tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34234106907022970632024-03-26T23:38:17.209-07:00Chronically VintagePreserving the past and sharing my vintage wardrobe one blog post at a timeWitchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comBlogger1510125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-37560565856808711682020-01-22T17:50:00.000-08:002020-01-22T17:51:08.203-08:00Come follow my new blog <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Hello, dear Chronically Vintage friends!</b></div>
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While this blog
remains retired, I wanted to post a brief entry here to let you know that this
month <b>I launched a brand new blog: <a href="http://witchcraftedlife.com/">WitchcraftedLife.com</a>. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Whereas CV focused primarily on my unending love of
vintage and history, <a href="http://witchcraftedlife.com/"><b>WitchcraftedLife.com</b></a> centers around two different parts of my life
that are also hugely important to me: my passion for paper crafting (think
things like scrapbooking and cardmaking) and my spiritual path as a long-time
Pagan witch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The latter was not something I shared about here on CV
during its lifetime, so I realize that learning that I’m a practicing witch
might come as surprise to some folks (especially if you don’t currently follow
me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/witchcraftedlife/"><b>Instagram</b></a>). <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the most poignant messages that <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/10/our-home-and-everything-that-we-own-was.html">the fire</a> helped to
further instill in me was the brevity of life coupled with the need to always
be our truest selves. This led me to begin sharing publicly about my
spirituality in 2017. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This decision has been amongst the most liberating, incredible things
I’ve ever done. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, as our lives have stabilized enough for me to return to
the blogging sphere, I’m doing so with a website that incorporates my
spirituality along with my serious love for paper crafting (which I’ve been
involved with for about a decade now). All with a dose of myself and our daily
lives swirled into the mix, too, naturally. <span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Helming CV for eight years was, without a doubt, one of the best,
most meaningful experiences of my life. It helped me to grow in a myriad of
ways, increased my confidence, taught me so much, lead to many beautiful
friendships and awesome opportunities, and will forever have a sacred place in
my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the dawn of a new decade, I’m opening up another piece
of my heart and inviting you to do the same and come join me on Witchcrafted
Life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Chronically Vintage was what it was because of all of you
and I know that many of you will help to make <a href="https://witchcraftedlife.com/">Witchcrafted Life</a> extra magical
as well thanks to your support and presence there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you deeply, now and always. </span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><o:p></o:p>♥ </i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://witchcraftedlife.com/"><button msonormal="" style="background-color: black; border-radius: 10px; color: white; cursor: pointer; font-size: 20px; height: 50px; padding: 10px;">Visit Witchcrafted Life</button></a></div>
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<i>Note 1: Commenting is disabled on this post. Please come
say hello and leave a comment on <b><a href="http://witchcraftedlife.com/">WitchcraftedLife.com</a> </b>instead. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Note 2: <b>I am blogging on Witchcrafted Life under</b> <b>my Pagan
name, Autumn Zenith</b>. I ask that you please use that name there, not my legal
name (Jessica) which I wrote with here. Thank you!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-15728621267979736422017-03-17T05:00:00.000-07:002017-09-23T03:05:52.854-07:00Retiring Chronically Vintage <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday, after two very snowy weeks of early March, I felt the first tender rays of springtime warmth dance upon my skin. I took Annie out back and together we played amongst them, both entranced by a sensation that we had very nearly forgotten.</div>
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It was a moment of simple, untainted pleasure of that sort we all long for in our lives and it reminded me a great deal of the powerful feelings of warmhearted compassion that myself, Tony and Annie have been incredibly blessed to receive from scores of wonderful people – including many in the vintage community – over the past five months since <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/10/our-home-and-everything-that-we-own-was.html" target="_blank"><b>the fire</b></a>.</div>
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From that horrific day onward, there has been a part of me that had suspected this post would eventually happen. Perhaps many of you saw it coming as well. </div>
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What occurred to us on that fateful, (ironically) rainy October night changed us forever. In one fell swoop it rewrote our lives and tore into the fabric of who we were at our very cores.</div>
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Though some pieces have been mended, others that remained (now) strengthened, and some are lost forever, we are not the same people we were before the fire. I highly doubt most folks would be, if they went through something similar.</div>
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Hardship and challenges make you and shape you. They can break you, too, if you let them. Yet from that very first evening as we stood cocooned in shock and grief, we swore that we wouldn’t let that happen and with your profound help (of every conceivable variety), love and support, it hasn’t.</div>
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Though I had, for some time, remained optimistic that I’d be able to pick up here much like before, in the ensuing five months it has become glaringly apparent to me that such is simply not possible.</div>
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Too much has changed. Though my love for vintage, my tremendous appreciation for this community, and my passion for rocking old school styles will never waver for a moment, I have come to realize that, as much as it genuinely pains me to the pit of my soul, I need to retire this blog.</div>
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Between the continued (very) poor state of my health in the wake of the blaze, the challenging road ahead as we continue to rebuild our lives, and the reality that certain things can never go back to as they once were, I know in my heart of hearts that this is what is right and healthy for me at this stage in my life.</div>
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I want each of you to know, and pray that you will believe me when I say, that this decision did not come easily or lightly. I agonized over it relentlessly for months and talked about it with Tony until I the point where I wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised if he’d started throwing things at me to get me to drop the subject (of course my sweet husband would never actually do that, but I wouldn’t have blamed in the slightest him if he had!).</div>
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For the better part of eight years (including the 2.5 for which, before the fire, I had my eponymously named Etsy shop as well; it will not be returning either), this blog was a huge part of my world – just as each of you were. </div>
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I adore, care about, and appreciate all of you more than you will ever know. Parting ways, in a vintage blogging context at least, is beyond hard for me to do.</div>
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I have had many sleepless nights, shed my fair share of tears, negatively impacted my health further from the stress of debating what to do, rung my hands nearly raw with anxiety, searched the furthest recesses of my heart, and, again, did not get to this point easily or lightly. Please know however, that it is a choice that I have reached for certain. </div>
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Here we are then and there’s no sense in dragging things out.</div>
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Instead I will thank you – each and every one of you – for the innumerable ways you’ve enriched my life since Chronically Vintage began in April 2009. We’ve talked, we’ve laughed, we’ve inspired one another, we’ve grown as people, we’ve changed, and we have come to be dear friends. </div>
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<em>{You mean the world to me - each of you. Thank you for the great times, the kinship, and for your understanding about my tremendously difficult decision to retire CV. <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F93296595%2Fvintage-photo-mother-and-4-daughters-hug">Vintage photo image source</a>.}</em> </div>
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In our darkest hour, you were there for me and my family and I will be grateful for your help, compassion and remarkable generosity (including both your monetary donations and care packages) for as long as I live. </div>
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The physical gifts you gave me (us) helped me to come back to many important parts of myself. They cloth me, we eat off of them, we even bath with some of your presents (soaps and a beautiful floral print shower curtain, for instance). You often knew what we needed, even if, in our haze of grief, we didn’t. </div>
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You took us by the hand and the heart, you believed in us and we have grown stronger in many ways again because of you – just as I have always derived strength and comfort from this amazing community.</div>
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While I will no longer be blogging here at Chronically Vintage, I plan to keep this site (which houses just over 1,500 posts) alive for all to enjoy, learn from, and be inspired by.</div>
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You can continue to connect with me on social media, where as time goes on, I hope to share an even broader scope of myself and my many different interests – a giant one of which will, of course, forever be vintage.</div>
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Thank you all so much. Thank you for the memories, the smiles, the joys, the ways in which you've helped me grow, and countless other things that will stay with me for all of my days. </div>
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I want you to know that you can always <a href="mailto:chronicallyvintage@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>email me</b></a> and that, I hope, should any of you ever find yourself in dire straights, I can be there for you however possible, too. Just ask, night or day.</div>
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I won’t say goodbye, instead I will say that I love you. That you mean more to me than I could ever begin to put into words, and that I hope with all my might you’ll understand my exceedingly difficult decision to retire from this blog and to look ahead to other (largely unknown at present) chapters in my life.</div>
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It has been a joy and an honour to connect with all of you throughout CV’s life and I look forward to continuing to do so via social media (particularly on <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/autumn_zenith" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </b>and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/autumnzenith" target="_blank"><b>Pinterest</b></a>), your blogs, emails, snail mail, and other avenues for a long time to come.</div>
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Friendship, much like the appeal of the past itself, is often timeless and so too, in my eyes, are each of you. </div>
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<b><i>Forever and always your friend in all things vintage,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>❤ Jessica </i></b></div>
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com168Okanagan Falls, Okanagan-Similkameen D, BC V0H, Canada49.344885 -119.5714930000000328.102400499999998 -160.88008700000003 70.5873695 -78.262899000000033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-75083903139088308652017-02-28T16:00:00.000-08:002017-02-28T16:00:11.595-08:00A little post with big news!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, my sweet, wonderful friends! How are each of you as February wraps up? It's hard to believe that more than a month has whipped past since my <b><a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2017/01/the-totality-and-impact-of-losing.html">last blog post</a> </b>here (for which I really cannot thank you all enough for your incredibly caring, supportive comments on). And - at the risk of veering into broken record territory - though this site remains very much on hiatus, <b>I simply had to share some excellent news here with all of you</b>.<br />
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As many of you know, Tony and I have been searching, ceaselessly, high and low for the past two months trying to find longer term housing (as our current digs were only temporary - especially since the lovely homeowners may convert it to an AirBnb soon and major renos on both floors have been underway for the last two months, whilst we were living here, to make the house even lovelier and more contemporary looking).<br />
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To say that this was one of the hardest and most stressful tasks of our entire lives would not be a stretch. The housing (especially rental) market around these parts is abysmal at best and laughable at worst. Think staggering high prices (even for shared accommodations; which was not something we were looking for at all), tons of competition for the few places that surface, homes that were/are often in deplorable condition, and a serious shortage of properties that accept pets. <br />
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Around the clock throughout all of January and very nearly the entire month of February, we searched, contacted listings, viewed homes, applied, and continually expanded our search radius as far as nine hours away from Penticton. With each passing day, our stress level rose and our already taxed nerves grew more frayed.<br />
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In the end though, mercifully, we didn't have to go anywhere near that far afield. As February started to draw to a close, we were elated and beyond thankful to have been approved and selected by the owners of a beautiful two-story home in the nearby community of Okanagan Falls and couldn't say "yes" quickly enough to their rentership offer. <br />
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This house was our favourite of all those we saw and the one we most hoped to be selected for. It checks off our major needs (including having a fenced backyard for our dog, Annie, to utilize), is in a safe, quiet neighbourhood, and is owned by really nice people who live right here in the Southern Okanagan, too.<br />
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Our new little community, <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okanagan_Falls" target="_blank">Okanagan Falls</a> (aka, OK Falls)</b>, is a spot that has appeared here in some of my outfit shoots over the years (such as <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/03/1940s-black-and-brass-for-very-cold.html" target="_blank">this one</a> from 2013), and which I've always enjoyed spending time in.<br />
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We're both delighted to be so close (just twenty minutes away) to Penticton (where we were living at the time of the fire) still and moreover to have a great new roof over our heads. As well as, we hope and pray, the ability to finally stop feeling like we're in a state of topsy-turvy flux and uncertainty (regarding housing) after what happened to us last October. <br />
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<i>{Our boxes are packed, we've got a small team of friends and family to help, and tomorrow we'll be hopping from one side of Skaha Lake to the other when we move into our terrific new abode in Okanagan Falls. I truly cannon wait! Mid-century moving day photo <a href="http://bit.ly/2mqbBvX">image source</a>.} </i><br />
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I've had to move houses really quickly a few other times in my life, but less than a week to pack, switch over services (utilities, internet, etc), get a new PO box, and scads of related things is definitely a new record for the fastest I've ever changed homes and we've not had a moment to even stop and catch our breath since signing our new lease.<br />
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I'm certainly not complaining though - far from it! This house (I don't have a photo of it yet, but will try to post one on my social media in the near future) is just perfect for us and we can't begin to convey how incredibly grateful we are for it (just as we were to have our temporary home in Kaleden over the winter months). <br />
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It is my sincere hope that once we're settled in and unpacked, I can finally allow myself some time to properly rest, recoup, recover, grieve (further), and get a better handle on where my health, life and very future itself are at this stage. <br />
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On the exact same day that we signed our new lease, our old house (the one that was destroyed by <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/10/our-home-and-everything-that-we-own-was.html" target="_blank"><b>the fire</b></a>) was finally demolished (they'd needed milder temps in order to safely do so). Some might see that simply as a coincidence, but to me it much more than just that and stands as the absolute perfect symbol of one chapter in our lives ending and another beginning.<br />
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None of knows what the future holds in store for us, but quite literally tomorrow, I know that we'll be moving into our new house and - even though my health is in shambles right now and I've rarely been more exhausted on every level than I presently am - I simply can't stop smiling and thinking positive thoughts about the life that we'll create and live in Okanagan Falls. <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-23000343677789108572017-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:002017-01-18T05:00:00.240-08:00The totality (and impact) of losing everything<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is not, by any means, the most lighthearted of topics for my second entry of new year, I know, but I feel that in order to proceed forward and start afresh in my life, I truly need to share these thoughts with all of you.<br />
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As we sit here just over half of the way through January, it strikes me that it is entirely possible that the complete impact - insomuch as it pertains to our lives in the much longer run - may not have even fully presented itself yet, but again, I want and need to get some of these thoughts and reflections down on virtual paper all the same.<br />
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Most of you are aware that three months ago now, in mid-October, Tony and I lost our home, virtually all of our possessions, and our precious cat, Stella, when an <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/10/our-home-and-everything-that-we-own-was.html"><b>arson fire</b></a> destroyed the entire fourplex that our home belonged to. <br />
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{<em>Exceptionally large volumes of water were required by the local fire department to put the multi-home blaze that destroyed our house out on the night of October 13th. It took several hours, but they were eventually successful in quashing the blaze before it spread to any of the dozens of other condos/townhouses in the immediate area. The end result of such though was that on top of the smoke and fire damage itself, our possessions were greatly harmed by water as well, including over five whole feet worth's that was shot into the basement alone - as you can imagine, everything there was a total write off, as was very nearly everything else in the whole house. </em><a href="http://www.vintag.es/2015/04/23-stunning-vintage-photographs-of.html"><em>Vintage image source</em></a><em>.} </em><br />
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In the immediate aftermath, shock and disbelief filled our days. Our brains – or at least mine - fluctuated constantly from feeling completely foggy to clear as a bell. Adrenaline fueled us onward for weeks, sleep was elusive (and fraught with nightmares when it did happen), and we absolutely had to focus on tasks like the arduous insurance claim process, getting an approved removal crew into the burned out remains of our house (this step was required for our insurance claim), and buying those day-to-day staples of life that were most pressing and important.<br />
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Amidst this chaos, emotions soared, hearts ached, and a sense of disbelief rang out across the crisp autumn air. One day we had a happy home filled with our belongings, I was running my Etsy shop, our pets were both fine, and we were getting ready to celebrate our wedding anniversary the very next day (October 14th).<br />
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Then, that night, everything changed instantly when one person's staggeringly malicious, thoughtless and life threatening act destroyed just about everything under our roof (save, thank goodness, for our own lives and that of our precious dog, Annie).<br />
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More than mere things themselves, I was struck almost instantly by the haunting sense that I had lost my very identity (or at least a sizable portion of it) - as well as the cocoon of comfort and serenity that I had build up for myself throughout my adult life.<br />
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As a someone who does relentless battle day in and day out with multiple severe chronic illnesses and who is frequently far too unwell to leave the house for days, weeks, and sometimes even months at a time, my home was my beautiful sanctuary. It wasn't huge, but it teemed with items of all sorts that brought me incredible joy and peace, inspiration and comfort. <br />
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In many ways, it really did feel like a suit of armour that helped, at least in part, to shield me from whatever life threw our way - that is until it vanished quite literally in a (giant) puff of smoke.<br />
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I remember, shortly after the fire, sitting on my parent's couch one morning - borrowed clothing hanging from my exhausted shoulders - and being struck by the fact that I felt an unforgettable mix of numbness, gut wrenching emotion, and as though I was witnessing someone else's life unfold before my eyes, as right then and there, my world no longer felt like my own. <br />
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<em>{For the first few weeks immediately following the fire, I felt adrift without my usual wardrobe, surroundings and possessions. It was an alien and vastly unpleasant sensation and one that I would never wish on anyone. Thankfully, the more time that passes, the less this feeling takes center stage. </em><a href="http://bit.ly/2haQ72s"><em>Vintage image source</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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Mercifully, though elements of those feelings all still linger, something astonishing happened to help bring me back to myself: all of you. <br />
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From your staggeringly generous monetary donations, to your awesome care packages, to supporting us via the surprise of a lifetime that was the <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2017/01/the-christmas-surprise-of-lifetime.html">private VSS</a>, literally thousands (in total) of caring emails, private messages, and blog comments, and scores of other amazing ways, the vintage community was there to catch me and Tony and Annie alike as we proverbially fell further and further into the abyss of this tragedy.<br />
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<b>Your hands and hearts reached out to us. </b>In some instances we didn't know yet know you, in others we'd been friends for many years, and in others still, we might have only been acquainted for a short while, but no matter what, you were there for us. <br />
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It was as humbling and touching a thing as either of us have ever experienced in our entire lives and the mere words "thank you" will never feel like enough to express our deepest of gratitude to all of you.<br />
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There is a great totality that comes with losing everything (again, virtually - we estimate that we lost at least 99.95% of everything that we had before the blaze and I really want to stress that, of course, while I'm speaking mostly from a first person perspective here, my darling husband Tony lost everything, too, and was likewise hit to his core by such) - especially when it is caused by someone else's hands and comes completely out of the blue. <br />
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"Everything" may be an easy ten letter word to say, but wrapping one's mind around - and fully accepting - what that really means in terms of your home and its contents is another beast entirely.<br />
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At first - and to a degree, still even now - the closest thing that my brain could compare how it felt to suddenly not be around my possessions any longer was to liken it to being on a holiday and having lost your luggage en route, thus seeing yo reach your destination with just the clothing on your back. <br />
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This was no vacation though - very far from it - and as we came came to grips with what losing everything really did entail, a barrage of emotions, thoughts and pain hit us hard. Yet we persevered. <br />
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We were alive and unscathed physically by the blaze, we had each other and Annie, and as dark as things were, a voice deep inside of us kept reminding us that there would be brighter days again - we would just need to be patient and keep working hard to make them happen.<br />
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Though most of you know me primarily because of my strong ties to, and passion for, all things vintage and I certainly lost a substantial amount of antique, vintage, vintage reproduction, and vintage appropriate items (some categories of which - such as hats, plastic jewelry, and mid-century novelty print skirts, as well as books, magazines and catalogs - continue to pain me more than I could have ever imagined their loss to do), that was not all that I lost by any means. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Some other key categories of my personal belonging included the following:</span></b><br />
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-<b>A massive supply of scrapbooking, stamping and other paper crafting related supplie</b>s (honestly, I had more than I could probably have ever used in ten lifetimes and it was a collection that I was both proud of and extremely grateful for). As well, all of my completed scrapbooks were lost, too. That cuts to the core, let me tell you.<br />
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While fortunately I did have photographs that had been uploaded to <a href="https://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/index.php?mod=galleries&u=535425">Scrapbook.com</a> of some of my finished projects, dozens of pages and cards hadn't been shared publicly yet and as my computer and our external hard drives were all destroyed in the fire, so too were the images of I had of these creations.<br />
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The loss of my craft room and its contents is on my mind constantly and, as time goes on, rebuilding a new version of it will be an immense priority for me, as crafting is essential to my happiness, well being, and the state of my health.<br />
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-<b>A large supply of jewelry making products, tools, and related items</b> including multiple totes full of vintage findings, cabochons, beads, charms, etc.<br />
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-A smaller, but still <b>decent sized, selection of other assorted crafting supplies</b>, including items for cross stitching, embroidery, sewing (sewing machine included), and holiday decor making.<br />
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-<b>All of my photography equipment</b> - Canon DSLR, lens, flashes, tripods, stands, backdrops, a white box, camera bags, etc. You name it, it was destroyed.<br />
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-Over<b> 600 modern books (and hundreds of vintage ones, too)</b>, plus dozens and dozens of crafting and home decor related magazines.<br />
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-A substantial collection of <b>Canadian and (to a lesser degree) international Girl Guide and Girl Scout patches, badges, pins, books, uniforms, and other related items</b>, many of which would be next to impossible - due to their scarcity - to replace these days, even if one had Bill Gate's bank account at their disposal. <br />
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-<b>A few dozen plush toys (stuffed animals)</b>, a few modern dolls (including some <a href="http://pullipstyle.com/pullipstyle/">Pullips</a> and their wardrobes), and even a few of my childhood toys.<br />
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-<b>Oodles of Halloween and Christmas decor</b> (including some family heirloom items), and a smaller array of decor for various other holidays.<br />
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-<b>At least three large totes of items from my childhood + teenage years </b>and another couple full of keepsakes, letters, and souvenirs pertaining to my adult life.<br />
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-<b>A substantial number of items pertaining to my spirituality</b>. <br />
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-<b>Every single item (listed or unlisted at the time of the fire) for my Etsy vintage shop</b>, as well as all of my props, packaging and shipping materials, and every thing else related to my business. <br />
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<em>{Like most of us, I had amassed my possessions over the course of many years and listing everything would be quite the task, so I've opted to just focus on some of the key areas here, especially since they're the same ones that I'll be aiming to rebuild collections of from here on out. <a href="https://namingthefishes.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/a-comprehensive-blog-list-more/">Vintage image source</a>.}</em> <br />
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There are were many other things, too - from family photo albums to 40+ metal cookie cutters, medical supplies to our printer - that were lost, as well scores of the sorts of things that most of us barely even think about on a day-to-day basis, such as toothbrushes, pots and pans, undergarments, vitamins, and countless other items.<br />
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As well, <b>in losing my computer and external drive, I lost a great deal of information and images pertaining to my blog</b>, including Word documents that housed hundreds of potential ideas for future blog posts, all of the images I’ve shared here over the years (including photos of myself), drafts of about twenty future blog posts, and research that had been gathered for dozens more.<br />
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I want, and need, to mention, that I don't list the physical items above or talk about what I used to own in any sort of (intentionally) bragging or even so-called "humble bragging" kind of way. That is , categorically, the polar opposite of the type of person that I am and I would never want anything that I do or say to come across in that way. <br />
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<b>This post is being penning both as a healing tool for myself and, to a degree, for a sense of posterity, as well as to honour, in a way, the memory of those items that were lost.</b><br />
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My collection took a lifetime to amass - a combination of online and in person purchases, coupled with a fair number of items that were amazing gifts from friends, family, CV readers, neighbours, and (in more recent years) blog sponsors, too. <br />
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A great deal of what I had was bought on sale and very often even modest items were saved for before being purchased. I never took what I had for granted and was (and still am) immeasurably grateful to have had an abundance of possessions pertaining to so many areas that are near and dear to my heart before the fire. <br />
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Given that we were grossly under insured (far more so than we realized before the fire; we would have increased our coverage had we known), we won't be able to replace most of what we lost beyond the bare bones basics of our household needs (dishes, bedding, towels, a table and chairs, etc), nor are we otherwise in an economic position to do so.<br />
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This stings, of course, but as I constantly remind myself, once, a fairly long time ago now, I started out with nothing and created the life that I (and later "we") had as an adult.<br />
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There was a time when I didn't own a single scrapbooking item, when I could fit all my books into a lone backpack, and further back still, when I was just starting to wear vintage and owned less mid-century pieces than I had fingers on one hand.<br />
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Though I never imagined that I'd need to start from scratch again in some many different areas of my life at the age of 32, that I am (doing) and instead of bemoaning what was lost, I am just thankful to be alive and to have the chance to rebuild certain collections over the course of time.<br />
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There are many, many factors that will prevent me from most likely having the same sized collections again - at least not for decades - and I accept all of those as best I can.<br />
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Some of these factors include things such as that a lot of what I used to own was bought online back when the US and Canadian dollars were on par and (also) <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2014/02/the-impact-of-usps-rate-hikes-from.html">USPS postage rates</a> were still reasonable, that there are few to none (depending on the category of items) shops in our town that sell such items, and that that our household budget and expenses are vastly different today than where they were, say, when I was in my mid-twenties. In addition, there is the critical fact that we need to focus our finances elsewhere at present and for the foreseeable future.<br />
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It is certainly possible that some categories may never really materialize into collections again (I sense Girl Guide related items may be one such area, for example) and again, others will likely be smaller.<br />
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As much as I'd love to go on a giant shopping spree, that isn't even remotely possible. Instead, in what is perhaps a very vintage approved sort of manner, I will gather items slowly and with great though. Each dollar weighed, each purchase contemplated. Baselines, so to speak, of various categories will be - and in some cases, already are beginning to be - established and built upon.<br />
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Just as Rome wasn't built in a day (though, much like our old house, it too burned), my future wardrobe and the other areas of my world that matter to me will take time to rebuild.<br />
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I am trying to look upon this as challenge as an adventure. A chance to hone in all the more on those areas that matter most to me, to discover new treasures, rewrite wish (and holy grail/unicorn) lists, and not, importantly, feel like I need, by any means, to own as much as I did before.<br />
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<b>I loved everything that I had and will miss nearly all of it for the rest of my life</b>, but thankfully in the world at large, there are still lots of most of those types of things to be had and some of them will end up living with me.<br />
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We lost so much that night. At first I felt like a fish out of water. My vintage threads were gone, my comfort zone had been obliterated, our wonderful cat's life was taken, and my Etsy business was destroyed. Our lives were on their heads and everything felt out of sorts.<br />
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Now, several weeks after the fire, thankfully, a greater sense of order is beginning to enter our world again. We have met - in no small part thanks to the aid of others - many of our basic needs, we have a temporary roof over our heads until at least this March (the search began in full force earlier this month for longer term accommodations, as touched on <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2017/01/the-christmas-surprise-of-lifetime.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and there is a degree of structure in our world again.<br />
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It isn't the same world as before the blaze. That would be impossible. It different. Starkly, extremely different, but it is also positive because we've survived and in time, that survival will, we truly hope, progress to thriving as well. <br />
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The unexpected can happen to any of us at any point in time. Tragedy hurts, loss hurts, and devastation hurts. It is important to feel those emotions and not try to brush them off, to live through the process honestly and openly. Yet it is also just as important to believe in the future and yourself. To think positively and focus more on what you still have, then what was stripped away.<br />
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There are, and will continue to be, many challenges in our lives that would not have been present if this arson fire didn't occur, but that's okay. We'll tackle them head on, bolstered by the strength of those who care about us and a steadfast belief that we rise up again. <br />
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This new year is the ideal time to really begin down that path and I am so thankful that it's here. I have no clue what 2017 holds in store, but I can promise you that it will see us continue to fight, to put the pieces back together, and to reconnect with many things that have been integral parts of our world for a long time now. <br />
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<em>{Even when - and arguably even more so - times are tough, there are still valuable constants in our life to focus on and get excited about, and few work better for new beginnings than the annual return of January. </em><a href="http://www.blisstree.com/2013/12/25/mental-health-well-being/vintage-new-years-party-pictures/"><em>Vintage image source</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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Even though my previous belongings are gone, it's awesome that Chronically Vintage and the online community at large that it belongs to are still here. Physical objects matter and there's nothing wrong with that in the slightest, but life, how will fill our days, the relationships we experience, how treat one another, and the way that we lead our lives matter far more.<br />
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<b>Thank you for allowing me the chance to share these cathartic thoughts with of all of you here today</b> - very good job, if you've made it this far. I know this wasn't the smallest of blog posts by any means. :) <br />
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Here's to 2017 - each day and every hour, the prospects and promises that it holds in store, the many firsts and old favourites alike.<br />
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Let us hope that it is not only a good year, but a great one for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world at large. We need it something fierce! <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">*PS* </span></b>Thank you very much for as well to everyone who commented on my <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2017/01/the-christmas-surprise-of-lifetime.html" target="_blank">last post</a> and/or otherwise expressed care and concern regarding my minor surgery last week. I'm happy to report that it went smoothly and that I'm now recovering at home (I'll have my followup doctor's appointment in a few days's time).<br />
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My health in general though, as touched on in that same post, is struggling massively in the aftermath of the fire. It took me, for example, more than two full weeks - working in stops and starts, as I could muster the ability to do so - to pen this post. Pre-fire, it would have almost certainly have been written in a single day.<br />
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As you can imagine, this situation is currently having a profound impact on my ability to blog or be online in general, and between my health and the continued hectiness and challenges of our lives, my posts here, if possible at all, will be very sporadic and I view this site as still being on indefinite hiatus.<br />
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I appreciate your understanding and kindness on this front beyond words.<br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-55866759095289856102017-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:002017-01-06T05:00:21.101-08:00The Christmas surprise of a lifetime, upcoming surgery, house hunting, and Project 365<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In late November, I posted <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/11/2016s-vintage-secret-santa-is-cancelled.html">here</a> about the fact that, in the wake of the fire, as much as it pained me to do so, I would have to cancel the annual Vintage Secret Santa, as it was simply impossible for us to conduct as usual under the circumstances. <br />
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I announced such with a heavy heart, but took solace in the fact that hopefully it's a fun tradition that we'll be able to revive again here in future years. Little did I know that more than a month before I penned that post, my good friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/miss_barbara_anne/" target="_blank"><b>Barbara</b></a> (one of the tiniest handful of fellow vintage lifestylers to be had here in the Okanagan region of British Columbia) and Tony had teamed up for what proved to genuinely be one the biggest and most incredibly heartwarming surprises of my entire life.<br />
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Together they had taken it upon themselves to contact all those who took part in 2015's VSS to let them know about the situation (re: the fire, VSS being cancelled, etc) and to suggest to past participants, if they were so interested, that they could send me a VSS holiday season gift instead of the usual swap between randomly assigned partners. Mind blowingly sweet of them, I know.<br />
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From late October to December 24th, I was completely in the dark about this incredibly thoughtful act - including the fact that Barbara and her husband (also a vintage lifestyler himself) were super kindly allowing their house to be used as the address to which participants in what had been dubbed "Jessica's Vintage Secret Santa" (complete with a private <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/208144856263858/">Facebook group</a> of the same name) could send their gifts.<br />
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On a snowy, yet sunny, bracingly nippy Christmas Eve afternoon, Tony and I went over to Barbara and Jeff's house for what I thought was simply going to be a terrific holiday season visit with dear friends. <br />
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You can imagine my profound surprise then, when a few minutes into our get together, Barbara informed me that a sizeable pile of presents nestled beneath one of their Christmas trees was in fact for me/us and proceeded to let me in on the details of how that came to be and the incredible surprise that had been organized on my behalf.<br />
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Tears (of joy), shock, trembling, and gigantic smiles all proceeded on my end as I sat on their (gorgeous mid-century) couch in total disbelief. <br />
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I am one of those people who tries never to take anything for granted and who is grateful for every single kind thing done towards/for me, so to know that ore than thirty past VSS participants - some of whom had already, extremely generously, sent care packages our way in the wake of the blaze - had teamed up to give me/us the Christmas surprise to end all Christmas surprises was nothing short of overwhelmingly beautiful in the very best kind of way. <br />
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I opened some of the gifts that were sent at Barbara's house and then we loaded up the remainder in our vehicle and I unwrapped them as time would permit over the next few holiday season days. <br />
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Genuinely, I am still at a loss for words and cannot, really and truly, begin to thank Barbara and Jeff, Tony, and all those involved enough for their profound kindness, love and desire to help give us not just a "good", but a remarkably wonderful holiday season shortly after we lost everything last fall.<br />
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Thank you with all of my heart to each and every person who sent a VSS present our way. Some folks included items for Tony and/or Annie as well and we are so appreciative to everyone for their staggering generosity and compassion – as well as to Barbara (pictured below) who worked tirelessly for weeks to help make this surprise a reality.<br />
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Much as with the other (non-VSS related) care packages that we've received, you - our dear friends and fellow members of the vintage community - are helping us to rebuild our home and wardrobes (most of which, for example, the festive outfit I'm wearing in these photos, was created from) to no small degree and we are endlessly appreciate to every single person who has sent anything our way over the past nearly three months now since the fire. <br />
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<strong>Thank you today, tomorrow, and always.</strong> <br />
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You truly gave me an unforgettable and magnificently positive holiday season. I will never forget it as long as I live and sincerely hope that we can revive the group based VSS for 2017 and beyond, so that all those who wish to do so can send and receive gifts themselves, too.<br />
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<em>{And a shot of Picasso, Barbara and Jeff's adorable cat, who was such a good kitty - never once laying a paw on the presents piled 'round the Christmas tree.}</em> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>House hunting</b> </span><br />
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As many of you know, we were very fortunate to find a temporary home quite quickly after the fire, moving into our current digs precisely one month to the day since that fateful night.<br />
As it is indeed a short term rental though, the quest to find something (hopefully!!!) more permanent has begun this month and we've already been into view some places.<br />
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The real estate market - both from renting and home buying perspectives - has utterly skyrocketed in terms of pricing here in the Okanagan over the past few years (it's not uncommon for houses to go for 25 - 50+ % more today than they did less than a decade ago) and what little does exist - especially that permits dogs - at a quasi-decent price is snapped up faster than you can say "sold". <br />
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We're working with a modest budget and have certain housing needs that must be met, but are certainly trying to be as flexible as possible and do believe that a good match will come our way before we need to leave our temporary rental house. <br />
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At the time of the fire we were living in Penticton, in the heart of the Okanagan, which is one of the local areas with the steepest housing costs, so while it is certainly included in our hunt, we have cast a relatively wide net of about three hours in various directions and are diligently searching high and low throughout. <br />
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I (we) will definitely be sharing the good news when we do find our next place and hope that such will happen at least fairly quickly. Please keep your fingers crossed for the three of us. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hospital time again</b> </span><br />
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This coming Tuesday, I'll be going into the hospital again for (thankfully, quite minor) surgery once again. Usually I don't even bring up such small procedures, which are part and parcel to my life as a multiple chronic illness fighter, here, but as I know such will have a further impact on my ability to be online in the coming weeks, I wanted to mention it today with all of you.<br />
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Rest assured that this procedure has nothing to do with the fire. It was booked back in mid-August 2016 and should - knock wood - be something that only takes a few weeks to recover from. <br />
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In general though, my health has taken one heck of a serious beating in the aftermath of the fire. <br />
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Initially I was quite literally getting through each day on a combination on adrenaline, shock and sheer grit, but as more time went on, greater than usual (for me) levels of physical activity persisted, and the continued emotional impact of what had happened to us really started to hit home, my health took a massive nose dive from which it has not really begun to improve (to my pre-fire levels, I mean). <br />
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It remains to be seen just to what extent this situation will have on my life and blogging (which, officially, remains on hiatus for the time being) in the long run. I will of course continue to let you guys know here and am trying to give myself as much time to rest and recoup as circumstances will permit (which, to be frank, isn't always a great deal). <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Project 365 photo challenge</b> </span><br />
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My health, rebuilding our lives, house hunting, and recently the holiday season have been/are at the heart of our lives right now and will continue to be for quite some time to come.
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In the midst of such though, I thought it would be fun to *try* and do a <strong>Project 365 iPhone photo a day challenge</strong> over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chronicallyvintage/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a>.<br />
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I've taken the approach of pairing each Project 365 image that I share with a quote that fits, to my mind, the image and welcome you to follow me there, if you're not already doing so, to see what I share. <br />
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Though, back in 2011, I tried to blog here every day of the year (in an experiment that I called Vintage 365), I've not done a Project 365 before with photos and love that it gives me a chance to share more of my world - the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley very much included - with all those who tune into my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chronicallyvintage/">Instagram account</a>. <br />
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It will be fascinating to look back at the end of 2017 and witness what really caught my eye each day throughout 2017 (I should point out that, naturally, I do plan to share other none #project365 snaps there still, too). <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">♥ ♥ ♥</span></div>
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My dear, wonderful friends, as we embrace this first week of the new year, please know that I am grateful for each of you, your support, understanding, kindness, and generosity. <br />
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Last year was a doozy for so many of us and Tony and I were, by no means, the only ones to face great hardship. The world in general was put through the ringer, too, and I'm sure that many of us share our immense happiness over the fact that 2017 is here at long last. <br />
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Though none of us know what the future holds in store for us, I enter this year with steadfast optimism, determination and hope that it a better, safer, healthier, happier one for all of us.<br />
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Thank you again for each unforgettable and poignant way that you've been there for us.<br />
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Both myself and Tony want to wish you all a stellar New Year and look forward to connecting with you in whatever ways we can throughout the coming twelve months. <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com52Oliver, BC, Canada49.1823264 -119.5504280000000149.1408134 -119.63110900000001 49.2238394 -119.46974700000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-34514909416045339322016-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:002016-12-21T05:00:18.085-08:0025 things that I wish for each of you this holiday season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In the chaotic mix of the holiday season, I often find that there are moments of almost startling serenity. Perhaps it's a matter of being in the eye of the storm, or maybe, as the classic Christmas carol, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Night" target="_blank">Silent Night</a>, reminds us, all really is calm and bright.<br />
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It was in the midst of one of these wee pockets of tranquility recently that I was almost overwhelmed with the desire to send out Christmas cards to each and every one of my readers - especially after the staggering outpouring of love and assistance that you guys have bestowed on us after <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/10/our-home-and-everything-that-we-own-was.html" target="_blank"><b>the fire</b></a>.<br />
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Naturally, for a myriad of reasons, such isn't possible - however, I can convey the same kinds of festive sentiments here on my blog, which I hope you'll agree with me is quite similar to classic greeting cards themselves.<br />
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In particular, my mind is overflowing with thoughts of what I truly hope that life, the universe and all other forces at play in this vast world of ours - the spirit of Santa Claus very much included - will bring your way during this profoundly meaningful time of the year.<br />
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Some of the following <strong>25 festive wishes</strong> - one each for the first 25 days of December - are deep and serious, whereas others are more lighthearted and just for fun.<br />
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So, my immensely dear friends, please accept this today's post as my holiday season greeting to each and every of you. <br />
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<b><i>It comes wrapped in love and, I hope, really will ring true through the beautiful days that fill the very last chapter of another exciting year. </i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">1. </span></b>Tons of festive cheer! </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">2. </span></b>That fond nostalgia fills your heart, while... </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">3. </span></b>You also create amazing new memories this year </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">4.</span></b> Quite time to savour and reflect on what this season really means to you personally </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">5.</span> </span></b>Peace in your heart, your family, and all areas of your life </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">6.</span></b> </span>Lots of opportunities to rock your favourite vintage/repro/rockabilly/pinup/or any other type of holiday attire (adorable Christmas themed novelty brooches very much included) </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">7.</span> </b>Serene walks taken in the crisp early winter air that remind you of the powerful, though sometimes not instantly obvious, beauty that this time of the year houses </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">8. </span></b>The joy that comes with giving a gift or otherwise doing something that truly brightens someone's holiday and leaves a lasting impression on them for years to come </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>9.</b> </span>A new vintage treasure or two amongst your gifts </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">10.</span></b> The ability to still enjoy at least some of the elements of the season with the same sort of wide-eyed wonder you had as a child </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">11. </span></b>If you live in a part of the world where such is possible, that you're greeted to a white Christmas on the 25th </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">12.</span> </span></b>Zero (or, if that's not realistic, as little as possible) family drama during the holidays </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">13.</span></b> May you have at least one - and hopefully many - reason(s) to smile every day </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">14.</span> </span></b>Fantastic company (friends, family, SO - you name it!) around you often </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">15.</span> </b>A powerful sense of contentment in your heart and more blessings than you could ever count </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">16. </span></b>That your favourite Christmas songs are the ones you hear most frequently </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">17.</span></b> </span>A festive season that is sweeter than all the candy canes, sugar cookies, and hot cocoa on earth </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>18. </b></span>Gorgeous holiday light displays all throughout your neighbourhood </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">19.</span> </span></b>Reminders of the good old days and what Christmastime meant for the generations that came before us </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">20.</span> </b>The ability to celebrate the season with your pets and/or other favourite animals in your life </div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">21.</span></b> Fests that fill your belly and warm your soul alike (with lots of yummy leftovers to enjoy for days afterward) </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>22.</b> </span>The very best health possible </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">23.</span> </span></b>Time to watch at least one or two of your favourite holiday TV shows and/or movies </div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">24. </span></b>The happiest festive season one could ever ask for! </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>25.</b> </span>An incredible new year ahead that helps you to grow, develop, blossom (as a person), and follow your bliss all the more </div>
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<em>{To learn more about a specific image that was used in today's post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}</em> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">♥ </span><span style="color: #38761d;">♥</span><span style="color: red;"> ♥</span></span></div>
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Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the unending gift of your readership, your support, your friendship, your encouragement, your care, your inspiration, and unquestionably your incredible help, generosity and kindness throughout 2016.<br />
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I treasure, value and appreciate such more than I could ever put into words and am sincerely looking forward to soon launching into 2017 - a brand new year to put the substantial troubles of this one all the more behind us - with each of you. <br />
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First though, we have Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's to celebrate. This will be my last post of the year, but <b>I'll be back in January with multiple new entries here throughout that month</b>, as I begin to ease into blogging on a more regular basis once again (insomuch as the continued post-fire related demands and uncertainty - very much including our longer term housing needs - of our daily lives, as well as my health, will permit).<br />
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Wherever you are, however you celebrate this time of the year, and whatever you may be doing as we embrace the last leg of December, from both myself and Tony (as well as our darling Miss Annie), merriest wishes, dear friends!<br />
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<b><i>May you your festivities sparkle and shine, and may all these of the things listed above - and countless more blessings - be yours this holiday season. </i></b><br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-28804692294313285052016-11-25T05:15:00.000-08:002016-11-25T05:15:12.209-08:002016's Vintage Secret Santa is cancelled due to the fire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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First and foremost, goodness gracious, do I miss you guys. Not a little bit, not every now and then, but day in and day out, with all of my heart. Living in a world right now where so many things are completely upside down, unequivocally one of the most bizarre and "outs of sorts" is not being heavily immersed in the online vintage blogging sphere, as I have been for over 7.5 years now.<br />
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As many of you know, for the past two years (2014 and '15, respectively) I've - with a substantial amount of help, particularly on the coding back end of things, from Tony - hosted the annual <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/11/sign-up-for-2nd-annual-vintage-secret.html" target="_blank"><b>Vintage Secret Santa gift exchange</b></a>, which has only grown bigger and better each year.<br />
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This time around however, given that we are still extremely immersed in beginning to put our lives back together again (including setting up a new temporary renatal home) after the devastating <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/10/our-home-and-everything-that-we-own-was.html"><b>arson fire last month</b></a> that destroyed our house and possessions, it simply is not possible for us to hold the VSS (which honestly becomes like a full-time job for me from November to February each year).<br />
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Having received about twenty-five or so emails and social media PMs in recent days asking if the VSS was taking place - albeit mostly from past participants who weren't aware of what occurred last month - I thought I would take a quick moment here this morning just to formally announce that, as much as this point sincerely pains me, <b>there will be no Vintage Secret Santa 2016</b>.</div>
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<i>{I very much apologize, but unfortunately those who wish to take part in the VSS - either again or for the first time - will have to wait until next year to do so, as holding such a large scale online gift swap is impossible for us right now in the wake of the fire. I really do feel bad about this and appreciate your understanding immensely. 1920s Clara Bow <a href="http://puppylovepreschool.blogspot.ca/2013/12/awesomely-weird-vintage-hollywood.html">vintage image source</a>.}
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However...all things willing, I (we) do certainly <b>plan to hold it again come 2017</b>, as a little over a year will have passed since the blaze by then and it is our deepest of hopes that our life will be way, way more on track and settled again by that point.<br />
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Though out of sheer necessity, this blog will officially remain on hiatus for a while longer (it's honestly too soon for me to give even a possible estimate of when I'll be able to return to blogging on a regular basis, but am hoping that such will be feasible in early-ish 2017), I do hope to be able to share a much more detailed update post (about where our life is at by then) with all of you here in December.<br />
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In the meantime (and always!) though, <b>I simply cannot say thank you enough</b> to each and every person who has, in countless different ways, helped, supported, prayed for, comforted, and cared about Tony, Annie, myself, and our sweet (now officially deceased; her poor little body being found in the charred ruins of our old house on November 6th) cat, Stella.<br />
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Whether through our <a href="https://www.youcaring.com/jessica-cangiano-antonio-cangiano-672285"><b>You Caring donation support page</b></a>, PayPal donations, care packages, emails, private messages, the Facebook page Helping The Cangianos that was set up for us by my good friend Bonita from <a href="http://www.lavenderandtwill.com/">Lavender & Twill</a>, sending positive thoughts our way, leaving blog comments, or myriad other ways, we have been nothing short of profoundly blessed, assisted and uplifted by what I can only describe as a tidal wave of beautiful and extremely generous compassion.<br />
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<b>It has helped us in countless ways</b> and we will be, for as long as we live, grateful to each and every person who has - and who continues to - support us in any positive manner during this staggeringly challenging time in our lives.<br />
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We love and appreciate - most definitely miss - all of you and garner strength from your support, as well as by looking towards the future and the time when our lives will be back on track more. It's a long and difficult road, but each new sunrise gets us at least one step closer and that is a beautiful thing.
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-50004598298410541552016-10-17T06:59:00.000-07:002016-10-17T06:59:10.949-07:00Our home and everything that we own was destroyed by a fire. Please share.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is often said that life can change in the blink of an eye and never in the course of my 32 years has that been more true than the horrific events that unfolded on the evening of October 13th (the very day before our twelfth wedding anniversary).<br />
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A little after 8:00 PM that night, an arson fire was set (allegedly) by an eighteen-year old girl who was having a domestic dispute with her mother in the basement of that family's home, which was located kitty corner to our own in the fourplex that we live(d) in.<br />
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The blaze quickly began to engulf everything in its path. My husband, Tony, and I were able to rescue our beloved dog, Annie, however, our darling cat Stella - a naturally extremely shy and skittish kitty - hid instantly and could not be found.<br />
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I searched in pitch black, chokingly acrid black smoke as thick as oatmeal for her until I could not breath, but she could be found and I had to leave the house or risk losing my own life.<br />
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The fire raged on for hours, entirely wiping out all four homes in our fourplex and everything in them.<br />
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Tony and I were incredibly fortunate to escape with our lives. We lost everything we owned in this world, save for the clothing on our backs, our phones, a small purse of mine (with my wallet), his wallet, and our car.<br />
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Gone forever, a lifetime of items. My vintage wardrobe and collection, hundreds of books, our computers and other electronics, all of my craft supplies, all of the scrapbook albums that I'd made over the years, both of our photography equipment, Tony's fishing and hiking gear, cherished heirlooms, holiday decorations, and every other item contained within the walls of our home.<br />
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Included in the mix, all of the merchandise for, and everything else pertaining to, my Etsy vintage shop. Thus, this horrific, senseless crime (the young woman was attested that evening by the police) not only destroyed our home and belongings, in one fell swoop, it obliterated my business and my livelihood. <br />
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Both Tony and I shared about fire and its impact on social media quite soon after the fact, so some of you may be aware of this situation already, but for those who are not, I wanted to let you all know here as soon as I could.<br />
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This isn't a small bump in the road or even a decent size curve ball, it is the literal definition of a life changing catastrophe.<br />
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From the very first social media post, we have had a truly incredible show of support and help from so many friends and family members online.<br />
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My sister, Katie, and my good friend Nora (from the blog Nora Finds) quickly teamed up to create a crowd funding relief donation page, which you can donate to here if you wish to do so:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youcaring.com/jessica-cangiano-antonio-cangiano-672285">Helping The Cangianos</a></span></b></div>
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Anything that you can give - prayers, good vibes, and kind messages included - are so incredibly helpful to us - as is <b>sharing about our <a href="https://www.youcaring.com/jessica-cangiano-antonio-cangiano-672285" target="_blank">donation campaign link</a> on social media and/or your blog</b> - and mean more than we can ever put into words.<br />
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As well, in one of the most touching things I (we) have ever experienced, another dear friend of mine, Bonita (from the blog Lavender & Twill) set up a<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/helpingthecangianos/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> </span></b>for those who wish to help us out in a myriad of different ways (including sending care packages).<br />
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There are not words enough in the whole world to adequately express the profound gratitude, appreciation and love that I have for everyone who is helping us. I have always known and spoken highly about the fact that the vintage/pinup/rockabilly/similar community was an incredibly close knit, supportive place, but I have been nothing short of floor by the incredible outreach and care extended to us by hundreds in our midst.<br />
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Right now we are very fortunate to be temporarily staying with my mom and step-dad while we begin to pick up the pieces of our charred life. Time will tell where we land beyond then.<br />
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Our life is in pieces and putting them back together again is going to be a long, long process. But we are alive, Tony and I have each other (and Annie), and we have the astonishing support of so many wonderful people around the planet.<br />
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Right now, as we focus on rebuilding our lives, I have to put this blog on hiatus. It pains me deeply to do so, but given the circumstances, I have no other choice.<br />
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I plan to return again and resume blogging when possible, but that will likely be for quite a while down the road from now (especially since we are computer-less at present).<br />
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I appreciate your understanding on this front and will miss each of you greatly. We will reconnect again. This blog is an integral part of my life and the last thing that I would possibly want is for it to be another victim of this heartbreaking tragedy.<br />
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We are fighters and we will persevere. The journey back to normalcy will be long, but we will grow in countless ways in the process, and ultimately, we will be okay.<br />
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Your love, support, <a href="https://www.youcaring.com/jessica-cangiano-antonio-cangiano-672285"><b>donations</b></a>, and immeasurable kindness will ensure that is the case. Of that - much like life's ability to change in the blink of an eye - I am certain.<br />
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With every fiber of my being, thank you, everyone. I love you dearly and will return here as soon as I possibly can.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">❤ Jessica </span></b></span></div>
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com122tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-30006523852061600202016-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:002016-10-12T05:00:08.937-07:00All roads lead to vintage fall fashion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outfit details</b> </span><br /><br />Camel coloured felt beret: eBay <br />Gold tone metal and orange enamel earrings: Birthday gift from a dear online friend ♥ <br />Vintage style black cotton capelet: c/o <a href="http://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/sabrina-glamorous-50-s-style-cape-shrug-in-black" target="_blank"><strong>Dolly & Dotty</strong></a> <br />1950s striped cotton day dress: <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fshop%2Fstutterinmama" target="_blank">Stutterin' Mama</a> <br />1940s style pumpkin dangle brooch: <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fshop%2FSummerBlueJewelry" target="_blank">Summer Blue Jewelry</a> <br />C. 1980s does 1950s tan brown leather belt: (Probably) Thrifted <br />C. 1950s ruched black gloves: Unknown, had for years (probably eBay or Etsy) <br />Canvas and faux leather handbag: Tabi <br />Black seamed nude stockings: eBay <br />1940s style black faux suede pumps: Walmart <br />Lip Colour: MAC Partyline <br /><br /><br /><em>Photography by </em><a href="http://tonycangiano.com/" target="_blank"><em>Tony Cangiano</em></a> </center>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">♥</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"> ♥ </span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">♥</span></div>
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...Or at least they do for me personally. :)<br />
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Like many of us, I acquire new items for my wardrobe (and periodically part ways with others) all throughout the year, but no matter the season, when I'm shopping for clothing, accessories or jewelry, I'm thinking about autumn time.<br />
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My favourite season by a wide margin (though I do genuinely adore, appreciate, and delight in each of them), fall calls to my heart and soul. It is the short-lived middle ground between sweltering and freezing, and here in Canada such is often (at best) a matter of weeks. The notion of a long, mild fall that spans September to early December is virtually unheard of in these northern lands.<br />
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Still, even if we're handing out Halloween candy to kids sporting snow suits, I still like to wear autumn coloured, themed and inspired looks for that duration and make a point to try and have at least a few new pieces that fit the bill to the tee on hand well before September rolls into town again.<br />
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One such garment, which I picked up earlier this year from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fshop%2Fstutterinmama" target="_blank">Stutterin' Mama</a> is this very classic, very sweet black, tawny brown and white striped 1950s dress (which I mentioned in passing <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/08/eight-things-that-have-really-been.html" target="_blank">here</a> a few weeks ago). I'd been wanting to add a striped vintage dress to my closet for ages and this charmer was a case of love at first sight for me.<br />
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It has elbow length sleeves, a midi hem, a flattering cut, a cute little folded collar, and a colour palette that doesn't just sing with the spirit of fall, it belts it out like Pavarotti!<br />
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As I knew the seasons would be changing hands big time while we were in Edmonton, I made sure to pack not only this dress, but a beautiful recently acquired vintage style black cotton capelet (called the <a href="http://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/sabrina-glamorous-50-s-style-cape-shrug-in-black" target="_blank"><strong>Sabrina Glamorous 50s Style Cape Shrug</strong></a>) that I received from <a href="http://www.dollyanddotty.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong>Dolly & Dotty</strong></a>, with me on our travels (thank you so much, D&D, for this awesome gift).<br />
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On the particular day that these photos were taken, Tony and I had just spent a couple of hours visiting the absolutely delightful <a href="https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/" target="_blank">Fort Edmonton Park</a> (it's so big and engaging that we didn't get to see it all in that time frame and will definitely aim to return on a future visit to Edmonton), which we both adored. <br />
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It was fun, too, as I've encountered here and there at other historical parks over the years, to see fellow park visitors wondering/thinking that I worked there due to my vintage attire. <br />
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As a general rule, capelets (aka, short capes) are not something that I wear often, simply because they tend to make my (naturally small) shoulders and upper torso look a lot, lot wider/bigger than it really is. I adore them as a garment though and was willing to take the gamble, so to speak, when Dolly & Dotty inquired as to if I'd like to try out one of their elegant versions.<br />
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Given that I don't presently own a black cotton capelet, I decided to take the plunge and am more than a little bit thrilled that I did. Yes, I do see some of that bulk factor happening, but objectively that's rather the nature of capelets, capes and poncho shaped garments in general. <br />
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This cape is sweet, well made and endlessly classic. I love how well it partners with longer length gloves, too. Being on holiday, I didn't have my whole <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/11/how-i-store-my-vintage-glove-collection.html" target="_blank">glove wardrobe</a> with me, but I did of course pack a few pairs, of which I felt these ruched black ones worked best in the context of this outfit (I don't own a caramel coloured longer length pair, but if I did, I think such would have rocked here, too). <br />
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Interestingly, in a way, despite my general reservations when it comes to capelets, of the beautiful garments I've received from Dolly & Dotty this year, I actually think I'll sport this capelet most often of all (as it's so versatile, lightweight and perfect for layering from fall clear on through to spring). Proof positive, if you ask me, that it always pays to revisit styles that you like, but think might not work well for you personally.<br />
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We grabbed these peaceful photos at the <a href="https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/john-janzen-nature-centre.aspx" target="_blank">John Janzen Nature Centre Park</a> that was directly beside Fort Edmonton. The leaves were beginning to turn the colour of Bartlett pears and a definite nip was in the air, so I was grateful to have this capelet over my shoulders as I stood on that small foot traffic bridge. <br />
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To the surprise of no one who knows me, I'm sure, I was shopping for (further) new fall appropriate items while on our trip and am happy to say that I found some, including a fabulous Halloween themed Hell Bunny skirt that I picked up at <a href="https://retroglam.com/" target="_blank">Rowena</a> (which I'm really hoping will appear here on the blog this year - if not, in the future for sure!).<br />
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Fall's colours and the imagery - from pumpkins, such as those in the beautiful <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fshop%2FSummerBlueJewelry" target="_blank">Summer Blue Jewelry</a> vintage inspired brooch that I'm sporting here, to leaves to apples and scarecrows – are “me” through and through. <br />
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They bring me joy in all forms, very much including the wearable type, and I love that a season I plan, shop for, and dream about all year is here again. Especially when I have fun new-to-me pieces to wear like many of those featured into today's seasonal ensemble. <br />
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Are you a fan of fall's colour palette and/or iconic imagery for your own wardrobe as well? Do you find yourself shopping for any one season more than the others?<br />
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<img align="right" src=" http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/HalloweenversionofmyChronicallyVintageblogpostsignature-1.jpg" /></div>
Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com52Edmonton, AB, Canada53.544389 -113.4909266999999953.2425465 -114.1363737 53.8462315 -112.84547969999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-50779369672437048162016-10-10T05:00:00.001-07:002016-10-10T05:00:27.424-07:0075 Fantastic Apple Recipes for Fall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Is there, really, any more iconic fruit when it comes to autumn time than the age-old, wonderfully nourishing, and splendidly healthy apple? <br />
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Pears, my second favourite fruit (raspberries take first place, if you're curious - though the fruit that I eat the very most of in a given year would have to be <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/04/50-awesome-strawberry-recipes-for-spring.html" target="_blank">strawberries</a>, which I also adore), come close for sure and indeed, the two often go hand-in-hand. <br />
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Yet it is the apple - be it tart and green, mellow and golden yellow, juicy and red, or sweet and garnet hued - that takes top billing and which is as tied to fall as <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/09/vintage-fashionista-friday-september-20.html" target="_blank">harvest moon</a>, pumpkins, crunchy jewel toned leaves, and the return of chilly nights.<br />
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Apples are an amazing fruit. They're rich in both antioxidants and fiber, and can provide a lasting sense of satiety - as well as being a truly delicious food. In addition, apples have been an integral part of our collective human history for millenniums now, having factored into the the mythology, religions, and legends of a good many cultures, spanning the ancient Norse and Greeks to the central role they play in the Christian bible as well.<br />
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/1950sWomanwithApples_0001_zpsm7pky88w.jpg" height="547" width="450" /></a></center>
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<em>{Apples, glorious apples! We've been enjoying them for countless generations now and continue to reach for this good-for-us food with gusto the whole year 'round, but have a particular passion for them, naturally, when fall arrives and they're at the peak of their growing perfection. </em><a href="http://bit.ly/22KPufg" target="_blank"><em>Vintage image source</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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Few amongst us are without both personal memories and elements of a cultural identity that relates back to apples.<br />
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We have expressions aplenty that include this juicy round fruit (such as, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree", "As American as apple pie", and "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"), associate them heavily with education (including the classic practise of leaving the gift of an apple on a teacher's desk), and have been eating (and drinking - apple cider or Calvados, anyone?) them in countless recipes for many, many centuries now. <br />
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Apples are a fun, cheerful fruit and one that is tied heavily many fall time celebrations, including both <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/10/the-best-of-chronically-vintage-past.html" target="_blank">Halloween</a> and Thanksgiving (the Canadian version of which happens today this year). They're perfect "as is", and yet work equally in both sweet and savoury dishes, too. <br />
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Over the years I've shared several different <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/p/vintage-recipes.html" target="_blank">vintage recipes</a> that included apples (such as <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/09/celebrate-autumn-return-with-this-great.html" target="_blank">Rosy Apple Pie</a>, <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2010/02/wonderful-wednesday-recipe-creamy-gala.html" target="_blank">Creamy Gala Apple, Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup</a>; and <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2010/03/wonderful-wednesday-recipe-maple-syrup.html" target="_blank">Maple Syrup and Apple Bread Pudding topped with Sugared Apples</a>) and thought that in celebration of the fact that autumn's return is a mere ten days away, I would roundup some of the most mouth watering, classic, cutting edge, and/or unique apple recipes I've ever encountered online.<br />
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Each of these dishes is a stellar treat that puts the season's abundance of apples - of which there are thousands of different varieties the world over - to good use. <br />
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Naturally, they can all be made at other times of the year, too, but as I'm a firm believer in eating, and cooking, with an emphasis on the very foods that each season presents us with, now seems like the ideal time to delve into not one, not ten, not thirty, not even fifty, but <strong><span style="font-size: medium;">seventy-five flat out magnificent apple recipes that are ideal for fall</span></strong>.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">1. </span></strong><a href="http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a43506/mini-apple-berry-crumble-pies-recipe/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Mini Apple Berry Crumble Pies</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/1439731622-syn-clg-1439500044-mini-apple-berry-crumble-pies-5_zpsi0tcyof0.jpg" height="466" width="650" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">2. </span></strong><a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/09/apple-pie-pancakes-with-vanilla-maple-syrup.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Pie Pancakes with Vanilla Maple Syrup</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/applepiepancakes-15_zpssvgmxcsj.jpg" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">3. </span></strong><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1300/cranberry-granola-spiced-apples-3414/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Cranberry Granola Spiced Apples</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578ba34d91f9-baked-apples-de_zps3vfu1sn8.jpg" height="762" width="600" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">4. </span></strong><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1041/apple-sage-roastedchicken-panjuices-3148/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple and Sage Roasted Chicken with Pan Juices</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578aa58c86ac-apple-roasted-chicken-de-91552433-syndication2_zpshnmzfmub.jpg" height="661" width="500" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">5. </span></strong><a href="http://gatherforbread.com/apple-cream-cheese-braid-danish/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Cream Cheese Braid Danish</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/Apple-cream-cheese-braid-2_zpswovexxny.jpg" height="436" width="650" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">6. </span></strong><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a987/baked-stuffed-pumpkin-3090/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Baked Stuffed Pumpkins with Israeli Couscous, Sausage, Apples, Onions, and Cranberries</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></strong></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578aa6231eb9-stuffed-pumpkins-de_zpsuyii53us.jpeg" height="635" width="500" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">7. </span></strong><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/warm_spiced_apple_galettes_with_whiskey_caramel.php" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Warm Spiced Apple Galettes With Whiskey Caramel</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/600x400_galettes1411735819_zpsmanhu7t0.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1361/stacked-applesauce-cake-3478/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Stacked Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Whipped Cream</strong></span></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578aa6a6a985-applesauce-cake-de_zpssf7y9wrv.jpeg" height="635" width="500" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">9. </span></strong><a href="http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a43810/apple-pie-bourbon-shots-recipe/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Pie Bourbon Shots</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></strong></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/square-1441898833-apple-pie-bourbon-delish-4_zpsloxgt1lx.jpg" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">10. </span></strong><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/sticky_caramel_apple_buns.php" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Sticky Caramel Apple Buns</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></strong></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/600x400_CL-0913-f-Apples-G1375104447_zpsgb7hulp5.jpg" /></a></center>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">11. </span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1892/coriander-pork-sauteed-apples-onions-4074/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Coriander-Crusted Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples and Caramelized Onions</span></a></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578aa5d4250a-pork-chops-apples-de-71804440_zpsixu23fjc.jpg" height="699" width="550" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">12. </span></strong><a href="http://beyondfrosting.com/2015/08/31/apple-pie-tiramisu/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Pie Tiramisu</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/2b1cfd30b437d1e327891f11a8953033_zpsnkkqhmze.jpg" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">13. </span></strong><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/953667/grilled-cheese-bacon-apple-and-sprouts" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Grilled Cheese with Bacon, Apple, and Sprouts</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/fd0dcd5a7aa4e075d1c67118afcc8159_zps7x8fnpiy.jpg" height="558" width="450" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">14. </span></strong><a href="http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a43818/apple-nachos-recipe/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Nachos</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/landscape-1441914818-delish-apple-nachos_zps7awiuimk.jpg" height="329" width="650" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">15. </span></strong><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/314624/baked-apples-with-mexican-chocolate" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Baked Apples with Marshmallows and Mexican Chocolate</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></strong></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5e3fb4a464d7d878a75a71ca3454180e_zpszeqmotki.jpg" height="558" width="450" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">16. </span></strong><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1537/cider-scalloped-potatoes-gouda-3651/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Cider Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Gouda</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578aa6f3de82-scalloped-potatoes_zpsesg1ssrj.jpg" height="596" width="450" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">17. </span></strong><a href="http://www.epicureanmom.com/2011/11/apple-spice-cupcakes.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Spice Cupcakes</span></strong></a></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/IMG_8953-1_zpsdacqbxho.jpg" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">18. </span></strong><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/apple_cheddar_quick_bread.php" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Cheddar Quick Bread</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/600x400_CL-0913-f-Apples-A1375108064_zpsi6ogzhae.jpg" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">19. </span></strong><a href="http://www.spoonfulofflavor.com/2014/11/12/baked-apple-pie-egg-rolls/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Baked Apple Pie Egg Rolls</span></strong></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/BakedApplePieEggRolls4_zpstui7nzjt.jpg" /></a></center>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">20. </span></strong><a href="http://www.foodgal.com/2012/12/apple-brownies-you-bet/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Apple Brownies</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/AppleBrownie_zps9zc5dhgl.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>21. </strong></span><a href="http://www.thecookierookie.com/mini-apple-pie-cheesecakes/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Mini Apple Pie Cheesecakes</strong></span></a> </center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/0b8046c12faf9cdf44932bca3af25bd9_zpsey7qslnx.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>22. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a862/cornbread-apple-dressing-49/?magazine=countryliving" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Cornbread and Apple Dressing</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578aa5e5b57b-cornbread-dressing-entert1106-de_zpsicvxf1el.jpg" height="572" width="450" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>23. </strong></span><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/rustic_apple_cake.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Rustic Apple Cake</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/600x400_CL-0913-f-Apples-F1375108958_zpsatpqofqi.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>24. Brown Butter Glazed Apple Pie Scones </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/b3147c3b6cc878ec8a107189f74fafe7_zps1irryxhu.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>25. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a2968/apple-sage-smoked-turkey-recipe/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple-Sage Marinated Smoked Turkey</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578ba36dd916-food-11-97-turkey-de-86389301_zpsb28sbntn.jpg" height="572" width="450" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>26. </strong></span><a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2015/02/apple-fritter-bread.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Fritter Bread</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/applefritterbread-8-630x938_zpsmoad8wmn.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>27. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1088651/pork-and-apple-burgers-with-pickled-red-cabbage" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Pork & Apple Burgers with Pickled Red Cabbage</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/recipe-image-legacy-id--525497_11_zps7wu1g1qs.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>28. </strong></span><a href="http://www.nobiggie.net/apple-pie-caramel-apples/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Pie Caramel Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/Apple-Pie-Caramel-Apples-recipe-NoBiggie.net__zpsnjiecmte.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>29. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1773/beet-apple-soup-3895/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Beet and Apple Soup</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/5578aa5f10025-beet-apple-soup-de_zpszfjjqvw3.jpeg" height="635" width="500" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>30. </strong></span><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/honey_caramel_apple_bundt_cake.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Honey-Caramel Apple Bundt Cake</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/600x400_CL-1012-f-HoneyDesserts-A1379437082_zpsltod9rjx.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>31. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a3343/apple-cheddar-waffle-panini-recipe/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple-Cheddar Waffle Panini</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/54eb21496bfb6_-_apple-cheddar-waffle-panini-recipe-xl_zpshgc2oxil.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>32. </strong></span><a href="http://thriftydiydiva.com/homemade-apple-pie-jam/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Homemade Apple Pie Jam</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/Homemade-Apple-Pie-Jam-Recipe_zpskty0bliq.png" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>33. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/old-fashioned-apple-cookies/40fe1166-55c7-498f-b83f-b0cd224ded44" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Old-Fashioned Apple Cookies</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/467f1a70-92fa-478c-8978-e1bf781b6dbe_zpsjthlmftw.jpg" height="369" width="650" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>34. </strong></span><a href="http://brittanyangell.com/bourbon-bacon-apple-crisp-paleoglutengrainsugar-free/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Gluten-Free Bourbon Bacon Apple Crisp</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/c724f25300ae8c68d4fb097aeed71e2c_zpsaobly6ez.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>35. </strong></span><a href="http://www.thebittersideofsweet.com/2013/10/29/stuffed-apple-cinnamon-sticks/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Stuffed Apple Cinnamon Sticks</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/2afe00bfda7b35c7bb1e2b8b57118c81_zpswpezchpw.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>36. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1572701/apple-and-walnut-cake-with-treacle-icing" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple & Walnut Cake with Treacle Icing</strong></span></a></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/recipe-image-legacy-id--762451_12_zpsxfi1aq0v.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>37. </strong></span><a href="https://www.dairygoodness.ca/recipes/apple-cinnamon-rice-pudding" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Cinnamon Rice Pudding</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/02ad3cb1f99cf0a3b94c3c68bc8f2c28_zps7d6edb9j.jpg" height="369" width="500" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>38. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1826689/nocook-spiced-apple-chutney" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>No-Cook Spiced Apple Chutney</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/recipe-image-legacy-id--837881_11_zpsl5rxq07z.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>39. </strong></span><a href="http://cincyshopper.com/apple-pie-fries/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Pie Fries</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/Apple-Pie-Fries-2_zps15zgtelt.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>40. </strong></span><a href="http://lovegrowswild.com/2013/02/taffy-apple-pizza/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Taffy Apple Pizza</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/TaffyApplePizzabyLoveGrowsWild14_zpsr4fhffot.png" height="434" width="650" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>41. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1039643/sausage-apple-and-leek-pie" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Sausage, Apple & Leek Pie</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/recipe-image-legacy-id--496472_12_zpsxa9dqyj2.jpg" height="546" width="600" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>42. </strong></span><a href="http://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/2014/10/cheesecake-stuffed-baked-apples.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/cheesecake-stuffed-baked-apples-1_zps5ryxbigu.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>43. </strong></span><a href="http://www.copykat.com/2015/02/18/opal-apple-pie-tacos/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Pie Tacos</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/ce2323cfa69f07aff30bfce9661906ae_zpslrwo93up.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>44. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/853644/ginger-and-caramel-apple-puddings" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Ginger & Caramel Apple Puddings</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/recipe-image-legacy-id--444541_11_zps5jmr7vsh.jpg" height="500" width="550" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>45. </strong></span><a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/food/apple_and_cranberry_lattice_pie.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple and Cranberry Lattice Pie</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/600x400_LatticePie1400688002_zpsflnrciaz.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>46. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/24622/caramel+and+apple+upside+down+cake" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Caramel and Apple Upside-Down Cake</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/caramel-and-apple-upsidedown-cake-19596_l_zpsgzbwmwmp.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>47. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/bite-sized-toffee-apple-doughnuts" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Bite-Sized Toffee Apple Doughnuts</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/doughnuts_zps4rhig3en.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>48. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a30395/curried-squash-pancakes-arugula-apple-salad-recipe-wdy0215/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Curried Squash Pancakes with Arugula and Apple Salad</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/54f06747be6d9_-_curried-squash-pancakes-s2_zpsctuuvyg1.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>49. </strong></span><a href="http://www.cleanandscentsible.com/2013/10/apple-cider-apple-juice-slushies.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Cider Slushies</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/9fbee0c36ef8e18f62ba1a88b6cbb1bc_zpsw9xevsx3.jpg" height="796" width="600" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>50. </strong></span><a href="http://www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com/2013/03/apple-sandwiches-with-date-caramel.html#.Vds7BSmTTS6" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Sandwiches with Date Caramel + Almond Butter</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/IMG_3580_zpsicpci1ur.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>51. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a32520/apple-fritters-recipe-wdy1014/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Classic Apple Fritters</strong></span></a></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/54f0e26df3ab5_-_apple-fritters-recipe-wdy1014-s2_zpsfyjezees.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>52. </strong></span><a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/skewered-shrimp-and-ham-apple-jelly" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Skewered Shrimp and Ham with Apple Jelly</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/c418557b19d78a68658acf41260f7236_zpsywpst9wg.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>53. </strong></span><a href="http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a43928/caramel-greek-yogurt-dip-in-an-edible-apple-cup/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Caramel-Greek Yogurt Dip in an Edible Apple Cup</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/1443188475-delish-granny-smith-apples-yogurt-dip_zpsic4qen2s.png" height="750" width="500" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>54. </strong></span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a4247/cheddar-apple-pie-recipe-clx1013/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Cheddar Apple Pie</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/54eb2da60b809_-_home-cooking-cheddar-apple-pie-1013-xln_zpsa8npq4ce.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>55. </strong></span><a href="http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sweet-salty-bourbon-cinnamon-pecan-caramel-apples-chocolate-drizzle/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Sweet & Salty Bourbon Cinnamon Pecan Caramel Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/Sweet-and-Salty-Bourbon-Cinnamon-Pecan-Caramel-Apples--Chocolate-Drizzle-1_zpshpou0lq3.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>56. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/18229/tempura+apples+with+custard" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Tempura Apples with Custard</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/tempura-apples-with-custard-13303_l_zpsqpusgwoa.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>57. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/35528/crispy+skin+duck+with+chargrilled+apples" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Crispy-Skin Duck with Chargrilled Apples</strong></span></a></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/crispyskin-duck-with-chargrilled-apples-28205_l_zpsjydls7tx.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>58. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/27498/creamy+vanilla+porridge+with+brown+sugar+apples" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Creamy Vanilla Porridge with Brown Sugar Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/creamy-vanilla-porridge-with-brown-sugar-apples-22456_l_zpsnkavpeed.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>59. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/22804/caramelised+apple+and+ginger+spiced+shortcakes" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Caramelised Apple and Ginger-Spiced Shortcakes</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/caramelised-apple-and-gingerspiced-shortcakes-17795_l_zpsnfi9hv5z.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>60. </strong></span><a href="http://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/2014/10/cinnamon-roll-stuffed-baked-apples.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Baked Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/cinnamon-roll-stuffed-apples-12_zpsqap8dttc.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>61. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/30253/cider+honey+apples+with+crepes" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Cider and Honey Apples with Crepes</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/cider-honey-apples-with-crepes-24586_l_zpsw2bwds29.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>62. </strong></span><a href="http://www.mountainmamacooks.com/2014/11/apple-sauce-chocolate-chip-bundt-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Sauce-Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/apple-spiced-bundt-cake-mountain-mama-cooks-4_zpsjczt50pz.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>63. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/33249/roast+brussels+sprouts+with+apples+and+red+onion" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Roast Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Red Onion</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/roast-brussels-sprouts-with-apples-and-red-onion-26071_l_zpsck8iclsf.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>64. </strong></span><a href="http://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/caramel-apple-pudding-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Caramel Apple Self-Saucing Pudding Cake</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/caramel-apple-pudding690-8D_zpsrrjycgx0.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>65. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/images/recipes/agt/2007/07/couscousstuffed-apples-with-honey-syrup-12538_l.jpeg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Couscous-Stuffed Apples with Honey Syrup</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/couscousstuffed-apples-with-honey-syrup-12538_l_zpsna9bvtac.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>66. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/27198/pork+cutlet+with+parsnip+mash+and+pan+fried+apples" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Pork Cutlet with Parsnip Mash and Pan-Fried Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/pork-cutlet-with-parsnip-mash-and-panfried-apples-22158_l_zpsrb6ccia7.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>67. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/33055/apple+frangipane+tart" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Frangipane Tart</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/apple-frangipane-tart-25974_l_zpsz3g43not.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>68. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/40397/inside+out+apple+crumbles" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Inside-Out Apple Crumbles</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/insideout-apple-crumbles-32281_l_zpsze176lws.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>69. </strong></span><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-sweet-potatoes-apples" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/sweet-potatoes-su-1932451-x_zpspjwxfvky.jpg" height="450" width="450" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>70. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/42405/slow+roasted+pork+belly+with+apples" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Slow-Roasted Pork Belly with Apples</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/slowroasted-pork-belly-with-apples-34330_l_zpseug121no.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>71. </strong></span><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/235608/apple-pie-samosas" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple Pie Samosas</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/recipe-image-legacy-id--265557_11_zpszdd4ftlw.jpg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>72. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/33053/apple+and+hazelnut+loaf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Apple and Hazelnut Loaf</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/apple-and-hazelnut-loaf-25973_l_zpsh8suvuvh.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>73. </strong></span><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-applesauce-in-the-slow-cooker-223486" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Slow Cooker Apple Sauce</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/HT-Slow-Cooker-Applesauce9_zpstevpvz7y.jpg" /></strong></span></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>74. </strong></span><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/37518/thousand+layer+apple+tart" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Thousand-Layer Apple Tart</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong></span></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/thousandlayer-apple-tart-30188_l_zpshp9ebpda.jpeg" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>75. </strong></span><a href="http://www.sugarhero.com/caramel-apple-cake-with-salted-caramel-buttercream/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Caramel Apple Cake</strong></span></a></center>
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/fcc2ff4a0c2e38a18ec767217b0c3c34_zpslo5lmbbs.jpg" height="713" width="500" /></strong></span></a></center>
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<em>{All photos are care of their respective sources, which can be reached by clicking on the recipe link above each image. Unlike vintage images which are often much more in the public domain and for which the reproduction and sharing of is more liberally tolerated, I fully understand that some food bloggers do not like to have their photos shared on other blogs, even when a link back to their site is provided. If such is the case and your photo appears here, please let me know by <a href="mailto:chronicallyvintage@gmail.com" target="_blank">email </a>and I'll happily take it down or credit it in a different way that you're happy with. Thank you!} </em><br />
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<img alt=" photo apple-border_zpslu4klnea.gif" border="0" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/apple-border_zpslu4klnea.gif" /><img alt=" photo apple-border_zpslu4klnea.gif" border="0" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/apple-border_zpslu4klnea.gif" /></div>
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It's hard not to work up an appetite just reading through this selection of fifty fabulous apple recipes! Do any of them jump out at you in particular? <br />
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Aside from the age old classic that is <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/10/three-sweet-and-scrumptious-vintage.html" target="_blank">caramel apples</a> and all of the variations on such presented here, the <a href="http://www.copykat.com/2015/02/18/opal-apple-pie-tacos/" target="_blank">Apple Pie Tacos</a> and <a href="http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/35528/crispy+skin+duck+with+chargrilled+apples" target="_blank">Crispy-Skin Duck with Chargrilled Apples</a> in particular are really beckoning to me at the moment. <br />
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As apples have been heavily and heartily enjoyed (and grown) in many parts of the world for centuries now, they're actually one of the most frequent types of fruits that you'll encounter in vintage and antique cookbooks, with recipes for classics such as apple pie, apple sauce, apple muffins, apple crisps and buckles, and apple butter, to name but a few, stretching back for hundreds of years at this point. <br />
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<em>{Two young ladies biting into my all-time favourite Halloween time treat, the classic <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/vintageblog/caramel-and-candy-apple-love/" target="_blank">caramel apple</a>, during the 1940s. </em><a href="http://bit.ly/22KP0FI" target="_blank"><em>Image source</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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A true icon of the season and one of the most delicious things to ever grow on a tree, so long as you enjoy and can (from a medical standpoint) safely eat them, apples deserve a place not just on teachers' desks, but on all of our tables come the sublimely beautiful days of late summer and straight on through to the iciest months of winter. <br />
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Embrace apples, get creative with them, and let them shine for you and your family all throughout fall, when they're truly at their finest in western hemisphere and when no other fruit says autumn quite like this humble, satisfying offering from Mother Nature does. <br />
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<i><b>*PS* </b>Happiest Thanksgiving wishes to all of my fellow Canadians! </i><br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-1172229756489579722016-10-08T05:00:00.000-07:002016-10-08T05:00:19.025-07:00It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown celebrates its 50th anniversary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A little earlier this year, I was doing some Halloween related math in my head (as one does) and it hit me that 2016 would mark the <strong>50th anniversary</strong> of that most beloved of classic All Hallows' Eve related TV cartoon specials:<strong> It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown</strong>.<br />
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<em>{A true delight for youngsters and the young at heart alike, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown - which celebrates its fiftieth birthday this year - may be the most iconic Halloween television cartoon special of all time. <a href="http://conta.cc/2964qDV" target="_blank">Vintage image source</a>.}</em> <br />
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I would venture to guess that most of us in North America, and many in other parts of the world (especially where Halloween is observed to at least some degree), too, have seen this immensely beloved mid-sixties animated cartoon at least once in our lives - if not many, many times.<br />
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I fall into the latter camp and would estimate that I've probably seen It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown upwards of a hundred times (possibly more) at this point. I pretty much know it verbatim, but if anything, that just makes me adore it all the more.<br />
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It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, is a Halloween TV special that first aired on October 27, 1966, on the American station, CBC. It has seen been shown an untold number of times on many different TV channels, particularly in Canada and the US, ever since and has become a truly integral part of the autumn holiday landscape for millions upon millions of people for decades now. <br />
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As the name of this program implies, it stars the Charles M. Schulz’s characters, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang, and centers around Halloween night. <br />
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In an endearingly charming twist on the age old practise of penning notes to Santa Claus, early on we see Linus van Pelt writing his annual letter to a (fictional) character called The Great Pumpkin - in spite of the fact that he is razzed by his peers, including Snoopy, for doing so.<br />
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<em>{Linus, welcome sign in hand, waiting in earnest at a local pumpkin patch for the The Great Pumpkin to appear on Halloween night. Vintage <a href="http://bit.ly/2965w2v" target="_blank">image source</a>.}</em> <br />
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Linus later goes out, accompanied by Charlie Brown's little sister, Lucy (who has a major crush on her brother's BFF), to spend Halloween night in a local pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin to appear, as he believes that "on Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch and flies through the air to bring toys to all the good little children" (again, in a serious nod to Old St. Nick).<br />
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Accompanying this plot line, we see Charlie Brown and his friends don costumes for, then go out, trick-or-treating, before heading over to Violet's house for the "big Halloween party". As well, there is a gorgeously animated (the colouring on the skies always knock my socks off) scene of Snoopy imagining he's WWI flying ace and that his doghouse is his fighter plane.<br />
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<em>{The Peanuts gang, sans Linus and Sally, celebrating at a fun filled Halloween party at their friend Violet's house. Note Snoopy in his cute WWI flying ace costume. Vintage <a href="http://bit.ly/2965PdF" target="_blank">image source</a>.}</em> <br />
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Despite his faith and "sincerity", the Great Pumpkin does not appear as the night wears on and at one point Sally chides Linus over the fact that she wasted her Halloween evening and didn't get to go out for "tricks or treats" with the other kids. <br />
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Ultimately, Linus falls asleep in the pumpkin patch on a chilly autumn night until, at 4:00 AM the next morning, his sister Lucy wakes up, sees that he's not in his bed as he should be, and goes out to bring a very sleepy and chilly Linus into the house.<br />
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The show wraps up with Charlie and Linus discussing the previous evening and Charlie saying that he's done some "stupid things in his life", too, which only gets Linus' goat up all the more, strengthening his faith that The Great Pumpkin will indeed appear the following year after all. <br />
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There is something deeply relatable in Linus' steadfast belief in The Great Pumpkin. Aside from the fact that I think many of wish there was a Santa Claus or Easter Bunny type figure for Halloween, we can relate to Linus' belief that good behaviour and devoted faith (in something that isn't accepted by the mainstream population) will lead to positive rewards in our life. <br />
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Though only 25 minutes long, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown packs so much fun and festive merriment into its modest sized time frame, that for some folks, it almost feels like a full length movie (this point is helped along all the more by the program's terrific musical score, which was preformed by the Vince Guaraldi Sextet). <br />
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<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3bjpr7_it-is-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-1966_tv" target="_blank">It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)</a> </center>
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<em>{With little more than three weeks to go until Halloween arrives again, why not treat yourself to an early viewing of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. </em><a href="http://bit.ly/2969OH6" target="_blank"><em>Video source</em></a><em>.} </em><br />
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There are certain elements without which a given holiday or special occasion just wouldn't feel the same and for me, and countless others, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is one of the things that makes Halloween, well, Halloween in my books. <br />
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It is sweet and iconic, gorgeously illustrated, easy to see yourself in at least one of the characters its stars, and a clear sign - when it appears on TV in mid to late October - that All Hallows Eve, a night of playful mischief and goodhearted fun, is just around the corner again. <br />
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<em>{Snoopy’s appearance at one point in the night leads Linus to temporarily think that The Great Pumpkin has indeed risen out of the pumpkin patch. Alas, such didn’t happen, but that won’t stop Linus from waiting up the following year, hoping that such will finally happen. Vintage <a href="http://bit.ly/28Z9lTq" target="_blank">image source</a>.}</em><br />
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I've truly enjoyed watching this classic Peanuts holiday special for the 32 of the 50 years that it has been around, and am certain, it will continue to be an integral part of my autumn time celebration for the rest of my life.<br />
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Especially since, as I'm sure many others do as well, I've always secretly hoped that Linus was right and that The Great Pumpkin was/is real.<br />
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Who knows...a little faith and a big imagination always make Halloween – much like watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown itself – all the more enjoyable!<br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-51967983648890834802016-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:002016-10-10T21:19:58.522-07:0031 awesome vintage, vintage appropriate, and handmade Halloween jewelry finds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's scarcely a state secret that I love novelty jewelry (see, well, the vast majority of my outfits here over the years :D), and it's probably even less of a surprise to anyone who knows me and my blog that I live for Halloween (seriously).<br />
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When those two passions combine, it's accessorizing bliss in my books! And with the explosion in recent years of independent and smaller sized jewelry lines that cater to those with old school leanings, it's been tremendously exciting to see a slew of sensational Halloween related bijoux hit the (often virtual) shelves as of late.<br />
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Add to the mix genuine vintage pieces that were either designed specifically with Halloween in mind or which can fit the bill in a heartbeat (e.g., bat, spider and autumn leaf themed items) and the modern gal who adores looking to the past for her wardrobe choices is practically spoiled for choice - especially since a lot of these types of items can be had for relatively reasonable rates that don't have to break the bank for most folks.<br />
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So many fantastic options now exist in the vintage inspired/vintage reproduction/cute handmade Halloween jewelry field that it was genuinely hard to cap this list of festively fun finds at "just" 31 different items (one for every day that October houses).<br />
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That I did though, opting for a diverse range of pieces, not a single one of which exceeds $40.00 USD, which means that, hopefully, you can pick up at least one or two of your favourites and still have enough left over to treat yourself to plenty of pumpkin spice lattes this fall. :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>31 awesome vintage, vintage appropriate, </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>and handmade <span style="color: orange;">Halloween</span> jewelry finds </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.</b> </span>From the workshop of wildly talented designer Kirbee Lawler comes this enchantingly beautiful laser cut acrylic brooch depicting a redheaded witch sporting a glittery crescent moon on her pointy black hat. Swoon!!! $27.33 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F476757645%2Fgood-witch-halloween-brooch" target="_blank"><strong>Kirbee Art</strong></a> (it's also available in a fab <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/463266106/wicked-witch-halloween-brooch" target="_blank">green skinned version</a> as well). <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>2.</b> </span>Luxulite designer Katy really goes all out when it comes to her marvelous Halloween creations - much to the unending delight of fall jewelry fans everywhere. In addition to a slew of fabulous brooches, she also offers up festive necklaces and earrings, such as the stylish jack-o-lantern themed demi-parure (you can also purchase just one of the two pieces individually, if so desired) shown here. $34.64 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F466849232%2Fhalloween-collection-mini-pumpkins-1940s" target="_blank"><strong>Luxulite</strong></a>. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3.</span></b> No doubt like many others the world over, my jaw all but hit the ground when I saw Erstwilder's exciting new Halloween jewelry line this year, which includes this deeply cool "Full of Woe?" Wednesday Addams inspired brooch (as well as eight other October 31st perfect offerings). $34.95 AUD from <a href="http://bit.ly/2dmH9zv" target="_blank"><strong>Erstwilder</strong></a>. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">4.</span> </strong>Equally fantastic for Halloween themed outfits and those worn at other times throughout the fall (if not all year 'round, too), this charmingly pretty mid-century vintage orangey-red thermoset plastic autumn leaf necklace is a dazzling piece that can be dressed up or down to your heart's content. $25.00 from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/281125266/fall-perfect-vintage-orange-red-and" target="_blank"><strong>Chronically Vintage</strong></a> on Etsy. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5.</span></b> Whether you prefer the primarily black or the mainly orange version - or adore both equally - these cute laser cute acrylic jack-o-lantern pumpkin dangle earrings with their heart shaped eyes are a definite must for any Halloween jewelry lover. $18.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F202358526%2Fpumpkin-jack-o-lantern-acrylic-earrings" target="_blank"><strong>I'm Your Present</strong></a> (who stock a wide range of Halloween themed jewelry and fashions - I'm also quite partial to their <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F202370757%2Fspider-webs-acrylic-earrings" target="_blank">spider web earrings</a> and <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F206295894%2Ftrick-or-treat-halloween-bunting" target="_blank">trick or treat bunting necklace</a>). <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>6.</b> </span>Rocking an illustration style that instantly calls to mind artwork from turn of the last century Halloween postcards and decorations, this sophisticatedly sweet black enamel and copper hued metal bat pin is the perfect piece to sport on your lapel (or hat, handbag, hairscarf, etc) now and leave on for a dose of spooky fun long after the last jack-o-lantern has been snuffed out for the season. $10.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F467379922%2Fcreature-of-the-night-copper-pin" target="_blank"><strong>Cat Coven</strong></a>. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7. </span></b>What could be more seasonally appropriate - or versatile - than a beautifully sweet stretch bracelet made of smiling jack-o-lantern polymer clay beads and elastic cord? In fact, I'd be tempted to buy multiples and stack them or wear one on each wrist for even more pumpkiny fun! $13.32 from<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F165223064%2Fby-the-shed-pumpkin-bracelet-fruit" target="_blank"><strong>By The Shed</strong></a>. <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>8.</b> </span>From popular French vintage inspired jewelry line Glitter Paradise comes this enticingly lovely black and white Ouija planchette brooch that is sure to appeal one's Halloween adoring spirit (see what I did there? :D). $16.20 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F387628920%2Fouija-planchette" target="_blank"><strong>Glitter Paradise</strong></a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9.</b> </span>Sporting a colour palette that instantly evokes thoughts of fall and Halloween pumpkins, this fun mid-century orange and white polka dot plastic bangle bracelet would look awesome as part of many different costumes and festive ensembles alike. $18.00 from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/245011593/fun-vintage-tangerine-orange-and-white" target="_blank"><strong>Chronically Vintage</strong></a> on Etsy. <br />
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">10.</span></b> Marry your love of all things vintage tiki related with your passion for October 31st care of this splendidly adorable handmade jack-o-lantern pumpkin brooch, which is crafted right here in my own country of Canada. $14.79 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F467394488%2Ftiki-pineapple-jack-o-lantern-halloween" target="_blank"><strong>Back To Betty</strong></a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>11.</b> </span>What has these charming old school style black kitties all agasp? Could it be how amazing you'll look when you rock this fashionable vintage inspired hand painted black resin charm bracelet? (That's also available in a coordinating <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F252969647%2Fnecklace-just-cats-halloween-charm" target="_blank">necklace</a>.) $22.00 - $26.00 (depending on bracelet length) from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F481433491%2Fbracelet-just-cats-halloween-charm" target="_blank"><strong>Charcoal Designs</strong></a>. <br />
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">12.</span></b> From the shop of fellow vintage fan and <a href="http://happy-as-a-lark-designs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">fashion blogger</a>, Laurie Duncan, comes this wonderfully adorable little handmade felt bat face lapel pin (that would look so charming pinned to a hat or snood as well!). $10.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F477069821%2Fbat-lapel-pin-black-and-grey-felt" target="_blank"><strong>Happy As A Lark</strong></a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">13.</span></b> Show off your festive spirit with this cheerful - and appealingly vibrant - black and yellow 1940s inspired Happy Halloween necklace that includes bone shaped beads and a crescent moon name plaque. $26.65 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F461374862%2Fnew-happy-halloween-true-vintage-bone" target="_blank"><strong>Viva La Lux</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F478932715%2Fi-put-a-spell-on-you-eye-of-newt"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/7PimZhL.jpg.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>14.</b> </span>Summer Blue Jewelry's Halloween offerings always knock it out of the ballpark and this off-the-charts cool Eye of Newt Potion Bottle Brooch is certainly no exception. Check it out and then make sure to browse through the rest of this talented jewelry designer's old school inspired Halloween themed creations. $26.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F478932715%2Fi-put-a-spell-on-you-eye-of-newt" target="_blank"><strong>Summer Blue Jewelry</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F472937343%2Fbeetlejuice-brooch-no-feet"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/cOMraec.jpg.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>15.</b> </span>If hearing the words "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice" sets your heart aflutter, may I suggest this wonderfully well priced "No Feet" shrink plastic double ghost brooch inspired directly from Tim Burton's 1980s classic film. $6.34 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F472937343%2Fbeetlejuice-brooch-no-feet" target="_blank"><strong>Sayonara Baby</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/458104786/beautiful-vintage-unsigned-avon-red"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/expmvVy.jpg.jpg" /></a></center>
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">16.</span></b> Hi there, hot stuff! Whether you're looking to channel your inner she devil, an ancient sun/fire goddess, or sport a candle shaped costume for Halloween, these alluringly pretty sparkly red glitter and gold tone metal flame shaped vintage earrings are for you! $12.50 from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/458104786/beautiful-vintage-unsigned-avon-red" target="_blank"><strong>Chronically Vintage</strong></a> on Etsy. <br />
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Z5B7477.jpg.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>17.</b> </span>Seasonally related novelty jewelry abounded in the 1980s and early 90s, and a very decent amount of it is still available in the second hand market today, often for a total song. Case in point this smile inducingly cute bat and pumpkin brooch from the eighties. $6.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F205261684%2F1980s-halloween-bat-and-pumpkin-pin" target="_blank"><strong>The Little Wicked One</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F268168394%2Fthe-ghoulinas-coffin-earrings-1950s"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/dZfnToX.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>18.</b> </span>Cute, kitsch and very fun, these dazzling 1950s inspired confetti lucite coffin shaped earrings are just the thing to sport for an evening stroll through your favourite local graveyard. $19.44 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F268168394%2Fthe-ghoulinas-coffin-earrings-1950s" target="_blank"><strong>Miss Vaudeville</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F476369457%2Fvintage-halloween-pin-up-girl-witch"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/u2cg3B9.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>19.</b> </span>Jazz up the fall time necessity that is layering with some yesteryear pinup girl style when you slip on this stylish sweater guard. $13.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F476369457%2Fvintage-halloween-pin-up-girl-witch" target="_blank"><strong>Abbie's Anchor</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F165998648%2Fhalloween-ring-novelty-ring-pumpkin"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/TATbc3N.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>20.</b> </span>Big, eye-catching and marvelously fun, this generously sized resin ring (embedded with real candy!) stars a smiling jack-o-lantern is sure to be a treat to wear! $15.75 from<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F165998648%2Fhalloween-ring-novelty-ring-pumpkin" target="_blank"><strong>I Sew Cute</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/398660019/fall-perfect-vintage-terracotta-orange"><img src="http://imgur.com/Yv1Uwby.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>21.</b> </span>Fabulous for autumn time now and Canada Day come July, this elegantly pretty c. 1970s - 80s does 1940s/1950s terracotta ceramic bead and gold tone metal maple leaf dangle charm choker necklace is a sophisticated piece that would make for a great addition to any vintage, pinup, rockabilly, boho, goth or modern wardrobe. $16.00 from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/398660019/fall-perfect-vintage-terracotta-orange" target="_blank"><strong>Chronically Vintage</strong></a> on Etsy. <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>22.</b> </span>Decked out with some seriously wonderful mid-century inspired artwork, this attractive hand painted jack-o-lantern themed wooden bangle bracelet is just the thing to wear solo or partner with your favourite fall hued Bakelite pieces. $18.65 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fshop%2FLadyJoBangles">Lady Jo Bangles. </a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>23.</b> </span>Fans of cute enamel pins the world over are sure to squeal (meow) with delight over this adorable little kitty ghost offering, which is clearly a specter that's far more sweet than sinister. $8.00 from<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F462855559%2Fghost-cat-enamel-pin" target="_blank"><strong>Em & Sprout</strong></a>. <br />
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">24.</span></b> Equal parts adorable and eerie, this charming, very vintage looking skeleton dangle brooch is sure to bound a shiver of delight down your spine! $21.98 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F466814630%2Fskeleton-dance-pin-brooch-fakelite" target="_blank"><strong>Mrs Polly's Lucite</strong></a>. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">25.</span></b> Aww! That's what I said when I first laid eyes on this darling glitter resin finger ring. We often associate bunnies with spring, but as this creative piece of handmade jewelry attests, they can work splendidly for All Hallows Eve' as well. $15.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F251092796%2Forange-bat-bunny-bat-ring-bunny-ring" target="_blank"><strong>Hypnotic Sweet Treats</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="https://thebestvintageclothing.com/collections/jewelry/products/vintage-silver-articulated-owl-necklace-turquoise-eyes-1970s"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/J0la7Ma.jpg" height="650" width="650" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>26.</b> </span>Owls and October go together like Halloween and caramel apples, so why not celebrate this festively appropriate avian critter in chic old school style care of an oversized articulated pendant necklace like this 1970s charmer. (Currently on sale at the time of writing for) $29.00 from <a href="https://thebestvintageclothing.com/collections/jewelry/products/vintage-silver-articulated-owl-necklace-turquoise-eyes-1970s" target="_blank"><strong>The Best Vintage Clothing</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/467166914/autumn-perfect-vintage-orange-and-white"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/BZgw4Mv.jpg.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>27.</b> </span>Boasting colours that match the two most common ones seen in Halloween pumpkins these days, this delightful pair of 1950s - 1960s orange and white cluster bead clip-on earrings even somewhat resemble a mound of piled up pumpkins to boot! :) $10.50 from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/467166914/autumn-perfect-vintage-orange-and-white" target="_blank"><strong>Chronically Vintage</strong></a> on Etsy. <br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F463813726%2Fscared-pumpkin-halloween-necklace-xl"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/mWamZYN.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>28.</b> </span>With a very vintage looking style and a seriously cute face, this Scared Pumpkin Necklace is just the statement making piece of jewelry you need to let your love of Halloween shine through in any outfit. $31.97 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F463813726%2Fscared-pumpkin-halloween-necklace-xl" target="_blank"><strong>You Make Me Design</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F399733561%2Fbride-of-frank-brooch"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Mzp9ruo.jpg" /></a></center>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">29.</span></b> Be a total glamour ghoul when you rock this eye-catching twinkly glitter Bride of Frankenstein head shaped brooch that's done up in a nighttime perfect combo of black and gold. $13.00 from <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F399733561%2Fbride-of-frank-brooch" target="_blank"><strong>Poison of Choice</strong></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.bluevelvetvintage.com/Black-Lace-Rose-Choker-Necklace.html"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/BuzYMEr.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">30.</span></b> </span>Enchantingly elegant and perfect for all sorts of Victorian, Edwardian and gothic style looks, this beautiful black floral lace choker necklace is sure to have you swooning nearly to the point of needing a 19th century fainting couch. $10.99 from <a href="https://www.bluevelvetvintage.com/Black-Lace-Rose-Choker-Necklace.html" target="_blank"><strong>Blue Velvet Vintage</strong></a>. <br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2dn55D7"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/y1yfwYw.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>31.</b> </span>What list of vintage inspired, Halloween perfect jewelry would be complete without including one of Creep Heart's magnificent offerings, such as this precious pair of dancing skeleton kitty dangle earrings. $29.95 AUD from <a href="http://bit.ly/2dn55D7" target="_blank"><strong>Creep Heart</strong></a><strong>.</strong> <br />
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<em>{To learn more about a specific item featured in today's post, please click on its image or the link in the text directly below it to be taken to its respective source.}</em> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: medium;">♥</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> ♥</span><span style="color: orange; font-size: medium;"> ♥</span></span></div>
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...Must refrain from buying every single item above! :D Halloween themed jewelry, accessories and fashions one of those "shut up and take my money!" situations for me, and I'm not complaining in the slightest.<br />
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My October 31st approved wardrobe selection has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years in no small part thanks to some of the sources included in today's fun vintage shopping post (many of which offer multiple Halloween themed pieces, so it's definitely worth checking all of their shops out in greater detail). <br />
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I'm sure, too, that as time goes on, I'll continue to buy from more and more brands that I haven't yet shopped from before, while also returning to tried-and-true personal favourites, such as Luxulite, Summer Blue Jewelry, Charcoal Designs, Sayonara Baby, Poison of Choice, and Erstwilder. <br />
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Naturally, though this may go without saying, there are certainly many other incredible brands out there who are making vintage inspired Halloween themed jewelry (and fashions, etc), as well as many more sources of genuine vintage pieces that fall under this header, too.<br />
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Likewise, if a certain maker/company didn't appear here, that definitely doesn't mean that they weren't worthy of inclusion; I simply had to cap this post at a reasonable number of entries and look forward to continuing to feature other brands in future Halloween related posts.<br />
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If one is searching for additional places to shop from, stores and online shops that sell goth and gothabilly jewelry and accessories, are often a stellar spot to check out as well, as many of the offerings from such locations tend to naturally suit Halloween time extremely well. <br />
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I've recently ordered a few new Halloween jewelry items myself and can hardly wait for them to arrive! Some may appear in outfit posts this year and if not, very likely down the road during future spooky seasons. <br />
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I'm really appreciative to all of the brands who sell vintage appropriate Halloween pieces, as well as to the true vintage sellers who list such offerings.<br />
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For those of us who go weak in the knees for Halloween, it is sincerely wonderful to be able to enrich our wardrobes with these kinds of celebratory, beautiful accessories (all of which, if so desired, can of course be sported all throughout the rest of the year, too, especially if your wardrobe has goth-ly inclinations). <br />
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Have you picked up any new vintage or vintage inspired Halloween wearables for yourself this year? Which of the ones highlighted here speak to you the most? What would your ultimate piece Halloween related jewelry look like?<br />
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And last, but certainly not, least, are you as psyched as I am about that fact that October 31st is little more than three weeks away at this point?<br />
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<img align="right" src=" http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/HalloweenversionofmyChronicallyVintageblogpostsignature-1.jpg" /></div>
Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-16523063942616262662016-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:002016-10-05T11:17:35.270-07:00Sporting pink, blue and grey in Golden, BC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outfit details</b> </span><br /><br />C. 1980s does 1940s/1950s blue and pink patterned scarf: Unknown, had for years (probably thrifted) <br />Vintage style creamy white plastic rose stud earrings: Claire's <br />Grey thin knit sweater: RW&Co. <br />C. 1950s/60s pink enamel leaf brooch: Thrifted (Value Village) <br />Vintage plastic bangle bracelets: Assorted sources (probably all thrifted over the years) <br />C. 1950s deadstock heather blue trousers: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USEDHouseofVintage/" target="_blank">Used House of Vintage</a> <br />Blue faux leather skinny belt: eBay <br />Pink "Kelly bag" style purse: Mexx <br />1940s style black oxfords: Thrifted (Salvation Army) <br />Lip colour: MAC Partyline <br />Nail colour: Essie Muchi, Muchi </center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><em>Photography by </em><a href="http://tonycangiano.com/" target="_blank"><em>Tony Cangiano</em></a></span></center>
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<em>(IMO, this particular pose did wildly unflattering things to my left forearm and hand, but I otherwise really liked the snap, so opted to include it here.)</em> <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">♥</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">♥ </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">♥</span></div>
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The temperature was brisk, the wind was out in full force, and the light was that sort of early-in-the-day overcast-ness that makes one squint like the dickens. Sleep hadn't been abundant and I was feeling the physical impact of having prepped and packed for several days before hand (all while recovering from the small hospital procedure I had in mid-August), but my (our) spirits were as high the lofty, evergreen studded hills that surrounded us on that crisp early September morning in <a href="http://www.tourismgolden.com/" target="_blank">Golden, BC</a>. <br />
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En route to our week and a half long trip to Edmonton, Tony (who was still very much in the throes of a bad head + chest cold at the time) and I opted to break up the roughly 12 hour long journey by overnighting in the charming little town of Golden.<br />
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Though we'd both been through it before, neither had spent the night there and we really enjoyed getting to savour several hours in this lovely mountain community. It's located in the Columbia Valley part of the province, which has a rich history pertaining to both the logging and railway industries (and Golden was also the birthplace of vintage actress <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Owens" target="_blank">Patricia Owens</a>).<br />
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Comfort is the name of game when one is dressing for a good sized trip (be it by car - as we were travelling, plane, train, boat, or any other mode of transportation), but that doesn't mean that one need throw style to the wind in the slightest.<br />
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I often opt for trousers or jeans when we travel. Aside from the comfort element (and, frequently, the presence of pocket - always extra useful on a trip), there's a very practical factor involved as well. If, goodness forbid, an emergency situation should ever arise and I'm (we're) forced to either get out our vehicle and walk or stay in the car and try to keep warm, pants could be an invaluable garment choice in either unwanted scenario.<br />
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Thankfully, absolutely nothing of that nature arose for us on this trip, which was smooth sailing (err, driving) all the way both coming and going to Edmonton. <br />
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It was on the morning that we set off for Alberta's capital city that we quickly grabbed these (squinting filled, I know) snaps alongside the majestic Kicking Horse River (you've got to love that name and the vision of early settlers to the area that it invokes) in Golden. <br />
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Aiming, again, to be cozy and at ease in my outfit, I reached for one of an uber tiny number of genuine mid-century vintage pants that I own (most of my trousers and jeans - of which I really don't have many to begin with - are repro). <br />
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I bought these c. 1950s deadstock heather blue trousers last year while in Vancouver and just love them to bits! Yes, they're a tad roomy in the lower abdomen and crotch area, but that's okay, especially when travelling - who wants to wear uber constricting pants while sitting in the car with a seat belt on for hours?<br />
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I felt like a calm, sweet colour palette was in order to compliment the serene landscape, which teems with earthy shades of soft slate, deep green, aged brown, and dusty yellow.<br />
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As such, I partnered these elegant mid-century slacks with a vintage appropriate thin knit sweater, a 1980s does 40s/50s scarf, a blue faux leather skinny belt, a classic Hermès Kelly bag inspired pink handbag from Mexx, a pretty pink mid-century enamel leaf brooch (a node to the stunning nature that abounds in that area, as well as fall's impending return at the time), a wee bit of other jewelry, and a sensible pair of 1940s style black oxford shoes. <br />
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It was a fun (and definitely very comfortable) outfit and one that I sense I may wear again when travelling (as well as around town). The star of the show here, to my mind at least, really is the setting through, which had the most pristinely clean, beautiful mountain air one could ever hope to encounter. <br />
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We were both really happy that we decided to stay overnight in Golden and break up the drive between Penticton and Edmonton, and did so on the way back, too, opting then for Calgary (which is more like 1/4th of the way between the two destinations). <br />
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I adored getting to know this peaceful community better and will not soon forget posing in such an awe inspiring setting before zipping off to explore and enjoy Edmonton for several days. <br />
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If you ever get the chance to visit Golden, I definitely recommend it and hope to overnight there again in the future. <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com74Golden, BC, Canada51.2961188 -116.963136751.2166918 -117.1244982 51.375545800000005 -116.80177520000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-68685271994989162342016-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:002016-10-02T05:00:01.047-07:00A vintage image filled alphabet of fall favourites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My excitement over the fact that we are now, really and truly, into my favourite month of the entire year cannot be contained. I'm buzzing with more energy than if I just ate a semi-trailer truck's worth of the very sweetest Halloween candy (alas, I haven't had a single piece...yet!). <br />
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If you've been following my blog for a while now, a.) thank you immensely and b.) chances are you're well acquainted with how much I go utterly wild for all of autumn. Naturally including the gorgeous month of October, and its crowing glory, All Hallows' Eve, which will greet us again in about four weeks time. <br />
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To celebrate the start of the 10th month of the year - one of, if not often "the" busiest for our family, thanks to numerous events such as Canadian Thanksgiving, multiple family birthdays (including my sister and maternal grandma's), our wedding anniversary (Tony and I will be toasting twelve awesome years together on the 14th), and of course <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/10/the-best-of-chronically-vintage-past.html" target="_blank"><strong>Halloween</strong></a> itself - I recently had the fun idea of listing some of my very favourite elements of the season.<br />
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I wanted to put a different spin on such however, to distinguish it from similar fall/Halloween centered lists, such as <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/10/halloween-just-wouldnt-be-same-to-me.html" target="_blank">this one</a> from 2013, and like a bolt of stormy fall time lightning, the idea struck me recently to do so by presenting such in the form of an alphabet.<br />
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This, in and of itself, tying into the start of the school year last month and the general air of all this academic that fills the early weeks of this season. <br />
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As it's Sunday and most of us are busy enjoying these final days of mild sunshine and accompanying warmth while they're still here, I didn't want this post to be a huge one by any means and have thus opted to list each entry - which speaks for itself, I feel - simply with with its name, a few further words at most, and an accompanying vintage image. <br />
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There are truly countless things to love about fall and this selection of twenty-six entries is the mere tip of the iceberg, but they're some of my perpetual favourites and one that I know are near and dear to many of hearts as well. So without further ado, may I present <strong>an alphabetical look at some of the best elements of fall</strong>.<br />
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>1. <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/09/75-fantastic-apple-recipes-for-fall.html" target="_blank">Apples</a> (especially <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/vintageblog/caramel-and-candy-apple-love/" target="_blank">candy and caramel</a> ones!)</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>2.Bats</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>3. Costume parties</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4. Dinner, Thanksgiving (yum-yum!!!)</strong></span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>5. Eeriness (as in the general sense of mystery that fills the air as Halloween draws near)</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>6. Fall leaves, in all their jewel toned splendor </strong></span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>7. Goblins, ghosts, and ghouls of every sort!</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>8. Harvest time</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>9. (The) Invisible Man</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">10. Jack-o-lanterns </span></strong></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>11. Knits - sweaters, scarves, gloves, you name it!</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>12. Lighting candles on the nights grow longer once more</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>13. (The) Moon - crescent, <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/09/vintage-fashionista-friday-september-20.html" target="_blank">harvest</a>, full, any stage of this gorgeous heavenly element is all the more at home during autumn time</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>14. Nuts - very much including the seasonal gem that is acorns</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">15. (The colour) Orange </span></strong></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>16. Popcorn being transformed into all kinds of sweet and savoury treats (very much including caramel corn and popcorn balls)</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><strong>17. Queuing up on the first day back to school</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>18. (Hay) Rides in the crisp autumn air</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>19. Scarecrows </strong></span></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>20. Trick-or-treating</strong> </span></center>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />21. (Carrying) <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/10/of-halloween-costumes-past.html" target="_blank">UNICEF boxes</a> to collect for charity on Halloween night </b></span></center>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>22. Vampires (and vampire movies) </b></span><b><br /></b></center>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><strong>23. Werewolves (and, likewise werewolf movies) </strong></span></center>
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<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">24. (The e)Xcitement of Halloween! </span></strong></center>
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<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>26. Zombies</strong> </span></center>
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<em>{To learn more about a specific image used in today's post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">♥ </span><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">♥ </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">♥</span></div>
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Which of these autumnal favourites strikes a particular chord with you as well? Are there others that would have take top billing on a list like this of your own? (And, naturally, if you do want to follow my lead and create your own fall favourites alphabet, please, by all means go for it - I'd adore reading your selection as well anytime!)<br />
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In a way, I want to say that this week is like the calm before the storm of epic activity that will unfold throughout the month, but in reality, it's already hopping with excitement, full days, and plenty of festive happenings - and you know, I really wouldn't have it any other way. <br />
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From my earliest childhood memories onward, October has been a busy, exhilarating time of the year and as someone who really loves to focus on family, tradition, and holidays, this month and its festive happenings brings me an endless amount of happiness.<br />
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I hope that it does the same for you as well, no matter what's on your (slice-of-Halloween-cake topped) plate this month, and that you enjoyed this fun alphabet post.<br />
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It's a charming way to roundup some of the elements that one treasures the most about a given season and I'm now, quite literally as I type these very words, wondering if perhaps I should give one a go for winter/Christmastime, too. Definitely let me know in the comments below if you'd be keen to see such here as well.<br />
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My sweet and wonderful friends, from my heart to yours, I wish you each a gorgeous, thrilling and very merry month of October - which I can hardly wait to celebrate again with you from start to spooky costume clad finish! <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-52057683600039411272016-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-30T05:00:00.412-07:00Autumn Perfect 1950s Baked Meatloaf Dumpling Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Meatloaf often gets a bum rap and has been the butt of countless TV and movie jokes and zingers over the decades, yet I firmly maintain that a well made meatloaf is a thing of culinary beauty and immense deliciousness alike.<br />
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My mom made an excellent meatloaf when I was growing up (which I discussed back in this fun 2015 recipe post starring <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/01/a-very-1950s-spin-on-shepherd-pie.html" target="_blank">Crown 'o Gold Meatloaf</a>) and instilled in me a love of this classic dish from a very early age. <br />
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Having already essentially covered a jazzed up traditional version in that post (as well as 2014's <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2014/09/a-hearty-classic-meatloaf-recipe-plus.html" target="_blank">Vegetable Beef Loaf</a>), instead today I thought it would be fun to take a peak at a lovely meatloaf iteration from 1950 that sees this hearty dish transformed into a dinnertime hand pie of sorts.<br />
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There's something both very classic (meat pies having been around for many centuries now) and very mid-twentieth century alike about this super easy, relatively quick recipe.<br />
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From the presentation to the near obligatory inclusion of shortening (which, as I always like to say, you can easily nix in favour of your preferred cooking fat, such as butter, margarine or coconut oil), this is straight up fifties, and yet, at the same time, it wouldn't be out of place served up at many modern restaurants today.<br />
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It might not be as common as the usual "in a pan" style of meatloaf, but chances are, it's every bit as tasty, while also being a superb dish to bring - wonderfully piping hot - to the table now that the a gentle hit of chill is returning to the air and the nights are drawing ever shorter.<br />
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<em>{Elegant enough for a dinner party, but easy enough to serve up any night of the week, this delightful mid-century recipe for Baked Meat Loaf Dumplings is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs fare that’s always a welcome sight once the nippy days of fall roll into town again. 1950s recipe ad via </em><a href="http://bit.ly/1OqWANR" target="_blank"><em>Click America</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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Naturally, you can swap out the beef for any vegetarian/vegan ground meat or meat substitute of your choice. I've been unable to eat beef (or most red meats), due to medical reasons, for over fourteen years, but I haven't let that stop me one iota when it comes to enjoying meatloaf. Instead I simply reach for lean ground chicken or turkey instead.<br />
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If you're a fan of, and can eat such, you could also use ground pork, ham, veal, lamb or venison here instead, too, each of which would no doubt be delicious.<br />
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The filling here is meat and onion centered, which is of course a terrific combination, but you could easily jazz things up further by adding in diced, chopped or mashed veggies of your choice. Green peas and meatloaf go together beautifully, as to peppers and beef, and either would be a really pleasing combination here. <br />
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You could take things one step further still, come to think of it, and include classic mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, carrots, etc) and some (premade) mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a really cool take on an the age old favourites that are cottage and shepherd's pies, respectively.<br />
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Toss in some cheese, with the fillings of your choice, and things might almost veer into calzone territory! As with many recipes, the sky is the limit when it comes to what could be done here and experimenting is certainly one of the great joys of cooking. <br />
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As this 1950s version sits now, it's relatively budget-friendly, and could easily be multiplied to feed larger groups if needed. I suspect, much like classic potpies themselves, that these charming Baked Meatloaf Dumplings would be thoroughly awesome served cold the next day, their flavours having mingled and deepened all the more by that point. <br />
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I'm thrilled that autumn is here once more and our ovens will soon be churning out dish after scrumptious dish of comfort food, holiday eats, and beautiful harvest season recipes, like this 1950s dinner table gem, that will always retain their timeless, comforting appeal. <br />
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The mere thought of such alone has me smiling as widely the jack-o-lanterns we'll soon be carving for Halloween! :)<br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-69380887270476828872016-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:002016-10-05T10:02:17.270-07:00Saying hello to autumn's return with a beautiful retro frock from Dressific<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Outfit details </span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">C. 1930s/1940s black felt and cream faux pearl hat: Unknown, had for many years </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Sparkly gold ribbon bow earrings: Claire's </span><br /><strong style="font-size: large;">Vintage style </strong><a href="http://www.dressific.com/vintage-dresses/Elegant-Me-Floral-Retro-Dress" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank"><strong>Elegant Me Floral Retro</strong></a><strong style="font-size: large;">: c/o Dressific</strong> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;">C. 1960s - 1970s Victorian revival gold tone metal and amber hued plastic bow dangle brooch: Unknown, has for years (probably thrifted from Value Village) </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">C. 1980s does 1950s wide woven black bet: Unknown, has for years (probably thrifted from Value Village) </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">C. 1950s white gloves: Unknown, had for years (possibly a gift) </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Vintage style molded black plastic rose bead stretch bracelet: Thrifted (Value Village) </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Gold tone metal bangle bracelet: Payless </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Mid-century black faux patent leather handbag: </span><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fshop%2FAVintageRevivalLLC" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank">A Vintage Revival</a> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Black seamed nude stockings: eBay </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">1940s style black faux suede round toe pumps: Walmart (which, yes, I was actually wearing here - the tall grass obscured them) </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Lip colour: MAC Partyline </span></center>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><em>Photography by </em><a href="http://tonycangiano.com/" target="_blank"><em>Tony Cangiano</em></a></span></center>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">♥</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">♥ </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">♥</span></div>
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Ooohh, you guys, am I tickled pink about today's vintage outfit post, as it is not only the very first (of several) that happened while on our recent holiday to Edmonton, but it's also the first of this autumn, and it stars one seriously charming vintage appropriate frock from Australia based online retailer <a href="http://www.dressific.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.dressific.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Dressific</strong></a>. <br />
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I'm a huge fan of visiting new-to-me destinations, which Edmonton most certainly was, however one of the challenges of such can be finding locations to shoot in when you don't know much about the town/city and its layout. Add in the often very damp, cold and windy weather that accompanied us throughout our travels this time around and things got even more tricky for us on that front.<br />
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Fortunately though, in this day and age, between smart phones and GPS systems, shoot locations can be found on the fly, and the fenced field (attached to a park) that we took these photos in before it started to pour again late one windy afternoon (so hence the squinting) was just such a spot.<br />
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Earlier in the day we'd been doing a lot of exploring around town, though mostly to shops and downtown areas, few of which would have worked well, IMO, to highlight a retro style dress like this gorgeous offering from <strong><a href="http://www.dressific.com/" target="_blank">Dressific</a> </strong>in.<br />
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I've had the pleasure of working with Dressific as a <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/p/sponsor.html" target="_blank">sidebar sponsor</a> at various points over the years, but this is the first garment that I've received from them and I sincerely want to thank the fine folks at this thriving online retailer for the thoughtful review gift.<br />
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Dressific was launched by fellow vintage fashion adoring gal (and oldest of nine siblings!) Elena Sheen, who had a strong desire to combine what she saw as the best of both vintage and modern fashion, and to then deliver such in an affordable and highly accessible manner.<br />
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While Dressific's offerings are available "off the rack" in a wide range of sizes, awesomely - much like companies such as eShakti, Bow & Drape, and Black Lapel - they also provide a custom fit service, for no additional charge, on some of their special occasion dresses. <br />
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As so many of us fall between sizes or have specific areas that can be tricky to dress in the most flattering way possible, I know that I won't be alone in appreciating and applauding Dressific for offering this option to their customers.<br />
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Dressific is based out of Australia, with fulfillment centers both there and in China. Their listings are frequently updated, reasonably priced (if you signup for their email newsletter, you can ever receive a coupon code that will save you 10% off on your first order, thus making their prices even more inviting), fun and charming - plus, they have a 100% no knockoff garment guarantee, which is incredibly positive and inspiring to see these days. <br />
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I feel that Elena nailed things squarely on the head in terms of marrying old and new sartorial elements, as many of Dressific's products do indeed have the sort of yesteryear styling that instantly appeals to scores of vintage and repro wearers the world over. <br />
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I knew that my Dressific review item would be arriving around the start of the fall, so I opted to select a garment with a cut and colour palette that suited this time of the year really nicely: the <a href="http://www.dressific.com/vintage-dresses/Elegant-Me-Floral-Retro-Dress" target="_blank"><strong>Elegant Me Floral Retro Dress</strong></a>, which currently retails for $74.50 AUD.<br />
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It should be noted that this dress comes with a cute black faux leather and gold tone metal bow skinny belt, however I didn't feel like such was quite what I wanted for the over all scope of the outfit I created around the dress that day, so I went with a different (wider) belt of my own instead.<br />
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This dress is made from a medium weight stretch cotton that has a little bit of sheen to it. Elbow - 3/4 length sleeves (depending on the length and size of your arms), a side zipper, a becoming collar neckline, cute wooden buttons, poufy shoulders, and an eye-catchingly terrific floral pattern in tawny brown, white and black (or is it navy blue – honestly, it looks like both in different lights) add up to one seriously lovely garment.<br />
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Though I found this dress to be a little restrictive in the shoulder and underarm area (a true rarity for me, as I have tiny shoulders and usually garments have way too much excess material in that area for me), that is the only teeny point regarding that fit that arose for me. <br />
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I would note that I'm wearing a size medium here, which fits like a small (or even, these days, sometimes, an XS) in many other brands, so if you're between sizes or want a roomier garment, please keep in mind that this dress' sizing may run a little small and that you might want to size up.<br />
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Dressific provides easy to read size charts for all of their products though, so hopefully by referring to the chart for a given item, you can find the best fit for your body based on the measurements listed (personally I never give a toss about the number on a label, favouring an accurate fit a billion times over!).<br />
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I really like this dress. Its sleeve length makes it a great piece for the brief summer-into-fall weeks, whereas the fitted fabric enables you to easily layer this piece as the temperature plummets further. The fairly full skirt, inclusion of pockets, and arrestingly elegant floral print in a great autumnal colour palette all appeal to me immensely and ensure that this is a dress I'll wear many more times this year and beyond.<br />
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So while this shoot might not show you too much of Edmonton, others that follow will, and the park field here - with its lush green grass - provided a really nice neutral background against which to photograph this stylish, autumn perfect Dressific frock in. Thus making it a background location win in my books. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sV3xVGR9m9E/V9zePt4HDZI/AAAAAAAAG7E/IX-fX7ACwcc/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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<strong>*PS*</strong> I should mention that I'm not blogging the shoots that we did in Edmonton in 100% sequential order and that they'll also be interspersed here and there with other newer shoots, particularly those starting festive fall/Thanksgiving/Halloween related outfits. They will, however, all be blogged and I can hardly wait to keep sharing more about our travels with all of you. <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com74Edmonton, AB, Canada53.544389 -113.4909266999999953.2425465 -114.1363737 53.8462315 -112.84547969999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-41204276808710088532016-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-26T05:00:01.168-07:00Meet Karen LaPorte: Driven businesswoman, talented crafter, and big time vintage lingerie fan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Interestingly, the person - a long-time member of our online community - that I'd originally thought I'd be interviewing for September's edition of <b>Meet a Fellow Vintage Blogger </b>very recently opted to retire from vintage blogging and also from wearing yesteryear styles on a regular basis. <br />
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Much like the seasons themselves, people and their interest change and while I will sincerely miss this individual's presence in our midst, I'm happy that she has a clear vision of where she wants to take her wardrobe, blogging and life in general going forward from here, and wish her nothing but the best on all fronts.<br />
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It would have been a lot of fun to chat with that person, but it is every single bit as much so to sit down and have an awesome public tête-à-tête with none other than the very sweet, very talented <b>Karen LaPorte </b>(pictured below) from the engaging vintage blog <a href="http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/blog/" target="_blank"><b>Bobbins & Bombshells</b></a>, which has been online for an impressive eight years now.<br />
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In addition to her blog, Karen also runs a beautiful Etsy shop, which she stocks not only with covetable vintage items, but also with her own line of handmade products, such as the darling hand crocheted fingerless gloves that I featured in an <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/03/bobbins-bombshells-fingerless-gloves.html" target="_blank">outfit post</a> here last winter.<br />
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Karen is a great lady. I've had the pleasure of knowing her through her blog for many years now and, in more recent times, we've developed a lovely online friendship along the way.<br />
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Smart, motivated, creative, caring, warmhearted, and a pleasure to interact with, this terrific lady was kind enough to step in on a moment's notice and be this month's Vintage Blogger interviewee.<br />
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I'm thrilled that she was keen to do so and am equally excited that she wanted to share so much about herself and her interests here with all of you. I just know you'll adore Karen - as well as her <a href="http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/blog/" target="_blank">blog</a> and <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2Fbobbinsnbombshells" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> - as much as I do! <br />
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Read on to hear more about Karen overcame a serious injury to keep her love of crafting alive, what old school lingerie items she thinks need to make a major comeback, her passion for yoga, and so much more!<br />
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<strong>Thank you very much for chatting with us here today, Karen. For those who may not have encountered your terrific blog, <a href="http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/blog/" target="_blank">Bobbins & Bombshells</a> before, can you please tell us a bit about when it started, the story behind its name, and some of the topics that it covers?</strong> <br />
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It's my pleasure! Thanks for having me! There's a bit of history related to how I started my blog. I owned a brick and mortar boutique in Brooklyn called Ouvrez La Porte from 2003 - 2008. I sold handmade factory-free indie designer lines, including my own with the same name of the shop, and vintage items. <br />
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Prior to that I worked on Seventh Avenue. I always loved the craft of fashion and became a little discouraged when production started heavily leaving NYC and going overseas. Fashion was going in a faster direction and designers started having to compete with H&M and Forever 21 etc. <br />
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As a designer (I earned my BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons), naturally I wanted my own line, but I also wanted a place to sell to and soon became connected with other designers from around the country who were like-minded on this front. It was - and still is - a great community and I was happy to have a place where they could sell their wares.<br />
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When I closed my shop in 2008, my blog was born, as I couldn't entirely let go. Bobbins refers to Handmade or the craft of fashion and Bombshells refers to Vintage such as Hollywood starlets and pinups. I wanted to stay in that community and stay connected with slow fashion and vintage. <br />
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A whole blogging world opened up for me as I met even more creative and vintage inspiring individuals. Topics included Fashion History- which I'm still crazy about, Retro Looks in the Modern World, My Projects- where I share my sewing and knitting projects, Shop News, Inspirations, and more!<br />
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<strong>You mesh crafting with vintage and your deeply rooted passion for yesteryear underpinnings. Did this engaging mix come about organically or was there a conscious decision to make each of those elements a part of your blog?</strong> <br />
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It's very organic, I can't even imagine anything else. If I look back to my childhood I was always crafting. I grew up in Maine and spent many winter days and nights doing some sort of craft or another by the wood stove. I also grew up in hand-me-downs from my older sisters and hand knit mittens and hats that my mom would make us. <br />
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It was the 70s and my mother was very resourceful. As a teen, I discovered real vintage clothing. Both of my grandmothers passed away in my teenage years and I remember getting bits of costume jewelry and old photographs that they had owned. This had a huge impact on me. I was a very sentimental child and loved looking at what people wore or did in the past. <br />
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My mom also introduced me to old movies, she loved Hitchcock. I devoured the fashion while watching those movies with her. Me and one of my sisters would save our babysitting money and buy vintage clothing when we could. We reveled in dressing unique and having things you couldn't find at the mall. <br />
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In my designer days, after college, I was always inspired by lingerie, especially vintage lingerie. The trims, the laces, the attention to detail gets me every time. With modern manufacturing you can't recreate some of the details that were available then, at least not a price point that can come even close to affordable! So buying vintage was my ticket to not only that workmanship but also a unique piece. This really directed my style. None of this has changed for me.<br />
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<strong>On top of blogging, you also extend your love of vintage in the online world to your wonderful <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2Fbobbinsnbombshells" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> (also called Bobbins and Bombshells). What inspired you to launch B&B on Etsy? </strong><br />
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Thank you. Yes, well it didn't start out as Bobbins and Bombshells on Etsy. At first I opened The Sparkling Cocktail in 2008. After I closed my bricks and mortar shop, I had merchandise to move from my line, which was mostly silk charmeuse and lace (see the lingerie influence!) cocktail party wear! I also sold some trims and notions, things of that nature. <br />
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As well, I started to make handmade bridal garters because I had so much lace trim and elastic left over. Bridal accessories are really fun to make and didn't take up a lot of space in my tiny NYC apartment. So that store was handmade oriented.<br />
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I also opened another Etsy shop called Femme Fatale Vintage, where I sold some vintage merchandise that I had. Even though I had a B&M store combining both, I didn't think about combining both on Etsy - as so few people did, or do, save for re-fashioners. <br />
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I had two Etsy shops, which for me was hard to run. A year later in late 2009, I had a horrible accident and injured my right hand severely. I was in occupational therapy for a year to gain the use of my hand back. Needless to say, my Etsy shops sat there for awhile. <br />
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After I recovered, I had to get a job with a salary to make up for being out of work for a year. I got a job managing a lingerie store in Manhattan and as a result Etsy and my blog became a hobby. Not having a lot of time, I put more energy into my blog.<br />
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A bit over a year ago, I got the itch to put more energy into the shop side of things again. I had already closed Femme Fatale Vintage and put some of the leftover vintage items in The Sparkling Cocktail. I then decided to change the name of the store to match the blog, because it really sums up what I'm about. <br />
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I created my website <a href="http://bobbinsandbombshells.com/" target="_blank">Bobbinsandbombshells.com </a>and moved the blog over from the Blogger platform so that everything would be all together. Even though I was working full time crazy hours - now as the Regional Manager at that lingerie company, I knew I had to get back to my core. <br />
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That is how Bobbins and Bombshells launched on Etsy. I'm a firm believer in not giving up and directing your energy where you want it to come back to you. You never know what that road will look like, but I'm still connected to what makes me happiest! <br />
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<strong>You are such a strong, resilient woman who has done amazingly in the face of dealing with such a challenging injury. As you’ve been there (on Etsy) for a while now, what have you found to be some of the most surprising things about being a part of a big community marketplace site like that? </strong><br />
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I absolutely love being in this community. When I had my boutique, Etsy wasn't a "thing" yet - or it was in it's early "felt years". Now, it's filled with so much inspiration and the very thing I loved being connected to when I had my store. I've sold great things to great people. <br />
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I can also really focus on my store, as I don't have to worry about servers and too much tech stuff. It's been wonderful to see the handmade and vintage world grow! Etsy even has a wholesale division now. That would have been a dream for me when I was a Brooklyn store owner! <br />
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<strong>Looking back, is there anything you wish you would have done differently with your Etsy shop?</strong> <br />
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I wish I kept my true vision at the start and combined things like I do now in it's Bobbins and Bombshells reincarnation. But sometimes you have to try many paths to find the one you were on all along. Sometimes, I find myself wondering if I should, say, open another store just for my handmade knits, and then I tell myself to be quiet. I'd rather have one store with twenty things in it, then two with ten a piece in them.<br />
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I'd also rather have my store reflect myself. I don't only live in vintage, I love quality handmade items too. Why can't we get that in one shop? In the blogging world, it is not as divided as it can be on Etsy. Most of my vintage blogging/wearing friends sew and knit! <br />
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<strong>Any advice you’d like to share with those who may be looking to combine both handmade items and genuine vintage finds in their own online shop? </strong><br />
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Go for it! Share your passions! The one thing I think people confuse the most is assuming that the vintage is re-worked or re-fashioned. So be clear about what you are selling. I'm not into refashioning vintage items, I don't even change a hem! I love true vintage and true handmade! <br />
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<strong>Speaking of handmade creations, please tell us more about the beautiful creations (including your awesome fingerless gloves) that you make and sell in your shop? </strong><br />
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The two areas of handmade are the bridal accessories mentioned before (see examples in the photo above) and handmade knits.<br />
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As I start giving myself more time for my shop, I'd love to expand these categories. Handmade knits are my new love. I taught myself how to knit and crochet in 2008. I had to re-learn in 2010 while hand was recovering from my accident. I now can't stop knitting! <br />
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I started selling some fingerless gloves to keep yarn money coming in. Now, I actually am creating new items each season and sell my knits on Etsy Wholesale as well as in the shop. I currently have three series of fingerless glove styles; Lady Bows (which you so gracefully shared in a wardrobe post!), Miss Sailorettte, and the Tweed & Heather Cables.<br />
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This fall, I'm debuting a cowl and a pompom toque! They may be in the shop by the time this post is published! <br />
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<strong>Do you currently sell online only through Etsy or can folks purchase your wares (vintage and/or handmade) elsewhere, too? </strong><br />
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Online is Etsy only at the moment. The shop link on my site directs to Etsy. This Fall, I will be starting to sell at local markets and bazaars which I am really excited about! And a selection of my handmade knits will be in a new shop in Three Oaks, MI called Goods + Heroes that is opening in November! I'm honored and thrilled!<br />
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<strong>You’re a passionate fan of yesteryear lingerie and sleepwear. What are some of your favourite types of such garments?</strong><br />
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I love it all, but slips and nightgowns are my favorites as they fit the best! For me it's really the details that make it all so special. 1930's bias gowns, 50's and 60's peignoir sets, 20's tap pants.... bows, lace, lace bows...love it all! <br />
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<strong>Is there an old school underpinning or nighttime piece that you wish was still much more commonplace these days? </strong><br />
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The bed jacket! I love to sit and read in bed. Who wants their shoulders to get cold? Also, we should really bring back the word peignoir. I love a floaty full length peignoir with matching nightgown worn with boudoir slippers! <br />
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<strong>Have you ever considered launching your own line of vintage reproduction (or more contemporary, as so desired) lingerie and/or sleepwear? </strong><br />
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Great question. Having worked in lingerie industry for the past six years, I know some wonderful lingerie designers. I would love to collaborate on a vintage inspired line! Absolutely! However, I also love slow fashion and would need to find a way to balance the manufacturing process. <br />
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This is the area that makes it very difficult for designers starting out. The fashion industry has changed a lot. I must say that What Katie Did and Dita Von Teese are great collections! I'm a huge DVT lingerie fan! <br />
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<strong>Do you have a large collection of such yourself? </strong><br />
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My lingerie collection is sizable - both modern and vintage. It's crazy addiction! Any favourite pieces you’d like to tell us about? I must say, my vintage boudoir slippers were a holy grail purchase for me! I'm a size 10 and never thought I'd find a pair my size. <br />
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<strong>Are there any – aside from your own, naturally - vintage related lingerie blogs and/or websites that you’d recommend for those who are wanting to learn more about this topic?</strong> <br />
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<a href="http://www.thelingerieaddict.com/" target="_blank">The Lingerie Addict</a> is great because Cora covers everything- reviews, sales, body image, trade news, and vintage.<a href="http://aslipofagirl.net/" target="_blank">A Slip of a Girl</a> is a great resource for vintage lingerie. She has featured a few of my pieces and finds some great finds! <br />
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<strong>And by the same token, any books or magazines (vintage or modern) that you’re recommend for fellow vintage lingerie/sleepwear fans? </strong><br />
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Honestly, I don't own any lingerie specific books- but that doesn't mean there aren't any great ones out there to be had. Keep an eye out for museum shows. There was a great one at FIT a couple of years ago. I also love to find vintage lingerie ads on Pinterest. They can tell you so much!<br />
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<strong>To my mind, perfume and lingerie are often highly intertwined. Do you feel this way as well and has perfume/scent played a role in your own vintage fashion journey so far? </strong><br />
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When it comes to perfume, I'm a classic French perfume kind of girl. I wear Chanel's Coco and Coco Mademoiselle. Perfume is a huge world that I can't say I've fully entered into. But it is the second thing I put on I every morning. Lingerie, then perfume! <br />
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<strong>Do you wear vintage on a regular basis yourself? </strong><br />
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Yes, but not head-to-toe and not everyday. My summer wardrobe is filled with vintage dresses and purses, which I love. In the winter, it's mostly beaded cardigans, vintage coats, and holiday dresses. I also wear handmade clothes, too. <br />
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I've been trying to amp up my wardrobe with my own projects. Mostly from vintage patterns which is really fun! I really admire the vintage bloggers, such as yourself, that make the time and effort to share outfits of the day! I'm lucky to get to share a handmade skirt! <br />
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<strong>How would you describe your current style? What decades are you (presently) most drawn towards when it comes to your own wardrobe?</strong> <br />
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I'm eclectic mixing modern with vintage and not dedicated to one era. I really love to mix things up and I hate rules. I would say I lean the most towards 1960s Riviera and French New Wave styles.<br />
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I have a Pinterest board that is called <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/bobbinbombshell/le-cin%C3%A9/" target="_blank">Le Ciné</a>, it's filled with images of Anna Karina, Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve etc. I love that look and always return to it!<br />
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<strong>Five fun, quick facts that folks online may not know about you?</strong> <br />
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1. I've been married to my husband for 5 years! <br />
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2. I got married at age 39 and couldn't be happier. <br />
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3. I have just completed my 200-hour yoga teaching training and am now a teacher! <br />
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4. I have lived exactly half my life in Maine and half in New York City. 22 years each! <br />
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5. If you follow my personal IG (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bobbinbombshell/" target="_blank">@bobbinbombshell</a>) you might know that I love to travel. I caught the travel bug when I was 12. My family went on a cross country road trip from Maine to Oregon and back. We drove in a van with my Mom, Dad, 2 Grandmothers and 2 of my 3 sisters. It was a blast! <br />
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<strong>When not crafting, blogging, sourcing and selling vintage, what might folks find you doing in your downtime? </strong><br />
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Yoga and meditation. Enjoying a glass of wine with my friends. I also love to cook and bake! <br />
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<strong>Granted it’s only late September, but as we look ahead to 2017, do you have any new and exciting plans in the works for B&B for next year that you can share with us? </strong><br />
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Well, I've dedicated this past summer to laying the foundation for what I hope will continue to prosper and grow!<br />
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On the <a href="http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/blog/" target="_blank">blog</a>, I will continue to have educational posts on fashion history with the Fashionable History and Label Love series. I love to share knowledge and hope it inspires young vintage collectors and designers! I will be resurrecting My Vintage Vanity series late this fall to include inquiries into my vintage loving friend's closets and furniture favorites!<br />
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I also hope to find more time to complete sewing and knitting projects for myself to share in My Projects series. I will also be sharing Tips & Tutorials and am hoping to include some free knitting patterns!<br />
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I've started a newsletter (you can signup on my <a href="http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/about/" target="_blank">About page</a>) that will keep you updated on all my postings and events - plus it offers a discount to my <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2Fbobbinsnbombshells" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>! <br />
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In the shop, I have expanded into vintage designer clothing and accessories, too. Some current labels that I have in listings for include Valentino, Bill Blass, and Courreges - to name a few. And finally, I hope to expand my handmade offerings with new styles and reach more stores with my wholesale division. <br />
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<strong>And last, but certainly not least, what’s currently on your needles as we head into fall and winter?</strong> <br />
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I have two projects in rotation. One for a personal project- working on a sweater for myself! And the other is work- Tweed Cables for my wholesale order! </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Connect with Karen on the following sites: </span></strong></div>
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<b>(3 different Instagram accounts to enjoy) </b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bobbinsandbombshells/" style="font-weight: bold;">Business</a> <strong>| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bobbinbombshell/">P</a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bobbinbombshell/">ersonal</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bobbinbombshellknits/">Crafting related</a></strong></div>
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<strong>Meet the past interviewees who have taken part in this delightful ongoing post series:</strong></div>
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February 2015: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/02/embracing-controversy-getting-real.html" target="_blank"><b>Emileigh</b></a> | March 2015: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/03/super-stylish-uk-vintage-gal-cici-kicks.html" target="_blank"><b>CiCi</b></a> | April 2015: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/04/meet-fellow-vintage-blogger-helen-mae.html" target="_blank"><b>Helen Mae</b></a> | May 2015: <b><a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/05/meet-fellow-vintage-blogger-esther.html" target="_blank">Esther</a> </b>| June 2015: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/06/meet-fellow-vintage-blogger-ultra.html" target="_blank"><b>Ms. Falcon</b></a> | July 2015: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/07/meet-fellow-vintage-blogger-ghost.html" target="_blank"><b>Jessie</b></a>, and <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/07/meet-two-fellow-bloggers-vintage-power.html" target="_blank"><b>Laurence & Sylvain</b></a> | August 2015: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/08/meet-fellow-vintage-blogger-old-school.html" target="_blank"><b>Holly</b></a> | September 2015: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/09/meet-fellow-vintage-blogger-art-deco.html" target="_blank"><b>Rhia</b></a> | October 2015: <b><a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/10/meet-franny-passionate-halloween-loving.html" target="_blank">Franny</a> </b>| November 2015: <b><a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/11/meet-emily-from-emily-vintage-visions.html" target="_blank">Emily</a> </b>| December 2015: <b><a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/12/meet-porcelina-beautiful-uk-vintage.html" target="_blank">Porcelina</a> </b>| January 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/01/meet-nora-powerfully-stylish-vintage.html"><b>Nora</b></a> | February 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/02/meet-kate-dutcher-stylish-jazz-age.html" target="_blank"><b>Kate</b></a> | March 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/03/meet-carla-cosplay-adoring-mid-century.html" target="_blank"><b>Carla</b></a> | April 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/04/meet-jessica-ebacher-feminist-dynamic.html" target="_blank"><b>Jessica E.</b></a> | May 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/05/meet-skye-passionate-writer-devoted.html" target="_blank"><b>Skye</b></a> | June 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/06/meet-kate-em-british-vintage-blogger.html" target="_blank"><b>Kate-Em</b></a> | July 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/07/meet-janey-disney-and-southwestern.html" target="_blank"><strong>Janey</strong></a> | August 2016: <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/08/meet-nella-french-alt-and-vintage-model.html" target="_blank"><strong>Nella</strong></a><strong> </strong><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">♥ ♥ ♥</span></div>
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Thank you very much for this fantastic interview, Karen. It was a joy getting to know you better and to discover more points that we have in common (from a love of bed jackets to adoring the act of meditation). <br />
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Karen really is a gem of a person and her blog is a must read for anyone with an interest in early to mid-twentieth century fashion - lingerie very much included. I highly encourage you to add <a href="http://www.bobbinsandbombshells.com/blog/" target="_blank">Bobbins & Bombshells</a> to your feed on the double - you'll have a blast following this charming blog.<br />
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Next up, as we embrace the return of my all-time favourite month (October), we'll be earning some more frequent flyer miles as we board Air Vintage for a lovely jaunt back to the UK.<br />
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Once there, we're sit down and talk with a highly knowledgeable vintage fashion blogger who has a particular penchant for beautiful jewelry, classic scarves, a great lipstick, and a well organized dressing table. You won't want to miss it, so be sure to watch this spot for that interview towards the end of next month.<br />
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And speaking of months wrapping up, it's hard to believe that September is nearly over. What a full and exciting month it has been on this end - in no small part because of our twelve day trip to <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/09/returning-home-today.html" target="_blank">Edmonton</a>.<br />
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Before we wave goodbye to September entirely though, I'll be sharing a couple more posts (including the first one here with outfit snaps from Edmonton) and then we'll progress quickly into an exciting string of fall, Canadian Thanksgiving, and Halloween related entries, coupled with the usual assortment of outfit and other types of posts here. <br />
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It's going to be spooktacularily fun!!! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5nxL-j0lWFA/V-QGsoPN6hI/AAAAAAAAG8U/Hk4IfgLcTtc/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-32334947160661406122016-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-25T11:59:32.303-07:00Answering the I ♥ Fall Tag (because I epicly do!!!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As many of you may have gathered by now, I absolutely adore answering tags, be they here in written form or over on my (very sporadically) updated <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ChronicallyVintage" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. I like to keep things interesting and don't post tags here all that often, but aim for at least a couple a year.<br />
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Sometimes folks will kindly tap me to answer specific tags that they're playing along with, at others I'll discover them independently myself and feel a desire to answer the questions they pose. <br />
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Though occasionally tags (such as <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/02/100-questions-to-inspire-rapid-self.html" target="_blank">100 Questions to Inspire Rapid Self-Discovery</a>) get in-depth and personal, most are just plain fun. As well, I find them to be an excellent partner for the weekend, when few of us have the time or burning desire to delve into lengthy and/or heavy posts.<br />
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<em><em>{Pure, unbridled elation fills my heart and sets me to throwing my hands up in cheer the moment fall rounds the bend again!}</em></em><br />
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Today, on the very first Friday of my absolute favourite season of the whole year, I though I'd take a stab at answering the <strong>I ♥ Fall Tag</strong>, which has been floating around the web in various iterations for at least four years, if not longer. <br />
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This tag is speedy, easy, and totally enjoyable - so I highly encourage all those for whom it also resonates with to play along as well (please be sure to leave a comment with a link to your own post or video, if you do, so that I can delight in reading/hearing your replies, too).<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #783f04;">I </span><span style="color: orange;">♥</span><span style="color: #783f04;"> Fall </span><span style="color: orange;">Tag</span><span style="color: #783f04;"> Questions</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1. </span>Favourite fall lip product?</strong> My trusty tube of <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2014/01/you-asked-tell-me-more-about-your.html" target="_blank">MAC Diva lipstick</a>. It's the perfect vampy, blackberry juice hued colour to compliment so many of autumn's muted and jewel toned ensembles (not to mention, all things black and mysterious looking, too!). <br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">2.</span> Favourite fall nail polish?</strong> There are sooo many that I love! Narrowing it down to a single choice is not easy, but if I must pick just one, I'll have to go with the wildly beloved modern day classic, Lincoln Park After Dark from OPI (which, perhaps not all that surprisingly or coincidentally, is quite similar in hue to my lipstick choice above).<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">3.</span> Favourite time of the day during fall?</strong> It's a two-way tie for me between the (truly!) golden hour and dusk, when the heavens takes on the inky, marbled look of the illustrated skies in that most awesome of Halloween classics, <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2009/10/its-great-pumpkin-chronically-vintage.html" target="_blank">It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown</a>. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">4. </span>Favourite fall candle?</strong> Back in 2014, when Target still existed in Canada, Tony and I picked up one of their Limited Edition brand Pumpkin Cheesecake candles that is so incredibly delicious scented, we not only haven't actually lit it yet, but we keep it out on a tiny shelf in our kitchen - where it gently perfumes the air - all year long. That one takes the (cheese)cake for me in this camp. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">5. </span>Favourite fall accessory?</strong> Any sort of vintage or vintage inspired autumn jewelry, especially if it stars maple leaves and/or pumpkins (such as this elegant antique amber and sterling silver brooch that is available in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/287705053/32-off-flash-sale-beautiful-antique?ga_search_query=leaf" target="_blank"><strong>Etsy shop</strong></a>). <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>6. </b></span><b>Haunted house or fun fall hayride?</b> Both, pretty please! But, if I could only pick one, haunted house all the way! I love experiencing safe thrills and chills comes October. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">7. </span>Favourite Halloween movie?</strong> Hands down, no questions asked, for all of time, Disney's 1993 gem of a film, Hocus Pocus. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">8. </span>Favourite sweet treat to eat come Halloween night?</strong> Definitely handmade <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/10/three-sweet-and-scrumptious-vintage.html" target="_blank">caramel apples</a>, which I whip up a big batch for each All Hallows Eve (because, as we all know, calories don't count on October 31st! ;D). <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">9.</span> Have you picked your Halloween costume for this year yet?</strong> I have indeed, but I'm not telling anyone (but my darling husband) what it is! :) I always save my reveal until the big night it itself and even like to surprise my parents with my costume choice. <br />
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<b>Edit: </b><i>When I penned this post recently, I thought I'd hit on my costume for this year, but now, I'm not as sure and am quite 50/50 between two (one of which I wore in a past year, but didn't share here yet). No matter what I go with, I'll be posting about it in November. </i><br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">10. </span>What is your favourite thing about fall?</strong> Everything!!! In particular though, I adore how the season exquisitely marries light and dark in so many different ways, the stunning fall leaves, autumnal foods, and the various elements that I highlighted here back in a 2014 post called <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2014/10/5-things-about-halloween-that-make-me.html" target="_blank">5 things about Halloween That Make Me Disproportionately Happy</a>. <br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">♥</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: orange;">♥</span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> ♥</span></div>
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There are scarcely words enough in the languages of the world to even come close to adequately describing my elation over fall's return. While I will miss summer's powerful heat (and generally very outdoor photo shoot conducive weather), this season is so entwined in my soul that I always forgive it instantly for sending its predecessor packing.<br />
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From the fact that autumn has always felt like the true new year for me (as touched on previously in posts such as <a href="olderhttp://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/09/another-autumn-older.html" target="_blank">this one</a>) to the sublime colours that Mother Nature drapes herself in to my most beloved of holidays, <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/10/the-best-of-chronically-vintage-past.html" target="_blank">Halloween</a> to, yes, really and truly, pumpkin spice everything, no other time of the year makes me quite as content, gleeful as autumn does.<br />
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Naturally, this leads me to want to "blog (and wear) all the fall things", so you can bank on a fun bevy of seasonal posts here as each week and month of this fall progresses.<br />
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Such will include scrumptious harvest fare, All Hallows Eve themed entries, cold weather styling ideas, and plenty of vintage and handmade autumn perfect finds. In fact, you could say that season is going to be as rich in fall related posts as a mug of warm apple cider is in gorgeous spiced aroma!<br />
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Here's to a brilliant, beautiful, and exciting (not to mention, playfully spooky) autumn for all of us!<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: orange; font-size: large;">*PS* Have you heard? There's two times the giveaway fun going on right now!</span></b><br />
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Here on Chronically Vintage, I've teamed up with <b>Wise Apple Vintage </b>this week to offer one lucky winner the chance to take home a <b>$75.00 USD store credit to their awesome online vintage decor and collectibles shop</b>. Enter that giveaway on <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/09/giveaway-enter-to-win-7500-store-credit.html" target="_blank"><b>this post.</b></a><br />
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And over the blog of my lovely friends the <b>Boyer Sisters</b>, I myself am giving away a <b>$75.00 store credit for my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChronicallyVintage" target="_blank">Etsy vintage shop</a></b>, as well as offering a limited time <b>coupon code there for 25% off</b> <b>on everything in my store</b> between September 21st and October 10th. Pop on over to <b><a href="http://boyersisters.com/2016/09/end-summer-giveaway-chronically-vintage/" target="_blank">their blog</a> f</b>or your chance enter and to avail of this deep discount when you shop Chronically Vintage on Etsy.<br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-59332577512959816192016-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-21T05:00:16.753-07:00Taking part in the Sisterhood of the Travelling Vintage Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outfit details</b> </span><br /><br />1950s cream lace platter hat: eBay <br />Mauve hued pearl stud earrings: Claire's <br />Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥ <br />Vintage gold tone metal fountain pen shaped brooch: Unknown, had for years (probably thrifted or from eBay) <br />Mid-century leaf print dress: <a href="http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/2014/07/sisterhood-of-traveling-dress-vintage.html" target="_blank"><b>The Sisterhood of the Travelling Dress</b></a> launched by Joanna from Dividing Vintage Moments <br />Gold tone faux leather skinny belt: eBay <br />Brown fitted cotton blazer: Thrifted (Value Village) <br />Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore <br />C. 1940s yellow-green hued gloves: Unknown, had for years <br />C. 1950s/1960s woven straw clutch handbag: Unknown, had for years (likely Value Village) <br />Nude seamed nude stockings: eBay <br />1940s style round toe brown faux leather pumps: Walmart <br />Lipstick: Clinique Raspberry Glace <br /><br /><br /><em>Photography by </em><a href="http://tonycangiano.com/" target="_blank"><em>Tony Cangiano</em></a> </center>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">♥ </span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">♥</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">♥</span></div>
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Several months ago now, when 2016 was a young, fresh faced new year, I had the great pleasure of taking part in Australian milliner + vintage <a href="http://tanithrowan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a> Tanith Rowan's exciting <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/03/the-travelling-hat-visits-penticton.html" target="_blank">Travelling Hat</a> project. More recently, I've equally enjoyed getting to spend some time with The Travelling Dress.<br />
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For those who may not have heard about the <a href="http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/2014/07/sisterhood-of-traveling-dress-vintage.html" target="_blank"><strong>Sisterhood of the Travelling Dress</strong></a> yet, this was a similar project that my dear online friend Joanna from the blog <a href="http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dividing Vintage Moments</a> launched back in 2014. <br />
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The premise being that a genuine mid-century vintage dress would hop around the world from one vintage blogger/social media user to another before, ultimately, being part of a raffle giveaway that Joanna plans to hold for it in the near future.<br />
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It is my understanding that I'm the last participant to spend time with the dress and I must say, I feel really touched about that fact. This dress traversed the globe, visiting wearers in numerous countries on at least three continents.<br />
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Each woman put her own unique, wonderful sartorial spin on the garment, with looks spanning the more casual to the deeply sophisticated. Some ensembles suited daytime and others were ready for even the most swanky of cocktail parties. <br />
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Every one of the looks, I believe, reflected the woman beneath the dress and was a beautiful way to witness not only the participants' sense of style, but the also their personalities as well. <br />
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Just as I did with the Travelling Hat, I bonded with the Travelling Dress big time. When it reached my doorstep, it was in need of some freshening up, so (after getting Joanna's okay to do so) I gave it a gentle hand washing and air drying. <br />
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I thought long and hard about the outfit that I wanted to sculpt around it, ultimately letting both the dress itself and the current season dictate the stylistic direction that I took it in.<br />
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The photos that you see here were captured very shortly before our recent trip to Edmonton (and, indeed, were the most recent outfit snaps we grabbed before heading off on holiday). They were taken at one of just a teeny, tiny handful of publicly accessible historical houses/buildings in the Southern Okanagan: <a href="http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/community/amenities/leir-house-cultural-centre.html" target="_blank">The Leir House</a>, which is located just a stone's throw away from our home here in Penticton.<br />
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In late August, when we did this shoot, the seasons were just starting to change hands. The days were growing a little cooler (though, after the uber rainy summer that we experienced this time around, such wasn't quite as stark a change as usual) and the ability to layer clothing without melting faster than a Popsicle dropped on a hot sidewalk in July was immerging once again.<br />
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A true vintage frock like this - with its eye-catchingly pretty leaf/fan print - felt as though it needed an equally classic ensemble to go with it, so for my time with the Travelling Dress, I chose to take things in a direction that would have been nicely at home throughout much of both of the 1940s and 1950s. <br />
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Out came a mid-century stiffened lace platter hat, a vintage appropriate fitted brown blazer, a vintage straw clutch, a great pair of c. 1940s greeny-yellow hued gloves, a small assortment of jewelry, and a pair of 1940s style contemporary brown faux leather pumps. <br />
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The dress, as well as the setting itself, were the stars of the show this time around and I didn't want other elements of my look competing with them. Instead, much like the natural process of summer melding into autumn, I wanted things to be harmonious and appealing.<br />
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Pined to the collar of both the dress and the blazer, you'll notice a gold tone metal vintage brooch in the shape of a classic fountain pen. I gave particular thought to the brooch that I wanted to team with this dream, and ultimately selected this one because I felt that it was a very apt representation for the fact that I, like all those who have spent time with this dress, have had the joy of writing a chapter in the history of this garment's life.<br />
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Projects like the Travelling Hat and Joanna's beautiful Sisterhood of the Travelling Dress not only connect fellow vintage fashionistas with one another, but tie us all to the life of a given accessory or garment. We share a mutual love of style, but put our own unique stamp on an item before it moves on to keep seeing the world and adding chapters to its story along the way.<br />
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As a nostalgic soul who adores preserving the past, I can think of few things more worthwhile or important on the fashion front for anyone to be a part of.<br />
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I want to wholeheartedly thank Joanna for creating this project, enriching the lives of many vintage fans the world over in the process, and for letting the dress wrap up its jet setting tour in Penticton, before moving on to its next home.<br />
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Though I will most definitely miss this elegant vintage frock, thankfully, I too have new memories (of it) now and photos to match, and I will carry both with me in my heart for the rest of time. <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com82Penticton, BC, Canada49.4991381 -119.5937076999999849.3341056 -119.91643119999998 49.664170600000006 -119.27098419999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-52322070113229727622016-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-19T05:00:03.493-07:00GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a $75.00 store credit from Wise Apple Vintage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are many important factors when it comes to being a successful online vintage seller. To my mind, undoubtedly, one of the biggest and most powerful of such is the imagery that one uses to promote and showcase their offerings with.<br />
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Clear, well lit, beautifully shot photos can not only help a shop to succeed, they can instantly create an identity for a seller or brand as well.<br />
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Over the years, I've encountered tons of different vintage sellers and their shops online and I can honestly say that few have nailed product photography as well - or as appealing - as Nikki McIntosh from USA based <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Wise Apple Vintage</strong></a> does.<br />
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Whether in her <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections" target="_blank"><strong>standalone shop</strong></a> or over on <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fshop%2FWiseApple" target="_blank"><strong>Etsy</strong></a><strong>,</strong> where she also sells, Nikki crafts inviting, cleanly shot and very attractive imagescapes to highlight her mid-century offerings, which primarily include housewares, barware, collectibles, and planters.<br />
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<i>(Just a small sampling of the more than 100 different, super fun mid-century items that Wise Apple Vintage currently has in stock. From top left to bottom right: <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections/home-decor-lighting/products/vintage-ceramic-dog-wall-pocket-from-japan-vintage-terrier-wall-planter" target="_blank">Vintage Ceramic Dog Wall Planter</a> | <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections/kitchen-dining/products/mid-century-modern-dansk-red-pinwheel-dish-by-gunnar-cyren" target="_blank">Mid-Century Modern Dansk Red Pinwheel Dish</a> | <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections/kitchen-dining/products/vintage-ceramic-mushroom-cookie-jar-retro-toadstool-kitchen-canister" target="_blank">Vintage Ceramic Mushroom Cookie Jar</a> | <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections/sale/products/vintage-stoneware-owl-mug-vintage-coffee-mug" target="_blank">Vintage Stoneware Owl Mug</a>)</i><br />
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If memory serves me right, I first discovered Nikki's thriving vintage shop on Etsy several years ago (she's been there since 2008) and was instantly hooked, just as I am on her seriously terrific <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections" target="_blank"><b>main e-shop</b></a>.<br />
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Her prices are refreshingly reasonable, her inventory is updated frequently, she has impeccable customer care, and, indeed, her product photography is so gosh darn lovely that I feel like I'm flipping through the catalog of a major housewares chain when viewing her listings.<br />
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I've had the great pleasure of working with Nikki as a <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/p/sponsor.html" target="_blank"><strong>blog sponsor</strong></a> for quite a while now, during the course of which we've formed a wonderful online friendship as well. <br />
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Nikki (who blogs about various vintage and decor related topics <a href="http://blog.wiseapplevintage.com/" target="_blank">here</a>) is as sweet as her vintage offerings are appealing, and as we embrace the very last days of summer, she has generously offered one lucky Chronically Vintage reader<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><strong style="background-color: yellow;">the chance to win a $75.00 store credit to her main (not-Etsy) shop).</strong><br />
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Read on to learn how to enter this exciting giveaway and add some of Wise Apple Vintage's stellar mid-century charm to your own home.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Giveaway Details:</span></strong> <br />
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<strong>This giveaway is for one $75.00 USD store credit from <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections" target="_blank">Wise Apple Vintage </a>standalone website.</strong><br />
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<strong>It is open to participants worldwide</strong> and will run from today's date (Monday September 19th) until 11:59 PM on Monday September 26, 2016.<br />
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The winner will be drawn using Raffle copter's tool to do with after the giveaway has wrapped up and will be contacted via email shortly thereafter.<br />
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<strong>There are thirteen different ways to enter this giveaway via Rafflecopter, the only one that is mandatory so as to gain entry is to leave a comment below on this post letting me know what one of your favourite items in </strong><strong><a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections" target="_blank">Wise Apple Vintage's shop</a></strong><strong> is</strong> (please note, if you win this giveaway, you are not obligated to put your prize towards that item in the slightest and are free to apply your prize to anything that you'd like in Nikki's standalone online shop).<br />
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<strong style="background-color: yellow;">The more ways in which you enter this giveaway, the greater your odds of winning become.</strong><br />
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The giveaway winner may apply their $75.00 USD store credit to the cost of any item, or combined items, in <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections" target="_blank">Wise Apple Vintage's standalone shop</a>. Any amount above $75.00, including shipping costs, are the responsibility of the winner and will not be covered by Wise Apple Vintage. <br />
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Thus, for the sake of example, if you opted to selected two items that, along with their shipping costs, had a grand purchase total of $78.50 USD, Wise Apple Vintage would refund $75.00 USD to you after you had made your purchase and you would pay the remaining difference of $3.50 USD out of pocket.<br />
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If you have any questions about this Wise Apple Vintage $75.00 store credit giveaway, please don't hesitate to <b><a href="mailto:chronicallyvintage@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a></b>. <br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="62ff993011" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/62ff993011/" id="rcwidget_p03dp1f1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">♥ ♥ ♥</span></div>
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Nikki's passion for vintage shines through in each of the beautifully curated mid-century items that she lists and in the care that she puts into photographing the products that she sells.<br />
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As a vintage consumer, blogger, and fellow seller, I really appreciate this and know that it speaks volumes to the success that Wise Apple Vintage has experienced over the years. <br />
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I'm tickled pink to be teaming up with Nikki and her fabulous <a href="http://www.wiseapplevintage.com/collections" target="_blank"><b>shop</b></a> for this giveaway and really want to thank her for the opportunity to do so, as well as to say a big thanks as well to each of you who take part in it.<br />
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Best of luck to everyone who does so! <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-65840363813307560842016-09-17T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-17T05:00:08.245-07:00Saturday Snapshots: September 17, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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{As the days grow shorter and the temperatures chillier, why not take an entertainment cue from this lovely group of 1950s ladies and spend a fun filled evening playing bridge? (Love their outfits and hairstyles!)} <br />
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{With another school year well and truly underway again, it's hard not to feel a surge of pep/cheerleading squad spirit (like this wonderful group from 1960 had) once more, even if you haven't sat in a classroom for decades.} <br />
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{Her outfit (those slacks!), that car, even those beautifully classic glass milk bottle - how can one not want everything in this serene slice-of-life snap from 1957?} <br />
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{And speaking of style perfection, how awesomely lovely does this mother and her two young children - also coincidentally photographed in 1957) - look in their fall time finery? (This snap was taken in October of that year).} <br />
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{Summer is definitely winding down and the days of going bare armed are numbered (if not a memory already) in many parts of the world, but while the last vestiges of warmth remain, I simply had to include this awesome photo of a chic c. 1930s young lady in her fashionable wide legged beach pajama style ensemble.} <br />
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{Sister, cousins, besties, possibly even a very youthful looking mom (on the right) and daughter? Whatever the case, one instantly senses that these two lovely 1940s gals had each other's backs no matter what.} <br />
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{Two young ladies engaged in one of my all-time favourite activities - especially come autumn - shopping for Halloween decorations. Oh, to be able to go back to the 1950s and pick up some of these delightful festive goodies with them (Plus, as a side note, check out both of their seriously cool pairs of earrings!)} <br />
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{This is such an excellent yesteryear cross section of society photo. From the gents in their dapper suits to the men in their work wear, and of course the elegantly attired ladies of various ages, images like this (from December 1942) are about as close one can get to accidentally travelling back in time and landing smack dab in the middle of small town America.} <br />
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{Vintage nighttime colour photos taken by everyday folks aren't overly common, so when I spotted this lovely (undated) one - that I'd estimate to be from the 1960s or 70s - recently, given the season that we're heading into, I knew that I had to share it here on the double. This image was captured at the Autumn Festival in Rimouski, Quebec.} <br />
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{Two youngsters (from 1942) getting in the spirit of Halloween by carving a cheerfully fun jack-o-lantern. I can hardly wait to follow their lead in a few week's time!} <br />
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<i>{All images above are from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}</i> </div>
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Travel brings with it the potential for a near limitless array of <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/12/7-important-things-that-travel-teaches.html" target="_blank">gifts</a>, and, unquestionably, this is one of the primary reasons why I adore it to the moon and back. It can - for some people at least - also have a darker side however, too (and I don't just mean things like the inherent risks – whatever their likelihood may be – of visiting a new destination, such as getting pickpocketed, having the airline lose your luggage, etc).<br />
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For those, such as myself, who tend to find traveling to be a time of intensely powerful <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/10/a-very-personal-reflection-on-seeing.html" target="_blank">introspection </a>and deep thought, venturing away from home, even just for a few days, can cause certain concerns, worries, stresses, and anxieties to come bubbling to the surface. Or, if they were already there to begin with, to manifest even more strongly. <br />
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On our very recent adventure to Edmonton (which we <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/09/returning-home-today.html" target="_blank">returned home from</a> this past Monday evening), I experienced precisely that for much of our time away. <br />
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Though I do not wish at this point in time to delve too much into the specific concerns that were at the forefront of my mind, the fact that they were there, like a heavy grey cloud hovering over the peaceful prairie landscape that was our holiday to Edmonton, rattled me and continues to do so, even though we're back home now. <br />
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It is far too early in the year to sum up 2016 yet, but over all this has been a strange one that has seen many ups and downs, curve balls and, to be perfectly frank, moments of being downright blindsided by certain happenings that have come my (our) way.<br />
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Throughout it, the elegant quote from Nelson Mandela that opens today’s post has often floated through my mind. As while many of the aforementioned issues were ones that I had little to no say in the (initial, at least) development of, certainly some of them stem from actions and choices that I've taken at various stages along the path that has been my life up until this very point. <br />
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I think that all of us, from the dawn of time onward, have wanted our choices to reflect our hopes and our dreams, the things that make us smile and keep our spirits alight.<br />
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Yet, objectively, sometimes our decisions are shaped or determined point blank, by our fears, concerns, doubts, and uncertainties. More often than not, it is these sorts of choices and experiences that tag along for the ride when we travel - and, let's be honest, when we're under the safety of our very own roof as well.<br />
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Over the years, I've talked here before about how the beginning of autumn has always felt like the start of a new year for me (just as, I know, it does for many others too,) - a point that, historically speaking, has a great deal of merit, as it was just that for many different cultures. No doubt this is playing into why change and choice are front and center in my thoughts at the moment.<br />
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I know that there are presently some storms in my life that I simply have no choice, given current circumstances, than to see through to the end – a time that may be months or even years away. There are others though that, ultimately, I have a greater degree of say in and where such is involved, I know that I may need to make some serious decisions in the near future.<br />
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This prospect does not scare me per se, but it does call for some tough choices, late nights of pondering, and, looking forward, a coming year that may be at least somewhat different from most others in recent times.<br />
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I do not mean to sound/be cryptic and I assure you that nothing truly insurmountable is on my plate right now. From its earliest days, at times, I have used my blog as a place to <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/05/blogging-through-eyes-of-introvert.html" target="_blank">journal</a> my concerns and, in the process, often find greater clarity, regardless of the issue(s) at hand when I do so. <br />
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It is for those reasons that I kicked off this latest edition of Saturday Snapshots with Mandela's poignant words and speak, if only in subtle terms, about some of what I'm going through at the moment.<br />
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Though I have had some tough days recently - and throughout 2016 in general - I assure you that Tony and I are both okay. And that, hand on my heart, for each current concern, there are zillions of positive things - many pertaining to autumn itself - to help balance the scales and ensure that my natural upbeat-ness isn't snuffed out at the moment. <br />
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Far from it - if anything, turning all the more to the elements of my life that bring me joy will help to make the choices I face not only more bearable, but - I truly hope - more often than not, enable them to be reached with hope and positivity as their driving force.<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/Blog%20graphics/jessica-heart_zpsefe526a8.png" /></div>
Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-49218241694247709602016-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-15T05:00:12.706-07:00You asked: Where can I find vintage style saddle shoes?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The return of September always puts me in the mood for <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/08/vintage-fashionista-friday-august-30.html" target="_blank">collegiate styles</a>, no matter how many years it's been now since I last sat in school desk, and clearly I'm not the only one. <br />
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In the past few weeks, I've received seven different email questions from folks around around the world (in places spanning the globe from Germany to Australia, Brazil to America), asking me to help them track down modern sources of vintage style saddle shoes. <br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1t3pnU8"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/biCw3rk.jpg" height="393" width="500" /></a></center>
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<em>{Once an incredibly common and much beloved style of footwear, especially amongst the youth of the day, saddle shoes are now a fair bit trickier to come by. Thankfully though, numerous online sources for such do exist and we'll take a look at several of them in today's post.}</em> <br />
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While saddle shoes (also sometimes called saddle oxfords) are not, of course, strictly school day related attire, they were a very, very common for students in the years spanning the 1930s to the 1960s (with a revival for them appearing in both the 1970s and 1980s, respectively). <br />
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As a new season of classes are kicking off this month for countless folks of all ages the world over, now seemed like a perfect time to share some information here with all of you, in case you're also on the hunt for a new pair of vintage appropriate saddle shoes.<br />
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But first let's explore...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A brief history of saddle shoes</strong> </span><br />
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The humble - and immensely appealing - saddle shoe received its start in life very early in the twentieth century and was first designed primarily as a sports shoe, worn commonly by male basketball, football, golf, and baseball players in particular. American shoe brand A.G. Spalding is believed to have been the first company to introduce the saddle shoe to the American market, doing so back in 1906. <br />
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The saddle shoes gets its name from the piece of leather (or imitation leather) that is attached over the top of the front of the shoe (an area that is technically called the waist of the shoe) and which, as its name implies, resembles a horse riding saddle (though, interestingly, saddle shoes themselves are not particularly well suited to horseback riding and are rarely worn for such). <br />
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Though similar to spectator shoes in many ways, the two differed primarily because spectator styles also include contrasting areas on other parts of the shoe as well, such as the toe area. <br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1t3pMpM"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/tumblr_lc8bydurhN1qbcfcko1_500_zpsrdi1ppt0.jpg" /></a></center>
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<em>{Actor Harold Lloyd sporting a pair of saddle shoes for what looks to be a fun day of boating, c. 1920.}</em> <br />
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Saddle shoes quickly gained popularity amongst athletes both while they were engaging in sports and off the court/field, as they were comfortable, durable, casual but still stylish, and budget-friendly to boot. <br />
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In no time at all, female classmates, girlfriends, and cheerleaders all began to borrow this style from their male peers and before long, companies were producing ladies saddle shoes, too - and in fact, though they remained popular with box sexes for decades, as time went on, saddle shoes became even more frequent a footwear choice for female wearers. <br />
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Saddle shoes were not exclusively the domain of the young however, and many folks who were long past their schooldays adopted them for golf wear, as well as general leisure attire. In addition, they proved hugely popular with dancers during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, especially those who engaged in swing and big band related forms of dance, such as the Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, and swing. <br />
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<a href="http://ti.me/1t3qxz9"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/c05a1da1d612b5dcb92ac0726909afc0_zpstuafdrxa.jpg" /></a></center>
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<em>{Youngsters and their shoes at a sock hop dance that took place in Oklahoma City, back in the late 1940s.}</em> <br />
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Though saddle shoes were most warmly embraced in North America (even being sported for a time by the Girl Scouts of America as part of the organization's official uniform), their reach spread far and wide around the globe and today they stand as one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable elements of mid-century fashion. <br />
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Their lasting appeal, and our fascination with saddle shoes to this day, stems both from a sense of nostalgia, as well as from the fact that - somewhat uncommonly for the era - they were also a unisex garment in an age and time when extremely clear distinctions were usually still being drawn between male and female fashions. <br />
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Back in the day - especially during the 1940s through to the early 1960s - saddle shoes were created in a dazzlingly array of colour combinations, the most famous of which is arguably the classic pairing of black and white. <br />
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Other beloved versions included navy blue and white, green and white, brown and white, dark and light brown (or tan), red or burgundy and white, grey and black, and cream and brown, amongst others. Saddle shoes were typically made with genuine leather uppers, but canvas, suede, and imitation (faux) leather versions were also produced.<br />
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Laces were often, but not always, white or brown and could be either flat (sneaker style) or rounded (more like those of an oxford or dress shoe). Saddle shoes were commonly sported with crisp white socks (including the now, also iconic, bobby socks of the 1940s, 50s and early 60), especially by girls and ladies, though just about every type of socks, tights and nylons were paired with saddle shoes at one point or another in time.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1t3rMyc"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/a027c53f15818e53b1b70afa83849a9f_zpsva9atowq.jpg" /></a></center>
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<em>{Saddle shoes were a shoe store and mail order catalog for numerous decades of the last century, when a page such as this from 1953 edition of the Sears catalog would have been a very common sight, especially in North America.}</em> <br />
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Saddle shoes - which are, essentially, a (usually) low heeled version of a classic brogue or oxford shoe - were produced in sizes ranging from infant to adult, children's, and both men's and women's, and even though many were made from genuine leather (often with sturdy rubber soles), most pairs of saddle shoes were quite affordable, which further upped their widespread adoption and long-term popularity. <br />
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The vast majority of North American shoe stores, department stores (including both Sears and, here in Canada, Eaton's), (some) five and dimes, and clothing and/or footwear related mail order catalogs sold saddle shoes from the early to mid-twentieth century and it was rare to encounter a family during that time in which at least one (if not all) member(s) of the household had a pair of saddle shoes. <br />
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Much as like <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/09/the-history-of-white-buck-shoes.html" target="_blank">white bucks</a>, another beloved footwear choice from the era, saddle shoes could be tricky to keep clean, but such was certainly doable and a new - or newly cleaned - pair always cut a dashing footwear figure, just as it continues to do to this day (one of my personal favourite ways to clean saddle shoes is with a lightly damp, basic variety of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00BR1FSU8?ie=UTF8&tag=chronically-20" target="_blank">Mr Clean Magic Eraser Sponge</a>; do check in an inconspicuous area of your shoes first to make sure that the dyes used on your particular pair of saddle shoes are colourfast and that the eraser sponge won't otherwise damage the material of your shoes either).<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1t3tn75"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/7906409866_b72dc0400b_c_zpscrblouge.jpg" /></a></center>
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<em>{Actress Dorothy Jordan wearing saddle shoes in a promo photograph for the MGM film "Love in the Rough", 1930.}</em> <br />
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Just about everyone wore saddle shoes back in the day. They were an ubiquitous type of footwear that crossed cultural lines, spanned age groups, united both genders, and which frequently appeared on the feet of celebrities, such as actors and musicians, as well. <br />
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Prior to the mid-1960s, you would have been hard pressed to find a footwear or department store that didn't sell saddle shoes, but these days, things can be quite a different story indeed. Thankfully however, there are still brands that are putting out 21st century versions of the classic saddle shoe, and today we'll delve into exploring some of the online sources of such.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><strong>Where to buy vintage style saddle shoes</strong></span> <br />
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Naturally, this list of ten different online sources, is not a complete and total roundup of every single possible website that currently sells saddle shoes, but it should be a good jumping off point for those, pretty much anywhere in the world, who are looking to pick up their first pair of saddle shoes or grow their existing collection of this classic two-tone style of footwear.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01B3BP8JM?ie=UTF8&tag=chronically-20"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/7d89e4f015fa945289cb153f190b2aad_zpsqc361yzl.jpg" /></a></center>
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-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01B3BP8JM?ie=UTF8&tag=chronically-20" target="_blank"><strong>Amazon</strong></a>: While most verities of saddle shoes currently available from Amazon are the timeless B&W style, they currently stock a few others as well, including these immensely pretty - and very reasonably priced - white and pink saddle shoes as well. <br />
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<a href="http://www.baitfootwear.com/"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/3b2ec3_5a12998cab8a47dbbdcaaf2ef25da6b1_zpsyqqdbw8d.jpg" height="444" width="500" /></a></center>
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-<a href="http://www.baitfootwear.com/" target="_blank"><strong>B.A.I.T. Footwea</strong>r</a>: B.A.I.T. has become a huge player in the vintage appropriate/retro/just plain darling vegan footwear sphere in recent years and are a firm favourite amongst many vintage, repro, rockabilly, and pinup girl clothing fans. Their classic saddle shoe inspired offerings come in a range of punchy hues, including (at present) such delightful options, as seafoam green, mustard yellow, red, and lavender purple, as well as classic black and white. <br />
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<a href="http://www.eastlandshoe.com/product/womens+sadie+buck+saddle+shoe+oxford.do"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/c829d79fce4839bea023a1105214182a_zpsoowxpvfd.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></a></center>
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-<a href="http://www.eastlandshoe.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Eastland Shoes</strong></a>: Celebrating their 60th year of business in 2016, Eastland Shoes offering up a lovely little selection of saddle shoes, including navy blue and white, black and white, and a very appealing two-tone brown suede version (pictured above). <br />
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<a href="https://www.ghbass.com/product/albany+saddle+shoe.do"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/bbccedadddde1599641869612030d1b7_zpstv4rnv3m.jpg" /></a></center>
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-<strong><a href="https://www.ghbass.com/product/albany+saddle+shoe.do" target="_blank">G.H. Bass & Co</a>:</strong> One of the oldest and most respected footwear brands in America, Bass, as the brand is frequently known by, was founded back in 1876 and is still going strong to this day. Their saddle shoe selection currently include both traditional and somewhat more modern colour combinations for both ladies and gents (in addition, Bass is a great source for numerous other vintage shoe styles, including loafers and weejuns). <br />
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-flats/who-could-be-saddle-shoes"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/1bd796ca8f40b151fce311352318d500_zpsfsvttuka.jpg" height="638" width="450" /></a></center>
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-<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-flats/who-could-be-saddle-shoes" target="_blank"><strong>ModCloth</strong></a>: As one might expect given their fabulous passion for yesteryear styles, ModCloth's offerings include this low heeled B&W version with a chic black sole. <br />
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<a href="http://www.muffys.com/modern_traditional.html"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/rdwh_zpscbbwklmi.jpg" height="452" width="600" /></a></center>
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-<a href="http://www.muffys.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Muffy's</strong></a>: For many years now, Muffy's has been one of the best and most complete online sources for vintage style saddle shoes in a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles for men and women alike. If you're having trouble tracking down a certain type of saddle shoe, I highly suggest checking this much loved website out first. <br />
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<a href="http://www.payless.com/womens-saddle-oxford/2076.html?dwvar_2076_color=black_white#q=saddle&start=2"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/2e086083f722fb98255513e72b1bd0cb_zpsytcjrljx.jpg" /></a></center>
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-<strong><a href="http://www.payless.com/" target="_blank">Payless Shoes</a>:</strong> Though at the moment, they only have a traditional black and white version in stock, over the years, I have seen other colourways available from Payless and can attest (as I've owned some) that their budget friendly Predictions line saddle shoe (which is available in US ladies sizes and half sizes spanning 5 - 12), pictured above, is very comfortable (even if you have hard to fit feet like mine). <br />
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<a href="http://www.spartoo.co.uk/Swedish-hasbeens-SADDLE-SHOE-x120169.php"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/Swedish-hasbeens-SADDLE-SHOE-120169_350_A_zpsl6khqscy.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></a></center>
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-<strong><a href="http://www.spartoo.co.uk/search-engine-Search-saddle.php" target="_blank">Swedish Hasbeens</a>:</strong> Though their own version is not, at present, available on their <a href="https://www.swedishhasbeens.com/" target="_blank">website</a> any longer, I was still able to track down Swedish Hasbeen's chic, understated take on the classic saddle shoe for sale from UK seller <a href="http://www.spartoo.co.uk/search-engine-Search-saddle.php" target="_blank">Spartoo</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.unique-vintage.com/baby-pink-cream-retro-halle-oxford-saddle-shoes.html"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/daa5706948343982cec00f3d048eb3d9_zpsqsx3kztw.jpg" /></a></center>
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-<strong><a href="http://www.unique-vintage.com/" target="_blank">Unique Vintage</a>:</strong> Purveyors of all kinds of swoon worthy vintage style, rockabilly, and pinup fashions, US based Unique Vintage carries a small assortment of saddle shoes style from various brands, including this classic <a href="http://www.unique-vintage.com/black-white-classic-lace-up-saddle-shoes.html" target="_blank">B&W pair</a>, and the incredibly charming Baby Pink & Cream Retro Halle Oxford Saddle Shoes (shown above), which are a very appealing 21st century spin on traditional saddle shoes. <br />
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<a href="http://www.zappos.com/jumping-jacks-kids-cheerleader-iii-adult-white-black"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/935851-p-MULTIVIEW_zpsl4pgz6sh.jpg" /></a></center>
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-<a href="http://www.zappos.com/jumping-jacks-kids-cheerleader-iii-adult-white-black" target="_blank">Zappos</a>: If you're looking for an iconic black and white pair of saddle shoes with sturdy red rubber soles just like many of those back in the mid-twentieth century had, US online shoe mega site Zappos has you covered (and this particular style is even available in three different widths, including wide). <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;">♥</span> ♥<span style="color: #274e13;"> ♥</span></span></div>
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<em>{To learn more about a specific image used in today's post, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}</em></div>
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Saddle shoes continue to come back in and out of style, sometimes in slightly modified form (such as with a high heel, like this <a href="http://www.shoebuy.com/funtasma-saddle-48/569206/1635647" target="_blank">pink and white pair</a>, or in more of a <a href="http://www.shoebuy.com/demonia-creeper-606-saddle-creeper/771912/1635656" target="_blank">creeper design</a>), but even during the 1980s, when the forties and fifties looks had some real sartorial moments again, they have never reached the zenith that they did back during the 1920s - 1960s. <br />
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Luckily for us though, because they still remain desirable amongst vintage fashion fans, dancers, historical costumers, theater and movie costumers, natty dressers, and folks just looking to reunite with a wonderful fashion trend for their earlier days, saddle shoes can still be had online and - just as back in the day - don't have to break the bank. <br />
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Saddle shoes were, and remain, just plain fun. If you get a pair that fits you well, they're also usually highly comfortable and indeed, I almost always tuck my saddle shoes into my suitcase when we travel, as they make a wonderful choice for long days of walking, light hiking, or sightseeing (or even, as in the case of our 2014 trip to Vancouver Island, <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/02/of-orca-whales-parliament-and-casual.html" target="_blank">whale watching</a>).<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1t3skUR"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jcangiano/Images%20for%20Chronically%20Vintage/2016%20Chronically%20Vintage%20Images/September%202016/7e1463dafacc9d901de0035a76f17e13_zps06jf4miw.jpg" /></a></center>
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<em>{Then, as now, saddle shoes are an excellent option if you're going to be on your feet a fair bit, be it while on vacation, running errands, or doing work at home, as this stylish 1950s woman attests to.}</em> <br />
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I would argue that they're such a true vintage wardrobe basic that anyone with an interest in sporting mid-century fashions today, would be well served by having at least one pair in their closet. <br />
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Though genuine vintage pairs of saddle shoes can be found online (eBay and <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Fsearch" target="_blank">Etsy</a> are both great sources for such), if sizing and/or price and/or colourways are a factor - as such will be for most folks - then opting for modern vintage inspired saddle shoes such as those from the ten different online sources highlighted in today's post may be a better (or at least equally appealing) option.<br />
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Saddle shoes are amongst my favourite types of vintage footwear ever. My first ones were an adorable pink and white pair that my paternal grandparents brought me back from a trip to the States (bless my grandma's heart, she totally "got" and supported my early childhood love of vintage) when I was all of about six of seven years old. I've rarely been without at least one pair in my closet since then and suspect that such will always be the case. <br />
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Are you a fan of these classic two-tone shoes as well? Do you currently own any yourself? Do you have any favourite online saddle shoe sources that I didn't mention here in today's post? <br />
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Please feel free to share them in the comments below if you do, so that this post can be an even bigger roundup of such for all those the world over who are looking to track down a pair of vintage style saddle shoes for their own wardrobe, too. <br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-51527426198013885332016-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-12T05:00:19.101-07:00Returning home today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few days ago, in my last <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/09/five-of-my-top-tips-for-packing-when.html" target="_blank">post</a> before we zipped off on holiday, I mentioned that we'd be returning home on September 11th, however, having so enjoyed overnighting part of the way through our journey to Edmonton, we decided while there to do the same on the way home.<br />
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Though not technically the halfway mark - or even really that close to it - between Edmonton and Penticton, we settled on a city that I love with every fiber of my being, Calgary, for a quick pit stop last night before heading back out on the road this morning. <br />
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Getting to see my favourite Canadian city (okay, technically it shares that spot with Victoria, BC, which I adore equally so, though often for different reasons) , even just for a few hours, is always A-okay with me and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so on this final leg of our trip.<br />
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A little later in the morning today, we'll be packing up our car once and for all on this holiday and settling in for the eight (plus a bit more with the occasion rest stop) hour drive from Calgary to Penticton.<br />
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<a href="http://chronicallyvintage.com/"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/NhY13TQ.jpg" /></a></center>
<br /><em>{The start of fall's changing landscape and many a long stretch of open road await Tony and I as we head home from Alberta today. I really enjoy lengthy drives, so am quite looking forward to this one - especially with the first jewel toned autumn leaves starting to appear around us. Vintage </em><a href="http://myfotolog.tumblr.com/post/25286025477" target="_blank"><em>image source</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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We'll get into Penticton this evening after twelve wonderful days of travelling. Though the weather wasn't always ideal (the first few days in Alberta were unseasonably cold and rainy), we managed to get in numerous outfit shots and I'll be sharing each of those with you in the coming weeks and months. <br />
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I know that many of the details of my first ever trip to Edmonton will unfold organically in those posts, so I don't want to recap too much right now, but I will say that we had a really lovely time on our trip.<br />
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Edmonton is a fascinating and beautiful city of over a million people. Within hours of being inside of its farmland flanked borders, I was struck by how much it made me think of what a place might be like, were it possible for Vancouver (minus the Pacific Ocean) and Calgary had a child, with elements of Toronto swirled into the mix, too. <br />
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Like most locations that one has long wanted to visit, it was both very similar and somewhat different from how I'd imagined it to be - and that's a good thing, if you ask me. I love it when a town or city surprises and delights me - and perhaps most of all, when it leaves me wanting to return again, which Edmonton most certainly did.<br />
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Over all we had a great, fun filled time in Edmonton that included multiple meetups with fellow vintage folks (some of whom will appear in the aforementioned future outfit posts), lots of sightseeing, some shopping (vintage and otherwise), exciting rural countryside exploring, peaceful walks, and plenty of fun photo opps along the way. <br />
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I wholeheartedly want to thank all of you who have left blog comments on recent posts during my absence, very much including those on the three fantastic guest posts from Nicole, Elizabeth, and Tanith, respectively, that appeared here last week. I know that each of those talented ladies appreciates your kind comments a great deal and I can't thank them enough as well for helping to keep things buzzing here while we were on holiday.<br />
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Aside from starting to unpack, it will be back to life and work from tomorrow onwards, very much including on the blogging front. There will be new posts coming down the pipeline this week (and of course, beyond then, too) and I fully expect to be back to my regular online ways in full force this week. <br />
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To give you a taste of what's to come here on Chronically Vintage in the near future, I'll be blogging about topics as diverse as my time spent with <a href="http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/2014/07/sisterhood-of-traveling-dress-vintage.html" target="_blank">The Travelling Dress</a>, shining the spotlight on dozens (seriously!) of recipes for one of fall's most classic and beloved ingredients, telling you about my all-time favourite fictional couple, and starting to write up a storm on all things Halloween related, while also sharing plenty of outfit posts and the latest entries in the fun ongoing Meet a Fellow Vintage Blogger series, amongst lots of other exciting topics.<br />
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No time of the year speaks to my soul as much as autumn, nor does any season light my blogging fires quite as much, so you can bank on an action packed, engaging, informative, and just plain cheerful slew of posts here on Chronically Vintage this autumn (coupled with, I hope/plan, a bevy of recently acquired new vintage and antique items appearing on the shelves of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChronicallyVintage" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>).<br />
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A point that will be bolstered along all the more by the recharging of my batteries and clarity of mind that came with our lovely trip to Edmonton this month. <br />
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Travel, as I've talked about before (in posts such as <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2015/12/7-important-things-that-travel-teaches.html" target="_blank">this</a>), always houses many wonderful blessings and surprises, and having a chance to unwind and, at the same time, plan for the future while away is most definitely one of the very best of these.<br />
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-22132076814556286502016-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-09T05:00:35.850-07:00Choosing and Using Free Vintage Hat Patterns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>For today's guest post (while Tony and I continue our exciting holiday to <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/08/it-took-32-to-years-to-happen-but-at.html" target="_blank">Edmonton</a>), I'm sincerely honoured to have none other than my good friend <a href="http://tanithrowan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Tanith Rowan</strong></a> - whose incredible millinery work you may remember from such CV posts as <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/07/capping-off-my-31st-year-of-life-with.html" target="_blank">this</a> & <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2014/12/my-holy-grail-vintage-hat-as-designed.html" target="_blank">this</a> - sharing some of her vast, inspiring knowledge on how to select and use free vintage hat patterns with all of you. </i><br />
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Even if you're not a sewer, if - like me - you go weak in the knees for old school chapeaus, chances are this delightful guest post (which I want to sincerely thank Tanith - be sure to swing by her beautiful <a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6939&awinaffid=221755&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fau%2Fshop%2Ftanithrowandesigns" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> - for writing) will be right up your alley. <br />
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Vintage magazines and newspapers are one of my favourite places to find inspiration and information, and I love researching hats this way. While doing so, I was stumbling on the occasional free hat pattern, and I was keen to try them out. <br />
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After my first attempt went quite well, I wanted to do more, and started a project to make and review the free patterns I found on Trove, the online database of the National Library of Australia. So far I have completed six hats and am working on my seventh right now. It hasn't been easy, (in fact, it has been extremely frustrating at times!) but I'm getting better at working through the maze of brief and vague instructions, pattern drafting and mysterious terminology.<br />
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So what have I learned about using free vintage hat patterns? Below are some tips for working through each stage of the process, but overall I've found that the most important things are to be willing to experiment and to trust your common sense and experience.<br />
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<br /><strong>(1939 Doll's Hat</strong> )</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Finding and selecting your pattern</span></strong> <br />
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I have been specifically searching one online archive database but there are many other places to look. Using a search engine may turn up some good results but it can sometimes be hard to narrow the search to what you want. Searching on Pinterest is often good, because it is a place where people often share free pattern resources, and you may find people have boards specifically for free vintage patterns or even free hat patterns.<br />
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The best terms to search for will depend on where you are searching. If you are using Pinterest, for example, the pinner will often have used descriptive terms for the pin or the board, so searching for “free vintage hat pattern” will get you somewhere, and modern terms like “DIY” and “tutorial” will yield results too. <br />
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When searching a database, the terms that come up will be those from the original article, so although “pattern” is still good, also consider “instructions” “directions” “how to” “make at home” “make this hat” and so on. Once I started to find patterns, I looked at what expressions they were using in the title and text, and added those to my list of search terms.<br />
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If you already know what era you are looking for, use this information to guide your search. You can include the decade when using a search engine or Pinterest (although keep in mind not everyone knows what they are talking about), and a database may have an advanced search option to narrow down the results to a specific date range.<br />
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With a style in mind, try searching for that too, and try multiple options if the style has a few names it might be known by.<br />
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<br /><strong>(1949 Pixie Hat)</strong></div>
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When choosing a pattern to try, keep in mind where and how you will wear the hat, and with what (unless, like me, you are making hats for the fun of it and as a learning experience). Some of the hats you will find are distinctly dressy, others more casual, some very wearable with modern clothes, other distinctly “vintage”. <br />
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The reality is, that I wouldn't wear many of these hats myself, and maybe that is true for you too, so be critical and sensible about your style and wardrobe needs. I adored the 1949 pixie hat, but I honestly wouldn't wear it as is. I'm still working on tweaks for that pattern, but one thing I did was scale it down – it makes an adorable toddler hat!<br />
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Also look at the images critically. How accurate is that illustration likely to be? How much of the appeal of the photo is in the styling and how much is the hat itself? How will it look with your hair and make-up (or not) and outfits? The 1954 scarf hat really has nothing going for it without the whole look being in place, and the illustration for the 1934 “Vagabond Beret” had an illustration that led a lot of people to think it would look completely different!<br />
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<br /><strong>(1949 Pixie Hat for a toddler)</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Drafting Patterns</span></strong> <br />
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One of the more frustrating parts! Many will be on a grid for you to enlarge, which is slow but at least allows accuracy. If you don't care to draw up a 1-inch grid, you can find and download 1-inch grid paper online and print it out. Just make sure they print at the true size. I usually start drawing with the key points and straight lines, then draw in the curves. <br />
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They are often hand drawn in the original diagram and rarely symmetrical, even if they probably should be! You can choose to fix these things up if it matters to you. It bothered me a lot when I started and now I'm embracing asymmetry a bit more.<br />
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Without a grid, you may need to use a bit of mathematics. If that isn't your strong suit – just ask for help! A bit of knowledge about the measurements of circles will go a long way. Hopefully all the necessary measurements are given, but you may sometimes not have every detail and just have to do your best to make it look like the original! As I said, it's frustrating.<br />
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<br /><strong>(1954 Scarf Hat)</strong></div>
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You may need to adjust the size. For the 1954 scarf hat, I ended up making three versions because it was so small, and then I just assumed my changes would be enough. It would have been worth doing a bit more checking on the pattern before continuing. <br />
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One way to do this, which I tried with the 1934 “Vagabond Beret” to save myself heartache, is to draw the stitching lines on to your pattern, I.e. measure the seam allowance in from each edge (and now is a good time to mention that they rarely tell you what seam allowance, if any, is included). <br />
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Measure the head-size part of the stitching line and compare it to your head measurement, remembering to include some ease (approximately 1 cm should be sufficient) and to measure your head where the hat will actually sit.<br />
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<br /><strong>(1934 Vagabond Beret)</strong></div>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Modern vs Vintage Materials</strong> </span><br />
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Luckily a lot of the hat patterns available will be for sewn fabric hats, and although they might use unusual fabrics, you can usually look them up online and find out what type of modern fabric is equivalent.<br />
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One thing that often comes up is sparterie or esparterie, which is a stiff foundation material traditionally made from willow. There are modern versions of sparterie being made, but I haven't personally used them, and I generally substitute millinery buckram instead. If you aren't sure what to use, try something and see!<br />
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The earlier the pattern, the more likely it is to use materials that are unusual and unknown to most of us now. Earlier patterns also seem to be the least detailed and make the most assumptions about your skills and knowledge of millinery and sewing in general. I generally find that patterns from the 1940s onwards make a lot of sense to me, but sometimes I can't make head or tail of earlier ones.<br />
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<br /><strong>(The 1953 Scarf Hat almost beat me)</strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Construction</strong> </span><br />
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Be ready to use some trial-and-error! <br />
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Vintage patterns, especially those squeezing into a small space in a magazine, are not going to give you a lot of detail. If, like me, you are used to working with modern patterns that spell everything out, an instruction that simply says “join brim to crown”, might be intimidating. This is common, and even more so for attaching trims. The instructions often finish with fabulous sentences like “Trim with veil and a feather.” <br />
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But you know what? It's because it doesn't really matter how you do it. I'm definitely someone who wants to know the “right way”, but the right way is the one that you like, that works, and that is neat enough to meet your own standards.<br />
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<br /><strong>(1953 Scarf Hat)</strong></div>
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Read everything through before you start. Firstly, it will prepare you for those vague instructions and secondly it will help you make a good fabric choice. In the 1949 pixie hat pattern, for example, the fabric for the brim had to have some stretch or give, because the construction process involved stretching it over the buckram brim to fit. I had to start again on that one because I didn't check that detail and my fabric wasn't able to stretch.<br />
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Be prepared to make a first test version, especially if you want to use an expensive fabric. The size of a hat doesn't have to be far off before fit is a problem, and with vague instructions, it is all too easy to make a mistake.<br />
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Remember to trust your common sense and your own judgement. When in doubt about what you are supposed to be doing, keep the end goal in mind, keep looking at the pictures and nudge things in that direction when necessary!<br />
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Have patience, and if needs be, throw it across the room and leave it there for a week.<br />
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<strong>(1954 Butterfly Cap)</strong></div>
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I hope I haven't made it sound like a dreadful task that no one should attempt.<br />
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Despite the difficulties, there are some great patterns out there and working them out is an adventure with big rewards.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">♥ Tanith</span></strong></div>
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-52079101600641935942016-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:002016-09-07T05:00:01.720-07:00An appreciation of the classic 1945 British film "I Know Where I'm Going"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dear Readers, my name is Elizabeth Pritchett (some of you may know me from my vintage fashion and beauty blog, <a href="https://vintage436.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Gloriously Vintage</a>) and I am so thrilled to be writing a guest post on Chronically Vintage. When Jessica invited me to do so while she’s on holiday to <a href="http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2016/08/it-took-32-to-years-to-happen-but-at.html" target="_blank">Edmonton</a>, I said "yes" straight away.<br />
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<br /><em>{Your guest author for today's Chronically Vintage post.}</em> </div>
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My first thought was to write about another aspect of my vintage life (so far I've mostly covered fashion and beauty related topics on my blog, which I launched a few months ago now) which is my love of classic film. So welcome then to today's post on just that. <br />
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<br /><br /><strong>An appreciation of the classic film "I Know Where I'm Going" (1945)</strong><br />
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Do you watch "old" or "classic" films? Do you collect DVD's of great films? I really enjoy blogs that feature wonderful films from the 1930s- 1960s. <br />
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My own taste spans from 1930s to modern days. I like silent films too, but love to hear the stars talking! The Hollywood musicals are also firm favourites. I like nothing more than settling down with a hot drink and a great film. It is a marvellous way to relax, step out of one's busy life, and be swept away by the story.<br />
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Films from the 1940s are interesting, too, because of the authentic fashions, social conventions, and as a window into a time when life was extremely challenging because of world events.<br />
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I discovered this film a few years ago and it is now a firm favourite. At our house, we receive the "Radio Times" every week. This long running publication records the weeks TV and Radio programmes. Selected films that will be shown that week are also reviewed. In it one finds wonderful writings from a talented film critic called <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0635447/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm" target="_blank">Barry Norman</a>, who is very knowledgeable about all film genres.<br />
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<br /><em>{A photo of my personal copy of the wonderful 1940s movie, I know Where I'm Going.}</em> </div>
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He reviewed this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADYsILmRfE0" target="_blank">film</a> in the RT and wrote about it in such glowing terms that I wanted to see it. In the publication, this movie was given 5 white stars, the highest accolade, and Barry Norman has ranked this film in his top 100 films of all time as well. Once I viewed it, I wanted my own copy so I could watch it again (and repeat the experience!).<br />
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This movie was written, produced and directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003836/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" target="_blank">Michael Powell</a> (1905 - 1990) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0696247/?ref_=nmbio_trv_12" target="_blank">Emeric Pressburger</a> (1902 -1988). The pair also made A matter of Life and Death (1946) and The Red Shoes (1948), and it was their fourth collaboration. <br />
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They called themselves The Archers and referred to the film as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037800/" target="_blank">IKWIG</a>. It was made in 1945 in black and white, because, at the time, all of the colour film had been requisitioned by the Air Force for training films. The screenplay was written in six days, developed from an idea that Powell and Pressburger had been thinking about for some time before then.<br />
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This film is a romantic love story with most of the film set in the <a href="http://www.ikwig.co.uk/Mull-locations-6.jpg" target="_blank">Western Isles of Scotland</a>. There is a legend, a curse, and a number of romantic castles and a phone box next to a waterfall (that makes hearing the phone call impossible!).<br />
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The thrust of the story is that the twenty five-year old heroine, Joan Webster, is travelling from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNomqxjRYlw" target="_blank">Manchester</a> to the Isle of Kiloran to marry a rich industrialist, Sir Robert Bellinger, who is old enough to be her father and is the local Laird (a Scottish estate owner). <br />
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In doing so, she will become Lady Bellinger, having the materially rich life she has chosen for herself. She is sure that having money is the key to her future happiness. Joan is so single minded in her pursuit of this goal that when she is forced to wait on the Isle of Mull because of a storm, she risks her life and the lives of others, too, by trying to reach Kiloran in a small boat. <br />
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In the process of such, Joan meets a young naval officer, Torquil MacNeil, who is also trying to reach Kiloran on an eight day long shore leave. They are compelled to wait on Mull. She learns that Torquil is in fact the true Laird of Kiloran and that her fiancé is renting the title, from him. <br />
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They start to fall in love with each other, as MacNeil of Kiloran is a gentle and patient man who is at ease in his environment, as well as being both wise and calm. Joan is a city girl whose desperate to get to Kiloran, but she is challenged by her time with MacNeil and struggles to see that the life she thinks she wants could be so limited and empty without true love.<br />
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<br /><em>{An eye-catching vintage movie poster for I know Where I'm Going starring Wendy Hiller and Roger Livesey. </em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Know_Where_I%27m_Going!" target="_blank"><em>Image source</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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My favourite <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037800/quotes?item=qt0103736" target="_blank">quote</a> from the film, is where MacNeil points out a big difference to Joan. It struck me on first viewing and catches me every time I see the film.<br />
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The two leading characters are played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384908/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm" target="_blank">Wendy Hiller</a> (1912 -2003) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0515193/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm" target="_blank">Roger Livesey</a> (1906 -1976). Their performances are strong and so engaging. I found Joan rather unlikeable, but Wendy Hiller showed her struggles so powerfully that I warmed to her as the story unfolded. <br />
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Roger Livesey as MacNeil of Kiloran was handsome, charming and wise - I think I fell a little in love with him too! He looked dashing in his naval uniform and so at home in his kilt!<br />
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<br /><em>{MacNeil looking elegantly dapper in his classic Scottish kilt. </em><a href="http://bit.ly/2bjqjLu" target="_blank"><em>Image source</em></a><em>.}</em> </div>
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At the start of her journey, Joan appears in the most wonderful suit. It has a slightly A-line skirt that reaches to just below the knee couple with a hip length jacket, and is beautifully tailored to fit her figure perfectly.<br />
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She also wears the most glamorous tilt hat in leopard print and has a matching large envelope clutch bag. On her left lapel, one finds a big brooch as her only jewellery apart from the enormous diamond ring that shows she is engaged to "one of the richest men in Britain". <br />
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Over her suit and simple top, Joan has a wool overcoat that is waisted with a fuller skirt. The coat and skirt lengths are just right together and of course the hat and matching bag look fantastic, too. <br />
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<br /><em>{Joan's fashions excel throughout the entire film. See, for example, the stunning spotted tilt hat that she's sporting in this scene. </em><a href="http://bit.ly/2bjnzy2" target="_blank"><em>Image source</em></a><em>.} </em><br />
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During the film she has super <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0515193/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm" target="_blank">pyjamas</a> and a very 1940s housecoat with stripped lapels and, naturally, a tie belt. Her travelling clothes are understated and so elegant.<br />
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She has with her two leather suitcases. One of the cases holds her silk wedding dress which she takes out and hangs up as she is heading towards Scotland overnight by train. It is lovely and is probably made from parachute silk!<br />
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Joan is excited and so assured that she has her life mapped out. Her clothes are expensive - probably all paid for by Sir Robert Bellinger who had contacts to get round clothing coupons and rationing. <br />
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This film has inspired me, lovely readers, to try a matching hat and muff, as well as a leopard print collar and matching muff to wear with my A/W suits. I am looking forward to bringing them out later this year at the end of September.<br />
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<br /><em>{Another image that includes Joan's breathtaking leopard hat, seen also in the previous shot. </em><a href="http://bit.ly/2bjo4b5" target="_blank"><em>Image source</em></a><em>.}</em> <br />
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I hope you will enjoy this film as much as I have. When I watch it again, I'm going to keep my eye on Roger Livesey, as, quite fascinatingly, he was actually in a stage play in London at the time of filming and thus never went to Scotland! <br />
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A double was used for of all the shots of him there and with careful editing, his close up scenes were all filmed in a studio in London. "I'm not sure, but I think it was one of the cleverest things I did in movies," Michael Powell later recalled. I have only just discovered this fact in doing my research for this post. Needless to say, I will be watching very carefully...<br />
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It has been such a pleasure to write this post about "I Know Where I'm Going", a favourite film of mine. I am hoping to share more wonderful classic films on <a href="https://vintage436.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Gloriously Vintage</a> with you as time goes on, so be sure to visit me there to see future reviews. <br />
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And thank you again to Jessica for this lovely guest post opportunity. <br />
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<strong>♥ Elizabeth</strong></div>
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Witchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.com19