What are you searching for?

There is certain enjoyment from sleuthing that excites my mind and often makes me smile. As such I’ve always fancied everything from word search puzzles to mystery novels, who-done-it films to tracking down a loved one’s missing item when they’d all but given up hope. I’m delighted to call on my inner bloodhound whenever possible. Perhaps in some alternative realm, I’m a full-fledged private eye (as opposed to in this universe where my attire would better suggest I’m the dame who perches herself coyly on the edge of said detective’s desk and implores him to help her). As such I often delight in the challenge of not only tracking down something I’m on the prowl for, but also in assisting others with their own assorted searches.

Since beginning this blog I’ve been contacted via email by a number of lovely readers who have asked me if I could assist them in finding a certain vintage (or vintage style) item. I’m flattered that my readers would think to turn to me for assistance, as there are surely far more knowledgeable experts on the subject out there, but at the same time I’m always happy to help a fellow vintage fan whenever I can.

One such recent email got me thinking that perhaps I should offer openly on my blog to help others track down vintage items that they’re trying to locate. I am by absolutely no means, an expert on antiques or the whole spectrum of vintage items. I do not formally work in the fashion or home decor world, and I don’t have any “insider connections” that might help get you discount or unearth an otherwise impossible to find item, but I do frequent a lot of vintage related sites and online shops/auction sites that sell old school items. Who knows, there’s always a chance that I might have recently spied the gold satin 1930s heels or 1950s Mexican hand painted skirt you’re trying to unearth.

So, dear readers, I’m openly inviting you to contact me if there’s something vintage (or vintage looking/bespoke) that you’re having trouble locating.


{Glisteningly pretty magnifying glass photo from leyputashca’s Flickr stream.}

The “catch”, if you will, is that I may end up creating a post about the item(s) you’re looking for. By this I mean, let’s say someone writes to me looking for a white 1940s swing dance dress with a 30 inch waist, and I agree to help them search for one (online – all searches will be conducted solely online). If in the process of my search I find ten similar dresses, before encountering one matching the exact description, I may write a post about some of the ones I found, including the exact item, if I think it's a topic others may enjoy (or be looking for), too. (I will not name the person who contacted me by name, unless of course you’d prefer I do.)

Like many of us, I lead a full life and may not always be able to help you due to time or another factor, but whenever possible, I truly will do my best to assist you in your search. If there’s something you’re looking for in particular, please feel free to comment on this post or reach me by email, with as many details (size, color, fabric, manufacturer, year, price range, etc) about the item that you’re looking for as possible (by all means, vintage photo queries are welcome, too – no need for the search to be centred around something you have to pay for).

Aside from things that, sadly, I have no control over (money, fame, getting you a date with Daniel Craig, calorie and fat-free chocolate cake, the weather, etcetera etcetera...), my question to you each is, what are you searching for? Let me know and your query might just spark an upcoming Chronically Vintage post!

Babygirl Boutique 20% off Memorial Day sale on now

Good morning, dearest vintage lovers, I just had to run over and tell you that Babygirl Boutique, online sellers of some awesome vintage and bombshell inspired looks, has a 20% off sale on all their merchandise going on right now through May 25th. In order to take advantage of this sale you'll need to enter the coupon code Memorial-09 into the check-out when you're ready to pay.

Babygirl’s inventory tends to run the retro gambit from full-on rockabilly to pinup to sweetly 1950s girl-next-door, meaning that among their wares, chances are most people could find an item – or twenty! – that really catches their eye.

If life was like a game of Monopoly and I could get $200 for passing Go every now and then, I’d definitely be tempted take advantage of this terrific sale and splurge on some of Babygirl’s delightful pieces, such as the beautiful ones below (please note all prices are in US dollars).


{“Life is a picnic” red and white gingham print wrap dress, $115.00}


{Pinup sailor girl peep toe pumps with 5” heel, $46.95}


{Pinup girl swimsuit with red anchor embroidery, $96.00}


{Red and white polka dotted stretch peasant top, $32.00}


{Linen cotton 1950s print swing dress, $145.00}

If you’re looking to add some new additions to your summer (or year round, depending on the piece, and whereabouts in the world you live) wardrobe, be sure to pop by Babygirl’s site and have a gander at the items there. If you find anything that makes your heart flutter, I’d love to hear about it! :)