Five For Friday {September 11, 2009}

...The first traces of autumn’s telltale chill drift across the early morning air. The sun will pounce again with intensity before too long, but for the moment the calming scent and feel of the season that lies ahead invigorates my mind, body and soul, calling forth the need for elements that continue to capture the inherent beauty of early September...


♥ ♥ ♥


{To celebrate the enchanting splendor of roses before the first frost hits}


{Granted in this day and age all manner of roses are available year round, but much as I try to eat what is in season, so too do I (often) aim for flowers that speak for their key growing seasons. This arrangement of hydrangea, wax flower, willow and ballerina-esque peach roses seems to capture the crisp whiteness of summer the orange hues of early autumn to a tee, making it an ideal addition for your “between seasons” table setting. “Wedding Centerpiece in glass bubble bow”, $99.00 (US) from 1-800-Flowers.com.}


{To satisfy both your sweet tooth and love of vintage inspired packaging}


{Cast in molds from 18 vintage buttons, these rich milk chocolates from UK brand Hotel Chocolate are almost too lovely to eat. Yet don’t feel bad if you do give into the urge for a nibble, the antique inspired, robin’s egg blue box they come in is also sweetly gorgeous. 100g package of milk chocolate buttons, £6.00 (UK pounds) from Hotel Chocolate.}


{To inject an instant dose of visual tranquility into your weekend}


{I adore photography of all types, but have a particular fondness for both shooting and viewing images that hone on the resplendent elegance that lurks in everyday items or paired down moments in time, such as the soothing, stunning photos that make up the Pure, Simple and natural Flickr group (which the four images above hail from).}


{To ensure your walls are anything but drab through this coming winter}


{A little bit colonial, a smidge Victorian, and boosting a delightful dose of vintage charm, this quirky – but still entirely elegant – wallpaper features hand-drawn sketches and is designed with larger walls in mind. I would love to paste it in a stately study, cozy dining room or inviting front hall, but could also see it working well in a good sized bedroom or kitchen, too. Ten metre long roll of “Silbodal yellow green background” wallpaper, 1,300.00 (Swedish Kronor, approximately $186.00 US dollars per roll), from Swedish online decor shop Wingbud Wallpaper.}


{To make you smile every time you look at their adorable, slightly cheeky faces}


{This pair of tiny vintage kitten figures would look so sweet perched on any shelf, window sill or dresser top. Available for an absolute song at just $2.00 (US) for both cats, from etsy seller In His Word.}


Today’s date is a sombre one that holds many meanings and links to powerful memories for all who recalls its occurrence eight years ago. I would just like to take a moment to think of those affected, in whatever capacity, by the events of September 11th and the aftermath that followed. May peace be with you all.

To my wonderfully dear readers, I wish you each a deeply serene and beautiful weekend ahead.

The Grand Elegance of Vintage White {Monday Muses, July 13}

As the energy-zapping, intensely powerful heat of summer weaves its way into our lives, I find myself thinking about the serenely delicate, cooling nature of the colour white.

In a way I think I’ve shied away from this ethereal hue over the years, due in large part to three reasons. One, I was told routinely growing up the white did not suit very fair skin such as my own; secondly, I’m a bit of a clean-freak and tend to find my mind dreading the thought of a white garment attracting every spec of dirt within a five mile radius; and thirdly, at some point in my life I came to think of white as looking best on waif-ish, leggy supermodel types, instead of petite, hour glass figured gals (like me).

While I have certainly owned white pieces (chiefly crisp button town shirts) over the years, it’s only been since this past spring that I’ve begun to incorporate more white into my wardrobe. A ruffle neck short sleeve blouse, a white with tiny black polka dots cotton long sleeve shirt, even a white with black floral print cardigan have all sprung up like svelte calla lilies in my closet.

I’ve learned that pale lasses can in fact wear white, it’s just a matter of finding the right white (one needs only to scope out the paint chip display to discover how many variants of this gentle hue exist), and pairing it with other pieces that work extremely well with your colouring (regardless of your skin tone, I think this approach applies when it comes to wearing white), and that white can (and does!) work well on all types of figures (in my case I tend to feel more comfortable sporting it on top, but am not opposed to a white skirt or pair of pants if they were perfectly tailored to my body shape). As for white acting like a dirt magnet, well, there’s little that can be done about that, other than vigilance and the carrying of purse-sized spot remover pen.

White has a timelessly appealing quality. It calls to mind snowflakes, wedding, sugar cubes, hotel towels, Victorian lace, marshmallows, fluffy kittens, frothy glasses of milk, and tall mountain peaks. Every home and wardrobe can benefit from a dose of white, which can act like a blank canvass or be the star of the show, all depending on what it’s partnered with (or without). Few colours evoke the tranquility and sense of purity and cleanliness that white can; it’s at once lively and subdued, warm and frosty, energetic and relaxed.

In an effort to feel as cool as possible as the high heat of July beats down on my AC-less apartment, I’ve taken to not only wearing white but seeking out images featuring this serene shade. White, sweet and inviting, angelic and iconic, is my Muse for this Monday. Flickr offered up a multitude of impossibly lovely vintage related photos featuring white pieces, which I couldn’t help but fashion into a mosaic and share with you all.


1. Vogue 1952, 2. Vintage Lace: white, 3. April 1953 - Vogue, 4. birdie and lace, 5. My new dressing table, 6. Best Bridal Shoes Ever., 7. 12_7, 8. 1954 LIFE, 9. Whispery White Petals, 10. Vogue 1953 - October, 11. Vintage Treasure, 12. the seafarer's bride, 13. British Vogue 1953 - Actress Jean Lodge. {Click on a link to see a larger version of a particular image and/or for photographer information}

Given their propensity to stain easily, white vintage pieces in good-to-excellent condition are sometimes harder to come by than those in other darker shades, yet a little sleuthing easily turns up a bounty of pleasingly pretty, summer appropriate white items in very good shape.






{I’m the first to admit I am not an expert in hat styles (though I hope to learn more about them in time!), so I’m not certain what the name of this style is, but I do know that that this chicly lovely white hat would look stunning with a myriad of vintage outfits. $68.00 (US) from etsy seller The Vintage Closet.}



{Described by its seller as being a vintage wedding handkerchief, this dainty, beautiful piece would look so elegant atop a table, as a scarf or snaked around pretty bottles and jars on a vanity. $12.oo (US) from etsy seller Zaama.}



{In fairly good shape for its age (it hails from the 1930s) this sweet little white blouse would look marvelous paired with a skirt, high-waisted trousers or shorts all through the summer months. $45.00 from etsy seller Dirty Canvas Closet.}



{Add a subtle hint of shimmer to your favourite looks all year round with this vintage white and silver floral brooch. $22.00 (US) from etsy seller Walker Street Vintage.}



{If a light, pretty frock is calling your name, you’re sure to serve up a lot of vintage "love" while sporting this tennis dress from the 1940s! $40.00 (US) from etsy seller Splendid Vintage.}



{I am awe-struck by the simple yet enchanting beauty of this creamy white hued vintage embroidered parasol. If I had a wee bit of mad money to spend, it would have been added to my cart in a heartbeat! If your pockets are deeper than mine, this incredible umbrella can be yours for $50.00 (US) from esty seller Deja Vu Vintage.}



{Every vintage fashionista needs at least one pair of short length white gloves in her accessory collection, why not make them an authentically old pair like this hand stitched one? $12.00 (US) from etsy seller Vintagous.}



{This stunningly lovely, classically tailored creamy white hued, 1940s, beaded frock is so striking it could even work as a wedding dress. $119.00 (US) from Mystique Vintage.}



{Pretty as a garden of lush blooms, this beaded floral print purse from the 1950s would be the perfect accessory for any summer outing. $58.00 (US) from etsy seller Encyclopedia Botanica.}



{While they do tend to show scuffs and dirt easily, white shoes have the added advantage of going extremely well with a wide array of outfits, and this comfortable looking pair of vintage size 8.5s peep-toe slingbacks from the 1950s would be no exception to that rule. $28.00 (US) from esty seller Mona Sue Vintage.}


Vintage white seems to take on a life of its own, fading a little over time and taking on a sort of ageless patina that speaks of the many days it’s survived in this world. Romantic, cheerful and definitely calming, white might not have the power to turn a scorching day into a snowy one, but it can put you in a serene mood and keep some of the heat at bay, if you opt don to this wonderful Muse of a shade.

Ten fantastic summer party dresses

Today just happens to be my brother’s birthday (Happiest 22nd, little bro!), and though we live on opposite sides of the country and won’t get to spend it together, I can’t help but feel in a festive mood as I woke up this morning. Which got me to thinking about birthday parties – and for that matter, parties in general – and of the sorts of sophisticated, feminine dresses that women so often wore to celebrations, dinner parties, and fêtes of all kinds during the 30s, 40s and 50s.

For as long as I can recall being able to dress myself, I’ve adored wearing frocks, and I must confess, the more elegant, structured and eye catching they are, the better! Though I don’t have a fancy party to attend today, that doesn’t stop me from daydreaming that I do, and in turn scouring the web for some of the prettiest vintage (and vintage inspired) party dresses out there.

The following ten frocks are presented in a rainbow-like fashion to help highlight the diverse array of hues in which one can find a lovely vintage party dress. While the fabric they’re constructed from varies, each one is in a cut that I think is well suited to summer soirees, be they indoor or outdoor celebrations.

♥ ♥ ♥


{Glamorous enough to have graced a 1930s red carpet, this deeply gorgeous vintage inspired cream and mocha hued lace dress would be sure to turn heads anywhere you wore it! $198.00US from Unique Vintage.}



{Sweet as a cotton candy and just as yummy, this pink cotton swing dress (with its adorable bow on the back of the neck) would make anyone feel like a princess! $88.00US from Unique Vintage.}



{My heart fluttered the moment I saw this immensely stunning pink floral print vintage dress. While the price tag is a little steep, if you had a special occasion to go to and were looking to splash out on your outfit, you’d hard pressed to find a more incredible dress anywhere! $275.00US from etsy seller Timeless Vixen Vintage.}



{To say this burgundy silk wrap dress is staggeringly beautiful, would be a gross understatement. It’s powers go beyond beauty into a realm as timeless as silver screen starlets, great jazz music and the act of falling in love. Though a pricey piece, I feel it would be worth every penny. $385.00 from etsy seller Timeless Vixen Vintage.}



{Sweetly lovely like a bouquet of spring flowers, this 1950s dress features a cute bow and Lucite buttons down the front. $79.00US from esty seller Flashbax.}



{Shimmering like an emerald in the sun, this beautiful sweet-heart neck dress instantly made me of something Marilyn would have loved to have worn. £55.00 (UK pounds) from Oli.}



{Charming as a bouquet of freshly picked blooms, this vintage dress (which the seller lists as being from the 1950s or 60s) would look amazing on. I love the rouched lilac hued sash and full skirt, and could easily imagine myself wearing this to an garden party. $75.00US from etsy seller Goodeye.}



{The colour of this halter neck dress reminds me of a summer sky as it teeters between dusk and night, inky blue and sweetly mysterious. £59.00 (UK pounds) from Vivien Holloway.}



{Though somewhat understated compared to the other dresses on this list, this navy blue silk-satin brocade sheath frock (featuring an adorable white butterfly print) strikes me as the type of dress that would look like a million dollars when paired with some d’orsay heels and a sleek little clutch. $65.00US from etsy seller Pintuck Style.}



{Resplendently timeless, this short sleeved black silk dress would be perfect for any party, from cocktails with friends to New Year’s Eve! $138.00US from etsy seller Thirteen Bees Vintage.}


I think that just as every gal should have a LBD in her closet, so too should she have at least one amazing party dress that can carry her through a myriad of special occasions. From weddings (just be sure your gown doesn’t upstage the bride’s ;D) to formal dinner parties, getting onto the guest list of a charity gala event or just deciding that you really want to look drop-dead gorgeous for a loved one’s – or your own! – birthday party, it never hurts to have a stunning dress like the examples above on hand!