Her Tea Leaves

Mellow Mauve

One colour I'm in love with lately is what apparently is called mauve taupe--brownish pink or pinkish brown.  I especially love this hue when paired with a lighter blush or nude pink with similar brown undertones.  I'm so in love with it that I think I might try to make the sweater shown below in exactly those colors. On a slightly similar note, I am really liking the combination of sort of a dove grey with browns that have pink or purple undertones; if I end up making the sweater below (which I am hoping to do), I think I'd pair it with a greyish skirt and wear the ensemble with Re-mix's Beverly shoes, although their Zurich style is cute too.  Yum!

Dress from eBay auction (??)

1932 sweater pattern, Iva Rose

"Beverly" shoes, Re-mix

M - Les triplettes de Belleville

A video accurately capturing what the inner workings of my mind look like;) The song is from the soundtrack for a really freaky animated French film, set in Depression-era Paris, Les Triplettes de Belleville, that came out several years ago. Did anyone else ever see this? The video is fun: Django Reinhardt even makes a cartoon appearance (assumably the song itself is a nod to Reinhardt's "Belleville.")

The Glories of Goldenrod

I LOVE when vintage pattern illustrations are in color, as I am better able to visualise the sorts of hues that were in fashion back when they were originally circulated.  One color I noticed appearing several times is what I'll call a sort of goldenrod (not as yellow as a mustard yellow?).  Not long ago I happened to find a 70s blouse that is not only this very same hue but in a style that I think is very 30s.  I'd still love to tackle a blouse from a vintage pattern, but this ended up being a very inexpensive find until I feel more confident sewing silky blouse fabrics!!  A note on the skirt: I've been seeking a black 30s skirt for ages, but could not find anything in my size or in a style that I liked, so Kim of nudeedudee once again helped me bring my dream skirt to life.  Okay, I'd better get back to work.  I have TONS of vintage items coming into my shop over the next while, as I have acquired several estate lots.  I am also heading to another vintage event out of town this weekend, so with any luck, I will be positively drowning in vintage lovelies for Adeline's Attic.  Stay tuned... aaaand, if you are on the hunt for something specific for your own vintage wardrobe, don't hesitate to pass your wish list on to me, so that I can keep an eye out for your dream frock when I'm out "hunting."

The Boswell Sisters

Hooked!

FINALLY finished my first crocheting project: that little Glow Crinkle hat I had posted the pattern for a while back.  This is my second attempt.  The first hat was a disaster, as I had not yet learned how to stop my chained ring from twisting.  This final product (modelled below by the lovely Myrna, my hat bust, as I am too bleary eyed from days of crocheting, so shall save you the horror of looking at my wrinkled visage) looks a bit like a cute little wearable pastry, but I am not certain I draped it exactly as described in the instructions. In my defense, I shall state that I don't think the image matches the written instructions--it says to pin the RIGHT side down but the left side is down in the image, etc.  In the end, I took bits and pieces from the written instructions and others from the visual to create this cap. Also, I made it in an off white yarn instead of the brown called for (so I could see my novice level stitches better), but the main thing is that I *think* I got the crocheting part correct?   One way or another, I'm definitely hooked on crocheting!! My fingers are already itching to tackle another project.  Thanks to Kate over at Vintage in a Modern World for posting great instructions on how to make acorn jewelry; I used elements of her directions to create the acorn button atop this sporty pixie-pastry topper.

A Very Vintage Day

Today was a wonderful day spent out and about in the Niagara wine region as part of the autumn Wine Festival.  You see, the "Vintage" in my title not only refers to my love of old clothing but also alludes to the fact I do sometimes enjoy the pleasures of a nice wine (red, if you please).  After a fun series of food and wine tastings, we ended up visiting the historical district of Niagara-on-the-Lake (home of the Shaw Festival, which, incidentally, currently has a production of The Women going....must try to see it, along with Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband and the Linda Griffiths play, The Age of Arousal, which is actually a play adaptation of late Victorian author George Gissing's suffragette novel, The Odd Women).  After glimpsing several fantastic vintage cars along the way (which, we found out afterwards, you can be driven around in as part of a wine tour), we stopped at the gorgeous 19th century Prince of Wales hotel for a rest and a cuppa.  All in all, a splendid day filled with every variety of vintage was had.

Grapes destined to be part of the 2010 vintage

1930s vintage wine colored knit dress

Vintage wine colored car that just by sheer accident matched above noted dress

"Vintage" 19th-century Upper Canadian architecture

The Mighty Oak and the Adorable Acorn

Since garofit showcased some lovely examples of 30s bakelite and celluloid jewelry with an oak and acorn theme in one of her beautiful moodboards, I have been unable to get them out of mind, so thought I would repost my favourite examples here (I also included an amazing image of acorns "in the raw," originally from Sally Jane Vintage's blog).  I think acorns are the cutest things going and these vintage lovelies take the humble little nuts and make them something even cuter!  Sometimes I still have dreams of trying to make some little baubles out of actual acorns.  I blame Martha Stewart. Ever since I accidentally saw her make an acorn into a little lidded locket, I have had these nutty crafting ideas. har.

1930s Leaf brooch with Acorn Dangle, sold by Tomatored

1930s celluloid acorn bracelet, Doll007

Cold Comfort Fashion

So, the weather has been flipping and flopping like mad over here! One minute it is rainy, dreary, and cool. The next, we get a burst of late summer heat.  I started planning my outfit for my evening out for a casual dinner and a cafe dessert based on the cold autumn weather that lingered for most of the day.  Suddenly, we're back to the heat, so this ensemble shall have to go back into the closet and I'll have to find something less bulky.  A note on the outfit and post title before I make a mad dash back to the wardrobe for a quick change: I guess I sort of had Kate Beckinsale in Cold Comfort Farm in mind whilst cobbling together this look. I like the finer knit of HER jumper, but I still think mine is a cozy find as well.  I have no idea why I am doing weird things with my fingers in this image.  Baronial bizarreness abounds...

A major bargain of a sweater that we *think* is indeed a 30s handknit:  The Church of Vintage

70s does 30s skirt: thrifted

1930s mustard velvet hat: eBay

Sheer Beauty

The FiDM blog just showcased an article about sheer dresses in the 1930s, which I found really fascinating, especially in its attempt to trace the origin of the popularity of these garments back to the Hays Code.  Coincidentally, I had cached at least two images of sheer gowns that had caught my eye on eBay recently, due to their gorgeous autumnal hues, so thought I'd include these here as delicious Wednesday morning eye candy. Since the auction for the first lovely has ended, se lovelies have ended, I am not giving a link.  The second one is being sold by Curatorial Vintage. As a side note, I WILL tell you I have at least one sheer beauty in my Etsy shop.

Autumn Leaves

Sorry I've been so scarce lately, but when I haven't been out crunching the autumn leaves which have started to fall, I've also been hard at work on a sewing project I had put on the back burner for months.  Finally, just in time for fall, I finished my 1934 tunic blouse using an Eva Dress Pattern.    This pic doesn't perhaps capture all the details of the top to best advantage, but hopefully you get the idea.  I used a warm brown 30s inspired plaid cotton, and finished it with dark brown 30s bakelite buttons and matching buckle, which I thought worked with my $2.00 wool 70s-does-30s skirt nicely.  I also have my first crocheting project on the go, but more on that later! Happy Monday!

Music: "Autumn Leaves/Les Feuilles Morte" as sung by Edith Piaf

We Have a Winner!

Thank you all for your hilarious and witty captions for the fashion illustrations mini-challenge.  I had a really tough time choosing the winner!  In the end, Natalie Stone's cheeky caption for image #1 won the $25 store credit.  Congrats, doll!  I have plans to do a bigger giveaway if/when I hit 500 followers and the shop's one-year anniversary is coming up next month, which likely means a sale of some sort, so keep an eye out!

Woman on left: Eleanor must be on very hard times, dear. Her stole is still breathing.
Woman on right: It's a pity, really. There's nothing worse than having to take your accessories out on their schedule instead of your own.

Dancing (and Accessorizing) With Myself

To counterbalance the recent Yellowfield7 chapeau splash out, I have been trying to focus more on accessorizing the "fix'er-up-'er" frocks I already have.  Example: my $20.00 1930s rayon dress (from Tottie) done two ways.  Oh, before I give the outfit deets: 1)  I am ashamed I forgot Agatha Christie's birthday yesterday.  Just spotted a great "Delicious Death" cake recipe which I might try out as an ode;  2)  don't forget my little impromptu shop credit giveaway ends at midnight EST....  3) Thanks to those of you who have helped spread the word about Fab Gabs' giveaway over at Vixen Vintage.  Pass it on!

Knitted cap: Greetz from Tiz (while listed as a 1950s cap and while also reminiscent of something Audrey Hepburn wore in Sabrina after her Parisian makeover, I do think it is also very identical to the 30s knitted and crocheted caps I drool over in my knitwear pattern books. I scooped it up as something I can wear everyday, so as to save my Yellowfield7 hat for special occasions.  Re: the cap....I'm making a similar one at the moment, but bought this back up, just in case my crocheting project fails miserably)

1930s oxfords: Etsy

1930s tapestry purse: Etsy

1930s collar and cuffs: Quite Right, Slick

(I think I'm going to wear this to Thanksgiving dinner....very deco pilgrim, non? ;))

Butterflies in the Rain

I cannot get the song, "Butterflies in the Rain" (below) out of my head today as I listen to the raindrops pattering on my windowpane. This image, one of my favourites, seems to fit with the song.  The consummate 1920s "butterflies" hurrying out of the blustery weather into a waiting taxi.

Wanna Have Some Fun?

Vintage fashion illustrations sometimes inspire me and sometimes they outright amuse me.  The amusing bits usually come in the form of the imaginary social scenarios the women modelling the fashions are shown in, along with their facial expressions, body language, and poses.  Here are my three favourites.  If you're game (or bored or procrastinating), feel free to come up with some witty imaginary dialogue or funny captioning for one or more of them.

In fact, let's make a little game of it.  The person who comes up with the most amusing image quip between now and tomorrow by midnight (that's MY midnight, Thursday, Sept. 16th, Eastern Standard Time), will win a credit of $25.00 to be used towards any item in my Etsy shop, so be sure to leave a link back to your blog or email addy so I can contact you if you win! Enter as many times as you would like, but make sure you are clear about which quip goes with which image!  Credit cannot be exchanged for cash and cannot be combined with other sales or shop offers.

IMAGE ONE

IMAGE TWO

IMAGE THREE

Coquette Faux Furriers

I've noticed many comments relating to the ethics of fur portrayed in vintage images.  If, like me, you like an authentic vintage look but for personal or ethical reasons, prefer not to wear actual vintage fur, I thought I would mention Coquette Faux Furriers.  Their MARLENE and LULU stoles are adorable.  If you care to know my personal view on the issue you can read the modified copy of the blurb I wrote in the comment section of a previous post down below at the end of THIS post.  

For the record...
The fur question is definitely one many vintage lovers have grappled with. Although it jars with our modern sensibilities and sensitivity to animal suffering, the historical reality is that actual vintage stoles and images of people wearing them are relics from a time when fur was worn by a much wider population of people and was extremely social acceptable. Fur is often associated with wealth and luxury of the upper classes, but judging from the fact that I've seen people of various classes wear pelts in historical imagery, I assume fur of various types was ubiquitous.  I imagine this is in part because from a practical standpoint it was WARM. In the days before really effective central heating systems in houses, public buildings, and cars, I imagine fur kept one toasty.  


Vintage fur is an important part of fashion history in a sense.  IT reflects (and played a role in sustaining) the class system of the past.  This is reflected in the fact that fur may have been worn by different classes of people for slightly different reasons.  Amongst the elite (and those perhaps trying to dress like they belonged in the wealthier social circles), fur was also fashion statement.  HOW "vermin" turned into high class fashion statement remains a mystery to me (and an amusing one at that).   


A personal anecdote of how fur relates to class and social history.  My grandfather and grandmother worked as mink ranch managers during the Depression when gainful employment was extremely scarce.  In those days one took what work one could get to provide food and shelter for one's self and one's family. Among the farming community my grandparents were part of, animals like mink and fox were considered vermin because they would attack chickens, steal eggs, etc.  Hunting was also an accepted norm (for food, not sport) so when it came about that they could make good money caring for animals that were going to be made into coats worth top dollar, financial necessity won out over ethics.  It is easy to judge people of the past for being barbaric animal slayers, but when you put fur in its historical-cultural context, you get a different picture.  In the case of my grandparents (who were actually great animal lovers and who really didn't wear fur but participated in its production), they couldn't afford the luxury of rejecting such a great job on moral principles. 


As for my own modern vintage look, I simply do not like the feeling of fur against my skin (feels too much like my puppy is on my shoulders). I am a complete supporter of the ethical treatment of animals. However, I would not condemn someone else for wearing and loving their VINTAGE fur . That's fur that a long since deceased animal gave its life for. I would never support the modern fur industry in any way shape or form. I don't believe a new generation of animals needs to suffer. THat's my 25cents' worth. As an aside, I would argue that the bigger issue at hand for animal lovers these days is how animals are treated within the food industry (Food, Inc is a MUST see film if you feel passionately about the ethical treatment of animals). Where we get our milk, eggs, meat, etc from (and how animals are being used and abused during the production of these food items) becomes a much more immediate issue that needs our attention on a daily basis. I say this as a "flexi-tarian" with a commitment to the Slow Food and local food movements.

French Dressing

Images of fashionable Parisian ladies, circa the early 1930s, posted by myvintagevogue.  Love these!

Creme Hat Close ups

By request, some amateurish attempts at capturing the details of my beautiful Yellowfield7 hat.

Yellowfield7: La Creme de la Creme

For months and months, I have been squirreling away funds in hopes of purchasing a 1930s-style chapeau from the fantastically talented Behida of Yellowfield7, whom I consider the creme de la creme of hat-makers.  At long last, an amazing winter white hand draped piece is mine!  Just in time for wear with my fall suits and dresses. I'm sure you're going to see this little beauty in many many more outfit posts in future.  The lighting wasn't great today, so I was unable to get the best pics of the details possible.  I'm also still figuring out how best to wear it.  Anywhooo....Ahem, you will probably see me listing more of my vintage hat and dress collection in the shop shortly, as well.  Gotta put some pennies back into the baronial coffers, y'know.

Hat: Yellowfield7

1930s suit: retrogal

Compact Compacts

20s and 30s accessories are so fantastic...I especially adore the little evening bags with the loops sewn in back, created especially so that a lady could still have her purse with her while dancing (I have to laugh at the sellers of such goods who call them "belt purses." These are NOT deco fanny packs, people!!).  Lately, I've noticed some adorable little compacts, some designed to be locket-style necklace pendants, some worn on a wristlet chain like a little purse.  Personally, I love Clara Bow's compact "earring" below.  Why can't modern gals be so creative and compact?

1930s art deco pendant compact

1920s Dance Purse Compact

Upstairs, Downstairs

The last post reminds me:  I've read on The Enchanted Serenity of Period Films that a sort of follow up to the original Upstairs, Downstairs is in the works (this series will be set in 1936 specifically).  I spy some yummy 30s autumn/winter COATS and hats and suits (my fall dream items).

Imaginary Baronial Etsy Spree

Imaginary Baronial Etsy spree....


THE holy grail of 30s items: an authentic coat.  In my size.  From a Canadian seller, so there would be no issue with the fur collar causing it to be stuck for months in customs.  Must swoon now and must turn and walk slowly away from the computer before a purchase occurs ;).

Art Deco watch: the style of the numbering on the face is enough to bring tears to my eyes

The ultimate "Rolls Royce" of 30s stoves (the Imaginary Baroness enjoys cooking as a hobby, and wants the domestics to find meal preparations less burdensome..)

The cosiest Aran knitted chair cover ever, which speaks both to the knitwear addict and book worm in me.  I can see myself tearing through my Christie novels in this baby already.  SIGHS!

One cannot enjoy the above chair without ample supply of tea, consumed in a civilized set like this..

Okay, back to my non-baronial reality.  MUST stop procrastinating by dream shopping on Etsy. Dangerousness!!!

September Song

My musician dad introduced me to the sounds of Sarah Vaughn several years ago and I've loved her ever since. Happy Friday!

Collared Cuties

Cleaning out my image cache, I noticed I had saved several images of darling 20s and early 30s girls with collars, often accented with bows.  Revisited by Mary Quant and other Mod designers in the 60s and again in each following decade, including this year, on Michelle Williams' stunning gown, this sort of detailing is something that I think many find perenially precious.  If you like this look, you can get a dress or blouse with such a collar already attached, but you can also buy the collars themselves through sellers such as: Hopelessly Devoted (modelled to perfection by the gorgeous blogger behind Esme and the Laneway I do believe!