A cute flamingo headscarf, vintage velour pedal pushers, and Canada Day camping fun

Outfit details

Vintage style square flamingo print head scarf: c/o Inkabilly
Black enamel coated metal hoop earrings: Unknown, had since I was a teenager (possibly Claire's)
Coral pink and white polka dot sleeveless button front shirt: Thrifted
Black thin knit cropped shrug: Fairweather
1960s green plastic and gold tone metal flower brooch: Clockwork Zoo
White 50s style stretch belt: Hell Bunny (via, if memory serves me right, Retro Glam)
1950s/1960s black velour pedal pushers: Frugal Frocks
1950s/1960s white tile purse: Running Rabbit Studio
Green plastic bangle bracelet: Forever 21
Assorted vintage plastic bangle bracelets: Various sorted (mostly thrifted)
Coral faux patent leather peep toe pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Partyline
Finger and toe nail colour: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Pink Punk
Photography by Tony Cangiano (with photos of us two together taken by my mom)

{Please forgive the various little fuzzy "dots" in these photos, we were inundated with no-see-um bugs while taking these pictures and they photobombed us big time that night!}   

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Before launching into the heart of today's fun new vintage outfit post, I want to take a moment to sincerely, wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you bestowed happy birthday wishes on me over the past few days. Whether here on my blog, Facebook, Instagram, via email, snail mail, or anywhere else, I was super touched by your beautiful wishes and can't convey how much they helped to make my 32nd b-day all the more fabulous!

While - to no one's surprise here locally - we had scads of rain on my birthday, for the Canada Day long weekend at the start of July, we were treated to a bit of sunshine and tons of wind! It was then that we snapped the photos seen here today.

My folks took their camper trailer down to a beautiful campground in the nearby little town of Osoyoos, which is located on the British Columbia side of the BC/Washington state border. A large campground with, I'd estimate, a few hundred camping spots for RVs, campers, trailers, and tents, located on a picturesque lake, this park always teams with Okanagan locals and tourists alike during the summer months.

I've been past it many times, but this was my first time visiting that park. As I've blogged about before over the years (such as in this 2012 post), I'm a massive fan of camping and while the more rugged version is, sadly, out of the question for me these days due to my health, I'll still jump at the chance to go glamping anytime I can and that's just what Tony and I did when my mom and step-dad (pictured below) invited us to spend time with them on the Canada Day long weakened.




For a day of outdoor fun, I knew that I wanted a comfy, festive outfit and started with a fabulous new vintage style flamingo print headscarf that I recently received as a review gift from a great British vintage/rockabilly/pinup inspired housewares and fashion company called Inkabilly.

This scarf is wonderful! Unlike many contemporary vintage style headscarves, this one is a proper square, not a long, skinny shape (nothing against that style - I love it, too, and own several, it's just extra handy to have a square shaped one sometimes) and can - depending on your head and/or hair size - be worn WW2 worker style or folded to various widths, as I've done here.

At just £6.99, this vibrant flamingo print headscarf (which is also available in a purple version; this being the aqua one) is refreshingly budget-friendly, especially for those in the UK.

It is is well made from sturdy, soft 100% cotton. The colours are crisp, the design clear, and the size a very versatile 54cm X 54cm. I really adore this scarf and want to sincerely thank Inkabilly - who I will be teaming up with, and sharing more about, here on my multiple times again in the second half of 2016 - for this handy, stylish vintage inspired accessory.

As many a fellow hourglass and/or pear shaped lady will tell you, finding pants that fit both your hips and your waist can be trickier than tracking down that proverbial needle in a haystack, and this pair of 1950s/1960s black velour pedal pushers is no exception. But that's okay - with the help of a big safety pin and a Hell Bunny stretch belt, it's fairly easy to wrangle the excess inches in the waist, and no one who sees me fully dressed is the wiser.

I picked these classic pedal pushers up two or three years ago from my favourite vintage store in the Okanagan, Frugal Frocks. This is the first time they've appeared here on my blog though, and I'm delighted that I finally got the chance to share them with all of you. Though a very summery garment, the fact that these pants are made from black velour makes them a great choice for balmy spring and autumn days as well (you could even layer them over tights, if need be, for added warmth).

I own very few pairs of pants and of those, not many are genuine vintage, so this pair - even if they're too big in the waist - are a firm favourite. They're super comfy and go with a zillion different tops, including this vintage appropriate punchy pink and white sleeveless button front skirt.

Camping isn't the time for a ton of accessories or delicate pieces, but that doesn't mean I skip jewelry or pretty shoes (I also had black flats in my purse that day for walking on rougher terrain) when the Coleman stove and sleeping bags come out.

Classic black hoop earrings, various bangle bracelets, the aforementioned white stretch belt, my beloved 50s/60s white tile purse, and a pair of recently thrifted (this past spring) coral peep toe pumps (plus a black cropped shrug) round out the mix - and helped to keep the wind at bay.

We had a wonderful holiday long weekend - eating al fresco, soaking up the moments of sun we did receive, and filling our lungs with fresh air. Relaxing and thoroughly welcome after a rocky June, it was also a ton of fun - just like this outfit itself - and hopefully it will be one of many sunny days we'll get, interspersed amongst the rain, as summer continues to unfold.

No matter what Mother Nature gets up to though, there's always vivid colours and tropical themes like the flamingos on this lovely Inkabilly headscarf to keep one in the summertime spirit, and that is well worth cheering about as well.

Wearing My Ultimate Unicorn of a Vintage Novelty Print Skirt

Outfit details

1950s green hair scarf (it's more grass green in real life than the bright sun makes it look here): Probably thrifted
White faux pearl stud earrings: Probably Claire's or eBay
1950s confetti lucite and real maple leaf brooch: Either a gift or from eBay, if memory serves me right
Black off-the-shoulder boat neck shirt: Joe Fresh
C. 1980s - 90s Brown leather and faux reptile skin belt: Thrifted
Gorgeous 1950s style Canadian novelty print skirt: Handmade gift from an incredible friend ♥
Red lace trimmed crinoline: Pettiskirt Style
Plastic bangle bracelets: Forever 21 & assorted sources
Vintage wood bangle bracelets: Thrifted
1940s/50s style brown leather wedge sandals: Yard sale find
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
Nail colour: Essie Red Nouveau


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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First and foremost I fully acknowledge that, yes, Squinty McSquinterton has returned again in full force and that she was accompanied by Weird Wind Face McGee this time around, too. Le sigh!!!

No matter though, this incredible 1950s style novelty print skirt had to be photographed while the temperature for single layered outfits was still accommodating and that trumped strong winds and harsh light. It could have been raining frogs on me that day and I would have still posted these photos! :)

For you see, in them I am wearing what is, really and truly, hands down my ultimate, dream, fantasy, holy grail of a novelty print skirt: one that entirely Canadian themed!!!

Ever since my teen years I have scoured countless shops online and off nearly obsessively for a vintage Canadian novelty print skirt from the 40s or 50s (assuming that such had even existed in the first place). I informed scores of vintage sellers I knew of my hunt and was willing to pay a premium to land such a skirt, but none was forthcoming.

A very dear online friend of mine, and fellow vintage novelty print lover, was aware of my search and had done her best to track one down for me as well (this lady has mad skills when it comes to sourcing elusive vintage items), but we both continued to come up empty handed.

Unlike myself, she is sewer - and a very talented one at that, may I add. Last year as incredible Christmas present, she knocked the socks clean off of me when she surprised me with the gift of the incredibly lovely, immensely mid-century vintage looking Canadian print novelty skirt that I am sporting in these photos.

Time was not on our side on the busy day when Tony and I quickly grabbed these shots up Carmi Mountain here in Penticton, so hence the harsh sunlight (aka, we couldn't shot earlier or later in the day, when it would have been kinder and more flattering), epic squinting and weird faces at work here, but again, I simply could not go any long without sharing this skirt with all of you. It is a dream come true for a proud, patriotic vintage loving canuck like myself and I simply had to shout about it from the highest rooftop - or in this case, Mountain peak! :)

I cannot begin to thank my treasured friend enough for the gift of this awesome Mountie on horseback, canoe, First Nations and Inuit, wood grain, evergreen tree, and dog sled print skirt. It is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favourite novelty print garment I've ever owned and I still have a hard time (months after receiving it) wrapping my head around the fact that it is actually, really and truly, mine.

From the bottom of my heart, sweet friend, thank you for giving this vintage Canadian gal her unicorn 1950s garment. There are no words to adequately describe how much I love it! Please don't let my windswept face fool you, I was smiling up a storm, both on with my actual lips and in my heart as I posed for these photos atop that beautiful hill and let the dry, dusty green landscape highlight the phenomenal-ness of your amazing gift.

Festive Canada Day Edition of 25 Vintage Deals Under $100

Hark, what is that? Is it the sound of Canada Day fireworks exploding in the distance? Probably not quite yet, but soon, in just nine days, such will certainly be the case and I couldn't be happier about that point.
 
As I've blogged about numerous times over the years (such as in this post), I flat out love Canada Day. In fact, it vies with Christmas for my second favourite holiday of the year. We Canadians, in general, aren't overly boisterous about our patriotism, but it runs as deep as the great oceans that flank our mighty nation, and my heart smiles each July 1st when my fellow countrymen and women join together to celebrate the birthday of our treasured land.
 
In honour of Canada Day and so much that is good and beautiful (and cute!) about the second largest country - in terms of landmass - in the world, with less than two weeks to go until this special celebration, I thought it would be fun to roundup 25 budget-friendly vintage, vintage appropriate, and handmade finds that speak to the soul of this peaceful, vast, animal filled, maple syrup loving nation.
 
So pull up a camping chair, put on your favourite red and white outfit, pour yourself a Molson (or some SunRype apple juice) and enjoy this thoroughly Canadian selection of affordable items that channel none of than the spirit of my home and native land itself!




1. Nature, elegance and Canadian pride combine in this timelessly pretty mid-century gold tone maple leaf Sarah Coventry brooch, which is bedecked with a single, classic faux pearl. Perfect for Canada Day, autumn, and the whole year round alike! $16.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




2. Oh, how I madly adore this fun, creative 8 x 10 print proclaiming a line from Canada's national anthem. It would be especially fantastic in a summer cottage, family room, or home library. $9.00 from Northern Rustication.




3. Help your pup get in on the patriotic fashion fun with this delightfully cool handmade detachable pet bow tie that would ensure that Fido or Fluffy looked especially dapper on Canada Day. $15.00 from Danes and Divas.




4. Looking for a great way to add a fun hit of red to your Canada Day ensemble? May I suggest this classic 1950s style double layer crinoline - it will also be especially handy for Valentine's Day and Christmas. Available in modern ladies sizes petite - large. $42.99 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




5. I am beyond in love with this modern, thoroughly timeless looking sterling silver Canada silhouette necklace. It would be ideal to wear here on Canadian soil or when traveling abroad to keep your homeland especially close to your heart. $21.35 from Ivy By Design.




6.Gussy up any vintage or modern ensemble with this big, fun handmade maple leaf print scarf that could easily be worn around your neck or head, or tied to a handbag handle. $16.65 from Endure Designs.



7.Whip up a miniature version of Canada's largest land animal when you put this adorable metal moose cookie cuter to good use (be if for cookies, pie crust shapes, fondant cutouts, or anything else you can dream up). $3.60 from Kreative Baking Shop.



8. Crisp, clean, and in very good shape for its age, this c. 1940s half apron features highlights from the Western Canadian provinces and would be especially good choice for both Canada Day and the August long weekend (particularly if you live in this portion of the country). $19.00 from My Victorian Closet.



9. Talk about a serious contender for the cutest set of themed earrings ever: a round faced little beaver - one of Canada's most emblematic animals - and the "log" that it has skillfully whittled down, both represented in a pair of post earrings. Tres adorable!!! $18.47 from Creatureshire.




10. A few months ago I had the pleasure of obtaining a mixed lot of various antique and vintage paper ephemera from the easterly Canadian maritime province of Nova Scotia, numerous items of which I've listed in the shop already. Amongst that fun treasure trove of paper goods, this beautiful Edwardian photo postcard is my favourite piece and I like thinking about where it might end up next in its venerable life. $4.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




11. Handcrafted from genuine vintage 1943 pennies, these eye-catchingly elegant coin cuff links would be the ideal accessory for a July 1st wedding. $15.99 from Subway Cufflinks.




12. Available in various infant, child, and adult sizes, this handmade, wonderfully cute headband would be the ideal way to quite literally top off any Canada Day outfit! $5.00 from Details NS (who also have a cute Canadian themed red and white hair slip set available for the same price).




13. As their name would imply, Canadian geese are a very (!) common sight in this country, and now you can add one more to your own jewelry box flock when you pick up this charming vintage leather bird brooch, which is currently on sale (at the time of writing) for just $4.00 from Morse Code Vintage.




14. Red and ivory 1940s style mesh peep toe spectator heels for Canada Day (or any point in the year)? Yes, pretty please! Available in modern ladies half sizes 6 - 10. $73.99 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




15. Canada's cuisine is incredibly diverse, rich, and enjoyable, melding influences from countless cultures that have helped to enrich and create the wonderful tapestry that is our population. This fun vintage recipe booklet called Cooking Canada Chicken shines the spotlight on scores of poultry recipes that echo those influences and are sure to make for tasty eating on Canada Day and all year round. $8.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




16. You simply could not find a more Canada Day perfect pair of fabric button bobby pins than these classic Canadian flag charmers. $6.00 for a pair of two bobby pins from Rachel O's.




17. Canada is blessed with a huge array of animals from coast to coast, top to bottom, including in many parts of the country (especially those where wilderness reigns strong still), wolves, one of my personal favourite wild critters. As such, this darling laser cut wolf brooch is just the thing to make any outfit worthy of howling in delight about! :) $12.98 from Mini Felts.




18. Let this adorable pair of vintage wooden Royal Canadian Mounted Police salt and pepper shakers stand guard on your table. They're practical, patriotic, and sure to spark lots of fun dinner party conversations! $18.00 from Shake That Thang.




19. I think it's safe to say that more souvenir items have been created over the years featuring Niagara Falls than for any other destination in Canada. One such example of which is this charming vintage miniature pink souvenir vase featuring a colour photo of the majestic Falls themselves - it would look so cute and festive as a bud vase on a Canada Day table. $6.00 from Val in the Valley.




20. Looking to brush up on your Canadian knowledge or just pick up some neat facts you might have heard before? Bring home this charming vintage soft cover book entitled Quick Facts About Canada and you'll be covered there big time! $7.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




21. I am soooo enamored with fabulously pretty, Canadian themed 1950s faux pearl and gold tone sweater/cardigan clip. Quick! Someone else nab it quick, before I give into temptation! :) $20.00 from Hey Viv! on Etsy.




22. Ever wondered what the big, beautiful province of Quebec looked like during the earliest decades of the last century? Flip through this photo packed 16 page tourist guide booklet from the 1930s and find out! $7.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




23.What an elegant, thoroughly darling vintage square scarf! It features a lovely array of Canadian provincial flowers and some of this country's most common song birds, measures 26 inches, and would rock as a headscarf. $12.00 from Little Sewing Bird.




24. Give yourself the gift of an instant collection with this charming group of vintage Canadian wall pennants, which would be great for any Canada Day celebration or used as the classic decor pieces that they are all year round. $28.00 for all seven pennants from Douglas Vintage.




25. And last, but most certainly not least, this strikingly lovely c. 1930s brass and red enamel maple leaf bracelet, which sings so sublimely of the art deco era it hails from. I can't image a vintage loving Canadian lass alive who wouldn't adore adding this beautiful piece to her stylish wardrobe. $22.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.

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With a bit of luck, I'll be be feeling well enough that day to attend the July 1st fireworks show that our town puts on each year. It's not terribly long, but it is thoroughly gorgeous, thanks in no small part to the fact this festive pyrotechnics display is shot off over Okanagan Lake, the dazzling, instantly fleeting shooting stars tumbling to the glassine water below.

It's no small part of the reason why I enjoy this day so much and is something I look forward to all the more because it's one of only two fireworks shows here in Penticton each year (the other being on New Year's Eve).

No matter what I do or where I go on July 1st, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be decked out in a Canadian themed outfit (watch for a post featuring it later in July), revved up and ready to celebrate all that makes Canada the fantastic, inspiring, marvelous nation that it is. I can hardly wait, eh!