My tenets of happy crafting

Compared to many topics on this blog (vintage fashion, recipes, mid-century history, and home decor, for example), I've not delved into crafting nearly as much. Of course there have been some craft themed posts over the years, but compared to the number that many vintage bloggers share on their sites, I'm the first to say that Chronically Vintage hasn't been flooded with such entries by any means.

This was never an intentional move, especially given that crafting has been an integral part of my life since I was knee high to a grasshopper. While, unlike many of you, I don't knit, crochet or sew (though I do know the basics of the latter and enjoy sewing a lot), that doesn't mean that I'm not an avid crafter.

The first craft that I really got into as a child, and one I sometimes still do to this day, was cross stitching, quickly followed by stitchery (embroidery). For many years these were the two main crafts that I did, though along the way I added beading/jewelry making to the mix, and also created and successfully had a part time business selling hair accessories when I was in high school. Later on in my twenties paper crafting hopped on board, and for the past two years scrapbooking and card making have been the two primary focuses of my crafting universe.

I adore that scrapbooking allows me to marry my love of preserving the past (even if that happens to mean the events of just a few days ago) with my desire to create and play with an abundance of beautiful craft supplies, from vintage themed papers to bowls of beautiful buttons and yard after yard of elegant lace. Card making, which often goes hand-in-hand with scrapbooking, is nothing short of an unbridled joy for me, as I really prefer giving someone something handmade when I want to let them know that I'm thinking of them or to celebrate a holiday or special event.

Sometimes, as I'm sure happens to pretty much all crafters, regardless of what arts and crafts they pursue and devote their time to, negative thoughts pop up or my mojo might wanes for a spell. During this time, I turn to a list of guiding principles that I first set down on paper when when I took up scrapbooking, and which has truly helped to serve me well ever since.

Lovingly known around my house as my "tenets of crafting", this list includes several points which I try to use like a compass in the course of my crafting adventures. Whether I find myself wishing I had more of a certain supply to work with or feeling like I haven't had had a good light bulb moment for a while, my spirits are always pacified and revived when I take a moment to review these tenets and reflect on how truly blessed I am to be able to craft often, in my own work space, and with (in reality) no shortage of supplies.

And so, on this crisp, lovely early autumn morning, I thought it was high time I shared my trusty tenets with all of you, knowing how many of my readers are also avid (endlessly talented) crafters. (Please note that I made this list into an image, which you can quickly pin to Pinterest or right click and save for your own personal, non-commercial use wherever you like.)

No matter what kind of crafts you love to do, where your mojo is at this week, or how often you get a chance to spend time creating, I sincerely hope that you'll also be able to avail of the help and inspiration this list has provided me over the year in your own life, too.

And should you happen to have any of your own personal tenets of crafting, please feel free to share them with me, I'm always happy to add to this list.

Celebrating Oktoberfest in my front yard

Outfit details

Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
Faux pearl stud earrings: Claire's
1940s black tilt hat: etsy seller JoBella's Emporium
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Vintage traditional German tracht dress: etsy seller Machine Dance Vintage
Brass, bead, and plastic charm bracelt: Handmade by me
Vintage white gloves with embroidered flowers: etsy seller 4 The Love of Vintage Vintage German suede embroidered purse: etsy seller Stephanie and Mathius
Green tights: Arden
Black faux suede round toe pumps: Wal-Mart
Lip colour: Mac Russian Red

Photography by Antonio Cangiano 

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While it pales in comparison (one person vs millions) to the famed Oktoberfest event that takes place early each fall in Munich, Germany, these photos mark a celebration in their own right for me.

Though I am, like many North Americans, comprised of a number of different of ancestries, if you were to make a pie chart of the countries that have contributed to my DNA, the largest slice of the (Bavarian cream) pie would definitely be German.

I have German on both sides of my family tree, though it's a bit more dominant on my mother's side (where one encounters surnames like Schill and Burkhard), however ethnicity, no matter the country really wasn't something my family delved into when I was little and, save for the occasional reference, my German ancestry (or any of my other ethnic backgrounds, such as Russian and French, for that matter) weren't really discussed when I was growing up. I was "just" Canadian, and though that's completely fine, as someone who adores history and learning about different cultures, I always longed to embrace more of my European roots, too.

At the start of 2010 I began to seriously investigate my family's genealogy and in the process learned that I had even more German blood in my veins than I'd thought when I was growing up. This discovery amped up the intensity of a desire I'd been harbouring since I was knee high to a beer stein: owning a traditional dirndl dress.

I'd been actively searching online for one in my size and price range for the past couple of years, and while I saw tons along the way that made me go weak in the knees, it wasn't until this past spring that I finally found the vintage dress that I knew was meant to be mine. To say it was love at first sight would be an understatement. I don't know if I've ever bought an item off of etsy quite with the lightning fast speed that I did this one.

Much as I wish I was, at this point in time, I'm not - and certainly do not claim to be - an expert on traditional German and Austrian styles of clothing. Some definitions say that to be a dirndl, one needs a dress with a distinct bodice, a short or long sleeve shirt worn under the dress, and (more optionally) an apron over top. Others say a buttoned or lace bodice, swooping neckline, and full-ish skirt are what it takes. I have seen dresses with their own built in sleeves called dirndls numerous times, but an expert on the subject may say that such garments fall into the category of landhausmode (dresses based loosely off of dirndls).

Dresses (and other items of clothing such as lederhosen) that are classed as traditional German or Austrian wear, but which are not strictly dirndls, may fall under the heading of being tracht (traditional national clothing found in German speaking countries), and while I'll leave it up to those in the know to determine if the dress I'm wearing in this shots could be called a dirndl or not, it's safe to say that it can fall under the heading of tracht.

Whatever you call it, I utterly adore this dress and have been quite literally counting down the months, then weeks, then days until it was Oktoberfest (which kicked off this year in Munich on September 22nd) so that I could debut it, as it was important to me that I wear my first piece of authentic German traditional clothing during a time of the year that is so closely tied to this famous European nation.

I had a blast putting together this outfit. To compliment the deep red dress with its darling cream and green floral pattern and metal buttons, I went with a German suede handbag with a cute pheasant embroidered on it, a pair of vintage gloves with flowers (they look a bit like daisies and a bit like edelweiss blooms) made in West Germany, a beloved 1940s black tilt hat, pearls (the necklace is my usual strand, I just temporarily shortened its length with a hair elastic to give it more of a chocker style look), a dangling charm style bracelet I made, green tights, and a beloved pair of suede shoes that I've had for years.

In the soft early evening sunlight this past Sunday, Tony and I went out into the front yard to snap these shots, and the weather couldn't have been more heavenly. When we were done, we took a drive out to the neighbouring community of Kalenden and went for a walk on the beach there, the water still comfortable warm enough to dip my feet (tights removed of course!) into the water.

It was a serene, beautiful night and one that while not nearly as action packed or party filled as Oktoberfest, truly meant a lot to me because I knew that the photos captured that day would finally give me the chance to wear, and share, my German dress (the label of which says "Salsburger Trachten", if anyone was curious as to the manufacturer) with all of you.

I truly hope to visit Germany one day in person - both to see the country itself, as well as to do some family history research - perhaps even during Oktoberfest. Until then though - and certainly long after - I will sport traditional tracht clothes (be it this red dress or other wonderful dirndls I may pick up over time) and celebrate my German heritage along with all those who do the same thing this time of year in Germany and around the world.

Whether you have German ancestry in you as well, just love beer, or share my passion for dirndls, there's something for everyone to celebrate and enjoy about Oktoberfest, so let's all raise a glass and toast to the spirit of this fantastic event!

Kicking off fall with a delicious vintage apple crisp recipe

Proclaiming, cutely, that "the toppings on apples makes this apple dessert tops", I knew that this vintage recipe was just the one that I wanted to use as the first of the fall season, a time that is as inherently connected to apples as winter is to snow.

I'm a huge fan of apples, and have grown to love and appreciate them even more over the years, especially once they became one of only a very small handful of fruits my health permits me to partake of any more. From tart Granny Smiths to sublimely juicy Pink Ladies, there's scarcely a variety of apple out there that I don't adore sinking my teeth into, especially when they're at the peak of their growing season like they are now.

The Okanagan Valley were I live in renowned for its apples and it never fails to disappoint come fall. Thousands upon thousands of red, green, yellow and burgundy orbs cling to the seemingly countless apple trees around these parts, just beckoning one to plunk a piece of fruit, dust it off on their shirt, and chomp right in.

Not one to steal however, I prefer to get my apples from either a local fruit stand or supermarket - picking your own from an orchard is also a great option, but not always the quickest one, if you suddenly need a basket of apples for that evening's dessert - like that in today's scrumptious old school recipe for apple crisp.

{A timeless fall classic that never, ever goes out of style, apple crisp is the kind of warm, sweet, wonderful dessert that always pleases table guests of all ages. Image via Eudaemonius on Flickr.}


Apple crisp was a standard, and much loved, dish in our home when I was growing up, and to this day I still prefer to serve it with wedges of thick, well aged cheddar cheese and frosty vanilla ice cream, just as my mother often did when we were young.

While this particular recipe differs somewhat from my family's classic (which includes an oat crumble top), it certainly doesn't sound any less delicious (especially if you swap the shortening for butter or margarine). I'd up the quantity of cinnamon and perhaps toy with the idea of a pinch of nutmeg or allspice, too, but otherwise I’d likely leave it exactly as it is.

Should your area still happen to have a glut of pears at the moment, too, you could absolutely make this dish with them instead of (or as a 50/50 mix) using apples. In the warmer months, peaches and plums are both shinning stars in fruit crumbles, and you can always turned to frozen or canned fruits in the wintertime.

Summer may be done and over for another year, but with desserts as sweet and wonderful as this, I don't think it will be hard to welcome autumn with open arms - and eager forks - once more, do you?  

Oh, autumn colour palette, how I adore wearing you!

Outfit details

Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
Black hair ribbon: saved from the packaging on something I bought
Gold tone swallow earrings: Claire's
Orange v-neck sweater: Thrifted
Vintage denim high-waisted skirt: etsy seller Diving Horse Vintage
Bangle bracelets: assorted sources (Forever 21, thrifted, etc)
Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore
1950s corduroy bucket purse: etsy seller Rue 23 Vintage Clothing
Black wedge sandals: Wal-Mart
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red
Photography by Antonio Cangiano
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Have you ever grabbed some wardrobe photos, looked at them for the first time well after the fact and spotted something that you soooo wish you could have corrected (regarding your outfit/appearance) at the time? Well, I have - and more than once for that matter. In the case of today's snaps though, what's irking me just a tad is that, unbeknownst to me at the time, the left side of the top of my high-waisted denim skirt was flopping over.

This skirt is a fairly new acquisition and the day when these photos were taken was the first time I'd worn it, so I didn't know it had the pesky habit of failing to stay up completely upright on the left side. Being denim, a good ironing and perhaps a touch of starch will likely help remedy that little problem in the future, but as we can't go back in time and it's not getting under skin enough to forgo sharing an otherwise fine (aside from the fact I look, and was, very tired in this photos) set of early fall outfit pictures.

While I'm all for keeping the whole rainbow at hand throughout the year, I do tend to dress with the palette of the season, and none makes me giddier than that of autumn. The rich browns, burnished golds, olive greens, inky blues, soft creams, rusty oranges, regal reds, and plumy purples of fall generally work really well with my skin and hair colouring (no surprise then, that back in the days of Color Me Beautiful, I was always draped as a spring-autumn cross), and are key players in my closet no matter the season.

This fairly simple outfit - which was worn for a morning of buying Tony a new waterproof jacket - combines a fairly deep shade of orange with dark denim, small hits of black (the hair ribbon and shoes), a little gold (the swallow earrings, which are, excluding presents from Tony, my all-time favourite store bought earrings), and assorted earthy hues in the stack of bangles, for a look that rather matches the palette of the trees on the hill across the street from us.

There aren't many trees on our property, those the one that does exist (you may remember it from this post last June) is also beginning to bid adieu to its chlorophyll and take on a beautiful hue that's not too far off from that of my sweater, sprinkling some of its leaves across our grass in the process (our neighbour in the condo next door's tree continued the one you see in the shot with my shoes above).

I love the fact that, thanks to the gorgeous September weather we had here this year, it’s still warm enough to have bare toes, while at the same time get to enjoy the first signs of fall's highly anticipated return.

I know from experience that certain necklines - chiefly v-necks, mandarin collars, and collarless jackets - rarely work on me, and so I avoid them for the most part. However, when out thrifting one day earlier this year, the warm autumnal hue of this sweater caught my eye and I tossed it in my cart to try on, even though it had a v-neck. Much to my surprise - and delight - it looked (I felt) better on me than most v-necks, which I think is due to its relative width. As I don't have many v-necks, or orange pieces, in my wardrobe, I was sure to nab it right away.

This denim pencil skirt is a piece I'd been hoping to find in my size and price range for ages. For a long time I eyed a somewhat similar Levis one on eBay, but it was around $130, and even though it was vintage Levis, I just felt like that was way to much to pay for a jean skirt. I'm really glad I held off, because this past April I found them one on etsy for about a third of that price, and just love it to pieces.

The length is awesome, the colour is dark, just as I usually like my denim, and the notched high waist injects such a great 40s feel to it (I suspect it was made in the 80s though). So long as I can work out the little kink with the one side of the top of the waist staying up, I know this is going to be a very versatile piece that I'll wear often (especially during the fall and winter).

I'm elated that fall - far and above my favourite season of the year - is here and look forward to sharing more pieces channel the spirit of the season with you throughout October and into November. Right now though, I'm off to go start finalizing my Thanksgiving Day menu, as that beautiful holiday is fast approaching here in Canada (it takes place on Monday October 8th), and it's high time time I made a pumpkin pie or two to match my sweater!

25 vintage fall fashions under $50

There are certain days that one waits for with intense eagerness each year, their clockwork appearances like signposts on the road of life. For me, one of these days has always been that which brings with it the return on autumn.

Of all the seasons - each of which I do adore for a myriad of reasons - none holds quite as dear or precious a spot in my heart as fall. Such as been the case since I was knee high to a crimson maple leaf, and so it will always be.

From the instantly recognizable crispness of the air to the mountains of downed foliage, the golden sunlight to the harvest that nature is laying at our feet, there are countless reasons why I cherish autumn.

One of my favourites though has always been - at least up here in the wilds of Canada - that fall (baring perhaps the occasional handful of Indian summer days) definitely means the return to a cold weather wardrobe. Thigh opaque tights, soft sweaters, wool skirts, velvet blazers, leather boots, tweed hats, cozy knit scarves, you name it, I love it.

Though it’s a little sad to know the days of bare sleeves and ankles are behind us once more, any such melancholy is short lived, for as soon as I start bopping around the web looking at fall fashions, it's all I can do to refrain myself from going on a wild shopping spree!

I know that I'm not alone in this regard, and that many of you are die-hard fans of autumn (and by extension, winter) clothing, too. I'm also well aware that, much like myself, many of you also live life on a very strict budget and that you don't have scads of cash to plonk down on your threads just because a new season arrived back in town today.

Luckily however, you need not take a second mortgage to ensure your wardrobe includes all the pieces you need - and a few more you simply love and want - this year. Over the past few days this week, knowing full well that today marked the official start of autumn 2012, I scoured the internet to bring you a selection of twenty-five vintage and vintage appropriate fashions, all of which each cost less than $50.00 a piece.

I fully realize that everyone's idea of what is and isn't costly varies greatly, sometimes even from month to month, just depending on how what kind of shape your wallet is in at the moment, and felt that a $50.00 cap was a reasonable price tag at which to set the upper limit of any item included in this roundup.

I hope that you enjoy these mid-century perfect, fall appropriate garments as much as I liked sourcing them, and that - even if you don't buy any of them specifically - they serve as an inspirational jumping off points for your budget-friendly wardrobe this fall.


{Channel your inner late 50s/early 60s secretary or college girl in this striking blue and brown plaid dress with matching belt. Fits aprox. 40" bust/37-39" waist. $31.00 from etsy seller Cricket Capers.}




{Whether you love wearing black for its timeless style appeal or are looking for a marvelous Halloween eve sweater, this elegant beaded 1950s cardigan is sure to fit the bill. Fits a 42" bust. $38.00 from etsy seller Dirty Birdie Vintage.}




{Though a modern piece, the swingy a-line cut and knee-grazing hemline of this skirt - not to mention the classic (almost military uniform) neutral hue - made me think it would work splendidly in many a cold weather 1940s inspired look. Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $23.80 CNS from Forever 21 Canada.}




{Long sleeves are often a must during the fall and winter, but that doesn't mean your shirts have to be drab in the least. A Peter Pan collar and adorable bow are all it takes to give this stretch jersey top oodles of style and visual interest. Shirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $27.29 from Plasticland.}



{Shirtwaist dresses are a beloved staple in my wardrobe all year long, but come autumn I especially like to wear seasonally hued ones - such as this lovely cognac brown hued 1950s frock - with a warm cardigan, tights, and a cute pumps for a fantastic go-anywhere daytime look. Vintage dress fits a 43" bust/36" waist. $34.50 from etsy seller 27ogle.}





{Perfect as is if you're lucky enough to still have decent weather, or worn under a beloved cardigan, shrug, bolero, or jacket all season long, this curve-hugging Va-Voom Vixen Top brings plenty of vintage style and flattering allure to the fashion table. Shirt comes in sizes small to 2XL. $38.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a beautiful autumn leaf pattern, this 1950s housecoat dress is one of the loveliest ways I can think to instantly inject a huge dose of the season's rich palette into your closet. Fits a 41" bust/31" waist. (Currently on sale for) $41.60 from etsy seller Ginger Root Vintage.}
 



{Inspired by styles from the 1930s, these faux leather, vegan-friendly Whiskey Mill Oxfords are as autumn appropriate and timeless as a shoe can get. In half and full shoe sizes 6 to 10. $37.00 from Plasticland.}




{Featuring a height enhancing row of monochromatic buttons up the front and two generously sized hip pockets, the Just Dandy Skirt calls to mind similar styles from the 1940s well on into the 50s, and would make for an excellent cold weather wardrobe staple (as, let's face it, just about every top goes well with a long black skirt). Skirt comes in sizes small, medium and large. $39.99 from ModCloth.}



{When one hears that words "cotton blouse", summer is likely the first season to pop into your mind, but when the fabric has a decent weight to it, and the style boasts a high collar and elbow skimming sleeves, it's possible to easily wear a cotton shirt - such as this cheerful orange 1950s example - long after Labour Day. Fits a 20" bust/36" waist. $30.00 from etsy seller Savvy Spinster Vintage.}
 



{Here's a piece that I definitely need more of in my wardrobe, a classic mid-century blazer. This particular vintage jacket hails from the 1940s and has a boxy, but not shapeless style that would be terrific with everything from pencil skirts to wide legged trousers. Fits a 34" bust/36" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Vintage Archives.}



{If it wasn't for the fact that I'm allergic to wool, these utterly darling pink cherry gloves would be headed straight to my house in the mail as we speak. Alas, I am, and so my pesky allergy is one of you lucky ladies' gain. Aprox. size 7.5 gloves. $25.00 from etsy seller Luxury Life.}




{Every well stocked wardrobe need a nice medium to heavy weight sweater or two in classic hues, like this delightful cable knit cream 1940s cardigan that would go with nearly any cold weather outfit you could dream up. Fits a 34 to 38" bust, waist not specified. $28.00 from etsy seller Resurrecting Vintage.}
 



{Shimmering sequins and elegant applique add eye-catching appeal to this simply tailored, beautiful rust hued 1930s crepe dress. Fits a 43" bust/almost 33" waist. $40.00 from etsy seller Recollection Clothing.}





{As you gals know, I'm a huge fan of pencil skirts and fully believe that just about any woman can wear one, so long as she finds a cut, fabric and colour that works for her figure. As such, I'm always on the prowl for vintage skirts in versatile colours and fabrics that will see me through autumn and well beyond. This classic brown wool 1950s pencil skirt would certainly hit that mark. Fits a 27" waist/40" hips. $29.00 from etsy seller KenghaRue - who is having a 20% off sale on all items in their shop during September 2012 if you use the coupon code Back2School when you checkout.}




{A return to nippy temperatures means it's time to bust out the thicker fabric hats to help keep your noggin toasty on even the chilliest of October and November eves. This sophisticatedly lovely 1940s wool hat in a neutral taupe hue is definitely the kind of topper that you'll reach for year after year, thanks to its fun toque inspired cut and goes-with-almost-anything material and colour. Inner hat circumference measures 21.5. $30.00 from etsy seller Guermante's Vintage.}



{The resplendent spirit of the season is out in full bloom in this beautiful 1950s cardigan with it's festival fall leaves and October perfect palette. Fits (unstretched) a 37" bust/26" waist. $46.00 from etsy seller Jumblelaya.}
 



{Sometimes when those autumn winds pick up, you want a little something extra to help keep the chill at bay, but aren't quite ready for a full on winter coat. Enter capelets and shawls, such as this charming 1950s hand knit wool collar caplete that boosts a fun fringe and soothing cream and blue colour palette. Measures 25" around with a 16" neck opening. $25.00 from etsy seller Vintage FanAttic.}
 



{Tartan and fall go hand in hand like Halloween and trick-or-treating, in my books, and I always keep my eyes peeled for fun, seasonal pieces in this beloved Scottish pattern come September. These cute bow adored tartan flats look very comfy and like they'd be the perfect thing to wear for an evening walk through the crispy, beautiful autumn leaves. Available in shoe sizes 5 to 10. $27.00 from ASOS (USA).}



{Brocade was all over the fall/winter runways this year, and while I don't dress with an eye towards modern fashion trends in the slightest, I do find it interesting when a classic piece or material suddenly has the spotlight shone on it once more. If, like me, you've long adored this chic fabric, then this sophisticated green and brown 1950s brocade jacket is just the ticket for you - whether you're trying to channel this season's trends or just sticking with what you've always loved. Fits a 38" bust/36" waist. $38.00 from etsy seller MadMak's Closet.}



{Orange can be a tricky colour for some folks - myself very much included – to pull of successfully, but hues on the darker end of the spectrum can be considerably easier in this regard. If you're also a fan of rusts, pumpkins, and burnished coppers, you'll likely find your eye drawn to this classic ribbed knit 1950s top, too. Fits a 36" bust/27" waist. $32.00 from etsy seller RakShniya Vintage.}





{Like a cross between the best shoes of the 1930s and 70s, these warm honey hued t-strap heels are absolutely beautiful. The bow adds sweetness, while the stacked heel provides a sturdy platform upon which to jump, jive and wail the night away. Available in half and whole shoes sizes 5.5 to 11. $34.99 from ModCloth.}
 



{Evoking thoughts of everything from cheering football crowds to awesome evenings spent in front of a bonfire, plaid wool (Pendleton-esque) jackets have been a beloved part of many peoples' fall wardrobes for decades now. If you're looking to add one (or another one!) to your closet, then this wonderful brown and grey 49ner style wool jacket might just the ticket. Fits a 43" bust/41" waist. (Currently on sale for) $32.00 from etsy seller Merletto.}




{While you might still have clear skies and sunshine where you live, it likely won't be too long before many of us are gearing up for another round of snow filled months, and that may mean a return to outdoor winter sports. If skiing is in the cards, then you'll likely flip for these fantastic wool gabardine 1940s ski pants – which would look equally cute on athletes and ski lodge bunnies alike. $20.00 from etsy seller Vintage Zipper.}
 



{If you set out with the sole intention of finding a 1950s wiggle dress in the most autumnal palette you could possibly unearth, chances are it would look something like this alluring, flat out beautiful example. No need to search high and low though, if your measurements jive with those of this seasonally stunning frock, the sleuthing has already been done for you. Fits a 35.5" bust/27.5" waist. $48.00 from etsy seller Stop The Clock Vintage.}


{Please note that all prices listed here are in US or, if specified, Canadian, dollars and that they were accurate as of the time of writing.}

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Aside from the fact that I love, and work hard, to find as many bargains as I can when shopping for myself and my family, part of the reason that I usually like to keep an extra tight watch on what the garments in my fall wardrobe cost is because Christmas is right around the corner (just three months and three days away from today's date), and that means a sharp increase in spending come November and December.

This is true for the bulk us us who celebrate any of the gift-giving winter holidays, and with retail prices continuing to soar, most of us need ever extra penny we can get this year.

I didn't find all of the items in today's post in one evening, however doing so didn't take up weeks of my time either. A handful of keywords and the fact that some sites (like etsy) let you search based on lowest price first made tracking down some really charming, timelessly stylish vintage pieces for fall a fun task that ultimately took very little time. In fact, it was hard to stop at just twenty-five garments, but that seemed like an ideal number for this post as it was half of the maximum budget for each piece.

I'm positively ecstatic that fall is here once more and look forward to hopefully adding a few new (as in vintage) garments to closet this season. By the same token, I'm bubbling with excitement to both see the amazing autumn fashions you'll be sporting and to share snapshots of some of my favourite pieces with all of you.

Covering both fashion and various other topics, I've got scores of great posts in the works for this season and think that 2012 is going to deliver one of the best autumns ever!