A big top's worth of vintage circus themed fashion fun

Before we delve into today's post, I wanted to let you all know that decided to start either putting the graphic headers for reoccurring posts like this further down in the posts themselves or removing them all together. The reason for this is that I have things set up so as to automatically post an update on Facebook and Twitter when a new blog post appears here and the app that does that takes the first image that it sees on the page for the image it then displays on Facebook.

As such, my FB followers just see the same post header time and time again whenever a new post in a series like Vintage Fashionista Friday (or Saturday Snapshots, 25 Vintage Deals Under $100, Flickr Favourites, etc) appears, not an image specific to the topic at the post of the heart itself. I want folks to see that kind of image, so again, I'll be scaling back or just getting rid of, in some cases, such post headers from here on out in most cases.

Now, on with the show! :)

{Inject a serious hit of colour and lively movement into your look with this delightful pair of big vintage beaded cha-cha clip-on earrings in a rainbow of punchy hues, that instantly make me think of bunches of balloons being sold at a circus or carnival. $18.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.}




{Whether you call it cotton candy, fairy floss, or candy floss, there's no denying that this sublimely saccharine treat goes hand-in-hand with the circus. Enjoy the scent of this sweet treat sans calories anytime when you pamper your lips with this charmingly lovely handmade cotton candy lip balm. $4.00 for a 0.15 oz tube from Crimson Hill.}




{Between the swirling pattern and juggler's balls worthy shape of the round glass beads in this marvelously lovely mid-century vintage necklace, it's easy to see why it would suit a circus themed outfit or day spent with The Greatest Show On Earth especially well. $25.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.}




{You would be thoroughly hard pressed to find a more perfect garment to wear to the circus, a circus themed party or any kind of fun event (birthdays very much included) than this awesome 1950s short sleeve balloon and clown print short sleeve novelty print dress. Fits up to a 38.5" bust/33.5" waist. $95.00 from By Cin, By Hand.}




{When one thinks of animals and the circus, seals are often amongst the first that spring to mind. With their adorable faces and penchant for doing tricks, they suit the big top well, just as they do all kinds of delightful vintage and modern outfits alike. Why not let a trained seal of the jewelry variety steal the show with any outfit care of this darling faux pearl and gold tone mid-century vintage novelty brooch? $10.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.}




{What would a circus be without a magician and where would that magician be without their darling white bunny tucked away in a top hat? Celebrate one of the circus's most iconic critters with this beautiful, vintage-y looking handmade brass and and shrink plastic bracelet. $45.00 from Mama's Little Babies.}




{Use it as a clutch, a makeup page, a storage pouch, a small toiletries bag when you travel, to stash receipts in - you name it, just make sure you put this cuter than cute fabric pouch, with its vintage-esque looking circus print fabric, to work. It's too adorable not to see tons of use! $10.00 from Ashley Rose EGL.}




{Though they may have originally been intended for children, there's no reason circus fans of all ages couldn't use these wonderfully whimsical, absolutely darling vintage hankies. $18.00 for a three-piece set in its original box from Oliver's Forest.}




{From their jubilant colour palette to their charming polka dots to their beautiful red rose - which can't help but remind one, in a circus context, of the water squirting faux blooms that clowns are keen on wearing on their lapels, this gorgeous pair of vintage inspired peep toe platform heels is sure to turn more heads than a fast flying trapeze artist! Available in modern ladies sizes 7 to 9 (at the time of writing) from Blue Velvet Vintage.}

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You know, I can't help but feel like there's a three ring circus joke or pun that could have worked for today's title, I but I couldn't think of one that had a positive connotation to this commonly used expression, so I skipped it and went for something more descriptive instead.

As the weather continues to warm up and the last vestiges of winter melt away, my mind turns instantly to both plans for this season and to memories of past springs and summers alike. In the case of the later, vivid recollections of afternoons spent under the big top as a youngster instantly come rushing back.

Though I must state for the record that I do not as an adult usually support circuses involving animals (their handing and care often being a million miles away from as ethical or human as I'm personally comfortable with), and haven't attended one in nearly two decades, as a child when the annual traveling circus came to town - usually around this time of the year - I did certainly watch the acts with the same wide-eyed wonder that millions other children have for hundreds of years now.

No matter your stance on circuses involving animals, I think that we can all agree that the iconic images and scenes that they present and can lend to vintage clothing is well worth cheering about. From elephants to trained seals, clowns (okay, not everyone's favourite, but cute smiling ones usually aren't very menacing unless you have coulrophobia) to top hat adorned ring masters, circus themed items and fashions are fun and nostalgic at the same time - always a winning combo for vintage lovers like us.

Circus related outfits, parties, and dinners can all be a blast and though they are especially well suited to the younger crowd, there's no reason why us "kids at heart" can't get in on the merriment as well (and to that end, I've seen a few circus themed weddings that have been shared online before and they're always a blast, too). I can't say as though I own a ton of circus themed fashions or accessories, but one can easily appropriate various items to have them fit this bill.

From the aforementioned top hats (and tails) to feathers, assorted animal themed items (think horses, dogs, seals, elephants, monkeys, rabbits, lions, and tigers in particular), sequins and ruffles like a trapeze artist or acrobat might wear, and of course, red and white stripes like the famous big top tents themselves, it may be easy to raid your closet right now for numerous pieces that channel a fun circus theme.

Spring is a lighthearted, feel good season that calls for more fun than you can shake a magician's wand at, so why not make like this week's stylish Vintage Fashionista and put together a circus inspired ensemble this year, no matter if you're headed down to the big top or not. It's a happy theme for any outfit that is sure to make you, and all who see your look, smile wider than a chipper clown! :)