Vintage fashion is going to the birds :)

Undoubtedly one of the most common search terms I plug into etsy each week is “1950s dresses” (1940s dresses and 1950s skirts follow close behind). By and large I do this both out of personal interest and in the hopes of discovering finds that I think my readers will enjoy.

One such recent search brought up not one, not two, but three frocks all sporting a bird theme, which somehow seemed rather fitting for this time of the year (I’ve noticed “momentary trends” like this before within the scope of broad search terms and am always intrigued when such things occur). Further digging unearthed even more delightful vintage items of clothing and jewelry with avian themes to them, all of which are worth chirping about! :)

As a society we often associate birds with autumn in general (think of inky hued ravens, crackling crows, sagely owls, migrating geese, and Thanksgiving turkeys), so I thought that on this first day of October I would share my recent ornithological themed finds with you all. (Please not all items are from etsy and all prices are in US dollars.)






{While at first glance this prettily cut dress looks as though its covered in a white and orange geometric pattern, it is in fact splashed with a roaster motif! The colours in this cute farm animal themed frock would make for the perfect dress to wear all through the Halloween season, don’t you think? Vintage 1950s cotton dress, fits a 26/28” waist/36” bust, $145.00 from Land of 1000 Dresses.}



{A preciously sweet little pair of blue birds stair lovingly into one another’s eyes in this metal, enamel and rhinestone brooch, which measures an inch long by an inch and a quarter wide. $6.50 from Chimeriwish.}



{Long revered for its regal beauty (and much sought after for its plumage), peacocks have been a popular bird for centuries. Here they appear on a lovely cardigan in shades of blue, green and red, creating a colour pallet that would work well with other pieces in numerous hues. 1950s wool/wool blend cardigan, fits a 31” waist/36” bust, $58.00 from Dusty Rose Vintage.}



{A muted pallet of earth tones cover this full skirt; a closer look reveals an ethnic inspired pattern of birds, bugs, suns, shapes, and wavy squiggles. Vintage late 50s or early 60s skirt with original black woven belt, fits a 28” waist/free hips, $36.00 from The Church of Vintage.}



{A quaint little pair of red cardinal grace these resin, kidney wire back earrings from the 1950s. I think these earrings would look wonderful with everything from shirtwaist dresses to winter sweaters, their timeless motif almost appearing to sing into your ear. Vintage metal costume jewelry earrings, $12.00 from Glamaroni.}



{While at first glance you might just think this pretty candy apple red dress – with its utterly adorable off-centre row of buttons down the front – is covered in flowers, however woven between those tiny blooms are darling pairs of kissing hummingbirds. Vintage 1950s sleeveless dress, fits a 26” waist/32.5” bust, $75.00 from Freestyle Vintage Co..}



{There is something so country chic about this navy blue and white 1950s day dress done up in a large gingham-esque pattern with images of birds and horns adorning some of its squares. Rick-rack accented vintage dress, fits 44” waist/40” bust, $30.50 from Green Dragon Lady.}



{Zoom in close on this short sleeved, light weight button down blouse and you’ll discover a wonderfully pretty pattern of dusty blue birds jetting every which way. 1950s cotton blouse, fits a 42” bust/waist not specified, $22.00 from Cats and Crickets.}



{Whimsy and beauty swirl across this generously full skirt, which features an adorable pattern of clocks, flowers, fruit, and birds in birdcages all in shades of pink, green and white set atop a solid black background. Vintage 1950s novelty print skirt, fits a 25 to 30” waist/free hips, $74.99 from Jumblelaya.}



{Graceful miniature swans in hues of yellow, green, turquoise, purple and white seem to almost float atop a sea of black in this lovely short-sleeved 1950s dress, complete with nehru collar and full skirt. Vintage novelty print dress, fits a 25” waist/34” bust, $85.00 from Land of 1000 Dresses.}


I that know that not everyone is a fan of “real world” birds (perhaps we have Messieurs Poe and Hitchcock to thank/blame in part for that), but when adorning such delightful vintage pieces as the ones above, it’s hard not to carve out a soft spot in your heart (and closest) for items sporting images of our feathered friends.

Do you own any pieces that feature birds, or would you wear a bird bedecked outfit? Aside from a beloved pair of earrings with swallows on them, I don’t have much in the way of bird themed items in my wardrobe, but I think, much to my cat’s delight, that I wouldn’t hesitate to swoop down on more if the situation to do presented itself. (Must resist making a joke about how “a bird themed dress in the hand is worth two online” ;D)

20 “summer into autumn” appropriate vintage dresses

One day the sun has you reaching for the shade a parasol provides, the next nippy winds and spitting rain have you diving under your umbrella. Capris seem appropriate one moment, yet seconds later you’re wishing for flannel lined jeans. Not entirely summer, but not quite full on autumn either. Eager to get a precocious start out of the gate, signs of fall sometimes appear as early as late August or the start of September, yet it generally takes a few more weeks for all elements of summer to vanish entirely.

During this indecisive time it can be tricky to select what to wear each morning. Too light an outfit and you risk freezing both indoors and out (especially if you’re in a highly air conditioned building), too heavy and you might suddenly feel like it’s July again. The key to dressing for this “in between” season is to pick medium weight fabrics, pieces that layer easily (cardigans, twin sets, etc), light to medium weight hosiery, pieces with elbow length or longer sleeves, and dresses with more substance to them than summer frocks but not so much bulk that they could keep January’s chill entirely at bay.

Loving dresses as passionately as I do, this post is going to focus on end of summer-slash-start of autumn appropriate frocks. Naturally the weather and climate of your own part of the world will factor into what kinds of clothing choices work best for you during this fickle time of the year, but in general I find that for the unpredictable nature of a Canadian climate (where snow in October is certainly not an unheard of occurrence), the following kinds of dresses can really work well throughout September and into early October.

The selection of frocks below are all either genuinely vintage or contain elements that lend them a telltale sense of vintage style. When looking for such types of dresses yourself, be sure to hit vintage stores, thrift shops, and consignment boutiques at this time of year, as autumn appropriate wear begins to be cycled into such stores stock. The sooner you start your hunt, the more likely you are to find great dresses before the masses have begun yearning for autumnal pieces, too.


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{Move over summer, autumn might just be the new hottest season in town with sultry body hugging frocks such as this sweet-as-chocolate brown number! “Heartbreaker Fashion Brown Knit Super Spy Dress”, currently available in sizes XS and XL, $59.95 (US) from Babygirl Boutique.}



{This long sleeved dress looks immensely contemporary, yet, according to the seller, hails from the late 1930s or early 40s. Sporting a cheekily fun pattern of leaping deer and flowers, this olive and purple hued silk frock could easily be worn on its own or paired with tights and a light coat to take you into the cooler days of fall. Silk print, keyhole neck dress vintage dress, fits up to a 29” waist/34-36” bust, $125.00 (US) from Viva Vintage Clothing.}



{With its built-in capelet and knee length A-line skirt, this classy and classic 1940s inspired dress would be wonderful for a diner date, night out on the town, or cocktail party. Black “Eva Bow Dress”, available in sizes small through to 3X, $138.00 (US) from Unique Vintage.}



{During the 1940s and into the 50s, a popular style of dress that was often seen in catalogues (think Sears) and fashion magazines was the coat dress. Styled like a fitted ladies coat, but made from lighter fabrics and intended to be worn on its own or under a coat, this style was both feminine and often a lovely way to stay warm on breezy fall days. This slate grey vintage coat dress is made of a lightweight wool, fits up to a 32” waist/41” bust, and is adorned with two decorative silver hued buttons near the lapel. I adore this style of frock and could just image how lovely a piece this would be to wear all autumn long. $135 (US) from Vintageous.com.}



{Cute as a button! This longer length dress with built in bolero style sleeves and ruffled hem is so sweetly beautiful. It’s cheery red pallet instantly calls to mind thoughts of candy apples and crisp maple leaves blowing down the sidewalk. “Red Plaid Belted Lucy Dress” available in sizes 36 to 46 (which are akin to 4-6 through to 18, according to the site’s sizing chart), $39.95 (US) from Chic Star (note, this same style of dress is also available in a black and white version).}



{A tranquil pallet of wonderfully autumnal hues adorn this classic 1950s shirtwaist dress, making it so easy for you to pull colours from this pattern for use with shoes, cardigans, handbags or accessories. Vintage striped “Toni Todd” dress, fits a 28” waist/38” bust, $65.00 (US) from etsy seller Timon Michelle.}



{This dark blue and green dress, simple as it may appear at first glance, is in fact captivatingly beautiful and ripe with wonderful details such as buttons all the way up the front and feminine tailoring. Vintage 50s “Lucy Plaid” dress, fits 26” waist/36” bust, $89.00 (US) from Planet Claire Vintage.}



{Classic tailoring (that calls to mind many 1940s styles) and figure flattering ruching combined with the rich coffee brown hue of this ¾ length sleeve dress add up to create the sort of frock you’ll happily reach for year after year. “Julian Taylor Ruche Waist Dress”, currently available sizes 6, 8 and 14, $57.77 (CND) from Overstock.com.}



{A strikingly lovely rust-meets-pumpkin hue colours this long sleeved, full skirted, button front frock in the perfect shade for September, October and November. Vintage faille shirtwaist dress, fits 28” waist/38” bust, $145.00 (US) from Couture Allure.}



{Shades of purple and green take on a muted tone in this classic long sleeved shirtwaist style dress. I could easily imagine pairing this frock with cardis and coats in shades of cream, brown, green, purple, and camel for days when you needed a hint more warmth. Vintage 1950s dress, waist 26”/bust 36”, $52.00 (US) from etsy seller Jewels 4 Pandas.}



{A wonderfully classic cap-sleeve, fully lined sheath style meets an autumnally appropriate shade of crimson in this lovely dress, which would be great for everyplace from the office to a candlelit supper just for two! “Jessica Belted Dress” available in sizes 6 to 18 (in petite and average sizes), $69.99 (CND) from Sears.ca (same style also available in black).}



{Looking fantastically like a piece that could have come right off the stage of Mad Men (not to mention this season’s catwalks where houndstooth is currently in vogue again), this vintage black and tan dress is unlined, but could easily be worn with a slip beneath and a cardigan or lightweight coat over top. Early 1960s cotton houndstooth dress, fits a 38-40” waist/44 to 46” bust, $50.00 (US) from Viva Vintage Clothing.}



{Two classic hues comprise this charming lightweight corduroy 1950s dress that sports generously sized pockets, a stand-up collar (which can be worn flat, too), and a cute little matching slim width belt. Red and navy blue corduroy dress that fits a 29” waist/37” bust, $89.00 (US) from Vintageous.com.}



{A little alluring, wonderfully timeless and entirely gorgeous, this dress looks as though it could have been worn on the back of a 30s or 40s Hollywood starlet, yet is a modern frock with a hint of stretch to ensure it hugs your figure just right. “Curves Ahead” dress available in sizes XS to XL, $137.99 (US) from ModCloth.com.}



{A pattern of quintessentially fall foliage adorns this lovely tie waist, button front dress complete with a swooping fully skirt and shirtwaist style tailoring. Vintage “Autumn in Paris” dress, waist 32 to 36”/bust 42”, $34.00 (US) from etsy seller Nod to Mod Vintage.}



{Imagine that this pretty model isn’t wearing gladiator-esque shoes, but rather t-strap or d’Orsay pumps and the 1950s bombshell (think Marilyn or Jane) appeal of this light grey dress instantly jumps out at you as being a great early autumn piece (thanks to its longer sleeves and becoming pleated hemline). Fully lined “Paloma Belted Dress” available in sizes 14 to 30, $128.00 (US) from Igigi.com.}



{A subdued, classic plaid pattern in blue and grey covers this schoolgirl inspired dress, which features dolman sleeves and four large buttons up the front. 1950s “Prep School” dress, waist 28”/bust up to 40”, $42.00 (US) from etsy seller The Greedy Seagull.}



{Called the “Joan” and looking every bit as though it could have come from this stylish Mad Men vixen’s closet, this brown herringbone plaid dress with matching belt would hug all your curves yet still be office appropriate all autumn long. “Joan Dress in Profession”, available in sizes 0 to 12 (though at the time of writing, only size 2 is in stock), $89.99 (US) from ModCloth.com.}



{The moment you spy this two tone frock, you’re stuck by the fact that it clearly telegraphs a distinctly vintage vibe befitting a woman who loves styles from the mid-twentieth century. Grey and black “Diamonique” crepe dress available in sizes extra small and small (it’s currently on clearance, so hence the lack of a greater selection of sizes), $86.70 (US) from Plasticland.}



{A rich array of green and brown autumn inspired hues adorn this beautiful 1950s wiggle dress, whose long skirt, elbow length sleeves, and conservative neckline would make it perfect for those cooler fall mornings when you want to feel covered up but aren’t quite ready to dig out the winter coat yet. Vintage “novelty print” dress, 35” waist/43” bust, $34.00 (US) from etsy seller Timon Michelle.}


When selecting dresses for this time of the year, as the examples above help to illustrate, it’s wise to look for pieces that have at least one element (lining, longer skirt and/or sleeve length, heavier fabric, higher necklines, etc) that sets them apart from sun dresses, so that they’ll be able to help carry your wardrobe from autumn into winter (and/or be appropriate for spring weather as well).

However that said, do keep in mind that some summer frocks can still work into the fall if you layer other pieces under (turtle necks, button down skirts, blouses, etc) or over them (such as cardigans, boleros, shawls, shrugs, stoles, and lightweight coats). I personally find that if I have to opt between being a little chilly or being a tad warm, I’d take warm anytime. It’s easier to fan yourself with your pocketbook while waiting for the bus than it is to have to stomp your feet and shuffle from foot to foot (all the while blowing hot air onto your hands to keep them from turning blue) in an attempt to warm up.

Always more of a fan of cool weather dressing than summer styles (gorgeous as many summer looks can be), I for one am tickled pink about the arrival of September and the need for “in between” season dresses and pieces of all sorts. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for bargains on dresses that fit into this category over the next few weeks, while toping my existing frocks with cardigans and pairing some styles with blouses and turtlenecks underneath.

What kinds of dresses and other types of wardrobe items do you love to sport during these lovely weeks when summer gives way to autumn’s arrival?

Ten fantastic summer party dresses

Today just happens to be my brother’s birthday (Happiest 22nd, little bro!), and though we live on opposite sides of the country and won’t get to spend it together, I can’t help but feel in a festive mood as I woke up this morning. Which got me to thinking about birthday parties – and for that matter, parties in general – and of the sorts of sophisticated, feminine dresses that women so often wore to celebrations, dinner parties, and fêtes of all kinds during the 30s, 40s and 50s.

For as long as I can recall being able to dress myself, I’ve adored wearing frocks, and I must confess, the more elegant, structured and eye catching they are, the better! Though I don’t have a fancy party to attend today, that doesn’t stop me from daydreaming that I do, and in turn scouring the web for some of the prettiest vintage (and vintage inspired) party dresses out there.

The following ten frocks are presented in a rainbow-like fashion to help highlight the diverse array of hues in which one can find a lovely vintage party dress. While the fabric they’re constructed from varies, each one is in a cut that I think is well suited to summer soirees, be they indoor or outdoor celebrations.

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{Glamorous enough to have graced a 1930s red carpet, this deeply gorgeous vintage inspired cream and mocha hued lace dress would be sure to turn heads anywhere you wore it! $198.00US from Unique Vintage.}



{Sweet as a cotton candy and just as yummy, this pink cotton swing dress (with its adorable bow on the back of the neck) would make anyone feel like a princess! $88.00US from Unique Vintage.}



{My heart fluttered the moment I saw this immensely stunning pink floral print vintage dress. While the price tag is a little steep, if you had a special occasion to go to and were looking to splash out on your outfit, you’d hard pressed to find a more incredible dress anywhere! $275.00US from etsy seller Timeless Vixen Vintage.}



{To say this burgundy silk wrap dress is staggeringly beautiful, would be a gross understatement. It’s powers go beyond beauty into a realm as timeless as silver screen starlets, great jazz music and the act of falling in love. Though a pricey piece, I feel it would be worth every penny. $385.00 from etsy seller Timeless Vixen Vintage.}



{Sweetly lovely like a bouquet of spring flowers, this 1950s dress features a cute bow and Lucite buttons down the front. $79.00US from esty seller Flashbax.}



{Shimmering like an emerald in the sun, this beautiful sweet-heart neck dress instantly made me of something Marilyn would have loved to have worn. £55.00 (UK pounds) from Oli.}



{Charming as a bouquet of freshly picked blooms, this vintage dress (which the seller lists as being from the 1950s or 60s) would look amazing on. I love the rouched lilac hued sash and full skirt, and could easily imagine myself wearing this to an garden party. $75.00US from etsy seller Goodeye.}



{The colour of this halter neck dress reminds me of a summer sky as it teeters between dusk and night, inky blue and sweetly mysterious. £59.00 (UK pounds) from Vivien Holloway.}



{Though somewhat understated compared to the other dresses on this list, this navy blue silk-satin brocade sheath frock (featuring an adorable white butterfly print) strikes me as the type of dress that would look like a million dollars when paired with some d’orsay heels and a sleek little clutch. $65.00US from etsy seller Pintuck Style.}



{Resplendently timeless, this short sleeved black silk dress would be perfect for any party, from cocktails with friends to New Year’s Eve! $138.00US from etsy seller Thirteen Bees Vintage.}


I think that just as every gal should have a LBD in her closet, so too should she have at least one amazing party dress that can carry her through a myriad of special occasions. From weddings (just be sure your gown doesn’t upstage the bride’s ;D) to formal dinner parties, getting onto the guest list of a charity gala event or just deciding that you really want to look drop-dead gorgeous for a loved one’s – or your own! – birthday party, it never hurts to have a stunning dress like the examples above on hand!

Ten summery vintage dresses to inspire you right now

The eternally beautiful dress, in my mind there is no more wonderful garment in existence. In fact to this extent, when I was a grade school student, I tried to rally my female friends and peers into forming a group devoted to the act of wearing dresses to school every day. On a jungle-gym and rope swing bedecked playground though, my dress loving movement didn’t gain the momentum I’d been hoping for, and I, for a time at least, carried on the act of donning a dress each day by myself. While I do wear pants – and absolutely adore skirts – dresses will forever hold a sweet and special spot in my heart.

Come the smouldering heat of summer there is no other item of clothing I’d rather put on morning, noon or night than a light weight, vintage (or vintage inspired) dress. It can be dressed up or down to your hearts’ content and instantly makes you feel a little glamorous in the midst of a sweltering heat wave (which as many of us know firsthand, is a time when you tend to feel more like a melted pool of crayon wax than the gorgeous bombshell you are).

With June – the month that heralds the arrival of summer – just days away I’ve gathered up ten absolutely fantastic vintage dresses that I hope will leave you as excited for summer frocks as I am (keep in mind that many of these pieces are sold by vintage sellers who are likely to only have one dress in a particular size in stock, so be sure to check the links for detailed sizing and availability information). Who knows, maybe they’ll even inspire you to start your own dress lovers club!


{Equal parts sweet and sexy, this red and white gingham print sundress from Pinup Girl Clothing would become an instant staple in my wardrobe if I owned it. I’d pair it with a cut little black, red or white cardigan at night to keep warm, and nothing but cat’s eye shades when the sun was out in full force. This dress is available in sizes XS through to 2X and is priced at $72US.}


{What would summer be without trips to the beach or at least the wearing of clothes that invoke a nautical vibe? This charming blue and white, 1950s, sailor inspired dress with two rows of lovely white buttons seems positively made for a day at beach or a backyard poolside party. It’s currently available from Viva Vintage Clothing for $85US.}




{One look at this gorgeous accordion pleat, cotton blend dress and I instantly want to slip on a pair of vintage wrist-length gloves and take a stroll around a beautiful summer garden. Something about the swaying movement of the full skirt’s pleats invokes the feeling of petals swaying happily in the breeze. If you can also see yourself in this dress, it can be yours for the very reasonable price of $32US from etsy seller Retro Renegade Vintage.}



{Sporting a breezy, almost peasant inspired white top and full, delightfully fun navy blue polka dot skirt, this short sleeved dress would be the perfect look in which to dance any summer night away. This reproduction frock from Unique Vintage can currently be pre-ordered in sized XS to 2X for $98US, to be shipped out to you in early June.}



{This sophisticated multicoloured, notched neckline silk dress from the 1950s seems right on trend with the current revival of soft, watercolour like floral prints that were all over the spring and summer runways. It’s available from Viva Vintage Clothing for $70US, and I think it would work wonderfully well for an evening cocktail party, dinner party or other event where you want to dress up a little.}



{I love grey, it’s a wonderful neutral and fantastic alternative to black during the dog days of summer. If you also dig this hue, why not check out this lovely hater dress with pink polka dots from Dandelion Vintage, where it’s selling for $65.00US}



{Celebrate Independence Day, Canada Day, Labour Day or any other day of the summer you please in this fun, red trimmed frock complete with full circle skirt. This vintage dress can be yours for $85 from etsy seller Allen Company Inc.}



{With its full skirt, short sleeves, soft ivory colours and incredibly cute stitched strawberry print, don’t you just want to eat this gorgeous summer dress right up? If like me, you do, you can help yourself to a vintage serving for $80US from clothing seller Vintageous.}



{Selling for the bargain price of $26US, this bright, joyfully floral print dress from etsy seller Turquoise Heaven is from the 1980s, but the cut definitely has a distinct fifties feel that could made even more vintage looking with the right summer shoes and hairstyle.}



{While the final dress on our list comes in with the highest price tag ($155US), it is also one of the most striking and whimsically lovely vintage frocks you could hope to encounter. Graced with a lovely rose poking up beyond the neckline, this gem of a summery frock, from Planet Claire Vintage on etsy, would be perfect the perfect thing to wear to a garden party!}


Both stunning and functional (who wants to wear pants and long sleeves in August?), all these elegant dresses have a positively timeless quality to them that will see you through summer after happy summer in vintage style.