Ten of my favourite items from etsy shop Dalena Vintage

One of the most delightful and touching elements of partnering with blog sponsors here, is when I receive an email from an etsy shop (or other type of site) that I've already caught wind of, perhaps long adored, and/or even purchased from over the years.

For quite some time now, I've been eyeballing the expertly curated, and superbly photographed, offerings from etsy seller Dalena Vintage, and must say, it's a sincere joy to welcome them as one of Chronically Vintage's newest sponsors this fall.




Of her popular shop, founder Leslie Torbett says, "Dalena Vintage was born of an ongoing love affair between one girl and her adoration of vintage clothing. Each piece is hand-selected for it's beauty, purity and quality. We like to think the result is a collection of dreamy vintage in which girls can lose themselves."

And it precisely that which I’ve done – and continue to do – every time I've ever visited this lovely etsy shop, which houses a superb selection of mid-century offerings, such as frocks, hats, jackets and coats, shoes, accessories, and even wedding dresses. The pieces that Dalena Vintage offers are right up my style alley - brazenly feminine, timelessly classic, and so incredibly wearable.

It's too hard to pick just one or two items from Dalena Vintage that really speak to my personal style - and which I know will appeal to a great many of you as well, my sweet dears - so today I'd like to share ten (and believe me, it was hard to cap my list there) of Dalena's latest offerings that have really jumped out and nabbed my attention.

{Everything from picnics in July to a day at the rodeo spring to mind when I look at this fantastically charming 1950s red bandana two piece dress set. I'd partner with with a woven straw or tooled leather bag, cat's eye sunglasses, and open toe sandals for one of the most darling vintage looks you could ever hope to find. Fits up to a 35" bust, 26" waist.}

{Even though I've been blissfully married for nine years already, I still love - and know that I always will - looking at, and daydreaming about wearing, vintage wedding dresses. This sophisticated short sleeve yellow lace dress from the 1950s would make for a gorgeous alternative to classic white for your big day, then could easily remain in your wardrobe, to be worn time and time again, for special events long after. Fits up to a 34" bust, 26" waist.} 

 

{I have an unending passion for vintage clothing and accessories that feature fruit (or vegetables), so my eyes lit up like the lights on a Christmas tree when I saw this darling 1950s straw hat bedecked with green grapes. Inner circumference of 22".}

{Calling all fans of gingham and 1940s house dresses, this adorable green and white vintage frock is definitely for you. Featuring an a-line skirt, lace detailing, green plastic buttons with teeny rhinestone centers, and two generous sized front pockets, this dress is just as cute and practical as they come. Fits up to a 38" bust, 32" waist.}

 

{This is one of this mid-century dresses that simply takes your break away. A warm golden palette, large velvet ribbon detail across the skirt, and a flattering swooped neckline all add up to an unforgettably beautiful 1950s day dress that could very easily work wonders for a party or semi-formal event as well. Fits up to a 34" bust, 26" waist.}

 

{Oozing classic sophistication, stylish form, and a whisper of femme fatale allure, this striking dark pine green 1940s felted wool hat would surely stop anyone who saw you wearing it in their tracks. Inner circumference of 21.5".}

 {Shake up your usual vintage LBD routine by injecting a hit of cream applique and two pieces instead of one into the mix care of this resplendently lovely 1940s peplum dress suit set. Fits up to a 32" bust, 26" hip.} 

 {You'll be all kinds of pretty in pink when you sport this fun 1950s Hattie Leeds plaid day dress in shades of bubble gum and white with hints of gold swirled through the lovely mix. Fits up to a 42" bust, 34" waist.} 

{Whether you're a fan of scores of colour in your outfits or prefer to just inject a well placed hit of hue here and there, these wonderfully fun 1940s Miramar De Luxe straw heels are sure to tickle your footwear fancy. Fits an approximate size 7 foot.}

 {Beat the throngs of shoppers next spring and pick 2014's summer attire months in advance, starting with this endlessly cute 1940s Juliet Original polka dot swimsuit, complete with matching terrycloth robe. Bathing suit fits up to a 32" bust, 26" waist.}

 

♥  ♥  ♥

Aren't these pieces exquisite? I love the fact that Dalena offers a wide range of items, yet they all seem to have a common thread of sophistication, beauty, and ageless charm to them that speaks volume to my vintage loving (and wearing soul).

Should you have fallen hard for Dalena Vintage as well, and wish to connect with them elsewhere online, too, you can do so via the following:

-Dalena Vintage blog

-Dalena Vintage mailing list

-Facebook

-Instagram

-Pinterest

-Twitter


Feel like doing so shopping from Dalena's marvelous yourself? Of course you do! :) In that case, I'm pleased as punch to share a special coupon code for Chronically Vintage readers for you today.

Use coupon code at VintageLove when you check out and save a substantial 20% off your Dalena Vintage etsy shop order between today and November 25, 2013.

With an inventory that frequently spans the 1900s to the 1960s, there is something amongst Dalena Vintage's beautiful offerings that's bound to appeal to most vintage lovers the world over, and which will, without a doubt, ensure I remain a fan of this etsy shop for a very long time to come.

 

Ann's absolutely beautiful 1950s Ladies' fashion scans

Without a doubt some of the sweetest, nicest, absolute most friendly people I've ever encountered in my whole life have been within the vintage blogging community. We're a wide spread, yet close knit group, and the sense of camaraderie that unites us - no matter one’s particular area interest when it comes to the past - is a beautiful and inspiring thing.

From time-to-time one of the wonderful readers of this blog will contact me by email to share vintage images that they've picked up over the years. Sometimes it's a few priceless family photos, others a unique piece of ephemera (from railway tickets to cigarette cards), and periodically I'll find vintage scans waiting, like the awesome gift that they are, in my inbox.

This past spring, the latter event occurred when Ann from the delightful blog Haddock and Dill (mid-century history lovers, be sure to pay Ann a visit, trust me, you'll love what you find!), shared a selection of images with me that she had scanned from the March 1952 issue of Ladies' Home Journal magazine.

These scans depict that kind of sublimely pretty early-50s spring fashions that I can never get enough, bursting  as they are with a bevy of fitted silhouettes, tapered skirts, swingy coats, perfectly coifed hair, elegant gloves, pristinely perfect make-up, and chic hats.

I really do believe that these looks are far too marvelous to keep all to myself, and I've been wanting to share them with you since the moment they arrived.

Today, right in the middle of the week, when a good many of us need a hefty pick-me-up to keep us climbing over the hump that is Wednesday, seemed like the perfect time to do just that. Without further ado, allow me to show you Ann's fantastic 1950s fashion scans.

{Hands down this gorgeously feminine pink and black look is my favourite of the lot.}

♥ ♥ ♥

Thank you very much for thinking of me and sending these sophisticated 1950s looks my way, dear Ann. It was deeply thoughtful of you to do so, and I'm sure that everyone here will enjoy seeing - and garner as much inspiration from - them as I did.

The Dog Days of Vintage Summer Fashion

Right this very moment it’s early August, and for the vast majority of us in the northern hemisphere that means means the temperature outside is currently trying to give the surface of the moon a run for its money.
While I do thoroughly love many aspects of the most sizzling season of the year (a topic that I delved into last month in this post) and am grateful for every moment of summer we get in Canada, there can be times when these stifling days with their glaring sun and 100+ degree temperatures leaves one, well, a little frazzled and beat.

This problem is anything but new - much like the dog days of summer themselves (the name of which has been in use since at least the time of the ancient Romans, who associated them with Sirius, also known as the Dog Star), who called them diēs caniculārēs. Though, even to this day, debate continues as to which days of the season officially fall under that heading, it's generally excepted that much of July and August make the cut for sure.

Even though I've experienced the toastiest Canadian heat waves of my life in July (while living in Toronto), if you were to stop me on the icy street in January and ask what I thought that hottest month of the year was, I'd always answer August. Though, technically, July can sometimes be the hotter of the two months (depending on where you live and what your weather is up to in a given year), there's just something about August that makes it feel skin tinglingly hot and, at times, a bit hard to slog through.

During these wildly warm days, it's important - one might argue vital even - to have plenty on hand to help take our mind off the the heat, the staggering, mind-blowing heat. To that end, in the spirit of celebrating the name of these scorching August days, I thought it would tons of fun to gather up fifteen of my favourite vintage images and ads that just happen to include fabulous fashions and darling dogs in them.

{The combo of a red wiggle dress and darling white pup is bound to ensure you take home best in (fashion) show!}






{Model Anne St. Marie and her sweet little Yorkies shine in this elegant image from 1957 featuring a Jaguar.}

{One of my favourite dog breeds, the Boston Terrier, stars in this lovely photograph from 1952 that first appeared in Glamour Magazine.}






{It's safe to say that no other dog calls to mind the fabulous fifties quite like the iconic poodle, especially when you see ones as adorable as the pink bow adorned duo in this beautifully illustrated Pepsi ad.}






{There no need to beat around the bush (or fern), this chic, lightweight spring suit is thoroughly beautiful - as is the wee little corgi pup.}






{Spots of both the fabric and fur kind abound in this immensely pretty Harper's Bazaar image from 1952.}

 





{A teenage Shirley Temple and a beautiful black spaniel give RC Cola their vote of approval in a 1944 colour photo and illustration filled ad.}







{Hailing from 1937, this image of a blonde model and shepherd type dog is the oldest featured in today's post. I adore the casual elegance of her look and am especially fond of the stack of blue bangles on her wrist.}





{Calm poise and riled up excitement stand side-by-side in this fashion shot of a woman sporting a wool day suit as she walks her Boxer through town.}






{Another image featuring a completely cute Yorkshire Terrier, this time partnered with a lady decked out in a stylish autumn look from 1961.}






{Though it took a little searching, I was delighted to find an illustrated 1940s ad featuring my all-time favourite breed: the British bulldog.}







{Whether you spot the poodle or the woman's shocking hair colour first, there's no denying this pinky-mauve filled paint ad  is definitely an eye-catching!}






{The ravishingly sophistication and mid-1950s beauty of this wonderful autumn ensemble is only heighted by the presence of a preciously sweet little furry friend.}






{For just about as long as there has been cars, there have dogs who loved riding around beside their owners in them, whether they were pint sized pups or colossal canines like this fellow!}






{Completely cute chihuahuas, stylish pleated skirts, and pointy toed shoes all ad up to oodles of late 1950s glamour.}


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







These photos and illustrations are not all summer themed by any means, but it's my sincere hope that the cuteness overload - and distracting enjoyment of the sublime mid-century fashions - they offer up will help to distract you enough that you're able to forget about the searing heat, if only for a few delightful minutes.

A lovely look at the history of vintage swimwear

✯ Day 220 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

For various reasons (not being a jet-set millionaire definitely being one of them ), it's been a long time - far longing than I care to admit, actually, since I last frolicked around at the beach.

Chalk it up to poor health, living away from bodies of water, and a hectic life. Yet, these excuses really don't seem to cut it any more. I miss swimming a great deal (I'm very allergic to chlorine, so I can't use chlorinated public pools and Toronto, to the best of my knowledge, does not have any public salt water pools unfortunately), and wish dearly that I could blink my eyes, tap my heels, and suddenly find myself on a tropic beach somewhere gorgeous, the ocean lapping at my ankles.

Alas though, as the fan whirls in my ear and the constant rush of city traffic roars past below my balcony, I know that such a dreamy vacation is just that, a dream for the time being. Nevertheless, even if (like me) you're not en route to the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Riviera right now, a gal can still have fun thinking about what kinds of vintage swimsuits she's wear to the beach if she was suddenly standing in the sand.

 

 

For a quick, yet thoroughly delightful overview of the history of swimsuits as they evolved through the first decades of the twentieth century to help bolster your vintage bathing suit inspiration file, be sure to check out one of Glamourdaze most recent Youtube videos, a look back at vintage swimwear.

The styles seen in this lovely clip run the gamut from gamine to vixen. Some are relatively modest, others full-on pin-up girl worthy beguiling, leaving just a hint to the imagination.

All, however, share in common the fact that they are beautiful, well-tailored, elegant, becoming, feminine, and marvellously appealing. Whether you prefer one pieces of the 1920s and 30s, or go gaga for flirty 40s two piece suits, these examples of yesteryear swimwear are exceedingly easy to swoon over.

As I sit here, the hours of another beach-less summer day ticking past, I can't help but feel refreshed by this wonderful vintage swimwear video, which has made me even more determined to get to the beach next summer!

Whether you're diving into the lake every day, just get a few hours at the each summer, or have your own backyard pool to splash around in any time you please, I hope that you enjoy this charming look back at the history of bathing ensembles as much as I did. Here’s to hoping we all make to the beach a whole lot sooner than later!

Matching 1950s mom and daughter knit shrugs are perfect for Mother's Day!

✯ Day 127 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

You know something, my dears? Mother's Day snuck up me this year more stealthily than when my darling cat, Stella, waits silently in a dark to lunge out playfully at your ankles while you casually walk by.

It's uncharacteristic of me  really, given that this beautiful day to honour moms (and those who take on the invaluable role of a mother figure) occurs on the second Sunday of every May here in Canada.

I suppose I can chalk my near forgetfulness of this holiday (ok, to be fair I didn't forget about it entirely, it's just that for whatever unknown reason, I thought it was May 15th, not the 8th - silly me!) up to the plethora of weighty things that have been on my mind lately.

No matter why my head was off the calendar mark (perhaps it's still trapped in the rather daunting month that was April!), the important thing is that - just barely in time - I listened to the inner voice that was saying "you should double check when Mother's Day is" and did not let this immensely important day slide by unobserved - or unblogged.

In the spirit celebrating moms, mamas, mothers, mas, and mommies the world over tomorrow, I thought the splendidly lovely mother and daughter vintage knitting pattern below - which produces a darling pair of timelessly chic shrugs that are spot-on perfect for the still somewhat unpredictable weather of May - would be a terrific way to help get in the spirit of this maternally themed weekend.

{Click here for a larger version of this charmingly pretty vintage shrug pattern, which comes via clotho98 on Flickr.}

 

I'm not a knitter myself (nothing against it - heavens to Betsy, no - I've just never had the opportunity to learn...perhaps one day!), if I was, I'd be whipping up this wonderfully stylish 1954 shrug pattern for myself (and perhaps a petite version as well for any future daughters or nieces I happen to have) quicker than you could say "purl".

I love the fact that these great knit shrugs manage to look both comfortably warm and yet also lightweight at the same time. They feature a very flattering cut, roomy (but not baggy) sleeves, and two playful buttons to keep them drawn round the wearer.

Matching mom and daughter fashions were once relatively popular (and examples - such as this elegant pair of stripped dresses - abounded in vintage magazines and catalogs), though these days I'd say they're considerably less common.

If you ask me, there are few more heartwarmingly lovely sights though than a little girl and her mom sporting matching outfits (after all, what child doesn't adore dressing up like her mommy?), and it's high time matching parent and child ensembles made a come back.

If you're eager to see that happen, too, and are a knitter (or know someone who is that would be happy to make this wonderful 1950s pair of shrugs for you), why not bust out the knitting needles and set to work to create a marvellous duet of sweaters that would be sublime for Mother's Day - or any day of the year!

A little veiling, a lot of glamour

✯ Day 99 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

So reads the title caption on this richly elegant, photo filled page from the June 1952 issue of Woman's Day magazine. With little more than two one-yard pieces of tulle netting in any hue of your choice, this handy page guides you through various ways to sport veiling as part of your warm weather wardrobe.

 

There is something so wonderfully chic about these simple, yet highly stylish ideas. From wrapping netting around a chignon to tying it jauntily as a poufy scarf, these delightful tricks with a mere wisp of fabric seem to impart such a marvelous dose of glam upon the wearer's ensemble.

Tulle is such a romantic fabric. It calls to mind thoughts of fluttering ballerina prancing across the stage, refined wedding gowns, and rustling crinolines. It is available in vivid rainbow of hues (and white tulle can easily be tied just about any colour imaginable, if you can't find the shade you're after off the shelf), is relatively well priced at most fabric stores, and can be such a creatively fun way to perk up your spring and summer wardrobe.

Having seen this great page of ideas (which comes via clotho98's terrific Flickr stream), I suddenly want to make a sash style belt out of gingerly tied tulle - perhaps in sunny coral or tranquil sea foam green - and toss it over my neutral hued dresses. And as soon as I've tracked down a piece of veiling, I'll be copying the first idea ("mantilla variation with spray of lilacs"), perhaps with a tiny rose or gardenia blossom, too.

I love simple, yet impactful vintage fashion ideas like this that can be so easily replicated today in mere moments with minimal supplies. They're a very effective way of adding some zing to your closet, while in no way shape, shape or form wreaking havoc on your budget.

Indeed, as the title proclaimed in '52 - and still rings every bit as true today - you really can add a whole lot of alluring glamour to your look with just a smidge of feminine, beautiful veiling and a few DIY fashion touches. And that, in the words of one rather well-known domestic diva, is a very good thing!

Springtime fashion inspiration care of a beautiful French magazine from 1952

✯ Day 73 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

Spring - if only in name - will be upon us less than a week, my wonderful dears! This year, as it does in most, spring launches on the 20th of March. My mind, however, has already been filled with thoughts of spring and all of the marvelous fashions it entails for many weeks already.

I think it was around the middle of February, when my husband and I were kept awake for yet another night by the horrendously loud, screeching wind that rattles through our metallic balcony doors, that visions of light-as-air spring dresses, Easter candy hued cardigans, peep toe shoes, and dainty white wrist-length gloves began to waft through my head.

It's funny, in a way, there was a time when I preferred cold weather fashions to their warmer season counterparts, however these days I'm all about dressing for spring and summer! (Ok, truth be told there are pros and cons to both warm and cold weather fashion, but it seems that with each harsh-as-sandpaper Canadian winter I get through, the more I want to kick off my snow shoes and run barefoot - in a vintage sundress - through a field of wildflowers!)

Luckily my modest sized wardrobe is comprised of several dresses, skirts and tops that work wonders for spring. Yet that doesn't mean I'm not continually on the prowl for vintage springtime fashion inspiration - and where, when one is seeking such inspiration, is the amongst the best sources to turn to? Why, the French of course!

{Richly pretty vintage Le Petit Echo de la Mode magazine cover via april-mo on Flickr.}

Masters for centuries of all things divinely stylish, the French have long had a certain fashion je ne sais quoi that has been marveled at, adopted and adored the world over. Such was definitely the case when this 1952 copy of Le Petit Echo de la Mode magazine first appeared, sporting a cover adorned with two immensely elegant women in New Look-esque springtime styles.

From the feminine lines of these two womens' outfits to the chic little handbags, black and white polka dot gloves (*swoon*) to the bright red nail polish, everything about this gorgeous French magazine serenades the viewer with a hearty dose of stunning vintage European style and inspiration that is equally worthy of both spring 1952 and spring 2011.