All roads lead to vintage fall fashion

Outfit details

Camel coloured felt beret: eBay
Gold tone metal and orange enamel earrings: Birthday gift from a dear online friend ♥
Vintage style black cotton capelet: c/o Dolly & Dotty
1950s striped cotton day dress: Stutterin' Mama
1940s style pumpkin dangle brooch: Summer Blue Jewelry
C. 1980s does 1950s tan brown leather belt: (Probably) Thrifted
C. 1950s ruched black gloves: Unknown, had for years (probably eBay or Etsy)
Canvas and faux leather handbag: Tabi
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
1940s style black faux suede pumps: Walmart
Lip Colour: MAC Partyline


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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...Or at least they do for me personally. :)

Like many of us, I acquire new items for my wardrobe (and periodically part ways with others) all throughout the year, but no matter the season, when I'm shopping for clothing, accessories or jewelry, I'm thinking about autumn time.

My favourite season by a wide margin (though I do genuinely adore, appreciate, and delight in each of them), fall calls to my heart and soul. It is the short-lived middle ground between sweltering and freezing, and here in Canada such is often (at best) a matter of weeks. The notion of a long, mild fall that spans September to early December is virtually unheard of in these northern lands.

Still, even if we're handing out Halloween candy to kids sporting snow suits, I still like to wear autumn coloured, themed and inspired looks for that duration and make a point to try and have at least a few new pieces that fit the bill to the tee on hand well before September rolls into town again.

One such garment, which I picked up earlier this year from Stutterin' Mama is this very classic, very sweet black, tawny brown and white striped 1950s dress (which I mentioned in passing here a few weeks ago). I'd been wanting to add a striped vintage dress to my closet for ages and this charmer was a case of love at first sight for me.

It has elbow length sleeves, a midi hem, a flattering cut, a cute little folded collar, and a colour palette that doesn't just sing with the spirit of fall, it belts it out like Pavarotti!

As I knew the seasons would be changing hands big time while we were in Edmonton, I made sure to pack not only this dress, but a beautiful recently acquired vintage style black cotton capelet (called the Sabrina Glamorous 50s Style Cape Shrug) that I received from Dolly & Dotty, with me on our travels (thank you so much, D&D, for this awesome gift).

On the particular day that these photos were taken, Tony and I had just spent a couple of hours visiting the absolutely delightful Fort Edmonton Park (it's so big and engaging that we didn't get to see it all in that time frame and will definitely aim to return on a future visit to Edmonton), which we both adored.

It was fun, too, as I've encountered here and there at other historical parks over the years, to see fellow park visitors wondering/thinking that I worked there due to my vintage attire.

As a general rule, capelets (aka, short capes) are not something that I wear often, simply because they tend to make my (naturally small) shoulders and upper torso look a lot, lot wider/bigger than it really is. I adore them as a garment though and was willing to take the gamble, so to speak, when Dolly & Dotty inquired as to if I'd like to try out one of their elegant versions.

Given that I don't presently own a black cotton capelet, I decided to take the plunge and am more than a little bit thrilled that I did. Yes, I do see some of that bulk factor happening, but objectively that's rather the nature of capelets, capes and poncho shaped garments in general.

This cape is sweet, well made and endlessly classic. I love how well it partners with longer length gloves, too. Being on holiday, I didn't have my whole glove wardrobe with me, but I did of course pack a few pairs, of which I felt these ruched black ones worked best in the context of this outfit (I don't own a caramel coloured longer length pair, but if I did, I think such would have rocked here, too).

Interestingly, in a way, despite my general reservations when it comes to capelets, of the beautiful garments I've received from Dolly & Dotty this year, I actually think I'll sport this capelet most often of all (as it's so versatile, lightweight and perfect for layering from fall clear on through to spring). Proof positive, if you ask me, that it always pays to revisit styles that you like, but think might not work well for you personally.

We grabbed these peaceful photos at the John Janzen Nature Centre Park that was directly beside Fort Edmonton. The leaves were beginning to turn the colour of Bartlett pears and a definite nip was in the air, so I was grateful to have this capelet over my shoulders as I stood on that small foot traffic bridge.

To the surprise of no one who knows me, I'm sure, I was shopping for (further) new fall appropriate items while on our trip and am happy to say that I found some, including a fabulous Halloween themed Hell Bunny skirt that I picked up at Rowena (which I'm really hoping will appear here on the blog this year - if not, in the future for sure!).

Fall's colours and the imagery - from pumpkins, such as those in the beautiful Summer Blue Jewelry vintage inspired brooch that I'm sporting here, to leaves to apples and scarecrows – are “me” through and through.

They bring me joy in all forms, very much including the wearable type, and I love that a season I plan, shop for, and dream about all year is here again. Especially when I have fun new-to-me pieces to wear like many of those featured into today's seasonal ensemble.

Are you a fan of fall's colour palette and/or iconic imagery for your own wardrobe as well? Do you find yourself shopping for any one season more than the others?

Two birthdays, one awesome vintage style novelty print dress

Outfit details

Gold tone metal and orange plastic triangle shaped stud earrings: Claire's
Turquoise blue cardigan: Gap
Vintage style resin sunflower brooch: Erstwilder (purchased from Vintage Pip)
Handmade 1940s/1950s kitchen novelty print dress (with matching belt worn as a head scarf): Mode de Lis
Lime green faux patent leather skinny belt: (possibly, had for years) Joe Fresh
1950s/1960s brown faux patent leather handbag: Frugal Frocks
Yellow plastic bangle bracelet: Forever 21
Vintage bangle bracelets: Unknown, had for years
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Turquoise faux patent leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Party Line
Nail colour: Essie Roarrrrange

Photography by Tony Cangiano  

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On many a site the web over, I have hefty sized wishlists. In a lot of ways, I really don't mind that there are far, far more items in the world that I adore than I'll ever be able to actually acquire (for the record, I should mention that I don't actually consider myself to be an overly materialistic person at all; for example, on multiple occasions throughout my life, virtually everything that I owned fit into no more than two suitcases and purse, and I was totally okay with that).

Sometimes though, you encounter an item, fall madly in love with it, and then enter a proverbial game of chicken with said item and the unseen force that is the rest of the online shopping public.

The moment I spotted this awesome handmade, one-of-a-kind mid-century vintage style dress with its uber charming pattern of culinary related imagery and words (in fellow vintage blogger Lily's wonderful Etsy shop, Mode de Lis), my heart was a goner and I wanted to buy it instantly.

My budget, however, had a different agenda and so I knew that I would have to wait. And wait I did, for a few months actually. I kept the dress in my shopping cart on Etsy and would check in on it at least once a week, to see if it was still available.

Towards the end of 2015, Lily offered a generous coupon code for her shop and I knew that the moment had come to finally make this magnificent frock mine (in fact, it was my Christmas present to myself last year).

It is such an immensely sweet, pretty dress and I was shocked, down right shocked, I tell you, that no one one else had beat me to it in all the time it was listed for sale. In cases like this, I can't help but feel like the universe is telling me that it was meant to be.

Immensely summery looking thanks to its short sleeves and punchy colours, this delightful 1940s/1950s style kitchen novelty print dress is so "me", it's not even funny. From the longer length to the button front to the matching fabric belt (worn here as a skinny headscarf), it is the kind of garment that turns my knees to jelly and sets my heart ablaze.

Earlier this season, on my birthday, I wore nearly the same outfit that you see here in these snaps, however rain tumbled down all throughout July 10th, so we weren't able to take any outfit photos that day.

Hop ahead to this month. Tony's recent birthday on August 6th was a fairly warm, sunny day and as such, I knew that I had to sport this outfit again - it's too at home in summer not capture on camera while the season is still around.

I actually like this iteration of the look more than the one I put together for my own b-day, so really, it worked out better that we photographed it this month, not last. These snaps were taken in the very early evening hours in front of our next door neighbour's house.

A fabulous novelty print dress like this affords one a lot of styling possibilities. It's bold pattern meant that I didn't want to go too wild with my accessories, and primarily introduced more colour into the look care of my cardigan, handbag, and shoe choices, as well (in smaller doses) as a beautiful Erstwilder sunflower brooch (to echo the sunflowers in the dress' print) and fun triangle shaped orange earrings, plus a few bangles (natch!).

I beam with joy each time I wear this dress. It is an important reminder that patience can be rewarded and that sometimes wishlist items that seem like they may never happen for you, can suddenly become yours thanks to the right timing (or other circumstances).

This is my first piece from Mode de Lis on Etsy and let me tell you, Lily's incredible sewing skills (which are often seen in the pieces she makes for herself and shares on her blog) are off-the-charts. This dress smokes many offerings from repro companies out of the water and has the added special factor of being made by a fellow Etsian and blogger from right here in our own online community.

A super fun garment for special occasions, I love that this dress was at the heart of both mine and Tony's respective birthdays this year and don't doubt for a moment that I'll turn to it for celebrations and everyday outfits alike for many a sunny season to come.

Plus, if one day I ever had the chance to write a cookbook and needed a book jacket photo or was interviewed about cooking, I can't help but think that it would be the absolute ideal dress for a vintage gal like me to sport for just such an occasion. :)

Sporting a vintage rainbow in downtown Penticton (plus an important note about my summer)

Outfit details

Red crochet snood: eBay seller tina.g-2008
Gold tone stud earrings: Either Payless or Claire's
Coral/orange cardigan: Thrifted
C. 1960s blue berry and gold tone metal brooch: Jardin Antiquesin Okanagan Falls
Mid-century vintage "rainbow" dress: Now So LA
Gold tone metal bangles: Payless
Vintage red plastic bangle: Thrifted
Blue cross body purse: eBay
Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay
Red patent pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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In the last month or so, we have had numerous rainy days, many of which were accompanied by thunder and lightning storms, and which inevitably - and much to our viewing pleasure - resulted in tons of flat out stunning rainbows. In fact, at one point, Tony and I started sarcastically joking each time one popped up by saying, "Ooooh, how original Penticton, another rainbow!" :D Of course we were totally kidding and adored seeing all of these majestic meteorological phenomena added an incredible vibrancy to our skies.

Inspired by the plethora of 'bows, I felt that it was high time I shared one of my very favourite warm weather dresses with all of you, as its palette takes a serious cue from rainbows everywhere and also suits the sizzling hot season that we're heading into so nicely.

This is, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it, a boldly hued frock and as such, it’s wise to keep accessory colours both in the same tonal range and to something of a minimum. One red and two gold bangles on my wrists, a cute c. 1960s berry brooch, a red snood, and a blue cross body/shoulder bag, plus red patent heels were it, save for my coral hued cardigan.

As a massive fan of celebrating the importance of colour in your wardrobe, this is a fun, cheerful outfit that embraces that concept head on, and while it might brighten the day big time, it would be  apt to feel rather out of place in the fall, winter, or early spring. It screams late spring or summer and is instantly reminiscent of not only a rainbow's symphony of hues, but of those found in the sort of glorious, heat baked sunrises and sets that usually only appear during this chapter of the year as well.

These snaps were taken right here in downtown Penticton on a small foot bridge that connects Ellis Street with the back of Main Street. As two of the oldest and most historically riches streets in the town, this is spot that always seems especially natural to me for a vintage outfit photo shoot (we've shot here once before, as you may recall from this 2013 outfit post), even if the wee bridge itself is quite modern.

As I'd touched on briefly in this post earlier in the month, Tony is going to the States for work this summer. In fact, he left yesterday and will be gone until the first week of September. That means it's just me and the adorable pets for the next few weeks and as such, this summer is going to be very different in some respects.

All though the prospect of Tony heading south for the summer came about relatively quickly, in a matter of just a few weeks during the second half of the spring, in that time, as much as my health would permit, we scrambled to get as many outfit photo shoots in as we could before he left.

While I may have posted a few more between June and September had Tony been here all summer like usual, over all we were still, fortunately, able to nab several and thus I'll be able to continue to share new vintage outfits with you all summer long (yippee!), even though my darling photographer will be over 1,500 kilometers away.

Without Tony home to help with certain aspects of daily life, and because I don't drive (though thankfully my parents do and can give me lifts sometimes for things like grocery shopping and doctors appointments; I'll use a taxi or public transportation for those when they're not able to), I know that his absence will have a deep impact not only on my heart (as in, I'll miss him dearly!), but significantly on the state of my health at times throughout the next 2.5 months, too.

I can only guess as to how big of an impact that will be and how it will play into my day-to-day life, including blogging and running my Etsy shop, but as always, I'll hope for the best, think positively, and do as much as I realistically can. Though this time apart will be a hard on both of us (prior to this, the longest we've ever been apart since tying the knot in 2004, was 8 or 9 days), thanks to the fact that summer passes at the speed of light no matter what, I bet it won't feel like long until we're back in each other's arms again.

In the meantime though, there will be lots keeping me busy this summer on top of work. From my birthday next month on the 10th to Peachfest in August, time spent with family and friends to hitting as many yard sales on foot as I possibly can, I know I'll be on my toes all summer long and I think that's a very good thing when one is missing the love of their life something fierce.

So, my dears, while this summer isn't likely to unfold quite how I'd envisioned earlier in the year, I have no doubt that it will still be plenty of fun, full of hard work, and perhaps, who knows, maybe even include another rainbow or two. If not, there's always this fab sunrise hued dress to keep me covered in that department! :)

25 fabulous vintage dresses to buy right now for spring!

With spring's official return less than a month away, I can't help but feel like I'm standing on a runner's mark, just waiting for the starter pistol to fire and for me in turn to make a mad dash to my closet racks and dresser drawers to delve into everything light and airy and sublimely well suited to sunny weather.

I must cool my (snow boot clad) heels a little longer though, as we haven't reached that point quite yet, but thankfully will in the near future and when we do, I know that I'm not alone in the slightest in my desire to shed off my winter togs like a crab parting ways with an old shell.

It's often wisest to shop for a season before said time of the year strikes. So while there's still a soupcon of time left before spring barrels into town again, for a fun change of pace, I opted to forgo this month's usual edition of 25 Vintage Deals under $100 and instead share with you some of the loveliest, most spring and summer appropriate genuine 1930s - early 1960s dresses that have crossed my path recently.

In keeping with the spirit of that series though, most of these are still fairly (if not "very") well priced, with none of them coming in over $200, and several hitting under $100. I've tried to represent a range of different styles and sizes, as well as time periods, and really hope that one or more of the following frocks calls your name and might even be able to land in your own closet this year.

Here's to celebrating spring - and marvelous mid-century dress that suit it to a perfect tee - right here and now!




1. A unique and rather wonderful combination of different types of both fruit and brick or stone shapes combine in this sweetly pretty 1940s lightweight cotton novelty print dress, making for one seriously cool, very warm weather appropriate garment (that comes complete with matching belt). Fits up to a 37" bust/25" waist. $85.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



2. For those early days of spring or nippier nights of summer when long sleeves are a must, reach for this romantically beautiful 1960s light blue and white Jonathan Logan brand toile print dress and stay nice and toasty while looking supremely stylish at the same time. Fits up to a 39" bust/27" waist. $62.00 from Hollie Point Vintage.



3. Two of the very most spring + summer perfect hues of all time - coral pink and periwinkle blue - team up this arrestingly elegant 1940s rayon blend swing dress to create the kind of breathtaking mid-century piece that will turn heads for all-time. Fits up to a 36" bust/26" waist. $70.00 from The Mermaid Tattoo.



4. Not only is this strikingly elegant 1950s/early 1960s blue floral watercolor-esque Kerrybrooke brand shirtwaist dress timelessly gorgeous, it's so affordable, I did a double take when I saw listing price. Fits up to a 36-38" bust/28" waist. $32.00 from Jane's Vintage.




5. The combination of vivid, vibrant teal green and soft, romantic cream lace in this stunning c. 1950s sleeveless dress is nothing short of swoon inducing. I would wear this to a garden party, summer wedding, birthday bash - or anytime during the warmer months when I really wanted to look spectacular. Fits up to a (snug) 36" bust/ 27" waist. $155.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.



6. The scrapbooker in me remembers when terrific grey + yellow + white were the hot colour combo de jour three to four years ago. Thankfully, unlike trends in crafting that may come and go, this fabulous 1960s floral print short sleeved dress featuring the very same chic, fun trio of colours is bound to always be in style. Fits up to a 37.5 - 38" bust/28.5" waist. $56.00 from Hollie Point Vintage.



7. Butterflies, bows, star burst flowers, and dragonflies, oh my - and pretty please!!! This enchantingly cute, completely lovely 1950s sleeveless novelty print dress includes all of those seasonally fitting motifs and is so sweet you might not need any Easter candy this year! :) Fits up to a 32" bust/24" waist. $85.00 from Swing Kat's Vintage.




8. A garden's worth of gorgeous blue and brown blooms call this crisp white cotton 1950s short sleeve dress home. A classic shape, full skirt, and flattering round neckline only serve to heighten this fifties frock's appeal and wearability. Fits up to a 34" bust/29" waist. $75.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



9. Looking at the citrusy colours of this fabulously fun 1960s striped dress with its punchy orange hued buttons, I'm reminded of everything from lime sherbet to freshly cut cantaloupe, and suddenly, once again, summer can't possibly get here quickly enough for me. Fits up to 36" bust/28" waist. $46.00 from Sticky Lip Gloss.



10. There are few dresses into post that I wouldn't sport in the speediest of heartbeats, but this fantastic carnation pink patio style 1950s dress with its jaunty, darling rickrack trim is turning my knees to Jell-o and tempting me something fierce in the process. Fits up to a 40" bust/30" waist. $112.00 from Simplicity Bliss.




11. Pastel gingham? Check! Splendidly fun floral spring flower print? Check! Classic 1950s wrap style? Check! This vintage Swirl brand dress nails it on so many covetable spring and summer fashion fronts and looks like it would seriously comfortable to boot. Fits up to a 36" bust/28" waist. $110.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.



12. Gorgeously eye-catching shades of serene blue, purple and white leap out at you from this party perfect 1950s floral print dress that boasts dolman sleeves, a becoming v-neck, and a lovely fitted bodice that gives away to a twirl perfect full skirt. Fits up to a 37" bust/30" waist. $115 from Miss Farfalla Vintage Clothing.



13. Fresh, lovely candy-like hues team up with crisp white in this terrific 1930s zipper front house dress (with fun front pockets) to present the sort of spring and summer frock that will see you through picnics, days of chores, flea market shopping adventures, road trips and scores of other events that we all love to flock to as the mercury starts to climb again. Fits up to 36" bust/28" waist. $108.00 from When Decades Collide.



14. Paisley can often come across and commandingly bold and very vibrant (not that that is a bad thing, it certainly isn't and I'm personally a massive paisley fan), but when it's done up in soft shades that look as though they could have been plucked from a mermaid's seashell collection, as this enchanting 1950s cotton dress is, they take on a decidedly romantic and incredibly pretty quality that makes me want to fill my whole world with this same warm weather perfect palette. Fits up to a 36" bust/26" waist. $105.00 from Dalena Vintage.



15. From the beautiful colour palette of robin's egg blue, olive green and white to the charming detailing on the neckline and the warm weather perfect floral print, this awesome 1940s day dress is the kind of vintage springtime frock that you'll reach for time and time again. Fits up to a 37" bust/28.5" waist. $104.00 from Minx VTG.



16. My very first impression when I saw this wonderfully pretty 1950s light pink seersucker dress is how marvelous it would be as the starting point for casual (by vintage standards) Easter ensemble - add white gloves, a flower bedecked bonnet, and pastel hued jewelry for a look that rivals that of any egg filled basket. Fits up to a 43" bust/33" waist. $72.00 from Stutterin Mama.



17. I would sport this charmingly fun 1950s blue and white gingham dress with daisies (real or artificial) tucked in my hair, a pale wicker handbag, and open toed shoes for a fabulously charming, subtly country farm inspired sunny weather look that would be as cute as the day is long. Fits up to a 36-37" bust/28-29" waist. $65.00 from Geronimo Vintage.



18. Serene shades of green, blue and tan combine in this airy, sweetly lovely 1950s short sleeve summer dress - complete with matching bow detail - to create a palette that suits the return of sizzling hot days so bewitchingly well. Fits up to a 48" bust/36" waist. $58.00 from Old Faithful Vintage.



19. Seriously, I can't even handle the fabulousness of this 1950s Bettina of Miami dusty rose, jet black, and cream short sleeve dress. From the tiers of feminine lace to the full skirt to the bracingly mid-century silhouette, I absolutely, positively adore it all. Fits up to a 40" bust/30" waist. $69.00 from Little Star Vintage.



20. Pale blue and spring got together like Easter and eggs, and this strikingly lovely 1950s short sleeve light blue dress with bow detail and matching belt would be the perfect vintage garment for almost any kind of casual to semi-formal (add gloves, a hat and a great vintage bag to up the formal factor) event or daily errand you can think of. Fits up to a 40" bust/32" waist. $135.00 from Blue Velvet Vintage.



21. If, like me, you can't get enough of plaid all year round (I swear, some years I wear it more in the summer than in the winter!), than this thoroughly lovely 1950s pink plaid dress might be just the ticket to breathe some new life into your warm weather vintage wardrobe for 2015. Fits up to a 48" bust/38" waist. $68.00 from Simplicity is Bliss.



22. A sweet peter pan collar feels like it's the icing on the understatedly beautiful cake that is this tropical sea hued 1930s turquoise summer dress. Fits up to a 37" bust/29" waist. $165.00 from Stop The Clock.



23. The colour of chicks, daffodils, freshly churned butter, and spring sunshine itself, this gorgeous pale lemon yellow hued 1950s eyelet dress is a breath of cheerful fashion fresh air if ever there ways! Fits up to a 38" bust/27" hips. $112.00 from Simplicaity is Bliss.



24. There's something so lighthearted and yet powerfully chic at the same time about the blending of vertical and horizontal stripes, as seen here in this happy-go-lucky 1960s deadstock (aka, NOS) turquoise/green and white striped summer dress. Fits up to a 47" bust/50" waist. On sale at the time of writing for $30.00 from Mintage.



25. I intentionally saved this whimsically magnificent 1940s nude coloured sleeveless dress with its uber cute bubble bee and flower embroidery for last because I wanted to wrap up today's list with the most springtime appropriate vintage dress under $200.00 that I could find and this charmer nailed it sublimely! Fits up to a 34" bust/26-27" waist. $164.00 from Stutterin' Mama.

{Please click on the photo of a specific item, or the link in the description below it, to be taken to its respective listing.}

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Before we know it, spring will be here and in preparation for it, I've already added a couple of new short sleeve, warm weather perfect dresses to my wardrobe this year. I love shopping in advance of a season, as touched on above, and highly recommend doing so. It can save you time and money and often offer up a much larger selection of seasonally appropriate clothing.

In fact, throughout the course the current season that we're in, the saying, "In winter we shop!" sprang into my head many a time, for it really is true that I try to inject new life into my spring/summer wardrobe during the winter and then, when the dog days are upon us, vice versa (maybe this summer will finally be the one that delivers my long sought after matching two-piece vintage snow suit).

As we shake the snowflakes from our hair and retire our toques for another season, what kinds of things are on your springtime fashion wishlist? Are any of these dresses calling your name? I must say, a couple are not just whispering to me, they're practically shouting and I might just have to heed their call, if my budget permits.

Whether you splash out on one, two, five or more new (old!) garments or simply enjoy and get the most out of the ones that you already have, I hope that this season brings plenty of great fashion inspiration and ideas your way and that the weather is cooperate enough to always let you get in outfit shoots, when desired, of your gorgeous springtime looks.