The softest top ever from Grace, a fab 1950s novelty print skirt, and the return of summer weather

Outfit details

Sparkly gold plastic sunglasses: Canadian Tire (bought the very same day these snaps were taken - perfect timing or what!!!)
1950s aqua nylon (chiffon) scarf: Gift from a dear online friend ♥
Pink sparkly bow earrings: Payless
Grey top with grey lace collar: Grace
Wide pink belt: Clothing store in Scarborough, Ontario that shut down years ago
1950s Middle Eastern scene novelty print skirt: Gift from a dear online friend ♥
White lace trimmed crinoline: Pettiskirt Style
Vintage bangle bracelets: Assorted sources
Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue black patent purse: etsy seller MK Retro
Black eyelet slingback sandal flats: Payless
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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What is Grace? How do you personally define it? If we turn to Webster's, we find that even there it has quite a multitude of meanings and possible uses in the context of applying it to a human trait and that each one fits the bill and yet feels like it still needs more. I think that grace is a certain sense of ingrained strength and composure. It is loveliness in the face of adversity and a gentle spirit when the world is mean and ugly. Grace is patient and sweet, loving and emblematic of many women over the centuries who we continue to look up to this very day.

Often the notion of grace goes hand-in-hand with a gentle demure and a quiet strength, as well as being something that a great many of us aspire to, and a percentage already embody. Grace can be amassed or lost, but never forgotten and it is an important characteristic which I personally feel the world would benefit from significantly if more people, women and men alike, strove to embody it to a greater degree.

In addition to being one of the loveliest traits a person can posses, Grace is also the name of an absolutely charming clothing brand from the UK that specializes in women's tops, camisoles, skirts and dresses in sizes ranging from 6 to 24, as well as scarves and collars. Earlier this year I was contacted by a representative from Grace and asked if I'd like to receive and review one of their beautiful offerings.

After educating myself more on the brand, I was happy to say yes and shortly thereafter, I received the strikingly lovely grey PP Jersey & Lace Shirt, which retails for £79.00. I sincerely appreciate this review gift from Grace and am delighted to share more about it all of you here today.

It is made of some of the softest, most skin friendly fabric (I have very sensitive and highly reactive skin, and therefore there's no such thing as too soft a fabric for me), which is a blend of ultra gentle organic cotton and bamboo. As well as being the gentlest feeling fabric I've ever slipped into, this long sleeved shirt has the versatility of being worn as either a top or a cardigan, thanks to the fact that it buttons all the way up the front.

This is a quality top through and through. The lace is detailed and very good quality, the garment forms well to the body, and it has the ability to be dressed up or down to your heart's content. I own relatively few blouses with none-pointy collars, so this top was also a very welcome breath of fresh air in my wardrobe. On the recent day when these photos were taken at Manitou Beach in Naramata, I opted to dress the top up a fair bit, thanks to this awesome 1950s Middle Eastern novelty print skirt (a gift from one of my dearest friends in the world), but you could just as easily partner it with jeans, shorts, overalls, or on the even more formal side of things, under a suit jacket or blazer.

I've also worn (but not yet photographed) it with my 1950s navy blue pencil skirt and that combination - to borrow, fittingly, an expression from the fine folks in the UK - works a treat in creating a very, very office/professional looking ensemble, especially when you add in stockings, pumps, and a classic, ladylike handbag.

It was at least 30 degrees out when we took these photos, but even though this Grace top has long sleeves, I wasn't swelteringly warm in it all. In addition to its fabulous qualities mentioned above, it is also gorgeously breathable and light as a feather. I would have no qualms packing this top with me if I was headed to the Sahara Desert. The fabric is supple and relatively thin, but not in a negative way at all. It's thin and sturdy at the same time, which is becoming an increasingly rare combination to find in clothing these days.

In addition, though Grace Clothing is not a dedicated vintage reproduction brand, this top, as well as some of their other offerings, has an alluringly lovely vintage appropriate look to it that would make it at home in any mid-century fashion fan's closet. When I wear it with a pencil skirt, it takes on more of a 1940s feel, whereas hear with my Aladdin worthy vintage circle skirt, it's fifties through and through. I suspect it could easily be styled in 1930s and 60s directions as well, in addition to obviously working wonderfully with more contemporary styles, too.

Grace's products are made with organic and fair trade fabrics, attention to detail, ethical manifesting processes, and an awareness of their impact on the environment. The company believes that "one happy day design integrity will become mainstream", a statement which, on top of hoping really does return to being true once more, seems to embody the word "grace" itself rather fittingly.

At £79.00, this top, especially for those like myself who do not live in the UK, is a bit of an investment piece for sure, I readily acknowledge that, but I can say with 100% sincerely that I feel its more than worth it. I've never worn a softer or more comfortable button front cotton shirt before and sense that this garment will last me for many, many years to come. I sincerely hope so, as it's a cinch to style up or down, timelessly pretty, and truly does have a certain unmistakable air of grace to it that suits the nature of my wardrobe to a tee.

An awesome phone call and tons of fun in the breeze at Three Mile Beach

Outfit details

Dusty rose 1940s style snood: etsy seller Arthelia's Attic
White plastic rose stud earrings: Claire's
Vintage red plastic bead necklace: gift with purchase from an etsy seller
Green cardigan: Second Tyme Around consignment store
Vintage floral print dress: Facebook vintage seller
Green lace trimmed camisole: Walmart
1950s corduroy bucket purse: etsy seller Rue 23 Vintage Clothing
Bangle bracelets: Assorted sources
Nude on nude seemed stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
Nail colour: Essie Muchi Muchi

Photography by Antonio Cangiano

 
 

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Late in the yard saling season last year, towards the end of September to be exact, my mother and I were out one sunny Saturday afternoon in the nearby town of Summerland when we chanced upon a sale filled with a good number of vintage pieces (chiefly home decor items) and a friendly young seller named Daisy who said that she routinely bought and sold mid-century items (the tooled leather purse at the bottom of this yard sale finds post came from her sale). There are exceedingly few people around these parts with even the slightest interest in vintage (let alone fashion), so it was a blast to encounter her and discuss various vintage topics that day.

Before we parted ways, I gave her my card (and cell number), as she said she had some vintage clothes that she thought I might like to take a look at one day. Autumn turned into winter, winter and spring, and every now and then I'd wonder to myself if Daisy still had my contact information and if I would hear from here again.

Last month, early on a Saturday morning, I was wonderfully surprised to receive a call from her, asking if I'd like to come over and take a look at some vintage clothing and other items she had, as she and her mom were holding another big yard sale (she gave me first crack at her fashion items before she put them out for the yard sale going public to see, which I sincerely appreciated). Daisy has told me last year that she thought a lot of what she had veered towards the 1960s and 70s, but that there could be some earlier pieces, so I jumped at her invitation and we quickly hightailed it out to Summerland.

Most of the clothing she had was indeed from those two decades, however I found four pieces that I utterly adored (a black Persian lamb's wool coat that could honestly be from anywhere between the 1940s and early 60s, but which I think is likely late 50s or early 60s; a large white polyester shawl with flowers on it that's probably from the late 60s or early 70s; an elegant white faux fur shrug that screams 50s; and a cute little early 60s style houndstooth blazer, that I think is actually modern with the tags cut out, but which is certainly vintage appropriate) and was able to get for the thoroughly reasonable price of $30 for all four items.

I'm sure you'll see each piece here over time (save for the shawl, they're more fall and winter than summer appropriate), especially because the Persian lamb's wool coat is going to become my go-to vintage winter coat (it fits like a glove, which is something that almost never seems to happen to me when it comes to vintage coats, especially winter weight ones).

Each time I've encountered someone here in the Okanagan that has any kind of interest in, or business relating to vintage, I've told them about my passion for vintage fashion, discussed my blog, given them my contact info, and let them know they're welcome to call me anytime if they happen to find 1940s and 50s clothing or accessories they think I might like.

So far Daisy has been the first and only person I've heard back from, but I'm not complaining at all - one beats none for sure, and I love that she kept me in mind and gave me a ring all those months later. She doesn't run her own shop (online or off), or else I'd point you towards her, too. I really enjoyed connecting with her again and hope she'll give me a shout again in the future, if she encounters any mid-century vintage pieces she thinks I might like.

The outfit snaps pictured here are from that wonderfully fun Saturday, and were taken later in the day on the stairs leading down to Three Mile Beach just outside of the neighbouring community of Naramata (you may recall Naramata from past outfit posts such as this and this).

Oh, my dears, if only I could share the heavenly temperature of that afternoon with you - air like something scooped out of the tropics, gentle golden light dancing across every last grain of sand, and the kind of breeze that truly makes you grateful to be alive. And breezy it was, let me tell you! As you can see from these photos, the wind was having a jolly old time blowing the skirt of my dress to and fro all over the place, though thankfully never over my head!

I was very glad I'd opted for a snood that morning once we were down by the water (which hadn't been planned earlier in the day), because it would have been mighty tricky to keep a hat on my head (unless it has an elastic strap or was pinned firmly in place) with the way the wind was waltzing all over the place.

This dress is a new acquisition this year, which I picked up from a fellow vintage loving (and wearing) lady Treen Been, who many may remember from her blog, which (so very) sadly she opted to shut down a few months back due to a cyber stalker that she was contending with. I also bought two other lovely, summery vintage frocks from her, which really gave my warm weather wardrobe a great early boon this year.

I love Three Mile Beach so very much. There are dozens of beaches that one can swim and spend time relaxing at here in the Okanagan, but this truly has to be one of my very favorites. It's small, secluded (yet easy to access), and so tremendously peaceful. On days when I really need to clear my head and channel a hefty dose of serenity during the warmer months, it has become my very favourite local outdoor destination to head to for that very purpose (I also adore going there on other kinds of days, too, say after a fabulous vintage score at a yard sale!).

From start to finish, this was a terrific day - it's great that Daisy contacted me and that I was able to purchase four timeless, beautiful items from her. I have a new (super warm and cozy) winter coat and some other fab outerwear to help me great fall's return in style and comfort, which is fantastic.

Though, thrilled as I am about my recent purchases, I do hope that autumn takes its sweet time in rolling around again - I want to enjoy about a hundred more days like this down at Three Mile Beach before then! :)

I'm cherry happy that October is here

Outfit details

White stretch headband: Ardene
Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
Cherry earrings: Claire's
Green cardigan: Old Navy
Cherry print 1950s style bobby top: Freddies of Pinewood
Rhinestone cherry brooch: eBay
1950s red gloves: eBay
Thicker red and green bangle bracelets: Forever 21
Thin pink, red, and white bangles: etsy seller Me She Designs
Thin green bangle: thrifted/flea market
1950s navy blue wiggle skirt: eBay
Red vintage purse: etsy seller I Love Vintage Stuff
Red and white striped bow peep-toe wedges: Payless Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Photography by Antonio Cangiano
(BTW, yes, I do realize that I'm on something of a fruit pun title kick this month. I knew I could only keep my love of cute puns under wraps for so long!)  





 
 




 







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Hands down, bar none, autumn is my favourite season of the year. Each of the four have their shining points, their worthwhile merits and reasons why I enjoy and treasure them, but at the end of the day, there's just no comparing (in my books) to autumn's sublime beauty, crisp temperatures, bountiful harvest, festive celebrations, and that fact that it houses our wedding anniversary.

Though the cherry growing season - which usually happens here in the Okanagan Valley throughout July - is behind us now, before the we dig too much deeper into my beloved autumn, I wanted to share these photos that were taken a while back when one could have probably found a few cherries on the branch still.

I know that some people view cherries (or at least the wearing of them) as almost being a twee, over-used way to express one's interest in vintage fashion, but I think that's flat out silly. If - like me - you just happen to love cherries (I grew up in a town with thousands of cherry trees and spent each summer picking and helping my mom can cherries, which is when I fell in love with anything depicting these juicy red fruits) and vintage, then by all means wear that combination until the cows come home, if you so desire.

Much as I adore cherries, it struck me as I was sitting down to write this post that I don't actually have too many items in my wardrobe featuring them. In fact, you're viewing the bulk of what I have in one swift go here. There are a few other accessories though, which I'm sure you'll get to see over the course of time. And while I might not have too many pieces with cherries on them at the moment, I certainly have a fair number whose hue - like this eye-catching vintage purse and pair of bright red gloves - are redolent of sun-ripened cherries.

These shots were taken in the neighbouring community of Naramata (which you may recall me chatting about in this post from last May) on a charming, itty-bitty slice of beach that's owned by a local church, but which is open to the general public when not in use for church related activities.

It's a gorgeous little spot - no matter the season - with a small pier that includes (as you can see in these snaps) a lifeguard's chair (you know, that day very may have been the first time I've ever sat in one), a few serenely pretty willow trees, and nice stretch of sand which I spent a few moments barefoot in after we'd finished shooting.

On the peaceful, sunshine filled afternoon when we were there, only two other people were at the beach, so it was almost as though we had the whole place to ourselves. A point which certainly made getting unobstructed photos as easy, and fun, as (cherry) pie!

A new floral cardi dukes it out with the wind in Naramata

Though the classic saying we all learned as youngsters states that "April showers bring May flowers", this year I've been feeling more like it should be "April showers bring May winds!". It doesn't rhyme, I know, but it would certainly be a more fitting description of the weather around these parts over the past few weeks.

As you may remember, last week's outfit post featured a heavy handed dose of wind. Well, today's is following suite. Though perhaps the blustery breezes in this one are a tad more justified given that these photos were taken mere feet away from the water's edge at Okanagan Lake, it was still a thoroughly windy day as we captured these snaps recently which far exceeded anything that might have been attributed to the lake.

Located just a few minutes north of our town, Naramata - the spot where these photos were taken - is a charming, densely orchard and vineyard filled community of about 2,000 people. Comprised primarily of agriculture lands, homes (including some stunning luxury properties), and a few small beaches along Okanagan Lake, Naramata is a fun, laid back spot to venture out to every now and then when you're in the mood for a little drive through some rather gorgeous natural scenery (especially in the fall when all of the trees in the orchards and vineyards are bursting with the fiery, rich hues of the season).

As there are none around for hundreds of miles (unlike back when we lived in Toronto and there was one within walking distance of my house), I recently placed my first ever online order with Forever 21 Canada (only great things to say about the experience – very much including the super quick shipping speed). I picked up a couple of purses, a few accessories, and two cardigans, including the pink, green and white floral number in today's photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outfit details   Vintage green velvet hat: Jardin Antiques White rose stud earrings: Claire’s  Floral print cardigan: Forever 21 White lace top vintage slip (worn like a camisole): eBay Faux cinnabar carved plastic bangle bracelet: Forever 21 Taupe hued vintage gloves: eBay Pink faux alligator purse: Sears 1950s green corduroy skirt: eBay Black pumps: Payless  Nude on nude seamed stockings: eBay  Lip colour: MAC Russian Red  Photography by Antonio Cangiano 

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Have you ever encountered one of those scenarios wherein you've been looking for an item you don't have (or need to replace, get more of, etc) for ages, only to suddenly find two or more of the same type of thing in rapid succession? I actually tend to have this happen on a relatively frequent basis, and thin knit floral print cardigans were one such recent example.

No sooner (within the same week) had I ordered this cute one, as I found another floral cardi on etsy from a seller in Europe that I just had to pick, too (it features a black background and different coloured blooms, so it's actually fairly different looking).

I'd been hunting for a flower print cardi with flowers that weren't too big (as big patterns can all too quickly overwhelm my petite frame) for at least a couple of years, and was thrilled to find not one, but two mere days apart from one another. I'm definitely set on that front for a long time to come now!

The forest green corduroy skirt here was a deadstock piece that I picked up a few months ago. Though it always pains me in a way to snip the original tags of off a deadstock item, at the same time there's something really special about knowing that you have the honour of wearing a 60 year old garment for the first time (well, at least the first time outside of a dressing room).

If the green velvet hat here looks familiar, that's because it's the one I wrote about in this Monday's post about the five items I purchased at Jardin Antiques in OK Falls. As comfortable as a pillow and as light as a feather, this rich jewel toned topper has fast become one of the most beloved - and commonly worn - vintage hats in my collection.

While the wind out at Wharf Park in Naramata gave us a good whipping that day, at least it wasn't quite as cold or as brutal as our adventures in Rutland back on May 1st. In fact, my hat didn't even blow off once, which has to be a good sign.