Vintage Link Love for July 2014

Oh, July, sweet, beautiful, soul satisfying month, can it really be that you've come to an end once more? Do I actually have to wait for eleven of your peers to pass me by before we get to embrace once again? *Le sigh* Don't end, don't leave me yet, I love you too dearly, too passionately, too wholeheartedly.

You will though, for time always marches onward and there's nothing I, a mere mortal, can do to change that fact. Best to just roll with the calendar's predictable punches and savour August, akin to July in so many ways anyhow, as much as possible, for when it ends, so too will summer begin to vanish here on Canadian soil. And that, more than July's own departure, is something that I'm just not ready to have happen quite yet.

What a fun, fabulous month this July was! From my 30th birthday on the 10th to sublimely warm nights with whisper-like breezes a moon like a gigantic pearl in the galaxy's glitziest cocktail ring to a lovely look at some of my personal reading habits, both online and off, as with so many of its predecessors in years past, I adored this July.

Over the course of the month, many stories caught my eye in various corners of the web and today, as we soak up these last few precious hours of July, I'd like to share another round of engaging, lovely, entertaining (mostly) vintage related stories with all of you here today. Pull up a lawn chair, pour another glass of strawberry lemonade, and sit a spell while you browse these wonderful posts.

♥ 50 Classy People From The Past Who Remind Us What "Cool" Really Means!: Like art and beauty, we all know that cool is, at least to a degree, entirely subjective, but there's no denying that certain folks do excel at looking, and being, as suave, chic, or mysteriously alluring as the day is long and the group here definitely nails it on that front.



♥ Jem, the Truly Outrageous, Triple-Platinum '80s Rocker Who Nearly Took Down Barbie: Child of the 1980s that I am, grew up with both Barbie and Gem, the former of whom I was always a bigger fan of, but that doesn't mean that I didn't rock out with Jem sometimes, too, especially care of her popular TV show. This fascinating post from Collector's weekly takes a gander at how one teased hair fictional power ballad rocker almost usurped another during that wild, toe tapping music fueled and more-children's-toys-than-you-can-shake-a-tiny-plastic-microphone-at era.



♥ 1940s hair and makeup looks based on your face shape: I'm a huge believer in the importance of what hairstyles and makeup looks that are flattering to your face shape can do for one's self esteem and overall appearance and never tire of vintage takes on the subject, such as this charmingly lovely 1940s one from Glamour Daze's excellent vintage make-up guides site, which features some of the era's most beautiful leading Hollywood starlets as examples of various face shapes.




♥ Princess Margaret opens the Kelowna Floating Bridge: I absolutely adore it when Tony sends me vintage related links that he thinks I'll like (I always do!) and just about squealed with vintage Canadiana adoring delight when he recently shared this short YouTube clip of Princess Margret at the opening ceremonies of the floating bridge, which for decades (until it was replaced in 2008 by a new, sadly no longer floating, bridge) spanned Okanagan Lake connecting West Bank/West Kelowna with the bustling city of Kelowna.



♥ 8 fashion rules to break right now: Though geared towards, and highlighted with photos of, modern day fashionistas, I wholeheartedly feel like this list from Harper's Bazaar applies every bit as much to us vintage clad ladies as well.



♥ 40 forties fashion images: Carve out a few minutes (if not right now, than asap!) and settle in to enjoy reading and savouring the vintage images in this stellar look from Marie Claire at 1940s fashions sported by vintage celebrities, models and real world ladies alike (which I discovered via my dear friend The Glamorous Housewife's Facebook page). It is, in every sense of the words, a true feast for the vintage loving eyes to behold!




♥ Short vintage hair: Though long, flowing locks, expertly curled, or precision styled updos are often associated with ladies of the past, not every yesteryear gal rocked rolls, waves or waist grazing lengths by any means and this beautiful photo filled post from Rochelle over at Lucky Lucille does a marvelous job of highlighting that fact and no doubt providing oodles of inspiration for those who might be thinking of chopping off some hair soon themselves.



♥ Twenty 90s fashions trends that I miss: We had a story (see second entry in this post) about the 80s, so it's only fitting we have one about the 90s as well. Though, for many of us, it really doesn't seem that long since this decade and its iconic fashion styles wrapped up, it has been 14.5 year already since we, quite literally, partied like it was 1999, and as such we're entitled to get a bit nostalgic about that era's styles, if so inclined, which this post's author recently did (and I get every now and then myself, too).


♥ Vintage playsuits and rompers - 1940s history and photos: With summer still (thankfully!!!) going strong and at least a few more weeks of roasty-toasty weather left, there's plenty of time still left to keep on rocking vintage playsuits such as the examples in this lovely post from the Vintage Dancer.





♥ 20 Signs You’re Succeeding In Life Even If You Don’t Feel You Are As someone who is perpetually (far!) too hard on themselves, I can't begin to tell you how much this Life Hack post (which I first caught wind of via my wonderful friend Daffny, from the blog A Vintage Nerd, on Facebook) resonated, comforted and de-stressed me - at least for a little while. I can't recommend reading it highly enough, as I can all but promise you, you'll walk away feeling better about yourself and the direction in which your life is going once you have, too.



♥ 10 Great Spooky Vintage Cartoons to Watch This Halloween: Before you hurl a jack-o-lantern at me for posting about Halloween already, take a moment to stop and think that we are but a mere three months away from the return of the spookiest, most sensationally fun holiday of the year. Chances are, if you're like me (a massive fan of the day), you're already thinking about your party, costume, decor, menu, and what you're going to be watching come October 31st. In the case of the latter, this fun list of ten classic, campy, and/or hair raising cartoons is sure help set the tone for any All Hallow's Eve celebration.



♥ Pajamas to the Beach? Ladies in the 1930s did it in style!: Just as playsuits and rompers were integral parts of many women's mid-century summer wardrobes and are pieces that find favour with vintage loving gals today, so too were beach pajamas once a highly fashionable, glamorous way to stay cool and look sensational during the hottest months of the year. This delightful image filled post from Blue Vintage Velvet's blog does a great job of celebrating the beauty and perpetual appeal of this wonderful type of vintage garment.






{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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Alright, July, I might not like it, but if you must depart, I understand. We'll meet again, same place, same time, next year and catch up like the immensely dear friends we've always been. Until then, I'll treasure your memory in my heart and think of you especially often during the freezing cold, snow capped days of January.


For now though, it's time to cheer on August's arrival and all that this fabulously warm, beautiful eighth month of the year holds in store for us. Barbeques, beach visits, yard sale sales, road trips, picnics, sundresses, and lots more lemonade are all the name of the game and they certainly help make waving good bye to July a touch easier.


Here's to an amazing, fun and sunshine filled August for each and every one of us!!!

*PS*

My unbelievably talented and equally lovely milliner friend Tanith Rowan is currently hosting her first ever giveaway on her blog in which participants from around the world have the chance to win one of her sublimely gorgeous handmade hats (from her online shop). Pop on by today and enter at once - her hats are true works of art and would look amazing in any vintage or modern fashionista's wardrobe alike.

Vintage Fashionista Friday: July 5, 2013

{Whether you want to keep your skin fair all summer long or simply love the look of a truly charming, pin-up approved way to keep the sun's ray at bay, this splendid floral print Oriental paper parasol is just the ticket! £7.00 from Bow and Crossbones.}





{If summertime humidity is getting the best of your locks, you're looking to keep your hair out of your face, or adore this classic look, then why not treat yourself to a fun turban style hair wrap like this turquoise beaut? $12.95 from etsy seller Rumraisina.}





{Being of the permanently parched skin type, my lips veer towards the dry side all year round, very much including summer, when the heat seems to zap what little moisture they have in a flash. To help combat that problem, I love to slather on pretty lip balms, such as this lovely Daisy Delight - a feminine, melted pink ice pop-esque pink - offering that's available for $10.95 (Australian) from Glamourflage.}




{A parasol - and/or hat - can certainly offer a fair share of sun protection, but nothing keeps the glare of a roasty-toasty July sky out of yours eyes like a fab pair of vintage sunnies. These awesomely fun confetti filled 1950s sunglasses are the kind of accessory that you will reach for summer after summer until the end of time. $25.00 from etsy seller MorningGlorious.}




{For those who enjoy flashing a wee bit of midriff, this marvelously cute pinky-purple, turquoise and white plaid playset - that channels a major 1940s feel through and through - is bound to make a huge splash. Two-piece (crop top and high-waisted skirt) playset available in modern ladies sizes 2-14, $154.00 from Trashy Diva.}




{Carrying on the theme of clear accessories embedded with lovely items, this fantastic vintage floral clamper bracelet is bursting with summery spirit and timeless sweetness, and would partner well with a multitude of July and August ensembles. $68.00 from etsy seller VintagePolkaDot.com.}




{Redolent of everything from nonpareils to DippinDots, this classic 1940s/1950s white beaded purse is so terrific you'll want to continue sporting it long after Labour Day. $20.00 from etsy seller Treasures From Us.}




{Between sandy beaches, tall green grass, and a gloriously warm evening breeze, I just adore feeling the various signs of the season on my feet come summertime, which is why I can never get enough of darling vintage appropriate wedges like these adorable turquoise Zampagni ones featuring a woven heel and lovely rosette on the vamp. €84.00 from Fratelli Karida (*note* they are currently sold out - hopefully they'll come back in stock soon).}

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When I was a little girl - much as it still is for many kids in North America - summer break started somewhere around June 29th and continued, joyfully uninterrupted until Labour Day, with the school year kicking off again the next morning. Back then, these first early, awesomely fresh days of July seemed to possess an unlimited amount of possibility, fun, and excitement.

Growing up, sweet treats weren't an every day event at our house by any means (which, to be fair, is a healthier way to eat for sure - and who knows, perhaps it's part of the reason why I've always had more of a "salty tooth" than a sweet one), however when summer rolled around, there always seemed to be more saccharine goodies to be had - be it under our own roof, or, more commonly, at other people's homes.

Looking back on these delightful sugar laden products recently, it struck me that many - from icy cold Freezies to Jolly Ranchers, Snow Cones to pitchers of Kool-Aid - were bursting with vibrant hues that seemed to compliment the heat, sizzling sun, and nature's very own flower garden palette of summer so fantastically well. Coincidence? I think not! :)

These days I eat far less sugar than I did as a child at any point, but that doesn't mean I don't indulge in a sweet treat every now and then. More often than not though, instead of reaching for an ice cream cone, glass of fruit punch, or stick of fairy floss, I have fun splashing the colours of these yummy goodies throughout my hot weather ensembles, which is precisely how I dressed our vintage fashionista - fittingly named Candy - today as well.

Whether you love to indulge in the edible or the wearable confectionery and frozen treat inspired hues of summer (or both!), I hope that each day of this captivating, busy, fantastic season will be filled with as much wonderful, colour and sweetness as it had for us back we were all knee high to a Popsicle.

Ten warm weather vintage wardrobe staples

For most us in the western hemisphere, the chilly, rain soaked days of early spring are quickly fading faster than a mud puddle in the hot June sun. The sweltering weeks that will hit-mid summer are still a little ways off, but in all likelihood, the prospect of snow - at the very least – is no longer a particularly big threat (says the girl who has experienced snow in June here in Canada before).

You've probably already carefully and lovingly packed away your winter coats, thickest sweaters, heavy duty boots, and woolen scarves (or soon will). In their place come the garments of summer and the prospect of several gorgeous weeks - or months, depending on whereabouts you live - of weather that would cringe at the mere thought of a toque, snow boots or long underwear.

This is the season for linens, cottons, jerseys, silks, and lightweight knits. It's a time to have fun with what you were, dress gorgeously and with gusto, and when one often feels as though their closet can do know wrong.

Be that as it may, it's always wise to take a moment before we really and truly launch headfirst in summer and access the state of your current vintage summer wardrobe. You may have a swimsuit (or ten!), which is a great start, but beyond that, how just how well are you faring? Even if (like me) your warm weather togs outnumber your winter ones, that doesn't mean that there aren't still garments that you're missing or which you could do with more of.

Of course everyone's summer wardrobe needs will vary depending on where they reside, the kind of life they live everyday, how often they travel during the summer, and myriad other factors. Only you know best what you need more of and which summer fashion items you can easily do without.

No matter your lifestyle and location though, there are certain items of clothing that are always fantastic to have on hand for this sunny, glorious time of the year, ten of which I'm going to shine the spotlight on in today's post with the help of a vintage fashion photo or illustration for each one.

{Sundresses}

{The workhorses of many a vintage gal's summer closet, sundresses can be as practical or fanciful as your heart desires. Look for cute novelty prints, pinafore styles with ruffled sleeves, and cute pockets to stash sunny weather essentials in.}

{Capri pants}

{Also known as clam diggers, crop pants, and capris, these cute 3/4 length pants generally hit anywhere from below the knee to mid-calf, and are the perfect answer to those summer days that call for pants (such as a morning of yard saling or an evening of fishing).}

{Sunglasses}

{Equal parts practical and stylish, sunglasses are an absolute must as the sun glares down on us this season. Whether you opt for vintage or vintage appropriate sunnies, make sure that you get a pair (or two!) that fit well, don't allow much sunlight in on the sides, and which are your correct prescription, if you were glasses due to a vision problem. Extra vintage style bonus points if you go with an adorable cat eye pair!}

{Peasant blouses}

{At first glance one might think that the looser cute of many peasant style blouses could be unflattering, however on the majority of figure types, nothing could be further from the truth. Whether sleeve-less (tank top style), short sleeve, 3/4 or even long-sleeves, peasant blouses are an airy, wonderful vintage wardrobe staple that work well with everything from pencil skirts to high-waisted repro jeans.}

{Sun hats}

{Much as in the case of sunglasses, a great wide-brimmed sunhat - in straw or any other summer weight material - a must both for sun protection and also for enhancing just about any summer outfit you can dream up. Whether you opt for an understated classic sandy straw hued number or prefer something more elaborate, the key is to keep your neck and face shaded from the sun, especially if you're venturing out near - or on - the water, or if you plan on being in the direct sunshine.}

{Playsuits}

{These really have to be one the most charming vintage ensembles ever dreamed up, and the array of style variations they come is pretty much limitless. You can go for anything from a wee little pair or bloomer shorts and a crop top, to a swimsuit with a matching skirt and blouse. No matter the degree of coverage you prefer, there's a vintage - or reproduction - summer playsuit out there to suit nearly everyone.}

{Summer weight shawls}

{Certainly one of summer's biggest draws is its sublime sunshine, but on those overcast days or when the sun sinks come dusk, it never hurts to have an extra layer on hand to help you stay nice and toasty. One of the most elegant options to do just that this time of the year is with a lovely vintage - or vintage appropriate - lightweight shawl. You can go with anything from cotton to satin, jersey to crochet yarn, depending on the rest of of your outfit and how much warmth you're expecting your wrap to provide you. I for one really like the look of gauzy crochet and knit shawls for when the sun sets on a hot summer's day. ***Calling all crochet fans*** this image is from a page with a free crochet pattern to make this pretty 1950s shawl.}

{Patio/squaw dresses or sets}

{A beloved wardrobe staple of many a gal during the 1950s and early 60s, patio and squaw dresses both take their styling cues from Southwestern Native cultures, though with a wholly twentieth century twist. Both are available as one-piece dresses or two-piece sets generally consisting of a skirt and matching top. After years of dreaming about owning a 1950s patio dress of my own, I finally bought a cute dusty rose one with silver trim earlier this year that I just know is going to see tons of play this summer!}

{Beach/bathing suit cover up}

{Whether you love to swim, like to dangle your tootsies in the pool, or simply bask in the rays on the sand, it's always a good idea to bring some form of cover-up with you when you go to the beach. Terrycloth is a great option, but don't discount cotton and linen options either, especially if you're packing for a trip and have limited space in your luggage. }

{Breezy a-line and circle skirts}

{If you're anything like me, you love to feel a warm summer breeze waltz across your skirt, ruffling the hem and warming you through and through. On those days when you want a change of pace from sundresses, shorts, or capri pants, a wonderful vintage a-line or circle skirt is just the answer. I often toss a crinoline under my fuller skirts for extra swish, fullness, and style, but if the mercury is really boiling and you can't bear to think of wearing two layers, don't feel obliged to go the pettiskirt route. A sweet a-line skirt and peasant blouse (perhaps partnered with a straw sunhat) is an especially charming warm weather look that channels the 1940s in particular.}

{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}

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This is by no means a complete list of every possible summertime vintage garment of course, nor does it encompass each option that various decades offered up (for example, if you're a big 1930s fan, you'll likely want to add in a pair of beach pajamas), but it's a handy jumping off point - and potential shopping list - as you access your warm weather vintage wardrobe both this year and for future summers to come.

Of the ten items highlighted here, I for one am on the hunt for a lovely warm weather shawl, more capri pants, and a great all-purpose vintage straw sunhat. Which are you in need of and what items not mentioned on this list of summer staples are you shopping for as we round bases on our way to greet summer once again?

Though there are elements of the season - like all others - that can be less than ideal, one thing that I do love with a passion about summer is the clothing it allows me to wear. Free from the shackles of heavy overcoats, seven layers of clothes, and utilitarian footwear, my vintage loving Canadian soul is free to reach for the lightest, dreamiest, most enchanting garments in my closet once again.

I may miss my velvets, corduroys, tweeds, and industrial strength knits a touch at some point over the course of the season (say, when Labour Day rolls around). Right now however, I'm far too busy deciding which sundress and pair or sandals to wear this morning to give cold weather clothes another thought for many a week to come! :)