Announcing the winner of the $100 LA Vintage online shopping spree

This month Chronically Vintage had the pleasure of teaming up with one of the hottest online retro and vintage sellers, LA Vintage, to bring you a wonderfully fun giveaway for a $100 online shopping spree on their site.

Scores of entry poured in over the two weeks that this contest, which wrapped up at 11:59pm EST last night, was going on, and today I have the absolute joy of announcing the lucky winner (whose comment number was drawn using an online random number generator).

Without further ado, the winner is comment number 5, which just happens to belong to none other than the phenomenally gorgeous and talented, Mary Van Notes.


{Mary’s impeccable vintage style, intelligent whit, adorable cartoon drawings, and entertaining blog entries are endlessly interesting and inspiring. If you don’t already count her amongst your friends, hop on over to Mary’s blog and check out the world of vintage wonder this fantastic gal has created!}


Huge congratulations, Mary, I’m so thrilled for you and hope you have an absolute blast picking up a new vintage treasure or two for yourself amongst the wonderful wears that LA Vintage offers. Please contact me via email whenever you like, sweet dear, with your name and the email address you’d like to receive your $100 coupon code from LA Vintage at.

Scores of thanks go out to each and every one of you who participated in this contest (you left a combined total of 84 comments!); I sincerely appreciate you doing so and loved reading each of your comments. Fear not, even if you didn’t win this time around, there will be plenty of other contests held on Chronically Vintage in the future (I already have another one in the works for later this spring).

You’re all the greatest, thanks again for entering this lovely giveaway. I really hope you each have a gorgeous Monday and week ahead, my darlings!

Giving away a $100 online shopping spree from LA Vintage

As the plethora of photos and posts on many of the wonderful vintage blogs in our community attests to, as a collective group, we are an immensely stylish bunch. Our tastes veer not to the “it” trend of the moment, but to the alluring, sometimes elegant, sometimes wonderfully playful world of vintage clothing – and the fact that wearing such pieces immediately helps to elevate our look above the cookie cutter styles sported by so many these days.

I know that like myself, many of you are massive fans of fashion, too, and I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re rather keen on fantastic blog giveaways (really, who isn’t?). Put those two interests together and you have the recipe for Chronically Vintage’s brand new blog contest!

This week I’ve teamed up with a stellar US site by the name of LA Vintage, in order to offer you, my amazing readers, the chance to win a $100.00 online shopping spree from this sleek, vibrant shop.

For those who may not have had the joy of exploring LA Vintage’s site yet, let me tell you a tad about this lovely online vintage clothing shop. With an eclectic mix of pieces spanning the 1950s to the 80s, this easy-to-navigated site is filled with excellent photos (of real live models – so you can get a sense of how a garment will actually look on a real person) sporting the terrific range of constantly revolving items LA Vintage stocks.

One of the things that endears me to this great vintage clothing site is that they have a wide selection of pieces (think adorable dresses, versatile separates, mod boots, timelessly lovely accessories) in both average and plus sizes (I adamantly believe that everyone should have the chance to rock vintage fashions, no matter their size!), as well as an array of menswear items (an area that far too many online vintage sellers overlook).

LA Vintage stocks a diverse assortment of items, from flashy disco era dresses to adorable full skirts from the 80s that could very easily be worked into a beautiful 1950s inspired outfit. Amongst the slightly more modern pieces, one can sometimes find vintage items hailing from the 50s. Each item LA Vintage stocks is unique (in other words, each garment or accessory is vintage/retro and generally the only one of its kind being offered amongst the sites wares).



{A sampling of some of the pieces that really caught my eye on LA Vintage’s website, aren’t their photos wonderfully redolent of those from the pages of a glossy fashion magazine?}


LA Vintage recently celebrated their first anniversary of being online (with roots stretching back to the early 90s), and I must say, they’ve built up a really great site in the span of just one year. I was tickled pink when LA Vintage offered me the chance to extend a $100.00 shopping spree to one of my readers, and really want to thank them for doing so!

Now, when I say “shopping spree”, what I mean is that the lucky winner will receive a coupon code from LA Vintage which will enable them to save $100.00 upon checkout. You do not have to purchase anything else or be a pre-existing customer. This coupon code is the online equivalent of a $100.00 gift certificate that you’re free to spend on whatever item(s) you’d like from this stylish site.

Today marks the first day of the giveaway, which is going run until 11:59pm on Sunday March 21, 2010. LA Vintage ships internationally, so I’m positively delighted to say that this contest is open to all of my readers worldwide. On March 22nd, I’ll randomly draw one lucky winner and announce that person’s name in a post. From there whoever wins will need to zip an email my way with their name and email address, which I will pass along to the folks at LA Vintage who will provide you with your coupon code so you can get start shopping! :)

I want you all to have as many chances as possible to win this great prize from LA Vintage, so there are five ways for you to earn as many as five entries in this giveaway.


-Post a comment below telling me your favourite item from LA Vintage’s site, or what kind of item you’d like to find there if you’re the lucky winner.

-Post about this giveaway, including a link back to this announcement post on Chronically Vintage, on your own blog, telling your readers about this contest (if you'd like to use the photo collage I created above, just right click on it to save it to your desktop). Once you’ve written about the giveaway, come back here and let me know you’ve done so by leaving a comment with a link back to your post.

-Spread the good word about this contest via Twitter. Leave a comment here letting me know you’ve done so (this is also a great way for us to follow each other on Twitter, if we’re not already doing so!)

-Add Chronically Vintage to your blog roll (or other area of your site/blog where you list some of your favourite blogs) – or let me know if you’re already doing so. Stop by to let me know in the comment section that CV’s on your blog roll, and you’ll gain another entry for the contest.

-Become (or let me know if you already are) a Google Follower of Chronically Vintage (see the right hand side bar to join). Again, be sure to jot down a comment letting me know you’ve done so.


Everybody is welcome to enter in however many of the five ways they wish, just be sure that you let me know about each entry in a separate comment, to better enhance your chances of winning (four comments for example, would give you four entries into the contest, thus four potential chances to win!). Please remember to post a separate comment for each entry!

I wish everyone who participates the absolute best of luck and thank you all in advance for taking part in this marvellous, vintage fashion filled blog giveaway!

Today’s Vintage Treasure: March 7, 2010

{Perhaps it’s the fact that the temperature here is sitting at a very pleasant (well at least when compared with the fiercely snowy days we had just a couple of weeks ago!) 10°(C), or the wonderful thought that before the month is up, spring will have sprung once again, whatever the case may be, my mind has already turned to thoughts of summer.

With such daydreams comes the reality that our little apartment sorely lacks air conditioning! Naturally this means that once the temps begin skyrocketing, we start flicking on the fans in a hurry. Whether you have (the luxurious joy of) AC or not, this strikingly lovely vintage industrial fan would look just as gorgeous as an objet d’art as it would as a means of beating the heat. This sturdy industrial tabletop fan is fully operational and can be had for $68.00 (US) – which is surely less than the cost of the all ice cream you’d have to eat to stay cold without it :D – from etsy seller Lucky Little Dot.}


How are your weekends going, my sweet dears? I have joyful news to let you in on a smidge in advance of the actual announcement post...tomorrow I’m going to be kicking off the start of a new (and if I may say so myself, absolutely awesome!) blog giveaway contest. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but I will give you a hint by mentioning that the prize relates to vintage fashion.

February was a bit of a touch month for me as I sought solace and time to sort my thoughts out during a mini blogcation, and a great many of you were there for me every step of the way, roviding me immensely helpful comments, caring words and excellent suggestions. For both that and all of the terrific comments you’ve left lately on various posts, I felt the least I could do was hold a new blog giveaway as a way of expressing my sincere thanks to all of you.

Wishing you each a blissful (Oscar night) evening and a week ahead that bursts with an abundance of sunshine and serenity!

Revamping the Daily Vintage Deal post (into Today's Vintage Treasure)

Beautiful Sunday greetings to one and all! While I’m afraid I wasn’t able to put together a “Saturday Snapshots” post yesterday (I must confess, I was sorely short on sleep after trudging my way through a sinus/throat cold this past week, so I used as much of Saturday as I possibly to catch up on some much needed sleep), I didn’t want to the entire weekend to slip by without adding a new post (I’ll try my best to ensure that a new line-up of vintage photos appears next Saturday – we’ve missed two editions back to back now, and are long overdue for another selection of inspiring images from the past).

Before I go any further though, sincere thanks are due to all those who have voted so far in (and commented on) Friday’s poll regarding whether to keep the current type of post I usually put up on Fridays, or if you’d rather see something new take its place. I’m going to keep the poll open until this coming Friday, at which time I’ll make my decision regarding what Friday’s new (or existing) theme will be (don’t you just love a little blog suspense? ;-D)

In the meantime however, I’d decided to slightly tweak a post (that despite its moniker doesn’t actually show up quite every single day – ok, truth be told, there hasn’t been an edition of this post in about a month, but that was partly due to my recent “blogcation”) that many of my readers may be familiar with called “The Daily Vintage Deal”.

In its place I’m going to try out a new post called “Today’s Vintage Treasure”. This post will be similar to the daily deal, but not strictly limited to bargain items (though, that said, as someone whose budget is tighter than a Victorian corset, I will always strive to ensure a healthy dose of stellar deals appear amongst the merchandise I feature on Chronically Vintage for those who also love a fantastic bargain).

So often in my online travels I come across amazing/gorgeous/rare/swoon-worthy items that I want to share with all of you, but I’m not able to squeeze them into the ebb and flow of my posts. While I’m sure there will still be great finds that go unwritten about, I hope that by expanding the scope of a short post about a lovely online discovery, I’ll be able to share a broader range of wonderful vintage items with you.

I settled on the title that I did as well because it gives me a bit more wiggle room in terms of how frequently I add such a post to Chronically Vintage. Ideally I’d love to bring you a treasure a day, but I know that won’t always be possible, so instead of locking myself into something I can’t keep up with, this post will let me share terrific finds with you whenever I’m able to do so.
On that note, and without further ado, allow me to present the first ever installment of “Today’s Vintage Treasure” to you.



{Just look at this vintage silk party frock, from the sublimely lovely – and perpetually timeless cut – to the cuter than cute pattern, which at first glance appears as though its comprised of polka dots, but is actually made up of dozen of tiny pumpkin hued sheep – everything about this playfully elegant dress is worthy of the word “treasure”. I’m sure people will be flocking (sorry, I’m a sucker for puns) to this beauty, which fits up to a 36” bust/29” waist, over at Fast Eddie’s Retro Rags where it’s selling for $180.00 (US).}


For the time being, aside from the “Daily Vintage Deal” and (possibly) “Five for Friday”, I don’t plan to alter any existing reoccurring posts. However, one other teeny little change I made to this blog over the weekend was to widen the centre part of its template. Instead of cramming everything into a narrow little alleyway of a space, I’ve extended the area where my posts appear, and simply can’t believe I didn’t do so earlier! At the risk of sounding biased, I think the wider layout looks wonderful – and it’s certainly easier to read posts on.

I don’t know if it’s the fact that the sun has once again leapt out to greet me today or that my cold is (albeit slowly) starting to lift (I can actually taste once more, hurrah!) – or simply the fact that there is so much joy and elegant serenity to be extract from a Sunday, but I feel chipper at the moment and hope the mood hangs on for a spell!

Likewise, darling friends, I wish each of you a day that rich in happiness paired with lashings of whatever makes your heart smile.

Vintage Deal of the Day: December 15, 2009

{I almost couldn’t wait for midnight to roll around so that I could post the terrific vintage deal that I just discovered a few minutes ago (I was so eager to share it, I contemplated doing two “Darling Deals” in one day, but then saw how close we were to Tuesday and held off on that idea), as it’s not every day that one finds an absolutely adorable 1950s novelty print dress in a larger size at a great price. Though the weather may be a little too nippy to wear this charming frock this month (well, outdoors at least!), it would be such a fun piece to sport come spring and summer (or right now, if you’re lucky enough to live in a climate that’s warm all year round – or if you’re situated south of the equator). This short sleeved dress features a really lovely print of blue, white and red flower blossoms set atop a sky blue and white checkerboard background, complete with a matching belt; it fits up to a 42 inch bust and a 36 inch waist, and is available for $25.00 (US) from etsy seller Cherry Frocks. I adore 40s and 50s novelty print garments so much and envy the lucky gal who takes this wonderful dress home with her!}


Thank you very much for your immensely kind well wishes yesterday, everyone. I’m feeling a bit better (less “brain fog” at the moment, which is a big plus), and hope to have the second edition of Chronically Vintage’s gift guide out the door either today or Wednesday at the latest (all things willing). I have a number of gift guides that I want to write before the 25th rolls around, but even if I don’t get to all of them this year, I’m not worried, I’ll just tuck away the unused ideas for next holiday season :)

Wishing you each a splendid and serene Tuesday! (And an immensely happy last ten days until Christmas!)

Vintage Deal of the Day: December 14, 2009

{This edition of the Daily Deal may constitute the oldest item I’ve posted to date here on Chronically Vintage, but the moment I spied this delightful antique catalog, I knew I had to share it with all of you (especially since I know that, like myself, many of you are fan of vintage and antique ephemera). Hailing from 1893-94, this copy of the Bloomingdales Christmas catalog has seen well over 100 holiday seasons, yet is still with us today. Though the front and back covers are showing their ware a bit, for all intents and purposes it appears that both they and the inside pages (which the seller has numerous photos of on the auction page) have held up quite well considering their venerable age. Rich in a true trove of historical information, this lovely 49 page catalog is at the current bidding price of $9.99 (US) on eBay. The listing is on for a little over one more day, and is being offered by eBay seller circa.maine, who will ship this catalog worldwide, should those outside of the US be interested in tossing their bid into the ring, too. Best of luck to anyone who tries their hand at winning this gorgeous vintage catalogue, I’m sure it is a true treasure to behold!}


Happy Monday greetings, everyone! I hope that that you all had a marvelous weekend and are enjoying the countdown as each day catapults us closer to Christmas.

My weekend started off on a good note, I was able to get to a few of the many emails (seriously, I have tons, I tell you! ;D) in my inbox that were most pressing and enjoyed a fairly leisurely Saturday at home. As night rolled in however I began to feel ill and as a result ended up pretty much sleeping through all of Sunday as my body attempted to heal. Today my brain feels far from its sharpest, but physically I am doing a little better. No bother though, nothing can dampen my festive spirit or my happiness surrounding the fact it’s warmed up a tad here over the past couple of days (we’re actually sitting at a whopping zero Celsius right now!).

I thank each of you for the wonderful comments you’ve left on my most recent posts, and assure you that, as always, I will gleefully swing by your own fantastic sites just as soon as I can!

Wishing you all a splendid week ahead and ongoing festive cheer of the highest calibre!

Vintage Deal of the Day: December 7, 2009

{It’s nearly impossible to look at this magnificently cute vintage figurine of Rudolph and not let out an “awwwww” sound! Manufactured by Napcoware and made in Japan, this darling Christmas reindeer has held up wonderfully well over the decades and still sports very vibrant paint. Measuring in at 3.5 inches high by 2 inches wide, Rudolph can help shine his nose so bright on your holiday decor if you fly over to etsy seller Elan Vital Anthology’s shop, where he’s retailing for (the marked down price of) $17.00 (US).}


Good morning, sweet dears, how are you each as we head into this brand new week? What sorts of activities have got you hopping these festive days? On this end things are well, though as the holiday season trudges onward, like most of us, I find myself getting busier and busier with each passing moment! One second it was Friday and then poof, here it is Monday already, and in between I’ve scarcely had a moment to catch my breath – let alone catch up on last week’s comments (and visiting your marvelous blogs), but hopefully I’ll have more time to do so as this week progresses.

Many heartfelt thanks to one and all for your visits and fantastic comments, they truly mean so much to me. I hope that today, and all through the week, you’re life is filled with the merriment and joy of this beautiful season.

Vintage Deal of the Day: December 4, 2009

{“Frosty the Snowman was a jolly happy soul, with a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal.” Share one of the most beloved of twentieth century holiday tales (and Christmas carols) with the youngsters in your life, or relive this classic story for yourself, with this immensely charming 1951 Little Golden Book copy of Frosty the Snowman. This title can be yours for $5.00 (US) from Old Kitty - hurry though, much like enchanted snowmen, great deals on etsy have a knack for disappearing in the blink of an eye! ;D}


Absolutely gigantic thanks to everyone for your fantastic comments on Wednesday’s Seven Stunning Vintage Holiday Outfits post. It was an utter joy to put that piece together, gathering images and ideas for the seven different looks from across the web like a virtual stylist-slash-personal shopper. Not only was it one of my very favourite posts to date on this blog, but also one of the largest and most image bedecked. I had a thrill writing it and am even more elated to know that so many of you enjoyed it! Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback, everyone!

I realize that today is Friday (nearly Saturday at this point), and I just wanted to apologize for not getting to my usual “Five for Friday” post this week. I just wasn’t able to get one up today, and am very sorry about that. However, all things willing, I do sincerely plan to have a new edition of Saturday Snapshots this weekend, and in the coming days I’m going to begin putting up articles for my 2009 vintage holiday gift guide (which I'm sure will be a blast to write, too!).

Thank you again, everyone, for your marvelous comments! I will be stopping by to visit your lovely blogs over the next couple of days, and wish you each a truly magical and fun filled weekend!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 30, 2009

{Whether you prefer to sing along with your favourite holiday records in the living room or take to the streets and spread cheer by caroling, this wonderful 80 page, soft cover book of classic Christmas songs is sure to be a delightful musical treasure and wonderful addition to collection of holiday keepsakes. 1930s “The Christmas Carolers Book in Song and Story”, which features lyrics, sheet music and illustrated background information on numerous timeless Christmas carols, can be had for a song ($8.95 US, to be exact) from etsy seller Grandmother’s Attic.}


Can you believe we’re on the last day of November already? Yikes, where did the past month zip off to? Wherever it skedaddled to, what’s certain is that the holiday season is really starting to come out in full force. I love the merriment and festivities, the beautiful spirit and timeless messages that fill December, and to that extent plan to make the bulk of the Daily Deal posts in the coming weeks Christmas and winter holiday season centred. There are scores of vintage deals to be had on holiday pieces, and what better time to showcase such bargains than right now?

Wishing you each a glorious and gorgeous month of December!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 28, 2009

{If I’m not meandering through the endless pages of etsy, I’m probably checking out the ever-changing selection of items on eBay (sound familiar? ;D). One of my neatest finds this week was a vintage full felt skirt in a chipper bright green hue covered with various Christmas motifs. Though this wonderful skirt, which fits up to a size 33.5 inch waist, does have a few small marks on it (why not cover them with more appliqués?), it’s still entirely wearable and absolutely adorable! This festive piece is being offered by eBay seller madamenllie (who will ship internationally), its auction is on for about three more days, and the current price is $6.95 (US).}


Thank you so much to everyone who has entered (and blogged about) Chronically Vintage’s Jessie Willcox Smith art print giveaway, the response to this contest has been amazing!

If you haven’t posted a comment yet for your chance to win, fear not, this giveaway is open until 11:59 (EST) Monday night (the 30th). If you’d like to possibly win a beautiful set of eight vintage prints strung on elegant ribbons, please be sure you enter the giveaway before it’s too late! One lucky winner will be drawn on Monday and announced in a blog post that very same day.

Wishing all of you the best of luck with the giveaway, and a splendidly fun Saturday!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 25, 2009

{Will Santa still believe you’ve been good all year if you hang this alluring stocking off the fireplace mantle or foot of the bed? Of course he will, for Santa knows all vintage loving gals are sweeter than sugar right to their cores! :D With just one month left until Christmas Day, it’s high time to start decking the halls (and the living room, and kitchen, and bedrooms, and – every spot in your abode!), and what more enjoyable way to incorporate a shot of vintage cheer into your festive decor than with an adorable pin-up girl Christmas stocking? Three different patterns of fabric featuring sultry lasses (such as the blonde bombshell pictured above) are available for $15.00 (US) a piece from etsy Deluxe Junque.}


Before Christmas arrives however, my wonderful US friends and visitors have Thanksgiving Day to look forward to tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart I wish all those who are gathering to give thanks, share in a beautiful meal, and honour the splendor of the autumnal harvest on Thursday, the utmost of joy and serenity as you celebrate this meaningful day.

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 24, 2009

{Add an elegant and delicate hint of sparkle to any holiday ensemble with this delightfully lovely little pair of clip-on snowflake earrings. Their gold tone and subtle red and green rhinestone detailing are sure to make the perfect addition to your festive jewelry box. If you’ve melted over these beauties (which would also work so prettily as brooches or hair clips), whirl your way over to etsy seller Ava Firenze, where these 1950s earrings can become yours for $14.00 (US).}


Good morning, sweet dears! I want to extend a very warm, heartfelt thanks to those who stopped by to wish me a joyful “Stellaversary” yesterday. Reading your own touching stories about your believe pets and about how much you also adore animals brought tears of happiness to my eyes. There is no denying what a profound and wonderful impact a pet (or pets) can have on a person’s life, and I love knowing that many of you have also been deeply touched by your furry (or feathered – or finned) friends. Thank you again so much (from both Stella and I) for helping to make my happy celebration even more joyful and memorable!

On this Tuesday morn, which marks one month until Christmas Eve, I hope that you’re all doing splendidly, and that as we head full on into the holiday season, you each have a truly amazing remainder of 2009!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 18, 2009

{Keep the warm weather picnic vibe going strong on even the most blustery and freezing of winter days, with this darling hand painted, woven wooden purse from the 1950s. Featuring buildings from the Cincinnati, Ohio area this whimsical, fun handbag would look adorable paired with everything from high waisted vintage trousers to full skirted day dresses; you can bag this adorable 9 inch high by 6 inch wide little carry-all for just $25.00 (US) from etsy seller Maybel 57t.}

Hi my sweet dears, how are you each on this fine Wednesday? I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has entered (and written blog entries) about Chronically Vintage’s Jessie Willcox Smith vintage artwork giveaway. You guys are absolutely amazing, your enthusiasm regarding this contest has brought such happiness my way.

The past couple of days have been immensely busy for me (in a good way though, with the high point definitely going to Tuesday night when my husband and I went to see a live theater performance of The Sound of Music. It was strikingly wonderful and I plan to blog about the experience in the not too distant future), and I’m just now getting a chance to read through your wonderful comments. This giveaway is going to run until November 31st, so if you haven’t entered yet, don’t worry you’ve still got plenty of time to do so.

Tonight and over the next few days I’m going to try my best to catch up on all of the comments that have been left on my last few entries, while also putting together some lovely posts for the second half of this week.

Thank you again so much for your entries and comments, everybody! I hope that you’re each doing wonderfully and having a beautiful week!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 13, 2009

{Everyone needs some new togs to help see them through the holiday party and get-together season, and what better place to turn than to than vintage pieces for your festive winter garb? The moment I saw this beautiful, cheery chiffon turquoise and white frock I thought it would just the thing for one lucky gal to wear to anything from an intimate cocktail party (New Years perhaps?) to a huge company bash. This 1950s turquoise and white dress fits a 29/30” inch waist and a 36/38” waist, and can be found amongst the lovely offerings in etsy seller Vanity’s shop for $45.00 (US).}


With the Friday minutes away from wrapping up, I think I can safely report that nothing else even slightly out of the norm took place this 13th. I’m not superstitious in the least, I just think there’s something kind of fun (and a little suspenseful) about waiting to see if anything bizarre does befall you or not when the thirteenth of the month occurs on the fifth day of the week.

Thank you so much for your visits and beautiful comments this week, sweet dears. Every one of them means a great deal to me. Wishing you each an absolutely marvelous weekend ahead!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 12, 2009

{You know, I adore sending out Christmas cards – actually I love sending out cards for any holiday, special event or just to say hello to a person I hold dear. I’ve already drafted my 2009 winter holiday mailing list, but before I finalize it for certain, I want to track down my cards for this year. While searching I came across these delightfully chic vintage inspired cards from Fred Flare, which are part of a set of three different designs that seem to telegraph the wonderful style of illustration that often peppers cookbooks, magazines and just about all manner of publications during the late 50s and early 60s. If these festive cards are calling your name, bop on by Fred Flare and pick up a package of nine cards (three of each design) for $14.00 (US) – according to the site “5% of the sale price of the cards will benefit causes like the Best Friends Animal Society and the Arbor Day Foundation”, how fantastic is that?}


Have you begun thinking about your holiday card list yet, or do you prefer to wait until the Thanksgiving dishes have been cleared away before even contemplating anything to do with Christmas? Have you found your cards for this year, or are you on the prowl for an affordable, adorable set of winter stationery at the moment, too?

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 9, 2009

{While the gentle pastel hues of these wonderful vintage cocktail forks may call to mind thoughts of Easter or spring garden parties, their diminutive size, cheerful colours and double prong tines can’t help but make me that they would look too fabulous for words as serving pieces throughout the upcoming winter holiday season. If you’ve like serve your guests (and yourself) with this delightful plastic and stainless steel cutlery set all you have to do is fork over $14.00 (US) to etsy seller Mr. Filthy Rotten.}


Phew! Talk about a busy day on this end; there’s some (mandatory) work being done in our building this week (and again at the end of the month/start of November) that requires us to box up a lot of stuff, vacate the premise and board precious Stella for the day (to avoid harsh chemical inhalation) tomorrow. My pint sized dining room now looks as though I’m in the throes of packing up to move, but thankfully such is not the case, and by Wednesday we should be able to set things back in order.

A huge thanks to everyone who commented on the most recent edition of Saturday Snapshots! Your enthusiasm for that post has made it one of the most popular weekend photo roundup pieces to date. (I always adore and appreciate your visits, and will reply to your comments and visit your enchanting blogs as soon as I can, sweet dears.)

I hope that each of your weeks is off to marvelous – and hopefully less labour intensive start!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 7, 2009

{Mail off a delightfully pretty hello note to a dear friend or loved one with a postcard from this elegant set, complete with its own charming metal tin, of 18 cards (three each of six designs) featuring Victorian inspired images of birds and flowers. What could be more pleasant, especially as the chilly “indoor” weather sets in, than spending a few moments now and then to correspond the old fashioned way with someone near and dear to you via one of these gorgeous cards? Set of 18 “Birds & Blooms Pink Postcard Tin” set currently on sale for $12.80 (US), from Plasticland.}


Like most of us, I have my very favourite – call them “tried and true” – vintage sources that I turn to time and time again, both for use in my posts and for my own personal collection, of which etsy is most definitely one such site. A number of my “Daily Deals” posts have featured etsy pieces, and I have no doubt that oodles of future ones will as well (etsy is, after all, entirely fabulous!), but I’d like to feature items in my “bargain finds” posts from an assortment of other sources as well.

The wonderful postcards above hail from Plasticland.com, a site that never cease to put my will power into overdrive, as I cruise its pages resisting the urge at every turn to order a little something for myself. In general Plasticland’s prices are fairly reasonable and their sale section can really be a good place to score a deal (the same is true of ModCloth.com).

I’m curious though as to what some of your favourite online sources for a stellar bargain are? No matter how large or small the site, if you think it’s a great place to score a deal on a vintage (or vintage looking) piece, I’d love to hear about it!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 4, 2009

{Everything old is new again! This refined yet playfully fun cropped, double breasted jacket looks as though it could have come from the front windows of a dozen trendy clothing stores this season, yet hails back to the golden years of the fifties. Fitting up to a 37 inch bust and a 31 inch waist, this versatile topper would look marvelous over everything from high-waisted pencil skirts to wiggle dresses, and would likely see you through many more autumns to come. 1950s cropped ladies jacket, $34.00 (US), from etsy seller Second Wind Vintage.}


Isn’t it wonderful how trends so often work in circles? Sure there are scads of styles I hope never see the light of day again (sadly most of them – like acid wash jeans and mammoth shoulder pads – already have), but there are others that I would jump through hoops to have return. I keep holding out hope that among about a million other pieces, full skirts, saddle shoes, and beautiful jumper dresses (also with full or dirndl style skirts) will swing back into vogue, but I’m not holding my breath.

Fashion seems to have much more of a love affair with the 80s right now than with the 40s or 50s. Still it’s fun to daydream about suddenly being able to find affordable, well constructed modern versions of our favourite vintage styles. What sort of pieces from yesteryear would you love see reappear and become readily available once more?