More Glam-ping

Glam-ping on the beach; Three on a match, three in a tent.  Two wearing beach bandeaus (more on THOSE in future posts): 0ne in gingham, one in dots. LOVE IT!

Camping, Glam-ping

At some point during this Canada Day long weekend, I am pretty sure we're going to be doing some camping.  Being the fashion hound that I am, I have to consider my wardrobe options in advance.  I'm digging the glam collared-shirt-jodhpur look (provided the weather isn't scorching hot).  Who do you think wore this look best: Clara Bow, Joan Blondell, or Bette Davis?

1920s Garden Party @ Spadina House

Today, the mister and I attended the first annual 1920s garden party at Spadina House in Toronto.  I had never seen the mansion before, so it was a fun opportunity to see this historic site while also taking in some Django-esque jazz guitar music, sipping lemonade, and watching the charleston demonstration put on by the Sugar Shakers.  All in all, it was a lovely afternoon....though an overzealous tourist treated me like a living photo-prop, physically moving me hither and thither for photos!  Given that, aside from the interpreters working at the site, I only saw one other gal in vintage (a cute 60s floral dress), I offer the following challenge: C'mon, Toronto, let's get this event growing and give the American Gatsby Picnic a run for its money in future years.  I can dream, right? Alright, enough "banter": here is just a small sampling of the many photos we took of the day.  You may recognize the 20s dress I'm wearing from my shop--I "borrowed" it from the "Attic" since the frock I had bought for the occasion never arrived due to the Canada Post strike/lockout debacle (which, by the way, is FINALLY pretty much over now).  Anyway, I think I might be keeping the floral lovely. Oops.

The Peach Pit

No, I'm not blogging about the hangout owned by Nat on the original 90210 (yep, I'm from THAT generation), but, rather, some adorable little pieces of folk handiwork I spied over at Mouse Trap Vintage: little carved peach pit basket charms (example shown in first image)!  According to the Mouse Trap listing, these used to often be carved by men for their sweethearts in the 30s and 40s. By sheer coincidence, I saw a clutch on ebay yesterday that has a peach pit closure on it!  Interesting!

Fashions of 42nd Street

Since rewatching 42 Street and drooling over SuperHeidi's handiwork, I've become re-obsessed with 30s jumper dresses and skirts.  These beauties look even cuter when worn with a ruffle blouse and beret.  Wait a minute, that sounds vaguely like my favourite outfit in the late 80s.  Ah well, watch for me rockin' a version of this look later this year (top secret project in progress that I must not reveal until Sept.) :).

Pattern via Eva Dress

Vintage, Vines

Yesterday, the mister, the in-laws, and I attended the New Vintage Wine Festival, where we sampled some lovely food & wine! One of my favourite highlights: We were driven into (and out of) the vineyard in vintage taxis!  Fun! Of course, I had to wear some vintage, too! My new fave 30s dress!

Linx

Later this weekend, I'm hoping to post pics of a very fun night we have planned for tomorrow (and I will admit that part of my excitement stems from the new-to-me frock I am going to wear. I had had plans on saving it for my fall trip, but I just don't think I can wait to wear it!!).  In the mean-time, I thought I would note that I spied some very inspiring scans & images taken from 1930s magazines over at Small Earth Vintage's and Vixen Vintage's blogs, as well as at the charming The Cats & the Berries blog.  Nothing like some vintage fashion pages to drool over!

Image via Small Earth Vintage

Hello and Harlow

Hello!! Just stopping in to say that I'm still around...but busy as a bee, working on my shop, my gardens, and my almost-finished 30s style floral dress.  Hope to have some fun pics to share shortly. In the mean-time, thanks to Riikka over at Harlean's Heyday for putting together this amazing video of Jean Harlow's earlier film roles!  I almost swooned when I saw Harlow's gown at about 11:30 on. WOW! Happy Monday, all!

Whatta Peach

Also just listed in the shop: a late 20s/early 30s wedding gown in lace and crepe-back satin, and a two piece peach lace gown and bolero.  Hat to be added shortly.  Possible vintage bride & bridesmaid dress ideas??

Baby, the Bathing Beauty

Spoooooky....I had an overwhelming urge to blog some Jean Harlow "bathing beauty" images today.  While gathering some pics, I came across a reminder that she had passed on June 7th, 1937.  Goose bumps!  So, here's to you, Harlean!

Marvelous Munsingwear

How was your weekend? Mine was a bit quiet, except for Saturday, when I went to a vintage sale and scored an incredible early 1930s two toned swim suit...in my size!!!  It was the first thing I spotted when I got into the venue. Initially, when I picked it up and looked at the inner seams (which are overlocked), I thought, "oh, this must be some 80s body suit or something," but then I spotted a label inside in one of the straps and sure enough, it's an authentic munsingwear wool knit bathing suit, patent 1930!  The only thing I wish is that it had a modesty panel, as I find it rather racey that the lower portion of the suit is cream, not black.  I have no idea if I will ever be brave enough to wear it to the actual beach, but it was fun to paddle about the backyard in (quickly got TOO hot, though).  One of the coolest finds ever, though!

St. Tropez at the Palais

Last night, I finally got to see inside a Toronto landmark, the Palais Royale, during an evening of St. Tropez- inspired cuisine and jazz music on the famous ballroom's waterfront patio.  All kinds of famous musicians, from Duke Ellington to Glenn Miller, once played in this venue, so it was pretty great to see it!

Outer front of venue

This way to the waterfront patio! 30s dress, Wildfell Hall Vintage; 30s crocheted purse, Dear Golden; 30s shoes, ebay forever ago

Dapper jazz band (gotta get their name), with fedora-sporting frontman crooning Sinatra tunes.

The mister edging into vintage style, with Gatsby pink and seersucker driving cap. :)

Inside the Palais itself, the walls are lined with old photos. I loved these huge prints of 1920s Canadian bathing beauties.

Moment of reflection with Oscar Peterson

Ballroom floor (apparently, there WILL be dancing here. We WILL be back).

 For my dad: ocular evidence that Sarah Vaughan may have once played here?

And...that's a wrap!

Bee in My Bonnet, Beetle on My Button

I was rummaging around online and came across these images of some insect-accented Schiaparelli pieces from her Summer 1937 (butterfly gown) and Fall 1938 collections.  The suit jacket has beetle buttons! What an intriguing collar/necklace, as well! Okay, time for this gal to buzz off and get ready for an evening of playing social butterfly.

Images from the MET