Enjoying the beautiful Kaleden view in my Jitterbuggin' pinafore dress

  Outfit details

Black snood: eBay seller tina.g-2008

White rose stud earrings: Claire's 

Plaid shirt: Forever 21 

Navy blue 1940s style pinafore jumper dress: Jitterbuggin'

1940s celluloid bulldog brooch: etsy seller Jewel Horder

Bangle bracelets: Assorted sources 

Black and red handbag: Second Time Around consignment store

Black bow adorned sling-back flats: Payless 

Lip colour: MAC Russian Red 

Nail colour: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Disco Ball 

Photography by Antonio Cangiano

 





{Please excuse the real puppy - and kitty - fur here, that would be the work of Misses Annie and Stella :) }

♥ ♥ ♥

Like many of us, I have a vintage wardrobe wish list that could very likely stretch around the better part of the equator at this point. Infinitely more items go onto it than ever get checked off, but sometimes a particular garment nestles into that area of the brain that is responsible for desire and refuses to budge an inch. When this happens, you just know that you have to try your hardest to add that piece to your closet at some point.

One such piece for me was Jitterbuggin's thoroughly fantastic 1940s style pinafore jumper dress - specially in navy blue (though I love the beige and green versions a great deal, too) - which even appeared in my 2012 birthday wish list post here last summer.

My wardrobe lacked vintage or reproduction pinafore dresses big time, and though it took a few more months after that post went live, I'm ecstatic to report that this past winter (thanks to the wonderfully lovely Christmas present money I received from parents) I was finally able to purchase one of these marvelous, timelessly classic jumpers for myself.

At the recommendation of several fellow vintage gals whose experiences with this dress I'd read online, I opted to purchase one size bigger, because of where the waistline hits (it's not at the point that is narrowest for most people, but instead - on my figure at least - between the bosom and navel). I'm so happy I went this route because this jumper fits like a dream is precisely the size I'd want it to be.

As I slowly begin having a day here or there post-surgery where I'm feeling well enough to venture out once more, relatively loose fitting clothes (a point that I always have to keep in mind, as I touched on in this post, but more so than usual these days after recently having another surgery that involved incisions on my abdomen), forgoing any kind of restrictive undergarments or hosiery (so hence the pale bare legs here), and comfortable (low) heels or flats have been a must.

Luckily, I've had this truly fantastic jumper to turn to as of late - it fits all of those criteria, is cute as a button, and is both sturdy and completely comfortable. The durability really comes in handy when you've got an energetic pup who's keen to jump up on you at home (same goes, as I mentioned last month, for my Freddies of Pinewood overalls), and both points make this pinafore dress a great piece to wear if you're venturing off the beaten path a touch.
 
In this case of these photos, we weren't very far from the path (aka, the highway) at all. Enjoying a brief afternoon drive following a spot of yard saling (of which there were almost none due to rainy weather earlier in the day), we pulled off the road that leads to the tiny neighboring community of Kalenden to enjoy the beautiful view of Skaha Lake that's offered from a small lookout point there.
 
Interestingly, I know Kalenden quite well, having lived there for a bit of time in my early teen years, and while it offers up some stunning views, a quaint beach, and lots of delicious fresh fruit, there isn't much to do if you reside there (granted I might have felt this way more when I was 13-14 years old because I was miles away from all my friends, school, and favourite activities which were located in Penticton), and I'd not rush back to do so again. That doesn't mean however, that I don't enjoy visiting from time-to-time, especially during the warmer months, when the local campsites are bustling, the fruit stands are overflowing, and the waters that lap the beige sands are bathtub-like once more.

Though I didn't really realize it at the time these snaps were taken, I was squinting somewhat in many of them, which is rather coincidental, as I said same thing the last time I wore a snood. The snood in that previous post was one that I was blessed to win from etsy seller Arthelia's Attic, whereas the black snood in today's post comes by way of a lovely eBay seller who specializes just in classic 1940s style snoods.

I adore Arthelia's Attic's offerings to no end, and definitely hope to purchase more of their fine products over time, but they're somewhat pricy for a gal on a budget, so I recently went searching for another maker of good quality crochet snoods and found it in UK eBay seller tina.g-2008.

I placed an order for four snoods from her, all of which - even factoring in the exchange rate and shipping costs - were less than the cost of two of Arthelia's offerings. I'm really happy to have found this seller and added four more snoods to my budding collection. I opted for neutral hues that would go with a wide range of outfits, so I'm sure you'll be seeing plenty more of my new snoods here in the future.

So while we'd been pelted with rain earlier in the day, as the afternoon wore on and we enjoyed a peaceful moment high atop the hills in Kalenden, the air was dry and the view was spectacular.

Plus, I couldn't be happier about the fact that I got to capture my beloved, long pined for navy blue Jitterbuggin' pinafore dress on camera finally to share with all of you – proof positive that wish list items truly do materialize into real life sometimes!

Do you know The Glamorous Housewife?

Bethany Herwegh is the kind of woman who imparts beauty and a discerning eye for aesthetics into everything she touches, blogs about, wears or fills her stunning home with. She's a smart cookie, a gal of many talents, a wonderful mother, and a die-hard vintage fan - as well as being one of Chronically Vintage's fabulous new blog sponsors.



{Expert of ladylike style, chic home decor, marvelous parties, delicious recipes, creative craft projects, and so very much more, Bethany Herwegh (pictured here) truly brings a much needed dose of yesteryear elegance to the modern blogging world through her website The Glamorous Housewife.} 

By pure coincidence, Bethany - known to many the web over as The Glamorous Housewife - and I both started our blogs with a just a few months of one another in 2009, and it has been a joy to watch her sight grow and flourish over the years.

In her own words, when speaking about what lead to the creation of The Glamorous Housewife blog, Bethany says, "A few years ago I looked in the mirror and couldn’t recognize myself. I saw a frumpy, unfashionable, messy haired and no makeup gal staring at me. I had let myself go. Right then and there I decided to throw out my sweat pants and become the elegant woman I always wanted to be."

And just that she did - with aplomb! Woven throughout The Glamorous Housewife one finds posts spanning topics as diverse as feminism to How to Have a Good Marriage (an on series that is now up to its seventh post), Bethany's vintage wardrobe essentials to her exciting travels to lands far and near alike (such as trip to Mexico - complete with fabulous holiday outfits).

I think that one of the reasons I've adorned The Glamorous Housewife from the get-go is that, much like myself, Bethany has a diverse range of interests pertaining both to everything from cooking to entertaining, home decor to vintage fashion. She blogs frequently and with passion, swirling reoccurring post series (such as her Why Don't You? posts) with intriguing new topics week after week, month after thoroughly lovely month.



{Not only are Bethany's posts bursting with beauty, but The Glamorous Housewife blog itself is a smashingly lovely, rich in vintage appeal, and such a delight to visit.}


Whether discussing holiday decor (I loved the decor and menu she created for a vegetarian Rosh Hashana feast), sharing a craft project that she made (such as this vibrantly beautiful peony wreath how-to), highlighting some of the recent web links that have caught her eye, documenting her daily (utterly gorgeous) vintage and timelessly classic outfits, or opening up her house for us to see the jaw-droppingly lovely, sophisticated, charmingly sweet decor inside, there's just something about Bethany and her blog that make you feel very happy you visited.

One truly senses the well cultivated glamorous that flows throughout Bethany's life and website alike, and you find yourself eager as all get out for the next post, which might feature anything from a video tutorial for a quick, chic hairstyle to a recipe for Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Once you spend a little time visiting The Glamorous Housewife, you quickly pick up on the vintage vibe that permeates so many of Bethany's posts and fantastic outfits. It exudes sophistication, but is also youthful, fun, approachable, and very easy to put your own spin on. Her ensembles often feature a mix of vintage and vintage appropriate garments, as well as new pieces with a wholly timeless appeal to them. Her looks are polished and exactingly well put together, yet make one and fall feel like they could replicate them on their own easily - which, I think, is one of the most important hallmarks of fashion blogger.



{Just one of the many incredibly lovely vintage outfits that Bethany frequently posts on her blog and on Instagram. Isn't her pink vintage L’Aiglon dress divine?}


As well as manning her popular blog, Bethany and The Glamorous Housewife can be found on...

-Facebook

-Google Plus

-Instagram

-Pinterest

-Twitter

-Youtube 

The Glamorous Housewife teams with inspiration pertaining to a vast array of topics. It's a genuinely enjoyable site that is able to appeal to a wide demographic, spanning busy moms to vintage fashion lovers, holiday entertaining fans to those who enjoy seeing some of the things that have been tickling their favourite bloggers' fancies lately.

Bethany set out to create a site that would allow her to become the elegant woman she's always wanted to be - a sentiment which many in today's world can certainly relate to - and succeeded on that front to no end. She and her site are a treasure trove of real world beauty, inspiration, style, entertainment, thought provoking topics, and more glamor than you can shake a baguette clutch at.

If you haven't already, hop right on over to The Glamorous Housewife and say hello to Bethany. Chances are you'll fall in love with her blog as much as I did, and soon find her site to be amongst the reads you most look forward to each week - especially if you're looking for new and exciting ways to inject a dose of classic glamorous into your twenty-first century life.

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.}

♥  ♥  ♥

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! :)