Looking back at December 2013

What a month! As much as this post is about reflecting back on the past thirty-one days, and that we will indeed do, like so many people the world over as the very last day of 2013 kicks off, I am exceedingly exciting about what lies ahead - so much so, in fact, that I debated calling this post "looking ahead to January 2014" instead! I feel the winds of change afoot in many areas of my life, and I absolutely love this.




{Can you believe it? Another circle of seasons, block of 364 - nearly 365 - days is behind us once more. This year has been a million and one things, not all of them perfect or fun, but many of which ultimately I'm very grateful for and which I feel helped shape and propel my vision for 2014 onward. Image via Betters Homes and Gardens on Facebook.}



No year will ever be an unending bed of roses where lollipops grow on trees and unicorns frolic in perfect early June sunlight day in and day out, and I certainly don't expect 2014 to deliver as much, but I have a heady dose of optimism coupled with concrete plans to change and better various elements of my life in place that makes me feel more confident and excited about the upcoming year than I have about any other in a long time.

First though, as much as I'm champing at the bit to say hello to January 1st, let's take a quick gander back at what the exciting, action filled month of December held in store here on the blogging front.

After my trusty old laptop that had been with me for some four years decided to give up the ghost at long last, I was left 'puter-less for part of November. Thankfully however, my snazzy (and wonderfully powerful) new Lenovo arrived at the start of the month, ensure that all was able to get back on track as the year wound down. That was wonderful, because it ensured that I was able to write and get this year's exciting travel themed Vintage Holiday Gift Guide, inspired by our adventures in Calgary earlier in the year, out well in advance of the 25th (after all, a holiday gift guide isn't nearly as helpful if don't have time to actually shop, or garner inspiration, from it before the big day arrives!).

As winter weather came barreling into town, a powerfully chilly force to be reckoned with, we took at gander at Ten Cold Weather Wardrobe Staples, then enjoyed the first new edition of Saturday Snapshots since last spring. Mid-month, one of the best and most exciting things to ever happen to me as a vintage blogger (or vintage lover, for that matter) occurred when Queens of Vintage honoured me with the title of being their 136th Queen of Vintage, an accolade that I'd been daydreaming about receiving ever since the series launched a few years ago. Hands down, this was one of the biggest highlights of 2013 for me!

On the vintage outfit front, summer's glorious weather was briefly revived when I shared what I wore for, and bought during, a lovely day of antique shopping in Vernon last August, though winter fashions very quickly came back into sight in Fear Not The Poodle Skirt, which featured a look at the history of poodle skirts, offered tips for vintage gals on how to wear them without looking overtly costume-y, and highlighted a fabulous royal blue poodle skirt that I received as a review gift from Hip Hop 50s Style.

This month I had a profoundly awesome experience when I was offered a modeling job from a local vintage jewelry seller named Anja, whose breathtaking offerings made for one of the most enjoyable and unique photo shoots I've ever done. For those who may have missed the addendum that was added a couple of days after the post went live, I wanted to mention again here that Anja is happy to sell any of the pieces shown in those photos, that are still available, to readers worldwide (contact her via email or phone, both of which appear towards the bottom of that post, for prices and further details).

Another marvelously fun, though exceedingly more chilly, vintage outfit post, called Baby, it's cold - and festively fashionable, took place as the Christmas season rounded the bend, featuring a thoroughly gorgeous red and white 1950s style halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage (pictured again below). Without a doubt, this is one of my favourite outfit shoots we've ever done, not only for the wonderful holiday season backdrop and fabulous frock it featured, but also because it's the first we've ever done outside at night in the pitch black darkness (something I eagerly look forward to trying our hand at again when the warmer weather returns).




Also on the festive attire front, we celebrated the holidays with a special Christmas edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday, got our baking grove on with 12 timelessly lovely Christmas cookie recipes, and a Heartfelt holiday wish for one and I all.

In the final week of the year, we enjoyed the latest (holiday themed) edition of Flickr Favourites, I spoke candidly about how I'm actively Learning to delight in opening up about myself, and two days ago, in the last outfit post of 2013, I posed like a pool player and gave you a peak at my parent's basement while sporting a beloved mustard cardigan and vintage Austrian glass fruit brooch. A fun, cozy sartorial note to wrap up a year of wonderful vintage outfit posts on.

Outside of the blogging realm, the past couple of weeks, especially from December 24th onward, have been immensely busy ones for me - as I know they were for many of you as well. Unintentionally, between the hecticness of the holiday season and some personal issues (including that our dear 11 month old puppy, Annie, needed to have surgery last Saturday), I haven't been online for the past few days and just wanted to take a moment to say thank you very much to all those who have left recent blog comments here during the time. Once the new year is underway, I hope that life will return to a calmer pace and my usual online activities will get back on their usual track.

I've been giving it a great deal of though over the past couple of weeks, and I've decided that in 2014, I won't be doing a month-in-review post any longer. I wholeheartedly enjoyed capping off each month of 2013 with one, and though I may bring them back at some point down the line, right now I feel so charged about the future, that (as much as someone who wears, loves, dreams about and can never get enough of decades past can) I just want to look forward.

As such, coupled with a desire to more frequently feature things that truly catch my eye and inspire my life, my wardrobe choices, my passions, some of my blog posts, and other areas of my life, I've decided that starting from the end of January onward, throughout 2014, I'm going to aim for a post at the end of each month that will be filled with various things, including posts written by fellow bloggers the world over, that are inspiring, educating, delighting or otherwise impacting me in the moment (they'll be a bit like a cross between Vintage This and That, which is long overdue for a new post, and a much older reoccurring post series that appeared here super early on in this site's life called Pretty Link Roundup).

I'm really psyched about this new series (the precise name of which I'm still brainstorming - suggestions are totally welcome, if you have any), which will help celebrate each month of the coming year with a look at some of the most influential and inspiring things that have crossed my radar recently.

Today though, let's begin by celebrating this year that has just been. No matter where it fell on the good vs bad scale for you, I'm certain that there were at least a few silver linings, favourite purchases, joyful experiences, new adventures, and other awesome, worthwhile, important events and moments that you're keen to cherish the memory of as we welcome 2014 with open arms.



{It's time to toast the best of what has been this year and the thrilling prospect of what what lies ahead in 2014! Image source.}


So pop that champagne (or sparkling cider) cork, bust out your absolute sparkliest or shimmery (gold lamé, anyone?) vintage attire and tell 2013 you loved it, no matter what it dished out. You wouldn't be here right now without it - none of us would - and for that point alone, if nothing else, it's worth remembering and being grateful for.

Have a fun filled, safe, rockingly awesome New Year's Eve and incredible start of 2014, everyone. I'm excited beyond words to experience another exciting vintage filled year with all of you!!!

Looking back at October 2013

This day always carries a hint of melancholy to it for me, as I know it's the furthest possible point until Halloween, my most beloved and favourite holiday returns. There's no sense in bemoaning the calendar however, and besides, it's much more fun to focus on how enjoyably lovely yesterday was than to fret that the next one won't be here for another 364 days (photos of my spooktastically fun Halloween costume will be appearing on the blog within the week).



{Hard as it is to believe, - much like the title character says at the end of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown - another Halloween has come and gone. It was an awesome one, complete with pumpkin carving, oodles of goodies, and a costume that I'm bursting at the seams with excitement to show you here really soon. Image source.}

 
Like many the world over at the moment, I'm a pretty knackered from last night's festivities, but in the best gosh-the-was-a-blast kind of way. I need to get my strength back up (or give myself a Halloween candy sugar high :D) though because, so long as my health wants to cooperate, there's an annual antiques and collectibles show up in the community of Rutland in Kelowna, which I have eagerly been hoping to attend ever since I caught wind of it for the first a couple of months ago.

Like most such events in this province, the likelihood that they'll be any 1940s or 50s ladies clothing or hats there is exceedingly slim, but there's usually some vintage jewelry amongst the military collectibles, housewares, art, kitsch decor items, old books, children’s toys and other assorted yesteryear items that pop up at such events here in the Okanagan (at least the ones I've been to). As I'm fond of saying though, you just never know where the next fabulous vintage fashion find might pop up!

The show doesn't start until 3pm though, and that's about half a day away still, so let's pass a bit of time by recapping some of the wonderful things that transpired here on the blog throughout the thirty-one day long month of October.

With my spirits immensely revived, my soul as happy as a clam, and countless stellar memories all but burning a hole in the pocket of my mind, October included three posts from our recent travels: Seven of my favourite places we visited in Alberta (and what I wore to each of them), An absolutely awesome blogger meet-up with Laurie from Retro Reporter (this was my first blogger meet-up ever), A very personal reflection on seeing Calgary again.

This was not a month that shied away from vintage outfit posts, let me tell you! In fact, with a total (including what I wore for my super fun meet-up with Laurie) coming in at five, it's housed one of the largest number of such posts in a single month to date.

October's vintage ensemble included a mustard yellow 1980s does 1940s dress partnered with my first ever yard sale Bakelite find, a truly gorgeous bespoke 1940s reproduction dress that was handmade for me incredibly talented Spanish seamstress Rosy (from Sewing Addicta), a photo of which appears here below; the cheekily titled Walking around town in my birthday suit in which I shared snaps of the beautiful coral hued 1950s skirt suit I got for my birthday this year, and last but definitely not least, I shared all about how I heart vintage plaid, novelty brooches, and fab green hats in a post that also broke the exciting news that Tony and I recently purchased a brand new Canon D6 DSLR camera.





Some of the other post topics through this most beautiful of autumn months were 15 of my must-have vintage fashion essentials (and one of my top tips for creating a wardrobe you love), and a reader request post on How Tony and I do vintage outfit shoots, an in-depth look at Why I love, and wear, 1980s does 40s and 50s fashions, as well as two sponsor spotlight posts, one each on House of SASS and etsy vintage shop Junk in da Trunk Girls.

Naturally, October also included some Halloween themed posts, including 31 things for which Halloween just wouldn’t be the same to me without, Three sweet and scrumptious vintage fall recipes (for Halloween classics such as caramel apples and hot mulled cider), an Addams Family themed edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday, and a lovely Halloween spin on this month's Flickr Favourites.

Elsewhere on the web, I was delighted to be asked by vintage fashion expert, entrepreneur  and all around fabulous lady, Debbie Sessions (who you remember from this post about her website Vintage Dancer), to a part of a great article she put together on Wearing Fall Vintage Clothing - Tips from 3 Vintage Fashion Bloggers, which housed impute from yours truly, as well as two of my oldest and dearest online friends, Brittany from Va Voom Vintage and Bethany from The Glamorous Housewife. It's a lovely read, especially if you're on the prowl for some new vintage fall fashion ideas.

I adore discovering fresh, innovative new website, and all the more so if they have vintage spin to them, so I was really happy when site founder Mary Micouris (who many of you may know from her other popular vintage site We Heart Vintage) introduced me to her latest awesome project: VintageGrazer.

With a look and feel that calls to mind hugely popular sites such as Pinterest and Instagram, VintageGazer is a user submitted (it's completely free to join and submit images) image agitator that's filled with nothing but beautiful photos from fellow vintage fans the world over. It's just getting off the ground, but members (myself very much included) are flocking there and eagerly submitting photos already (and why wouldn't they, it's a great way to get your blog out in the public eye!). If you haven't popped by yet, be sure to do so today - but be warned, you may find it as addictively fun as those two aforementioned social photo sharing sites.

Unquestionably one of the most fantastic things to happen to me in recent weeks, was my first ever appearance in a print magazine. I was honoured to the highest degree to be interviewed by, and appear in, two different stories in the inaugural print edition of British fashion and lifestyle magazine, V&Oak. I'm collaborating with V&Oak for a terrific giveaway later this month, and will be spilling the beans about this super exciting experience in far greater detail in a post here towards the end of the November.

With the return of that telltale outdoor signs – many of us have had snow already - of winter, it means that our thoughts will be shifting, naturally, to Christmas and the many marvelous traditions, festivities, and celebrations that go along with it.

Today though, I'm quite happy to just live in the moment on this frosty November 1st morn, and think about tonight's antiques & collectibles show, as well as about some of the topics we'll be chatting up a (snow) storm about here in the coming weeks.

On the roster you'll find such diverse posts as a roundup of some of my very favourite things that I bought during our trip to Calgary in September, (by reader request) a look at how I put my vintage outfits together, a scrumptious vintage cranberry cake recipe (that's just perfect for Christmas!), a photo shoot at the oldest location in Kelowna (it was founded in 1859), and plenty of other engaging and interesting topics.



{Much like a snowball that suddenly came at you out of left field, November can be a jolt to the ol' system, as we bid farewell to Halloween once more. It doesn't have to be as unpleasant as said snowball however, especially when you stop and take stock of the many positive points and going ons that the eleventh month of the year houses - actual snowball fights very much included!  Image source.}

 
I like November, always have, suspect I always will. It's often a relatively quiet month - a much needed breather between jack-o-lanterns and stockings hung by the chimney with care.

If we’re lucky, there are still a few days that remain above freezing. We get to honour those who so bravely fought and worked to win not one, but two horrific wars in the last century on Remembrance Day, winter wardrobes are back in full swing for most, those in the States have their Thanksgiving (ours was on the 14th of October here in Canada this year) to look forward to near the end of the month, lots of great TV shows have returned with new episodes again, and there's still time to just kick back and relax before Christmas comes a calling (or caroling, as the case may festively be).

Not tonight however, I hope. There's an antiques & collectibles show a mere hour away and it's whispering my name in the sweetest and most inviting of voices. Naturally, I'm going to reply by paying it a visit. :)

Here's to a joyful, fun, vintage filled month of November for all of us!

Looking back at September 2013

In the wee hours of the morning two days ago, I sat there, kitty and husband sleeping like peaceful little angels beside me on the bed, and wondered just what exactly this month had been. At once it seemed agonizingly long and mind blowingly quick. I know the reasons for both: my dear mother-in-law's recent passing being the chief reason for the first, the whirlwind of activity and unbridled fun of our trip to Calgary explaining the latter.

Throughout September Tony and I rode a proverbial rollercoaster of emotions, bracing for tsunamis of sorrow, and yet also being reminded of the profound power of happiness, change (of pace and scenery, that is), and the importance of moving forward.

I am both worn out and uniquely uplifted as we peer towards October, but I believe that the happiness instilled in my soul from our time in Calgary will help set the coming month off on a good note, solid footing, and with plenty to feel excited amount as we barrel through the awesomeness that is autumn.



{No matter what may be transpiring in my life, autumn's return - and the cold weather fashions it entails - always brings me joy, makes me yearn to spend as much time outside as possible, and is cause for celebration in my books. Image source.} 



There are mountains of crispy, brittle leaves in a jewelry shop's worth of regal hues to kick merrily into the air and crunch on underfoot. Pumpkin pies, muffins, cakes, cookies, breads, and soups to whip up. Family gatherings to cherish and delight in, very much including Canadian Thanksgiving on the 14th, and of course my endlessly beloved Halloween to look forward to. In fact, ever since I was the tiniest of sprouts, October has been my favorite month of the year.

So much so, in fact, that I made sure it was the month Tony and I were married in, and this year, as it does every few years, our wedding anniversary, just happens to fall on the 14th. I can think of nothing in the world that I'm more grateful for than my husband and our incredible relationship, so when this occurs, it always feels especially fitting.

Though there was much turbulence in our life throughout September, I didn't waiver much from my usual course of posting here on the blog. There are times when life calls for such interruptions, certainly, but in my heart of hearts, I didn't feel like this month was, ultimately, one of them, and actually found quite a lot of solace, and I so often do, in writing posts recently and thinking ahead to those for October and autumn as a whole.

We launched September by taking an in depth look at the especially clean cut cousins of saddle shoes, white bucks, an image packed alphabet filled The ABCs of Vintage Fashion, then this month's edition of Flickr Favourites was all about the return of the school year, classic plaid, and the changing of the seasons, plus I reviewed the awe-inspiring tome that is 1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook by Emmanuelle Dirix.

As well the first comfort food recipe of autumn was dished up care of some delicious 1950s Zesty Baked Beans; we chatted about the importance of Sourcing blog post ideas and inspiration from those around you, celebrated the wondrous beauty of the harvest moon in September's edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday, I sang the praises of autumn's return, and was delighted to receive and continue passing along the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, amongst other fun posts this month.

On the vintage fashion front, there were three outfits to blogged about in September, all shot during the tail end of summer, when the light was golden, the days still toasty, and multiple layers hadn't become an absolute must again.




First off it was 1920s yellow, 1940s peach, and plenty of cute feathered friends at Lion's Park (a snap from which appears above here), followed by one of my absolute favourite 1940s housedresses (in an autumn perfect palette) partnered with a caramel hued snood, and most recently, I had the great pleasure of receiving, wearing, and reviewing an awesome rainbow crinoline from Pettiskirt Style (don't forget, my dears, you can save 20% off your entire purchase from Pettiskirt Style anytime up until October 30, 2013 when you use the coupon code Jessica20 at the checkout).

A big shout out and thank you to all those who sponsored Chronically Vintage in September. If you haven't swung by these marvelous sites and shops yet, be sure to do so, you won't be disappointed in the slightest!

-Blue Velvet Vintage

-Bloomers & Frocks

-Little Netties Vintage (new to CV sponsor family this month)

-Lucky Lucille

-Maejean Vintage

-Vintage Frills


This month also welcomed author Stephanie Lehmann and her latest, thoroughly engaging and highly enjoyable sounding (I haven't read it yet, so I can't review it personally at this stage) novel Astor Place Vintage, as a new sponsor.

Just as September itself wraps up today, so too did we recently (officially) say good bye to all the warmth and loveliness of summer. It seems, somewhat uncharacteristically for this neck of the woods, that summer couldn't make a beeline out of town fast enough here. Almost as though someone flicked a switch, summer disappeared and a rather chilly autumn rolled into town. I'm hoping that the temps perk back up a bit this month, as I'd like to feel like we had at least a few days between the extremes of summer and another long Canadian winter.

As I reflect back on the past month, I cannot help but also think about the entire season that just passed. The lofty highs and painful lows, the good and the not-so-good, the smiles, the memories and the things that didn't get to happen in the end. There were some posts, all relating to things that we did, that I didn't get a chance to write and which now seem as though the moment has long past and they'd be a bit out of place in October. I shall not forget them though, and chances are, at one point or another, I'll still get the opportunity to talk about them here (likely after visiting/doing said place/experience again next year).

The summer of 2013, as with the rest of the year so far, didn't play out (for the most part) how I'd envisioned it at all. Life rarely does though, I've long come to learn, and there's little sense in dwelling on the negatives or fretting about what didn't happen (or happen the way you wanted it to). There were some outstanding points throughout the season, don't get me wrong for a moment, undoubtedly the most awesome of which was our trip to Calgary this month. For a week we got to escape the daily grind, step away from our worries, and just have a blast in a different city.

Throughout October I'll be blogging multiple times about our trip (including where we went, what I bought, and all the cool dets about my first ever blogger meet-up!), as well as jumping head first in the all things Halloween (my very favourite holiday), rounding up a number of my must-have vintage fashion essentials, answering your questions about how Tony and I do outfit photo shoots, and bringing you a great new blog giveaway from beloved Canadian production company, Sullivan Entertainment - plus plenty of other diverse, enjoyable topics throughout the coming thirty-one days.



{Much like actress Pier Angeli in this charming 1950s photo, I get wide eyed with excitement and happiness about both October's return and All Hallow Eve, the star attraction for many of us in the coming month. Image source.} 


Yes, September was a strange month, filled as with its mix of snail and warp speed days, as well as summer's almost unbelievably quick departure. It was hard, it was fun, it saw tears, and it built character. It's not a month I'll soon forget, nor that I would want to, but ultimately, I'm relieved that it's wrapping up. Time feels like it needs to move on, and so do I, which is all the more reason I'm profoundly glad that October will be here tomorrow.

Whatever the coming month holds in store, I hope that it abounds with merriment, beauty, autumn time pleasures a plenty, and the start of a marvelous third season of the year for all of us.

Happy October, everyone!!!

Looking back at August 2013

 The last day of August, eh? My goodness, how did we get here so quickly? Was it truly quick? Am I asking too many questions? :) Perhaps, but that's okay, it's the end of summer and with the school year kicking off for many soon (if not already, depending on where you live), it's a rather good thing to have an inquisitive mind, if you ask me.

There were moments of this month, much like the past couple, that felt as though they'd drag on for eternity, but over all, I'd say that it felt speedier than June and July. One could sense the season winding down, much like way certain amusement park rides slow down before they come to a complete halt.

Living in the arid, sizzling hot corner of Canada that we do (I know, my dear foreign readers, "sizzling hot" and "Canada" are not two words that typically go hand in hand, but I assure, you there are parts of this country that give the Mediterranean, Australia, South America, and toastier areas of the USA a run for their money at times), summer isn't quite over yet. We've had temps up to 30C as recently as four days ago, and we'll likely continue to see the realm of the mid-20s for much of the coming month.

Despite July housing my birthday, I think I liked August better (even though there were a few really rocky days mid-month). It was a whisper cooler, saw me able to get out of the house at least three times that I can recall, and even included a wee bit of vintage shopping in Vernon (which, sadly, like most places in the Okanagan, doesn't have any dedicated mid-century vintage clothing stores, but it does have plenty of shops that carry vintage and antique collectibles, housewares, and to a lesser extent, jewelry), so it's always a joy to head up that way and check them out.

I didn't buy much though, because I was (and still am) really trying to save ever last penny for our super exciting upcoming road trip to Calgary, Alberta in less than two weeks time.

My goodness, I haven't found myself looking forward to something as much as I am this trip in many, many years. It's been so long since we last took a holiday, and even the three that we have been on in our nine years together (we didn't take a honeymoon), were all work trips for Tony (that I tagged along for), so this will be our first official, non-work trip ever together! Tony's every bit as eager for this to happen as I am, which just ups my own excitement level all the more.



{Three very big, very enthusiastic cheers! In less than half a month, we'll be zipping over the Rocky Mountains and on our way to Calgary, home of the world famous Calgary Stampede (held every July), where these lovely 1940s lasses hailed from. It's been a decade since I was there last and I am beyond champing at the bit to return again for a few days. Image source.}

 
There's still several days to go until we depart though, so before the suitcases come out of storage and the packing commences, let's take a little while and recap some of the wonderful going-ons that transpired here on the blog front this month.

Much as with July, August was jam packed with posts spanning a wide array of topics. I launched it off with my (still very much ongoing) search for winter snow and ski clothes, a hunt that I hope I'll have some good luck with while in Calgary, a town notorious for its chilly, snow filled winters.

We looked at a super easy trick for securing a pin back brooch in place; took a gander at some beautiful vintage B.C. beauty queens, and discussed a few of the more eyebrow raising comments about my vintage style that I've received over the years in a post called Strangers say the darndest things.

Four outfit posts sprang to life this month, including one in which I sported and reviewed a dress from online UK clothing seller, Brag Vintage. My favourite outfit post of the month definitely goes to day we spent at this year's Peach City Beach Cruise classic car show, in which I sported my most beloved 1950s frock for the first time online (an image from which appears above).

I also kept my passion for all things verdant going strong in last weekend's Sorry, Kermit, but sometimes it is easy being green, and I waxed poetically over the stunning local landscape in Enjoying Penticton in all its glorious summertime beauty, while sporting a palette of red and white.

In addition to these posts and the usual fare, such as Vintage Fashionista Friday, Flickr Favourites, and a tasty vintage recipe - this time for summertime heat beating 1940s watermelon salad, some other highlights of the month included a fascinating look at the history of tennis wear, a stellar online resource with more than 7,000 vintage images, and a fabulous giveaway this week for your chance to win any vintage hat you'd like from Blue Rose Vintage (it's still on, so be sure to enter today, if you haven't yet).

As well, I had the great pleasure of interviewing two of Chronically Vintage's newest blog sponsors: Rebekka from the awesome etsy shop Bloomers & Frocks, and Rochelle from the absolutely beautiful, inspiration filled vintage sewing blog, Lucky Lucille. We also shone the spotlight on a third (thoroughly terrific) blog sponsor in a post devoted to thriving etsy vintage jewelry, fashion and household goods shop, Maejean Vintage.

Elsewhere on the web, I was honoured as can be when Lolly, from the wonderful UK based vintage reproduction clothing site Lolly Doll asked if she could interview me for her company's blog in a post called Meet Jessica Cangiano of Chronically Vintage. She sent over some really great questions and did such a lovely job of capturing and summarizing what my blog and I are all about. This isn't the last you'll be hearing of Lolly Doll and Chronically Vintage joining forces either - keep your eyes peeled in the fall for our next (fashionable!) collaboration.

My lucky winning streak when it comes to blog giveaways continued into August, I'm super happy to say, when I won a lovely vintage scarf from etsy seller Moon Walk Vintage, that the fabulous blog Va Voom Vintage was very kindly offering readers the chance to call there own. The scarf hasn't arrived yet, but I'm sure that as soon as it does, I'll start wearing it and you'll likely see it here in one more future vintage outfit posts.

While my mind is very much on our upcoming road trip, that certainly doesn't mean it's the only thing in I have in the works for September. In the coming weeks, as summer and autumn exchange places, we'll delve into the history of the saddle shoe's extra clean cut cousin, white buck shoes; I'll review the book 1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook (as per the many Instagram and Facebook requests that poured in when I started sharing some images from it there), put together a vintage fashion themed alphabet in honour of the return of the school year, and start blogging about our trip to Calgary shortly after we return home, to name but a few of September’s posts.



{There is such a fabulous sense of a fresh start to September. I've long likened it to a second New Year's, and love the renewed vigor it brings with it - perfect for hitting the books once more, raking crunchy leaves, or just nestling in at home and starting work on all those projects you didn't quite get to while spending 24/7 outdoors this summer. Welcome September and welcome fall, I've missed you both something fierce! Image source.}

 
I'm looking forward to September for a multitude of reasons. Yes, certainly our fun little vacay is one of them, but there are scads of others as well, spanning everything from the new crop of local pears and apples to the return of a nippy breeze in the air, bringing cold weather sweaters back into rotation. There’s also starting to decorate for (Canadian) Thanksgiving and Halloween - and of course, one can never, ever forget the stunning autumn palette that nature starts decking herself out with as fall approaches and then barrels into full swing.

These in between the season days house a magic all there own, and while part of me will be a bit sad to wave farewell to summer in the coming weeks, I'm also massively eager to embrace every last, stellar element of September and autumn. First though, I've got an open road to hit, a beloved city to revisit, and some vintage and thrift shopping to do in good, ol' Calgary! :)

I truly hope that you each had a marvelous, enjoyable, and very happy summer. Here's to the start of September, the return of pumpkin spice everything, and a whole lot of fun this fall!

Looking back at July 2013

There are certain times of the year when one still has the instinctual feelings of a child. Holidays are typically such, as are, I find, things relating to the school calendar. As a youngster this day, for all intents, marked the middle point of summer vacation. There was month and a few days behind us, precisely the same in front, and I can recall with vivid clarity the desire to pause time right here, right now for the rest of eternity.

For better or worse, life has no pause button and time always marches triumphantly onward, another August, another Labour Day weekend, and then the start of the school year once more. Long gone are the days of brand new duo-tangs and freshly sharpened pencils, but I still stop and find myself wishing at times that I could slow down this portion of the summer. 


{Surf, sand, sunshine, cute beachwear, sky high temps, there are so many reasons why July is every bit as fun as the charming vintage postcard pictured here and why one can't help but wish they could freeze this month in time for far longer than its actual thirty-one days. Image source.}



Yes, we're immersed in the thick of the dog days, steamy, sultry, sizzling creatures that they are, but we're also surrounded by an endless horizon of verdant leaves, sunsets so delectably lovely they deserve an award, and nights that still see daylight long after the dinner dishes have been cleared away.

A few blinks from now, we'll be sitting here ushering in September, then October, and summer will already begin to fade from our memories like the chlorophyll in the aforementioned leaves, but for now, right this very instant, we're still touching July, ready to embrace August and savour each delectable moment that the second half of the season holds in store for us.

July was a somewhat busy month for me, though rough health from start to finish did put a cap on how much I was able to get done (especially offline). Still, there were some marvelous moments, such as Canada Day, my 29th birthday back on the 10th, and a few really great mail days - including the arrival of items from three recent blog giveaways that I've had the awesome fortune to win over the past couple of months (from Emileigh, Anthea, and Teresa's fantastic sites) and some immensely lovely birthday gifts from dear online friends around the world.

Here on the blog things were jumping with activity throughout July, with a really diverse array of topics being covered. How diverse you may ask? Well, we looked at everything from The life and work of Foncie Pulice: Vancouver's best-known street photographer to 29 things I love about the 1980s, discussed The lore of the sasquatch, as well as some of the important life lessons I've learned the older I've gotten.

This month saw plenty of vintage outfit posts as well! It kicked off with a charming red, pink and green 1940s look sported at Three Mile Beach in Naramata (a snap from which is pictured below), summery vintage plaid and straw accessories on a windswept pier, and towards the middle of the month, an elegant beaded cardigan and black 1950s platter hat ensemble (that also duked it out with the wind).





In the later part of the month, I had the great pleasure of sharing a fabulously cute, superbly well made 1940s reproduction sweater that was knit for me by the immensely talented Regiane Trainotti from Vintage & Cool Knitting. And just yesterday, as the month neared ever closer to the end, I posted about the festive vintage ensemble (complete with darling totem pole brooch) that I wore for Canada’s birthday back on July 1st.

Throughout July we also got to know two of Chronically Vintage's newest sponsors better: stellar online vintage and reproduction clothing shop Blue Velvet Vintage, and the absolutely lovely blog Vintage Frills.

We also enjoyed some regularly occurring posts and two new vintage recipes recipes (including the terrific thirst buster that is Raspberry Mint Crush), and are currently in the midst of an awesome giveaway for a $25.00 gift certificate from etsy jewelry and accessories shop, ChatterBlossom

See? I told you it was a busy month full of a wide range of different post topics - just as I like things to be here most of the time. One of the best components of having a personal blog is getting the opportunity to discuss such a broad array of subjects - something that's absolutely perfect for an eclectic soul such as myself.

Elsewhere online, I was thoroughly touched to be included in posts on We Heart Vintage (in one of their delightful "This week I wish I was wearing..." posts), Powder Blue with Polka Dots (who included a photo of me sporting Regiane's wonderful cherry sweater in one of her inspiring style posts), Fairy Filigree (in a lovely post devoted to summer hair flowers), and most recently I had the tremendous honour of being illustrated by talented artist Lorena Balea-Raitz on her beautiful blog.

Lorena's portrait of me is, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful, touching, incredibly lovely gifts I have ever received, as well as being a sincere boon for myself esteem, as I delved into in this post last Friday, in which I spoke candidly about some of the body image and self-esteem issues I've battled throughout my whole life. A great many of you left extremely sweet, uplifting comments for me on that post, each one of which, no word of a lie, helped to further bolster my self-esteem and how I view myself when it comes to my appearance, and I truly cannot thank you all enough. ♥

In the weeks to come here on the blogging front, numerous other varied posts are slated to appear, including a look at some of the more eyebrow raising questions/comments I've received from strangers over the years (in regards to my vintage style), the history of tennis wear, a wonderfully tasty watermelon salad recipe, and oodles of snaps from this year's Peach City Beach Cruise (our town's annual classic car show). 




{Hot as a toaster, cool as a vintage Jantzen swimsuit, and filled with the sort of heavenly breezes one waits the whole year for, August is a solid, exciting month that always seems to whisper of possibility and great fun still to come before summer waves goodbye once more a few weeks later. Image source.}



August is an activity packed month around our town, in no small part because the local economy has long relied on the summertime tourist industry to help it afloat the whole year round, and this means it's time for everything from a beloved square dancing festival (it's been going on for decades), which is part of the bigger yearly Peach Fest, to Challenge Penticton, a grueling triathlon that is going to be replacing the Ironman competition that Penticton had previously hosted for many years.

It also sees the return of both Tony and Stella's birthdays, as well as my mom and step-dad's anniversary, a total of five possible weekends on which to yard sale (so far this year has lagged behind 2012 big time on that front, both in terms of the number of sales and the amount of vintage items to be had at those that I've been to - but you never know, August might be the month things turn around), and a succulent array of locally grown fruit (chiefly cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and early season pears towards the end of the month).

Yes, it might be nice to pause at July times and hold onto the sparkling sweetness of that month, but if we did that, we wouldn't have the amber sunshine, bathtub warm (lake) water, or the abundance of fresh produce that August delivers, and you know what? The year just wouldn't be the same without those exquisite things and the many other much loved elements of summer that only the eighth month of the year houses.

So here's to August, every last glorious warm, beguiling, endlessly inviting day of it!!!

Looking back at June 2013

Reflecting upon the events of this month, I'm struck by how they often seemed to parallel the weather that we experienced. Some days were gloriously sunny, gushing with with warmth, light and the kind of happiness that it takes half a year to cultivate. Others were grey, unpredictable, heavy as a horizon full of thunder clouds.

A few fell in between, and one involved said thunder clouds quite literally, as a sudden downpour that hit our town this past Wednesday with febricity caused flooding in our basement (while thankfully it didn't ruin too many items, it did do a fair bit of property damage and will require us to put new flooring into one, or possibly, two rooms).



{It didn't take anywhere near this much water to cause some of the swift rainfall that pelted Penticton on Wednesday to end up partially flooding our basement, but I can I can certainly sympathize with those pictured here who needed a boat to get around town all of a sudden. Image source.}


This unexpected basement ordeal was an odd note to (almost) cap the month off on, as I'd really felt like it was gaining positive momentum towards the end - and perhaps it still did, in spite of said flooding.

Just a few days beforehand, on the 22nd, I was thrilled to be able to attend our town's annual classic car show - The Peach City Beach Cruise - again (you may remember this post from when I attended for the first time last year), which I'll be doing a vintage outfit post about in the near future, as well as to see a movie (This is the End) at the theater for the first time in over a year, and to attend Value Village’s latest 50% off sale all on the same weekend. For some people this might seem like a fairly run of the mill amount of activity, but for me, it's exceedingly rare that my health permits me such a productive weekend, and I thought it was an incredible note to kick the summer off on!

And what of the blogging front, you may ask, well, this month saw a flurry of activity here for sure. For starters, June welcomed Chronically Vintage's first official group of blog sponsors, three of which (The Glamorous Housewife, Vintage Dancer, and ChatterBlossom) were featured in sponsor spotlight posts. You'll be hearing more about the fourth of June's new sponsors, Blue Velvet Vintage (whose site and offerings I simply cannot get enough of), in the coming weeks, just as you will some of the other sponsors that have signed on for the summer months and beyond.

I truly appreciate and wholeheartedly welcome each of Chronically Vintage's new sponsors, as well as all those who have shown interest in this regard (if you happen to be interested in sponsoring as well, please don't hesitate to see my sponsor information page and/or to email me at any time).

Wardrobe wise it was a busy month, too. I debuted my fabulous Jitterbuggin' pinafore jumper dress here for the first time, and shared what I wore on a glorious sunny Easter Sunday back at the end of March (and was thrilled and honoured to have one of the photos from that same shoot appear in the latest edition of Hey Doll magazine, where you'll also find an article I wrote about all about vintage glove sizing, collecting and storing).





I sported sunglasses for the first time ever on my blog in a fun series of shots taken at Knox Mountain in Kelowna (one of which appears above), and last, but not least, I christened Mother Nature "Marie" in the spirit of my own middle name and a darling vintage wirework name pin that I donned along with a palette of earth tones recently.

Lists abounded here throughout June, including Ten Warm Weather Wardrobe Staples, 12 of my top vintage fashion wish list items, Ten classic menswear pieces that will never go out of style, and 7 steps to big 1950s eyes.

Celebrations of summer's return were also plentiful throughout June, with posts devoted both to going on a vintage picnic and tons of suggestions for what to serve at a vintage ice cream sundae party. This month's Vintage Fashionista Friday and Flickr Favourite's posts were both thoroughly in keeping with the spirit of the season as well.

You may notice that this month in review post is going live on the 29th, not the 30th, which is technically the last day of the month. The key reason for this is that here in Canada it's a holiday long weekend (as we celebrate Canada Day on July 1st), and between the festivities of said weekend and contending with the situation downstairs in our waterlogged basement, I wasn't sure how much I'd be online over the next couple of days (though I do have a post slatted for the 1st), and didn't want to miss out on recapping June before it had taken its last bow.

And speaking of floods, I want to take a moment to express my deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by the flooding this month in Alberta and Ontario as well. Having lived in two of the hardest hit areas (Calgary and Toronto), and adoring them both, I was moved to tears multiple times over the past couple of weeks as the photos of the water damage there poured out across the internet and evening news broadcasts. I am truly sorry for what those in these areas have experienced and know that the what we dealt with firsthand pales in comparison. We need new floors, but many people - especially in Alberta - have lost their whole homes and all of their belongings, and that is something that no one on earth should ever have to endure for any reason.

There's always the hope of a brighter (and much drier) tomorrow though, and on that note, some of the positive, exciting things that are in the works for July here on the blog include a look at the life and work of Vancouver's most famous (mid-century) street photographer, a post devoted to none other than west coast legend (or is it? :) ), the sasquatch; the results of a fab (vintage related) phone call, and - in the spirit of my upcoming birthday on July 10th, a look back at some of my very favourite things from the decade that gave me life: the 1980s!



{I utterly adore everything about this 1950s gal's darling gingham summertime ensemble - which reminds me, come to think of it, a fair bit of what I wore last year for Canada Day. I'm not too sure what I'll be decked out in this coming Monday, but you can bet your bottom dollar than red and white - the colours of Canada's flag - will be involved again. Image source.}


July is, by it's very nature, often a terrifically fun filled month. Yes, it's hot enough to give Death Valley a run for its money at times, but it can also deliver sublimely beautiful mellow evening breezes, hour after hour of beach fun, thirty-one days solid of wearing sundresses (if you so desire), ice cream cones a plenty, and countless other things that help ensure the seventh month of the year is not one that's quickly forgotten.

June was a mixed bag - as so many throughout 2013 have also been - and though I'm not happy about what befell our basement, the situation could always have been a great deal worse, and hopefully we'll be able to get things cleaned up and looking tip-top again well before summer comes to a close. Instead of focusing on that, I much prefer to think ahead to the exciting times - beginning bright and early with Canada Day on the 1st - that this month holds in store, as well as what lies even further afield in the second half of the summer.

Here's to the hope that July brings nothing but sunshine, blue skies, dry streets (and basements!), and happiness your way, my dears! I can't wait to enjoy my birthday month with all of you once more, as well as to celebrate all of the amazing points that makes this coming month so endearingly wonderful.

Looking back at May 2013

The nineteenth century American poet and diplomat James Russell Lowell once said of the month we've just experienced that, "May is a pious fraud of the almanac". This strikes me as a bit harsh, but I can certainly appreciate the sentiment and see where Mr. Lowell was coming from.

May, that month in which we've been led to believe April's showers will give way to boundless fields of flowers and picturesque sunny days in not always the case. Or, conversely, sometimes it is - but in such abundance that you wonder if you overshot your alarm clock and woke up in August.

For the first half or so of the month, that was precisely the case here, as we slogged our way through numerous days of +31C temps and sunshine so brazenly bright you could all but get a tan just by thinking about.

The second half of the month proved more in keeping with the seasonal norm, and included a handful of much needed rainy days which helped welcome an abundance of greenery - as well as the beginning of tourist season - once more.

In many respects, it felt like a quick month as each day ticked by, yet as a whole it was a somewhat lengthy at times, too. Overall though, it was a pleasant enough month - certainly less stressful than the previous one and towards the end, I even felt well enough (following last month's surgery) to venture out a couple of times, one of which I blogged about here two days ago.

While I wouldn't say May was the most action packed month (phew!) on the home front, here in blog land things were buzzing up a storm (that reminds me of the immensely charming magazine cover from June 1954 pictured below), which was spurred on in no small part by the necessitated two week blogging hiatus after my surgery in April and my zeal to throw myself back into blogging big time!

{Image source}

Some of the highlights of this past month for me included the return (after more than two years) of the popular Vintage Fashionista Friday series, an exploration of the role that nostalgia has played on my life and wardrobe, a fresh edition of Vintage This and That, a peak at the history of Cutex nail polish, and the super easy (and dirt cheap) way in which I store my stud earrings.

On the wardrobe front, I reviewed the latest dress I received from eShakti (it fared much better, I'm happy to say, than the previous two), sported an outfit comprised of numerous vintage pieces (including my dress itself) that I've received from treasured online friends, and traversed a wildly dangerous and incredibly narrow road to enjoy the view from Skaha Bluffs in my beloved Freddies of Pinewood overalls (a snap from which post appears below).




May ushered in an extremely exciting new chapter in Chronically Vintage's life when, mid-month, I put out my first ever official call for blog sponsors.

The response to this post has been wholly positive and very encouraging, and I'm pleased as punch to announce that I'll be collaborating with some seriously stellar sponsors in June and beyond. I'm always looking for further and/or future sponsors, so if you've been considering blog sponsorship here, I would absolutely love to hear from you anytime.

As we embark on the very last morning of May, I'm not entirely sure what June - the final month of spring - will entail for my day-to-day life. I don't have too many big plans, especially as I'm still recouping (and am in the midst of a massive flare-up of my one of my conditions right now, too), but I sense that barbeques, yard sales, walks on the beach, sundresses, and capri pants will be on the agenda for sure.



{Beautiful as a vintage bride, sweet as a popsicle, and as invigorating as the first late springtime dip in lake or sea, June has the potential to be a glorious month from start to finish, and I really hope that such will be the case this year. Image source.}


Much as with May, I've got a bevy of fun post ideas just bursting to appear here in June. Throughout the coming month, we'll be getting to know some of my new blog sponsors, chatting about 1950s eye make-up, taking a gander at some classic menswear pieces (in celebration of Father's Day), talking about how to throw a great ice cream sundae party, and I'll debut my first ever garment from Jitterbuggin, amongst numerous other topics.
 
James R. Lowell was right about May in that it can often be hard to predict, the weather unreliable (just ask most of Europe, where temps have been well below the seasonal norm in many countries as of late), and it's appearance a bit more of an idyllic mirage of how spring is supposed to look than what reality often serves up, but it is - and was - also a gorgeous, pleasurable, lighthearted month that smells of honeysuckle, lilacs and freshly mowed grass.

It's bare toes, the first bonfire of the season, camping trip filled weekends, picnics on the beach, and the making of joyful plans and dreams for the coming summer, which we'll hit before next month comes to a close. It might not always be the most reliable of months weather wise, but I love May and the one that we just experienced was certainly no exception.

Here's to the hope that June is every bit as lovely - if not more - for all of us!

Looking back at April 2013 (and a huge thank you!)

Good morning, my sweet dears, before launching into a recap of some of the things that have transpired on the blogging front over the past month, I want to take a moment thank you from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of incredibly caring, thoughtful, touching comments I received on last post about the surgery that I had a couple of weeks ago.

I truly cannot begin to express how very much they each meant to me, as did those I received on sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, too. Your absolutely lovely well wishes helped to brighten my spirits and help make getting through a challenging time considerably easier to deal with. Again, thank you so much for making this gal feel so much better.

Though I've by no means recouped from my surgery completely (that will be a while still), I feel like I've reached a point in my recovery when I can ease my back into my usual routine of blogging again, and so without further ado...

{Image source}

Given that this is the first post in two weeks, April 2013 certainly wasn't as chocked full of entries as the previous three months of this year have been, but we still got in a number of posts before my short blogging hiatus came into effect and the following stand out as some of my favourites.

Early in the month I explored the power and importance that the sense of smell has in our lives and on our memories, in a post that detailed Ten of my all-time favourite scents. Also in the first week of April, I cordially invited you to Follow me on Instagram (I'm @chronicallyvintage there), in a post that talked about the seriously awesome gift of an iPhone 5 that I received from Tony this past Christmas.

Only one vintage outfit post popped up this month (due to my surgery), but I think you'll agree with me when I say that it was quite noteworthy - as it highlighted what I wore on my first ever day (day) trip to the States. Earlier this year, Tony and I spent a few hours in the charming town of Omak, Washington, and the red, white and blue ensemble (pictured below) that I sported that day was in honour of the fact that, after 28.5 years of life, I finally got a chance to step foot on US soil (I can't wait until the next time!).




On the 10th, I looked back on Four wonderful years of blogging, in celebration of Chronically Vintage's fourth birthday, which took place on April 17th. It has been an incredible four years of sharing my love of all things vintage with you, and I cannot wait to enjoy the next four years - and beyond - as we continue to explore and chat about the endlessly interesting world of mid-century history and fashion.

The very next day I delved into Discussing hats and medical hair loss with Kathleen (from the wonderful blog That's A Pretty Hat), in my first post here that really touched on this intimate subject since my wig unveiling at the start of this year. I love that Kathleen - who is not experiencing hair loss herself - wanted to post about this topic, which affects a great many women at some point (be it temporary of long term) throughout the course of their lives, and have to say thank you again to her for honouring me by asking for some of my thoughts and insight on this topic.

Mid-way through the month, shortly before all went (temporarily) silent on the blogging front here, I rounded up ten images relating to the passion for the colour green that I'm experiencing this year in April's edition of Flickr Favourites. I really am smitten with all things verdant at the moment, and just as this wasn't the first post to mention this topic (I touched on it here, for example), I highly doubt it will be the last before 2013 wraps up either.

Elsewhere in the great, wide interwebs, I was thrilled to recently hear from Sammy of Sammy Davis Vintage that she included Chronically Vintage in her new e-book that's devoted to the The 100 Best Vintage Shops Online, where she super sweetly listed me on page 46 amongst her top sources of vintage style inspiration.




Sammy is a gal with a massive passion for the past (who enjoys writing about and sporting looks from a wide range of twentieth century decades) and a substantial body of knowledge on the subject, stemming in no small part from the fact that she's been selling vintage and writing about the subject of old school fashion for many years now. As such, it was no small honour when she emailed to let me know that she'd included me in her lovely, informative e-book (which you can pick up for just $4.95 here).

As you know, I absolutely, completely adore vintage hats, and my involvement with Kathleen's aforementioned post wasn’t only time I got to discuss this awesome subject over the course of April. Early in the month Katy from the stellar UK blog Vintage Wife interviewed me and a few other (wildly stylish) vintage ladies about our hat collections and some of the reasons why we adore yesteryear chapeaus so very much. If you haven't had a chance to read this delightful post, entitled Top of the Vintage Toppers yet, run, don't walk over to the Vintage Wife, and find out more about how I store, and why I adore, collecting and wearing vintage hats so much.

I won't beat around the bush, April hasn't been the easiest month of all time for me, but the worst is behind us now and instead of focusing on the unpleasantness of serious surgery and how rough I've been feeling ever since, I'm much more interested in looking ahead to May and all that the fifth month of the year holds in store here on the blogging front.

{Image source}

As a general rule, May is a gorgeous month, sometimes offering up just about the loveliest weather you could ever possibly hope for and a return to spending as much time as possible outdoors, soaking it all up with the gusto of a hungry kitten going to town on a bowl of milk. It's too soon for me to say how much I'll be able to get out and enjoy the glorious sunshine, but at the very least I'll be keeping the blinds open and letting every precious ounce of it stream through the window and onto me as I set about writing May's posts.

In the coming weeks, we'll be reviving the Vintage Fashionista Friday series, reviewing the most recent dress that I've received from eShakti, taking a gander at the history of Cutex nail polish, enjoying a couple of terrific springtime recipes, and holding a giveaway for a newly released page-turner that's set in the 1920s, amongst numerous other posts that I have in the works.

Thank you again deeply, everyone, for your support and care over the past couple of weeks. It never ceases to touch me to my core that I am so blessed to be a part of such a sweet, understanding, wonderful online community. I have a ways to go before I've fully recovered from surgery still, but I'm really looking forward to blogging here again and in savouring each wonderful moment of May that lies ahead.

Have a beautiful last day of April, everyone, and a thoroughly stellar month ahead!