Reviewing my (fabulous!) new Dot Dash Dress from Love Ur Look

Outfit details

Vintage royal blue nylon hair scarf: (Probably) eBay
White plastic rose earrings: Claire's
1980s does 1940s/50s red plastic beaded necklace: Gift with purchase years ago
Vintage inspired Dot Dash A-line Dress c/o: Love Ur Look
Royal blue cardigan: Garage Clothing
Red plastic bangle bracelet: Forever 21
Vintage wide yellow bangle bracelet: Thrifted
Vintage white plastic bangle bracelet: Thrifted
Red faux leather cross body bag: eBay
1950s white embroidered wrist length gloves: Unknown, had for years (likely eBay or Etsy)
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Dark blue patent pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano

♥ ♥ ♥

There are a substantial number of vintage reproduction and vintage inspired clothing lines that I've had massive crushes on for years now, but which - often because of pesky things like a weak Canadian dollar, shipping and import costs, and/or the items I love most from said brands selling out before I can get to them - I've not yet had the pleasure of adding any of their fine offerings to my closet.

One of those companies, whose offerings I've swooned up many a storm over for quite a while now, is the much adored European brand, Love Ur Look, who put out a modest sized, curated selection of beautiful offerings each year (and have some really commendable ethical business practises, as detailed on their About page).

Thus when I was contacted by them and kindly offered a choice of one of two of their latest warm weather frocks, I couldn't say yes quickly enough. I've been curious for ages now about the fit, quality, silhouette and other elements of this brand's products and let me just say, once I finally had one in my hands, I was impressed!

I opted for the Dot Dash A-line Dress, because it is both incredibly cute and also quite different than any other frock I currently own. Being short and curvy, I often steer clear of all, or predominately, white dresses and, really, garments in general, but I had a feeling that the cut and use of primary hues on this dress would help "save me", if you will, there and thankfully such was definitely the case.

You guys, seriously, I am ridiculously in love with this dress. Permit me then for a moment to extol some of its many, many virtues:


-Length: I just barely squeak in at 5'2" and where the hem hits here on me is my favourite length for a dress (or skirt). A little past mid-calf, but not quite ankle grazing - what is often called "tea length". It's long enough to add a crinoline underneath, though there is already a bit of one built into the skirt (as you can see in a couple of the snaps above), so you'd likely get a lot of fullness if you added more tulle beneath this relatively wide skirt. I could not be any happier with the length of this dress on me.

-Sleeveless: While I rarely bare my arms completely in public due to reasons of personal modesty, I flat out love it when dresses are sleeveless because it means less bulk when layering, something that I’m always conscious of given that my upper arms are not my best feature in the slightest.

-Matching fabric belt: Though there are no actual belt loops on this dress, it comes with a thin belt made out of matching fabric. If you didn't want to wear it around your waist, you could easily utilize it as a skinny hair tie/scarf instead, if so desired (or forgo using it entirely).

-It has pockets: I love, love, lovvvvvve it when dresses or skirts have pockets and this charmer includes two at a nice, natural hip height. So handy, so practical, soooo appreciated!
-Crisp colours: Though the fabric that this dress is made from is quite thin, thanks to the fact that it's 100% cotton, the colours on it are fabulously sharp, vibrant and beautiful.

-Awesome neckline: Seriously, this has to be one of my favourite necklines on any garment I've ever owned. From the wide shawl meets sailor shaded collar to the built in panel of red and white striped fabric, this neckline is fun, flattering, and fabulously unique.

-Fantastic nautical vibe: From the primarily colour palette of blue, red, and yellow set atop snow white to the mid-century modern-esque design of the pattern itself (which somewhat resembles highly stylized bunting flags) to the striped fabric at the neckline, there is such a charming, super vintage-y nautical vibe at work here that I just adore!

-Fit: I love the fit of this dress. From the bust to the waist to the arm holes, it fits me excellently and is quite true to size, in my opinion (plus its a-line shape is very becoming and would work well on most types of figures).

-Price: At £56.00, this dress is still within the reach of many folks and is what I'd call middle of the road in terms of price point for cotton vintage style dresses. Considering the built in tulle underskirt, awesome pattern, tea length skirt, exciting neckline, and warm weather versatility of the frock, I think its price is very fair and would genuinely have no problem paying that myself, had I purchased this dress, instead of receiving it as a review gift (thank you so much for it, Love Ur Look).


As you can no doubt gather, I am smitten with this dress. I wore it for a family get together at my sister's house on Mother's Day, to antiques & second hand auction last month, and am slipping it on more days than not when out running errands or just bopping around, as Tony and I were doing on the sunny afternoon recently when we captured these photos in the delightful little nearby town of Summerland (which, despite its proximity of less than 20 minutes from Penticton, we had somehow, entirely unintentionally, never done a shot in before).

It was a glorious late spring day - one of those days that you wish you could put it a jar and let out again come the dark evenings of January, when summer feels like it might as well be on another planet. To embrace the warm weather, I teamed this darling Love Ur Look dress with a vintage royal blue head nylon scarf, royal blue cardigan, a trio of plastic bangle bracelets, a red vintage necklace, my trusty white plastic rose earrings, wrist length white 1950s gloves, red cross body/shoulder bag, and dark blue pumps.

If I could only wear one vintage reproduction/inspired dress this summer, this gem from Love Ur Look would be it. It is perfect for the sun-kissed months and would come with me instantly, were I packing for a warm weather vacation anytime of the year. This is my first item from this popular UK line, and I wholeheartedly hope that it won't be my last - as I am beyond in love - quite fittingly give the brand's name - with this marvelously fun Dot Dash A-line Dress.

Do you own anything from Love Ur Look? How has your experience been with this wonderful brand's offerings?

Vintage peaches and cream and blueberries

Outfit details

Circa 1940s straw hat with flowers: an Etsy seller who has since closed their shop
Plastic peach rose earrings: Handmade by me
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Royal blue cardigan: Garage Clothing Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore

Vintage peach and blue plaid dress: Lovebirds Vintage

Mid-century vintage woven purse with bamboo handles: Yard sale find

1950s/1960s peach gloves: Probably either eBay or thrifted (had for years) 

Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay 

White pumps: Payless 

Lip colour: Made With Love from MAC

Photography by Tony Cangiano

 

♥ ♥ ♥

While the title of today's new vintage outfit post might sound like the beginning of a very delectable summer recipe (perhaps a cobbler, buckle, or shortcake – yum!), it in fact refers, as you may have guessed, to the colours in my outfit.

Peach is one of those hues that I love. A lot. But which does not always look the best on me, especially if it has yellow undertones. I need a true peach or one with pink/red undertones usually (which tends to push it into coral or salmon territory), unless the quantity of the colour being worn is modest and it's not not right beside my face in large doses.

This timelessly pretty vintage dress, which I recently purchased from fellow vintage blogger and Etsy shop owner Helen Mae Green's Etsy shop,Lovebirds Vintage, delivers just the right about of peach and is so, so, soooo darling for these fun days of mid-spring.

Another hue that I'm wild about, but don't necessarily wear as often as I'd like, even though it's kinder to me than peach, is royal blue. As such I loved that this outfit - sported at the gorgeous little creek right across the street from our house prior to running errands recently - combined both in hearty doses.

Now that we're finally done with winter, I'm all about spring's palette, straw accessories (like the vintage hat and purse here), light layers, the return of white shoes, and dresses like this that let you pull from their colour scheme while accessorizing, which given that I was in a peachy mood, I did here with my gloves, earrings, and pearl jewelry.

I love this dress! It's likely from the 1970s or 80s, but goodness does it look the mid-century part. Where it not for the presence of serged/overlocked stitching inside, it could pass for the real deal no problem. It's comfy as the day is long, well made, cheerful, and very cute, to boot. Helen had owned and worn it herself for a while, but felt that it didn't work quite as she would have liked for her, so she added it to her Etsy shop and I'm so very glad that she did, because I snapped it up in a heartbeat!

Plaid is perennial favourite of mine, no matter the season, and it's been a while since I last added a frock in this classic pattern to my closet, so I was excited about this lovely vintage offering all the more. I've worn it at least three times now since it arrived and know that it will see plenty of play throughout the these roasty-toasty months. It's so comfortable actually, that were I hopping on a plane or train somewhere, I'd have no qualms wearing it for a lengthy journey (no such plans at present, but it's great to have garments like this in your wardrobe that you can turn to if the need arises).

As you can see here, the sun is out again and I'm one seriously happy camper about that. In fact, knock wood, May has been going a lot better than April in many respects and I have a good feeling about the rest of the spring and summer. If it's as upbeat as the colours at work in this outfit, it stands to be a memorable and highly enjoyable one for sure. Fingers crossed! :)

20 things I (really!) want to do this spring and summer!

The birds are chirping up their orchestral tunes, the daffodils are out in full force, and I have officially worn open toed shoes for the first time this year! We're a month into spring already and suddenly, exquisitely, majestically, and so very beautifully, there is an almost hyper-abundance of things to do and see and savour again for the first time in many, many months.

If our plans aren't already set in motion beforehand, as the weekend draws nears, Tony or I will usually ask the other person what we might want to do on Saturday and Sunday. The answers can range from yard saling to fishing, thifting to the farmer's market, just depending on which one of is doing the replying. Fortunately we're both great at splitting our free time amongst each other's passions, while also sharing in many of the same ones (say for example, attending auctions or sitting on the beach in our camping chairs and watching the onion skin hued sun be swallowed up for the evening by the sagebrush covered Okanagan hillside) and that ensures that our weekend are usually a blast.

This time around when Tony posed the question to me on Friday, my mind didn't just stop at the coming two days, instead it shot off into a rapid fire Hollywood movie worthy montage of many of the fabulous things that I want to do, not just right here and now, but throughout the coming weeks and months that will fill the sublimely warm seasons of spring and summer.

This flip book of activities that these two can house is as good as endless, especially if you happen to live near water or other highly inviting landscape features. It can have a thousand pages, or just a few that you revisit time and time again, taking to heart like the lyrics of your favourite summer songs. The following are twenty that are topping my list this year and that I sincerely hope are able to come to fruition!

20 awesome things I really

want to do this spring and summer 

1. Test drive all of the great vintage, repro and vintage appropriate warm weather clothing I picked up over the course of the fall and winter and feature oodles of it here in future outfit posts.

2. Watch the stars shine like a hundred billion sparkling fireflies from atop Apex Mountain on a hypnotically warm night.

3. Get so lost in the enchantingly loveliness of the season that I forget not only what time it is, but what day of the week it is, too!

4. Barbeque a lot. I mean risk wearing out the grill levels of barbequing.

5. Watch the twinkling, gorgeous Canada Day fireworks that are shot off over Okanagan Lake down at the beach.

6. Try to spend at least a few minutes, but ideally an hour or more, outside every single day.

7. Think of my Halloween costume well in advance October and then start making and/or buying the necessary elements.

8. Go fishing with my honey. He fishes, I lounge on the dock and converse with him, and delight in each and ever dragonfly that lands for the quickest of pulses, on my bare, suntanned skin.

9. Get said suntan without burning to a crisp first. Easier said than done when you scorch faster than a piece of toast, even after being slathered with industrial grade SPF!

10. Fly a kite! I was probably 12 or 13 the last time I did so.

11. Have a bonfire, complete with marshmallows (and thus naturally, s'mores) at the beach (own town allows you do so in some areas).

12. Visit the traveling carnival (midway/fair) when it's in town (it's almost a running joke how often, despite madly wanting to do so, I end up missing it, usually due to my health).

13. Go on at least one road trip, even if it's just a weekend long getaway. My immense sense of wanderlust is usually strongest during these sublimely lovely months of the year, thanks in no small part, I'm sure to the fact it was when my parent took us on holidays around the province when I was a youngster.

14. Picnic like it's going out of style!

15. Buy some coloured chalk and let my inner five year sidewalk artist run free.

16. Come the early days of August, watch the Peach Festival Parade on Main Street (I haven't been in over half my lifetime!).

17. Put the frozen yogurt maker we bought at the end of last summer though its paces!

18. Take a houseboat cruise ride on Okanagan Lake for the first time (how I've gone 30 years without doing so before is beyond me!).

19. Attend our town's toe-tappingly fun annual square dance festival.

20. Camp!!! (After all, it is an in-tents experience! :D)

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

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I know that there's a very real chance I won't get to everything on my list, modest sized though it may be, this spring and summer, but even just having these desires down on virtual paper makes the possibility of them turning into something tangible seem all the more likely.

Chances are, for every one that does happen, ten marvelous unplanned or very last minute activities, invitations, feasts, and trips (even if that word is simply used to describe a five minute drive somewhere) will occur and come the last days of summer, when summer gets ready to hand the torch over to autumn, I'll look back on these months and smile ear-to-ear.

Spring and summer never disappoint (see 2012's post 25 reasons to love summer for some of my personal favourite reasons why that rings true for me). Even when the going gets tough in my daily life, something about sunlight until nearly 10 pm, the ability to walk barefoot in warm-as-oatmeal sand, the wearing of sundresses and strappy sandals, the consuming of light, fresh fair for nearly every meal, and the treasure trove of memories that this time of the year houses all ensure that it's worth jumping out of bed in a happy-go-lucky mood, no matter what you might have planned - or not – for the day.

So tell me, my dears, what's calling your name this spring and summer? Will you be mapping your every move, taking it nice and easy, or - as I tend to do - balancing the two to create a generous stretch of months so lovely they make every last icicle, snow bank, and extra woolen layer of winter worth it a thousand times over.

Here's to the prospect of all that this half of the year holds in store for each of us - may it be a spring and summer to delight in and cherish the memory of forever!

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! :)

Boatloads of glamour on the open seas

✯ Day 126 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

The breeze was satisfyingly warm like a first bite of a just-baked cherry pie, the light so gorgeous a million painters would fail to adequately capture it's colour precisely. The day was akin to so many others in summers come by, yet also unique, unforgettable, perfect.

Or at least that's what I like to imagine the setting was like for the confident, immensely lovely young woman in this fantastic colour photo from 1948.

This image looks as though it could have been a movie still. The understated glamour of her whole look, the alluringly adventurous setting, and the instantly relatable slice of marine life element of this endearing image make it nothing short of  sublime.

Though we're still a few weeks away from the official start of summer, finding this marvelous vintage photo (which comes via ElectroSpark on Flickr) seems to have somehow switched on the summer light bulb for me. Now I’ll sit under it and wait for Mother Nature to catch up and keep me - and this unnamed, absolutely beautiful vintage woman – company all season long.