Vintage Link Love for July 2015

Perhaps it comes as no surprise to most folks, but July whizzed by at the speed of light! I know that I begin many Vintage Link Love posts with similar sentiments about the pace at which the month that we just enjoyed whipped past at, but at perhaps no other time of the year does time seem to vanish more quickly than during the summer.

Though I'm in no rush to see the glorious warm weather disappear, the passing of time does mean that it won't be too long (the first week of September, to be exact) until Tony gets home from working in the States this summer, and that's certainly something that we're both massively looking forward to.

{This early twentieth century beach photo sums up July so well for me this year. Full speed ahead, with a smile on my face, a song in my heart, and sand underfoot - at least once or twice!}

This month I was a seriously busy little bee! Between my birthday celebration, listing over 190 brand new antique and vintage items in the shop (including oodles of adorable vintage novelty brooches), returning to YouTube after a nearly eleven month (unplanned!) break there, thrifting up a storm (I've got a video in the works with some of my exciting recent thrift finds, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that), penning plenty of blog posts, and - no word of a lie - already beginning to think heavily about Halloween (giant shocker to those who know me, I'm sure! :D), plus all the other usual bits and bobs of life, I've been on my toes nearly none stop this month.

Ooohhh, plus, in the last few days of July, Chronically Vintage's Facebook page hit a new milestone: over 4,000 likes - thank you so much to everyone for your support there!

In amidst of burning the candle at both ends, I still found time to read many of my favourite blogs and websites. Amongst them I gleaned the following selection of twelve posts that captured my attention for one reason or another. I hope that you'll enjoy and/or be inspired by all of them as well!

♥ 42 glamorous wedding dresses from the 1920s and 30s: Though I don't know anyone tying the knot here locally this summer, wedding season has been out in full force for a while now and this selection of more than 40 photos of vintage gowns more than helps to make up for the lack of nuptials I've been attending lately. Prepare to swoon!!!


♥ What to know when getting your hair bobbed: Recently the always marvelously stylish Jenny Frances chopped over several inches of hair and is now sporting a very becoming bob. To help those who might want the skinny on what to know if you're considering this classic haircut, too, she put together a stellar, image filled post all about the ins and outs of getting a bob (that's definitely worth bookmarking even if you have no plans to chop your hair anytime soon - you just never know when a great post like this might come in handy).


♥ Crinolinemania: the sexy fashion trend that killed 3,000 women: The heart of this story from Mashable/Retronaut may not come as shocking news to those who study historical fashions, but the concept that so many people perished as the result of an elaborate undergarment is still more than enough to give anyone reason to pause and think.

♥ 21 post ideas for bloggers: I've thought about penning a similar post to this one myself many times before, but haven't yet had the chance, so in the meantime, I thought that I would share this lovely, helpful list of twenty-one blog post ideas from, fittingly, the fun contemporary fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog N°.20 - because, really, who amongst us bloggers can't use a little post prompt help every now and then?


♥ DIY Miriam Haskell Necklace: My good friend and fellow vintage blogger Bianca from The Closet Historian is not only a lovely writer, but an incredible talented milliner, seamstress, and jewelry maker. It is the latter skill that comes to foreground in this recent how-to post of hers in which she takes us through the easy to follow steps involved with make a show stoppingly gorgeous vintage looking, Miriam Haskell inspired statement necklace. Believe me, you'll want to reach for your round nose pliers, pronto!


♥ The Great British Heatwave In 32 Photos: 1911-1976 (WARNING: MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR WORK OR SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS/VIEWERS DUE TO NUDITY): Heat waves are anything but new, however the act of capturing them on camera has obviously only been possible since the invention of this world changing device. This recent post from the site Flashback rounds up over 30 photos taken in the UK during the early to mid-twentieth century during various heatwaves. Anyone who has ever experienced this common summer occurrence will be able to instantly relate to these memorable photos.




♥ How to pack a trunk in 1870: I find the topic of vintage travel and how people packed for it in the days of ocean liners, long railway journeys, and even the early days of aviation to be wildly interesting, so when Aimee shared this post about how to pack one's trunks for a voyage Victorian style, I couldn’t lap up each word quickly enough!


♥ Nine myths about dressing vintage: From fellow Canadian vintage fan, wearer, and blogger Kirstie, comes this spot on post that delves deeper, IMO, than many similar entries I've seen over the years and dispels some of the persistent myths that exist regarding the wearing of vintage.


♥ Decked Out-Nautical Fashion through the Ages: Whether you live a stone's through from the ocean or hundreds of miles away from the nearest seashore, summertime calls for nautical inspired fashions in spades and it's always fun to see examples of them from decades past, such as the lovely roundup in this recent post from Blue Velvet Vintage's delightful blog.




♥ What do you want to be when you grow up?: This post from Gemma's always engaging blog Retro Chick spoke to me a great deal.  I constantly find areas of my life, very much including the running of my blog, where my own assorted childhood career aspirations come to the surface and are realized, at least some of the time, through the work that I actually do for a living these days, much as Gemma finds that to be true for her as well.


♥ 29 of the most delicious things you can do with zucchini: With zuc season upon us again, the fine folks at BuzzFeed have rounded some thoroughly scrumptious looking recipes that make good use of the vegetable, which frequently grows in copious quantities for those who plant it and which always seems to be easy to come by in spades during mid-summer (no matter if you have a garden or not). The Pizza Boats, Chocolate Muffins, and Blueberry Zucchini Cake with Lemon Buttercream in particular really jumped out me. Which zucchini recipes there call your name the most?


♥ Remembering the Apollo 11 Moon Landing With the Woman Who Made It Happen: July 20th marked the 46th anniversary since Neil Armstrong famously took his first steps on the moon, but as this intriguing Time Life piece details, such may not have been possible were it not for the pioneering software development work of Margaret Hamilton (pictured below).

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

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August, the eight month of the year and final full month of the summer, is a unique one. The dog days of summer are often behind us (or very nearly so), but autumn's chill hasn't yet returned. The beaches are full still, but at the same time, the first Halloween decorations are starting to grace the shelves of various shops (Walmart, Michaels, Hallmark, and Marshalls are usually amongst the first to bring in seasonal decor here in our neck of the woods).

Those who enjoy the summer are usually still flushed and happy about the heat and spirits are high in general. However, I think that many of our minds are already starting to look ahead to fall and the changes that it brings back into our lives, be it a fresh school year, unpacking our cold weather threads, or coaxing our ovens out of hibernation when comfort food season strikes once more.



{August is a fascinating month. We often bound into it in a bathing suit and leave sporting trousers and cardigans again - or at least starting to think about introducing them into our closets and daily ensembles once more. It's fun, sunny, and usually over far too quickly - much like this July was!}


I think that August, just as with early September, is a wonderful transition filled time between the two chapters of the year and I love that it lets us enjoy summer proper for a little while longer.

In the coming weeks, I plan to continue thrifting and yard saling up a storm, cooking and baking (peach pies made with local fruit, you guys, oh my gosh, I can't even - they're always sensational!) with local produce, enjoying the fact that the sun still sets fairly late in the day, and yet at the same time, thinking more and more about autumn and all my ideas and blog posts for that season.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you each a sunny, fun filled, awesome August and hope that it will be a terrific month for all of us!

Vintage Link Love: May 2014

One cannot help but look at the calendar with a certain sense of disbelief this week. Really, you ask yourself, shaking your head from side-to-side, really, have we made our way through an entire half of 2014? Can that be? Surely, it's still January and this is all but a dream? Alas, for better on worse depending on your personal take on things, it is not a dream, and we truly have made it through six full months (well, as of tomorrow, if we want to get uber technical) of the year. Amazing!!!

What an exciting, fun filled, sometimes stressful, never dull, and so often memorable ride it's been thus far. I usually save my recaps of how my life has been playing out lately until late December and this year is no exception, especially since I've already talked a fair bit here lately about what's been transpiring in my world at moment and in the very near future (such as going to Vancouver!).

As May draws its last few breaths for another year, it's once again time to take a gander at several diverse, engaging, entertaining and downright enjoyable blog posts and stories that have been catching my eye lately. Grab an ice cold drink (or conversely, a piping hot one should you happen to live south of the equator), kick up your heels (this is Saturday after all!), and have a blast clicking through this month's fabulous vintage related links.

♥ 8 reasons why collecting things is good for your brain: The title, and the ensuring body, of this post from Rewire Me made the perpetual collector in me smile with delight and a certain charming degree of satisfaction. The fact that I then "collected" think link to save for today's post bolstered my cheerful grin all the more.


♥ How to take great photos of vintage clothing: Whether on yourself, a mannequin, model, or even a hanger, this concise selection of how-to tips for photographing vintage fashions is a great read (and post to bookmark) for all those in our circle who do so, or work with someone (such as your significant other, if they're your personal photographer) who does.


♥ Millinery fashions at the start of the 1950s: I've said it before, and I'll say it again, as much as I adore all of the 1940s and 50s from a fashion standpoint, the ten years span covering 1947 to 1957, are my favourite of all time when it comes to clothing and accessories, hats being no exception, so it was with great joy that I lapped up every word and classic image (like the very pretty one pictured below) in talented milliner Tanith Rowan's recent post on hat styles of the early 1950s.




♥ Playsuit Patterns and Where to Find Them: By way of the always lovely Stephanie of Girl With The Star-Spangled Heart comes great roundup of several warm weather perfect vintage playsuit patterns that are to appeal to sewers far and wide as we head into the sweltering, gorgeous heat of summer once more.


♥Trusting my costuming instinct: Though a fairly short post, the message at the heart of this piece written by historical seamstress Aubry, is something that many of us who have been wearing vintage fashions for years, or even decades, now can wholeheartedly relate it and is a powerful reminder to "go with your gut" when it comes to making yesteryear related fashion choices.


♥ Popular dog breeds in America during the 1930s: Being a both a dog lover and owner myself, as well as a die hard vintage gal, I was especially taken with Kate's recent wonderful look at some of the most common and much adored breeds in America during the challenging years of the decade that housed the Great Depression.





♥ Seven tips for buying vintage eyeglass frames: Whether you're a fellow bespectacled lady or simply shopping for some new sunnies, all of the helpful points that Sarah has shared in this post are well worth reading before embarking on your next eyewear purchase.


♥ 1900 - 1910: The reign of the lingerie dress: Recently while doing some background research on a jewelry piece I was listing in my Etsy shop, I came across this terrific article from 2012 on the history of the Edwardian lingerie dress, a wardrobe staple that is as tied to the era in my mind as the cloche hat is to the 1920s or the circle skirt to 50s.


♥ Early Victorian family portraits and the disappearing mother: If you're a fan and/or scholar of Victorian imagery, chances are you've encountered not one, but many photographs from the era in which a child or multiple children are seated with a woman who herself is covered in a cloth, blanket or similar large swatch of fabric, thus rendering her identity a mystery.

To twenty-first century eyes, such photos can seem anywhere from curious to downright chilling at times, but they were once a rather commonplace occurrence and a select number of folks today now study and seek them out intentionally. This thought provoking article from UK newspaper The Telegraph delves into some of the proposed reasons as to why women went to such great lengths to hide themselves in these kinds of studio portraits and is a truly fascinating read for anyone with an interest in photography (of any era).




♥ Top 10 tips for finding the perfect vintage wedding outfit: Wedding season is full swing and much as I've been chatting about various topics pertaining to tying the knot here lately (such as the tradition of going away dress), so too has Queens of Vintage had all things bridal on the brain as of late, very much including the ten handy tips in this helpful post for soon-to-be-brides everywhere.


♥ 16 brilliant artists and their animal muses: Also on the cute critter front this month, I was captivated by BuzzFeed's roundup of sixteen world renowned and endlessly talented artists, including many vintage names, and their inspiring and immensely darling pets.


♥ What to wear Lindy Hopping - 1930s/1940s Real-Life Vintage Images: Throughout this month Liz has been shining the spotlight on the fabulous style of dance, and the eye-catching fashions associated with it, that is Lindy Hopping and this post in particular is a must read for anyone looking to emulate the swinging styles of the day themselves when cutting a rug nowadays.

{All images throughout the list of links above come by way of the post that they are displayed directly beneath the write up of here. Please follow the links provided to learn more about these images.}

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As we savour these final weeks of spring, it's natural to look ahead to summer and all that the second chapter of the year holds in store. Just what exactly it will deliver, only time will tell, but I have a deeply rooted and very positive feeling about it, and like to believe it may be better still than these last six months have been (not that I'm saying, in our case at least, that they were bad at all - they had their moments for sure, but overall 2014 has been, thankfully, a good year so far). Fingers crossed!!!


I hope that each of you has a fantastic, fun (and sunshine) filled June ahead and look forward to embarking on another summer here on the vintage blogging front together. Right now though, I'm off to start giving some serious thought to my outfits for our upcoming jaunt to Vancouver, hopefully hit a few yard sales today, and savour each and every last, sublimely lovely, minute of late spring while it's still here.

Ten of my favourite items from etsy shop Dalena Vintage

One of the most delightful and touching elements of partnering with blog sponsors here, is when I receive an email from an etsy shop (or other type of site) that I've already caught wind of, perhaps long adored, and/or even purchased from over the years.

For quite some time now, I've been eyeballing the expertly curated, and superbly photographed, offerings from etsy seller Dalena Vintage, and must say, it's a sincere joy to welcome them as one of Chronically Vintage's newest sponsors this fall.




Of her popular shop, founder Leslie Torbett says, "Dalena Vintage was born of an ongoing love affair between one girl and her adoration of vintage clothing. Each piece is hand-selected for it's beauty, purity and quality. We like to think the result is a collection of dreamy vintage in which girls can lose themselves."

And it precisely that which I’ve done – and continue to do – every time I've ever visited this lovely etsy shop, which houses a superb selection of mid-century offerings, such as frocks, hats, jackets and coats, shoes, accessories, and even wedding dresses. The pieces that Dalena Vintage offers are right up my style alley - brazenly feminine, timelessly classic, and so incredibly wearable.

It's too hard to pick just one or two items from Dalena Vintage that really speak to my personal style - and which I know will appeal to a great many of you as well, my sweet dears - so today I'd like to share ten (and believe me, it was hard to cap my list there) of Dalena's latest offerings that have really jumped out and nabbed my attention.

{Everything from picnics in July to a day at the rodeo spring to mind when I look at this fantastically charming 1950s red bandana two piece dress set. I'd partner with with a woven straw or tooled leather bag, cat's eye sunglasses, and open toe sandals for one of the most darling vintage looks you could ever hope to find. Fits up to a 35" bust, 26" waist.}

{Even though I've been blissfully married for nine years already, I still love - and know that I always will - looking at, and daydreaming about wearing, vintage wedding dresses. This sophisticated short sleeve yellow lace dress from the 1950s would make for a gorgeous alternative to classic white for your big day, then could easily remain in your wardrobe, to be worn time and time again, for special events long after. Fits up to a 34" bust, 26" waist.} 

 

{I have an unending passion for vintage clothing and accessories that feature fruit (or vegetables), so my eyes lit up like the lights on a Christmas tree when I saw this darling 1950s straw hat bedecked with green grapes. Inner circumference of 22".}

{Calling all fans of gingham and 1940s house dresses, this adorable green and white vintage frock is definitely for you. Featuring an a-line skirt, lace detailing, green plastic buttons with teeny rhinestone centers, and two generous sized front pockets, this dress is just as cute and practical as they come. Fits up to a 38" bust, 32" waist.}

 

{This is one of this mid-century dresses that simply takes your break away. A warm golden palette, large velvet ribbon detail across the skirt, and a flattering swooped neckline all add up to an unforgettably beautiful 1950s day dress that could very easily work wonders for a party or semi-formal event as well. Fits up to a 34" bust, 26" waist.}

 

{Oozing classic sophistication, stylish form, and a whisper of femme fatale allure, this striking dark pine green 1940s felted wool hat would surely stop anyone who saw you wearing it in their tracks. Inner circumference of 21.5".}

 {Shake up your usual vintage LBD routine by injecting a hit of cream applique and two pieces instead of one into the mix care of this resplendently lovely 1940s peplum dress suit set. Fits up to a 32" bust, 26" hip.} 

 {You'll be all kinds of pretty in pink when you sport this fun 1950s Hattie Leeds plaid day dress in shades of bubble gum and white with hints of gold swirled through the lovely mix. Fits up to a 42" bust, 34" waist.} 

{Whether you're a fan of scores of colour in your outfits or prefer to just inject a well placed hit of hue here and there, these wonderfully fun 1940s Miramar De Luxe straw heels are sure to tickle your footwear fancy. Fits an approximate size 7 foot.}

 {Beat the throngs of shoppers next spring and pick 2014's summer attire months in advance, starting with this endlessly cute 1940s Juliet Original polka dot swimsuit, complete with matching terrycloth robe. Bathing suit fits up to a 32" bust, 26" waist.}

 

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Aren't these pieces exquisite? I love the fact that Dalena offers a wide range of items, yet they all seem to have a common thread of sophistication, beauty, and ageless charm to them that speaks volume to my vintage loving (and wearing soul).

Should you have fallen hard for Dalena Vintage as well, and wish to connect with them elsewhere online, too, you can do so via the following:

-Dalena Vintage blog

-Dalena Vintage mailing list

-Facebook

-Instagram

-Pinterest

-Twitter


Feel like doing so shopping from Dalena's marvelous yourself? Of course you do! :) In that case, I'm pleased as punch to share a special coupon code for Chronically Vintage readers for you today.

Use coupon code at VintageLove when you check out and save a substantial 20% off your Dalena Vintage etsy shop order between today and November 25, 2013.

With an inventory that frequently spans the 1900s to the 1960s, there is something amongst Dalena Vintage's beautiful offerings that's bound to appeal to most vintage lovers the world over, and which will, without a doubt, ensure I remain a fan of this etsy shop for a very long time to come.

 

Ahhhh, to be a vintage spring bride

✯ Day 119 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

It's been one of *those* months, my lovelies - oh, who am I kidding, it's been one of *those* years. Has - knock wood! - anything truly catastrophic happened? No, thank goodness, but plenty of small to moderate sized events, health problems, and worries have cropped up that have put something of a damper on what was supposed to be (and, to be fair, still could be if things took a turn for the better) a more positive years than 2010.

Still, no sense in bemoaning what you can't change, and I'm trying to improve those things that I can, so with any luck 2011 can still pull itself out of the fire at some point! In the meantime though, on days when regardless of the weather, it feels like those pesky grey clouds are hanging a little low, I like to a.) count my blessings and b.) find some purely beautiful vintage images to look as a means of helping to elevate my spirits.

Thanks to one of my absolute favourite Flickr streams of all time, that of the Charm and Poise, I was able to indulge in just the splash of vintage escapism I needed this morning, care of some absolutely gorgeous vintage bridal magazine covers that are to be found there.

 

 

One glance at the Spring 1955 cover of The Bride's Magazine above (as well as the others to be found in Charm and Poise's delightful Here comes the vintage bride set) and my fretful mind is whisked off to a near utopic paradise where brides are swathed in endless yards of whisper-blush pink tulle and all the world smells of gigantic English roses in bloom.

There is a copious dose of beauty, a great deal of appeal, and so very much that seems to have popped straight out of the pages of a fairy tale to love about this beguiling vintage bridal magazine cover. It's setting is more serene than nearly any wedding could likely ever be, its bride the absolute picture of soon-to-be wedded bliss.

This is the sort of image that sets vintage wedding loving hearts aflutter - and surely must stand to inspire those lucky gals who are planning their own nuptials at this very minute (who amongst us wouldn't all but die to wear that stunningly lovely dress?!).

After a few moments of letting my mind daydream about what it would have been like to be a bride in the spring of 1955 (complete with iconic single strand pearl necklace and regally elegant bouquet of white blooms), I really do feel as though things are looking up a bit today. Proof positive that few things can set the world right like a wonderful wedding! :)