Flickr Favourites: May 10, 2014

{The world ~ sugarpie honeybunch}


{The Yellow Rose ~ AllHarts}


{Raving beauty ~ sugarpie honeybunch}


{Pink Too! ~ misseskwittys}


{Roses! Roses! ROSES! ~ saltycotton}


{cabbage rose print dress ~ Small Earth Vintage}


{Toasting Your Roses ~ saltycotton}


{Rose cupcakes ~ Call me cupcake}


{Pink Czech Rhinestone Vintage Jewelry Embellished Perfume Bottle ~ glassbeadtreasures}


{Cashmere Bouquet Soap, 1949 ~ classic_film}


{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.}



♥ ♥ ♥  
In what has become one of the most frequently quoted lines of all time from his writing, William Shakespeare once said "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet", and while that may very well ring true on the scent front, it's hard (for English speakers) to imagine a rose actually going by any other moniker. This small, charming four letter word instantly conjures up vivid memories for most people and has been the very name by which we have indeed called this flower for hundreds of years now.

Like countless others during that time, I place roses at the very top of my list of favourite flowers. Curvaceous, beguilingly scented, relatively hearty (the wee little rose bushes we have on our front patch of lawn continued to bloom until early November last year), and as gorgeous as the day is long, it's easy to see why so many go weak in the knees for this perpetually romantic flower – not to mention fashion, artwork, and other items that depict it.

Roses have an allegorical quality when it comes to life itself. They are fabulously beautiful and have many endearing qualities, but they also rest atop a stem of sharp, painful thorns. What one sees on the surface is not always the full story. I can relate to their mixtures of beauty, romance, and discomfit. It speaks to my soul and encourages me to always keep my head up like a rose in full bloom, reaching for the sun, instead of focusing on the hardships below.

There has never been a time in my life when I didn't love roses. They grew in the gardens of most of my childhood homes and are the only thing I opted to plant in the aforementioned teeny, tiny plot (it's but a few feet long and perhaps three or four feet wide) that we have to garden in on the front yard of our condo. I would almost go so far as to say that I need roses. They bring me a certain kind of joy that no other flower, even those I adore nearly as much, can and their scent is, undoubtedly, amongst my most beloved as well.

My wardrobe is splashed with roses, as is my home decor. They appear in my jewelry box, closest, throw pillows, paper crafting projects, and hair accessories, as well as playing a star or supporting role in various perfumes I've dabbed on my skin over the years. I buy rose scented candles, beauty products (if I can find ones my uber sensitive skin can tolerate), and even adore eating rose flavoured foots (good Turkish delight is, to my mind, one of the best candies on earth - Purdy's makes an especially lovely love gluten-free one here in Canada, if you're in the market for a package).

Unless the winter has been an especially harsh and long lasting one, May nearly always brings with it the first glorious, inspiring roses of the season (the largest public concentration of which, here in Penticton, can be found at our beautiful little local rose garden down by Okanagan Lake) and that fact makes my heart - and nose - sing with joy!

Whether you're as wild about roses (of which there are more than a hundred species and thousands of varieties) as I am, chances are you like these sublimely pretty garden dwellers in one form or another (real deal, art, fashion, food, etc) and share at least enthusiasm for their return each spring.

The rose is one of those extra special blooms that is adored near and far. They bring us happiness, speak volumes of romance and friendship, and are a powerful reminder of just how incredibly lovely the warmer half of the year is. I couldn't, come to think of it, picture life without roses - and that fact alone ensures they'll always be my favourite flower.

A charmingly fun trio of vintage image adorned votive holders

✯ Day 291 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

This, no doubt, makes me the odd (wo)man out, but I like - at least for a good portion of the colder months - the fact that the sun sets earlier and rises later.

The dark of evening and I long acquainted friends (as you may recall from my Summer nights, how I love thee post this past August), and I rather enjoy the fact that by the time my supper is on the table, the view outside has turned pitch black.

There’s something wonderfully lovely about a dark world set against the warmth one creates in their home with cozy sweaters, steaming hot bowls of hearty soup, roaring fireplaces (if, in this day and age, you should be so lucky as to have one), and thick knit blankets. This cocoon of comfort is a beautiful, nearly intrinsic feeling that soothes and inspires, mellows and yet equally uplifts the soul.

I rarely burn candles indoors during the summer months, but as the mercury begins to take a nose dive - perhaps channelling a glowing jack-o-lantern vibe - I find myself drawn once more to the rich amber light that candles cast against the murky jet hues of evening.

Having a very curious cat frolicking about the apartment, it's mandatory that I keep my candles protected to as much of an extent as they can be, to help prevent an eager tail or curious paw knocking over, say, a tall, slender tapper.

Instead, these days, I usually opt for squat pillars and smaller votive and tea lights that can be housed safely in holder and cups, such as the whimsically charming set of Modern Vintage Candle Holders below.

 

Though modern in the sense of being recently manufactured, this eye-catching three piece votive holder set (which retails for $9.00 from Plasticland) sports a delightful trio of vintage images of - playfully - items that cast light themselves (an Edison light bulb, gas lantern, and decorative electric lamp).

The simple, yet chic, nature of these vintage illustrations lends itself splendidly to many types of decor - even that of Halloween display or dinner party table.

As the days grow ever shorter, I could definitely see myself (as Ms. Kitty watches on in inquisitive amusement) using these charmingly fun votive holders all through the dark and stormy nights of fall and winter.

In turn adding a generous dose more of that aforementioned tranquil warmth to the indoor world via the timeless beauty of flickering candlelight.

A white and red vintage inspired bathroom that's anything but dull

✯ Day 247 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

Much as I do not consider myself a minimalist when it comes to home decor, there is much to be said for understatedly simplicity, for letting a handful of key pieces shine on their own and work in delightful harmony to create a room that is deeply pretty.

Most bathrooms veer on the small side, thus meaning that cramming them up to the rafters can create a stifling look and feel with very little appeal. A glaring colour palette can be tricky to pull off, too (much as I do, admittedly, love vintage pink bathrooms). When putting together a beautiful powder room you want to strive for the right balance between function and style, elegance and practicality.

To my mind, the charmingly lovely vintage inspired loo below nails that criteria smack dab on the head.

 

Hailing from online UK decor site House to Home (soooo worth bookmarking, if you haven't already), this fresh, elegantly arranged bathroom is big on style, but spared from looking even the slightest bit crowded.

Channelling a distinctly vintage vibe with its stately claw foot tub, antique chair, old-fashioned style toilet (note that the tank is elevated from the seat portion), playfully shaped mirrors, glistening chandelier, and vibrant red floral fabrics, this room is a winner from start to finish.

Using basic, neutral colours and engaging touches (like the white towel rack and toilet paper holder), this classy washroom provides oodles of vintage inspiration for those looking to update their own loos in very, very lovely vintage style.

Few things beat a long soak in a claw foot tub, nor how enjoyable it is to see one of these throwbacks to the past each time you enter a bathroom, so for me that - plus the gorgeous floral print fabrics - are what adheres this room to my decor inspiration board the most.

A timeless palette, clean lines and great details all add up to a room that's anything must boring and about a million miles away from minimalistic!

Dorm decor 1950s style

✯ Day 242 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

Having never lived on campus in a dorm, I can't say as though I have any personal experience when it comes to decorating one, but I've certainly visited other peoples' and seen my fair share of these (usually) pocket-sized colligate dwellings before.

As with nearly all abodes, the decor in dorm rooms can run the gamut from painfully Spartan to glamorously gorgeous. Most fall squarely in between, veering towards the practical side of life - chocked full of items like a desk, comfy chair, bed (usually twin size), computer and printer, dresser, and bookcase.

Tiny spaces intended to hold the most basic creature comforts of life, while allowing students to productively plug away at their studies, dorms have been a way of collage life for millions of students over the years.

As the the new school year kicking off right about now, I thought it would be fun to share a cute I image I found recently of a 1950s dorm room with you.

{Charming vintage dorm room photo via Vassarcollegearchives on Flickr.}

 

In this shot of two 1950s Vassar College students pouring over their books we see a room that is both similar and different from many dorms today. It strikes me as being more reserved and homelike, with it's spindle back chairs, double curtain windows, and pair of rugs. It's not luxurious in the slightest, yet it seems inviting and comfortable.

The walls are free of posters, photos, bulletin boards, and mirrors, a small lone piece of artwork the only thing adoring their pale hued paint. I like that girls have added a few feminine touches in the form of things like the floral print bedspreads and cute plush dogs.

Three lamps ensure they needn't strain their eyes as they read chapter after chapter; what looks like folding chairs propped against the right wall are likely for when company stops by, and (slightly beat-up) shelving near the door gives the ladies a place to house their shoes and handbags.

Like so many rooms of the decade, this college dorm is both sweet and utilitarian. It speaks to the necessary frugality most students face, yet really looks like the kind of spot you could feel instantly at home in.

Were I headed off to a dorm of my own this fall, I'd definitely be looking at vintage photographs like this for inspiration on how to dress up my college digs!

The marvellously black and white and pink all over 1940s bedroom

✯ Day 78 of Vintage 365 ✯

Vintage home decor is one of those siren song topics that calls to me routinely, especially when I'm spending time seeking inspiration online. My current abode, while relatively classically furnished (minus, one might point out, the rather modern appearance of a flat screen TV), could certainly do with more vintage touches (oh how I envy those lucky guys and gals who's whole homes are devoted to, and decked out with, marvelous vintage pieces!).

Given that we rent our apartment, certainly don't plan on living here forever (entertaining, as many couples do, steadfast dreams of owning our own home one day), and have next-to-no wiggle room in the current budget for decorating our pad, most of my decor fantasies are lived out vicariously through images of vintage (and modern day vintage inspired) rooms, such as the immensely beautiful white, pink and black bedroom below.

 

{Gorgeous 1940s bedroom image via RetroPlantet.com}

Teaming with more feminine charm and timelessly allure than you can shake a tube of lipstick at, this 1940s bedroom seems at once deeply classic and yet incredibly of-the-moment. From the engagingly delightful trompe d'oeil bow print rug to the chic black and white damask fabric used judiciously throughout, this natty, beautiful room is the sort of bedchamber I could so easily imagine adorning my home with.

What helps place this wonderful room more squarely in the vintage category though (as it rightly should be, given it’s from the 40s) are the some of the touches - like the pair of tall lamps on the vanity and the alcoved shelving above the bed - that few professional or DIY decorators (aside from us vintage loving folks!) would dare to use nowadays.

They're special, ageless elements that are rich in style and grace, and which definitely provide boundless vintage decor inspiration whether one is planning on redoing their bedroom today, in half a year, or when they finally get a pad all their own.

Vintage 365: Richly elegant 1930s inspired bedroom exudes timeless appeal

✯ Day 54 of Vintage 365 ✯

Oftentimes when I point out some element of home decor to my husband, he'll grin a little and say with a twinkle in his eye, "You're so baroque". It's true, there's no denying it - and I see nary a reason to skirt around the fact that for as long as I can recall I've been drawn to regally elegant, immensely beautiful style that has a definitive old world (and old school!) element to it (think Georgian, Regency, or Victoria era styles).

Though I don't have any desire to deck my abode out to look it could have been plucked from Liberace's wardrobe, I do adore a sense of grandeur, ornate detailing and beguilingly sublime style in the rooms and furniture that beckon to me.

When I chance upon such decor that also happens includes a distinctly mid-twentieth century element as well, it's all I can do to keep from going week in the knees (which would call for one of those enchanting Victorian fainting couches I'm always hinting to the mister that I'd love to own).

While perusing the pages of Elle Decor magazine's site this week, I spotted just such a room (which was styled by skilled decorator Miles Redd, whose work bursts with opulence and ageless beauty). Though the colour palette is a bit different from what I usually favour, there's something so terrifically sophisticated - one might say down right stately - about this 1930s inspired, antique furniture filled bedroom that I had to share it with you at once.

Though the furnishings are commanding and very, very solid looking, there's an almost surprising lightness to this enchanting bedroom which comes via the playful blue floral wallpaper, classic white crown molding, and transparent chandelier.

This is the kind of superbly designed, undeniably inspiring room that borrows from different centuries and decades, yet never looks dated in any way. It's both commanding and reserved at once, graceful as the day is long, and most definitely a fair bit baroque - which suits me to a tee (just ask my husband).

Vintage 365: Beautiful pink and white vintage inspired kitchen chases away the winter blahs!

✯ Day 14 of Vintage 365 ✯

For many in the western hemisphere, the world around us during the harsh winter months can veer on the dreary side. Though there is an unmistakable elegance and delicate beauty to this glistening and grey time of the year, it can be hard on the soul and lacking in cheer - which is all the more reason why it helps to surround ourselves with lovely, fun, colourful items to help carry us through (and keep our spirits high) until spring's triumphant return.

The moment I spied the stunningly pretty vintage inspired kitchen above amongst the gallery pages of the wonderful UK decor magazine Ideal Home, I went weak in the knees. The half foot of snow outside on my balcony ceased to exit and suddenly it was April. Flowers were blooming like fireworks, and the sun once again had warmth in its rays. No matter the time of the year, I would jump for joy to have a kitchen like this.

Rich in feminine beauty, timeless charm, and immensely upbeat (yet in no way glaring) hues that would be certain to perk up your mood each morning. Teaming with darling polka dots, lush cabbage roses, and a classic colour palette of mint green, milk white, bubble gum pink, and champagne beige, this easily liveable kitchen is the sort of stylish meets timeless room that steals your heart and leaves you suddenly wanting to redecorate! :)

Vintage 365: Pottery Barn dress forms are both functional and decoratively gorgeous!

✯ Day 7 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

 

In the magical world of my imagination where time flows slower than blackstrap molasses, money is never a worry, and I'm free to spend the bulk of my time in the most blissful of hedonistic manners, I would have a sewing room rich with vintage notions, tools, fabrics and patterns of all kinds. I'd learn to become a better sewer (right now I'm getting by on my high school home-ec skills until the day I get a sewing machine of my own), whip out marvellously lovely dress and other garments sewn from the plethora of 40s and 50s patterns I've picked up second hand over the years, and I would own at least one standout dress form.

Whether you love to sew (or share my daydream of doing in the future) or just adore the visual allure of an elegant (vintage looking) dress form, you're sure to instantly covet either one of these splendidly elegant, wonderfully whimsical and very handy dressmaker's dummies. Available in either classic linen or black and white polka dot ($199.99 each from Pottery Barn Teens), these charming mannequins measure 65 inches tall, feature an antique iron base, include ten push pins, and can be used either for sewing related purposes or as a great decor piece in any area of the house. (Both of them now firmly reside in the sewing room of my imaginary fantasy home ).

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!