Ten cold weather vintage wardrobe staples

Snow, it won't be long before we'll all be there with snow. Snow, I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow. Snow, I long to clear a path and lift a spade of snow. Snow, oh, to see a great big man entirely made of snow! 


So begins one of the most memorable songs from 1954's endlessly beloved classic White Christmas, and it was this tune that pranced merrily through my mind yesterday when I awoke up to another fresh blanket of snow.

We may still technically be a few days away from the start of the next season, but for most of us north of the equator, winter has already moseyed into town, ski gear in tow, and set up camp for what stands to be a lengthy haul.

Interestingly however, unlike summer, which in the Northern Hemisphere is universally warm for pretty much one and and all alike, winter is a bird of a different feather. Ranging anywhere from slightly nippy at most (say, for those in places such as Florida and Hawaii) to frostbite in flash, with temperatures dropping to a teeth chattering -40C or lower still!

Winter's behaviour is not the same across the world, but for most, it does entail significantly cooler temperatures, snow and ice aplenty. You might not have banks piled ten feet high on the side of the road, but chances there's at least the potential for enough of the white stuff to make a pint sized snowman with once during the season.

With the official start of the season so near, it seems only fitting take a gander at look at ten cold weather vintage wardrobe staples that are sure to appeal to all those who love old school fashions and want to stay as snug as a bug in a rug come the long, grey, icicle filled days of this winter.

For the purpose of this post, written by a red blooded Canadian who knows a thing or two about winter's unforgiving wrath, I'm going to assume that you live somewhere that sees something resembling a stereotypical winter each year. It may be a little warmer or a whole lot colder than most, but in short it will contain days that hit or drop below freezing, face snow and ice at least a few times, and doesn't start to feel like spring until March (if you're really lucky!).

This list is, in pretty much every way, the exact opposite of last June's Ten warm weather vintage wardrobe staples. Should you happen to live south of the aforementioned equator, and are heading into summer right about now, you may enjoy revisiting that post, but I hope you'll also have fun reading today's and tucking away this list for a few month's time, when your own environment is cloaked in frosty, wintry loveliness once more.

{Capes}

{At once dramatic and highly functional, capes (and hooded cloaks) are the sort of garment that are going to get your noticed. Even back in the day when they were far more commonly sported, capes demanded attention and got it, because they are so sweepingly, chicly sophisticated and beautiful, and have the rather wonderful added perk of doing a great deal to keep you warm, especially when they're made of cold weather loving fabrics such thick felt, sturdy wool, tweed, suede, fur or velvet.} 

{Circle skirts}

{Unless you live in especially mild climates, this isn't the time for thin cottons. No, we're talking heavy-duty 1950s, reproduction, or handmade circle skirts in thick, cold-air-blocking fabrics such as quilted satin (or just about any quilted material - they're so classic and evoke the same kind of elegance as Liz Taylor in the image above), corduroy, velvet, and denim. Likewise, the longer the hem length, the better, to help keep swirling winter winds away from your lovely gams (which are most likely going to be sporting stockings or tights for an extra layer of warmth).}

{Classic overcoats}

{This, in my opinion, should be a wardrobe staple of every man, woman and child the world over, no matter if they're vintage fashion fans of not. For those who are however, you're in luck, as a bevy of vintage winter coats are still with us to this day. Typically, you'll want to track down those that hit at the knee or longer, are lined, have full length (or at the very least, bracelet length) sleeves, a sturdy collar, and pockets to tuck cold fingers into. Wool, cashmere, fur, tweed, and Persian lamb's wool are all excellent choices for this bracing time of the year.}

{Crinolines}

{Though one might associate crinolines (aka, pettiskirts) with full skirted summer frocks, they actually work extremely well under cold weather skirts and dresses and provide an excellent layer of padding between you and the elements (something our petticoat loving foremothers knew well!). I've worn tights, a crinoline, a circle skirt, blouse or sweater, scarf, gloves, heavy coat, and boots in January and actually broken into a slightly sweat while outside a few times before, because I was so well protected from the chill.}

{Headkerchiefs}

{When stacked side-by-side, comparably fewer vintage coats had hoods than their modern counterparts, which means that most of us will be look for some other way to keep our ears from all but freezing off during the winter. Enter the humble headkerchief/head scarf. Once a wardrobe staple of many women, today this classic garment is rarely seen in the western world, however it strongly deserves to find itself a place in your closet come the first signs of the season. Not only will it help ensure your ears stay comfortable, but it's also a great way to help keep the wind, rain, and snow from causing havoc on your hairdo.} 

{Housecoats}

{Fashion isn't merely what you show the outside world, it's also what you don when inside the comfort of your own home, and let's face it, during the winter, that's where many of us spend a good deal of our time, so it stands to reason that we should look glamorous while relaxing around the house, too. Few garments can help you achieve that more quickly that a classic, sophisticated house coat - preferably something in a thick, quilted fabric that hits at least mid-calf and can be worn both for warmth and elegance alike on even the most bone shatteringly cold winter mornings.}

{Long sleeved dresses}

{For those of us who aren't massive fans of our upper arms (I'd shoot my hand up in the air there, but you know...upper arms and all ;)) and/or prefer to dress modestly, winter's call for long sleeved garments is a sartorial godsend. Whether you love or loath your arms, common sense dictates that this is the season for sleeves! Embrace those fabulous vintage wool crepes, thick cottons, rayon crepe, velvets, and knits that feature three-quarter of full length sleeves with reckless abandon - I promise you, your forearms will thank you the next time an icy arctic blast strikes.}

{Muffs}

{Muffs are, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of my favourite vintage winter garments of all time. They can be small and sweet, over-sized and glamorously worldly, or anywhere in between, and all serve the save general purpose: to keep your hands wonderfully warm while ensuring you're most sharply dressed gal this side of the North Pole.}

{Vests (waistcoats)}

{This is one of the items that I need to stick a Post-It note up in my closet to remind myself to wear more often. I love the look of, and extra layer of warmth that, a classic fitted vest provides, but all too often forget to give them the attention they deserve. This winter, I vow to do just that and encourage you to do so as well, if you've been neglecting your vests in recent years.} 

{Winter boots}

{Believe me when I say that I wholeheartedly understand how finding genuine vintage winter boots in one's size and price range can be an uphill battle of epic proportions, but that doesn't mean you have to toss in the towel completely. Instead (or in addition to) try to hunt down vintage reproduction footwear sellers who offer winter styles, try classic black or brown lace up boots, or keep your eyes peeled for modern version with a classic look that can partner well with your awesome vintage style.}

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

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Winter is a harsh season, but it has its good points as well, and I firmly believe that many of this seasons’ fashions fall squarely under that heading. There is something so soul comforting and fun about layering, snugly into the folds of a plush cape, sweater, or fur (real or faux, as you prefer) collar of a vintage coat, scarves and mitts never far from sight - or skin!

Throughout the year, I periodically receive questions regarding tips on how to wear vintage during the winter, and I hope that the ten garments listed here today will help one and all who may be curious about this topic. It's no harder to wear vintage during the winter than it is any other time of the year. Yes, some of your lightest weight, most summery pieces may have to go on hiatus for a little while, but don't feel that this means you're limited to just a couple of styles or looks.

When Old Man Winter comes a knocking, greet him at the door in nubby tweeds, glamorous velvets, plush knits, hearty denim, opaque hosiery, kitten-paw-soft corduroy, or even your favourite cashmere sweater - and don't skimp on the extras either!

Unlike summer, when a less is more approach tends to naturally rise to the surface, winter's muted outdoor palette practically begs to be livened up with everything from jaunty feather adorned hats to gold chains, glittery brooches, silver hoop earrings, scarves of all manner, cold blocking gloves, ornately patterned or woven tights, even adorable ear muffs. You needed look like a Christmas tree of course, but if you feel so inclined, this is the season to do it.

Banish cold weather doldrums with the colours that you use. Grey, black, white, navy, and brown are all fine of course, and make for great supporting players, but why not liven things up with hues so vibrant they look as though they've just been plucked from a greenhouse?

If bold colour isn't your bag, take a cue from winter's softer shades and inject hits of pastels, dusty hues, icy whites, and cool metallics into your ensembles? A grey skirt suit, for example, with a mint green blouse and silver jewelry, or a pair of high waisted blue jeans (extra bonus points if they're flannel lined!) worn with a cream hued angora sweater and pale pink or blue accessories.

Winter may demand a certain degree of practicality, but that doesn't mean for a split second that they have to be boring, repetitive or lacking in exuberance. Whether your wardrobe is massive or miniature, a few key pieces such as those listed above, partnered with a lovely array of accessories and winter appropriate legwear and shoes, should be enough to help you come up with fun, inventive, beautiful outfits from the first snowflake to the last.

Searching for snow clothes in the middle of summer

It might seem a touch ironic that I live in a country known the world over for being notoriously cold and snowy (a reputation which is by no means unfounded in many places) and yet have been searching for the past few years to find vintage snow clothes - specifically a pair of mid-century winter boots and a cute two piece snow or ski suit - and keep coming up empty handed.

To be fair, it's not that I haven't seen options online (there's been absolutely nothing forthcoming in person), it's just that almost every last one of them has either been the wrong size or well beyond my budget.

Unlike, say, sundresses, there doesn't seem to be anywhere near the abundance of vintage snow clothes that there is of most other types of seasonal clothing that’s still to be had. Of course some pieces exist and are still for sale, but because relatively few of them surface in the marketplace anymore these days, there's ample demand and little in the way of supply, meaning that those that do pop up frequently fetch princely sums.





{Sewing one's own is always an option, if you happen to be a seamstress that is, which alas, sadly, I'm really not - but gosh, do I adore getting styling inspiration from great 1940s sewing patterns like this. Image source.}


Even if one finds a good price however, there's nothing to say that the size will be right (especially when you wear a modern size 8/8.5 shoe like I do) or that you'll love the garment in question, both make-or-break points in most cases.

There have been a few times that I've found either a great pair of boots or ski suit on eBay and bid like crazy, but when the dust settled, someone with deeper pockets always ousted me, and I had to repeat a phrase familiar to most auction bidders the world over, it just wasn't meant to be.

Compounding these points is the fact that I'm allergic to wool. Really allergic. I nearly always burst out into a horrible case of hives that usually develops into contact dermatitis (lasting for days or even weeks afterwards) if wool (or even fabric that's a wool blend) touches my skin for more than a few minutes. Not good at all if you're in the market for a vintage ski or snow suit, as most of those from the 1930s, 40s and 50s were made of wool. However, some of them are lined and others can be worn with long underwear and/or other garments underneath to ensure that wouldn't come in direct contact with my skin, thus making them fairly safe (I've been doing this with my wool winter coats my whole life).




{The fact that I don't - or more accurately have been unable to for more than a decade now due to my health - ski doesn't phase me one bit, it's the ski bunny look that I'm after more than actually swishing down the slopes. For that, I'll happily thwart wool allergies with long johns, layers, and scarves if that's what it takes to give me the chic, charming yesteryear look (akin to that in the photograph above - especially if the hood is involved!) winter look and protection from the elements that I'm after.}


Some in the vintage community have had great success in finding original cold weather footwear from the 40s and 50s, and others have lucked out and been able to get their mitts on wonderful reproduction style winter boots, such as those from Miss L Fire (I love, for example, the Miss L Fire's that Laurence sported last winter).

While one has a decent range of vintage winter footwear styles to chose from (for examples of such shoes, I highly recommend these two posts that Charlotte wrote last year: one, two; as well as this terrific look at vintage winter shoes and some modern vintage appropriate styles that Gemma penned back in 2010) in terms of the style they’d ideally like to find, the type of boots that I'm after are those that have a distinct cold weather look and feel to them and are ideally fur (or faux fur) trimmed, redolent of the burgundy hued ones in the lovely 1940s ad below.

{Image via Marlene's wonderful blog post which is chocked full of inspiring vintage shoe and winter boot examples.}


I'm not ruling out other styles of course, but I wouldn't place things at a beggars can't be choosers kind of level either. I think that the key factor is that I really want them to look like they just stepped (footwear pun intended) out of the 40s or 50s, and should they happen to be fur trimmed (I just adore that look!), all the better.

It might seem a bit strange to be weighing one's options and discussing this topic in the middle of the summer, but now is in fact a great time to ramp up my hunt even further, because we still have a few months (baring a super early winter) until the snowy season returns once more.

Just as you can sometimes find better prices on swimwear, sundresses, and playsuits in January than in July, so too (one can at least hope) is there the possibility that you'll unearth both a wider selection and slightly better prices on vintage winter boots and ski suits during the summer, when there's considerably less use for them (in the Western hemisphere and outside of the Swiss Alps, that is).

My hunt for both of these items will continue diligently. Ideally I'd love to find each one before the first flake hits the ground in the late fall, but if it doesn't happen (again) this year, it's not the end of the universe. I'll just keep my eyes and ears peeled, and know that sooner or later they're both bound to show up (good vintage things, as I always like to say, come to those who wait).

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.