A beaded turquoise cardi, classic black 1950s hat, and the wind strikes again!

Outfit details

Black 1950s platter hat: eBay
Faux pearl bow barrette: Dollar store (in Oliver)
Faux pearl stud earrings: Claire's
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Beaded turquoise cardigan: Forever 21
White vintage slip: etsy
1940s/50s black scalloped wrist gloves: etsy seller I Love Vintage Stuff
Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore
Grey 1970s a-line skirt: etsy seller Cereal Vintage Thrift
Black vintage handbag: etsy seller A Vintage Revival
Nude with black seam stockings: eBay
Black patent peep-toe pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Antonio Cangiano

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Every photo shoot - at least of the ones I've done - results in plenty of unusable snaps. This is normal for just about all photographers and their subjects. Technically speaking, they may be lovely and well taken, but the pose or facial expression isn't flattering, there may be someone photobombing in the background, your hat might constantly go flying from your head...

Yes, my sweet dears, the latter really seems to be a theme for me recently (the same thing happened while down at Wharf Park in Naramata last month), and on the day about four weeks ago when we took these shoots seen here, the wind was even more persistent and heavy-handed than the afternoon in Naramata. If I could show you all of the snaps from this day, you'd probably chuckle - just as I did when I saw them - because they look like a comic flipbook of me constantly either reaching up to hold my hat on or chasing after it as it blew off.

There was nary a whisper of wind when we left Penticton that day, but as the afternoon wore on and we paused to take these photos at a park in the Rutland area of Kelowna, heavy grey clouds overhead were pummeling us with wind that was doing all it could to snatch my fab 1950s platter hat right off my head. Lucky, it didn't succeed completely, and - though a touch disheveled by the mighty breeze - I was able to retain my topper for the rest of the day!

An afternoon of errands plus some driving (Kelowna is located about an hour each way from our town) was on the agenda, so comfort was definitely important, but I was also really in the mood for some glamour and a sprinkling of glitz, so I reached for one of my all-time favourite cardigans. Though not vintage (I bought it online from Forever 21's Canadian website early last year), it really looks the (1950s) part and is presently the most beaded sweater I own.

I'd been on the hunt for a great all-purpose grey skirt that would work year-round, and found this charming 1970s one on etsy last February for a real steal (I kid you not, it was only $6.00 plus shipping!). It fits wonderfully and is a cinch to put to work in 40s and 50s outfits alike. I just love the cute little front hip pocket, sturdy belt loops, versatile colour, timeless cut, and where the hemline hits (and I'm sure you'll see it many more times here in future outfit posts).

This hat, which I picked up on eBay a while back, is making its debut blog debut today and is a style I'd been after for quite some time. It's classic, chic, and endlessly perfect to pair with structured fifties looks (especially if you want to channel a mid-century ladies who lunch - and possibly wear Dior - vibe care of a skirt suit or swanky cocktail dress) - though, I now know, it's another beaut that will require a hat pin if there's even the vaguest threat of wind on the horizon.

Plenty of pearls, vintage black gloves, one of my favourite mid-century handbags, and a vixen-esque pair of black patent peep-toe pumps help round out the look and keep me warm, something that I've not often had to say around these parts since early May, and doubt I'll be uttering again until autumn rolls around.

One never knows though, nippy breezes, can pop up out of the blue any old while, and you should always be prepared to hold on tight to your hat and just keep on smiling while they do - especially if you've got a camera lens pointed in your direction.