Out Damn Sock!

Because I just spent 2 weeks here....

not wearing socks is suddenly very appealing!

but not in a Miami Vice kind of way, what did happen to Don Johnson....

these are some sweet shoes now in our shop, no socks required.

Amy x.

A Victorian Birthday

This week coming is my birthday, and so far it's proving to be quite Victorian. Let it be said I'd like nothing more to be transported back to the late 19th Century, I'd be more than happy ringing a bell for tea (reality is I'd be more likely answering it). I truly am a sucker for anything Victorian, nothing pleases me more than a good old Masterpiece Theater and glass of wine on a Friday night. My birthday this week involves a 3 and an 8 (choose which order, it's fine). Dear friends are well aware of this Victorian passion and are used to going into a meditative state when I start talking about domestic violence in the Tenant of Wildfell Hall but this birthday they sure got it right with the old gifts! A fellow Piscean gave me this truly stunning Victorian jacket, bodice number above, wow, it's amazing...the fabric! the chartreuse colour!

Another dear friend handmade these ridiculously gorgeous cards below, with my initials in the corner, Victorian lady on bike....turn it over, it's the lady from behind! Each envelope includes a little torn piece of Victorian goodness also....beautiful!

These two below are more from my growing Victorian collection, the black velvet bolero I found in an incredible store called Vanessa's in Baltimore, this store is insanely cheap and Vanessa will keep you occupied and digging for literally hours. Once when I was there I picked up a gorgeous silk slip, in NYC this would run close to $100, she charged me $5, and seemed fairly apologetic as it had a barely-there tear, go there if you can!

This weekend our Etsy store goes on vacation for two weeks, as soon as I get back I'm taking up this Victorian pastime below, photo collage, would also love to start a book club, how can I find other Victorian ladies?!

Amy x

Winter White

Both Adrienne and I love crisp and clean white, which is a bonus seeing as she lives in Vancouver and is surrounded by skiers, skaters and boarders right now, and I'm in NYC which is getting a blanket of snow each week it seems, though it's not a blanket is it? It falls and we rush to the window "it's snowing!" and then within 5 minutes we are dodging the enormous icy puddles like moats (no bridge here, move on), there's no longevity with New York snow, it's like dairy free ice-cream or an H&M sweater (when has one ever kept you actually warm?). Anyhoo, all this gray sleety, slushy business means wearing white anything on your feet would be foolhardy which is a bummer because all those lovely creamy soft suede-y vintage lace-ups and boots out there are calling our name! Here's some snow that actually ventured into my apartment yesterday, I'm pretty sure it was trying to say "let me in, I can stay just like this! I can stay white just let me innnnnnnnn".....we hope we can find a home for these wonderful winter white shoes below, somewhere the snow is puffy and white....and there's a wardrobe...and a fawn....

Amy x.

If finding amazing second hand coats was an Olympic sport, I’d be a highly decorated medalist...

Speaking of the Olympics…have you heard they are happening in my backyard? Did you see that Arnold Schwarzenegger carried the Olympic torch? We Canucks are still scratching our toque-laden heads on that one. Nothing says Canadian Olympic Spirit like a former Austrian body-builder turned American actor turned California Governor who admitted to using steroids.

Some people find it hard to believe that I love sports (both watching and playing) AND fashion. Well folks, it is possible. It’s also possible to be a sports fan AND look fashionable while doing it.

Also, because I believe thrifting shares some of the same ideals as the Olympic spirit (effort, struggle and refusal to give up) I thought I would share with you some of my Canadiana vintage items that I plan on wearing during the Games.

My 1974 off-white wool Hudson’s Bay Coat with sheep skin collar, hand embroidery and chrome details may be one of my best finds ever and was only…wait for it….five dollars. It fits me like a glove, is toasty warm and is a classic Canadiana piece. Perfect for the Olympics.

This is me bundled up on the side of the road somewhere between Vancouver and Whistler. Thanks Marguerite for the photo!


Read about the history of the Hudson Bay Blanket and the blanket coats here.

Next up is my authentic Cowichan Sweater. These beauties are so cozy and scream “hello I’m from British Columbia.”

Read about the Cowichan sweater here.

Last up is my Ol’ English Duffle Coat. I don’t know why this feels sport’s fannish, but it does. I‘ve had this second hand duffle coat in my closet for years. My very good friend Sheila sent it to me when I first moved to Toronto to help keep me warm. It’s been a staple in my closet ever since. Think I’ll wear it with my new Hudson’s Bay toque (see photo above). Any good Canadian wouldn’t be caught dead at an Olympic event without a toque.

Looking for your own vintage, sport's themed clothing? Check out our 1970s ski jacket for sale here. Go Canada go!

Time for a Valentine

So he's my Valentine today because two years ago I came to him for this Victorian Octopus lady.

and his first gift was this Victorian hair locket.


then he drew this woodland radio.

then he whipped up a logo.

and he collects snow.

he's my Valentine!
Amy x.

Fabgabs!

So one of our favourite stores on Etsy is having a giveaway:

http://fabgabsvintage.blogspot.com

and as yesterday we were all snowed in thought I might enter, I don't have a full length

mirror however and in general don't like pics of myself so it was thus quite a challenge but couple of tweets later with the lovely fabgabs revealed that it could be just a snapshot...no need to injure oneself using the bathroom cabinet mirror, iphone and unshaved legs! brilliant!

What We Kept: Part Two

It’s true, as Amy mentioned, I love colour. I’m always attracted to greens, blues and yellows. I’ve actually been trying to buy more neutrals lately as nothing in my closet goes together. I’m also always attracted to bright patterns. Particularly stripes. I love the little buggers. Big, wide, small multi-coloured and tonal. I just love ‘em. Here’s a heap of bright things I bought in St. Louis.

By far my favourite item I found for myself was this striped jewel-toned topper coat. Who says you can't wear horizontal stripes? Not me.

“One of these things is not like other” kind of sums up the beige wiggle dress I bought. That being said, I love it and can’t wait to wear it. The detailing around the top is my favourite bit.


Here’s a close-up of the flower detailing. Gorgeous.

Do you like brights too? We've got lots of bright clothing coming your way for spring!