Vintage Fashionista Friday: September 20, 2013

 

{Luna}

 

{Whether you're dressing up for Thanksgiving dinner or simply looking for a great seasonally hued topper, this beautiful vintage Sally Victor birdcage veil with copper hued bow is sure to do the trick. $35.00 from etsy seller FrouFrou4YouYou.}




{There are few items in the beauty world that can help you achieve a great vintage face faster than classic black liquid eyeliner. If, like me, you wear it more days than not, it likely means you're always on the prowl for an affordable version with serious staying - and all the better if it it comes in a lovely subtly old school shaped bottle like this one. Palladio water-resistant, smear proof, anti-irritant black liquid eyeliner, $6.49 (or $5.39 for Sally Club card holders) from Sally Beauty.}




{A palette that calls to mind fallen maple leaves on a frost slicked concrete sidewalk make up this understatedly chic rectangular enamel and copper brooch from the early 1900s. $35.00 from etsy seller Ice Out Antiques and Collectibles.}




{Though the days may still get up to double digits (for us Celsius using folks this means it hasn't turned too chilly yet), the evenings are starting to have a distinct chill to them, which means it's high time for the return of covered shoulders and layered dressing. Accomplish both in one fell swoop with this sophisticated black vintage Persian lamb's wool stole/wrap. $82.50 from etsy seller Vintage Friends.}




{Shimming like the harvest moon in the crisp autumn night's air, this timelessly elegant 1940s rusty copper hued cocktail dress (complete with a lovely pattern of rhinestones along the collar) is the sort of piece is that is sure to turn heads in any room. Fits up to a size 38" bust/27" waist. $150.00 from etsy seller Go Vintage.}




{Just as shoulders call for an extra layer of warmth as fall kicks into high gear, so too do hands feel even more at home in a cozy, stylish pair of vintage gloves - like these 1940s gold beaded stunners (which are a size 7.5). $45.00 from etsy seller Jenny's Junk 'N Treasures.}




{Inject and instant pop of elegance and sweetness (thanks to the teeny little gold bow) into any outfit with this immensely pretty black and gold 1940s brocade wristlet bag made by Torii Tokyo. $75.00 from etsy seller Trendy Bindi's Boutique.}




{If your skin is anything like mine, than it means that the moment the mercury starts plummeting southward again, your skin becomes instantly dryer and liberal applications of hand cream several times a day is a must! Turn this skin beautifying chore into a sublimely scented experience with an autumn perfect bottle of Happy Hands Spicy Pumpkin Hand Cream (which is designed specifically with crafters in mind, as it says that it won't transfer to your handiwork). $6.49 (for an 4oz bottle) from etsy seller Happy Hands Store.}




{Though a thoroughly modern creation, these beautiful two-toned rust hued heels channel a distinctly vintage vibe and would be perfect for settings ranging from an intimate dinner party to an autumn harvest ball. Available in modern ladies sizes 4.5-10. $67.99 from Discount Salsa Shoes.}

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Ever since I was a wee little girl, I have thought that harvest moons - those glowing, seemingly gigantic moons tinged shades of persimmon, amber and scarlet that appear in the night sky throughout September and October - are amongst the absolute most beautiful natural phenomena one can possibly glimpse in the heavens.

Traditionally speaking, the Harvest Moon - so named because it's light allowed farmers to harvest their autumn crops later into the night, which was very important, especially if you were trying to bring in a full harvest before the first frost - is the term given to first full moon that appears around the time of autumn equinox. The next full moon (in October) that follows it, is technically known as the Hunter Moon, though I'd venture to say that most people (myself included) refer to both as harvest moons.

Interestingly, according to older editions of the classic Farmer's Almanac, each month of the year has a name for its full moon (July, for example, is often referred to as the Hay Moon, because hay harvesting was commonly done at this time) but in today's modern world, it is typically just the full moon that rises in September and October which gets the distinction of having a noun put before its name.

Depending on whereabouts in the world you live, the weather, cloud cover, and if you're a city, town or country dweller, the harvest moon may look a touch more impressive, but as anyone who has ever seen a full, unobstructed moon in September or October will likely tell you, it really is a humbling, wondrously inspiring sight.



{A breath-takingly incredible harvest moon rising over a desert landscape. It is impossible to look at a sight like that and not be floored by the awesome powers of the night sky and the universe around us. Image source.}


The moon, much like the sun, was an integral part of many peoples' daily lives for millennia, and it's really only been since the invention of modern gas, followed by electric, lighting that many of us have stopped relying on it heavily as a source of light and a marker of the various stages of the agricultural year.

I love the moon - whether a mere whisper of a sliver of a full, powerfully bright orb - and always have. Of all the celestial bodies in the sky, it's the one that I've constantly felt the most connected to, and which I'll happily call my very favourite anytime - though I am especially fond of the marvelous harvest moons that we get treated to - if the weather permits (a foggy, rainy, or heavily cloud covered night is all it takes to obstruct this gorgeous sight) come fall time.


In the spirit of the harvest moon and all that it has meant to humanity throughout countless generations, today's Vintage Fashionista is named Luna (the Roman Goddess of the Moon), and the colour palette of her ensemble was inspired directly by the harvest moon and nighttime skies that fill our world during these early, wonderful days of early autumn.

Should you happen to feel like taking a styling cue from the evening heavens and sprinkling shades of coppery orange, jet black, and golden yellow throughout your own vintage wardrobe this season, not only will you look as lovely as an ancient Goddess, but you'll also be ready (from a colour palette perspective) for Halloween next month - and that is always a very good thing, if you ask this autumn moon loving lass.

20 vintage fashion examples of Pantone’s 2012 color of the year

When one thinks of the decades many of us adore most - the 1920s through to the 50s - orange is not often a colour that pops out as being especially dominant. No, the multitude of shades that fall under the orange heading are more commonly associated with the decades that followed immediately after, the swinging sixties and wild seventies. An era when everything from moon boots to maxi skirts, shag carpeting to fondue pots could be had in various orange tones, often those on the rusty side of the spectrum.

Indeed, orange was more dominant during the 60s and 70s than it had been during the previous decades of the twentieth century, but that doesn't mean that it had been banished to some forlorn corner during the earlier decades, to be seen only on pumpkins, fruit, and certain flowers. Then, as now, the worlds of home decor and fashion were teaming with hues of all kinds, including members of the orange colour family.

If such shades appeal to you, it might take a tad more digging to unearth 30s, 40s, and 50s pieces in orange (given that this colour was not featured too predominately during those years), yet doing so is by no means impossible (1930s pieces in particular are relatively easy to find in a wide range of orange shades).

You may be wondering what got me thinking about orange on this late April morn, situated as it is amidst a season that - like the aforementioned mid-century decades themselves - is not exactly famous for teaming with this punchy colour. The answer lies in Pantone's 2012 color of the year: Tangerine Tango.

{Image via Style At Home.}

With a name that instantly evokes thoughts of a passionate Latin dance, fiery sunsets, tropical paradises, and summertime vibrancy, Tangerine Tango is not a meek wallflower shade. On the contrary, it's the sort of hue that steals the show - and perhaps even your dance partner in the process!

In the words of Pantone's official page on this colour, "The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

"Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A provocative attention-getter, Tangerine Tango is especially appealing in men’s and women’s fashion."

The world has endured a spell of rather tough years lately, it's true, and we do need verve and vigor to face the future, Pantone is spot on there. As someone who has always believed that the colours you opt to wear and surround yourself with can have a direct effect on both your mood and mindset, I for one am happy that Pantone (leading colour industry experts that they are) opted for such a vivacious, bold hue this year.

My husband's favourite colour has always been orange, so I'm constantly on the look out for pieces in this warm hue - be they for his wardrobe or mine. While I do generally veer towards light (think pale peach) or dark (i.e., rust or warm pumpkin) shades of orange, as they tend to compliment my colouring better than mid-range tones, I've always been on the opinion that anyone can wear any colour, so long as they get the proportions right.

If you're drawn to Tangerine Tango, but can't possibly imagine yourself sporting a head-to-toe frock in this energetic hue, why not seek out accessories in similar shades? From something as small as an earring to a more attention grabbing wide belt, accessories have long been the fashionista's secret trick for being able to pull off any colour her heart desired from within the whole box of Crayon crayons - or Pantone's spectrum, for that matter.

Where you're looking at this particular colour with interest, but sincere hesitation, or are as eager as a beaver to weave it into your wardrobe, the following 20 examples of vintage (30s through 50s) pieces, all culled from amongst etsy's offerings, in similar shades will definitely serve as a helpful - and handy - jumping off point when it comes to wearing a little, or a lot, of 2012's Pantone color of the year.

{1950s Hawaiian sarong tiki party halter neck dress (with matching bolero jacket); dress fits a 33"-34" bust, 24" waist. Available from Swing Kat's Vintage for $265.00.}

{Adjustable 1930s sterling silver, orange glass stone, and marcasite art deco cocktail ring; fits US ring sizes 6-8. Available from Jean Jean Vintage for $60.00.}

{1940s orange plastic circle, square, and cube necklace with matching hoop earrings. Set available from The Vintage Dilettante for $18.00.}

{1950s orange, navy blue and white atomic novelty print blouse; fits a 42" bust, 40" waist. Available from Champagne Girl Vintage for $45.00.}

{1940s beaded rayon evening gown; fits a 34"-36" bust, 25"-26" waist. Available from Deseo Vintage for $225.00.}

{1940s carved celluloid coral rose screw back earrings; each earrings measures 1" long. Available from IfindUseek Vintage for $10.00.}

{Embroidered 1950s bamboo handle handbag; purse measures 11.75" at widest point, and 6.5" tall (not including handle). Available from Out on a Limb Vintage for £20.00.}

{1920s-1930s round celluloid covered metal eyeglass frames (with 10K gold fill). Available from Thayer Eyewear for $76.50.} 

{1950s peach and white gingham circle skirt; fits a 26" waist, free hips. Available from Sweet Moonlight for $75.00.}

{Orange celluloid 1930s floral carved bangle bracelet; fits "an average size 7 wrist". Available from Wimpy Ren's Vintage Jewels for $30.00.}

{1940s poppy orange leather pumps with a 3.5" heel; marked size 5.5. Available from Starlet's Vintage for $44.95.}

{Orange, green and white floral print 1950s full skirt; fits a 24" waist, free hips. Available from Deseo Vintage for $40.00.}

{1930s Art Deco carved coral Galalith necklace; measures 17" long. Available from IfindUseek Vintage for $45.00.}

{Orange and white silk 1930s summer maxi dress; fits a 37.5" bust, 25" waist. Available from The Vintage Clothing Co. for £45.00.}

{Celadon and orange 1950s (30s inspired) straw tilt hat; hat size 22. Available from Junee Moon Vintage for 29.00.}

{1940s tangerine orange Bakelite button earrings with screw back posts; earrings measure 3/4" across. Available from 4 Birds Vintage for $10.50.}

{Novelty print fleur de lis pattern 1940s linen shift dress; fits a 38" bust, 26" waist. Available from The Dapper Apple for $158.00.}

{1950s orlon acrylic tangerine knit button front cardigan; fits a 42" bust/29" waist (unstretched). Available from Jewels for Panda for $44.99.}

{1930s Fruit Salad glass bead charm bracelet on original card; measures 7" long with a fold over clasp. Available from Little Miss Dollop for $75.00.}

{Vintage 1950s/60s orange strappy sandals/dress shoes; size 7. Available from Wolf's Mouth Vintage (currently on sale) for $15.00.}

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As you can see, juicy, subtly coral infused orange shades from the earlier decades of the last century can indeed be found. These dynamically intriguing hues lend themselves especially well to the warmer months that we're heading into now, when the world itself seems to be at its most adventurous and sultry, bursting with lively energy and scores of reasons to throw a fiesta of the sort where one would be more than a little inclined to dance a (tangerine) tango.

This enthralling shade of orange is a standout colour when worn in abundance, so you may want to keep your other accessories and garments on the neutral side if tangerine is at the center of our outfit. If you're opting for a small to medium serving of bright, ever-so-slightly salmon infused orange however, some fantastic colours partners are grey, brown, ivory, teal, goldenrod, navy, moss, aqua, cream, soft peach, kelly green, and for the extra daring, hot pink.

Whether you've always loved orange, are just starting to get acquainted with it (when it comes to your decor and wardrobe choices), or have been dabbling in this cheerful hue for years, why not take a page from Pantone this year and inject a little - or a lot - of orange into your world throughout 2012?

It's bound to set your spirits soaring and have you looking looking hot as the surface of the sun in no time!

*PS* Throughout this post you may have noticed that I used both the American and Canadian/British spellings of the word "color". I did so because Pantone itself is US based and as they use the American spelling, I opted to so, too, when directly discussing their color of the year. Whereas, being Canadian, at other points I used "colour" during the course of this article.

Orange you happy it's October 16th?

✯ Day 289 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

Associated most closely with autumn - thanks to wonderful seasonal elements like pumpkins, crunchy leaves, and as one of the stripes in tricolored candy corn - orange is a a hue that actually works well the whole year through.

In the colder months its intensity often deepens, veering into the territory of rust and copper, come spring it lightens up again in the form of pastel peaches and pale new blossoms, in summer it is bold and exciting, coming to us in tangerine shades, basketballs, and tropical drinks.

A strong, cheerful, fiery colour, orange is tied to everything from happiness to creativity, sunshine to soda pop. Though I tend to wear orange on either the very pale or deeply dark side of the spectrum, it's a colour that's long woven its way into my life.

This is not only due to my love of autumn and Halloween, but because growing up orange was my little sister's favourite hue. I love fact that she sought out such a vibrant, joyful colour as a child. Orange fit her effervescent, sweet, cheerful personality well.

Today is a very special day for me because it's my sister Katie's birthday, so in celebration of this delightful fact - and given how naturally this hue lends itself to October - todays' post is a diverse roundup of a wonderful vintage images featuring this splendidly chipper hue.

{Image sources: 1. Orange Cake Mix and Autumn Days , 2. Woman holding Oranges in her Skirt, 1950s, 3. Orange, 4. birthday clock, 5. 1926 Beauty Cosmetics Advertisement, 6. Lifesavers - Orange - 1940s, 7. You'll Wish You Could Wear Them..., 8. Advance 4139 1946 orange, 9. Poppy 1922 Jazz Age Botanical Lithograph, 10. 1950s orange angora sweater, 11. Vintage Car, 12. 1930 General Dual-Balloon Tires, 13. Orange Apron}

I hope that these apricot, carrot and squash hued images have brought a hearty dose of cheer your way. They certainly did for me this morning, reminding me of the many cute little orange items I used to search the shops for to give my sister on her birthday and Christmas when we were children.

Though when I stop to think about it now, I'm not sure if Katie still favours orange above all other hues, nevertheless I love that she once held this vivacious colour in such high regard and that for all of time, when I see something beautiful and orange, I will be reminded of her.