. I like to think I'm channeling Hallows' Eve when I wear a corset and petticoat to work. Life's too short not to use the good china!

I also have a pumpkin-patch tattoo down my right side, so I'm always carrying a little autumn spirit around.
 

Back to blogging, for a moment. What are some things that you’re surprised to see remain largely uncovered (as in, not written about) in the vintage fashion world? Do you feel any compulsion to cover such yourself?

The concept of "classiness" is really loaded, and I want to see more vintage lovers examine it. I see too many fellow bloggers reference eras "when women dressed like ladies" or disparage today's women to elevate the past. There's nothing inherently respectable or not about certain styles of dress. I'm not personally comfortable in clubwear and stiletto heels, but it's not my place to judge women who are. We can celebrate vintage style without the implicit (and sometimes explicit) slut-shaming.

Besides, what's modest today was once revolutionary. Mae West was arrested for public indecency. Bettie Page made freaking fetish porn! In their time, they were no different from the girls we decry as "immodest" today. Even makeup was once considered scandalous.


Are a big social media fan? Any sites/apps you love/loath?

My relationship with social media is begrudging. I've got my blogs, and I use Facebook to talk with friends and browse vintage groups, but that's about it. I know it's pretty much essential these days, but I hate being constantly connected. I loathe "personal branding". I don't even have a smartphone, and I plan on being the last holdout under the age of 80.


So often, I find, that those of us who are heavily immersed in the vintage scene (and/or the wearing of vintage) come to have such almost exclusively represent, to the world, who they are and thus a certainly singularity of interests is perceived, when in relatively, such is very rarely the case. 

In an effort to change this, I’m immensely interested in discussing with fellow vintage fans what some of their other passions/goals/dreams are. Any such areas that you wish to share here with us?

I'm obsessed with Maleficent! I love her, always have. I have dolls, posters, t-shirts, even a tissue box with her face on it. Hell, I have a tattoo of her horns on the back of my neck! I'm active in the (unfortunately small) Maleficent fanfiction community online. She's my favorite character of all time, and I counted down the days to her movie in 2014.



And last, but not least, circling back to the earliest questions here, what would be your “take my kingdom, it’s yours!” unicorn of a vintage hat be?

I absolutely love Mode de Lis's lemon hat. Making my own version would be pretty easy, but it's just not the same as finding it in the wild.

Connect with Skye on the following sites:

Her blog: My Kingdom for a Hat

Her Tumblr blog: Beginning Our Dissent

Her Etsy shop: Dressed in the Dark Vintage

Meet the past interviewees who have taken part in this delightful ongoing post series:

February 2015: Emileigh | March 2015: CiCi | April 2015: Helen Mae | May 2015: Esther | June 2015: Ms. Falcon | July 2015: Jessie, and Laurence & Sylvain | August 2015: Holly | September 2015: Rhia | October 2015: Franny | November 2015: Emily | December 2015: Porcelina | January 2016: Nora | February 2016: Kate | March 2016: Carla | April 2016: Jessica E.

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It was a joy to get to know you better, Skye, thank you ever so much for this excellent interview and for sharing your love of the past with us through your blog. I wholeheartedly encourage one and all to pop on over and follow Skye there, if you're not doing so already.

With less than a month to go until summer, the following weeks of (typically!) near perfect, absolutely gorgeous weather will no doubt be full, exciting ones for many of us.

Not too busy though, on this end at least, for June's next Fellow Vintage Blogger interview post, which I'm thrilled to say will see us boarding our fabulous imaginary vintage jet and traversing back to Europe, where I'll chat with one of my oldest and dearest online friends.

Her many passions include such things as knitting, crafting in general, visiting museums, and vintage shopping, so I'm sure we'll have an absolute bevy of things to chat about. I can hardly wait!

Here's to the tail end of spring and all the fun and loveliness it holds in store for each of us, my dears!

Ten fantastic online sources for vintage style crinolines

Over the years one of the vintage fashion related topics that I've received quite a few questions about via email and Facebook PMs has been in regards to where where I source my crinolines from.
 
Crinolines are also known as petticoats or pettiskirts, though, historically speaking in North American parlance at least, both of those (usually) differed from the tulle/netting/otherwise poufy garment that we call a crinoline today.

In the 21st century, the three are often used fairly interchangeably (and the terminology will often vary from country to country). However, for the sake of simplicity in this post, I will refer to this type of garment as a crinoline, which was certainly one of their most common names during the 1950s - the decade that, above all others, saw an epic vogue for this flouncy undergarment.



{Though nowadays they’re often associated largely with the youth culture of the 1950s, back in the late 1940s (where they got a serious boost from Dior's New Look) through to the early 1960s, this skirt volume boosting garment was sported by ladies from all ages and walks of life, and many ads featured adults in their 20s and 30s modeling the crinolines on offer. Vintage crinoline ad image source.}


Believe it or not, prior to the age of 25 (as discussed in this 2010 post), I had never owned a crinoline. Nope, not a one - despite adoring them something fierce. Well, I've definitely made up for lost time in the years since then and now own quite a few, including this rainbow stunner.
 
I don't wear them on a daily basis, but it's rare for more than a few weeks to pass at any point in the year without one coming out to play as part of a 1950s ensemble. I tend to prefer a small to medium amount of poof to my crinolines (and thus rarely double, triple, etc mine up - a handy technique that can land you tons upon tons of crinoline fullness), but do own some - including the aforementioned rainbow beauty - that have a square dance worthy amount of fullness to them.
 
As more traditional vintage styles and pinup looks alike have continued to explode in popularity in recent years, the array of online sources that we have at our disposal to source crinolines from has also grown in leaps and bounds.
 
Naturally, many sites that stock a range of vintage reproduction, rockabilly and/or pinup looks sell the same brands of crinolines and it wouldn't make a great deal of sense to list too many of those here in today's post.
 
You'll find some such options, but I've purposely tried to wrangle up an array of sites that sell their own exclusive brands/designs of crinolines, to help give the pettiskirt connoisseur ample shopping options on this front.
 
So without further ado, let's jump right in and explore ten wonderful sources for 1950s style crinolines.




1. Pettiskirt Style: One of my absolute go-tos for fabulous, well made crinolines in a huge range of colours (including the dusty rose chiffon beauty above that I would absolutely love to add to my closet!), plus various lengths, numbers of tiers, materials, and degrees of fullness. In addition to stocking women's crinolines, Pettiskirt Style also has a fabulous selection of children's styles, too.




2. The House of Foxy: From the UK comes The House of Foxy's wonderful array of classic (typically 26 inch) length and style chiffon crinolines in a bevy of seriously covetable colours, such as the St. Patrick's Day perfect Kelly Green example shown here.




3. Blue Velvet Vintage: This beloved US seller of vintage, vintage reproduction and vintage style garments delivers a lovely assortment of modern, 1950s style crinoline offerings. I own a light blue crini that is very similar to Sky Blue one highlighted here and am constantly delighted by just how many colours this sweet, classical hue partners splendidly with.




4. Unique Vintage: Classic colours, elegant lengths, and high quality crinolines like this chic, endlessly wearable 1950s Style Black Tea Length Ruffled Chiffon Petticoat Crinoline are always available from US seller Unique Vintage and make for a perfect pairing with tons of the 1950s style skirts and dresses this powerhouse of an online vintage style clothing shop carries.




5. Malco Modes: Presented in a modest sized array of different vintage and modern lengths (their Melonie crinoline, pictured here, is the longest version that they presently offer), Malco Modes crinoline offerings are reasonably priced, available in a broad spectrum of hues, and a well known go-so source for many in the dance and costuming world who use crinolines as part of their attire.




6. Pinup Girl Clothing: For those who are acquainted with this site's stellar array of vintage and pinup style offerings - which include scores of beautiful skirts and dresses - it will likely come as little surprise that Pinup Girl Clothing also sells a slew of crinolines in a lovely assorted of lengths and colours (including this dark red number that I'm swooning up a storm over!).




7. Retro Glam: To all of my fellow Canadian vintage adoring gals out there (and my international sisters who want to take advantage of the weak Canadian dollar these days), I happily present Retro Glam's delightful crinoline selection, which includes styles from brands such as Banned Apparel and Hell Bunny (such as the stunning navy blue version above that has been on my wardrobe wishlist for about a year and a half now).




8. Doris Designs: Romantic, voluminous and available in the most enchantingly pretty colours (like the dreamy aquamarine blue version pictured here), UK based Doris Design's crinolines are made of softer materials than many other versions on the market today and have the added bonus of coming in three different lengths for many styles (the 26" inch would be the most 1950s appropriate length for the majority of wearers).




9. Atomic Cherry: Those stylish crinoline adoring ladies in the Australia will definitely want to check out Atomic Cherry's selection of 1950s style crinolines, which currently include options from both Chic Star and Hell Bunny (like the elegant dark purple petticoat shown here).




10. Lindy Bop: Wonderfully well priced (even for those outside of the UK), Lindy Bop's fabulous array of different coloured, fluffy crinolines - like this 28 inch mint green gem - are sure to have you hitting the "add to cart" button faster than you can say sockhop! :)

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In addition to modern sources for crinolines, one does of course have the option to buy the genuine 1950s (or occasionally older, and sometimes newer) deal as well.

Such crinolines are often priced, both online and off, fairly comparably to good quality 21st century options. They may be a touch more fragile/time worn, but many have held up surprisingly well and will naturally partner sublimely with genuine mid-century garments, particularly circle skirts and wide skirted dresses.

If you're on the hunt for such, try eBay, Etsy, The Best Vintage Clothing, various other independent vintage shops, local vintage, thrift, antique, and second hand shops, as well as costume and dance wear shops, some of (the latter of) which do occasionally stock vintage items on top of their modern inventory.

New (vintage style) crinolines can be found at a wide array of price points, from less than $20.00 USD on eBay to hundreds of dollars for custom made offerings.

Thankfully, most fall closer to the first number and a vast array of beautiful, stylish, good quality crinolines can be had for under $125.00 from a range of stockists around the world (with comparable prices in UK pounds and Euros, for those in Europe).

To date, I've not paid more than $100.00 USD for any of mine and have been genuinely pleased with the construction, fit, length and material of all of my modern crinolines.

Though there are exceptions to most every rule, remember that - as in most things in life - you usually get what you pay for. The jump in price between a $25 crinoline on eBay and a $50 one on a repro site might not seem that big, but it could mean the difference between a stiff, inflexible, cheaply made crinoline and a comfy, softer tulle version that lasts for years.

You certainly don't have to break the bank when shopping for crinolines and the fact that they do tend to hold up well means that you'll often get a very low cost per wear ratio out of your pettiskirts as time goes on.

I hope that the sites in today's post help give you some fun new sources for your own crinoline needs, whether you're shopping for your first, have twenty in the closet, or are on the hunt for a particular hue - and of course, if you have any favourite sources for new or vintage crinolines alike that weren't mentioned here, please don't hesitate to share them in the comments below.

These voluminous old school wardrobe styles are a blast to wear, channel the look of the 50s superbly, and even have the added bonus of provided some much needed warmth to the lower half of your body when sported during the colder months. If that isn't worth doing a twirl (in your favourite crini) over, I don't know what it is! :)

Vintage lime green for Halloween and a darling new necklace from Gleeful Peacock

Outfit details

Halloween novelty print skinny scarf: Dollar Tree
Brown plastic hair clip: Goody
Orange plastic rose stud earrings: Claire's
Hand painted brass witch's hat charm necklace: c/o Gleeful Peacock
Lime green 1980s does 1950s shirtwaist dress: eBay (I think; had for years)
Orange faux leather skinny belt: eBay
Purple, black and white plastic bangle bracelets: Assorted sources
C. 1950s Saks Fifth Avenue black patent purse: MK Retro
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Black 1940s style round toe faux suede pumps: Wal-Mart
Lip colour: MAC Made With Love
Nail colour: Essie Roarrrrange


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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Everything about this shoot - and outfit - was fun! We grabbed these snaps very recently at a small, beautiful little lake about 25 minutes outside of town called Trout Lake (a hot spot with local anglers), which has homes right near the shoreline in various spots. As we were shooting, two young (I'd guess about ages 6 and 9 - 10) and their mom came out on their deck to watch us. We all waved at each other and they seemed like very nice, friendly folks. The two girls were having a blast and kept taking photos (or perhaps even video) of us with their phone and tablet.

I'm used to having people stop and watch us for a little while when we shoot in public, but this was one of the first times in all the years we've been taking snaps for my blog that we'd had an audience for the whole process. It was enjoyable and I kept wondering what the youngsters must have been thinking not only of the strangers in their nature filled backyard taking pictures, but also of the auburn haired lady dressed in vintage styles. I know that I would have been over-the-moon elated to have witnessed something like that when I was little. :)

With Halloween just two days away (*happiness squeal*), I couldn't wait a moment longer to share this charmingly pretty necklace that I recently received as review gift from the wonderful US handmade jewelry company Gleeful Peacock with all of you.

The design team there involved me directly with the production of this fabulous hand painted brass witch's hat and spell book (aka, grimoire), as they approached me to ask if they could make a custom necklace for me which would then be offered in a very limited production run on their website.

I was truly honoured by this beautiful offer and suggested a Halloween piece, given the season. They were on board with that and in matter of weeks, I had this elegant, festive, completely Halloween perfect necklace - which, much to my delight, is nickel-free - dangling from my neck.

I don't own a lot of pendant necklaces (in no small part because of my nickel allergy) and am thrilled to grow my collection with this All Hallows' Eve perfect offering. It's lightweight, very comfortable, and could certainly be worn, if so desired, at other times of the year, especially if one is a witch/Wiccan/Pagan, a fan of Halloween, or into goth styles.

Though Gleeful Peacock's offerings are not full on vintage reproduction pieces, many can easily be integrated into yesteryear looks thanks to their timeless design, hand painted detailing, and soft, often muted colour palettes that have such an appealingly lovely age worn look to them.

I adore this sweet, wonderful necklace and can't thank the company enough both for this gift and for involving me with the design process. It was a splendid experience and a true honour!

What I'm sporting in the photos above is not my Halloween costume (I'll be sharing that here on the blog next week and quite possibly on social media come the big night itself), but there was no way I could let this week go by without sharing one of the many outfits I've been wearing lately that completely channels the spirit of this awesome holiday.

As a general rule, lime and neon green are not shades that are kind to my colouring (they tend to give it an unflattering yellowish cast), but luckily this cute 1980s does 1950s shirtwaist dress is an exception there. I've had it for years, but have not shared it here on my blog yet.

I love weaving hits of green and purple into my Halloween decor and outfits, so I decided to make lime green the star colour of this look and was inspired to do so by the little hits of it in this adorable scarf (worn on my head) that I picked up just a few days ago at our local Dollar Tree store.

From that same scarf, I pulled orange for my earrings and skinny belt, as well as black, white and purple, for my purse, shoes and bangle bracelet choices. I really like how this whole ensemble came together and love that I had the ideal necklace, care of Gleeful Peacock, to partner with such a festive look.

In just two days time, my favourite holiday will be upon us again and I can hardly wait!!! Our costumes are all set, the decor is out in full force, I've started cooking and preparing for the family Halloween party we host at our place each October 31st, and I've been watching my favourite Halloween movies and TV shows like there's no tomorrow. This week (and really, whole month) always puts me in the best mood and this one is no exception.

I hope that you're having a marvelous tail end of October, too, whether you celebrate Halloween or not, and can hardly wait to share my actual costume itself with all of you in just a few days time!