Introducing a new post series: 25 vintage deals under $100

Recently I started work on a post that will appear here a little later in the spring devoted to how to wear vintage clothing on a budget, as it's a topic I both have a wealth (monetary related pun intended) of experience with and which I receive scores on emails pertaining to every month. This post won't be the first time I've delved into this important subject (2012's Five ways to make your vintage wardrobe dollars go further, for example), nor, I'm sure, will it be the last.

The economy is not what it used to be, my sweet friends. Even if you were blessed to make it through the massive recent recession relatively unscathed, chances are you no longer feel like your money goes anywhere near as far as it used to. The prices (at least here in my corner of Canada) on groceries and toiletry and beauty basics such as shampoo, toilet paper, and drug store makeup alone have climbed so high in recent years (with a noticable spike in the last year alone yet again) that for many, the idea of simply making ends meet is beginning to feel like a luxury unto its own right.

Of course, isn't the case for everyone, and I'm not implying as much, but it's more than fair to say that the world has been dragged through the wringer on the financial front in the past several years and that, by and large, it hasn't even remotely begun to dry out and spring back to life (one need only look at numerous European nations, such as Greece and Spain, and the tragic state of their economy for ample proof of that fact). Most of us though, even those who bring in a comfortable income and are getting by just fine, haven't felt the effects of this depression (I'm sorry World Bank and leading economists, I don't care that you won't elevate it from a recession to a full on depression, I think is was/is and have zero qualms calling it such!) to at least some degree.

I'm an eternal optimist, but I'm also an unbridled realist, and I know that even if things do improve somewhat in the coming years, they'll likely not return to anywhere near their pre-recession/depression levels anytime soon, if ever again. It's a sad, sad reality and one that we'll all be reeling from for a very long time to come.

Miss Doom and Gloom I'm not however, nor am I out to send anyone rushing to check the couch cushions for spare change. In fact, this post - and all others that will follow in its footsteps in this brand new series - is about the absolute opposite of sad, heavy subjects!

As title succinctly eludes, this new post series is going to  feature a selection of 25 vintage finds that I've come across online which I feel are well priced (if not flat out bargain basement deals), or (less commonly) are items of a more splurge-worthy nature that I feel will ultimately pay off as very worthwhile investments. As it's a number I very often set as the absolute cap for what I'll pay for a vintage item myself (yes, there are exceptions there of course, such as with winter coats, but by and large I like my price tags to be in the single or double digit range), as well as an amount that a fair number of us could pay for an item, I've decided to limit the maximum price that any one item that appears in such a post can cost at $100. Nearly all will be less than that however, and I'll try to keep a fair number of them below $75.00 even.

With exceptions made perhaps for certain big holidays like Halloween and Christmas, I'm planning to make these themed posts necessarily, but you never know - some of those could come along as well. By the same token, the items listed here are entirely random in the sense that you might find a pair of book ends sandwiches between some 1940s shoes and killer fifties circle skirt, all atop a dazzling art deco brooch and some swanky 1960s throw pillows. The only rule at work here really is that all the entries come in at, or under, one hundred US dollars (based on the price of their listing at the time I wrote this post, as well as, if applicable, the current conversion rate from one country's currency to American dollars).

As I’m a firm believer in that one of the best ways to help the economy is to support small businesses and independent retailers, a substantial number of the listings included in this posts will likely hail from etsy (and perhaps eBay, Ruby Lane, Art Fire, and other similar community marketplace sites), where scores of everyday folks just like you and me are trying to bolster, or completely generate, their income from their etsy shops. It’s unendingly important to support those small business owners, be they in your own community or online. Doing so is one of the best ways we as everyday, average citizens (aka, not the industrial tycoons, multi-millionaires, or the government) can help in our own small, but collectively substantial, way to bolster the economy.

No matter if you're a college student on a razor thin budget, a SAH with three little ones and a mortgage to cover the costs of every month, a well-to-do homemaker, a successful professional in their 40s, an intrepid self-employed store owner, a retiree who is enjoying their golden years on a fixed income, or absolutely any other type of person out there, regardless of your financial situation, I bet you adore saving money and getting a great deal whenever possible and that is the precise aim of this brand new series!

I love, love, love (!) saving money and feeling like I'm getting a solid bang for my buck, while discovering new online shops and reconnecting with old favourites alike and that is what 25 vintage deals under $100 is here to help you do as well. So without further ado, may I present to the first cherry picked selection of items to appear in this new series.

1. With springtime weather starting to kick into gear again, one 'do often needs some protect from the wind and (light) rain. Enter this wonderfully lovely vintage turquoise Windmist brand chiffon scarf, which is new old stock still in its original packaging. $7.00 from Life's A YoYo.





2. Be ready for Easter and the coming summer with this cheerfully hued pair of robin's egg meets turquoise blue c. 1950s gloves. $10.00 from Frenzy Gals Vintage.





3. The absolutely perfect, goes with anything, anywhere spring and summer vintage off-white crochet purse - and for less than the cost of a taking the family all out for ice cream at most places these days. $22.00 from JL Vintage.




4. Whip up your own shirtwaist dress, set of pajamas, or a coat with this set of twelve matching vintage pink plastic buttons or split them between multiple projects. $9.00 for one dozen buttons still on their original cards from Vintage Buttons Plus.





5. Etsy seller Spellbound Bows (don't you just adore that great name?) has a swoon-worthy, vast assortment of really well priced vintage inspired, rockabilly, psychobilly and goth/Halloween themed headscarves, headwraps, bandanas, and hair bows, any of number of which, this super cute pink and red cherry headwrap (which sells for just $6.50) very much for included, I'd love to add to my wardrobe one day. At this price, it's not a matter of "if", but "when"!





6. I dare you to look at these fabulously cute 1950s Enesco winking cat salt and pepper shakers and not smile. Can't be done! :) $22.00 for the set from Nevermore Vintage.





7. This vibrant, splendidly lovely coral pink floral headband from etsy artistian Yen Designs, which retails for $8.34, has such a cheerful, beautifully old-fashioned feeling vibe to it.





8. I love vintage tapestry/needlework handbags that feature vibrant flowers on a black background (you may recall my own such bag from this vintage outfit post last autumn). They can be dressed up or down to your heart's content and go with a wide range of different colours and ensembles in your wardrobe. This particular 1960s beaut, which is listed as being in excellent condition, is $48.00 from Hillbilly Filly.




9. Flip through the past, quite literally, with this charming May 1956 edition of Woman's Home Companion magazine. $7.00 from Enchantress Emporium.





10. Be ready for the return of sizzling hot weather (it's not as far off as it might feel - summer has a way of pouncing on you all of a sudden), while still staying warm in the late winter months with this vintage inspired curve hugging floral print Dolores velvet dress from Collectif. Available in ladies UK sizes 6 to 22. On sale at the time of writing for £35.00.




11. from Splendidly pretty and practical in the same go, this elegant 1950s jewelry box and floral print apron is perfect for glamour loving vintage gals everywhere. $10.00 from Rudy's Roundup.
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12. We might still be bundled up in multiple layers, but soon enough summer will be upon us again and lightweight garments like this timelessly pretty pale blue 1960s long tap short style panties/bloomers, would be just the ticket to wear under breezy skirts or to sleep in on sweltering hot nights. $15.00 from Jen Style Chic Vintage.




13. Adorn your walls (or vanity top) with this splendidly charming pair of 1950s/60s Victorian lady lithograph portraits printed on heavy cardboard. Each measures 9.5" x 7 5/8". $12 for the pair from 4TheLoveOfVintage.




14. There are few skirts, dresses, or billowy coats that couldn't be further enhanced and made to look all the more femininely gorgeous with the help of this glamorous vintage style Ivory Braided Bow and Rhinestone Stretch Cinch Belt. Measures 2" wide and stretch to fit a 26 - 32" waist. $15.99 from Blue Velvet Vintage.



15. The seller dates this cute-enough-to-make-your-squeal puppy dog print scarf to the 1980s, and it may very well, but it it could easily we woven into a mid-century ensemble and no one would doubt it could have easily hailed from the 40s or 50s instead. Scarf measures 22.5" x 21.5" and is available for $16.50 from New Day Rising Vintage.



16. Give this darling vintage frosted plastic heart shaped "Mother" brooch to your own dear mom or buy it for yourself to show the world you have the most important job in the world. $8.00 from Nevermore Vintage.




17. Marvelous to use for an Easter, May Day, Mother's Day or other springtime celebration in particular, this beautiful 1950s pink and aqua floral print tablecloth is so lovely you may just want to keep it out all year round. Measures 51" x 67" inches. $20.00 from Scrappy Central Quilts.




18. Wake up your wardrobe and banish March's grey colour palette outdoors, while staying nice and toasty in the process, with this terrific tangerine hued 1960s cardigan featuring double patch pockets and clear buttons. Fits up to a 42" bust/40" waist. $32.00 from Jen Style Chic Vintage.





19. Kit out your kitchen in fabulous, and very durable, yesteryear style with this terrific ten piece set of turquoise Melmac cups, a sugar bowl, and creamer. $20.00 for the set from TheLoveOfVintage.

 
 

20. Woven in shades of peaches and cream, this classic 1920s style bucket/cloche hat would be just the thing to tuck in your beach bag this summer to keep your face partially shielded from the sun. One size fits all, $19.99 from Blue Velvet Vintage.

 

21. Ideal for spring and summer nights where you want a little something extra draped over your shoulders for warmth, this classically beautiful Annette Cape (one size fits all) from Collectif is made from 100% cotton and is available in three colours, including mint green shown here. On sale at the time of writing for £10.00.

 

22. Undoubtedly one of the most springtime perfect 1950s garments I've laid eyes on in a long time, this sweetly beautiful floral print 1950s circle skirt would make for such a tremendously lovely part of your Easter ensemble this year (or any year!). Fits up to a 25" waist (seller says an inch can be gained by moving the button, so that would make it 26"), free hips. $29.99 from Ladys Slipper Vintage.

 

23. Take a peak at some of the most becoming fashions of March 1955 (59 years ago to the month) with this lovely Simplicity pattern flyer/brochure. $4.50 from Budgie Fluff.

 
24. These copper and white cat eye sunglasses are slaying me with their awesomeness!!! Oh my goodness, are they sublime - and they're currently on sale, too, for $73.74 from Vera Mode.}

 

25.I dedicate today's final entry of a fabulously fun vintage California souvenir scarf to all my lovely friends and blog readers who call the Sunshine State home. Hankie measures 14 x 14 (you could possibly use it as a small scarf at that size) and is $15.00 from Poodles and Pin Curls (whom many of you may know from her terrific vintage lifestyle blog of the same name).

     {Please click on a specific item, or the link in the description below it, to be taken to its respective listing.}
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Unlike, say, Vintage Fashionista Friday or Saturday Snapshots, this budding new series will not be tied to a particular day of the week, nor will it reappear at a set date, though ideally I'd like to aim for a new edition ever month or so.

This is in no small part because a lot of bargains to do lot stick around for long online, especially when they're one of a kind of vintage items or small production runs of vintage reproduction pieces, and I want all of you be able to avail of as many of the fabulous deals housed with in these posts as possible (and on that note, I may sometimes post coupon codes in these posts for various online stores if I catch wind of one or more that relates to our vintage/fashion/crafting/lifestyle interests).

Perfect for stretching your budget dollars further, giving you a great excuse to treat yourself to a fabulous little "just because" splurge, or perhaps even help deliver that certain vintage item you'd been on the prowl for ages, but couldn't yet find in your price range, I sincerely hope that 25 vintage deals under $100 will provide something worthwhile and enjoyable to every one of you.

And who knows, every now and then I might just "have" to add an item or two from it to my own shopping cart as well! For the sake of helping out the economy, of course! :)