Think big, dream big for 2016

Today, at the stroke of 12 am, a new year was born. Was it a struggled labour, a tedious birth? Or did it bound into sight with the playful enthusiasm of a six week old puppy? Chances are, it was a bit of both. Now it sits before us in all its ripe and regal splendor - 365 days to make our own, to celebrate or cry over, dress up or downplay. Life is rarely black and white and newborn year even less so.

It is at once fragile and strong, laden with more lofty promises than a presidential candidate and prone to never quite pan out how we'd hoped or imagine. Sometimes that's great, others not so much, but ultimately, so long as we're here to greet the next one, it's all good.

In fact, life itself is good and great, grand and amazing and the rebirth of the year helps us to remember that, even in the middle of the bleakest season (on this side of the equator). I've talked here before about how I don't generally make new year's goals and that hasn't changed. I set goals anytime I want to and don't wait for a specific date to do so on. I find my success rate much higher this way and also love that it continually gives me the ability to grow and better myself throughout the year.

{Festive 1940s vintage New Year's illustration image source.}

I fully understand the desire to make goals now though and have no qualms with the general doing of such. It's important, no matter our age or where we're at in our lives right now, to take a while and access them periodically. To ask what, in our heart of hearts, we truly want and how we might go about achieving such. The same ring trues for our blogs as well and as such, heading into 2016, I'm going to be making a few changes here and there to mine.

I don't (presently at least) mean a layout revamping, instead I'm speaking in terms of retiring certain ongoing post series that are no longer, by and large, big hits with my readers (and which, in some cases, don't fuel my own writing fires too much these days either), continuing to blog more and more "in the moment", and to share an even greater degree of what transpires in my daily life with all of you (in part through my YouTube videos). And as always, please don't hesitate to let me know anytime if there's more of certain topics you'd like to see covered here.

I may cut back my post frequency a touch as well, especially as my Etsy shop continues to grow and flourish all the more, as well as due to the fact that I simply do not take enough time away from my work and I don't want to risk burning out, if I can avoid it! In general though, you can expect a similar posting pace to that of recent years (or so I hope!).

One of the worst things that can happen to a person, or a blog, is for it them/it to become stagnant or overly predictable and I never want that to be the case for Chronically Vintage. So as we leap with both feet into 2016 - a year that I have a really good feeling about, I should mention - I plan to bring you scores of exciting new posts, while always staying true to myself and my blogging roots as well.

Change is not only good, it's great! But one certainly doesn't have to throw out the New Year's Eve baby with the proverbial bath water in order to grow, reach their goals, and succeed on front both lofty and little alike.

Here's to the hopes and dreams, each beautiful day, and every marvelous moment we'll share in 2016, my treasured friends. Let's think big, think vintage, and think fabulous every step of the way!

We're home!

After a truly - and I mean absolutely truly - fantastic trip to Calgary, Tony and I are home again and slowly starting to get back into the ebb and flow of daily life once more.

Our vacation to our neighbouring province went resplendently. It launched on a drive that was bursting with the most picturesquely clear blue skies and toasty temperatures anyone could ask for; saw us clock more than 2,100 kilometers of driving in total, included my first ever blogger meet-up, oodles of vintage, antique and thrift store shopping; lots of fun sightseeing, and also a fair bit of time to just relax and regroup, something that was wholeheartedly needed in our life at that precise moment in time.

As those of you who follow me on Instagram and/or my personal Facebook page may know, earlier this month my mother-in-law, passed away somewhat unexpected from a stroke. This tragic news left Tony and I understandable deeply shaken and grief stricken. We discussed it at length, and felt that proceeding with our Calgary trip (which was planned for a few days after her passing), as planned, was the best course of action. Thankfully, it was in indeed, as our spirits were lifted tremendously, our minds focused elsewhere, and smiles returned to our faces many a time over the course of our holiday.

Though the veil of sorrow and grief still hangs heavily in our home, we are each other’s strength and comfort, and, much as with returning from our trip, are easing back into our more usual routine.

For me, this includes blogging, reading and commenting on other blogs, replying to the hefty backlog of emails and Facebook private messages that arrived while I was away (I didn't bring my computer with me), and - once I've recouped more (on the health front) from our travels – shooting vintage outfit photos (I've got some in the wings from before our trip, as well as new outfit snaps from Calgary, to turn into posts in the meantime).

And speaking of posts about Calgary, somewhere in the range of two to four posts (I want to cover a lot, but at the same time, in my enthusiasm about this fabulous little holiday, not bombard you nonstop about Alberta) about various aspects of our travels will be appearing here in the coming weeks, and will include topics such as some of the wonderful places we visited, where I shopped (and some of the lovely things I bought), plus a post all about that super cool aforementioned vintage blogger meet-up.




I sincerely appreciate, and want to thank you very much, for the great blog comments that you left on the posts that I set to go live while we were on the road, as well as for those on Instagram (such as the one pictured above of Stephen Avenue, a foot traffic only street, in the heart of downtown Calgary), Facebook, and Twitter regarding our travels and my snaps from Alberta (some more of which I plan to continue uploading in the coming days).

It will be a while before I've recovered (health wise) from the trip, and longer still until the initial pain of losing Tony's beautiful mother lessens, but I feel a renewed sense of happiness, creativity, and inspiration from our travels (as well as a new perspective on certain areas of my/our life) which, coupled with autumn's return, will help guide me throughout the coming weeks on the blogging front, and all facets of my life.

Our travels were awesome, and I am grateful with all my might that were were able to take our first holiday in several years this month, but it's also terrific to return home to a town we adore and to start planning for the next chapter of our lives - which, with a bit of luck and a lot of foreplanning, will hopefully include another exciting road trip or two next year.

Saturday Snapshots: Christmas 2012 edition

{Oh what I - and a great many of you - wouldn't give to have this fabulous prop for use in our own family portrait Christmas cards.}




{The stockings were hung by the silverware chest with care, in the hopes that St. Nicolas soon would be there.}




{It's matching holiday outfits all around for this trio of sisters, with little brother coordinating quite nicely, too, in his festive red plaid shirt.}




{A family eagerly awaits their festive feast in this super easy to relate to image from December 1949.}




{The weather outside might be a touch frightful, but that isn't stopping this group of 1950s youngsters from belting out Christmas carols with all their might.}




{Three generations, spanning junior through grandpa, pitch in to help trim the tree in this classic slice-of-life shot from 1954.}




{The holidays can sure take a lot out of you at times, no matter how cute and - normally - rambunctious a cowboy you are.}




{In this heartwarming photo titled "Mom and Kat", a mother dressed in pale blue gazes down lovingly at her her baby, creating an image that cannot help but make one think of the classic nativity scene.}

{Group shots are a standard must when the family gathers for the holidays, and this black and white portrait 1959 embodies the spirit of so many like it that have been taken over the years: a range of ages, expressions, and excitement levels captured forever on film.}

{With wide-eyed wonderment a darling little girl looks up at the towering Christmas tree, a doll - perhaps a new present - cradled in her arms, as all the innocence and wonder of youth radiates from her sweet face.}


{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}


 


Good years do not necessarily come often or easy. Like bumper harvests, blue moons and spirit bears, they sometimes elude for a very long time. This year however, when all (minus the nine remaining days) was said and done, was a very good one. It ushered in much needed change, brought increased happiness, moved thousands of miles, set up a new home, spend countless hours with beloved relatives, made new friends, thrifted and yard saled, baked, photographed and poised, blogged, created, dreamed, cried tears of joy, laughed, and celebrated.

For there was - and still is - much to be grateful for, and never has this year, or the approaching holiday season, looked more beautiful than it does right now, the twinkling gleam of holiday lights waltzing in the background, the smell of gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa wafting through the air.

Christmas has indeed waved its magic wand over this place, this grand and glorious world of ours, but this year, for Tony and I, it didn't have to work as hard or wave as vigorously as it often has. The universe had already sprinkled its own generous dose of wonder over us and set our hearts ablaze with smiles and gratitude.

As 2012 winds down and Christmas looms just three sleeps away, I am acutely aware that years like this are a rarity. The tough ones always return. Yet swept up in the merriment of the season, tummy full of festive eats, Bing crooning us with carols from the record player, I can't help but look at life through Christmas rose coloured glasses and view the world as a very lovely place these days.

It is my sincerest hope that, no matter the year you've had up until this point, the holidays and these last tinsel covered days of December will leave you each feeling as though all is merry and bright, and more than a little bit beautiful, too.

A special holiday calls for a special vintage dress

Outfit details

White hair flower: Arden
Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
Semi-precious stone and Czech glass bead butterfly cameo necklace: Handmade by me
Grey shrug: Fairweather
1950s dusty peach lace dress: etsy seller The Church of Vintage
1940s/50s grey rouched gloves: eBay
Pink plastic beaded stretch bracelets: Forever 21
Faux pearl stretch bracelet: Real Canadian Superstore
Brown faux alligator purse: Le Chateau
Nude seamed stockings: eBay
Dark brown faux alligator heels: Pipsqueaks and Damsels Consignment Store 
Lip colour: MAC Diva   

Photography by Antonio Cangiano

♥ ♥ ♥

Last month, here in the wild of Canada (as I lovingly like to refer to just about everywhere that isn't a major city), the country celebrated Thanksgiving. Our canuck take on the event is extremely similar to that of our US neighbours and involves oodles of delicious eats, family get-togethers, pumpkin filled decor, and time spent reflecting on the blessings in our lives.

This particular Thanksgiving was immensely important to me because it was the first time that Tony and I had been able to spend it with my some of my relatives (as, prior to this, we'd been living thousands of miles apart). The small group that gathered that evening at my parents house to share a meal that my mom and I each prepared dishes for (I brought the gluten-free stuffing and dessert, plus the black olives and gherkins - both "musts" for me at any Thanksgiving spread), consisted of Tony and I, my mom and step-dad, and my sister (plus, her ultra cute dog, Beau, who you may recall from this post last summer).

Though our numbers were small, the festive spirit we all shared that night was huge and there wasn't anything lacking, be it a second helping of spuds and gravy or a warm smile from whomever was sitting across from you at the table (which you can see in the photo below - decorated by my wonderful mom).





I've always loved dressing up for the holidays and knew that I wanted to wear something extra special for this joyous celebration. I gave my choice a lot of thought, but even on the day itself, I still wasn't sure and tried on about six other dresses in my closet before settling on this beloved vintage dusty peach lace frock. The colour seemed so well suited to the palette of fall, the waist  on it isn't very tight at all (so I knew there's be no risk of feeling uncomfortable after a big meal), and the aged lace seemed to speak for the timeless beauty of Thanksgiving itself.

Though I adore lace madly, it really struck me that particular day how very little of it I have in my closet at the moment, which makes this dress all the more important to me. I wanted the emphasis of the outfit to be on the frock itself, but as it wasn't an overly warm day, vintage ruched gloves, a much loved grey shrug, and a necklace that I made earlier this year helped round out the ensemble.

My enthusiasm for donning fancier threads come holiday time is shared by Tony as well, who looked mighty sharp in his dark grey blazer, black shirt, and handsome grey and black stripped tie (my sis snapped the photo here of me and Tony with Tony's camera). I loved that though we didn't set out to match our outfits, the grey in both helped them to coordinate so nicely.

I can honestly say that this was one of the most serenely relaxing, wonderful Thanksgivings I've ever celebrated, and it's a day that will standout as one of the nicest of the whole year for me.

I hope that as my lovely readers in the States gear up for your own celebration later this week, you each have an equally marvelous Thanksgiving, and that life always gives you more blessings and reasons to be thankful than you can possibly count.

Party like it's 1949!

✯ Day 365 of Vintage 365 ✯

We've done it, sweet friends, through the highs and the lows, the smiles and the worries we've reached the last and final day of the Vintage 365 Project.

Amidst record breaking heat waves and an (albeit minor, in terms of how much we felt it up here in Ontario) earthquake, a broken foot, three surgeries, anniversaries, beloved holidays and a lot of personal turmoil in my life this past year, like a shinning beckon of old school hope, this project helped keep my spirits up and was nothing short of a joy to work on every day.

As I covered pretty much this same point in yesterday's post, I won't rehash it again, but I did just want to clarify one point (which people have actually been bringing up for several months now): while I will no longer be blogging here absolutely every day of the year, this blog is definitely still remaining active and will hopefully see the inclusion of two or more new posts each week.

Some will be chocked full of fascinating historical information, others (I hope!) photos of my vintage outfits, holiday celebrations (especially - and this will not come as a shock to any long time Chronically Vintage readers - Halloween), handy tips on a wide range of topics, gorgeous photographs and ads from days gone by, delightful web finds, scrumptious recipes, clothing sources, facts about historical figures, toe-tapping yesteryear tunes, and myriad other topics pertaining to the mid-twentieth century.

To say I look forward to what 2012 has in store both for my life and for Chronically Vintage, would be a rather hefty understatement! I'm planning on making this a year filled with as much vintage as I can possibly cram into every last nook and cranny, and cannot wait to share it will all of you!

For today though, let's all turn our attention to the holiday celebration at hand. In less than 24 hours we'll be whisking away 2011 (which I know many are apt to say "good riddance" to!), and welcoming the New Year with open arms and a highly optimistic outlook.

{Actress, dancer and comedian Olga San Juan looking shipshape and completely cheerful (just as I'm feeling right now, too!) as she rings in the New Year in this fantastic vintage image from the late 1940s. Photograph via carbonated on Flickr.}

 

The title of today's post is a spin on Prince's classic song, 1999, and in a nod to the fact that I want to make 2012 (as just mentioned) the most vintage filled year of my life. The past is constantly an invaluable part of my present, and I feel so blessed that I have an outlet like this blog to share my unyielding passion for all things vintage with each and every one of you.

I hope that whether you're kicking it old school tonight at a gala soirée, gathering in Times Square, spending a quiet night at home watching the ball drop (like me and the mister), or partying the night away, I sincerely hope you have a stellar New Year's Eve!!!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, everyone for being a part of the Vintage 365 project this year. I couldn't have done it without you and am so excited to celebrate all that 2012 has in store together!

My annual Boxing Day blogroll cleanup tradition

✯ Day 360 of Vintage 365 ✯

Stuffed to the gills with immensely delicious food, giddy from the past day’s merriment, and relaxed by the fact that for many of us today means a day free from our jobs, it might seem a tad odd that I have a Boxing Day tradition that pertains to cleaning.

Lest you think I'm getting an especially early jump on my spring cleaning, allow me to explain. You see, once a year I like to go through the blog roll here on Chronically Vintage and tidy things up, removing any sites that no longer exist (shut down by their authors), which have switched to "by invite only" status, or that are no longer good matches for this site.

Having been awake for hours already, I've completed the blog tidying process for this year. It's always deeply interesting to see which blogs are still going strong and which, for whatever reason, have decided to shut down or have become abandoned (by which I mean their owners suddenly stopped blogging and did not create a post saying that they were planning to do such).

{Nothing as arduous as scrubbing the stove for me today, just doing a little light online housekeeping this fine, frosty Boxing Day. Vintage Kleenoff Jelly ad via alsis35 on Flickr.}

In the case of the later, I generally have a one year rule, by which I mean if a given blog has not seen any new activity for a year or longer, I'm more inclined to remove it from my blog roll. However, even there one encounters exceptions, because (given the historically geared nature of the topics many vintage loving bloggers cover) the content on such sites may still be of great interest to fellow vintage fans and I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on a great site simply because it's no longer going strong.

Though I do not count the precise number of links that I remove each year, I'd ballpark things and say that this time around my blog roll was shortened by about 20%. As I add new links to it throughout the year however, there's a very decent chance that come Boxing Day 2012, it will once again be much the same size as it was prior to this morning.

In fact, in briefly visiting every single blog on listing in my sidebar today, I discovered (through posts on various sites) three or four new (to me) vintage blogs, which of course I added to the roster.

One might wonder why I opted to assign Boxing Day to this yearly task and the I believe that the first time around it was something that just came about originally. Back then, in December 2009, Chronically Vintage had been online for the better part of a year and I figured it was time I pruned by blog roll (as described above) to make sure it was in peak shape for my wonderful blog visitors to enjoy.

As way of ensuring this job was carried out annual, it made sense from there on out to stick with the same day each year, and thus my annual Boxing Day tradition of tidying up my blogroll was born.

That, however, is just about the only "job" I'll be doing today. There's too many scrumptious Christmas leftovers to eat, vintage holiday songs to enjoy, and new presents to delight in to devote this marvelous day of relaxation to anything more arduous than that.

Wishing you all a terrifically fun Boxing Day, however you opt to spend it, sweet dears!

Cranberry-Apple Pie: the perfect vintage Thanksgiving dessert

✯ Day 327 of Vintage 365 ✯

When one stops and thinks about Thanksgiving Day pies, it is commonly pumpkin and pecan that spring to mind first. Though both of these are absolutely scrumptious, time-honoured beauties, there is no reason why they need to be your only options come this annual autumn fest.

From custard pies to tiny individual tartlets of dark chocolate topped with candied orange peel, the sky is the limit when it comes to Thanksgiving pies!

I'm personally fond of veering towards those that do a marvelous job of encompassing the flavours that one most associates with fall time - think pears, sweet potatoes, and cranberries. The latter fruit, a naturally tart one, couples gorgeously with sweet apples in this wonderful vintage recipe for Cranberry-Apple Pie.

 

{Combining two fruit flavours that are every bit as classic as mashed potatoes and gravy, this terrific vintage Cranberry-Apple Pie is bound to become a steadfast favourite with your family. Image via bluwmongoose.}

Though Canadian Thanksgiving took place a few weeks ago in early October, for my dear friends and neighbours to the south, tomorrow marks your day of giving thanks for the blessings and bounty that your life provides you with.

Should your menu be in need of one more dessert (or if you haven't settled on the right one yet at all), I thought this this classic, super easy, very economical vintage recipe for Apple-Cranberry Pie might just do the trick.

I love that this delicious pie isn't overly cloying. It's sweetness from the apples and sugars is tempered by the tangy cranberries, making it easier to digest (than say a thick cheesecake or rich trifle) after a hearty, heavy holiday meal of the sort that Thanksgiving has excelled at producing for ages.

No matter if you decide to whip up this delightful dessert tomorrow or not, it makes for a superb fall and winter recipe that will never, ever go out of style, thanks to the timeless pairing of fruit that call this elegant lattice topped pie home.

Happily welcoming November's return

✯ Day 305 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

There's always a certain unmistakable blending of seasons that takes place on the first day of November. Though we're squarely smack dab in the middle of autumn still, waking up on this initial day of the month one is struck instantly by the fact that Halloween, sadly, is over for another long year. For those who adore October 31st dearly like I do, this can take a little while to get over.

However, on the other (if your weather is anything like mine this week, "gloved") hand, there's that voice is your head (perhaps it sounds like Bing Crosby crooning one of his classic holiday songs)reminding you that the winter holiday is soon around the corner. And as it does, a hint of excitement begins to well up inside your soul.

My Halloween was fabulous - candy and decorations, spooky make-up and lots of great memories - and while I am a little blue that's over once more, I can already feel a stirring of anticipation and happiness flowing through my veins for Christmas and New Years, and every last wonderful tradition and event that coming two months hold in store.

Though up here in Canada we've already celebrated our Thanksgiving (back on October 10th), this special day is on the horizon still for my neighbours to the south. November also brings with it the solemn, but endearingly beautiful, observance that is Remembrance Day on the 11th.

Beyond holidays, November means (in this neck of the woods usually at least) the switch from the glistening, golden sunlight of earlier fall to the soft, subtly grey tinged pale light of early winter. It's pots of hearty soup simmering for hours on the stove to nourish chilled bodies, the mandatory wearing of heavy coats, and stores suddenly overflowing with Christmas decorations.

{Wonderfully adorable November 1956 cover of Woman's Day magazine featuring a trio of darling green-eyed, autumn hued kittens via cloth98 on Flickr.}

 

November is a sweet month in many ways (so hence the kitty cat filled image above). Though it can be a busy one, it spares us the last minute rush of December, allowing us instead to begin planning for the holiday season and savouring its first signs, without the frazzled days of office parties, last minute shopping, and gigantically large meals to cook.

For many November’s return means the first nights of frost and the first snowfalls of the year since early last spring. The hours of daily light are dwindling, but that marvelous sense (which my especially husband adores) of wanting to snuggle up inside and brace yourself against the biting cold outside is just beginning to hit its stride.

I'm really looking forward to celebrating the remaining two months of 2011 with all of you, as we wind down the final sixty-one instalments of this year's Vintage 365 project, sweet dears.

Whether you feel like today is eons to soon to start thinking about the winter holidays or are already swapping your Halloween decorations for Christmas ones, I wish you all a beautiful, serene, cozy November and countdown to Christmas!

Happiest Victoria Day wishes, my fellow Canadians!

✯ Day 143 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

The history of today's celebration dates back to the time of Queen Victoria of England, whose name lends itself to this May holiday, however for most Canadians Victoria Day is less about the monarchs of Britain and more about kicking off the immensely long awaited beginning of summer.

Now, granted we're still about a month away from technically hitting summer (on the calendar at least), but in many places across the country, the weather has finally perked up to the point where barbequing, picnicking, boating, strolling on the beach, and oodles of other delightful outdoor activities are enjoyably doable once more.

Canada has a relatively low number of national holidays (let alone ones that take place in the warmer months), so as the May long weekend draws near, it's not uncommon to find a general spirit of happiness has washed over canucks in every corner of the country. Usually spring is in full swing, the risk of snow is just about gone (does it ever really leave for us here though? ), and folks have slipped back into their warm weather threads.

Traditionally this wonderful long weekend, which - with a little luck - will be a splendidly toasty one - is a favourite amongst those who love to camp and can get the time away from work to spend two or three days under the stars, a tent as their roof, s'mores as diner, and plenty of merriment on the bill for the whole trip.

 

{Whether you like to bring everything and the kitchen sink on your Victoria Day outdoor adventures - like this charming 1950s family - or prefer to simply slip down to the lake with a single picnic basket in hand, few things compare to finally being able to spend time under the Canadian sun again! Vintage photo via Captain Geoffrey Spaulding on Flickr.}

For some, Victoria Day might be the first time of the year they've fired up the grill, ready to fill their backyard (if not the whole street) with the intoxicatingly delicious scent of food cooking over a flame in the great outdoors.

Others still may head off to their cabins/cottages (particularly here in Ontario, where there's a large number of cottage owners), take a quick road trip, visit a favourite national park, catch up on DIY projects around the house, throw a block party, or simply kick back in their favourite lawn chair (or hammock) and savour the simple joy of having three marvelous days off from the grind of work.

The mister and I fall into the later group this year (much as I wish I could have been out camping, it just wasn't in the cards), and we're spending this weekend embracing the immensely welcome warmth of late May, a cool drink in our hands, the kitty napping angelically in the vibrant morning light, and a selection of our favourite Canadian songs (vintage, retro and present) wafting around the room as we celebrate the unofficial start of summer 2011.

Whatever you've got on your itinerary for today, I wish you an utterly fantastic Victoria Day (or simply a marvelous Monday, if you're not in Canada) filled with equal measures of relaxing tranquility and sunshine covered excitement!

Vintage Fashionist Friday (special St. Patrick’s Day edition!): March 12, 2010

Last week’s debut of the new post Vintage Fashionista Friday, received a very warm welcome and a slew of wonderful comments that led me to know I’d selected a great theme for Chronically Vintage’s end of the work week article.

I’m delighted to know that so many of you like the idea of assigning a lovely girl’s name to each outfit I put together, and sincerely hope that you’ll enjoy today’s festively verdant and shamrock filled homage to the Emerald Isles and (next Wednesday’s) St. Patrick’s Day, which I like to imagine being worn by a fair skinned, redheaded Irish lass named...


{Whether you live in Dublin, Dresden, or Delaware, keep spring’s bounty of rain from ruining your stylish vintage hairdo with this terrifically fun green and white polka dot umbrella (which comes with a cute matching rain hat) from Samsonite. Available for $23.67 (Cnd) from Overstock.com, this 100% polyester umbrella is travel size and can easily fit into a purse or even large coat pocket, ensuring you’re never caught off guard when a spring shower hits!}



{Adorable, dimensional leaves wind their way up the front of this pretty Kelly green, ¾ length sleeve, cotton and cashmere cardigan. Perfect for nippy March days – or an under-heated pub! – this whimsical sweater, which features a snap front and beautiful lattice work around the collar, is available in sizes XS – XL, for $98.00 (Cnd) from Anthropologie.com.}



{Help impart the luck of the Irish into your wardrobe with this timelessly charming necklace featuring a 1” sterling silver horseshoe and an itty-bitty brass shamrock strung on an 18” sterling silver chain. This dainty, elegantly fun piece of jewelry is available for $29.00 (US) from etsy seller Luxe Deluxe.}



{There is something so understatedly lovely about this classic, modest vintage frock with its moss green and white gingham pattern. Trimmed with white eyelet and sporting a row of wee little buttons down the front, this sweet dress fits up to a 36 inch bust/28 inch waist, and can be had for $74.00 (US) from etsy seller Thirteen Eighty-Five’s shop.}



{A lady can never have too many pairs of gloves in her arsenal of accessories, and this sophisticated hand crocheted cotton pair would make a welcome addition to any gal’s closet (or glove box!). This “new old stock” pair of gloves was sourced in Ireland and is described as having a bit of stretch to it, thus allowing it to fit most hand sizes. Gorgeous for any event from a wedding to a night out at your favourite Irish restaurant, these wonderful gloves are available for $29.00 (US) from etsy seller White O'Morn Cottage Shop.}



{Carry around a burst of jolly green clover in your pocket or purse everyday with this lovely little embroidered linen handkerchief. Measuring 9”, this hemmed vintage hankie comes packaged in its own clear top box, and is available for a mere $2.88 (US) from etsy seller Vintage Sew and Sew.}



{Let your feet imagine they’re wandering through a grassy Irish meadow in these immensely lovely green suede pumps from the 1950s. A classic cut and hue, paired with a subtle bow detail, ensure these shoes will forever hold court amongst your footwear. This marvellous pair of heels, which fit a (modern) US size 6.5 to 7, is available for $45.00 (US) from etsy seller Carnival Moon.}

♥ ♥ ♥


Wishing you each a weekend that glistens as enchantingly as the colours of a rainbow, and which is filled with the merry spirit of St. Paddy’s Day!