It’s Thanksgiving! Putting The “Vintage” Into The Holiday

Here in Canada we are about to celebrate our Thanksgiving on Monday and then I know my lovely neighbours to the south will be celebrating their’s next month. So I thought it would be fun to put together a post on items you could purchase to add some “Vintage” to your Thanksgiving holiday.

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First up..Table Decor.

Table Decor is a MUST to bring your Thanksgiving table to next level, starting with a pretty themed tablecloth.

Source-Etsy: NewtoUVintage

Source-Etsy: LinensandThings

As for what goes ON the Tablecloth how about these delightful 1940s Vintage Anagram Letters?

Source-Etsy: JustSmashingDarling

If you love the Turkey in the image above, then you can take them home below- 2 Morton Pottery Turkey Planters circa 1940s.

Oh I love them!!!

Source-Etsy: CRCRUMSEY

Having lots of guests over? Here is a nifty idea on how to remember where everyone should sit-Place Cards!

Source-Etsy: FeraliaVintage

Cooking Time!

Need some help with your turkey or thanksgiving recipes? Then Butterball has you covered with their 1950s advertisement and informational pamphlet for Swift’s Premium Butterball Turkey.

Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage

Source-Etsy: ThirstyOwlVintage

Now how to take the turkey out of the oven? How about with this Thanksgiving Kitchen Towel? This is funny, cute and vintage all at the same time. I’m guessing this towel has to be late 1930s by looking at her hair and shoes but that is just a guess.

On another note, I would totally cook the turkey if my husband would pull me around on a trolly to bring it to the table lol!

Source-Etsy: NeatoKeen

Your holding the turkey now what to put it on?? This 1950’s vintage Turkey Platter should do the trick.

Source-Etsy: FrancesAttic

Mmmmm Dessert

A vintage cookbook is always the way to go for authentic recipes from a bygone era. This particular gem was made in 1958. It features 61 pages of recipes and illustrations.

Source-Esty: cocoskitchen

After your dessert decisions have been made I’m SURE one of those is pumpkin pie and you will need just the right plate to serve it on.

This plate is from the 1970’s but I don’t mind at all because I just think it is fantastic and so perfect for your thanksgiving table. It even has the recipe for pumpkin pie in case you forget. Just don’t put the pie on it till your done WITH the recipe 🙂

Source-Etsy: VLDDecorandHome

You could also use the Blue Ridge Southern Potteries ‘Thanksgiving Turkey’ plate for some of your goodies. The image on the plate is a bit quirky which I like.

Source-Etsy: PastPiecesVintage

Kids…

Like my household (I have 2 nephews and niece) there might be kids at Thanksgiving so what can you do to keep them entertained? How about reading a Thanksgiving story like this wonderful 1954 book Written by Esther M. Schenk?

I know I know! this idea will only keep them amused for 5 mins but it falls into the “vintage” theme and so therefore perfect for this blog post.

Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic

Source-Etsy: grandmothersattic

Lastly what to wear? Well that could be anything from a cute vintage dress, slacks, vintage apron or a vintage novelty skirt like the one below.

Can’t get any more “Thanksgiving” then Cornucopia baskets.

Source-Etsy: SavvySpinsterVintage

BUT I think a must for whatever outfit you chose, there should be a themed vintage brooch on your lapel.

Now as Canadian’s we don’t have “Pilgrims” in our Thanksgiving story but this pin is too cute to pass up!

Source: Etsy-Desert Gemstones

Pilgrims not your thing? How about a Vintage Turkey Brooch?? Yup, this is awesome!

Source-Etsy: roseluv

Here is the Cornucopia basket again-Kitschy and fun!

Source-Etsy: AllureofJewels

 

And that my friends is some of my “Vintage Thanksgiving” ideas. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving whenever you are celebrating it 🙂

Question: I would love to know if you have vintage items that you already incorporate into your holiday decor? Please Share!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Liz 🙂

My Recent 1940s and 50s Vintage Finds

This past weekend I attended a new event in Toronto called “The Toronto Antique & Vintage Market” at the CNE grounds. I was attending on behalf of the Toronto Vintage Society and also for my own pleasure..hello Vintage Shopping! The event was a pretty good size with booths selling everything from vintage clothing to vintage postcards and antique furniture.

I had a very limited budget so I knew that I was not going to go all hog-wild on buying things, plus my closet is getting so jammed I really have no space to store any new clothing items until I do a purge (which is going to be almost impossible). So my plan..keep it small and easy to store. Well the show had lots of that so I scored a few awesome finds, and here is what I found….

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One of my favorite finds from the show-a 1940-41 Fall & Winter Eaton’s Catalogue (stay tuned for a post on all the goodies inside!).

Eaton’s was once Canada’s largest department store retailer. It was founded in 1869 in Toronto by Timothy Eaton, and it grew to become a retail and social institution in Canada. With stores across the country, buying offices around the globe, and a catalogue that was found in the homes of most Canadians (we always had one in my home). Sadly in 1999 the company went bankrupt, so now finding pieces of history like this is means just a little bit more for vintage history lovers like me (Source).

The jacket is absolutely DIVINE!

Find # 2: 1950’s Rosanna Knit Sportswear Bolero

This sweater has the most wonderful details as you can see below and is in MINT condition. I got it for a steal AND it’s small so it will fit in whatever remaining space is left in my closet.

Next Purchase a Vintage Brooch-It needs a bit of TLC but I actually don’t mind the fact that there is only a bit of green left on the palm trees. Adds Character 🙂

Now my small but mighty finds-Several Vintage Photos from the 1940s and 1950s:

The below image has a story to tell and I love it! I believe that the couple is going on their honeymoon or something very important because air travel in the 1940s was not something you just up and did like we do today. Plus they look really really nice, which is nothing out of the norm for air travel in the early days but they just look like it’s a special occasion.

I think it is also great that the plane in the background is actually a Canadian airline (no longer around) called “Canadian Pacific Air Lines“. I love finding images like that this have a bit of Canadian history tied to them.

Lastly, lets talk about her outfit. Her hat is just amazing and so very different from what I normally see. She also has great peep toe shoes purse and her classic suit goes a long long way in the “simple but stylish” department.

1940s couple in front of Canadian Pacific Airplane

Next up we have this 1940s cutie in a double-breasted winter jacket, that just looks soooo warm! Hopefully warm enough to keep her exposed head and toes warm too. Aren’t her shoes great?!

I was drawn to this picture for the simple beauty coming off the paper. She looks very happy smiling for the camera, and I wonder what her story is? Maybe off to see a loved one return from war?

1940s Beauty

When I saw this picture my girlfriend and I tossed back and forth whether she was wearing a playsuit or not and finally after both agreeing that is was VERY clear that she was,  I had to buy it!

Her playsuit is just great and looks totally comfortable. I love how she paired the simplicity of the outfit with nice big flowing 40s hair, some sort of brooch and big bow peep toe heels.  Future Pinup Model? I think so 🙂

I am curious on where she is though? Those heels don’t look to easy to walk in for a stroll in the woods.

1940’s Playsuit for the Win!

Next up is a early 1940s (maybe late 1930s) beach photo from my hometown of Sarnia, Ontario. The beach was at Canatara Park a frequent hangout for those who wanted to catch some rays and go swimming in Lake Huron. I was super excited to find this picture because I have never really seen any cool “life images” from my hometown. So to stumble upon a postcard with this image was a wonderful surprise for me.

I’m totally digging the swimsuits and hair in this photo.

Next up we have the most stylish 1950s Housewife on the block. Lets call her Marge 🙂 Isn’t she just lovely?

What colour do you think her dress is? I can’t seem to decide personally.

1950s Housewife

I also found this super funny postcard that from what I can see was mailed in the 1950s (according to the back) from one woman friend to another. Isn’t it hilarious??!!

Lastly I did NOT buy this at the show but I had to share it. I stumbled upon a 1930s Hair Perming Machine and had to take a picture of it. It was crazy cool and crazy scary at the same time! Can you imagine sticking your head under this thing?

1930s Perming Machine-Made in Hamilton

And that was my finds friends! Did you do any recent shopping this weekend or week? If so what was your favorite find?

Liz 🙂

 

 

 

 

Toronto Vintage Society: Pre-Opening Sneak Peak at Tatyana’s New Boutique

I’m about to share below a great post created by the Toronto Vintage Society about the amazing and fantastic “Tatyana Designs” (formally known as Bettie Page) that is opening in Toronto ASAP!

But before I do this I want to quickly share my own story about this brand.

I have been wearing Tatyana clothing for many years now. In fact the Bettie Page brand (as it was called originally at start-up) was my first entry into the world of “Vintage reproduction clothing”. I was in Las Vegas and was wandering lost in Planet Hollywood when all of a sudden I saw the iconic image of Bettie Page staring back at me with racks of beautiful garments just begging to be tried on behind her. I purchased 2 dresses (which I still wear today) and have not stopped buying since.

Now every time I visit Vegas I go to the store in the forum shops and buy something and catch up with the shop girls that have now become our friends. My husband is also noted as the “guy who gave a mini swing dancing lesson in the store” to the Tatyana staff 🙂 I have also gotten my mom addicted to the brand and she sports many wonderful pieces in her closet too.

To show you the love here is a picture of my collection!

My collection

NOW for the post I promised you….Toronto Vintage Society’s Sneak Peak Post:

Toronto has been buzzing for months around rumours of getting the golden-era inspired dress company behind the Bettie Page brand – Tatyana!

Vintage and retro style lovers – from swing dancers to rockabilly fans – have been dying to get their hands on the full range of clothing since they were dreamed up in 2006. The Tatyana company has chosen Toronto to be it’s 20th location AND it’s first international store….and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

 “Our newest Tatyana boutique is situated in the heart of Toronto,” notes Tatyana Designs co-CEO Jan Glaser. “We continue to be gratified by the enthusiastic acceptance of Tatyana’s designs by women from all walks of life. This is especially true as we have an enormous Canadian following with thousands wearing our dresses representing a disproportionate percentage of our customers. Now we have the opportunity to honor their patronage with our first Canadian outlet in an amazing location.”

The Toronto Vintage Society are huge supporters of any new company that wants to join our ranks in bringing the retro inspired lifestyle to this city…and there is room for everyone!!! To find out more we reached out to the company. The lovely Hayley from the NYC Boutique and new Toronto Store Manager Martha made time to let the Toronto Vintage Society have a sneak peek at what’s in store.

The first thing we found out is that the SOFT OPENING event will be THIS SATURDAY starting at 2pm! The FIRST 10 people through the door will receive a goody bag, there will be bubbly drinks and tasty treats…more importantly there will a 20% discount to anyone who mentions “TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA“

 Despite busily setting up for their opening weekend soft opening, they still managed to take the time to answer some questions for us!

 What is the company history of Tatyana?

Tatyana Designs is named after the founder and lead designer (Tatyana Khomyakova) who began designing retro inspired dresses when she founded her first clothing line, Bettie Page Clothing, in 2006. Born in northern Russia, Tatyana loved the arts and fashion from her earliest memories. After excelling at the University of Culture with degrees in theater and fashion, she began her modeling, Tatyana, after becoming a high fashion couture model, studied fashion design in France and London which led to her expertise in unique women’s vintage style design. Dismissing the “frivolous trends of the moment,” the high fashion model decided to bring into being a line that reflects the beauty and mystery of women without being vulgar or “Trendy.” Bettie Page Clothing was born.

 In 2006, we opened our first boutique at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the strip in Las Vegas, NV. Soon thereafter, we opened Hollywood, Forum Shops in Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, New York, Nashville and more so that we now have twenty Boutiques.

 In 2014, Tatyana emerged from the Bettie Page Clothing line to unveil her new company: Tatyana. The future of the line is as varied as women themselves. The nature of the dresses appeal to all demographics. Young people like the dresses because they are unusual and a “little crazy” so they can stand out in a crowd. Middle aged clients enjoy the elegance and “mystery” the dresses convey. Moreover, the older generation appreciates the nostalgia which reminds them of their youth. Everything from fabric content and design to the silhouettes themselves undergo constant change and evolution to meet the demands of clients.

Tatyana has found her place in the fashion world, which is fortunate not only for her, but for women everywhere.

 I feel you two are the main players in making this store come to life…tell us about yourselves!

Martha (Boutique Manager TO) and Hayley (Boutique Manger NY)

 

Hayley– Well I am just here in Toronto helping Miss Martha out, I actually live in Brooklyn and manage our Manhattan store at 303 Bowery. (Come say hi if you are ever in town!) I started with the company about four years ago when I opened our San Francisco location on Haight Street.  It was a fantastic time to join the team, because the company was really taking off.  We started opening boutiques all over the country, and I was fortunate enough to be involved in opening quite a few of them.  When the decision to open in New York City was made, I had to jump on it.  Obviously. I am a die hard vintage fan, and even more so just a fashion enthusiast. I love all things beautiful and retro.

Martha– I am from Prince Edward Island and new to Toronto!  Simply pleased and tickled to be the store manager for Tatyana Boutique first International location.  I have a background in retail & customer service that has allowed me to collect passport stamps from also being a retail buyer.  I feel like fashion is in my blood since my ‘Granny’ wore dresses everyday and taught me you can never be over dressed!.

Why did the Tatyana company decide to open its next store on Toronto? 

H-Martha, how many people did you say live here?  Toronto is fabulous city and full of energy.  Where else would we want to open our first international store?

M- 2.5 Million!

The line has vintage/retro inspired feel…are your clients only vintage / rockabilly / swing fans? 

H- Not at all.  Of course we have tons of clients that are into the scene (and we adore you!) but we also cater to a wide a range of clients, we literally have something for everyone.  In NYC I have a great mix of rockabilly pin up gals, professionals, and just girls into fashion.  Our clients are women from all backgrounds that just want to feel beautiful in what they wear.

M- I am just learning about all the vintage styles. I have more of a classic or lady-like look so I appreciate the cut and style that Tatyana Boutique offers to suit a real women’s body.  I plan to mix in circle skirts and get a few make-up lessons so that I fit right in here.

Tell us about the most iconic Tatyana dress and how it was inspired and designed. 

H- That is a tough one!  I would have to say the Brigit, the Alika and the Captain are our most iconic dresses.  All three of these have been in to many magazines and tv shows to name. My personal favorite at the moment though is the Shirlee Tegee! We had a “bring it back contest” last year where clients sent in photos of their mothers and grandmothers in beautiful garments.  One of the winners was this little number, a dress that the first Miss USA wore in 1947.  I am obsessed with the fabric, cut, and the print was so ahead of its time! Oh, and it has pockets!!

M- I have my eye on a few!  I think that Annie’s Garden with a bow belt is the new one I will purchase!

Shirley Tegge Dress

The Stunning Creator of TVS-Jacquie at the recent “Hats and Horseshoes” event

What do you hope to happen for Tatyana in Toronto specifically?  Do you see it as a simple walk-in Queen St W business or do you seeing it having an impact on the community?

H- If this city falls in love with Tatyana the way we have fallen in love with you, we hope to make this Boutique a destination shopping location.  Yes, tourists will shop with us… but we really want to get involved.  The city has so much to offer and we are thrilled to be apart of it.

M- Toronto has been patiently waiting for these dresses with the correct mixture of bright, fun, and flirty…we are all going to look like ladies!

What else will Tatyana have to offer in Toronto other than great clothes and accessories?

H- Exceptional customer service.  We pride ourselves in taking client satisfaction to the next level.  Our prices may not be that of a high-end designer store, but our mentality is. Oh, and we are also having a fabulous party mid September! Have you heard of Tempest Storm?  We have something killer in the works…stay tuned!

One that note, we will be helping out Hayley and Martha to make their Grand Opening happen in true Toronto Vintage style!  A little bit of everything should do the trick! You DO truly want to stay tuned!

Here are some fun sneak peek pictures of what to expect from Tayana’s Toronto Boutique:

Lines ups…inside and out!

Some studio lighting…perhaps for some in-store pin-up shoots??!!
The “Archie” Dress in Diamond Blue

Martha with the “Sweet Berries” dress

Stairs to the upper levels which may include “community space”!

Colour…and lots of it!

Steaming the “Captain’s Circle” in Navy

Hayley looking glamorous no matter the task in the “Ping Pong” dress!

Nautical Playsuit!

Vintage lamps picked up at Courage my Love in Kensington Market!

Almost ready to go!

Don’t Forget! SATURDAY, AUGUST 2nd at 2pm
Location: 322 Queen St. West- Goody Bag for the first 10 people through the door
– bubbly drinks and tasty treats for everyone
– 20% off if you remember to tell them that….
“TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA”Stay tuned for news about their Grand Opening Event in September!Toronto Vintage Society Team!

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On a side note…I think I want to buy this dress and channel my inner urge to be Anita from West Side Story. -Liz-

Toronto Vintage Clothing Show-The Highlights

So this past Sunday I was excited to be able to work the booth for the Toronto Vintage Society at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show. We were there to raise awareness of our society, sell some beautiful “Make Do and Mend” sewing kits and also sign up fellow vintage enthusiasts for our meetup group.

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Here I am with the lovely Larissa from Blonde Moxie at our booth. I’m wearing a Ethel of Beverly Hills sweater that got so many likes that day and even one lady wanted to buy it off me while at the show 🙂

Photo Courtesy of Larissa

We were also joined by some of the other lovely ladies of TVS. Lisa, Larissa and Irene from Petite Plus, Meow!

All of us together (minus our fearless leader Jacquie who was out-of-town on business).

Here is a picture of the mending kits we created with vintage fabric for the pin top. Inside was candy, vintage buttons and everything else you need to sew up something fabulous.

Image courtesy of Irene 

We had a draw at our booth too and it had lots of wonderful goodies that any vintage loving person would want (there was some great items for the men as well, but just not showing in this pic).

 Image courtesy of Shermy from Shermette

At one point during the day our booth even had some swing dancing happen. Here is somewhat blurry but fun picture of myself and my friend Dean doing some Lindy Hop.

Photo Courtesy of Blonde Moxie

Then there were more dancers…yay!

Amongst many of the wonderful visitors that stopped by the booth, one was Diane from the Costume Society of Ontario. She was wearing the most amazing Edwardian outfit! Don’t you just love it on her?

After socializing and promoting TVS, I finally got my turn to head out to the show and do some shopping. I managed to pick up a couple of things but did not snag any clothes because I’m in saving mode for VIVA next month in Vegas, where I know I will be buying a lot of outfits.

Here are my purchases….

My kitschy Leather Poodle Pin..love it!

Second purchase was this absolutely gorgeous green 1950s hair piece with the more glorious feathers you have ever seen. It was being sold for $40 but some of the feathers needed a glue gun and so I managed to snag it for $20. Yippee! This baby is coming to Vegas with me.

Now I did not purchase this but a friend of mine did and it truly was the PURCHASE OF THE SHOW! 

A skirt out of Marimekko 1960’s fabric. They did not know the significance of the pattern or the fabric, which is why she only got it for 30$. It is signed too. Quite the find and you can read all about the extensive history of this brand here. Good job Erica!

 

Now here are some pictures of what I wish I could have purchased.

Lets start with the granddaddy of them all…a 1950’s Vintage WITH TAGS Alfred Shaheen! I have never seen a for sale Shaheen in real life (online only) AND with tags. This dress was a unicorn at this show AND also too small for me. ugh 😦 If you are in Toronto it’s being sold at 69 Vintage on Queen St. West.

If you are an xsmall you could have taken home this beautiful 1950’s swimsuit! I just LOVE the buttons and the skirt portion and of course the fabric. Wonderful piece.

Going to prom? Then this beautiful stunner of a 1950s prom dress would have been perfect.

FYI: The dress is still for sale at “House of Vintage” on Queen St West.

Those were basically the only pictures I had time to take from the show but if you head over to the Toronto Vintage Society website you will see a wonderful post on the event.

On another note, I have been doing a pin-curl set lately with my hair instead of foam rollers and I’m really really enjoying how it is turning out.

P.S. did you see my eyelashes?? Look how long and fantastic they look. I just recently got extensions put in by Shangri-Lash and I love them! Stay tuned for a review on that experience.

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In the end the whole day was a success and we ended up with a load of new members to our group and we met so many wonderful vintage shoppers! I look forward to getting to know many of them at future events.

Did you do any vintage shopping this weekend? Score any great deals?

Liz

 

My Vintage Dress has a Reproduction TWIN!

Last winter I was shopping on ETSY looking for a good summer dress (because I was tired of Canadian winters and needed summer in my life) and I managed to stumble upon this adorable 1950’s dress (I believe homemade). It cost me $30 from “Janes Vintage” and fit like a glove and I wore it a lot over the summer months.

Today I was looking at one of my favorite Reproduction clothing stores “Trashy Diva” online and stumbled upon an almost EXACT replica of my cute summer 1950’s dress. See the side by side comparision…pretty much its twin right?

Now some of us would be upset that their “vintage dress” is now a reproduction and will be worn by many lovely ladies. Not me! I’m excited to be able to say, that I have the original design and will wear it proudly knowing that I have a good eye for awesome vintage fashion pieces.

I’m also excited to see that one of my favourite designers, that being Trashy Diva uses real vintage styles as their inspiration. Awesome!

Liz

Vintage Shopping in Toronto-Where to Shop in Toronto for that Very Vintage Holiday Outfit or Christmas Gifts (My Fav Picks)

It’s that time of year again and just in case you need a reminder of what that is I’m talking about it’s…..CHRISTMAS!! I love Christmas always have and always will and I’m just counting the seconds till I can put up my tree and holiday decor in my husbands and I’s tiny apartment built for 1 🙂 In the mean time while I wait for Dec 1st I’m busy thinking about my Christmas shopping that has to be done and holiday outfits to be worn (or purchased). So where does a vintage lover like me shop in the big city of Toronto for Vintage themed gifts or a Vintage Holiday Outfit? Here are some of my fav picks (July 2014 note: Currently updating this post-stay tuned):

West End Shopping

Mrs. Huizenga:

The store is located in the heart of Roncesvalles (121 Ronscevalles) and is teeming with furnishings large and small, old books, vintage jewellery, 1950’s dishes, beautiful vintage clothing (1950s-80s) and shoes plus much much more. I have purchased many items for myself and for friends from here and the prices are really good for being in a popular shopping part of town.

They accept all forms of currency, hours are posted on their website.

Frou Frou Vintage: (1616 Queen St. West)

Mostly Clothing and accessories, this store has some pretty sweet mid-century clothing finds (not tons but they are there) and the owner is very knowledgeable in vintage clothing and the prices are pretty fair. Cash only so be prepared and hours are wonky so call ahead.

Stella Luna: (1627 Queen St. West)

Another store with mostly clothing and accessories but the selection is good and the owner does carry some 1950’s and 60’s dresses/suits/skirts/hats etc. In the summer I purchased a cute early 60’s summer dress that I wear all the time and the price was $30 (taxes are included in the price).

What I love about this store, is that the owner has taken the time to colour coordinate all the racks. Looking for a red holiday dress…hit up the red rack and if it’s not there you are in and out in 5 mins. Cash only store, so come prepared and I believe they are open 7 days a week but always call ahead to be sure.

SADLY CLOSED NOW 😦 The Painted Table (1716 Queen St. West) MY FAVORITE Store for ANYTHING 1950’s!!!

I LOVE this store, love love love! I can stand outside of the store and look in the windows and just dream of taking the window displays home with me for hours…hours. LOL! Gloria who owns the store has an amazing eye for mid-century vintage..anything. Want a teak table…come here. Looking for 1950’s toaster…come here. Vintage tableclothes…Gloria has the most beautiful selections. Love quirky salt and pepper shakers from the 40’s and 50’s? You can find them here. There is even a small rack of vintage clothing with everything from this amazing 1940’s Jacket Michelle is wearing below to a cool mod 1960’s shift dress. Prices are very reasonable and the store takes all form of currency. Hours vary so call ahead before venturing out.

Cabaret Vintage: High Fashion Vintage Boutique

(Photo credit: Blog TO)

To start…Yes the store has pieces that are pricey BUT the clothes and accessories (men and women) are beautiful and in mint condition so you are getting your money’s worth. Also not everything is out of budget so don’t be afraid to browse thru the racks and just take in the beauty that is Vintage because you never know what you will find. Note: when they do sales they really do a sale so keep your eyes peeled for that.

The staff at Cabaret are FANTASTIC! I seriously can’t say that enough! Every time I walk into that store I am made to feel like I am family and I love it and that is why encourage friends and family to visit the store. The store accepts all form of currency and is open 7 days a week.

Kensington Market

Flashback 1 & 2 (33 & 25 Kensington Ave)

Flashback Vintage 1 & 2 are both located down the street from each other in the main vintage clothing area of Kensington Market. Both stores have 1940-1960’s men and women clothing and accessories and I tend to find the selection pretty good BUT…as much as I love shopping in these stores (and my closet has several dresses from them) you need to shop there with caution because some of the clothes on the racks might be a bit worn (they are old!). Just be aware and check out the outfit from top to bottom to ensure you are okay with it before purchasing and you will be fine. All that aside though, I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from their stores (see dress below).

Store accepts all forms of currency and I believe are open 7 days a week.

My most Recent Flashback Dress Purchase

 

Courage My Love (14 Kensington Ave)

Cashmere Sweaters for $30. Vintage Lingerie for that special lady in your life , there are lots of lovely pieces to chose from. Love Bakelite Jewellery? They have a pretty impressive collection that will knock that special someones bobby socks right off when they open it for Christmas. In regards to clothing I also find that they tend to carry a nice selection of skirts from the 50’s and 60’s for really good prices. They accept all forms of currency and I believe are also open 7 days a week.

Lastly I will leave you with…

Gadabaout (1300 Queen St. East)
“Gadabout is an amazing repository for all that is vintage. Gadabout houses an extensive collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and fabrics including household textiles, blankets and rugs. In addition, the store carries ephemera, nostalgia and curios. Our Manly Man Corner is famous for its variety and oddities.

Clothing dates from the late 1800s through the 1970s (some 80s available but it’s not vintage yet) and is in impeccable condition. (We don’t carry any t-shirts or denim.) The store is a delight to the eye, a lift for the spirits and lots of fun. Visit often, new arrivals weekly.” (Gadabout “About Us”)

(Photo from Gadabout Website)

I LOVE this store and I left it till the last because it really is a store that you need a few hours to devout of your time to be able to see everything that is in every nook and cranny in the store (as you can see from the picture and that is only the first floor!). They truly have everything imaginable and you are guaranteed to find something for yourself or a loved one, whatever your taste is. Last time I was in I was trying on Bathing suits from the 1940’s and they were in the best condition! sigh…why did that blue bathing suit not fit me right?? 😦 lol

They accept all forms of currency and store hours vary so visit their website or call before visiting.

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So there you have it, my favorite picks for some Toronto shopping for your Holiday outfit or for gifts for friends and family (or yourself..go on I won’t tell) and stay tuned for a post on “East end Toronto Vintage Shopping” coming soon.

So ladies and gents, where do you like to Vintage Shop in Toronto or maybe in your hometown for the holidays?

Liz

1942-43 Montgomery Ward Catalogue Find

I’m so excited two weekends ago I went vintage shopping with my vintage shopping BFF in crime and stumbled upon this amazing find in the bottom of a glass case (yay for having eagle eyes). A very good condition 1942-43 Montgomery Ward Catalogue.

Some of you might be asking “what is Montgomery Ward“?

Montgomery Ward was created by “Aaron Montgomery Ward” in 1872 as the first every dry goods mail-order catalog business in Chicago Illinois. After several years of working as a traveling salesman among rural customers. He observed that rural customers often wanted “city” goods but their only access to them was through rural retailers who had little competition and offered no guarantee of quality. Ward also believed that by eliminating intermediaries, he could cut costs and make a wide variety of goods available to rural customers, who could purchase goods by mail and pick them up at the nearest train station (Wikipedia-Montgomery Ward).

Montgomery Ward Firsts and Highlights

• The Slogan “satisfaction guaranteed or your money back”, Ward began using in 1875 (he created it).
• In 1883, the company’s catalog, which became popularly known as the “Wish Book”, had grown to 240 pages and 10,000 items.
•  By 1904, the company had grown such that three million catalogs, weighing 4 pounds each, were mailed to customers.
• 1926 the first Retail store is opened.
• 1929 saw Montgomery Ward Double its stores to 531 across the United States.
• In 1939, as part of a Christmas promotional campaign, staff copywriter Robert L. May created the character and illustrated poem of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Six million copies of the storybook were distributed in 1946. The song was popularized nationally by the actor and singer Gene Autry.

• 1950’s saw the store fall into its eventual downfall as the company was slow to respond to the general movement of the American middle class to suburbia. It’s competitors (like Sears) built stores where the customers where, Montgomery Ward chose to stay in City Centers and Main streets where the customers no longer shopped like they used too.
• 1985 the catalog portion of the business closes.
• December 28th, 2000 Montgomery Ward makes the announcement that it will shut its doors for good.

(Wikipedia-Montgomery Ward)

Wow that is some history, terribly sad that the business ended up closing its doors in the end though 😦

All that sad part aside, lets take a look at some of the pictures from the Catalogue shall we? (Note: You will be seeing more of this book in future posts as I plan to use it as reference for blog posts to come)

Look at those Victory Suits…beautiful!

Yes please I will take all the Velvet dresses and hats and jackets..how perfect would these be for the holiday season??

Look how handsome these boys are?? I wish my nephews dressed like this.

Look at the ruffles and the pinks and the flowers? WOW! my husband would kill me if I brought any of that into my home (and to be honest, I think it’s a bit too much for me too lol)

So there you have a sneak peek into my recent vintage purchase. Hope you enjoyed learning a bit about Montgomery Wards and browsing the pages of the catalog just like so many people did back in 1942-43.

Until next time!

Liz