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?

A fabulous 40s style headscarf from Lacey Rose Creations, my dream bomber jacket, and one last snowy backdrop

Outfit details

1940s style floral print head wrap: c/o Lacey Rose Creations
Earrings: can't remember and can't really see here :)
Burgundy button front shirt: Thrifted (originally from Banana Republic)
Oxblood/burgundy lace trimmed camisole: Fairweather
C. 1950s/1960s gold tone rose brooch: Unknown, had for many years (probably thrifted; similar styles available in my Etsy shop)
1940s style brown faux leather bomber jacket: Thrifted from Value Village (originally from Suzy Shier)
Vintage style oxblood/burgundy faux leather cross body bag: eBay
Gold tone metal bangle bracelet: Payless
1940s vintage reproduction dark green swing trousers: Heyday
1930s/1940s style brown lace up oxfords: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Party Line

Photography by Tony Cangiano  

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...Before we officially put (well, in so much as such a bold statement can ever be uttered on Canadian soil) winter to rest.

Actually, we've been snow-free for quite a while now due to the milder-than-usual February and March that we've been treated to. In place of the usual lashings of snow and ice that often fill these months here, it's mostly been rain, rain and more rain, with occasional - and wholly welcomed - pockets of sunshine.

Naturally then, as you may have guessed, these photos were taken (on my parents deck) back when the world was still a Christmas card worthy winter wonderland of icicles, tranquil falling snow, and enough white stuff on the ground to make a million friends for Frosty.

Those of you who follow me on YouTube (where, you know, I post videos in rapid flurries of activity at least once a year :P), may recall when, last summer, I thrifted the 1940s style bomber jacket from Value Village (as I mentioned it in this video). Hailing from the Canadian clothing chain Suzy Shier originally, this thrift store score was a dream come true on the fashion front for me.

More often than not, bomber style jackets look atrocious on me. Like, we're talking scary bad. So much so, that I've almost relegated them to the realm of vintage garments that I (just about) never wear.

Luckily however, I didn't throw in the towel entirely and the moment that I slipped this dark brown faux leather 1940s style bomber jacket on in the aisle right there at Value Village, I knew it was love at first sight (and my sweet mom, who was with me, thought so as well, which was great to hear). Needless to say, I bought it instantly and have been living in this jacket as part of many of my casual ensembles ever since.

Wonderfully warm and fabulously old school looking, this is the kind of easy-going jacket everyone's wardrobe would be bettered by. Another thing that makes your closet even more enjoyable is when you've got the perfect 1940s, or 1940s style, accessories to pair with said bomber jacket.

For me, one of those is unequivocally this flat out awesome 1940s style floral print head wrap that my dear friend Cherry, from She Knits in Pearls, recently sent to me as a very thoughtful review present (thank you so much, darling gal!).

Last year Cherry and her mom, both talented sewers, launched the beautifully named Lacey Rose Creations on Etsy (as well as a companion Instagram account of the same name - and you can also see more of Cherry's creative happening and daily life on her personal Instagram as well), where they sell a lovely selection of handmade items, including head wraps in the same style as this gorgeous rose print number, as well as fabric headbands, kitchen linens, and other fun delights.

At first glance, you might think that this wrap was a regular style scarf tied up 1940s war worker style, but in fact, it is a brilliantly designed head wrap that strikes one as being somewhat akin to a roomy shower cap in the way its designed (I say that in a totally positive light).

It's also a bit like a snood and pre-made turban in the sense that one simply places the wrap on their head and adjusts it to fit however they want. The elastic edges keep it in place and pre-tied bow makes it look as though you are indeed sporting a traditional headscarf, only you're not.

No, this easier and quicker, and every bit (if not more so) as comfortable. It's a brilliant design and way to quickly get a 40s style look up top without a lot of time or effort (always handy for the busy lives so many of us lead). I really hope that Cherry and her mom keep producing more of these comfy cotton head wraps, because I'm beyond addicted to my first one and would love to add more to my wardrobe as time goes on.

If you haven't checked out Cherry's shop yet, I highly encourage you to do so. The items that she and her mom are producing are all terrific looking and very reasonably priced, too, may I add.

I had a bunch of cooking for family events and running around to do on the day that these photos were taken, so to compliment the casual bomber jacket and lovely head wrap, I added a pair of 1940s reproduction swing trousers from Heyday, a classic burgundy hued button front shirt, a vintage rose brooch, a gold tone bangle bracelet, an oxblood/burgundy faux leather cross body bag, and my super beloved brown 30s/40s style oxfords to the mix for a fun look that was ideal for checking a million and one things off my to-do list.

This head wrap is warm, but not swelteringly so in the slightest and I'm certain that I'll continue to wear it until the (snow covered) cows come home all year round. If I could wave a magic wand and have a hundred of them in a rainbow of colours and patterns, I happily would - especially given how wonderfully well constructed they are.

So, my dears, this will most likely (again, Canada and all) be the last snow filled post for a few months. We had a great run and enjoyed some really diverse outfits together here this time around.

As we officially embrace springtime, I'm equally excited to share a bounty of fun warm weather looks with you all once more - and who knows, perhaps this head wrap will appear here again when the mercury is as far north as it was south on the day these very snaps were taken.

Ten rapid fire questions with mid-century vintage reproduction designer Franzi Schlupski from Prettie Lanes

It's safe to say that the vintage reproduction and vintage inspired garment industry has grown in absolute leaps and bounds since I first began this blog in the early days of 2009. Back then, in-the-know vintage lifestyle folks could probably name most of the small handful of companies on the market and frequently owned pieces from most of them.

Jump ahead seven years and this arena is now a continually growing industry unto itself, with new brands emerging often around the world, with  some, as is the natural course of things, that sadly aren't able to make a go of it in the long run.

While variety is the spice of life and it's fantastic that we have so many shopping options these days, as the market has grown, so too has the range of brands that while vintage inspired, are not exactly (truly) period appropriate in their designs.

It's awesome to have a mix of different versions and interpretations of vintage styles, but sometimes one wants a straight up vintage reproduction garment that is virtually indistinguishable from the real deal. Enter Prettie Lanes, a Swiss based one woman company that is dedicated to precisely that.




Opened less than a year ago, Prettie Lanes is helmed by Franziski Schlupski, a talented seamstress and vintage adoring lady currently based in Switzerland (but originally from Germany) who custom makes each and every order that her online shop receives.

Franzi, as she often goes by, contacted me recently regarding becoming a blog sponsor, and we've been chatting like old friends ever since.

Though I haven't (yet) had the pleasure of wearing or seeing any of her gorgeous creations in person, I was so struck by the authentic sophisticated mid-century look, attention to detail, and craftsmanship that goes into each of Franzi's vintage reproduction pieces that I knew right I away I wanted to share about her brand with all of you.

A good many of my readers, like myself, enjoy (at least for some of their outfits) the more authentic looking side of the repro world and Franzi's offerings have nailed that to an absolute tee (even employing vintage sewing techniques into the designs of her garments).

Read on to learn more about this fascinating lady, her stunning vintage style garments, what inspires her and why she named her company as she did.



1. Can you please tell us what inspired you to launch your company, (full name) Franziski Schlupski Prettie Lanes, and call it as you did?

I started sewing when I was 11 years old and haven't stopped since then. Over the years more and more people were asking about my clothing and I realized the interest of others into my own designs and at one point - I moved to Switzerland in the meanwhile (I am German) - I just thought- 'when if not now?!'. This is where my 1.5 year-long journey of preparing the launch of my label started.

It took me quite a long way to design and construct the website, source for materials, create the designs and the patterns ... But on 15th April 2015, when I officially opened the online shop - I admit that I was proud to see what I alone had created over all that time :). My 'baby' had finally been born! *Laughing*. Why 'Prettie Lanes'? Take a walk down memory lane and always look pretty! ;P Authenticity and appealing designs are key components of my brand.

{The Boucle Dress in Cream – as seen in Prettie Lane’s graphic above - shown with the Boucle Jacket in Cream}

2. How do you pick the designs that you ultimately create?

To be honest- I simply create what I personally would like to wear <3 No rules. Just a huge love for the mid-century era that leads me in my design process. :)


  {The Floral Wrap Dress}


3. Each of your products is made-to-order. Can you share more of the details about that process?

All of my designs are available in my online shop and can be ordered in sizes S-XL or made-to-measure, if so desired. As soon as an order is placed, the garments are handmade by me within 5-12 business days.

Payments are welcome via PayPal or pre-payment. However, that said, I doing my best to create an inventory of some garments that I'll be taking with me when I visit various (vintage related) festivals this year *yaaaay!*.



{Piquè Cotton Dress in Creme}


4. What in your background (e.g., a love of vintage) inspired to launch your company?

See my reply to question #1. :)



{Classic Cigarette Pants in Cherry}

5. Do you plan to ever offer pre-made garments and if so, will a range of different sizes for the same style (garment) be available?

Let's just say - stay tuned! :P But for sure, there would be several sizes available, like one can choose from already with my made-to-order garments.



{Piquè Cotton Dress in Powder Blue}

6. Your pieces are incredibly authentic looking. What steps do you take to ensure this is the case?

Thank you so much! I would say my three general steps are 1. the authentic designs (i.e. classic skirt lengths, contemporary colors, waist accentuating designs) , 2. the contemporary materials (i.e. metal zipper, rayon tape, self-covered buttons, mainly cotton, rayon, wool fabrics) and 3. the sewing techniques (i.e. hand sewn hem, blind stitching, hand-crocheted belt loops, and in general a lot of hand sewing).

Plus as a finishing touch, I also offer true vintage accessories, like brooches or gloves, on my site so that customers can find a perfect (accessory) match at the same time that they order a garment from me.



{Classic Cigarette Pants in Navy}


7. On average, in US dollars, what is the average price point of one of your creations?

As Swiss Francs and US Dollar are pretty equal these days, you could almost convert prices at a 1:1 rate. The usual price for a dress is $272.00, but prices start at $199.00.

Skirts, trousers and jackets are priced between $157.00-183.00. All are, of course, limited edition designs help ensure that you are unlikely to encounter someone else wearing the same outfit. :)



{Wool Jacket in Dark Red shown with the Wool Skirt in Dark Red}

8. What are your favourite decades personally? Do they differ from the ones that you're currently offering clothing in the styles of?

I adore all things mid-century! ♥ In my shop, I make sure to always offer pieces that I love and can confidently stand behind.



{Wool Jacket in Navy shown with the Wool Skirt in Navy}


9. What are a few fun facts about yourself, the super talented lady behind Prettie Lanes, that you'd like to share with the vintage community?

First of all- thank you so much for these lovely words *blushing*! I am a 'granny's-closet-rifler', 'vintage-treasure-hunter' and a 'lover-of-any-signs-of-ageing-on-vintage-stuff-because-it-shows-its-history'. I never 'learned' sewing.

I found the love of my life more than 10 years ago. I am a dog lover. By accident, I've stitched so often with a needle into my fingers that I fear I someday I might not even realize when that happens anymore *giggling*.



{Classic Cigarette Pants in Dusty Blue}

10. And last, but not least, what can folks look forward to from your brand throughout 2016 and beyond?

Hopefully, I can make it to some festivals, but either way stay tuned for my new designs that coming soon, as well as some improvements in shipping costs I am currently working on for my customers, and I am happy to keep you posted via Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you, Jessica for this lovely interview. ♥


{Knit Dress in Black/Gold}

{All images used throughout this post care of Prettie Lanes.}

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Even without having worn any of Franzi's offerings, I can tell that there is something truly special about them. They look as though they just stepped out of the pages the leading fashion magazines of the 1950s. They're the sorts of things starlets and stylish everyday women alike would have gone weak in the knees fore back in the day and which, no doubt, an abundance of us in the vintage world will do so for right here and now in 2016 (and beyond).

It takes a lot of work, effort, time, dedication and gumption to launch your own repro brand, especially one where each and every order is custom made on the spot, and I have an immense amount of respect for Franzi and everything that she is doing.

Her designs are incredibly timeless, strikingly beautiful and well worth the investment. I can sense that they're the kinds of pieces that one would treasure for many, many years to come and that could also help to fill certain gaps in one's wardrobe, especially if you find authentic 1940s and 1950s suits, dresses, skirts and pants hard to find in your size.

Franzi is a joy to chat with, friendly as the day is long, and always eager to hear from potential customers, so if you want to get in contact before you order from her, that's a-okay.

Pretties Lanes might be the new kid on the vintage reproduction block, but with the kind of superb tailoring, breathtaking designs and great customer service that they offer, I don't doubt it will be long before they too have firmly established themselves as a household name in the vintage reproduction world.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a $100.00 gift certificate from Violet Vixen

The holiday season might be wrapping up for most of us this week, but that doesn't mean that the festive spirit has to end entirely, too. I know how busy, and at times even stressful, the past few weeks have been for many of us and as such, I really wanted to offer all of you a fantastic giveaway to usher in 2015 with.

For this inaugural blog giveaway of 2016, I'm absolutely delighted to have teamed up for the first time ever with popular online American vintage reproduction, alternative, steampunk, and goth fashion purveyors, Violet Vixen.

Their frequently updated shop is chock-a-block full of the kind of fun, fashionable, timelessly lovely offerings (sourced from an array of different brands) that so many of us go weak in the knees for.

With everything from novelty prints to timeless florals, dresses to tops, corsets to handbags, and offerings for both men and women, Violet Vixen is a delightful site with a wide away of products that are sure to appeal to just about any vintage, pinup, rockabilly, retro, steampunk/Victorian Industrial, or alternative fashion fan.



{Just a small sampling of Violet Vixen's fabulous (current) products, any one of which might be an ideal choice to put your $100.00 gift certificate towards, if you happen to be the winner of this exciting giveaway. From top left to bottom right: Hawaiian Sidecar Dresss | Dragon Lace Pink Cupcake Corset | Betsy Pink Sparrow Gumball Purse | Cherry Blossom Plus Size Dress}



In addition to very generously offering one lucky Chronically Vintage reader the chance to a $100.00 gift certificate (voucher), the lovely folks at Violet Vixen also kindly sent me a cuter-than-cute Flamingo Fun Skirt to review, which I will be sharing here with all of you in an upcoming outfit post in early 2016.

(As mentioned here last week, we've continued to experience snowfalls here everyday as of late, which makes shootings quite dangerous for our photographic equipment, otherwise I'd be posting snaps of myself in this charmingly lovely skirt here today; again, watch of them a wee bit further on in the year.)


Giveaway Details:

This giveaway, which is open to readers worldwide, is for one $100.00 USD gift certificate/store voucher from Violet Vixen, which will be put towards merchandise on their website.

Violet Vixen has informed me that they will also provide shipping cost coverage up $35.00 for those outside of the USA.

Just to clarify that point, if you are the winner and you live outside of the USA, your gift certificate can be put towards up to $100.00 in merchandise and then if three are shipping costs beyond that $100.00 value, Violet Vixen will cover such shipping costs up to a total of $35.00 (this is due to the fact that their shipping prices run on the steeper side for those outside of the US).

The giveaway is taking place between today's date (Wednesday January 6th) and 11:59 PST on Wednesday January 13, 2016, with the winner being drawn and contacted via email (as well as possibly announced on social media) shortly thereafter.

If you've like to enter, please feel free to do with as many of the following Rafflecopter options as you desire.

The only one that is mandatory for entry is that you leave a comment on this post, the rest are entirely optional. The more that you enter, the greater your odds of winning.

Should you happen to have any questions about this giveaway, drop me an email and I'll be happy to answer them as best I can for you.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A huge thank you to Violet Vixen for this wonderful giveaway opportunity, and the very best of luck to all those who enter!!!

The last outfit photos we took before Tony left, starring my gorgeous new Classic Dames halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage

Outfit details

19450s sterling silver and rhinestone necklace + screw back earrings set: Gift from a dear friend ♥
Dark grey thin knit shrug: Fairweather
1950s dark teal gloves: Unknown, had for years (probably thrifted)
1950s Style Navy Blue Halter Dress with Silver Brocade Trim: c/o Blue Velvet Vintage
Champagne coloured bow clutch: Bentley Leather
Sparkly champagne heels: The Bay
Lip colour: MAC Party Line


Photography by Tony Cangiano

♥ ♥ ♥

The eve of my beloved husband leaving to work in the US for nearly three months is not something that I'd usually put on my finest threads and celebrate. However, with Tony's departure so eminent and a desire to showcase this breathtaking 1950s halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage's Classic Dames line before he left a powerful driving force, I couldn't help but get decked out for the camera one last time before he left.

Indeed, in the midst of a wildly busy and exhausting week (which I can so see the effects of on my face here!), less than 36 hours before Tony headed off on his work trip to sunny California, as the last of the early evening sunlight was rapidly fading, I quickly got dressed and we hightailed it down to the historic ruins of the 1912 Hotel in the neighbouring community of Kaleden (which you may recall from this previous 2013 shoot that took place there as well).

There aren't a lot of spots - let alone outdoor ones - around these parts that (to put it mildly!) seem to accommodate particularly fancy vintage attire well, but to my mind, even with their graffiti tags, the crumbling remains of what was one a thriving Edwardian hotel, always strike me as being appropriate in that regard. It’s as if, were one to close their eyes and imagine, they could picture the elegantly attired ladies of the 1910s, 20s and 30s walking through its floors and halls, looking as though they'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine, when such elements of this structure still existed.

My love for the wonderfully popular online vintage + repro shop Blue Velvet Vintage, a longtime sponsor of this blog, knows no limits. Their offerings, be they genuine vintage or 21st century lines and products that channel an old school spirit are always beautiful, honestly described, well photographed, and seriously appealing.

Blue Velvet Vintage very kindly sent me the beguilingly gorgeous 1950s Style Navy Blue Sateen Halter Swing Dress with Silver Brocade Trim that I'm wearing here in these photos (thank you so much for it!), and it is now the second garment that I own from their marvelous in house vintage reproduction line, Classic Dames.

Aside from its captivating beauty - which exists in generous spades - this dress is a gem in a lot of other ways. It's very well constructed and fits, in my opinion, true to size (I'm wearing the size small here and it couldn't possibly fit me better, especially through the bust and torso, which is not common with me and halter styles, as I find that they're usually too big in that area).

The material is thick, but not restrictively so. The brocade is breathtaking, it features a sweetheart neckline (my favourite type of neckline ever!), the halter neck does up not in the usual tie neck fashion, but with two good sized metal hook and eyes, which means that there's no pesky halter tie knot pressing into your neck, and the hem line couldn't be more perfect in terms of its length on me (this is always a seriously big point with me and clothing, so when I find a dress that gets that mid calf length right, I'm one very happy vintage fashionista!).

As well, this dress is deeply comfortable. I could easily picture myself wearing it for many hours, no problem. Its fabric has a wee bit of stretch, which both ups the comfy-ness factor and helps to create an especially flattering fit. This dress retails for $155.00 USD and I would honestly have no problem splurging and paying that for the quality, design, and elegance that this great 1950s style halter delivers.

Ooooh, and let's not forget about the fabulous matching brocade belt, which is totally detachable. I debated actually wearing it as a skinny hair scarf and am sure I will in the future on some occasions when I sport this dress, but for this first wearing, I opted to keep it around my waist. It is generous in length and strikingly pretty, adding just the right amount of twinkle and glamour to your midsection.

A dress this dazzling doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles, and indeed, I was keen to keep it in the spotlight. Pulling on the gorgeous hues in the brocade, I opted for a champagne coloured clutch and sparkly heels, both of which feature bows and created a nice sense of cohesiveness between them. For jewelry I turned to this tremendously lovely 1950s sterling silver and rhinestone necklace + screw back earrings set, which was an awesome gift a while back from one of my dearest vintage loving friends in the whole wide world.

I played around with a lot of glove colours, but none of them seemed right until I slipped on this understatedly sophisticated dark teal pair. Its shade, though similar to that of the dress itself, is lighter and the subtle contrast strikes me as being especially evening wear appropriate. A dark grey thin knit shrug, which has appeared here numerous times over the years (and that, again, drew inspiration from the brocade) was the final touch to this party worthy ensemble.

As immensely busy as we were that weekend, I'm really glad that we got in this shoot before Tony left. Though (as mentioned here), we did manage to create a reserve of outfit photos to help see me though the summer until his return in September, I will greatly miss our usual photo shoots, especially given that we're in the best season of the year for them. I like that I'll always have the memory - and photos - of this last one before he departed to help capture a slice of our life - and this enchantingly beautiful halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage - before he headed off.

Summer is already whizzing past and I'm sure that, to borrow a great vintage term, in two shakes of a lamb's tail, he'll be back and we'll be launching into as many autumn photo shoots as we can before another powerfully long, tremendously chilly Canada winter kicks in. Speaking of which though, I can't help but think, this dress would be amazing for Christmas or New Year's Eve. Right now though, it's going to be my summer go-to anytime I need, or simply want, to dress to the 1950s style nines!


*PS* I should clarify that while this was technically the last shoot that we did before Tony left, there were a handful of others that proceeded it which I haven't posted about yet. They will continual to appear here at regular intervals throughout the summer.