Five timelessly beautiful vintage fall looks

Every now and then, in the vast expanse of the web, one encounters a friend not only with whom you share common interests, but also mutual battles. Such is the case with the wonderfully dear Lottie Ryan, a fellow vintage lover and longtime chronic illness fighter. Lottie is also a passionate, inspiring writer over at her excellent website Who's That Lady, where she, in her own words, "supports women with chronic illness to achieve it all despite it all, with a touch of magic, a lot of glamour and some wise old notions".

I have the deepest respect and admiration for Lottie and was thrilled when she eagerly agreed to guest post for me while we're away on our fun holiday to Vancouver Island.

As with everyone that I invite to post for Chronically Vintage in my absence, I encouraged Lottie to write on any vintage related topic her heart desired and I had my socks proverbially knocked clean off when the post she sent me was a beautiful look at vintage fall fashion created entirely with items that are for sale in my Etsy shop. Lottie came up with this idea herself and completely surprised me with it (in fact, I was touched to the point of tears by her thoughtfulness and originality). She did a top-notch job of putting together five awesome vintage fall ensembles, which, like Lottie herself, are as sweet and stylish as the day is long.

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While our usual host, the lovely Jessica, is off enjoying a well deserved vacation she’s kindly let me hop on to Chronically Vintage to play with you for the day.
 
What does every vintage gal love to do when she hops into another vintage gal’s world? Head straight for her closet and play dress up of course. Though I can’t literally do that (more’s the pity) as we live in different countries, there is now a Chronically Vintage Etsy store and it's the perfect place to play with its myriad vintage beauties.

I popped along to the store, and with the aid of Polyvore (my new favorite hang out - I'm lottieloves1 there, if you want to connect), I played dress up, and created beautiful vintage ensembles to see us through fall and into the party season.

I had such fun! I can’t promise that all items will still be available, as frankly my closet is crying out for these gems, but to be fair, I’m going to hold off nabbing them until you’ve had a chance to umm and ahh over what tumbled into my virtual closet dreams.

Come on, let’s go play and imagine beautiful days together...




The peachy hues of this ensemble cried out for some autumn love, so I paired it with this autumnal hat and added the most perfect acorn brooch. Just imagine afternoon tea, then a stroll in the park, where leaves crunch under foot and your best friend’s giggle is echoing by your side.




Here I’m vamping it up a little with this green floral wiggle dress and some contrasting blue and gold accessories, including this stunning metal clutch. With this outfit you’re off for a lunch date with your beau, highlighting your delectable curves but leaving it all to the imagination. He won’t be able to take his eyes off you.




Blue, the color of crisp autumnal skies and slow flowing rivers. This ensemble is for the hostess with the mostess to combine with a charming smile and delightful conversation, whilst delicately sipping champagne.




Isn’t this just the most fabulous dress? This ensemble takes you to a cocktail evening, in a beautiful resort, next to white sandy beaches and the cooling, early evening sunshine. A fabulous cocktail and dream boat lover are musts.





Who needs a a little black dress when you can be elegantly divine in this luscious black velvet number? I wouldn’t wear the necklace around my neck but weave it into my hair which swept into soft curls. This calls for an evening of jazz with friends, swaying to the music that has your feet tapping and your heart softly beating with joyous contentment. This ensemble has 'festive party elegance' written all over it don’t you think?

Oh, I’m now lost in a delightful world of afternoon teas, balmy nights and lovers kisses. What a fabulous way to spend my short time here. This Chronically Vintage world is quite something. Do let me know what you think in the comments below, meanwhile thank you for having me over.

Lottie -x-

Raspberry, brown and pink for fall

...Or the case of the high waisted vintage a-line skirt that unintentionally looked like a pair of trousers in these photos.




























Outfit details
Floral print vintage cotton scarf: etsy seller I Love Vintage Stuff
Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Raspberry knit cardigan: American Eagle Outfitters
Pink shell top: Smart Set
Vintage brown a-line skirt: etsy seller Second Hand Addiction

Brown faux alligator handbag: Le Chateau

Cinnabar looking carved bangle: Forever 21

Other bangle bracelets: assorted sources

Nude seemed stockings: eBay

Brown round toe pumps: Pipsqueaks and Damsel's consignment store 

Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Photography by Antonio Cangiano  
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This brown skirt is a relatively recent acquisition that I picked up for an absolute song from an etsy seller who is currently in the midst of trying to sell off all of her inventory. It's a little big in the waist, but I used a safety pin (on the underside) to help wrangle in the extra material in the waist band. This shade is a great natural hue and I highly suspect, even though it's a touch too big, I'll get a lot of millage out of this classic brown skirt.

These photos were taken after we'd been bopping around Penticton doing various things one day and I didn't realize at the time they were taken just as rumpled and wrinkled my skirt had become throughout the afternoon. As the result of one particularly long crease running almost right down the middle, in some shots it looks like I'm actually wearing high-waisted, wide leg trousers! Not that I mind actually, I don't own (or wear) many pairs of pants, so it's sort of fun to pretend that I was sporting some trousers in these photos.

It was a somewhat nippy day and an icy wind kept blowing past and causing me to clutch my cardigan to my chest. I love this sweater, not only for its lovely raspberry juice hue, but also because it's one of the few (somewhat) chunkier knits that I own.

Not being a knitter myself and having a wool allergy, it can sometimes be tricky to find vintage appropriate medium and heavy weight knit cardigans, so when I spotted this lovely American Eagle Outfitters at one of the local Salvation Army thrift stores (we have two here) earlier this fall, I swooped in on it right away. It's quickly become one of my most worn autumn pieces and will definitely be in heavy rotation until the toastier days of late spring return once more.

Though a relatively simple ensemble over all, I adore the colour palette as well as the vintage scarf wrapped around my head (to hide the still damp curls I'd put in earlier that morning). There's a sweet forties feel to this outfit and in a way I feel as though I look like I could have been heading off to a WW2 job at a factory (in my street clothes) or, then as now, running informal errands around town on a nippy November day.

25 vintage fall fashions under $50

There are certain days that one waits for with intense eagerness each year, their clockwork appearances like signposts on the road of life. For me, one of these days has always been that which brings with it the return on autumn.

Of all the seasons - each of which I do adore for a myriad of reasons - none holds quite as dear or precious a spot in my heart as fall. Such as been the case since I was knee high to a crimson maple leaf, and so it will always be.

From the instantly recognizable crispness of the air to the mountains of downed foliage, the golden sunlight to the harvest that nature is laying at our feet, there are countless reasons why I cherish autumn.

One of my favourites though has always been - at least up here in the wilds of Canada - that fall (baring perhaps the occasional handful of Indian summer days) definitely means the return to a cold weather wardrobe. Thigh opaque tights, soft sweaters, wool skirts, velvet blazers, leather boots, tweed hats, cozy knit scarves, you name it, I love it.

Though it’s a little sad to know the days of bare sleeves and ankles are behind us once more, any such melancholy is short lived, for as soon as I start bopping around the web looking at fall fashions, it's all I can do to refrain myself from going on a wild shopping spree!

I know that I'm not alone in this regard, and that many of you are die-hard fans of autumn (and by extension, winter) clothing, too. I'm also well aware that, much like myself, many of you also live life on a very strict budget and that you don't have scads of cash to plonk down on your threads just because a new season arrived back in town today.

Luckily however, you need not take a second mortgage to ensure your wardrobe includes all the pieces you need - and a few more you simply love and want - this year. Over the past few days this week, knowing full well that today marked the official start of autumn 2012, I scoured the internet to bring you a selection of twenty-five vintage and vintage appropriate fashions, all of which each cost less than $50.00 a piece.

I fully realize that everyone's idea of what is and isn't costly varies greatly, sometimes even from month to month, just depending on how what kind of shape your wallet is in at the moment, and felt that a $50.00 cap was a reasonable price tag at which to set the upper limit of any item included in this roundup.

I hope that you enjoy these mid-century perfect, fall appropriate garments as much as I liked sourcing them, and that - even if you don't buy any of them specifically - they serve as an inspirational jumping off points for your budget-friendly wardrobe this fall.


{Channel your inner late 50s/early 60s secretary or college girl in this striking blue and brown plaid dress with matching belt. Fits aprox. 40" bust/37-39" waist. $31.00 from etsy seller Cricket Capers.}




{Whether you love wearing black for its timeless style appeal or are looking for a marvelous Halloween eve sweater, this elegant beaded 1950s cardigan is sure to fit the bill. Fits a 42" bust. $38.00 from etsy seller Dirty Birdie Vintage.}




{Though a modern piece, the swingy a-line cut and knee-grazing hemline of this skirt - not to mention the classic (almost military uniform) neutral hue - made me think it would work splendidly in many a cold weather 1940s inspired look. Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $23.80 CNS from Forever 21 Canada.}




{Long sleeves are often a must during the fall and winter, but that doesn't mean your shirts have to be drab in the least. A Peter Pan collar and adorable bow are all it takes to give this stretch jersey top oodles of style and visual interest. Shirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $27.29 from Plasticland.}



{Shirtwaist dresses are a beloved staple in my wardrobe all year long, but come autumn I especially like to wear seasonally hued ones - such as this lovely cognac brown hued 1950s frock - with a warm cardigan, tights, and a cute pumps for a fantastic go-anywhere daytime look. Vintage dress fits a 43" bust/36" waist. $34.50 from etsy seller 27ogle.}





{Perfect as is if you're lucky enough to still have decent weather, or worn under a beloved cardigan, shrug, bolero, or jacket all season long, this curve-hugging Va-Voom Vixen Top brings plenty of vintage style and flattering allure to the fashion table. Shirt comes in sizes small to 2XL. $38.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a beautiful autumn leaf pattern, this 1950s housecoat dress is one of the loveliest ways I can think to instantly inject a huge dose of the season's rich palette into your closet. Fits a 41" bust/31" waist. (Currently on sale for) $41.60 from etsy seller Ginger Root Vintage.}
 



{Inspired by styles from the 1930s, these faux leather, vegan-friendly Whiskey Mill Oxfords are as autumn appropriate and timeless as a shoe can get. In half and full shoe sizes 6 to 10. $37.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a height enhancing row of monochromatic buttons up the front and two generously sized hip pockets, the Just Dandy Skirt calls to mind similar styles from the 1940s well on into the 50s, and would make for an excellent cold weather wardrobe staple (as, let's face it, just about every top goes well with a long black skirt). Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $39.99 from ModCloth.}



{When one hears that words "cotton blouse", summer is likely the first season to pop into your mind, but when the fabric has a decent weight to it, and the style boasts a high collar and elbow skimming sleeves, it's possible to easily wear a cotton shirt - such as this cheerful orange 1950s example - long after Labour Day. Fits a 20" bust/36" waist. $30.00 from etsy seller Savvy Spinster Vintage.}
 



{Here's a piece that I definitely need more of in my wardrobe, a classic mid-century blazer. This particular vintage jacket hails from the 1940s and has a boxy, but not shapeless style that would be terrific with everything from pencil skirts to wide legged trousers. Fits a 34" bust/36" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Vintage Archives.}



{If it wasn't for the fact that I'm allergic to wool, these utterly darling pink cherry gloves would be headed straight to my house in the mail as we speak. Alas, I am, and so my pesky allergy is one of you lucky ladies' gain. Aprox. size 7.5 gloves. $25.00 from etsy seller Luxury Life.}




{Every well stocked wardrobe need a nice medium to heavy weight sweater or two in classic hues, like this delightful cable knit cream 1940s cardigan that would go with nearly any cold weather outfit you could dream up. Fits a 34 to 38" bust, waist not specified. $28.00 from etsy seller Resurrecting Vintage.}
 



{Shimmering sequins and elegant applique add eye-catching appeal to this simply tailored, beautiful rust hued 1930s crepe dress. Fits a 43" bust/almost 33" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Recollection Clothing.}





{As you gals know, I'm a huge fan of pencil skirts and fully believe that just about any woman can wear one, so long as she finds a cut, fabric and colour that works for her figure. As such, I'm always on the prowl for vintage skirts in versatile colours and fabrics that will see me through autumn and well beyond. This classic brown wool 1950s pencil skirt would certainly hit that mark. Fits a 27" waist/40" hips. $29.00 from etsy seller KenghaRue - who is having a 20% off sale on all items in their shop during September 2012 if you use the coupon code Back2School when you checkout.}




{A return to nippy temperatures means it's time to bust out the thicker fabric hats to help keep your noggin toasty on even the chilliest of October and November eves. This sophisticatedly lovely 1940s wool hat in a neutral taupe hue is definitely the kind of topper that you'll reach for year after year, thanks to its fun toque inspired cut and goes-with-almost-anything material and colour. Inner hat circumference measures 21.5. $30.00 from etsy seller Guermante's Vintage.}



{The resplendent spirit of the season is out in full bloom in this beautiful 1950s cardigan with it's festival fall leaves and October perfect palette. Fits (unstretched) a 37" bust/26" waist. $46.00 from etsy seller Jumblelaya.}
 



{Sometimes when those autumn winds pick up, you want a little something extra to help keep the chill at bay, but aren't quite ready for a full on winter coat. Enter capelets and shawls, such as this charming 1950s hand knit wool collar caplete that boosts a fun fringe and soothing cream and blue colour palette. Measures 25" around with a 16" neck opening. $25.00 from etsy seller Vintage FanAttic.}
 



{Tartan and fall go hand in hand like Halloween and trick-or-treating, in my books, and I always keep my eyes peeled for fun, seasonal pieces in this beloved Scottish pattern come September. These cute bow adored tartan flats look very comfy and like they'd be the perfect thing to wear for an evening walk through the crispy, beautiful autumn leaves. Available in shoe sizes 5 to 10. $27.00 from ASOS (USA).}



{Brocade was all over the fall/winter runways this year, and while I don't dress with an eye towards modern fashion trends in the slightest, I do find it interesting when a classic piece or material suddenly has the spotlight shone on it once more. If, like me, you've long adored this chic fabric, then this sophisticated green and brown 1950s brocade jacket is just the ticket for you - whether you're trying to channel this season's trends or just sticking with what you've always loved. Fits a 38" bust/36" waist. $38.00 from etsy seller MadMak's Closet.}



{Orange can be a tricky colour for some folks - myself very much included – to pull of successfully, but hues on the darker end of the spectrum can be considerably easier in this regard. If you're also a fan of rusts, pumpkins, and burnished coppers, you'll likely find your eye drawn to this classic ribbed knit 1950s top, too. Fits a 36" bust/27" waist. $32.00 from etsy seller RakShniya Vintage.}





{Like a cross between the best shoes of the 1930s and 70s, these warm honey hued t-strap heels are absolutely beautiful. The bow adds sweetness, while the stacked heel provides a sturdy platform upon which to jump, jive and wail the night away. Available in half and whole shoes sizes 5.5 to 11. $34.99 from ModCloth.}
 



{Evoking thoughts of everything from cheering football crowds to awesome evenings spent in front of a bonfire, plaid wool (Pendleton-esque) jackets have been a beloved part of many peoples' fall wardrobes for decades now. If you're looking to add one (or another one!) to your closet, then this wonderful brown and grey 49ner style wool jacket might just the ticket. Fits a 43" bust/41" waist. (Currently on sale for) $32.00 from etsy seller Merletto.}




{While you might still have clear skies and sunshine where you live, it likely won't be too long before many of us are gearing up for another round of snow filled months, and that may mean a return to outdoor winter sports. If skiing is in the cards, then you'll likely flip for these fantastic wool gabardine 1940s ski pants – which would look equally cute on athletes and ski lodge bunnies alike. $20.00 from etsy seller Vintage Zipper.}
 



{If you set out with the sole intention of finding a 1950s wiggle dress in the most autumnal palette you could possibly unearth, chances are it would look something like this alluring, flat out beautiful example. No need to search high and low though, if your measurements jive with those of this seasonally stunning frock, the sleuthing has already been done for you. Fits a 35.5" bust/27.5" waist. $48.00 from etsy seller Stop The Clock Vintage.}


{Please note that all prices listed here are in US or, if specified, Canadian, dollars and that they were accurate as of the time of writing.}

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Aside from the fact that I love, and work hard, to find as many bargains as I can when shopping for myself and my family, part of the reason that I usually like to keep an extra tight watch on what the garments in my fall wardrobe cost is because Christmas is right around the corner (just three months and three days away from today's date), and that means a sharp increase in spending come November and December.

This is true for the bulk us us who celebrate any of the gift-giving winter holidays, and with retail prices continuing to soar, most of us need ever extra penny we can get this year.

I didn't find all of the items in today's post in one evening, however doing so didn't take up weeks of my time either. A handful of keywords and the fact that some sites (like etsy) let you search based on lowest price first made tracking down some really charming, timelessly stylish vintage pieces for fall a fun task that ultimately took very little time. In fact, it was hard to stop at just twenty-five garments, but that seemed like an ideal number for this post as it was half of the maximum budget for each piece.

I'm positively ecstatic that fall is here once more and look forward to hopefully adding a few new (as in vintage) garments to closet this season. By the same token, I'm bubbling with excitement to both see the amazing autumn fashions you'll be sporting and to share snapshots of some of my favourite pieces with all of you.

Covering both fashion and various other topics, I've got scores of great posts in the works for this season and think that 2012 is going to deliver one of the best autumns ever!

1930s autumn fashion inspiration

✯ Day 317 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

November's palette is dark, but not foreboding. It may not be quite as majestically vibrant as that of earlier autumn days, but it retains some of the same burnt umbers, inky maroons, and greys that call to mind cold, wind whipped skies.

At the same time, just as November has one foot planted in the fall, another stretches out to start embracing the colour spectrum of winter, with it's evergreen tree hues, barren tawny-brown landscapes, and pale, snowy ski hills.

Far from being dull and dreary, I find that there is a lot of subtle, beautiful inspiration to be found in the shades that the world around is presently decked out in. Mother Earth is starting to sport her neutral wardrobe as we inch closer to December and this can translate marvellously into vintage pieces for our own sartorial looks, too.

Take for example the richly lovely selection of French 1930s looks in the fashion illustration below. Here we see an array of dresses and coats in the very colours mentioned above - even the quaint (almost loafer looking) shoes are matched to the November inspired outfits.

{A timelessly pretty selection of vintage French fashions are on display in this wonderful illustration from 1936. Image via Le Petit Poulailler on Flickr.}

 

By the mid-thirties we start to see some of the looser lines of the 20s and early years of the decade give away the more structured styles would appear as time rolled on into the forties. The silhouettes are still long and lean here though, as they'd so often been during the Depression years, though in this image one picks up on a subtly feminine figure being carved out thanks to belted and nipped in waists.

Regardless of if you enjoy sporting fashions from the thirties yourself, there's much inspiration on the colour front to be gleaned from this palette of autumnal shades, which you can easily apply to your own favourite decades (just think how striking a 40s inspired pencil skirt and sweater set combo in earthy green and brown would be, or why not an 1950s evening dress pale grey or teal-kissed pine green?).

In a few short weeks nature will even more devoid of colour, but that doesn't mean you wardrobe has to be, so long as you keep November's elegant palette in mind all through the snowy months that will upon as in a flash.

This beautiful 1922 Simpsons catalog cover abounds with fall style inspiration

✯ Day 259 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

With just one week left to go until we hit the the fall equinox this year, my level of giddiness for the start of my very favourite season is increasing with each passing hour.

There is so, so very much to love about autumn, from the bounty of seasonal produce (apples, pears, grapes, pumpkins, zucchini, squash - the list goes deliciously on and on) to the return of fabrics such as tweed, gabardine, and corduroy, the crunchy jewel toned leaves to the brisk evening breezes, I could wax poetically until the cows came home about the many splendid points of this gorgeous time of the year.

Without a doubt fall fashions are amongst the elements that I adore most about this season. Interestingly though, my fall and winter vintage wardrobe pales in size when compared to my spring and summer one.

I know this is partially due to the fact that I'm allergic to wool (even very small percentages in fabric blends), so that rules a lot of old school (and modern, for that matter) skirts, suits, sweaters and coats, but beyond that, it's hard to say why such is the case.

You know something, as I sit here and type this right now, it hits me that my whole wardrobe (whether vintage or otherwise) is smaller in the fall and winter department, which makes all of zero sense considering how many months of the year are chilly to down right freezing cold here in Canada.

Determined to do something about this point - if only by a few garments - I went on the prowl for vintage images of fall clothing to help me figure out what kinds of yesteryear pieces I'd like to add to my cold weather wardrobe.

Without a doubt one of the absolute most beautiful images I encountered was the 1922 cover of the Simpsons catalog pictured below.

 

Though by no means as well known south of the 49th as Sears or even Eaton’s, Simpsons (which later, in the early 1950s, merged with Sears) was a popular Canadian chain of department stores that also offered mail order catalogues to their customers (Simpsons closed its last set of doors about two decades ago).

In this immensely lovely illustration from 1922 (which comes by way of Old Catalogs on Flickr) we see an elegantly attired young woman in a velvet dress and hat (complete with charming feather plume) sitting with her borzoi beneath a maple tree that's burst forth in classic fall shades crisp yellow, orange and red.

Unlike many of the more flapper-ish styles of the twenties (which simply do not get along with my petite hourglass figure), this is the sort of dress from that era that I could really see my (usually 40s and 50s oriented) self wearing.

I love the deeply rich hue of burgundy, the charming Greek inspired embroidery, and the figure flattering sashed waist. Regardless of if I ever add a dress like this to my fall wardrobe, I appreciate the inspiration it provides in terms of colour and fabric.

So as autumn nears closer (yay!), I shall keep hunting for images like this amazing 1920s catalog cover to help me, I sincerely hope, finally grow the size of my vintage fall wardrobe this year.

By all means, please feel free to share any of your favourite images with me in the comment section - the more we show each other what's inspiring us this season, the better!