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

♥ ♥ ♥

...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?

The perfect summertime vintage style plaid sundress from Dolly & Dotty

Outfit details

1930s/1940s red straw wide brimmed hat: Frugal Frocks

1950s style blue glitter resin diamond shaped earrings: Summer Blue Jewelry

Navy blue thin knit shrug: Sears 

1950s white carnival milk glass beaded necklace: Orbsies

1940s style black cherry hued beaded brooch: Summer Blue Jewelry

1950s style red, white and navy blue plaid dress: c/o Dolly & Dotty

1940s/1950s white gloves: Unknown, had for years (possibly a gift)

C. 1950s navy blue handbag: Frugal Frocks

Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay

Red patent faux leather pumps: Payless

Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Nail colour: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Red Carpet

Photography by Tony Cangiano

♥ ♥ ♥

August kicks off here in Canada with a much needed civic holiday long weekend, which is akin to a bank holiday in Europe. It's a welcome spot of respite in a season that is rather devoid of nationwide festive celebrations and though technically a little shy of such, marks in a lot of ways, the halfway point of the summer.

However, with the immense amount of rain we experienced from mid-April to late July here, it has really only been in the past few days (which have been somewhat drier, though still by no means devoid of rain) that it's felt like this season has quasi-sprung to life at long last.

This is cause for celebration for sure and I knew exactly what I wanted to wear, the moment we saw a sunny Saturday. I love plaid. Love, love, lovvvvvvve plaid. It is, hands down, one of my favourite prints ever and I sport it all throughout the year.

Its connections with camping and the great outdoors, things that we not only associate with summer itself, but which are inextricably linked to Canada itself, always make it a natural choice for me come the August long weekend.

No matter what the weather has been up to, the review pieces that I received earlier this year from UK vintage inspired/repro/pinup style clothing line Dolly & Dotty have been welcome and wonderful companions, as well as a great jumping off point for multiple outfits, this summer.

This is the third Dolly & Dotty piece that I've blogged so far (see the previous two here and here) and there will be one or two more outfits featuring others coming down the pipeline still this season, which I'm really looking forward.

Like all of the Dolly & Dotty pieces that I've tried so far, this dress - which is called the May Vintage Inspired Swing Dress - is very well made, especially at its highly reasonable price point.

It's constructed from a lightweight, comfortable cotton and is lined in a thin cotton fabric as well. Yet even with the lining, is a treat to wear during the warm weeks of summer, as the two fabrics are very breathable.

This dress is sleeveless with wide, comfortable straps and boasts a becoming deep v-neck, which works well for a wide range of different figure types. The colours are crisp and the plaid, delightfully classic in its marriage of navy blue and red on a background of white.

This dress arrived, to my surprise and delight, with not one, but two different belts. One in the same fabric as the frock itself, the other the red one that you see.

Unfortunately the plaid belt is a little bit too big for me, even worn on the smallest hole, and the red one almost is as well, but I can wear it on the tiniest hole, so thankfully I was able to share it here with you today.

Much as with the previous Dolly & Dotty frock that I blogged about (in this recent post), I found the sizing to be on the smaller - but still easily wearable - side (do consider sizing up if you're ordering from D&D, especially if you're purchasing your first ever dress from them).

I really, really like this dress and want to sincerely thank the lovely team at Dolly & Dotty for sending it my way. It's a treat now for summer, but with some layering (likely including a camisole underneath), it could easily - and very prettily - work a treat for spring, fall, and even winter, too - the latter of which its colour palette would make for a perfect Christmastime look.

This time around, for mid-summer, I opted to pull on the navy and red hues for my shrug, jewelry, handbag, hat and shoe choices.

I teamed this dress with two fabulous mid-century style pieces from Etsy vintage inspired jewelry seller Summer Blue Jewelry (whose earrings are nickel-free, which means I can safely wear them - huzzah!!!). I'm a huge fan of Summer's creations and am gradually building my collection of such. She recent started putting out this year's fall and Halloween lines and I want every last item in them!

Plaid dresses are frequently vivacious and eye-catching unto themselves, so a solid coloured 1930s/40s red straw hat, a c. 1950s navy blue handbag, and a vintage appropriate pair of red pumps, as well as a mid-century pair of white gloves and a beautiful vintage white carnival glass beaded necklace round out this fun sunny weather look.

Often the marriage of navy, red and white telegraphs a nautical look, but I think that the black cherry hued 1940s style brooch helps to keep this ensemble more landlocked and tied back to the outdoors/camping associations that plaid is so connected to. Had I, however, sported a sailboat, anchor or ship's steering wheel shaped pin, I suspect this outfit would have looked a lot more ocean appropriate.

That wasn't what I was after that day however, as water wasn't factoring into the weekend's activities. Instead we married errand running with family visits and a bit of much needed R&R, and grabbed these snaps early on Saturday evening as the sun was starting to retreat behind the hills and the heat of the day had receded a touch.

I'm grateful to feel warmth again and really, really hope that the summertime weather sticks around now that it has - knock wood - returned for the time being. This coming weekend is Tony's birthday (on Saturday) and we're definitely crossing our fingers that it's a sunny one again, too.

It's awesome to be into the eighth month of the year and to know that, rain or no rain, there's still a fairly decent stretch left to go until Old Man Winter returns. Though I must say, I really do love the idea of sporting this frock during the Christmas season and could easily see myself partnering it with a red blazer or cardigan and some (perhaps navy blue) tights for a icy season look.

Not quite yet though, I want to do my best rock lounging lizard impression first and soak as much of the warmth, sunlight and carefree vibes of summer as I possibly can before we blink and we’re up to the brims of our vintage hats in snow once more.

   

Stripes, gingham, a snowy owl, and wouldn't you know it, more rain!

Outfit details

Green and white vintage style headwrap: Handmade gift from a lovely blog reader
Black enamel covered metal hoop earrings: Unknown, had since I was a teenager (probably Claire's)
Green and white striped Gina Top: c/o Dolly & Dotty Green cardigan: Old Navy
Oscar the Owl brooch: Erstwilder
Black plastic rose bead stretch bracelet: Thrifted (Value Village)
1940s style side button high waisted blue jeans: Freddies of Pinewood
White 1950s/60s tile purse: Running Rabbit Studio
Black & white vintage style saddle shoes: eBay
Lip colour: MAC Party Line


Photography by Tony Cangiano  















































(The fabulous keyhole and tie string detail at the neckline on the back of this darling green and white striped shirt from Dolly & Dotty.)

♥ ♥ ♥

Earlier in the month, I chatted (here) about the near monsoon levels of rain that we've been getting around these usually very dry parts and how they've been impacted our normal spring/summertime ability to take photos just about any time during daylight hours that we desire. As such, I won't lament the weather - very little we can do to change it, after all! - here a great deal, but it does warrant mentioning because it is directly responsible for the backdrop against which today's images were captured.

Recently, on yet another rainy weekend (it's almost like the rain is intentionally falling most heavily on the two days a week that are the most likely for Tony and I to be out and about on – le sigh. We'd been doing quite a lot of bopping about in the northern Okanagan that afternoon, rain falling the whole day long (you can actually see some raindrops on my clothes in many of the photos above).

As evening began to break and we knew we'd have next to no daylight soon, we opted to just make the best of a damp situation and found an (already closed) little shopping mall/plaza that had a slender overhanging roof that allowed us to duck under and avoid getting wet while grabbing a few snaps of this fun, casual 1940s inspired ensemble.

For the first time ever really, in just the last year or two, I have been feeling stripes big time for my own wardrobe. I've always appreciated stripes and enjoyed them on others, but for ages, I shied away from them as a general rule (with a few notable exceptions made for things like classic Breton strips).

I'm not sure what flicked the switch, so to speak, but something did and now it seems stripes are something that I can't add enough of to my closet. Especially so in terms of vibrant, yet still very classic looking garments, such as this absolutely delightful Green and White Striped Gina Top from online UK vintage reproduction/vintage inspired/rockabilly clothing superstore, Dolly & Dotty.

I'm truly honoured to have recently become one of Dolly & Dotty's brand ambassadors and to, in this exciting new roll, get a chance to highlight a number of wonderful pieces - and share more about the company itself - from this fantastic, budget-friendly brand here on my blog in the coming months. Beginning with this super cute striped shirt, which looks sweet and innocent from the front, then gets decidedly flirty with the fun keyhole detailing on the back (see photo above of such).

It was far too cold (about 10 or 11C and pouring rain) on the day we took these snaps to go comfortably go bare armed, but I slipped down my cardigan for a few moments so Tony could get a snap of this wonderful detail on the back of it for you guys to be able see as well.

I really like this top. It's lightweight, but not sheer (which is getting harder and harder to find, even in the repro/vintage inspired fashion world), very reasonably priced, incredibly comfortable, fits like a glove, and is timelessly pretty as well.

I have several other separates, aside from my beloved Freddies of Pinewood side button jeans here, that I know it will play really nicely with, too, including a vintage high waisted denim skirt and a jumper style skirt from Tatyana (bought way back when they were still known as Bettie Page Clothing) - to name, but a couple.

I knew, as it was indeed the fact, that a lot of driving and bopping around would be taking place that day, so comfort was the name of the game, but naturally, as us vintage fashionistas do, I still wanted to look a.) old school and b.) well put together.

I don't do a great deal of pattern mixing usually, but when I do, I like to reach for patterns that compliment each other nicely, in terms of both their colour and design. Strips and gingham are practically kissing cousins, as the old expression goes, so they felt like a natural match.

This very sweet fabric headwrap was a surprise gift a few years ago now, which a super thoughtful blog reader made and sent it to my PO Box as what is called online these days, “love mail”. I was immensely touched by her kindness and have worn this wonderful handmade piece many times, especially during the summer months, which might as well be called gingham season, if you ask me.

I kept my accessories fairly simple here, as the striped top (which I want to sincerely thank the fine folks at Dolly & Dotty for), gingham headwrap, and dark denim high waisted jeans already make quite an impact themselves. Naturally some made it into the fold though, including one of my absolute favourite brooches from Erstwilder, which stars none other than a well known Canadian bird: the majestic snowy owl.

I've spotted numerous types of owls in the wild (and heard the calls, no doubt, of more still), but haven't encountered any snowy owls in person. Maybe one day - that would certainly be a thrilling experience! Either way, this wide-winged sweetie pie can keep me company anytime and work wonders with a slew of different outfits, thanks to its timeless black and creamy white colour palette.

Though we have been getting some dry lately lately (cue chorus of excited cheers!), there have still be tons of damp ones as well, including this past weekend.

Thus, as we embrace summer's return this week, it will be genuinely interesting to see what Mother Nature has up her (rain jacket sleeve) and if we'll be needing to seek out more covered awning as we head into July or if we'll finally be able to shoot in good weather anywhere we please, as per usual for this time of the year.

As you can imagine, I'm pulling for the latter!