25 Vintage Deals Under $100 for January 2015

Earlier this month, on January 15th to be precise, our American bullador dog, Annie (pictured below), turned two, and come the middle of March, we will have had her for full two years already as well. Oh, how time flies! Though she is still very much a youthful puppy in many respects, she has come a long way since those early days for sure and both Tony and I see her maturing and continuing to be a better behaved dog with each passing month.

{Annie in all her dog park loving glory and adorableness!}

Annie is sweet, smart as the day is long, endlessly energetic (she could wear the Energizer Battery bunny out no problem!), and absolutely gorgeous. I have no doubt that if dogs shopped for clothing, she was would be a total fashionista and were she a human, she's turn heads wherever she went. In fact, she does so now already in canine form.

Speaking of heads, I'd been scratching my own regarding what topic to place at the heart of this month's fun edition of 25 Vintage Deals Under $100 when it struck me that I could use Annie herself, in celebration of her second birthday, as inspiration and thus I decided to devote today's post to twenty-five delight dog related vintage and vintage appropriate items that are sure to have even the most ardent of cat people amongst us smiling! :)

1. Looking a bit like a Dalmatian thanks to the spots and somewhat like a hound with the face and body shape, this immensely cute dimensional 1980s does 1950s silver tone and black enamel dog brooch is bursting with cuteness and is such a versatile novelty brooch (colour and theme wise) for all kinds of old school and contemporary ensembles. $12.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



2. As with many of the items in today's canine centered post, it was all I could do not to squeal when I spotted this uber adorable, kitschy, and very practical upcycled (its base is a mid-century ceramic planter) dog pin cushion. $28.00 from Nevermore Vintage.



3. Whether you're a sewer, a knitter, a paper crafter, or a collector of vintage buttons, these precious little red and white 1940s celluloid Scottie dog buttons are sure to make you swoon and your next project something that's really worth barking about it! :) $12.75 for five buttons from Vintage Polka Dot.Com.



4. Match holders were a once commonplace home decor piece that have no all but gone the way of the dinosaur (due to people both using less candles to light their homes and also fewer folks smoking), save for those who purposefully collect them. I'd love to add one to my own home decor some day, to be used either as intended or for bobby pins in my powder room (they also make for handy toothpick containers). This charming circa 1930s carved wooden German made dog match holder is just the sort I'll be looking for when I do finally purchase one myself. This item is on sale at the time of writing for $38.53 from Townshends Emporium.



5. I absolutely adore vintage Napco figurines and have a few peppered around our bookshelves. I don't yet have one of these over-the-moon adorable parasol holding ladies with her two darling little white poodles though. If you're also keen on this style of 1950s figurines, then you'll want to snap up this darling Napco figure with her two sweet pets asap because they don’t tend to stick around for long. $25.00 from Diana Dwain Vintage.



6. Delight the youngest dog lovers in your family with this immensely charming 1940s set of children's sized napkins and a matching tablecloth, which of course us grownup puppy fans can certainly avail of as well (how cute would one of these be under a vintage glass jar filled with dog treats?). $16.50 for all five pieces from 42nd Avenue Vintage.



7. Using it to corral books pertaining to dogs is entirely up to you, but whatever you store between these two beautiful 1940s carved wooden spaniel bookends, your bookshelf will be sure to take best in show! $20.00 for the pair from Ginger Cat Design (who also has a very similar wooden spaniel pair of bookends available for sale right now, too).



8. This fun, super kitschy vintage black chalkware poodle with lovely silver sparkles is perfect for the living room, bedroom, kitchen, powder room - any room in the house. There's never a place (save for a kitty condo perhaps :D) where a great vintage chalkware dog like this doesn't make for a welcome addition. $15.00 from Urban Recycle.



9. Serve up some seriously charming mid-century puppy style with this great set of seven vintage drink coasters each depicting a different image. $10.00 for the set from Vintage Tab.



10. With it's super darling button hole adorned sailor's collar and endlessly cute fluffy dog print, this charming 1950s/early 60s sleeveless dress is just the thing to wear out and about in the warmer months when taking your favourite pooch for a stroll. This dress is an XXS or XS and fits up to a 30 inch bust and 29 inch waist (the hips are free). $56.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



11. You'd be hard pressed to find a more iconically 1950s handkerchief than this chic cotton square depicting both a grey and a black poodle. $14.00 from Geneva Vintage.



12. Two cheerful dogs (which, I admit, do look a bit like lambs as well) leap about on this immensely sweet little pair of 1950s children's gloves that would also make for a fun decor piece in child’s room as well. $16.00 from Kitschy Vintage.



13. Two wise eyes peer out at you from the husky (or wolf) on this fantastic mid-century knit Cowachin sweater and are sure to leave an impression all who happen to walk behind you while you're sporting it. Bust measures 41 inches/waist 40 inches. $50.00 from The Arbor Vitae.



14. From towels to clothing, hankies to placemats, there's no limit to the number of spots you could use these darling vintage day-of-the-week transfer patterns on! $6.99 from Hey Chica.



15. I'm not the first to make this point, but it warrants saying often because it's so true: vintage aprons are often an incredible way to get a big hit of mid-century novelty print fabric without the price tag of a dress or skirt. This endlessly cute vintage spaniel pup covered half apron is no exception there and would look marvelous layered over all kinds of 1950s ensembles. $15.60 from Cake Box Vintage.



16. Take one look at this sophisticated, strikingly beautiful 1950s beaded black poodle purse and tell me you don't love it something fierce! (Total vintage wishlist item right here!) $65.00 from Hook Snap Honey.



17. A dignified spaniel gazes out at you from this elegantly lovely vintage portrait cameo brooch and would be just the thing to adorn a suit, blouse, dress of even hat with. $12.00 from Nevermore Vintage.



18. Lovely pale grey and sweet, feminine pink combine with black and white in this classic 1950s felt circle skirt that depicts a poodle leashed to a lamppost. What a darling, classic slice of mid-century youth culture style! Fits up to a 26" waist. $23.00 from Found By Me Vintage.



19. I make no secret of the fact that I madly adore stuffed animals/plushies, so when you combine that with my love of dogs, you can imagine how saucer-like my eyes got when I spotted this endlessly cute mid-century vintage plush bulldog toy. $30.00 from Mod Pets.

20. Dogs have been a popular theme for Valentine's cards for nearly as long as they've been mass produced and some of the most darling on that front were created during the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, such as this smile-inducingly fun circa 1930s die cut gem. $7.49 from Grey Mountain Vintage.

21.Three stately Boxer dogs - mom and her two pups - are leashed together in this classic, wonderfully lovely vintage Lipper and Mann brand figurine set. I adore vintage leashed/chained animal sets like this and have a few in my own vintage decor collection. This great Boxer dog trio is $25.00 from The Bluest Sky.

22. I dare you to look at these vintage bulldog salt and pepper shakers, with their rather comical expressions, and not crack a smile! :) $14.00 for the pair from Lobster Bisque Vintage.

23. Believe it or not, I've never plaid bridge, but is is a game that I'd be happy to learn is anyone ever wants to teach me. If I was planning to that in the near future, I'd be very tempted to order this charming complete set of bridge cards from 1939 that feature not one, but two, playful dogs depicted on their backs. $12.00 from Bump Marie.

24.From that subtly untrusting expression to its lengthy tail, this wonderfully fun 1950s ceramic and metal coil letter holder is such a kitschy hoot! I'd be tempted to use it for storing napkins in, too. $12.00 from Mrs. Petunia.

25. And last, but certainly not least, in today's delightfully dog centered post, is this instant collection of mid-century vintage miniature dog figurines. Amongst the 15 here, you'll find ones that are bisque, ceramic, porcelain and metal. If you have a shelf or other corner of your room that could use a charming hit of canine whimsy, than this very well priced collection is just the ticket. $29.95 (for all the figurines shown) from SMN Antiques (who, at the time of writing, also has other similar vintage dog figurine lots available).

{Please click on a specific item, or the link in the description below it, to be taken to its respective listing.}
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Dogs have been an immensely popular motif and theme in fashion and accessories for many, many years now, with certain breeds such as poodles, Scotties, and Dalmatians being of particular interest (both as pets and as fashion muses) during the mid-twentieth century.

Interestingly, I've seen (and sold) poodle jewelry from the Victoria era and its highly possible that pieces featuring this beloved curly haired pup stretch further back in time still. Certainly dog themed accessories in general date back for millennia with examples being found amongst numerous ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians and Romans.

I've always been a dog (and animal in general) lover and really enjoy looking for charming vintage items of a puppy themed nature for my wardrobe and home alike ("chained" figurine sets from the 1950s are a particular favourite of mine). They can be fun, adorable, chic, artsy, elegant and many other positive things, much like our four legged canine companions themselves.

Join me then, won't you, in the spirit of pups we've known and loved (be they personal pets or simply favourite animals), currently own, or may be dreaming of brining into our lives one day and sport a delightful dog print or accessory this month in celebration of Annie's birthday. Not only will doing so be as cute as a button, but it's a great way to teach your old winter wardrobe some stylish new tricks! :)

   

My week with Annie

Ok, technically eight, going on nine days, but I couldn't help taking the inspiration for this brief post's title from the similarly named 2011 film about Marilyn Monroe.

As I sit here in the early hours of the morning typing this (while perched on a stack of pillows in our en suite bathroom - a quiet little respite from the boundlessly curious and playful new pet in our midst), I am completely dog tired. This is only fitting given that reason for most of my exhaustion (above and beyond the usual severe fatigue I battle due to my chronic health problems) is our darling Miss Annie.

It's been a long time - perhaps more than a year - since the last time six days passed between posts here. Such was the case however, between this and my previous blog entry, in which I introduced you all to cuter-than-a-million buttons Annie. She is a joy and handful, a constant learning experience and a blessing beyond measure, and I am honestly still a touch in awe of the fact that we really do have a dog of our own at long last.

Much as we'd hoped (and planned, in a general sense) to get a dog for years, the actual act of bringing Annie into our lives happened on the spur of the moment, with no time to prepare. Though I'd always imagined getting a dog would prove challenging for me (from a health stand point), even I was caught off guard a bit by just how much these rambunctious, busy, activity filled days of early puppyhood would knock out of me.

Days - not "a day" - but multiple days are passing between when it seems I have even a brief moment to make it onto the computer, which is in rather stark contrast with the fact that, since early 2012, it's been rare for more than 48 hours to pass without me powering up the ol' laptop at least once.

Lest it seems like I'm bemoaning these past few days, let me assure you that I'm not. Though I do regret that I've missed keeping abreast with all of your blogs and the others I follow via my feedreader (as well as connecting with you through social media sites), I wouldn’t trade this wondrous time with Annie for all the doughnuts in Canada!

This period has been a jumble of emotions, energy levels, new beginnings, and - snuggled together on the couch with the puppy – the late night watching of several fascinating (and wildly diverse) documentaries on Netflix, as a way to unwind after days that felt as though they possessed far more than 24 hours


{Plenty of affection - much like that given by this lovely 1950s stewardess towards the puppy she's holding - and vital bonding time has been the order of the day of late, both directed towards, and received from, our wonderful new dog. Image source.}


I know that for the next few weeks in particular, as Annie continues to grow (and especially prior to her next round of shots after which she can safely start going outside and coming in contact with other dogs, which means we - lacking a yard of our own - can safely begin exercising and potty training her outdoors), my usual computer time will likely be slashed.

That said, this morning, after close to nine days of almost no time spent online, I'm hitting the proverbial reset button, marking all unread feeds read, and (temporarily) streamlining my usual online activities in the hopes that I'll be better able to keep up with blog post writing here, feed reading/blog visiting, and to a much lesser extent, social media.

I suspect some days will be easier than others on that front, but I'll give it my best shot for sure - adorable puppy very much in tow every step of the way. And speaking of Annie, I truly want to thank each and every one of you who commented on my introduction post about her last week, as well as to all those who sent congrats and happy (and insightful) words my way via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email.

As the week barrels on, you'll be seeing other posts from me here (some of which were written earlier this month, prior to Annie's arrival) and I'll aim to visit each of you on a more regular basis again. I know I've not been out of the loop for very long, but I derive such joy from visiting and commenting on your blogs, that I miss it dearly when such is not possible even for a short amount of time.

As the night's gorgeous full moon is knocked from the horizon by a pale late March sunrise, and I try to blink away my exhaustion (I haven't slept yet tonight) just long enough to type these last few words, I can hear Annie going at it with one of her plush dog toys downstairs.

Her sweet little tail is thumping the floor, a youthful bark of enthusiasm directed at her plaything breaks the still morning air every now and then, and I cannot help be filled with such an immense sense of happiness that it feels like I could fit the whole world in the span of my smile - or at least just as big a puppy toy as Annie can get in her mouth. :)

Dog Days of Summer

Caniculares dies, said the ancient Romans of the hottest and seemingly longest, most drawn out days of the year, in their Latin tongue. The term for these scorching days hailing from the presence of Sirus, the “dog star”, which is most visible in the night sky during the summer. Clearly humanity has been labelling the high noon phase of summer for ages; we now know such times of the year as dog days. They are those days that become drowsy weeks of perpetual warmth, the longing for autumn, winter – anything but the present heat consuming one’s mind.

There is a beauty to such sweltering days, as I’ve touched on before on the pages of this blog, singing the praises of the wondrous elements of summer that really cannot be replicated anytime else (for those who live in four season climate). Something else besides beauty and nostalgia lives in such languid, boiling hot days, too, or more aptly perhaps, in their name: inspiration.

In this case, the inspiration behind this post is a merging of the last few immensely sizzling days (or weeks, depending on where you live) or summer mixed with vintage images and items featuring the term's namesake, dogs!

Yes, puppies of all sorts are on the agenda for this post, so prepare yourself for an onslaught of cuteness, an overload of adorableness and more doggies than you can shake a stick at (which of course said pups would want to go fetch, anyways!).

Flickr yielded up a pack of both fashionable (such as magazine spreads and the perpetually lovely Audrey Hepburn) and cuddly dog themed images from the 40s and 50s, some of which I compiled into the following inspiration mosaic.



{1. Audrey Hepburn, 2. Vintage Coloring Book Puppy Dogs, 3. 1950's fashion, 4. dog apron, 5. A Girl and her dog, 6. Ken-L-Ration ad, 1950's, 7. Puppies! Book cover, 8. lots of dogs " Mister Dog ", 9. two dogs and a lead, 1930s, 10. Junior Bazaar Cover 1954, 11. Dog on the swing about 1959, 12. pooch, 13. Rummaging through the American Fantasy.}


While the poodle may reign supreme when it comes to the most popular pup of the 50s, the truth is that, then as in now, a bounty of dogs adorned all manner of things during the mid-twentieth century. Below is a selection of such items ( please note, all prices are in US dollars) which are sure to have you sitting at attention, ready to go retrieve any one of them for your own collection :D





{As if spun from fine sugar, this delicate looking gold toned poodle brooch would look so fantastic on array of sweaters, cardigans, blouses and coats. $22.00 from etsy seller Paleorama.}



{A snugly pair of spaniel pups poking out of hat boxes grace this beautiful red vintage apron. Each of the dogs has a bead and a sequin on its eyes for an extra dose of whimsical charm and sparkle. $34.00 from etsy seller Maiden Rapture Vintage.}



{“What happened, Lassie? Did Timmy fall in a well again?” Where would the 50s and 60s – not to mention poor Timmy - be without the world’s most famous collie? Add a dose of Lassie’s timeless heroism and gentle nature to your bookshelf with this classic Little Golden children’s book from 1956. $7.00 from etsy seller The Bakers Daughter Too.}



{Take one look into those immensely soulful eyes and tell me this isn’t just about the cutest piece of cocker spaniel pottery you’ve ever seen in your life! Made in Japan and hailing from the 50s, this pair of pups is actually a plant holder, but you could certainly use it on its own as a decoration or fill it with anything you fancy. $25.00 from etsy seller Anne’s Accumulations.}



{A spunky trio of red terriers top this vintage celluloid pin, reminding me ever-so-adorably of the famous children’s storybook character, Clifford the Big Red Dog. $16.00 from etsy seller Carmen and Ginger.}



{Scottie dogs were another extremely popular breed of pup during the 40s and 50s, both as pets and on all manner of fashion and decor items, such as this folksy pair of wonderfully cute wooden bookends. $28.00 (for the pair) from etsy seller Dovely Sells.}



{Sitting atop a backdrop of wheat hued gingham, oodles of adorable golden cocker spaniels call this vintage “semi-circle” skirt home. $46.00 from etsy seller Maiden Rapture Vintage.}



{Cocker spaniels also seem to abound on items from the middle of the twentieth century, the apron above and this charmingly sweet pin-up print from a vintage calendar (entitled “triple threat”), both feature these playful, friendly pups. $15.00 for etsy seller Paprchas}



{The focus is on Lady in this colourfully and prettily illustrated 1954 Disney children’s book featuring on the most beloved cartoon dogs of all time. $4.25 from etsy seller Vintage Vice’s Paper Emporium.}



{This sweet little pup looks as though she could be anything from a golden retriever to a cocker spaniel, something about the shape of the ears even reminds me of an Irish setter. Whatever breed she’s supposed to be, she is cute as can be would make such a nice little decorative figurine anywhere around your home. $5.99 from etsy seller Vintage Delights for U.}



{Where would a roundup of vintage doggy themed pieces be without an authentic, straight from the 1950s poodle skirt? This beauty features a white poodle on a gold leash set atop a solid navy blue background of lightweight denim, and would be absolutely perfect for any lover of full, circle or poodle skirts! $45.00 from etsy seller Sally Marie.}



{While at first glance this wonderfully illustrated vintage tin looks like a can of dog food, it is in fact a coin bank! So novel and fun – and in pretty good condition, considering its age, from the look of things. $18.00 from etsy seller Souvenir.}



{Puppy themed pins were clearly quite in vogue during the 40s and 50s, in putting together this post I came across at least 10 on etsy alone, and am sure that eBay and other vintage jewely sellers would yield plenty more. Up for grabs here is a trio of silver and red hued poodle brooches that would take best in fashion show any day! :D $28.00 from Planet Claire Vintage.}



{The cuteness factor that's present in this delightful pair of vintage salt and pepper shakers is through the roof! Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever seen cuter puppy themed S&P containers in all my days. $19.99 (for the pair) from etsy seller The Toad House.}



{Cheerful silver-grey poodles sporting adorable red bows adorn this vintage linen tea towel, which the seller describes as being in very good shape. I don’t think I could bring myself to use this as an actual towel (it’s survived this long, why tatter it up now?), but I would be happy to hang it in my kitchen as a decoration. $22.00 from etsy seller Call Me Jasper.}



{A second puppy themed, tie-waist apron – this one sporting beautifully hand cross stitched poodles – rounds out our trove of vintage dog themed items. $10.00 from etsy seller Vintage Paper Girl.}


Dogs have always been a perennial favourite theme, they appear in scads of classic (and modern) paintings, play lead or supporting roles in movies, books, and TV shows; and have truly been one of man's - and woman's – best friends for countless years. The star Sirus inspired the ancients to call the toastiest days of summer “dog days”, but there’s no reason why an adorable vintage pup can’t find its way into your wardrobe or decor all year round.

Whether you have a lifetime of treasured pups to recall fondly, are a first time dog owner, or simply adore animals of all sorts, it’s handy to know that vintage pieces bedecked with pups (often at very reasonable prices) are easy to chase down and even easier to fall in love with – just like a real dog!

Happy Birthday, My Love!

The act of celebrating the positive moments in life is not to be underestimated. Whether the festivities are lavish or subdued, a fortunate spent or a priceless memory created, I believe that it is always important to embrace the wonder of a special day.

August 6th is one such occasion that I embrace with glee, upon which twenty-nine years ago my husband entered this world. While he is not always overly keen on a fuse being made in his honour, I do try my best each year to make today extra important for him. To do anything less for the light of my life seems unimaginable.

Recently a very kind (and creative) blog friend of mine, trishiekoh of Under Lock and Key tagged me with a lovely blog award in which the recipient is to list some of their absolute favourite things in this world. In honour of my husband’s birthday, I thought I would put a spin on this award and instead list various things that I know bring him joy (done up with a mix of vintage and modern images).


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{The wondrous marvels of mathematics}


{1. Easy as pi, 2. #120 My homework in vintage theme, 3. crunch some numbers, 4. I liked mathematics :-))).}


{Animals big and small}


{1. Not available, 2. Not available, 3. colin, 4. Black Cat N Gold Fish.}


{Chocolate! Sweet, rich, gorgeous, taste bud pleasing chocolate}


{1. Malted Chocolate Mousse Cakes, 2. milk chocolate and passion fruit macarons, 3. nutella cheesecake squares, 4. Vintage Hershey's Chocolate box, 5. Not available, 6. chocolate and meyer lemon mousse petit gateau, 7. coconut grove candy bar, 8. nutella ice cream, 9. Donut Factory, 10. chocolate cake, 11. Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes I, 12. Warm Chocolate Cake, 13. german chocolate birthday cake.}


{The invigorating, jubilant energy of the colour orange}


{1. Not avaiable, 2. Orange Wall With Light, 3. vespa, 4. CN00033587.}


{Both the literary and aesthetic pleasures of a wonderful book}


{1. Old Books, 2. vintage children's books., 3. Vintage baby book bottom, 4. Vintage Tom Swift Books Detail.}

{To visit an individual image, please click on the corresponding link below each collage.}


Thank you very much, Trish, for bestowing this award on my blog. I openly pass it along to all of my readers, and invite you to write a post detailing some of your all-time favourite things.

To my dear and amazing husband, I adore you with a boundless passion. You are my happiness in times of despair, my rock when I am fragile as the wind. I could not comprehend a universe without you, and am thankful every day that you were born. Happiest birthday, darling, I love you so very much!