Voodoo Vixen love at first sight

Outfit details

Vintage pale pink nylon/chiffon scarf: eBay
Pink sparkly bow earrings: Payless
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Turquoise cardigan: Cleo
Circa 1950s silver tone rose brooch: Miss Farfalla
Aqua and pink Flora dress: Voodoo Vixen
Pink plastic rose bangle bracelet: Walmart
Vintage straw handbag: Yard sale find
Nude seamed nude stockings:
White pumps: Payless
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Red
Nail colour: Sally Hansen Rogue Rush over Essie Pink Diamond


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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A little earlier this summer, when I took the (massive - for shy little me at least!) plunge and decided to start filming YouTube videos, I knew that I wanted to wear something that really and truly represented my personal style. Various wardrobe options swirled through my head, but ultimately I happily opted to sport this uber charming vintage style pink and blue Flora dress from UK fashion brand Voodoo Vixen on video camera.

I had been contacted by a lovely rep from Voodoo Vixen a little earlier this year about collaborating on some product spotlight outfit posts and the company very kind sent me this dress, as well as a seriously darling ladybug cardigan (which I'll be featuring in a post unto itself here in a few weeks). I sincerely appreciate both pieces and have fallen head-over-heels in love with each of them.

Seriously in love, that is. I wouldn't have donned my new Flora dress as the key outfit component of my first YouTube video if I didn't have mad adoration for it! :)

This soft, comfortable cotton frock channels the spirit of the 1940s, but can easily be styled in a 1950s or more contemporary direction, too, if so desired. It's well constructed, true to size, made of very good quality materials, has darling cap sleeves with one pink button on each (the same kind of buttons that appear on the torso), and a flattering vee meets sweetheart sort of shaped neckline.

I'm also a big fan of its mid-calf length (on my 5'2" torso, that is) and the fact that the skirt on this dress has a wonderful amount of swing to it. Indeed, I could see being able to dance the night away, if one wanted, in this dress no problem. By the same token, you could take it in a fancier direction, adding gloves, a hat, perhaps a lace or crochet shawl, or anything else your heart desired for events such as weddings, garden fetes, baby showers, or a timelessly lovely tea party.

The moment I saw this dress on Voodoo Vixen's website, which is chalk-a-block with vintage inspired styles that are sure to provide no shortage of wishlist fodder for many a vintage loving, pinup, and rockabilly lass the world over, my heart skipped a beat. Its fabulously feminine colour palette and floral motif instantly reminded me of a similarly patterned wallpaper that hung in one of my childhood bedrooms (in the first house we lived in here in Penticton, actually). I adored that wallpaper and have found myself drawn to things that resemble it ever since.

In person, Flora was even more stunning and she and I hit it off splendidly! Though it wasn't a chilly day by any means when we were shooting (photos and a video!), I knew we'd be in the shade a bit (at the always stunning Guisachan Park in Kelowna), so I topped this lovely aqua and pink dress with a turquoise hued cardigan and pulled colours from its palette for my accessories and nail polish choices.

Interestingly, unlike many patterned dresses, there is no white, black, grey, red, or navy blue in this dress' design, which is relatively uncommon amongst the frocks in my closet and made me really give thought to what hues my accessories should me. As the dress itself is vibrant and eye-catching, I wanted to ensure it remained the star of the show that day and that it wasn't overpowered by darker accessories. Thus, I opted for pale coloured ones - specifically a classic pearl necklace, pale pink nylon/chiffon scarf, pink rose pattern plastic bangle, sparkly pink bow earrings, a silver tone vintage rose brooch, white shoes and a pale straw handbag.

Idea for spring, summer and the first few still-warm days of autumn on its own or topped with a lightweight cardigan, as I've done here, this dress could also be hugged by a pale hued (think cream, light grey, beige or taupe) fur wrap come the nippier days of the year. In fact, I can easily picture this dress and the person wearing it looking like a million dollar against a snow covered landscape, the gentle colours of the pattern popping all the more thanks to the marshmallow hued background.

You only get one first time for every new thing that you try, and for my inaugural YouTube video, I will always remember and be very happy that I had recently received such a gorgeous floral print vintage style dress from Voodoo Vixen, which I was able to wear on camera that day. It is me and my style to a tee and will forever remind me, in the loveliest of ways, when I wear or see it hanging in my closet, of the nerves, excitement and happiness of that majorly cool experience and exciting new step in my life.

Baby, it's cold - and festively fashionable - outside!

Outfit details

Red and green hair flowers: Both from Arden
Silver tone metal and crystal earrings: Claire's
Black 1950s velvet stole wrap: etsy seller A Better Time
Vintage reproduction 1950s style red & white halter dress: Classy Dames from Blue Velvet Vintage  White lace trimmed crinoline: Pettiskirt Style
1940s/50s white faux suede gloves: (probably) eBay
Faux leather bow clutch: Bentley
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Black faux suede round toe pumps: Wal-Mart
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
Photography by Antonio Cangiano  

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As a maple-leaf-red blooded Canadian, I like to think that I have a rather strong constitution when it comes to icy weather, and should I be dressed accordingly for such, I typically do. However, even I admit to being as chilly as a snowman in arctic on the evening a few days ago when we shot today's holiday ensemble photos. It was more than worth the Rudolph worthy rosy red nose, goose bumps, and chattering teeth though to find the perfect backdrop for an equally perfect holiday dress.

Blue Velvet Vintage, a top-notch online vintage, reproduction and vintage appropriate clothing and accessories shop, which I profiled in this post last July, has been - and continues to be - an absolutely awesome blog sponsor, and it is their resplendently lovely house line, Classic Dame, of vintage reproduction dresses that includes the knockout red and white 1950s style halter dress that you see here today.

Though this stylish frock wasn't designed specifically for the Christmas holiday season, it suits it marvelously, and I was elated to receive it as a review gift from Blue Velvet Vintage recently. I knew before it even arrived, that a dress of this caliber deserved an extra special location to shoot it against, but where, I wondered, would that be? After much brainstorming, Tony and I hit upon the idea of taking snaps in front a large Christmas tree made of out shimmering lights that greets visitors and locals alike in Kelowna shortly after they come into town.

As it's only lit during the evenings, when Christmas lights look their best anyhow, we buzzed up there after dinner one night and found a location (on the concrete ramp pathway leading to a foot traffic bridge across the always busy thoroughfare that is Harvey Avenue) from which we could safely shoot in this bustling urban area (and from which you could get a sense of what the background was).

Though I'd been thinking about what I might partner this beautiful red and white polka dot dress with for some time now, when the moment to do actually came, I ended up styling it pretty much on the fly, taking things in a different direction than I'd first had in mind (initially I'd thought we might shoot inside, but as such wasn't ultimately the case, I needed too add a couple of accessories to help fend off at least a little bit of the -7C chill that evening).

While this is a frock that you could wear any single day of the year, its colour palette is inherently Christmassy and as this was going to be my holiday shoot for 2013, I didn't hold back on adding to its seasonal feel. Rand green hair flowers, icicle hued crystal dangle earrings, classic white cloves, and touches of timeless black in the form of a velvet wrap and bow adorned faux suede heels all helped me feel as festive as jolly Old St. Nicolas himself.

This dress is a dream. Not only does it fit excellently (something that is not always the case with me and halter dresses), but it's made of thick, great quality 100% satin finish cotton, features a pleated sweetheart bodice with darling polka dot cotton pique fold over collar, lined bodice, sturdy metal zipper up the back, and a full skirt (measuring 27" long) that just begs to be twirled in (which I did to try and keep warm between a few photos).

Though I don't own as much repro as some folks, I have bought and also received a lovely selection of such pieces from various brands over the years and I honestly say, with complete impartialness (to the fact that I was sent this dress as review gift), that this delightful 1950s style halter dress is one of the best made pieces I've ever owned. There's quality workmanship at play here, as well as excellent materials, classic tailoring and an overall sense of quality that can't be beat.

In addition to the Christmas season, I know that thanks to the colours at work here, this is a dress I'll reach for often come both Valentine's Day and Canada Day as well, while also enjoying it on many a non-holiday day the whole year round (I'm thinking it would be a perfect choice to wear to next year's Peach City Peach Cruise in June).

I won't lie to you, it was mighty nippy out there that evening, but it was also incredibly lovely, serene in so as much as be had in such a high traffic environment, and rather magical. I've never done a shoot outdoors at night, let alone one set against a towering tree made of holiday lights. I will remember this night always, not simply because the weather was so invigorating, but because I felt positively alive with the Christmas spirit and was having a blast, even if my fingers, toes and shoulders were turning into Popsicles.

Nights like this, much like the holiday season itself, don't come along everyday - nor do stellar fifties style dresses like this one from Blue Velvet Vintage, and it was a rare and wonderful experience to get immortalize one on camera to look back on and always have as a beautiful memory of Christmas 2013 season.

Wearing my awesome new bespoke 1940s reproduction dress at Guisachan Park

Outfit details

Hair flowers: Arden
White rose stud earrings: Claire's
Green 1930s beaded necklace: Jewelry seller in Okanagan Falls
Grey knit shrug: Fairweather
Handmade 1940s reproduction pinafore dress: Rosy from Sewing Adicta
Pink plastic rose bracelet: Walmart
Yellow plastic rose bracelet: Thrifted (from Value Village
Grey vintage handbag: etsy seller Running Rabbit Studio
Nude seemed stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lipstick colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace


Photography by Antonio Cangiano

♥ ♥ ♥

This year, as I chatted about a few months ago in the post The Vintage Outfit That Friendship Built, and have continually been blessed to experience, I've been the recipient of many truly wonderful gifts from friends and fans of my blog around the world. These presents, quite often given "just because", out of love and friendship, and shared interests, have been some of the most positive and uplifting highlights of a year, that at times, has been rather challenging and stressful.

As the summer wound to a close, one of the most incredible - and show stoppingly beautiful - of these gifts arrived all the way from Spain.

Sewing is a skill that I admire greatly. It's not an art I'm proficient in to much of any real degree (I know the basics, but that's about it), nor one that's very easy for me to manage from a physical standpoint (due to some of my medical problems), so I love to live out my sewing dreams vicariously through other peoples' blogs and incredible creations.

One of my favourite sewing blogs in the whole wide world, called Sewing Adicta, just happens to belong to an incredibly talented woman named Rosy, who share my passion for the past, as well as a love of feminine styles and timeless fashions. Rosy and I have been commenting on each other's sites for a while now, forming a friendship in the process, and earlier this year, she contacted me by email to ask if I would like for her to design a garment of my choice to receive a gift.

I was stopped in my tracks by her thoughtfulness and generosity, and of course said yes to this incredible offer. Rosy proposed some ideas of garments that she could make for me, and one of them instantly triggered a memory for me of a dress that I'd fallen madly in love with during the summer of 2012, but which, I kid not, sold mere hours before I was finally in a position to purchase it. This dress was a charming blue and white floral print 1940s summer pinafore dress (something that I really see a must-have vintage wardrobe item) that stole my heart and which, for about three weeks, I envisioned would become mine.

Fate had other plans in mind however, and alas, another shopper beat me to it. I've had this same situation occur many times over the years on both etsy and eBay alike, and after a while, the memory those pieces that got away starts to fade (if not disappear entirely) from your mind, but there are always a few that linger boldly, refusing to be forgotten (at least until you find a similar piece that you're finally able to add to your closest). That forties pinafore dress was just one such piece for me, and as I'd held onto a photograph from the etsy listing all this time, I showed it to Rosy and asked it she might be able to make me a dress that was akin to it.

Much to my immense delight, she said that she could and that she'd soon set to work searching for similar fabrics. What about a pattern, I hear you asking - good question! Rosy is one of the mind-blowingly talented sewers who is so skilled that she can create a garment simply from seeing a photo of it (or dreaming up a pattern in her head). All she needed was the photo I shared with her, my measurements, the right fabric, a bit of time, and before I knew it, she had brought to life the most phonemically pretty vintage reproduction pinafore dress I could ever have imagined.

Zipping across the world all the way from Rosy's sewing room in Spain to my doorstep in Penticton, the dress arrived in pristine condition and could not, hand on my heart, possibly have fit any better. Over the years there have been times when I've likened a garment to fitting as though it was custom made, but it wasn't until I actually wore a dress created around my exact measurements and body shape that I knew what that expression truly meant firsthand.

Rosy's dress is an incredibly pretty work of expertly made, vintage inspired art. Every seam, every line, ever ruffle and detail is perfection, much like the custom fit itself. Rosy cleverly included a built in pettiskirt layer under the skirt portion of the dress to give it a bit of extra volume and feminine flounce, not to mention warmth on chillier summer nights. I love this unexpected addition, much as I wholeheartedly adore the entire dress itself.

Since it's arrival, I've worn this dress multiple times, now alternating between putting a cardigan over it (it's sleeveless) or tucking a classic white or pale yellow blouse (my Brooks Brothers one that you may recall from this outfit) underneath. Though a frock like is naturally well suited to the warmer months, with a bit of layering magic, it can see one through all four seasons, no matter if the mercury is boiling or frozen solid.

A bespoke garment like this is a rare and wonderful gift indeed, and it was one that I felt really called for a special location to highlight its beauty in. There aren't a huge number of public gardens around these parts, but a quick Google search led Tony and I to one in the nearby city of Kelowna called Guisachan Park, which neither of us had ever been to, let alone even so much as heard of, before.

Early one late summer's evening, we pulled up to the garden (called Cameron Gardens) and the gorgeous Edwardian home (turned restaurant) on its grounds and were, save for a couple folks who quickly strolled through the walking path, the only people there for nearly an hour, as we shot off oodles of photographs amongst the classic garden setting with its bounty of lush roses and other timelessly pretty blooms.

Much like Rosy's marvelous dress, this garden is a standout gem. I can scarcely believe I'd lived in the Okanagan for so many years throughout my life and never once heard tell of it. I adore finding new-to-me spots like this and am sure this won't be our only visit to Guisachan Park (I'd imagine it looks breathtaking under a carpet of pristine winter snow, too).

If you would also like to own your own custom made piece created by Rosy, you can contact her anytime via her website or on Facebook. She's always open to taking new on new customers and projects - just tell her what you want, you two will discuss the specs and budget, and she'll be thrilled to help your dream of a personally tailored garment spring to life.

When a garment or other items that I'm yearning for gets away from me, I always try to console myself by saying that it wasn't meant to and that something even better will come along one day (an outlook my mother wisely instilled in me at a young age). For the rest of time, this story - of the etsy dress that didn't happen and of the magnificent handmade dress from Rosy that came to call my closet home instead - will stand as the most shining example possible of that philosophy for me.

In hindsight, I'm happy that the etsy dress went to someone else, because it meant that I got to have a beautiful bespoke 1940s reproduction ruffled pinafore of my very own made by an exceptionally skilled, and endlessly dear, friend instead.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet Rosy, I will cherish this special floral print frock forever.

A new dress is a bit like a great wine

Despite what a couple people I know might have you believe, my wardrobe is – by modern standards – definitely not massive. It’s wonderful, beloved, and filled with well curated pieces, the overwhelming majority of which are vintage, repro, or vintage appropriate, but it isn’t Hollywood starlet sized by any stretch of the imagination.

It’s not every day that I add a new piece to my closet, be it something as small as a pair of lace gloves or as hefty as a winter wool coat, and new dresses are certainly not an item that comes my way all the time. This isn’t uncommon of course for many of us, but because dresses are (as a whole) my favourite type of garment, I’m prone to really savouring the experience when I do get a new (to me) one.

This past summer my mom and step-dad very sweetly wanted to give me a dress for my birthday (how awesome is that?) and so, knowing the budget I had to work with, I spent an evening searching for a summery vintage frock that would absolutely take my breath away.





I was thrilled to find such a garment, pictured above (from UK based etsy reproduction seller Oh Sew Vintage), in just one night and couldn’t order it fast enough. The dress arrived in good time and shortly after it got here, my mom asked if she could see it in person (she'd already seen the listing photos).

I ran to get it right away, beaming with happiness over the fact that it was even lovelier in real life than in the online shots. She asked me if I was going to wear it for a certain event we had coming up, and I said that while I’d thought about it, there were more reasons not to, than to do so, and as such I wouldn’t be wearing it that day. No worries, I assured her though, I’d be christening it very soon (and indeed I did).

Sometimes however, even when I love a dress madly, I hold off on wearing it right off the bat. I let it gather a little more age on the bar in my closet. I pull it out and look at it, admiring the fabric, cut, details, darling vintage buttons, and imagine how I’ll style it the first time, where I might sport it to, and if I’ll end up adoring it even more once I’ve taken it out for an inaugural spin.

I like having a dress or two in the wings, frocks that haven’t yet been worn, just waiting for a big event like the Christmas holidays, an anniversary or birthday, or perhaps simply something marvelous and fresh to don on an evening out on the town with Tony.

And so, later that night after my mom asked to see my new dress, it struck me that in a way that I see the garments I purchase as each being akin to an excellent bottle of wine, gathered and stored lovingly in a cellar for just the right meal, event, or random Tuesday that needs perking up when they'll be wholeheartedly relished and fully experienced for the first time.

Though I do not have a closet's worth of unworn pieces by any means, I generally do have a dress, skirt, or other piece (or two) that has yet to be uncorked (aka, worn) and which I’m thrilled to know is waiting for just the right moment, when I’ll bring it out of the dark (of my closet) and enjoy it for the first time in all its pleasurable, wonderful glory.

And to that fact I cannot help but raise a glass and voice a resounding "cheers"!