Flickr Favourites: November 20, 2015 (plus an awesome giveaway over at CiCi Marie's!)

{The Bill ~ James Vaughn}






{1950 Family Circle Magazine Cover ~ Classic Film}


{Red-Bellied Woodpecker 28 ~ Diane Giurco}



{All Bright 'N Shiny ~ Paul Malon}



{Cutex Nail Polish, May 1946 ~ The Bee's Knees Daily}



{Röd lada/red barn/shades of grey ~ Tomas Baliukonis}



{The New Movie Magazine, June 1931 ~ The Bee's Knees Daily}

{Red ~ Kon!}

{1944 ... "A Wave, a Wac and a Marine" ~ James Vaughn}



{The Starlight Roof, Waldorf Astoria Hotel ~ Paul Malon}

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

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My passion for, and frequent wearing, of red/black/white and/or grey is anything but a state secret. I've mentioned it here before, including in this vintage outfit post from last August and as we head into winter again - fall time weather being as good as a distant memory here in Canada at this point time - my mind is turning to it once again, as I wear this combo during the winter more than at any other point in the year.

While red is certainly one of my signature colours, and a beloved favourite, too, this particular colour combination excels, in my opinion, because of the sum of its parts. It is classic and bold, but rarely jarring. Elements of it match winter's tones, while the fiery red provides a dose of warmth and vibrancy that is so often devoid from this season - save for in our festive December decor.

The grey and/or white in the equation are as calm as the first delicate snowflakes that accompany the falling mercury and the black speaks to the fact that winter is the end of one year. Yet in its very darkness, the slumbering world of Mother Nature will be reborn as the season draws to an end and we usher in spring's return. That point though, especially considering that we're still technically in autumn, is a long way's off though.

First there are snowmen to make, holiday treats to whip up by the dozens, many a layer to bundle under, and the bleakness - and light - of this time of the year alike to celebrate and welcome into our lives For there is an undeniable beauty and elegance to winter that resides in the stillness, the haunting chill, and annual traditions aplenty that call winter home - not unlike that of the timeless marriage of red, black, white and grey itself.

Even if winter is far from your favourite season, I encourage you to embrace the hidden loveliness in it and to keep yourself warm, if only in spirit, but wearing sizzling colours, like red, orange or yellow, yourself this season as well. It will go a long way in helping to keep your spirits up until that distant day when spring really does roll back into town again!

*PS* Speaking of things to help fuel your spirits this season, have you heard about the fabulous Etsy shop giveaway that I'm holding on my dear friend CiCi's beautiful blog, CiCi Marie? You'll definitely want to check out her sweeter-than-sweet review + giveaway post and enter for your chance to win a $75.00 store credit to my Etsy shop right away!

Flickr Favourites: November 23, 2014

{McCall's February 1947 ~ SaltyCotton}  


{Lost ~ Vibeke Sonntag}  


{J.Paul & sons Mannequin Parade 1949 ~ Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums}  


{Hotpoint Customline ad ~ tikitacky}  


{Pink and black from McCall's, December 1952 ~ Page}  


{Ukiah's palace hotel (desaturated) ~ Jane Marie Cleveland}  


{The Redhead in Pink! ~ Lucy Fan}  


{Untitled ~ Kitten Lover}  


{Hedy Lamarr on the cover of Photoplay, May 1944 ~ Silverbluestar}  


{Inside a Pink Poinsettia ~ Janine Russell}  

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

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A month and two days are all that separate us from Christmas at this point in time. For my dear US friends south of the 49th however, first there is the joyous event that is Thanksgiving this coming Thursday. A day of feasting, family, and football. Here in Canada, we celebrate our Thanksgiving Day in the first half of October (on the second Monday of that month), so we have to wait the aforementioned thirty-two days before we can indulge a scrumptious holiday turkey meal again.

Festive preparations are already underway for many however, as we shop for gifts, mail cards, hang decorations, attend holiday parties and plays, go hunting for a tree, festoon our homes with glowing lights and brace ourselves for the oh-so-long months of winter that lay ahead.

As vibrancy drains from the outside world once more, I'm in the mood for one of my favourite colour pairings, grey and pink (two hues that are often seen in November’s earthy palette), so I shone the spotlight on them with today's selection of Flickr images.

November blew in on an arctic-y wind here in Penticton, with temperatures several degrees below the season norm most days, and as such fall - my absolute favourite season - ended even more quickly this year (effectively, I kid you not, on Halloween night). In turn winter will feel all the more lengthy as a result – because, let's face it, the likelihood of an early spring here in Canada is next to nil.

The same rang true for many across the world and if one thing can be said in favour early snowflakes, icicles, and retreating mercury, its' that a premature winter does really help put you in the mood to welcome and celebrate Christmas and the other fabulous holidays that last few weeks of the year house.

First though, I hope that all of my US friends have a marvelous Thanksgiving this coming week and that we each get at least a week or two more of autumn's serenity (even if its weather has long vanished) to recharge our batteries with before hopping (Santa hat adorned) head first in the Christmas season.

Speaking of which, if you haven't done so already, please don't forget to signup for (and share about) Chronically Vintage's first annual Vintage Secret Santa. There are two more days to do, then I'll begin sending out everyone's gift exchange matches via email (if you haven't received your match by the 30th of November, please let me know). Things are going awesomely on the #vintagesecretsanta front, with about 200 people having signed already.

This is really going to be such a fun, fabulously festive way to further delight in the merriment and generosity of the season for everyone involved and I sincerely appreciate how many of you are taking part in it!

Vintage Link Love for October 2014

Though there are still the remains of many a jack-o-lantern to be seen around the neighbourhood, candy in bite size pieces and carnival worthy coloured wrappers linger in a dish on the table, and I might just watch Hocus Pocus one more time, hard as it is to believe, another marvelous All Hallows Eve has come and gone.

I hope that you each had an awesome October 31st, whether you celebrate Halloween or not and that you're gearing up for a lovely, fun filled second half of the fall. Before we know it, we'll be singing carols, festooning the banister with pine boughs, and baking up enough festive treats to feed a small army. Not today however. Right now, on this calm, chilly first Sunday in November I want to take a few minutes and share the latest batch of vintage related stories that have been capturing my eye in recent weeks.

As I knew that, like myself, most of you would not be online much (if at all) on the 31st and November 1st (a day I've long dubbed "Halloween Boxing Day" :)), I intentionally held off on sharing October's crop of links until today. Sit back, grab a mini chocolate (or eight!) and join me as we take a gander at some of the fun, fascinating, and just plain enjoyable vintage stories that are all more than a little buzz worthy.

 

♥11 Things You Should Never Say to a Vintage Seller: By way of the uber hardworking, vintage loving, always entertaining Sammy Davis comes this smile-inducing eBay post that is sure to have vintage dealers and buyers like nodding their head in agreement (for those of us who are often asked around this time of the year "what our costume is supposed to be" when we're in our usual vintage attire, #5 is sure to resonate with you).


♥ Could the clothes on your back halt global warming?: And if you want to keep nodding, this time over some considerably more serious matters in terms of their importance on the world as a whole, this great post about the effects of what we wear and how it impacts the planet is truly not be missed (it's lengthy, but well worth every minute, IMO).


♥ Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired by Legendary Dames of TV and Film-Part 1 and Part 2: I know, I know, we're still taking down the faux cobwebs and scrubbing the grease paint-esque makeup from behind our ears, but it's never too soon to start thinking of what you might want to sport come next October 31st and this lovely photo filled pair of posts from Blue Velvet Vintage (which they shared prior to Halloween) delivers some seriously cool ideas - such as Fay Wray in King Kong, pictured below - to tuck away already for next year.






♥ Vintage (Style) Can Be Appropriate: Natalie - whose engaging blog really deserves to be in your feeds, especially if you're a fan of contemporary literature reviews and/or great beauty and vintage related posts alike - has put together an incredibly thorough, thoughtful, fabulous post on the subject of how vintage fashions can, and do, work for folks of any age and in just about any setting. Whether you've been sporting vintage of a week or fifty years, you're sure to appreciate and find yourself agreeing with her well presented points on the subject.


♥ 12 Vintage Dealers to Follow on Instagram: Vogue's Resident Expert Shares her Feed: These days a solid chunk of the world's online vintage dealers have Instragram accounts (yours truly very much included), some of which are like works of swoon-worthy visual art unto themselves. It's no surprise then that many of the leading contenders in this field are kept close at hand by the likes of Vogue. Though this list is certainly not complete - and you'll no doubt wonder how some of the other really big names like Maejean Vintage and Dear Golden are absent from it - it's still a fascinating insight into how (modern) Vogue magazine interacts with the world of vintage fashion sellers.


♥ In the 1930s, a Mono-Named Mannequin Took New York by Storm: Here and there over the years, I'd heard tell of "Cynthia" and seen the occasional photo of this sophisticated, sharply dressed mannequin, but it wasn't until this recent Mental Floss article that I learned the true story behind this 1930s celebrity of the non-human variety and I must say, it makes for one thoroughly interesting read.






♥ Nine vintage fit tips for petite ladies: Emileigh's blog is chock-a-block with terrific posts on a wide range of vintage, sewing and cultural related topics that will have you reading for hours (especially if you're new or haven't visited for a while). One of her entries from September was on the subject of sporting vintage fashions as a petite gal and it really spoke to me as I'm barely 5'2" myself and while I do have an hourglass shape, fundamentally my frame is also petite (complete with really small shoulders), so I was thrilled to see another vintage gal delve into this a topic that's so near and dear to my own heart - and wardrobe!


♥ Everyone Loves a Scottie Dog, Especially the Vintage Community!: The very lovely Liz - a fellow vintage adoring canuck - has penned a delightfully fun post on the subject of Scottie dogs and their endearing popularity as fashion muses that is sure you have you rushing out to add a new Scottie themed wearable to your collection on the double!


♥ Beautiful Kodak Advertisements from the 1910s: As I've chatted about before (in posts such as this one from 2012), there's just something about the return of icy cold weather that puts me in the mood for all things Edwardian. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed coming across this recent Vintage Everyday entry that highlights a number of beautiful, endearingly sweet vintage colour image Kodak ads from the 1910s, which I'm sure you have a grand time checking out as well - no matter if, like me, you strongly equate winter with the 1900s and 1910s or not.






♥ DIY 1920s Evening Bag: If the cost of most original 1920s handbags leaves you doing a double-take and sends your wallet into hiding, it might be time to create a purse of your own that takes a very solid style cue from the classic, gorgeous bags of the era. Thought purse making can seem daunting, in this wonderful how-to post, Bianca takes you through everything you'll need to do - complete with lots of helpful photos - to make an alluringly lovely 1920s style purse all your own.


♥ 10 simple steps to avoid looking costumey: As vintage wearers we know that no matter how period perfect/appropriate we're dressed, some folks will always see our attire as costumey simply because it deviates from the 21st century norm, but objectively most of us do want to avoid running into overtly costumey territory when possible and keeping such views at bay as much as we can. This post from Wearing History dishes up ten stellar suggestions to help you stay on track when it comes to that front and is a smart, excellent read and reference for vintage wearers from all walks of life.


♥ French soldier’s room unchanged 96 years after his death in first world war: In a moving story that seems all the more fitting and poignant as we head towards Remembrance Day again next week, this article is sure to linger with you long after you've read it - reminding you of the power of a family's love and the importance of honouring those who fought so bravely, no matter how many years have passed since the last gunshot range out.

{All images throughout the list of links above come by way of the post that they are displayed directly beneath the write up of here. Please follow the links provided to learn more about these images.}

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There is a natural rush that comes with the start of November. We know that Christmas is just around the corner, that the year is nearing an end, and that there is so much to do to prep for the coming season (from swapping in the snow tires to bringing all the cold weather garb out of hibernation). Before the hubbub of that all starts (or gets in too full swing, if you've already kicked off gearing up for winter), I hope you'll join me in savouring a few more days of fall.

I'll be sporting its palette, munching on its seasonal produce, and reminiscing about my favourite parts that have already taken place (Halloween very much included!) for a little while longer still. How could I not? Autumn is shorter than a Manx cat's tail most years here in Canada and given that it's my favourite season, I'm in zero hurry to sweep it out the door like a crunchy crimson leaf that snuck in with the help of a hearty gale.



{I completely adore Christmas and a good many elements of winter, but for now, I want to keep celebrating the soul and beauty of autumn by way of fabulous vintage outfit choices like this amazing 40s plaid suit, lots of pumpkin recipes, strolls in the crisp fall air, and at least a few days more before my mind going into full on Santa-Claus-is-coming-to-town mode again! Image source.}



Nope, for a wee bit longer at least, I'm going to savour fall and all I treasure about it - though that doesn't mean I can't start listing to Christmas music, if so desired. Sometimes a marriage of two seasons is the best way to brace yourself for saying goodbye to one before the other arrives. Plus, it's a annual tradition in my family to start doing so come the clang of midnight on November 1st. And who am I to argue with traditional after all? :)

Looking back at October 2013

This day always carries a hint of melancholy to it for me, as I know it's the furthest possible point until Halloween, my most beloved and favourite holiday returns. There's no sense in bemoaning the calendar however, and besides, it's much more fun to focus on how enjoyably lovely yesterday was than to fret that the next one won't be here for another 364 days (photos of my spooktastically fun Halloween costume will be appearing on the blog within the week).



{Hard as it is to believe, - much like the title character says at the end of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown - another Halloween has come and gone. It was an awesome one, complete with pumpkin carving, oodles of goodies, and a costume that I'm bursting at the seams with excitement to show you here really soon. Image source.}

 
Like many the world over at the moment, I'm a pretty knackered from last night's festivities, but in the best gosh-the-was-a-blast kind of way. I need to get my strength back up (or give myself a Halloween candy sugar high :D) though because, so long as my health wants to cooperate, there's an annual antiques and collectibles show up in the community of Rutland in Kelowna, which I have eagerly been hoping to attend ever since I caught wind of it for the first a couple of months ago.

Like most such events in this province, the likelihood that they'll be any 1940s or 50s ladies clothing or hats there is exceedingly slim, but there's usually some vintage jewelry amongst the military collectibles, housewares, art, kitsch decor items, old books, children’s toys and other assorted yesteryear items that pop up at such events here in the Okanagan (at least the ones I've been to). As I'm fond of saying though, you just never know where the next fabulous vintage fashion find might pop up!

The show doesn't start until 3pm though, and that's about half a day away still, so let's pass a bit of time by recapping some of the wonderful things that transpired here on the blog throughout the thirty-one day long month of October.

With my spirits immensely revived, my soul as happy as a clam, and countless stellar memories all but burning a hole in the pocket of my mind, October included three posts from our recent travels: Seven of my favourite places we visited in Alberta (and what I wore to each of them), An absolutely awesome blogger meet-up with Laurie from Retro Reporter (this was my first blogger meet-up ever), A very personal reflection on seeing Calgary again.

This was not a month that shied away from vintage outfit posts, let me tell you! In fact, with a total (including what I wore for my super fun meet-up with Laurie) coming in at five, it's housed one of the largest number of such posts in a single month to date.

October's vintage ensemble included a mustard yellow 1980s does 1940s dress partnered with my first ever yard sale Bakelite find, a truly gorgeous bespoke 1940s reproduction dress that was handmade for me incredibly talented Spanish seamstress Rosy (from Sewing Addicta), a photo of which appears here below; the cheekily titled Walking around town in my birthday suit in which I shared snaps of the beautiful coral hued 1950s skirt suit I got for my birthday this year, and last but definitely not least, I shared all about how I heart vintage plaid, novelty brooches, and fab green hats in a post that also broke the exciting news that Tony and I recently purchased a brand new Canon D6 DSLR camera.





Some of the other post topics through this most beautiful of autumn months were 15 of my must-have vintage fashion essentials (and one of my top tips for creating a wardrobe you love), and a reader request post on How Tony and I do vintage outfit shoots, an in-depth look at Why I love, and wear, 1980s does 40s and 50s fashions, as well as two sponsor spotlight posts, one each on House of SASS and etsy vintage shop Junk in da Trunk Girls.

Naturally, October also included some Halloween themed posts, including 31 things for which Halloween just wouldn’t be the same to me without, Three sweet and scrumptious vintage fall recipes (for Halloween classics such as caramel apples and hot mulled cider), an Addams Family themed edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday, and a lovely Halloween spin on this month's Flickr Favourites.

Elsewhere on the web, I was delighted to be asked by vintage fashion expert, entrepreneur  and all around fabulous lady, Debbie Sessions (who you remember from this post about her website Vintage Dancer), to a part of a great article she put together on Wearing Fall Vintage Clothing - Tips from 3 Vintage Fashion Bloggers, which housed impute from yours truly, as well as two of my oldest and dearest online friends, Brittany from Va Voom Vintage and Bethany from The Glamorous Housewife. It's a lovely read, especially if you're on the prowl for some new vintage fall fashion ideas.

I adore discovering fresh, innovative new website, and all the more so if they have vintage spin to them, so I was really happy when site founder Mary Micouris (who many of you may know from her other popular vintage site We Heart Vintage) introduced me to her latest awesome project: VintageGrazer.

With a look and feel that calls to mind hugely popular sites such as Pinterest and Instagram, VintageGazer is a user submitted (it's completely free to join and submit images) image agitator that's filled with nothing but beautiful photos from fellow vintage fans the world over. It's just getting off the ground, but members (myself very much included) are flocking there and eagerly submitting photos already (and why wouldn't they, it's a great way to get your blog out in the public eye!). If you haven't popped by yet, be sure to do so today - but be warned, you may find it as addictively fun as those two aforementioned social photo sharing sites.

Unquestionably one of the most fantastic things to happen to me in recent weeks, was my first ever appearance in a print magazine. I was honoured to the highest degree to be interviewed by, and appear in, two different stories in the inaugural print edition of British fashion and lifestyle magazine, V&Oak. I'm collaborating with V&Oak for a terrific giveaway later this month, and will be spilling the beans about this super exciting experience in far greater detail in a post here towards the end of the November.

With the return of that telltale outdoor signs – many of us have had snow already - of winter, it means that our thoughts will be shifting, naturally, to Christmas and the many marvelous traditions, festivities, and celebrations that go along with it.

Today though, I'm quite happy to just live in the moment on this frosty November 1st morn, and think about tonight's antiques & collectibles show, as well as about some of the topics we'll be chatting up a (snow) storm about here in the coming weeks.

On the roster you'll find such diverse posts as a roundup of some of my very favourite things that I bought during our trip to Calgary in September, (by reader request) a look at how I put my vintage outfits together, a scrumptious vintage cranberry cake recipe (that's just perfect for Christmas!), a photo shoot at the oldest location in Kelowna (it was founded in 1859), and plenty of other engaging and interesting topics.



{Much like a snowball that suddenly came at you out of left field, November can be a jolt to the ol' system, as we bid farewell to Halloween once more. It doesn't have to be as unpleasant as said snowball however, especially when you stop and take stock of the many positive points and going ons that the eleventh month of the year houses - actual snowball fights very much included!  Image source.}

 
I like November, always have, suspect I always will. It's often a relatively quiet month - a much needed breather between jack-o-lanterns and stockings hung by the chimney with care.

If we’re lucky, there are still a few days that remain above freezing. We get to honour those who so bravely fought and worked to win not one, but two horrific wars in the last century on Remembrance Day, winter wardrobes are back in full swing for most, those in the States have their Thanksgiving (ours was on the 14th of October here in Canada this year) to look forward to near the end of the month, lots of great TV shows have returned with new episodes again, and there's still time to just kick back and relax before Christmas comes a calling (or caroling, as the case may festively be).

Not tonight however, I hope. There's an antiques & collectibles show a mere hour away and it's whispering my name in the sweetest and most inviting of voices. Naturally, I'm going to reply by paying it a visit. :)

Here's to a joyful, fun, vintage filled month of November for all of us!

Singing the praises of autumn's return

Autumn, it's very name exudes a sense of the poetic beauty that abounds throughout the season. This is a time of abundance and endings, where a bountiful harvest overlaps with the final days of truly warm sunshine for many in the more northerly parts of the world, and countless crispy, crunchy leaves looking as though they've been cast in lustrous metals tumble down as we tuck our sundresses away once more (or at the very least, partner them with opaque tights).

There is no segment of the year that I adore more than autumn - especially the first few weeks, when golden light and the renewed scent of chimney smoke dance in gracious harmony through the days, as dusk grows ever shorter, grinning pumpkins seem to chase away the last few mosquitos of summer, and a certain almost electric magic fills the air.



{Fall means apple picking (be sure to take a style cue from this cute 1940s gal and wear a darling novelty print dress when you do), pumpkin patch trips, generously sized Thanksgiving feasts, ghost stories told around campfires, wool coats, closed toed shoes, and a bevy of other marvelous things we haven't enjoyed for many a long month. Image source.}



Time realizes that it need not rush so any more, much as there is to be done as September wraps up and October - beloved, dear, gorgeous, thrillingly spooky, October - settles in for what, if one is lucky, may be the last snow-free month of the year. Sometimes snow strikes before the witching hour of All Hallows Eve, but not always, and the "will it, won't it?" aspect always holds its own certain familiar appeal.

We know the year is winding down, the lingering spirit of summer's merriment hangs in the air, but we can already foresee the winter holiday season in the very next thought, too. For now though, Santa and his team of reindeer are a good ways off. There's cornucopias, scarecrows, thick slices of pumpkin pie, Halloween costumes, and Remembrance Day poppies to come first.

No matter what is transpiring in my life at the time, year after year, without fail, I feel a sense of childlike giddiness when autumn returns. I smile, trample playfully through freshly raked piles of leaves, and inhale as much of the fragrant air, which seems to contain notes of cinnamon, dried foliage, and freshly chopped wood in every breath.

Fall is always a busy season at our house, containing as it does everything from Canadian Thanksgiving to our wedding anniversary, Halloween to one week in mid-October with three family birthdays, but I wouldn't have it any other way.



{Though it can be an action packed time for us, autumn always seems to come bearing a profusion serenity, the likes of which summer can rarely match, and this calmer pace suits - and sooths - me just fine. Image source.}



I associate this chapter of year with productivity (gone is the relentlessly sweltering heat of summer that can zap one's energy to the point where just getting through the day from morning to night feels like a significant achievement), good company, decorating, planning, and scrumptious slow cooked meals.

It's never easy to part ways with summer (even if its heat can get on one's a little nerves at times), and I know that as soon as we awaken to the first frost of the season, I'll feel a twinge of longing for the dog days that were upon us just a few weeks ago. Right now though, I'm all about autumn and every last joy, possibility, familiar favourite, new adventure, and caramel filled dessert it contains.

The gorgeous, snow-free side of this season tends to be short, and by November, we might as well roll out the welcome mat for Frosty the Snowman, but right here and now it's just beginning and there are weeks left of mild days and a kaleidoscopic colour palette adorning mother nature to savour.

I hope deeply that this autumn is a beautiful one for each of you. I know that 2013 hasn't been the easiest of years for a lot of people, but perhaps this bronze light covered second to last chapter will prove less problematic and stressful for all of us.

Join me, won't you, in raising a steaming mug of hot apple cider to that hope and the thought of every good and wonderful thing that makes up this resplendently lovely season!

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!