It’s been a while since the last Link Love, no? Still, when I saw this post on casual vintage style by Miss Virginia of Retrospect, I knew I had to share it.
Talk about the perfect out-and-about outfit inspiration! I love the elegant touch of a neat blouse and Capri pants; in fact I’ve actually bought two new pairs of Capris recently that I can’t wait to show you in an outfit post. In the mean time, however, enjoy these lovely looks from the past, and don’t forget to hop on over for the rest of the gorgeous pictures.
xox,
bonita
I just love finding out about the history and background of designers and creative minds; and this lovely little interview with Juli Lynne Charlot is simply fascinating! She is the creator of the original circle skirt, and how she started this massive fashion trend is really quite amazing! Read on at The Vintage Traveler.
In 1947 two seemingly unrelated events came together to start her career in fashion. First, fashion changed dramatically with the New Look. WWII fabric restrictions were lifted and hemlines dropped and skirts got full.
About the same time, Philip Charlot lost his job. Juli Lynne was a young woman who wanted to be in fashion but she had no money for the new styles. So she decided to make her own skirt for Christmas that year. Since she could not sew, she got some felt. It was the only fabric wide enough to cut a full circle skirt without making seams…
xox,
bonita
“Elegance to me is, at its core, about warmth and consideration for the feelings of others. A truly elegant woman never fails to lift the spirits of other people, never fails to blow a guest away with her hospitality, and never misses a chance to brighten up someone’s day with her smile.” ~ Nina Pundarik-Dossin of The Proper Lady in an interview with The Glamorous Housewife.
When I read this interview with Nina on The Glamorous Housewife, I thought that it was a perfect summary of how I think a lady should act. And then I thought, “But there’s a little something missing.” I wanted to add that, for me, I think that a lady is also temperate, gentle and kind in spirit, always considerate of those around her. This way, not only does she brighten up the room with her smile and inner beauty, but with her consideration of other's needs. This is central to her charm.
To me, Grace Kelly was charm personified. While I don’t know much about Mrs. Kelly’s personal life and actions, I do know that while she not only appeared to be the epitome of classical beauty and timeless elegance, she also was said to be charming, kind and and just as lovely in person as she is in her pictures. A real princess in every sense of the word.
I don't consider myself to be a 'real' lady yet, but I thought I would share with you all the hope that I have ~ that one day I will somehow become a lady. While others may or may not agree on the importance of this personal choice, I think it is something that every woman should consider. What does a lady look like to you? What kind of woman or lady are you aspiring to become?
As women, we have much power to influence the lives of those close to us. Don’t under estimate the extent of your power. You may not ever become a household name like Grace Kelly, but you might just become the living example that helps to show others what a lady truly looks like.
It was said of Grace that she brought “a soft warm light” into other people’s lives. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind ~
So what is your legacy going to be?
xox,
bonita
I adore these sneak peek snaps into the day–to–day wear of the 1940’s! Betsy Hatter does a lovely guest post for Retro Chick, so hop along and check it out. ^ _ ^
xox,
bonita
I’ve been shopping. Again. : P I just can’t stop myself! My vintage wardrobe feels very lacking, so I’ve have been perusing shirtwaist dresses with the aim to get a few. They are the best vintage buys for me at the moment {breastfeeding still} so they are number one on my shopping list. Although those high~waisted jeans I am after are on my Christmas wish list for sure!
Here are some lovely inspiration pictures of vintage shirtwaist dresses {a few suits snuck in as well
> o <} to enjoy ~ I am sure you will see why I have put them {yes, multiple!} on my shopping list. Most of the images {if not all} are from the 1940s and 1950s, and I think that they are perfectly lovely!
~ * ♥ * ~ Photo sources: Most of the images came from Pinterest and the others from my computer. If any of these images are yours or you know to whom they belong, please contact me and I will link them up. Thank you! ~ * ♥ * ~
xox,
bonita
More from the Love Vintage Clothing Sale & Show; pretties galore, stunning outfits and of course ~ my haul! So let’s get started. > ω <
I love all these old sewing notions ~ there were actually a ton of old buttons and appliques and patterns and the like; I had to restrain myself and boy, was that hard! I guess I am just a sucker for anything vintage or antique. 
~ Amelia looks great in her perfectly matched daywear; how cute are her shoes and bag!
~ Victoria’s hair is so stunning; it was done by the lovely ladies at The Lindy Charm School For Girls’s booth. 
More amazing jewellery ~ pretty pearls & that red gemstone broach with the original case… Words fail! It’s too gorgeous!
These little purses are excellent examples of 1920’s mesh work ~ and the old corset~like top {I have no idea what you would call it!}; I think that was from the 1900’s. The waist was so tiny though! I really don’t know how anyone was ever that small! > o <
And of course, I couldn’t resist a shot of the glorious hats… *le sigh* Aren’t they amazing?
Pretty party frocks and I love gloves!! Can you see the lovely blue pair hanging in the background of the dress picture? I found them at the end of the day and had a bit of buyer’s regret; I so wish I could have bought them, but I’d spent all my money! Although, as my sister wisely pointed out ~ it wasn’t because I didn’t like the things I’d already purchased, it’s just that I wanted them as well! ; P
Lucite purses!!! I die!
~ Peter looked very dapper in his vest and hat. Hmmm, that gives me an idea. “Oh Husband!” *giggle*
~ I love Lyndal’s shoes and her dress was so pretty; she looked great.
Last photo of the day; my nose is shiny, my feet hurt and I am ready for home ~ but really, what a day!! It was the best and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I do hope I get go next year as well! ᵔ ω ᵔ ~ ♥
I shall leave you with a picture of my haul: Clockwise from bottom ~ Pink gloves, Pin curl clips, a Crochet and Knitted Collars Pattern, White Hat, 1950’s Dress Pattern, Apple Broach, & Swirly Flower Broach. Fun, fun! : D
xox,
bonita
More lovely inspiration pictures to drool over from Shelly of New Vintage Lady ~ please enjoy! : )
xox,
bonita
So my mystery event on Saturday, in case you haven’t already guessed, was the Love Vintage Clothing Show & Sale at Canterbury Racecourse in Sydney. It was fun, it was huge and I ended up with total sensory overload!!
Of course, there are pictures, so let me show you ~
Isn’t this tapestry handbag simply darling? And I just adore the Lucite handle, it felt so nice to the touch. There was soooo much to look at in the stalls, but of course there was also a lot of amazing outfits around! My sister helped me spot some darling vintage ladies and I manage to bolster my nerve and ask if I could take photos… Everyone was really sweet and said yes, but unfortunately I lost some of the pictures!
My camera malfunctioned and about half of the photos of the gorgeous ladies simply vanished… *sadface* : ( I am terribly sorry if your photo is missing. I feel awful, but I suppose these things happen.
~ Bella looked super in her fur stole and hat although I don’t know how she managed to stand the heat!
~ Polly Polka Dot looked so cute in her blue gingham frock and no wonder; she works a pin up model.
I loved this toy sewing machine ~ how gorgeous is it? Plus, it totally looked liked it worked! The sweet little plaid~clad bears were hard to pass by as well.
~ Tara’s blue floral print frock was simply stunning, and I loved her accessories! A lady always needs a good pair of gloves; although I was too hot in mine, so I took them off. Her mother, Julie, also looked amazing her suit and cats-eyes sunglasses. Very elegant!
~ Caterina’s navy circle skirt looked so comfortable but pretty and it had pockets! *win* Plus, the red striped top looked great, and don’t you love her matching navy clutch?
There was so much beautiful pearl jewellery available; trust me, I was drooling over the lot of it…. All out of my price range though. *sigh*
As were the frocks as well I am afraid! Lots of looking, but no taking home. Not this time anyway – but if I do go next year it will be with a well armed pocketbook!!!
This dress was an amazing confection of tulle and lace ~ I thought it was very pretty, although not quite my style as I don’t like to wear strapless. The colour was gorgeous though!
The lace collar on the far left!! So pretty and such a lot of detail!!! I actually saw quite a few collars from the 1930s which I thought was pretty amazing. ᵔᴗᵔ
So many fantastic hats! I wanted to take home any one of the dozens, but alas, they were out of my reach again. Next year I kept telling myself! I did however, manage to score one deal that I thought was super…
But that will have to wait until my next post. I haven’t included all of the pictures because there were too many, so I shall do a part two later on this week.
xox,
bonita
What can I say? Charlotte of Tuppence Ha’penny Vintage has come up with another really useful post in the form of ads for vintage belts. Who knew that bow belts and leopard prints where perfectly vintage?! I sure didn’t so, check out these awesome illustrations…
I am, as you may have noticed, a big fan of belts. They can often be had for small money in charity shops, and are a great way to add interest and ring the changes in an outfit. Happily, interesting belts are also perfectly vintage, as these scans (mainly from the Sears catalogue) show. I love seeing the variety of belts available through the years!
xox,
bonita
I was surfing the Net when I came across an art form called Zentangles, and was instantly intrigued. Basically, Zentangle art is a method of creating an image through repetition of patterns and lines. It’s simple and easy and anyone can do it because there are no rules besides repetition ~ Zentangles are just that ~ a tangle. I thought the concept was pretty cool and wanted to try it out myself. Just as I suspected, it’s quite relaxing and fun!
I think that doing this kind of “doodle” art is actually a great way to unwind and clear your head. Plus, there’s some well cool patterns out there that you can get ‘instructions’ for. And the fantastic thing about Zentangle art is that you don’t need to have any drawing experience or skills ~ you just pick up a pen and go! You could do this:
Or this:
And hey, here’s some tangle pattern tutorials to get you started:
I did a few of my own tangles:
Mine aren’t quite as pretty or polished as some of the lovely tangles out there, that’s okay. I am going to keep doing these just for the fun of it! Plus, when I want to draw and can’t think of anything to do{yay, artist’s block…}, a tangle is a great way to get started.
For more tangle~y goodness you can visit my Zentangle Pintrest board; and of course there’s always the ol’ Google images for loads more inspiration. So what do you think ~ to tangle or not to tangle? That is the question….. ^ ω ^
xox,
bonita
