Don't forget about the coupon for Retro Reporter readers to get 10% off at eShakti until July 31!
Like I said in my previous post, a few weekends ago (gosh, I'm behind) Miss Bee and I took a road trip to Calgary to see Krista Dee, go shopping, watch Magic Mike and generally be fabulous. We also happened to go during Stampede time, so it meant almost no one was in the vintage stores that we frequented. Me likey.
After the HOUR it took for Bailey and I to get off on freeway ramp onto another (seriously Edmonton, why?) we were finally on our way to Calgary. After a very chill evening we were off bright an early to an estate sale. Krista already documented her haul here, but she still left some bounty for the rest of us.
Like these vintage knitting patterns:
And these cute utensils:
And la pièce de résistance, this red arborite table.
All for a total of $25. Yup.
Carrying on, we went to Cat's Eye Vintage. My total: $50. I am in looooove with that sailor dress!
Adorable sailor dress
"Christmas" green skirt
Pink Cashmere sweater
THEN (yes, there's still more) we went to A Vintage Affair. And I spent lots more money. Total: $130
Adorable patio set. Almost left without knowing there was a skirt!
Ann Taylor silk shirt dress
my "dustbowl" dress
Picnic skirt!
Aaaand:
I just need a matching one. Krista has one. Almost stole it.
Phew, that's all folks! Now I'm a little bit poorer and my closet seems to be shrinking.
If there is one thing that seems to be the vintage girl's right-of-passage, it's the Three-Hour Sweater. It's quick (but a little more than three hours), it's cute and it's really simple.
I finally finished mine tonight (until I noticed some bits of yarn inside that I forgot to weave, but that's neither here nor there).
Can you tell I bought a Sears version of the bullet bra?
I'm really pleased with it! I went down a needle size because many other knitters said it came out a little bit too large and slightly shapeless.
It's knit in a cotton/beechwood blend (Dandelion Shine Worsted Yarn by KnitPicks, if you're interested), which makes it really soft and light, but a little bit holy. Thusly, I'm wearing a camisole underneath. My only complaint is that I bound the sleeves off a little bit too tightly, which makes it difficult to get past my big 'ole elbows.
Now I am off to embark on my next project. I think I'm going to do some birthday socks for all the summer babies in my life.
Phewf, what a whirl-wind last few weeks. Between settling in to our new place, work (there's a provincial election on Monday) and re-discovering Edmonton I've been lax on the blogging front. The best way to keep up with me is via Twitter (@Laurie_Callsen is now all retro, as I created a separate work account) Instagram (I'm @retroreporter. I'm so glad they decided to FINALLY create an Android version) or my Pinterest account.
We haven't decorated the house yet so I can't show you true house-tour photos, but here's a table we got for $10. I love it. Spotted in the background is our creative solution for the fireplace.
In other news, I went shopping. I really go to H&M too often, but Edmonton is seriously lacking in affordable vintage wear and I can't really afford to shop high-end repro all the time.
I bought this last week and wear it ALL THE TIME. I love it. Sadly I was between a Medium and a Large, so this one is slightly too big, but it's better than being too small. It might shrink up a bit in the wash.
It's almost summer (+18 today!) and I can't wait to bust this out on weekends. Now I need a pair of high-waisted shorts.
It was Miss Bee who found this beauty and got me to try it on. I can't believe that it's actually from H&M, considering its length. It makes me feel so beautiful.
I bought these two skirts yesterday at H&M after hunting EVERYWHERE for some dark, high-waisted A-line skirts. I couldn't believe they were so hard to find, and I'm relieved to have tracked these two down.
I leave you today with my new favourite cover song, Candy Shop by the Baseballs. Thanks to Cee for pointing me in the director of the Baseballs - I love them!
(Keep in mind that this song is graphic and sexual, so it's best not to click play if those sort of things offend you)
This coffee-table style reference book is great for any fashion lover to have on hand to flip through and reference, no matter if you are a vintage devotee or merely curious about the aesthetics of decades gone by. The book is broken down by decades per chapter (except the 1900s to '20s are lumped in one) which are written by separate authors per chapter. Each chapter ends with a pictograph outlining key looks of the era - a quick reference guide for style, fabric, shapes and trends.
In terms of writing, I did find the book a little disjointed as every chapter has a different author. Some chapters, therefore, are not as detailed or organized the same as others. There were, however, so many beautiful colour (and black and white) photographs of period clothing as well as photos illustrating whole trends and outfits.
Personally, the 1920s section was fascinating because the styles and trends shifted so rapidly that almost every year had its own distinct style. I also know very little about the 1930s fashion (I grew up in a farming family, so 30s automatically equals the Great Depression in my mind) so I have a hard time visually identifying styles with the 30s, whereas I find the 20s, 40s, 50s and 60s much easier.
I find it interesting that the 70s and 80s were included in the book. Many of us vintage gals typically think of the term 'vintage' stopping after the 60s, but I really enjoyed the 70s and 80s sections because it shows how these decades echoed the trends of 30s - 50s, which therefore can make it easier for buyers to determine if something is genuine or a 70s does 30s piece instead.
As well, the back of the book includes a shopping guide with buying and garment dating tips and also includes guides on care, cleaning and storage. There is also a glossary of top designers and fashion terms.
In all, I give this book 4/5 stars and think it would be a fantastic bookshelf addition for any vintage style lover, especially those looking for something that is easy to read, has quick references and is easy on the eyes.
