12 of my top vintage fashion wish list items

Hard as it may be to believe some days, we're more than half way through the year at this point. I don't know about you, but it sure does feel like it's been a busy, sometimes tumultuous, sometimes wonderful, frequently action packed first half of 2013 with more than its fair share of twists and turns too. It's not what I expected it would be in some regards, though to be perfectly honest, unlike last year, I didn't kick this one off with too many specific long terms plans in the works, so it's been both fun and fascinating to watch how it's unfolded thus far.

Every now and then, I'd say one to three times a year, I like to take serious stock of my wardrobe as well as my short and long-term fashion related purchasing goals (a topic we last delved into early last January in Thoughts on my wardrobe for the year ahead). By doing so, I often spot areas where I need to focus my attention more, can cross things off my shopping list that I've purchased in recent months, and revamp my vintage clothing and accessory wish list as needed.

It was on the latter that I was focusing last night, so I thought it would be fun to share some of the items that are on this list with all of you. This is not the list in full (that would probably fill a hefty sized book at this point!), but instead a selection of twelve of the items that are currently coming out near the top and which I hope, at some point in time (be it throughout the second half of 2013 or beyond) to add to my closet.

Back in February, I wrote about Ten investment worthy vintage wardrobe items, some of which I already own, others that I hope to welcome into my closet in the future. A few things on there (such as an awesome 1940s pinafore dress) are definitely wish list entries for me (as is this fabulous Canadiana themed vintage bathing suit), but there several that I haven't chatted too much about here over the years, and it's a selection of these that we're going to be focusing on today.

Come along with me, won't you, as we take a gander at some of the vintage wardrobe items that have been filling my daydreams for ages, and which continue - for whatever reason (price, sizing, rarity, etc) to elude me. Most stop, to my mind, shy of being "holy grail" items (aka, an original Dior Bar Suit) that may never happen (even if I had a millionaire's bank roll) though, and are, at least in theory pieces that I should eventually be able to find in my size and budget eventually.

{1940s or 50s prom dress}

{The more layers of tulle and or lace the better! I've seen scores of great vintage prom dresses over the years, but most have been for those with super slender waists (oh, you lucky gals who can fit into a 24" waist!) and of those that were the right size, I've either been outbid or unable to wrap my head around their sky high prices enough to purchase one. I keep hoping the thrift store gods will here my plea and lead me to find one in my size for a total song one of these days.}


 

{Italian themed novelty print circle skirt}

{While I certainly wouldn't say no to any vintage hand painted or printed Mexican, or novelty print, circle skirt that worked for me, I would especially love to find an Italian/Mediterranean themed one, of which I've seen a few here and there over the years, in honour of Tony, who was born and raised in Italy.}

{1930s, 40s or 50s winter boots}

{Hailing from Canada, a land famous the world over for its snow, it's high time I finally hat a pair of genuine (or very authentic looking repro like the gorgeous Miss L Fire pair pictured above) mid-century winter boots (if only they were easier to find in a medium to wide width modern size 8/8.5!). All the better if they happen to be fur trimmed (real or faux), a look that I just adore.}


 

{Vintage or repro high-waisted trousers}

{This is one of those items where fit has kept me from finding my dream pair time and time again (I'm both short in terms of height and relatively short waisted with lots of curves). While I've had great success with my Freddies of Pinewood Jeans, when it comes to trousers made out of fabrics other than denim, I've had rotten luck finding a pair that fit even remotely well, and have ended up selling or giving away those that I have bought over the years. The quest continues though - even if I have to commission someone to tailor make a pair for me!}


 

{Carved floral bangle bracelet}

{There are some breath-takingly lovely 1930s/40s carved floral bangles (often made from Bakelite or celluloid) to be had, and it is precisely that which I'm hoping to add to my bracelet collection a whole lot sooner than later.}

 

{Quilted 1950s dress}

{Having lucked out found one of my previous wish list items – a classic 1950s quilted circle skirt - for a steal of a deal the winter before last, I’ve been on the prowl ever since for a quilted dress from the same era ever since.}

 

{Equestrian/top hat inspired tilt hat}

{It's scarcely a secret that I adore vintage tilt hats of all kinds, but did you know that I've been hankering for an equestrian/Victorian top hat inspired one for as long as I can recall? And on the subject of wish list top hats, I certainly wouldn't say no to one adorned with dramatic bird wings or whole millinery birds either.}

 

{Black Bettie Page Clothing circle skirt jumper}

{Have you ever had one of those times when, after swooning over (and/or saving up for) an item for weeks or even months, you're finally in a position to buy it at long last only to discover it's no longer (or at least not currently) available?

That is precisely what happened to me with this terrific black circle skirt jumper from Bettie Page Clothing. I'd been pining after it for months, went to purchase it from their site mid way through the spring, and they were sold out of my size and the next one up. I've tried looking for it elsewhere online from a North American source, but no one seemed to have the black jumper in stock any more, so for now I'll just hold tight and cross my fingers in the hope that they'll restock it again in my size.}


 

{Elegant 1930s or 40s cape with a hood}

{I absolutely, flat out adore vintage jackets, coats (especially opera coats), cloaks and capes with hoods, yet own nary a one. I'd happily pounce on any of these hooded outerwear options in a heartbeat, but would be especially tickled pink if I could find a vintage hooded cape - ideally in a fabric other than wool, which I'm allergic to - for when the chilly weather returns.}


 

{Western wear suit}

{Though you might not know this about me, I've always had an inner cowgirl and love of Western culture and history. In honour of this fact, it would be a dream come true one to own an authentic vintage western suit (dress, skirt or pants and jacket), and in turn to then head on out to Alberta one July and wear it for a day spent at the Calgary Stampede.}


 

{Classic brown loafers}

{Of all the items on these list, these certainly seem like they'd be one of the easiest to find, and generally speaking, they certainly are. However, as you may have heard me mention in past posts, I have rather hard to fit feet, and have yet to find a pair of classic brown loafers that fit me well. Hopefully this will be the year I finally do!}


 

{1950s style fitted blouse from Big Beautiful Barbara Brown}

{This incredibly charming 1950s inspired blouse from UK vintage reproduction clothing seller is me and my feminine style to an absolute tee. I just wish the exchange rate between Canadian dollars and UK pounds was friendlier (that's the only thing stopping me from ordering it right now!).}


{To learn more about a specific item shown here, including pricing and sizing where applicable, please click on a photo to be taken to its respective link.} 

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As I started putting together this list, it struck me that twelve would be a good number of entries because there are twelve months in the year. I highly doubt all of these items will find their merry way into my dresser drawers and closet racks by June 2014, but in the spirit of wish lists everywhere, it never hurts to hope and continue to daydream.

In just about every case, I'd seen and bid on at least one such item that would have fit the bill perfectly. For some pieces, it's almost become a personal running joke how I've often been outbid (or had some one else purchase an item that was on my etsy wish list before I was able to do so myself) time and time again on them. No matter though, I'm not one to be easily deterred (even by last minute eBay snipers!) - plus, a part of me genuinely adore the hunt, so I'll remain on the prowl for each and every one of these pieces until, all things willing, I find them.

If one was going to try and score these twelve pieces in the following year, that would mean six of them could potentially be mine before this year is up! What a marvelous thought! Though I'm doubtful such will prove to be the case there's no harm in imaging such at all - not to mention looking for, and jumping on, any potential opportunities do so just that which might come my way in the second half of 2013.

I'll be sure to keep you posted down the road of how fruitful (or not) July right on through to the last day of December proves to be on the vintage wardrobe wish list front, and really hope that by this time next year, at least a couple of these beauties will have found their way into my life and closet.

A few thoughts on the very human act of wanting

In a scene I suspect many of us have taken part in time and time again, I sat there staring at the computer screen not too long ago, debating whether or not to buy something - a timelessly classic dark yellow and forest green plaid dress with a sweeping circle skirt, to be exact.

Like most, I'm careful with how I spend and what I buy, but no matter how responsible one is with money, that's nothing to prevent them from having a wish list a mile long and constantly running into wonderful items that tempt their hearts and wallets.

As I gazed at the online page before me, a mellow early evening light brewing outside and trickling softly through the blinds, I began to think about some of the other items I wanted, and of ones long past that I missed out on. My mind also focused on those I'd taken the plunge on - or which had been spur of the moment buys. Beyond that, I paused to reflect on what I wanted that could not be bought, those things that only time and circumstance can deliver.

Before I knew it, a good ten minutes had passed, and were it not for the kitty darting about in a beam of that golden sunlight that jolted my focus, I might have continued on, digging deeper and deeper into my psyche and the very human desire to continually want certain things for a good deal longer.

There have been many theories put forth over time regarding why we want (want, in this instance, being used to describe something that we wish to see happen or to obtain, but which, strictly speaking, is not a necessary need or element of basic survival), and it is a point I've pondered on far more days than the one described above.

On the one hand it might make life easier if we wanted for nothing (at least on our bankrolls), but I suspect that it would be a somewhat odd, almost animalistic existence, for there is a certain sense of adventure, beauty, and thrill that lies in wanting something - especially if we desire it deeply.

Few amongst us will ever have the ability to snap up everything we want as the whim for an item or experience arises - even the ultra rich have to limit their spending somewhere if they're to retain their grand fortune for long. Having never been fabulously wealthy myself, I can't say as though this is a problem I've encountered, but should it ever crop up, I'll be sure to report back on what it feels like.

No, like the bulk of us, the material wants in my life have far exceeded the reality of what I bought or were given, and that's completely fine - normal, perhaps one might even go so far as to say "right". I was the polar opposite of a spoiled child and I'm grateful for that. Nothing has ever been handed to me on a silver platter, and, I like to believe, that fact has helped me appreciate the things I have been able to obtain - be they large or small - all the more, quite often because I had to work for days, weeks or even months before they were able to come to fruition.

Though, ultimately I don't consider myself an overly materialistic person (having had to part, for various reasons, with nearly all of my worldly goods on three separate occasions, I'm not one to get madly attached to my belongings, nor to build up too extravagant a collection of them), I have no qualms with readily admitting that I enjoy, budget permitting, shopping and acquiring new items.

I also love the feeling of working and saving for something that isn't within your reach the moment you first come across it. Once, in decades not too long past, many items were purchased on layaway plans (which, by and large, are not overly common any more), but online shopping - and much real world shopping now, too - rarely presents us with that option. Instead we must make choices quickly (especially if dealing with a vintage item that might be very hard, if not impossible, to find an exact duplicate of ever again) and, hopefully, decisively.

By the same token, I like - as most of us do - the feeling of knowing that there's something lovely and wonderful waiting for you on the horizon, be it in terms of when you'll be able to obtain or experience whatever it is you're yearning for, or when it arrives at (potentially) long last. Looking forward to something new and exciting can help make the daily grind considerably more bearable, and - I find at least - that the eagerness that comes with waiting can help keep me in a cheerful mood (as just thinking about said item makes me happy).

Buy, pass, save for (if possible), or add to a wish list, be it real or figurative - perhaps to receive as a gift one day. More often than not though, especially when dealing with sites such as etsy and eBay, it's the first two options that surface. You can favourite a piece or add it to a wish list, but timed auctions wrap up in a matter of days and etsy (and Buy It Now listings on eBay) can be snatched up at absolutely any moment. Knowing this compounds the pressure that one feels to make a timely decision - and the one that we hope will be the right choice.

Not every purchase need bring about such cause for thought and debate, of course, but most of us face this "do I, don't?" predicament on a relatively frequent basis, especially if we truly adore an item, but are watching our spending carefully.

Ultimately only you know if it's wise or not to buy right then and there, and if you'll likely regret it in the long run if you do not (as I'm sure you have as well, there are a few items that "got away" over the years, which I'll always wish I could have snapped up, but there are many too that I was able to buy and which have brought me great joy ever since).




And so we come back to the dress (pictured - in the etsy seller's photo - above) that launched this whole chain of thoughts on the topic of desire and spurred the creation of this post. For surely inquiring minds want to know, did I buy it?

Yes, my dears, I did indeed, as I knew that doing so wouldn't break the bank in that moment and the dress filled a void (I'd been hunting for a yellow vintage frock for months in a shade that would work with my colouring) in my wardrobe, while bringing me a lovely moment of happiness and contentment once I'd made up my mind to go ahead and call it my own.

Now to find a matching dark yellow vintage hat and begin the the whole process anew.

The kind of outfit I usually wear to go thrift store shopping

...or anywhere in which trying on a fair amount of clothing is highly likely to occur.

Outfit details

All hair flowers: Arden

Vintage Aurora Borealis glass bead necklace: from etsy seller Little Women Vintage

Sky blue sweater: Cleo (this sweater is a bit big in the torso for me, so I usually fold it in the back and hold
its revised shape in place with a belt)

Royal blue faux leather belt: unknown

Light blue 1950s gloves: etsy or eBay

Vintage black velour pencil skirt: etsy seller Lady Kitschener's Vintage Emporium

Nude seemed stockings: eBay

Black pumps: Payless

Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Photography by Antonio Cangiano

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Spring was fairly late in arriving to our little neck of the British Columbia woods this year, but once it did finally grace us with its presence, countless blossoms and blooms began springing up around the neighbourhood. From luscious lilacs to charming tulips, pussy willow to whatever (I'm by no means an arboriculture expert) the gorgeous fuchsia hued blossoms were that grew on this tree that's located on the perimetre of our condo's front yard (does anyone know what type of tree this is?).

Knowing how short lived most start-of-the-season flowers are, I wanted to ensure we snapped some pics out in front of this tree before it's vibrant dark pink blossoms disappeared (this being the first year we've been at this house, we didn't know that tree was going to blossom and were thrilled when it did), so we did just that recently before I headed out on a day of second hand clothing shopping with my sweet mom.

While I utterly adore such days, they are quite tricky for me because I really need my health to be in a certain spot before I can even entertain the idea of doing something (which is for me) so physically demanding. Every now and then the universe cut me a break though and I do happen to have a day (or at least part of one) where I'm able to go out and spend a few hours trying on clothes at my town's various second hand and consignment shops.

Whether I'm going to such stores or am shopping for garments elsewhere (such as the mall or a big box retailer), I've learned over the years that you'll save a fair amount of time and continue to look fairly un-rumpled throughout the day if you stick with relatively simple garments that are easy to get on and off - and which don't stand to do too much damage to your hair (as you whip them over your head time and time again).

More often than not my thrift shopping day outfits consist of a simple neutral hued a-line or pencil skirt (worn with or without hosiery, depending on the season - in these shots I had nude seemed stockings on), a comfortable thin to medium weight sweater or cardigan, a camisole or full slip, and a sensible pair of shoes.

I generally forgo my usual bangle bracelets in favour of closer fitting stretch or clasp ones and/or vintage gloves (as I don't want to risk losing a bracelet in the process of trying clothes on), and keep the rest of my accessories fairly streamlined and close fitting, too (think stud earrings, princess length necklaces, and only those brooches in my collection with the sturdiest of fasteners).

When it comes to my hair I like to keep things somewhat low key, too, as a fancy or fussy updo can all too quickly get mangled as you're taking clothing on and off over your head. Sometimes I'll wear my hair curled and piled on my head in such a way as to channel Betty Grable, other times I'll use a headscarf paired with faux Bettie bangs, and quite often I'll stick with loose waves (care of my hot rollers) and a roll or two. Hair flowers on clips are pretty resilient usually, so one or more (or four in this case!) can be a terrific way to inject a bit more interest into an otherwise fairly plain vintage inspired look.

If you're not in the mood for a skirt and sweater however, another look I've sometimes donned for days like this is a basic vintage (or vintage appropriate) shirtwaist dress (again with a cami or full slip underneath so that you have that there ready and waiting for the you as you try on clothing). The buttons here can slow you down a bit though, but over all it's still a pretty quick garment to hop in and out of. High waisted trousers or jeans, too, assuming they're quick to slip on and off, can also be a good option for a day or fast paced thrift store shopping.

While we didn't unearth any actual vintage items (not rare at all, last time's awesome discovery of two 1950s hats is a rarity these days around these parts), I did pick up a few lovely vintage appropriate cardis, sweaters and tops, plus a stellar pair of shoes in a classic 1940s style that I've been hoping to find for ages now.

As such  the day was definitely not a bust at all. My health held up while we were shopping, and most importantly, I got to get out for a while and spend a terrific afternoon with my mom, which is always the very best element of our days spent thrifting together.

Of FAQs and lovely thrifted 1950s hats

As many of you may have noticed (and/or read about in this post from last month), Chronically Vintage recently had a good old-fashioned spruce up, with several elements of the site's design and layout getting remodelled, scrapped, or relocated.

One of the new sections of the site that I'm most excited about (I'd wanted this for ages!) is the quick navigation bar just below the header and tag line at the top of the page. There new visitors and old friends alike can quickly read more about me, check out some of my favourite links, connect with me elsewhere online, get in contact, and read the FAQ page.

Over the past three years of this site's life, I received numerous questions (via blog comments and emails) on all manner of topics. Some have been commonplace, others completely off-the-wall. A few have been inappropriate, but most have been wonderful and I've thoroughly enjoyed answering them whenever I could. Culling through these many queries during the last few days of April, I put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions I've received over the years.

As time goes on (and especially as I continue to post vintage outfit photos on a frequent basis), I suspect that other questions will make their way onto the FAQ page, but for the time being, I'm quite happy with how it's looking and hope that you'll enjoy getting to know a bit more about both me and this site itself.

On a different note, one of the best things about returning to a smaller town (and getting a car!) has been the accessibility (mere minutes to reach a destination instead of an hour or longer on public transit) of visiting local thrift, second hand, and consignments shops once again. Every few weeks (health and budget permitting), I love to get together with my mom and do the rounds of these kinds of local stores.

 

{A quick indoor snapshot of what I wore the last time my mom and I went thrifting together. Perhaps it was the fact that I was sporting one of my favourite vintage chapeaus that helped me unearth two more that day!}

 

So far exceedingly few actual vintage pieces have been spotted in our hunts, but this scarcely strikes me as surprising, as it's the same trend I've been noticing for the past several years in other parts of the country, too. While I'm sure there are absolute vintage gems to be unearthed at various second hand shops across Canada, by and large, it's trickier to find these kinds of treasures up here on this side of the 49th nowadays than it is for vintage lovers in the States.

Of course however, no matter how long the dry spell, I try never to let myself feel discouraged, because there's always the tantalizing possibility of a fabulous find just waiting around the corner. Case in point, recently while at one of Penticton's two Salvation Army locations (which, as a bit of an interesting side note, is actually housed in the old Honda dealership building when my step-father used to work) I came across not one, but two completely charming 1950s hats.

I spotted these hats from across the whole room, my vintage radar kicking into high gear as I made a beeline for them at the speed of light. Much to my delight, both were in good condition and were (in my opinion) very reasonably priced (the white floral number was $3.00, the black velvet pancake hat a bit higher at $6.00). It's been years since I found a 1950s hat a thrift store, so you can imagine my wide-eyed delight as I nabbed them both up right away.

The black velvet hat had the tattered remains of a very damaged little piece of netting on the front, which pretty much came off in my hands. I could replace it, but my mom and I both tend to think it looks better without it. I love the chic, glistening little diamond hued rhinestones on the front, as well as the versatility of this classic topper (similar styles of which I've seen going from $25.00 and up online many times). I just know this is a vintage hat that I'm going to get a ton of use out of all year round (it's like the LBD of 1950s hats!).

The white floral number is in fairly good shape. It has a tiny bit of yellow aging in a couple of spots, and I think a flower petal or two might have fallen off over the years, but it's still completely wearable and will look beautiful for all kinds of spring and summer occasions (from Easter Sundays to garden parties in June).

To say I was floating on cloud nine that day would be an understatement! I'm pleased as punch about finding these two vintage hats and hope that the second hand store gods will cast their favour on me again many times now that I've returned to my home town (vintage glove covered fingers firmly crossed!).

Coining a very handy new term: vintage appropriate

For weeks now, as we've gone about packing and now unpacking our worldly goods, I've been thinking about how much I've wanted to write this specific post and am delighted that I have the time now to do so on this fine, fresh spring morning.

As lovers of the past, we're all well versed with words such as "antique", "vintage", "retro", and "reproduction", and know when and where to use such descriptions appropriately.

There are times however when one comes across an item (be it a chair, skirt, piece or art, bolt of fabric, or what have you) that while not intentionally designed to mimic the look and/or style of something from the past, does in fact do just that.

One example that often springs to mind for me of such a situation is when I'm shopping for cardigan. Basic, button front, classically tailored cardigans can easily be found at scads of stores (and online retailers) that while made very recently, have the appearance of a garment that could very, very easily have been purchased sixty or more years ago.

Yet, in many cases, the manufactures of these cardigans did not set out to make "vintage inspired" or "reproduction" pieces. The fact that their garments do suit the styles and tastes of decades gone by is merely a happy coincidence for those like you and I who delight in filling our homes and wardrobes with the look of yesteryear.

And so, one day a while back, a term for this situation popped into my mind: vintage appropriate.

 

As the description above explains, a vintage appropriate piece is one that unintentionally looks old (or timeless), yet was made recently.

It's an item that you could travel back in time to, say, the 1940s or 50s and buy an extremely similar (if not downright nearly indistinguishable) version of, however the one that you're holding today could likewise be brought back to those decades past and no one would raise an eyebrow (because the piece really mimics the designs of the time).

I find that I use the term vintage appropriate most often when dealing with clothing, though I've also applied it to everything from make-up to home furnishings, sewing notions to Christmas wrapping paper.

To my mind, "vintage appropriate" fills a void in the lexicon of those who embrace the styles and history of the early to mid-twentieth century, as it allows us to easily describe a piece that, while not actually old, looks convincingly as though it could be (even if that wasn't the manufacturer's intent).

The description above is an image that I made, and by all means, if you feel like you can relate to this term and would like to help spread its usage, please feel free to copy, save, or Pin it to your own blog, Flickr stream, Pinterest boards, or anywhere else that you desire (I just ask that you please link back to Chronically Vintage when doing so).

I'd love to hear about some of your favourite vintage appropriate pieces and look forward to sharing some of mine with you in future posts.

Wishing you all a marvelously lovely first weekend of spring, darling friends!

Mind the wardrobe gaps

While living abroad in Europe a few years back, I got to experience long distance rail travel for the first time. Though various Canadian cities have local train (light rail) systems and there is certainly a cross country rail line (Via Rail), the later is often very pricey and can involve days of one's time to reach distant destinations (so it's not generally most peoples’ first mode of long distance transportation), and isn't nearly as wallet-friendly as most European rail lines.

During the process of boarding and later stepping off of trains throughout that beautiful continent, one is (especially in the UK and Ireland) greeted with a sign that says "Mind the gap". This warning is to remind passengers to be careful of the space that often exists between the entrance (door) of the train and the platform onto which they're supposed to step. On most occasions the gap was a tiny one, but every now and then you did need to take a bit of a running leap to make sure you didn't plummet down onto the rails.

Today's post however has little (beyond what we just discussed) to do with train travel and much more to do with my take on that classic, cautionary railroad station poster.

Lately, you see, as we've begun to pack for our upcoming move, I've been giving my closet a good once over, examining each garment and accessory, shoe and bag. Having done so, I can tell you that there are more than a few really basic pieces missing (or in short supply), and so the words "mind the wardrobe gaps" sprang to mind a few weeks ago.

I couldn't help but smile as they did, for I think the expression makes a lot of sense. For quite some time I've been aware of these (figurative) holes, yet have worked - or jumped - over them as best I could.

Over the past three years in particular I've, more often than not, been housebound due to my health, so I felt it hard to justify buying much in the way of new (be it vintage or otherwise) clothing (and let me tell you, for a vintage fashionista like me, that was not easy!).

Soon however, we'll be leaving Toronto and heading to my home province of B.C., which means that there will be many more occasions for get-togethers, even if (as I highly suspect many will) they take place at our house, and this means that the time has come to - with a predetermined budget squarely in mind - fix a good many of these wardrobe gaps.

Naturally, as you may imagine, this is a task that I take on with a rather generous amount of glee. Shopping for vintage clothing is amongst my very favourite activities and it's fantastic to know that I'll once again be growing my wardrobe, filling it as I do with pieces that I truly need.

In the process of sleuthing around the web for bargains on everything from black pencil skirts to repro vintage jeans (Freddies of Pinewood, something of a splurge, I'm the first to admit, have already been ordered), it can be all too easy to fall into the "ooooohhh pretty trap", by which I mean that you're easily swayed away from your original shopping list into buying something gorgeous, just because it beckons your name.

A treat or two is alright, but I'm trying to follow the list of garments I'm shopping for very diligently - no side tracking for this vintage shopper.

A shortlisted version of my current vintage (by which I mean genuine vintage, vintage repro or modern pieces that look thoroughly vintage) shopping inventory includes the following:

-A black (or other dark coloured) cocktail dress

-A 1950s black (or brown, navy or dark grey) daywear dress

-A formal daywear dress (of the sort that would be perfect to wear to a wedding)

-Dark/neutral hued vintage repro/style trousers (I'm thinking Heyday or Big Beautiful Barbara Brown as possible sources)

-Both a short-sleeved and long-sleeved white blouse (in 40s/early 50s styles)

-More crinolines (a hunt that's been going on for quite a while, as long time readers may recall from this post on the subject that I wrote nearly two years ago)

-More neutral hued vintage gloves (picked up four pairs from various etsy sellers for a song already, so I should be well covered there for the moment)

-A pair of saddle shoes (ok, I'll admit it, this one is a bit more of a longstanding want than a true need, but I've been pining for a pair since I outgrew the pink and white ones I had as a little girl, so that just about qualifies them as a need!)

There are other entries on this list, too, some of which I've crossed off already, but in the coming weeks, the items mentioned here are the ones that I'll likely be focusing a lot of my attention on.

So far all of my shopping has been done online, as I suspect the bulk (if not the entirety) of it will be when all is said and done.

{While online shopping doesn't give one quite the same ease of trying on garments as purchasing in a real world store does, it is still a huge blessing and fantastic way to help vintage fashionistas (like yours truly) track down whatever items may be on their sartorial shopping lists from the comfort of their one’s own home. Charming late 1950s image via Captain Geoffrey Spaulding on Flickr.}

 

I'm trying to pick up most of these pieces before we move so that my closet will be a lot better equipped to handle the plethora of potential situations I may need to dress for once we land in British Columbia.

While some things do overlap, this list is not the same as my vintage wish list. That is one focused more on whimsy and daydreams (and likely requires the winning of a sizeable lottery to finance it), this is one of good old-fashioned practicality.

It's about picking up lovely, quality, basic pieces that will help stretch the other items in my closet a lot further, while giving me greater confidence when I go to get dressed - knowing I'll (hopefully) no longer be without some pretty basic pieces.

I've been minding those wardrobe gaps for a long time - too long perhaps - but the moment has come to plant my feet firmly on the proverbial platform and take charge of the situation!

And who knows, perhaps, when all is said and done, by budget might even leave from for one or two of those delightful little pretty pieces that aren't truly necessary, but oh-so-wonderful to hang in one's closet.

Wish me luck, dear gals - I shall keep you all informed of how my shopping turns out in future posts.

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!