Ten mid-spring perfect vintage fashions from Better Dresses Vintage

So long as you don't mind a few rain showers and the occasional storm, both of which can be quite endearing unto themselves (especially if you're not caught outside without the proper gear on during them), mid-spring is rather fantastic time. In fact, I'd argue that it's many people's favourite time of the year, whether they're aware of it or not. Most of us dislike, understandably, extreme hot or bone chilling cold (or both), and are prone to remarking that we wish it could be somewhere around a balmy 20C/70F or so all year round.

Sadly, there's just about no place on earth where such is possible, but most of us, even if this period is exceedingly short-lived, do get to experience this nirvana like middle ground of temperates between mid-April and early June. These are days when a cardigan is still optional, but rarely an absolute necessity. Where gardens are powerfully alive and beautiful, not yet having been baked like a potato during the sweltering weeks of late June, July and August. We seek grassy fields to picnic in, take our first tentative dips (if only with our little toe!) into lakes, rivers and oceans, stock up on a slew of fresh produce, and are often in a generally upbeat and revitalized mood.

For most (in the Northern Hemisphere), the heavy tweeds, woolens, corduroys, and velvets of winter have packaged away, sometimes with a smirk of glee on one's face as we do so. For at long (long!) last, spring has not just returned, but we've hit its sweet, magnificent middle ground, that - much to Goldilocks’ delight - is neither too warm, nor too cold.

A similar window, sometimes briefer still, will appear again come fall, but that's the better part of half a year away and often it isn't quite as glowingly toasty as mid-spring, which is racing head first towards sizzling hot days, not leaving them behind in its wake.

One has a vast array of options at their disposal on the fashion front at the moment and for the next few weeks. We can often still slip on (not-too-heavy) tights, if desired, but by the same token, are shining up our sandals and dusting off our straw hats. It's a marvelous time of the year for vintage fashionistas from coast to coast, who are reconnecting with their beloved sundresses, lightweight circle skirts, bathing suits, gauzy blouses, playsuits, crop/bralette tops, capris, and shorts, most (if not all) of which have been in hibernation for several months now.

Often we find, as we take stock of our mid-spring wardrobe, that we're lacking in a few pieces. They may have bit the dust last year, been absent for some time now, be a need that has arisen lately, or simply a garment or accessory we didn't previously feel pulled towards, but now adore. Whatever the case, it's immensely fun to go shopping for mid and late spring (right on into summer) pieces and to perk up our closets with some snazzy threads the way that Mother Nature is hard at work reviving the world outside at the moment.

To that end, I thought that today, the last Monday in April, would be an ideal time to share ten mid-spring perfect vintage fashions with all of you from one of Chronically Vintage's latest blog sponsors, US based online vintage clothing and accessories shop Better Dresses Vintage.

With a name that takes its inspiration from the "better dresses" section that many leading departments stores once had, where the very cream of the crop was displayed for customers to swoon over and try on, Better Dresses Vintage follows suite by providing their customers with a terrific array of yesteryear fashions that have all been handpicked, well described, and put up for sale online by the shop's founder and owner, Liza.

Like a lot of the best vintage sellers out there, Liza launched her online after many years of wearing and collecting vintage herself, which means that she has a thorough knowledge not only what she's selling, but what her customers are most likely to flock to. Interestingly, and rather wonderfully, Better Dresses Vintage also buys vintage and those who are interested in possibly selling to this site are encouraged to email Liza anytime.

Better Dresses Vintage's site is engaging, easy to navigate, well laid out and just plain fun. On top of their stellar listings, I really enjoyed checking out their customer photo gallery or buyers who are sporting items they've purchased from BDV, as well as their lovely page teaming with positive testimonials from past buyers.

It was tricky to cap my selection of mid-springtime fashions from Better Dresses Vintage at just ten, as there were so many beautiful, easy to wear pieces up there at the moment that fit that bill, but in the end I did and the selection below highlights those that caught my eye the very most and which I'm sure many of you will adore as well.

{Gloriously sweet and lovely as a springtime field bursting with tiny wild blooms, this elegant 1950s purple floral print dress, which features a light purple hued tulle overskirt, would make for an awesome Mother's Day dress (or gift), not to mention the perfect thing to wear to a garden party, wedding, or countless other warm weather events. Fits up to a 36" bust/26" waist. $85.00 }




{Carry the spirit of a spring garden with you wherever you go when sporting this charmingly pretty vintage enamel flower basket brooch. 1 1/8" by 1" high. $30.00.}




{Though colour palette at work on this sophisticated 1930s/40s floral print rayon dress may call to mind autumn and winter more than our current season, its short sleeves, super lightweight (somewhat sheer) material, and inclusion of blue and yellow blooms helps ground it solidly in spring. Fits up a 39" bust, 34" waist. $70.00.}




{Instantly redolent of this season's bright blue skies and fresh new green grass, these sweetly fun 1950s Miriam Haskell glass bead earrings would be a cinch to partner with everything from denim peddle pushers to your favourite cool toned sundress. Earrings measure 1.25" in diameter. $42.00.}




{What would springtime be without a few rainbows? Certainly not the same in my books, which is why I often find myself drawn towards sporting clothing and accessories like this marvelous 1950s pastel rainbow dress that convey the same glorious beauty as the real deal all season long (and right on until fall starts). Fits up to a 38" bust/27" waist. $95.00.}




{Give your cold weather black, brown and navy blue footwear a well deserved breather and slip into these chic 1950s cream Caprini stiletto heels instead. Fits a vintage size 9AAA foot. $50.00 (which includes the shoebox shown here that they were found in).}




{When those grey springtime days that feel as though the rain will continue to fall for a month (and sometimes, it very nearly does just that!) strike and the temps are touch nippy once again, reach for this vibrant coral 1960s wool cable knit sweater to stay both warm and and in a chipper mood thanks to its punchy hue. Fits up to a 39" bust/32" waist. $65.00. }




{Look no further for your ideal, goes with a myriad of outfits, endlessly elegant vintage springtime topper than this beautiful 1940s/50s cream lace platter style hat, which could very easily work for a bride, mother of the bride, or wedding guest chapeau, if so desired. Inner diameter of 12" inches. $50.00.}




{Just as rainbows and spring go hand-in-hand, so too do butterflies and the second season of the year, which usually sees their return to gardens, backyards and meadows near and far alike. If, like me, you're a fan of sporting butterflies on your clothing, you'll flip for this sweetly pretty green, blue and white 1950s sundress featuring a swarm of the wee darlings. Fits up to a 33" bust/26" waist. $75.00.}




{Just because winter is behind us again, that doesn't mean you need to wave goodbye to all your suits for the next few months. Quite the contrary actually, when you opt for lighter weight versions in soft, feminine shades like the positively gorgeous lilac purple shade that this sophisticated 1940s/50s skirt suit boasts. Jacket fits up to a 38" bust/30" waist, skirt fits up to a 29" waist/38" hips. $105.00.}

♥ ♥ ♥

Don't you wish you could wave a magic wand and have all of these breezy, sweet, totally fun vintage spring fashions fall right into your closet this very moment? That might not be possible, but thankfully you can certainly buy any of these vintage treasures that your heart desires and help perk up your mid-spring right on into summer wardrobe with the help of Better Vintage Dresses.

This site also has a companion etsy shop called Bee Dee Vintage, where all listings (which are not the same ones that appear on BVD's main site) are geared towards the especially budget friendly side of the price spectrum, coming in at $100 or less.

Just as with Better Dresses Vintage itself, this etsy shop is teaming with wonderful yesteryear pieces that would be perfect for this time of the year, such as the four stop-you-in-your-tracks gems pictured below (I'm also especially smitten with this beguilingly pretty lemon and lime hued Lord and Taylor 1940s/50 strapless party dress, which I would wear in a heartbeat if only it was my size).



{From top left to bottom right: Plus size 1950s light blue short sleeved dress, 1950s light pink cotton voile and lace blouse, Peachy-pink 1950s woven handbag, 1980s does 1950s floral print short sleeved dress.}


It is a joy to be working with Better Vintage Dresses this spring and today's post is just the first of two that will shine the well deserved spotlight on this terrific online vintage seller. Keep a look out for a second in a few weeks which will feature yours truly sporting a gorgeous 1950s garment from BVD.

Likewise, it is also fantastic to share today's selection of mid-springtime fashions with all of you. I'm gleeful about the fact that I can finally don pieces like this again without risking frostbite, nor, conversely, melting faster than a crayon left on the tarmac in July. These days are warm, wonderful and so immensely lovely and without a doubt one of the best ways to celebrate them is by treating yourself to some new vintage fashions, such as the beauties highlighted here today from Better Dresses Vintage.

Happy mid-springtime wishes - and shopping - everyone!

One of my best tips for a successful online vintage hunt

My darling little grey tabby cat Stella (who you may remember from such posts as this and this) has many, many nicknames including (but in no way limited to) Meowers, Ms/Miss Kitteh, Stellina, Fuzzballa, and Huntress S. Thompson. This later name however is one that I lent her, having on occasion used it myself throughout my life (perpetual Hunter S. Thompson fan that I am).

When I reflect upon the amount of online tracking, prowling, and searching that I do however, it strikes me that I might as well get this title tattooed somewhere on my body, because I am a board certified vintage hunter. Always have been, always will be. I like to think that it's something in my blood.

In this regard, I know that I am by no means alone. Many of you also devote an inordinate amount of time to prowling the interwebs for vintage treasures, your etsy faves and eBay wish lists growing larger and larger with each passing evening of hunting that you embark on.

Sometimes one sets out on a quest and finds their intended item in a matter of minutes, other times we must lie in patient wait for an auction to wrap up, or an item to drop in price. Sometimes a certain piece eludes us for weeks, months or even years. Perhaps we encounter it, but in the wrong size, colour, price range, condition, or other state of falling short of hitting the mark it will take to get us to plonk down our hard earned dollars.

It can be frustrating to search for something time and time again, only to walk away empty handed. Unless perhaps you have enough money to give Bill Gates a loan, it's unlikely that you'll ever be able to find (and afford) exactly what you want each time you search for it, but that doesn't mean you need to toss in the towel either. Not by a long shot.

And so it struck me the other night that it was high time I shared one of my very favourite tips for a successful online vintage hunt with all of you: Widen your keyword search.

While some ebay and etsy listers (and other online vintage sellers) do an excellent job of keywording their listings, the same can not be said for everyone. I have lucked out and found listings before that were exactly what I was looking for, but which were so incredibly poorly titled, described, or keyworded that I'm still in a state of awe over the fact that I encountered them in the first place.

On other occasions, here I was in my cozy corner of Canada looking for an item and yielding squat in the way of results, until I turned to British/Australian terms for certain words (for example, what we call a vest the Brits commonly refer to as a waistcoat).

In both of these cases, the thing that saved the day was thinking beyond the standard keywords that might apply to whatever it is you're looking for. In doing so, keep in mind that while you might be able to write a five page description of a certain item, not everyone out there is a.) a skilled wordsmith, or b.) necessarily that knowledgeable about what it is they're selling (think for example about the title description or keywords a middle aged man with nothing beyond a general knowledge of women's wear who is trying to sell his late mother's 1950s wardrobe might use on eBay vs the same garments being listed by someone with 25 years of vintage clothes selling experience).

For nearly everything that you might be looking for, there is likely more than one way of describing it, and so a complete list of examples and their respective synonyms is obviously beyond the scope of one post.

That said, here are some common clothing search terms and their respective related words that I've used (often quite successfully) to track down a given item that I was looking for (whether it was to become a member of my closet or get used as part of a blog post).

Apron = pinafore, pinny, smock.

Backpack = bag, packsack, rucksack, sack, satchel, school bag.

Bathing suit = bathing costume, bikini, one-piece, swimming costume, swimsuit, two-piece.

Blouse = button-up shirt, secretary shirt, shirt, top.

Bobby pin = hair clip, hair grip, hair pins, grip, kirby grip, pin.

Boots = galoshes, rain boots, shoes, snow boots, wellies, Wellingtons.

Bra = brassiere, lingerie, support garment, undergarment.

Brooch = pin.

Capri pants: capris, clam diggers, crop pants, long shorts, pedal pushers.

Cardigan = button-up sweater, cardi, jumper, knit top, shirt, sweater, top, twinset.

Coat = cape, fleece, jacket, overcoat, raincoat, topcoat, topper.

Dress = frock, gown, pinafore, sundress.

Garter = belt, garter belt, suspenders.

Girdle = foundation garment, lingerie, support underwear.

Hat = beret, cap, chapeau, fedora, pillbox, topper.

Jeans = blue jeans, denims, dungarees, Levis, pants.

Jumper (style of dress) = apron dress, pinafore.

Overalls = boilersuit, coveralls, dungarees, over alls (two words).

Pants = jeans, leggings, slacks, trousers.

Pumps = court shoes, heels, high heels, shoes.

Purse = bag, handbag, pocketbook, pouch.

Rain coat = mac, Macintosh, rain jacket, slicker, spring coat, trench, trench coat.

Robe = bathrobe, bed jacket, dressing gown, housecoat.

Running shoes = gym shoes, plimsolls, sneakers, sneaks, tennis shoes, trainers, training shoes.

Sandals = beach shoes, flip-flops, strappy heels, strappy shoes, summer shoes.

Shawl = pashmina, scarf, wrap.

Shoelace = bootlace, lace, laces, shoestring.

Skirt = a-line skirt, circle skirt, full skirt, pencil skirt, poodle skirt, wrap skirt, wiggle skirt.

Sports jacket = blazer, hacking jacket, jacket, sportcoat, sports coat, sports jacket.

Stockings = hose, nylons, pantyhose, thigh highs, tights.

Stole = cape, capelet, cloak, evening wrap, fur, mantle, scarf, wrap.

Suspenders = braces.

Sweater = cardigan, jersey, jumper, pullover.

Tank top/undershirt = camisole, slipover, vest (the second two are UK words for tank top).

T-shirt = shirt, tee, tee-shirt, undershirt.

Umbrella = bumbershoot, brolly, gamp, parapluie, parasol, rainshade, sunshade.

Underwear = knickers, lingerie, panties, pants, shorts, skivvies, undergarments, underpants, undies.

Vest = waistcoat.

Vintage = antique, atomic (as in atomic era), classic, mid-century, old, old-fashioned, retro.

{If at first you don't succeed with your initial online vintage hunt, done your favourite Sherlock Holmes inspired ensemble and keep plugging away at trying a diverse range of s search terms. With a bit of creative thinking, chances are you're bound to eventually unearth that treasure you've been so eagerly seeking. Image via Sherlock Holmes Wiki.}

When prowling around online for vintage items (clothing or otherwise), it genuinely does not hurt to keep a thesaurus at the ready, and to constantly keep an eye out for unique ways in which you may see people describe certain items.

When you hit upon a successful less common term, write it down or try to file it away in your memory for future use. If it's a term you plan on using again, consider setting en eBay saved search for that/those keyword(s) so that you can be notified via email if/when other items matching that description are listed.

Think outside the box when it comes to your search terms. If you can dream up of a possible synonym for a given word, chances are someone else has had the same thought, too - and who knows, perhaps they used that term to describe the very item that's been dodging you for ages.

And lastly, when it comes to colours, the sky is the limit! What one person calls red, another might opt for tomato, cherry, strawberry, garnet, ruby, scarlet, beet, crimson, vermillion, rose, cranberry, watermelon, rust, carmine, burgundy, maroon, brick, raspberry, or wine - to name but a handful. Each of these words is a potential way that you might be able to track down that red 1940s swing dress you've been yearning to find for ages now.

A good chunk of the fun of any hunt is the very act of searching, but if it starts feeling like a chore or you routinely walk away empty handed - or if you just want to increase your odds of finding the right piece (hopefully at the right price!) - be sure to widen your search keywords. It's an approach that's served me - and my closet - really well over the years.

Introducing The Vintage Shopping Bazaar

Like many of us, in the course of my online travels I encounter a seemingly endless plethora of vintage and vintage inspired items that I’d like to post about. At the best times, of many such finds make their way into blog entries, while other may be stored for future use or eventually forgotten (or morphed into daydreams, if the item is one you’d love to own yourself).

Over the course of Chronically Vintage’s life, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing many of my favourite finds with you. At times I’ve had a "daily" post featuring one extra cool find that caught my eye (I use the word daily loosely, as said posts weren’t always actually added each and every day, but rather dispersed between other blog entries), and while this is something I hope to continue when I’m able to get back into blogging more regularly, for the time being (as I’m simply not blogging anywhere as much as I generally have throughout this site’s life), I thought I’d introduce a new (reoccurring) post to share some fabulous vintage finds with you.

As anyone who spends much time shopping (or scouring for items as sources of vintage inspiration and blog post material) knows, things that are for sale online rarely stick around for months or years at a time. Retailers and smaller scale sellers alike constantly remove older listings to ensure that new items are available for their customers. While product turnover is a great in many respects, for bloggers it can mean that you have a short window of time in which to feature a product that is still available for sale (from the source you discovered it from) on your own site.

Many-a-time I’ve spied an item, bookmarked it for later, and when my mind thought of it again, half a year or more had passed and the item was no longer for sale (tell me this doesn’t sound familiar to you as well?). While it’s probably not realist to blog about every item that captures your attention (especially if you’re the sole blogger on a site that isn’t strictly devoted to highlighting products), at the same time it can be a little sad to see great finds go unmentioned.

To that extent I recently came up with the idea of putting together a (reoccurring) post by the name of The Vintage Shopping Bazaar, which will lasso a bunch of items that I’ve found in my online travels (but which haven’t appeared in previous posts) that I don’t want to miss out on sharing with all of you.

The inspiration behind the name for this new type of post came about from the fact that shopping bazaars are usually marketplaces that swirl with troves of different types of items. One stall might have bolts of fine silk, another handcrafted jewelry, a third mountains of fragrant spices. Such destinations are fascinating mixtures of all manner of goods, that while often quite different from one another, all work in tandem to create the unique shopping experience that comes from visiting the modern shopping mall’s predecessors, a bazaar.

There really won’t be much in the way of rules to such posts. They’ll appear from time-to-time, be comprised of an eclectic hodge-podge of lovely items that I’ve found recently, and will be a spot in which to share some of the online treasures that have been fuelling my vintage inspiration fire lately – and which I hope will delight and inspire you as well.

On that very note, let me welcome you to inaugural edition of The Vintage Shopping Bazaar (please note that all prices are in American dollars unless otherwise specified). I really hope you have fun browsing and daydreaming!


♥ ♥ ♥


{Steal the show with your radiant vintage elegance when you sport this stunning 1950s inspired, 100% cotton sharkskin frock – complete with flattering boned bodice – which can be worn either as a strapless or halter neck dress. “Classic 1950s Sheath” dress, fits a 39-40 inch bust/29-31 inch waist (size alterations are available upon request for an additional charge), $225.00, from Whirlingturban.}



{Though they may first call to mind thoughts of distinguished gentlemen from a bygone era, when seen dangling from a delicate tarnished gold hued necklace, there is something deeply beautifully and entirely feminine about pocket watches such as the one used as a pendant on this old fashioned feeling, elegant piece. “Watch as Time Goes By” necklace (with a 27 inch chain and functional watch that simply needs winding first to work), $29.99, from ModCloth.com.}



{Natural shades paired with timelessly smoky hues are forever in style, and this beautiful collection of gentle eye shadow colours would make the perfect base upon which to build your favourite vintage make-up looks (dip your applicator or brush into a little water and then one of the darker shades and, poof, instant eyeliner for the perfect 1950s cats eye!). Too Faced “Naked Eye Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection” pallet featuring nine essential matte neutrals and soft shimmer eye shadows, $34.00, from Sephora.com.}



{A cheerful riot of colours come together harmoniously in this delightfully fun, entirely summery pair of plaid peep toe, ankle strap heels, which would partner so nicely with a trove of different vintage warm weather styles (think everything from sailor shorts to flowing sundresses). “Color Theory” stiletto heels, available in ladies sizes 6 to 10 (some half sizes are available), $34.00 per pair, from ModCloth.com.}



{This hot-off-the-press book (it was just released this month!) caught my eye while it was still in pre-release and is now firmly planted on my reading wish list. Chalked full of information on the time-honoured art of sewing (from the history of the sewing machine to highlighting modern fabric pattern designers like Amy Butler) and boasting 25 vintage inspired projects, this title looks like a must-own for anyone with an interest in vintage fashion, sewing or twentieth century costume history. Sew Retro: 25 Vintage-Inspired Project for the Modern Girl & A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution, written by Judi Ketteler, $16.49 from Amazon.com.}



{Looking as though it could have been plucked right off one of the walls at Sterling Cooper, this fantastically retro inspired, white frosted glass clock would look sensational in your own office – or any room for that matter. 13.8 inch square “Jazzy” clock, $48.00, from Chiasso.}



{A novel idea if ever there was one, this sophisticated tin looks at first glance to hold Chamberlains face powder, however its vintage interior instead houses (100% all natural) modern day lip balm. This example and many other salvaged beauty product tins have all been sterilized and turned into lip gloss receptacles, providing you with both a beautiful heirloom tin and a fantastic way to ensure your lips stay soft while at the beach, on a picnic or any place you can imagine. “Lovely Lip Balm” in a vintage tin, £24.00 (UK pounds), from Andrea Garland (note that refills are available for £5.00 plus £1.50 shipping within the UK).}



{Just because summer is half way over doesn’t mean you can’t justify picking up a new swimsuit, especially when it’s one that’s as agelessly perfect as this graceful vintage inspired, black two piece. “Lisa” halter neck bikini, available in ladies sizes small to XL, $110.00 (for both pieces), from Stop Staring Clothing.}



{Cute meets spunky in this fabulous red, grey and cream hued vintage tattoo print fabric. I can easily envision this lively material being utilized by everyone from quilters to scrapbookers, seamstresses to mixed media artists for a myriad of diverse uses! “Love Tattoo” fabric (designed by Michael Miller Fabrics), $9.50 per yard, available from eQuilter.com}



{Old School postcard style art reigns on this cheerfully coloured 11 x 17 inch poster featuring a jaunty image of the Empire State building. “New York framed poster”, $32.00, from Urban Outfitters.}



{Measuring in at a petite 2.25 inches, this vibrant vintage flower brooch positively sparkles with summertime energy and lively beauty, and would look wonderful clipped to a purse, lapel, blouse, scarf, or hat. “Vintage Blue Flower Pin”, $12.00, from picnicbyellie.}



{Refined French style teams up durable cotton in this sleek throw pillow sham (note that a pillow itself is not included with this listing) featuring silhouettes of dressmakers dummies on a soothing cream hued backdrop. “Chic Paris Mannequin” cotton burlap looking pillow sham (fits a 14 inch pillow), $16.00, from amongst the items available from etsy seller Berry Lane.}



{Every bit as refreshing as an ice cold lemonade on a scorching hot day, this immensely cute short sleeved dress is just the ticket to carry you through the rest of this summer and many, many more to come! Vintage inspired “HepCat Dress”, available in ladies sizes small to 3X, $49.99, from ModCloth.com.}



{Ahoy, vintage fashionistas! Gather ye treasures (ransacked or otherwise ;D) up this marvellously fun 1950s, half-moon shaped purse. Composed of a tweedy cream hued fabric adorned with sequins, shells, gold coins, faux pearls, and precious little fish embellishments, this whimsically sweet handbag is sure to make you smile (and perhaps want to take to the high seas!) every time you use it. Vintage Claire Fashions “Pirate’s Treasure” handbag, measuring 10 inches tall by 15 inches wide, $75.00, from Viva Vintage Clothing.}



{Set a flock of darling birds free upon your home decor with this endearingly sweet group of sparrows shaped mirrors. Whether displayed all together or dispersed throughout your home, these lovely birds add a whimsical vintage touch to any room. Set of six 7 inch by 12 inch glass “Flying Sparrow” decorative mirrors, $24.00 (for all six), from Plasticland.}



{Help ensure your project stays tidy while adding a captivating dose of antique French charm to your craft space with this elegant printed cardboard thread organizer, which is equipped with 16 holes. “Saintes Thread Organizer”, $16.00, from Acme Notions.}



{Channel a sweet, subtly ethereal vibe with this classically tailored, ruffled cap sleeve blouse in the cheeriest of lipstick red hues. I could see this pretty top making fast friends with high waisted pencil skirts and vintage trousers alike, putting in tons of wardrobe millage all year long. “Special Engagement Blouse”, in sizes XS to XL (also available in navy blue), $45.00, from Fredflare.com}



{Ensure your skin stays glistening and healthy this summer with a little help from this incredibly cute set of four skincare products (SPF 30 sunscreen, “After Sun Soother” lotion, foaming facial cleanser, and facial moisturizer), each bottle of which is decked out with a darling image of a vintage gal enjoying a day at the beach. Four piece “Beach Diva” set, currently on sale for $16.95 (for the whole set), from Sterling Richards.}



{Crisp tailoring and a timeless pallet of black and white lend this exquisite two piece 1950s playsuit a wonderful sense of grace and summertime allure. Originally produced by “Style Plus California”, this delightful set is “new old stock” and has never been worn (the shirt fits up to a 39.5 bust/33.5 waist, the shorts fit up to a 28 inch waist/38.5 inch hips). Two piece set featuring circle print top and black shorts, $98.00 (for both pieces), from etsy seller Planet Claire Vintage.}



{Imagine the year is 1943 and you’re receiving a long anticipated letter from your beloved (who is valiantly off serving on the front) every time you use this endearingly sweet, eco-friendly, water-proof pouch. Perfect for storing modern day postage stamps, coupons, accessories, make-up, or anything else you can fit into 9.5 x 7.25 inches of space, this wonderful vintage inspired bag is certainly something to write home about! “Airmail Pouch”, $9.95, from FredFlare.com.}



{There are shoes that are cute, then there are shoes that are so adorable they practically make you squeal aloud when you spy them! These fantastically playful nautical meets tattoo art inspired flats are just such a pair. Perfect for evening strolls along the beach, marathon shopping trips, breezy vacations, even tucked under the long folds of a wedding dress hem (should you wish to keep your toesies extra happy on your special day). “Tattooed Sailor Button Ballet Flats’, available in ladies sizes 5 to 10, $43.00, from Plasticland.com.}



{Believing (much as I do) that many recipes housed within the pages of vintage cookbooks (and our grandmothers’ collections) deserve to live on in today’s busy world, author Lari Robling gathered up a fantastic assortment of 80 yesteryear recipes that are sure please just many crowds today as they did during when they first appeared several decades ago. Endangered Recipes: Too Good to Be Forgotten, $13.46, from Amazon.com.}



{The perpetually romantic charm and beauty of lush summertime roses tumble forth across this feminine gold toned (stretch) bracelet, which features a row of chunky crimson blooms. “Carved Red Rose Bracelet”, $10.99, from Enchanting Jewels.}



{Stay as cool as a cucumber and as pretty as a peach through the long, hot days of summer in this airy, playfully pretty 1950s chemise and panty set. Soft layers of white and pastel yellow chiffon give this nightgown a light-as-air look and feel that is sure to help anyone sleep more peacefully. “Lemon Drop Cream Puff Chemise”, chemise fits up to a 40 inch bust/50 inch waist and the (elastic waist) panty fits between a 22 and a 30 inch waist/38 inch hip, ($36.00 (for both pieces), from etsy seller StilettoGirl Vintage.}



{Retro flare oozes from this immensely cute little business card holder shaped like a classic rotary dial telephone (which, if one felt like picking up multiples, could also be used as a fantastic place card holder). Aqua hued “Call Waiting Card Holder”, $9.99, from ModCloth.com.}



{Summon up tasty childhood memories with an generous sized box of old fashioned salt water taffy (made at the Jersey Shore for added authenticity), packaged in an adorably wonderful vintage inspired plaid box (with a darling Scottie dog on it to boot!). 1LB 8oz box of assorted flavours of classic salt water taffy, $10.95, from Douglass Candies.}



{Let sleek, understatedly cool mid-twentieth century home decor charm radiate from your living room, bedroom, den, study, family room or any other spot you’d like to place this classic wooden media stand. Use this tiered table to store anything from your music player of choice to craft supplies, or simply put it to work as a tasteful side table (which measures in at 18.25 inches wide, 13.75 inches deep, and 25 inches high) that is sure to garner compliments from your design savvy friends. “Manchester Media Stand”, $88.00 from Urban Outfitters.}



{Rich with shades of buttercup yellow and tropical turquoise blue in a playful polka dot and strip pattern, this immensely pretty 1950s full skirt is the kind of feel-good, light-hearted piece every summertime wardrobe needs at least a few of. “Coffee Seeds and Absinth Circle Skirt”, fits up to a 32/33 inch waist (with free room in the hips), $70.00, from etsy seller LaMistinguette.}



{Sometimes I wonder if I’m secretly Dutch and don’t know it, because I think that there are few ways more fantastic to explore the world than on the seat of a fabulous (and massively stylish!) bicycle, such as this gorgeous (and really reasonably priced) aquamarine hued beauty! Fittingly called the Bella Cruiser, this lovely, delightfully vintage feeling bike is just sort of ride that one could so easily picture Audrey Hepburn jauntily riding – or a pin-up girl posing playfully with. Available in baby blue, mint green (shown), pink, and vanilla, the Bella Cruiser is available for $179.99, from Chubby’s Cruiser Shop.}


Having been blogging considerably less often over the course of this summer (and most likely still for the next while onwards as well - especially with my surgery coming up at the end of this month), there were so very many items that I wanted to include in this post, but I did try and keep it from getting too ridiculously big :-) Though, that said, it might be a tad chunkier in size than future editions. However, I think that it does a splendid job of encapsulating the spirit of what this fun virtual shopping (or inspiration gathering) foray is all about.

Thank you, beautifully dear friends, for your ongoing understanding, support and wonderfulness. I wish you each a glimmeringly gorgeous month of August and hope that life is showering you all with endless inspiration and bliss!