Good afternoon lovelies! As you are know, I collect and wear vintage jewellery of all decades and varieties. Recently a reader referred to me as the ‘Queen of Vintage Jewellery,’ which was very sweet! When I started this blog, I purposely created the ‘A Lesson in’ series to help you learn more about particular jewellery … Continue reading »
Happy Saturday lovelies! Sorry I haven’t been posting as much lately. I’ve been quite busy, but must carve out some time to share some things with you. The first post this weekend is dedicated to, yes you guessed at, ‘Fun in the Sun’ Elvgren pinups. You probably realize from my previous posts: Hey Sailor! A … Continue reading »
If you’ve read the first two parts of the ‘Fashion Icon’ series, then you realize that all of my fashion icons are fictional characters. It’s impossible not to be influenced by all of the things I collected while growing up like dolls, comics, pin up illustrations and books. Today I’m going to focus on one … Continue reading »
Good afternoon lovelies, I’ve made the random draw for the Oh, for the Love of Vintage! Prize Giveaway to Mark 100 followers! I used an online random number generator and the lucky winner is… The lovely Catwalkcreative! You have won yourself the fantastic vintage Coro flower earrings. I hope you’ll enjoy them and wear … Continue reading »
Hi lovelies and happy Saturday! I know it’s been a while since my last post; my apologies! Now that I’m back, it’s time for a lesson in mustard seed, a genre of vintage jewellery I collect and adore. Yes, you heard me correctly – I did say mustard seed! What is Mustard Seed? Mustard seed … Continue reading »
Afternoon lovelies! It’s a beautiful and sunny day and I’m going to celebrate it by wearing a sweet summer 50s frock and by doing an outfit post! :) I’ve only done two outfit posts so far for this blog, so it’s definitely time for another. One of my favourite kinds of dresses to wear in … Continue reading »
Hi lovelies! Yesterday, I realized that ‘Oh, for the Love of…Vintage!’ is four months old and has reached 100 followers! When I started the blog in February, I didn’t anticipate how much I would enjoy blogging nor how popular the blog would become in such a short time. More importantly, I didn’t anticipate the wonderful … Continue reading »
Hello lovelies, Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. The computer is still broken so I’m posting this from a laptop. I wanted to add a new post because I really enjoy blogging and also because I don’t want this blog to die an early death or become irrelevant. Everything changes so quickly on the … Continue reading »
Note: This will be my last blog post for a while as my computer is broken. Luckily, I had the below post saved in draft form and can share it with you now. I hope to be back posting regularly soon. xoxo Black Dahlia Ahoy, Mateys! Avast, Ye Swabs! Oh, pardon my language dear readers. … Continue reading »
Happy weekend lovelies! I want to take this opportunity to thank some readers for nominating me for a few awards! Thank you all for sharing the love. ;0 As you are aware, I’m relatively new to blogging and it’s really lovely to have the support of my fellow bloggers! Special thanks to: Miss Meadows for … Continue reading »
Ok, I am seriously in love with vintage illusion dresses! Popular in the 30s, 40s and 50s these amazing frocks create drama, allure and intrigue by creating a ‘barely there’ sheer look. These dresses come in a variety of styles and colours. However, I mostly come across them in black with a see-through (or lace) … Continue reading »
First new dress: 1950s taffeta party dress This dress was given to me by my mom. It’s a beautiful 1950s taffeta dress with a velvet bow. It’s super tight in the bodice, creating a great slim-looking waistline (I hope I’ll be able to breathe!) It needs to be hemmed at the bottom, but other than … Continue reading »
Yes, for the love of Jelly Bellies! I’m crazy about them and, no, I don’t mean Jelly Belly jelly beans! I’m talking about the astoundingly cute vintage jewellery pieces, referred to as ‘Jelly Bellies.’ This type of jewellery started being made in the 1940s by popular jewellery maker, Trifari. At that time, Trifari was also … Continue reading »
Like many of you, I adore jet jewellery! What is jet? Jet is a type of coal (mineral) that is created by the decomposition of trees. The appearance of jet looks like petrified wood or to me like hardened volcanic ash. There are two types of jet, hard and soft. For more on the composition of … Continue reading »
Several years ago I purchased my first ‘Body & Soul’ cosmetic and I’ve been in love with the line ever since! I was first drawn in by the beautiful 1940s vintage-inspired packaging, but stayed with the line due to the amazing quality of the products. I adore the company’s pressed powder with the beautiful illustration … Continue reading »
No, not ugly shag carpet. What kind of a blog do you think this is? ;0 This post is about one of my favourite contemporary artists, SHAG. Based in California, SHAG (aka Josh Agle) has a unique, vibrant and captivating style. I’m very inspired by his illustrations. So much so that I’m thinking of covering … Continue reading »
I have a penchant for 1940s shoes, in particular peep-toe slingback platforms. With or without a bow, high or low heel – they are to die for! Right now I’m particularly obsessed with the 40s peep-toe platforms with metal studs or dots. I simply must have a pair of these post haste! It was surprisingly … Continue reading »
Like many vintage ladies, I’m crazy about novelty prints and items. I simply adore novelty fabrics, bakelite novelty jewellery and kitchy household items popular in the 1940s, 50s and early 60s. Today I’m going to focus on playing card novelty prints on jewellery, dresses, skirts, dishes and more. I’ve always had a thing for spades, … Continue reading »
In keeping with the theme of the previous post, Oh, for the Love of…Playing Card Novelty Prints, here is a recipe I’m about to try out for jam filled playing card cookies. Look at them, so sweet and hopefully very tasty! Let’s Get Baking! Don’t forget to don your playing card apron. ;0 Jam Filled … Continue reading »
I’m always interested in what other vintage ladies are carrying in their handbags and evening purses. Call it curiousity or just plain nosiness! ;0 I like to see what neat beauty products and must-have items ladies are carrying around. And, of course, I like to admire the vintage handbag. I’ll Show You Mine…If You’ll Show … Continue reading »
Shaken or stirred, the cocktail has always had a glamorous ring to it. Cocktails epitomised the decadence of the 1920’s and 30’s, and we have the Prohibition era to thank for their existence. What better way to disguise the use of alcohol, than to use it in a “mixed drink”, of fruit juices! With the … Continue reading »
In 1937, Dupont created a clear thermoplastic acrylic resin material called lucite (also known as plexiglass). In the 1940s and 50s, lucite was used to create jewellery, purses, shoes and more. Lucite, alongside bakelite and celluloid, was commonly used to create amazing novelty costume jewellery pieces. Often lucite is left transparent, but sometimes is tinted … Continue reading »
This is my all-time favourite meatloaf recipe. It makes the most tender and delicious meatloaf you’ve ever had! I’ve made it hundreds of times and it always turns out amazing, even when I play with the ingredients. Sometimes I make this recipe minus the pork and it still turns out lovely! Ingredients: 1 egg 2 … Continue reading »
Fiestaware, also known as Fiesta dinnerware or pottery, was created by Frederick Rhead in 1936. It is one of the most collectable china dinnerware lines in the world – and yes, I love it! Fiestaware features beautiful art deco styling and comes in a variety of bright and pale colours. Fiestaware brightens up any kitchen … Continue reading »
I’m a sewing beginner myself, but I have a lot of projects on the go. Dresses to make, purses to adorn and those pesky curtains that just never seem to get done! One of my favourite types of fabric to use are floursack (or feedsack) prints. Floursack fabrics began being manufactured in the 1930s and … Continue reading »
The Egyptian Revival in clothing and jewellery of the 1920s through early 60s, is yet another obsession on my list. I’ve always had an interest in Egyptian art history, so I love the fact that I get to wear a bit of it! When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922, it started an Egyptian … Continue reading »
Sometimes I want a cookie, really want a cookie, but I don’t have the supplies nor the time to make anything fancy. Then I remember I have a jar of peanut butter in the cupboard, so I get baking! This recipe is incredibly simple and the results are really tasty! Just be forewarned, these cookies … Continue reading »
I love bed jackets and I love pajama dogs! I used to have two really sweet 1940s bed jackets, which have since gone to clothing heaven. Ever since, I’ve been on the lookout for just the right replacements. I’m still empty-handed, but on the prowl. As for my pajama dog, I’ve had him since I … Continue reading »
Before we look at ‘80s does 50s,’ let’s define vintage. Vintage basically means the output of a particular time (in the past). Vintage is something which was fashionable or popular during an earlier period. However, when I use the term ‘vintage’ on this blog, I’m referring to anything that predates 1965. Those are my terms … Continue reading »
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and I want to commemorate it with a V-day themed post. Instead of sharing vintage Valentine’s cards with you, I’d like to concentrate on the matter at heart. Figuratively speaking that is! *lol* This post will feature a variety of heart-themed goodies. Every woman needs a spectacular vintage dress for Valentine’s … Continue reading »
I recently received some feedback where the reader asked if I’d ever be doing any outfit posts. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it until I received that email. I want this blog to focus on all things vintage and hopefully be informative. However, I didn’t figure you’d be very interested in what I was wearing. … Continue reading »
This is Oh, for the Love of Vintage‘s first prize giveaway! The below vintage items (excluding the car) will be given to follower number 54. Is that you? Why Follower #54? I know, why not follower 50 or 100? Well, 54 because 1954 was the first year my favourite car, the Nash Metropolitan, started being … Continue reading »
When asked ‘who are your fashion icons?‘ many vintage ladies site film starts like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. All are wonderful and inspiring choices. Maybe I’m a bit strange, but all of my fashion icons are fictional characters. This is perhaps fitting considering I’ve always felt like a bit of a cartoon character! ;0 … Continue reading »
I love coffee. I drink it, often think about it, and even dream about the beverage! When I haven’t had it in a while, I count down the time until I get to have my next cup. You get the idea, I really like coffee! According to legend, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia in the … Continue reading »
You knew this post was coming, didn’t you? There was ‘A Lesson in Jet‘ and ‘A Lesson in Lucite,’ so, of course I have to cover everyone’s favourite vintage plastic, Bakelite. Bakelite (a.k.a. catalin and durez) is a colourful thermoplastic created in 1908-09 by Leo H. Baekeland. Baekeland accidentally created this material while trying to … Continue reading »
Today I’m feeling rather blue. Sad, discouraged and really missing people in my life. So, I thought my post should reflect how I’m feeling. It’s all about the blue hue! Some ‘blue’ poetry interspersed amongst the pretty things. Enjoy! Pretty Blue Frocks It is blue-butterfly day here in spring, And with these sky-flakes down in … Continue reading »
Good afternoon readers! Remember the post I did recently ‘Oh, for the Love of…Bed Jackets and Pajama Dogs‘? Well, today I’m going to post some patterns so you can knit your very own bed sweater or shawl. I’m a knitting novice myself and hope to one day be good enough to create something like these. … Continue reading »
Patsy Stone (of Absolutely Fabulous) said it best, “you can never have enough hats, gloves and shoes.” I quite agree with her and continually have to make room in my closets for more! Vintage Gloves I love gloves from the 1940s to early 60s. All lengths, all fabrics and all colours. You can find vintage … Continue reading »
Ever since I bought my last digital camera, I haven’t been pleased with it. The results were never to my liking and often blurry/pixely. However, I continued to use it and most of the photos on this blog were taken with that camera. Until now…… New Camera! Yes, I got a new digital camera and … Continue reading »
Happy Saturday readers! I want to thank you for following this blog and for your comments and feedback. This blog is growing faster than I ever thought possible and your input is key. I read every comment you post and reply as soon as I’m able. One of the best things about running a blog … Continue reading »
This is Oh, for the Love of Vintage‘s first prize giveaway! The prize was originally supposed to go to lucky follower number 54. However, due to the inability to easily track followers, I’m not sure who was follower number 54! Readers have followed via wordpress, email, bloglovin’, RSS feed and through blog readers. Therefore I … Continue reading »
What is Chevron? Chevron is a design in the shape of a V used either right side up, or upside down. According to the Artlandia Pattern Design glossary, chevron is “a traditional, woven or printed design of zigzags in a stripe layout, also called herringbone.” Chevron is an ancient design and was used on a … Continue reading »
If you know anything about vintage jewellery, then you’re familiar with Miriam Haskell‘s name and designs. Miriam Haskell was an American designer who created amazingly intricate and beautiful costume pieces through the 1920s-50s. Haskell’s pieces were distinct because of the design, intricacy, high quality materials and affordable prices. In 1920, Miriam Haskell founded her own … Continue reading »
“Be Wise, Get the Figure Men Admire!” (one of the tag lines on a vintage advertisement for shapewear) Today, I’m going to talk a bit about shapewear. Shapewear is also known as foundation garments. Foundation garments have been around for centuries with one of the earliest items being the corset. Shapewear is meant to form … Continue reading »
Happy Saturday readers! As you know, I love 1940s and 1950s clothing and accessories. Everything from hats to dresses, to jewellery to shoes. But, what would a closet of vintage clothing be without some 50s circle skirts? Empty, just plain empty! Circle skirts are exactly as the name suggests: skirts that form a circle (when … Continue reading »
Afternoon lovelies! I’m glad that you really enjoyed my previous post, Oh for the Love of Jelly Bellies! As I mentioned in that post, I’m crazy about jelly belly jewellery. Whether it be brooches, earrings or rings, I really love the jelly belly style. From your feedback, I realize that many of you weren’t aware … Continue reading »
The random draw has been made for Oh, for the Love of Vintage’s first prize giveaway. And the winner is… powderkeycompacts! Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the gloves and earrings that will soon be making their way to you. ;0 You can email me at ohfortheloveofvintage@yahoo.com with your address. xoxo Black Dahlia
Hi lovelies! Sorry I’ve been M.I.A. for a few days. I was off on a pleasure trip to Toronto for a little getaway. I had a great time visiting with friends, vintage shopping and having some amazing chocolate cake at Dufflet’s! I purchased some lovely vintage dresses and brooches, take a peek below. Just look … Continue reading »
I collect dolls. Vintage Barbies, Revlon dolls, Jem dolls, Gene dolls, Nesting dolls – all kinds of dolls! I’m influenced in particular by the style and fashion of vintage dolls like early Barbies. However, today I’m going to focus on Barbie’s predecessor, the original fashion doll Bild Lilli. I first became aware of Bild Lilli … Continue reading »
Good morning readers! As you probably realize I have a ‘penchant’, ‘thing’ and ‘obsession’ for many, many things. I love and collect many different kinds of vintage brooches, including jelly belly brooches, flower brooches and various animal and insect pins. Today, I’m going to focus on another one of my loves, umbrella brooches. With the … Continue reading »
I realize I haven’ t posted a recipe in ages. So, let’s get cooking one of my favourite dishes, Spicy Chicken! I really love this dish. I warn you, it’s addictive! Something about the mixture of sweet and spicy…so yummy. Ingredients: 12 chicken thighs (skinless) 6 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp garlic … Continue reading »
Good afternoon lovelies! I’ve picked up my knitting again for the first time in about a year. Luckily, it’s all coming back to me: casting on and off, knit, pearl, etc. Unfortunately, I’m not advanced enough to make any of the bed sweaters in my last ‘Knitting Pretty’ post. However, I shall soldier on and … Continue reading »
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! As you are no doubt aware tomorrow is Saint Patrick’s Day. It is a national holiday in Ireland to honour Saint Patrick, the patron saint. However, what does Saint Patrick’s Day mean elsewhere? I can’t speak for everywhere, but here in Canada it means parades and green beer. Too much green … Continue reading »
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I hope you’re all having a wonderful and festive Saint Patrick’s Day. So far, I haven’t done anything special except dress in green and write my previous post, A Look at Saint Patrick’s Day Pinups. Without further ado, here is my Saint Patrick’s Day outfit! Green, Green, Green: What I’m wearing: … Continue reading »
Like many of you vintage ladies, I love What Katie Did (WKD) lingerie. I fell in love with the line several years ago and ever since have been a loyal customer. When I was in London in 2009, I was able to visit the What Katie Did store and purchase the Lulu Bullet Bra and … Continue reading »
Hello lovelies! As you realize, from reading my ‘A Look at Saint Patrick’s Pinups‘ post, I adore vintage pinup illustration. The women are so beautiful and their frocks, hair, accessories are simply amazing. One of my favourite pinup artists is American Gil Elvgren (1914-1980). Elvgren is one of the most influential pinup artists of all … Continue reading »
Afternoon lovelies! I recently read somewhere that ‘aprons are a symbol of female oppression’. I find that statement completely ridiculous, but I won’t delve into that. I see absolutely nothing wrong with wearing an apron whether it’s for housework, cooking – or fashion! As the title of today’s post suggests, I love vintage aprons. I … Continue reading »
Good day lovelies! Over the weekend, I went to an antiques fair and was overwhelmed! I wish I had taken my camera so you could have seen all the gorgeous items. There was a ton of household items, depression glass, books, lamps, furniture and several dealers in vintage jewellery. I saw a few amazing Miriam … Continue reading »
I hope you’ve been enjoying the ‘A Lesson in‘ series of posts. First Jet was covered, followed by Lucite and Bakelite, and now I’ll be featuring Celluloid. Created in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, Celluloid was one of the first plastics ever made. Celluloid is a semi-synthetic thermoplastic made from nitrocellulose and camphor. The earliest form … Continue reading »
Happy Saturday lovelies! Today, we’re going to cook one of my favourite dishes – Chicken Parmesan. Don’t forget to don your vintage apron and let’s get our ingredients in order. We’ll need: 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use breasts if you wish) 10-12 slices of mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 … Continue reading »
Hello my lovelies! Sorry I’ve been ‘missing in action’ and haven’t written a blog post in a little while. I’m on vacation and visiting my family in my hometown. There truly is no place like home! I love visiting here because I get to spend time with my amazing family and also do some treasure … Continue reading »
I love chocolate. I like bunnies and adore pastel colours. So, in a superficial way at least, I enjoy Easter. I love having a yummy ham dinner with my family. I’m really looking forward to mercilessly eating the ears and face off of a chocolate hare! Poor little Peter Cottontail… I can’t think of a … Continue reading »
Good afternoon ladies and gents! Today’s post is about an item I collect and adore, lady head vases. I started collecting these years ago and my mother often adds ladies to the growing collection. I love lady head vases because they’re beautiful, fashionable, glamourous and also have a practical use. What is a Lady Head … Continue reading »
Baubles Antiques, My Mother’s Shop In the 90s, my mother had an antique shop (Baubles Antiques) in our home that specialized in vintage clothing and jewellery. I kick myself now for not taking full advantage of the amazing items she had in the store. Apparently, as a teen, I was more preoccupied with other matters … Continue reading »
Good afternoon lovelies! It’s raining, cold and dreary outside. So, I’m trying to make it sunny inside! I’ve pressed some fresh coffee and I’m flipping through some catalogs from 1956 that my mother gave me. The dresses for Spring/Summer of that year were spectacular! I love the bright colours, patterns, fabrics and the swing dress … Continue reading »
Good afternoon lovelies! One of my favourite things about Spring/Summer is the need (or want) to purchase new shoes. I need, yes need, some new shoes to match all my new 1950s dresses I recently purchased. My feet are definitely calling out to be adorned by some lovely shoes! My last blog post featured Spring/Summer … Continue reading »
