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Tag: Vintage Canadian Inspiration

Canadian Vintage Inspiration-Guest Blog Post Pt 2

Canadian Vintage Inspiration Blog Post of Vintage Fashion

Followers of my blog might remember that I recently paired up with Starlotte Satine Vintage to showcase her ‘Vintage Canadian Inspiration’ Interviews she was doing on her social media channel. It’s a project that is close to my heart, being a vintage Canadian myself and I’m excited to bring you Part 2 today (P.S. One of them is Me!). If you missed Part 1, don’t fear it’s right HERE.

About the Series:

Step inside the minds of Canadian Vintage life stylists in the modern world and find out what their passions, tips, and lives are like through my #canadianvintageinspiration hash tag! Once a week for #followfriday and #men’svintagemonday I’ll be posting Canadian vintage enthusiasts who are shaping the Canadian vintage scene and keeping it alive.

The Canadian vintage scene is much smaller than the rest of the world so I want to shine the spotlight on some of the amazing people who make Canadian vintage so great by showcasing incredible vintage fashions across Canada. I hope this project inspires others who are looking for fashion inspiration and to showcase homegrown vintage lovers. I hope to also give people an outlet to take bold risks with fashion and step outside their comfort zone.

First, up Steffi Kay.

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion

Steffi Kay is not only a connoisseur of vintage fashion but one of the only female mind readers/ mentalists in the world. You can see her perform with her partner, Mysterion as ‘The Sentimentalists‘ (P.S. They are amazing!).

Q. What do you wish to see more of in the Canadian vintage scene especially in Ontario?

A. If there’s one thing I would encourage in the visuals of our local scene, it would be to amplify the authenticity. A modern trend that has evolved rapidly with the growth of Instagram (and I’ve noticed has made its way to the vintage world of whimsy) has been to “stand out” excessively… it’s evolved to the point that every part of every outfit has become a “statement” piece. Which, of course, takes away from an authentic vintage look. Understated elegance and function has been forgotten thanks to fast fashion and immediacy.

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

Q. What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever received?

A. A valuable (and favourite) fashion tip I acquired was through a dear friend who lives across the street and has a wonderful little shop called “Frou Frou”. While shopping with my mother perusing his shop for the first time, I was maybe 14, we had found a beautiful tilt hat and I had no idea how to wear it. He noticed that the dress I had on had an asymmetrical design on the right and said “always keep the interest on one side”. It makes delectable placement without much thought for both accessories and my hair.

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

Q. What is the main thing you look for when shopping for that one special piece of vintage to add to your collection?

A. My eagle eyes go for Fashion Originators labels… they date the piece between 1932 and 1941… which I think is absolutely magical as most pieces are only to be dated by production knowledge and the trends of the year.

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

Q. Over the last few years your sense of style has really evolved into the ultimate vintage glamour connoisseur, what’s the main things that have inspired your sense of style and what are some tips you could share that you’ve learned while bringing your fashion game to the next level?

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

A. My sense of style is driven by my love for looking genuine… I’ve always collected old magazines for collaging (I only use photocopies to cut up!) so whilst growing up I was exposed to images that were a lot different from the modern gossip and fashion magazines. What I did notice was that although the images were carefully chosen and sometimes heavily (but primitively) doctored that the trends weren’t as extreme as the standards of today. Discovering a vintage look that is more convincing involves research and lots of mental notes. Using ones imagination is wonderful, but using the mindset of someone from the decade you love and THEN using that imagination will really get you somewhere.

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

Q. Being a traveling performer with the Sentimentalists and having vintage fashion play such a huge role in what you do takes up a ton of time and energy. How do you stay so glamorous on the road while staying true to your vintage lifestyle?

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

A. Some months I have multiple shows nearly every single day… but I have my process down to an art. That being said, I know how to give myself a break when I need it. I truly love exercising my vintage dresses at the events I perform at. Nothing makes me happier than framing my treasures properly. The volume of shows does make things get hectic but what I’ve learned to be glamorous in a pinch is a few easy steps:

1. Find an outfit you love, find a hairstyle that can come together quickly that also won’t come out quickly.
2. Do the classic vintage makeup basics (if possible, wear waterproof eyeliner and bring make up remover for your lipstick).
3. Footwear that won’t tire you out, and a shawl or beaded cardigan in case it’s f-f-f-freezing.

All of these things are PRACTICAL. Glamour doesn’t appear glamorous if you’re miserable. If you don’t feel confident in the outfit, you’ll be distracted from having fun. If you pick a hairstyle that gets disheveled easily, you’ll be worried about how the photos will look. The waterproof eyeliner and make up remover is to prevent mishaps and if you do have one (lipstick bleed from oily foods or rubbing your eyes only to smudge your non waterproof liner) that you have solutions that prevent some make up from “ruining” your look. Your shoes should not be the reason to say no to doing things… they are only beautiful if you can walk in them.

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

These are all tips to help accentuate YOU. It’s paramount to enjoy your outing and focus on feeling glamorous rather than feeling like you’ve forgotten something, that you need to take a fourth look in he mirror, or that you’re wishing you wore something else.

The more time you have the more you allocate to adding things on, but never forget the basics of comfort… because it’s hard to feel pretty if you’re too cold. Combining all of those tips with a vintage wardrobe is the golden ticket for a lasting impression.

Steffi Kay 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion Inspiration

Make sure you follow Steffi Kay on Instagram for a weekly dose of vintage glamour in your life.

Steffi Kay 1940s 1950s Vintage Fashion

 

Lastly for today’s post, it’s ME the Vintage Inn Blog! Check out my interview below (Thanks for letting me be part of the experience Starlotte!).

The Vintage Inn Blog Vintage Fashion Vintage History Vintage Life Lindy Hop 1940s 1930s 1950s

Q. How has Lindy Hop influenced your vintage lifestyle/ fashion and what got you started in swing dance in the first place?Vintage Inn Blog Swing Dancing Lindy Hop Vintage Style

A. I started swing dancing because for as long as I can remember I have loved the music from the 1930’s & 40s. My grandfather had a pretty awesome big band collection and I would always go thru his music when I would visit, and I would ask for this to be played and that to be played. It was a great way to step back in time for a few hours.

BUT it was not until the late 90’s when the famous Jump, Jive & Wail GAP commercial aired and the movie “Swing Kids” hit the theatres that I knew that Swing Dancing (Lindy hop) needed to be in my life. It would not be until almost 10 years later that I would get that chance, but another 10 years later, I am still in love.

Now my vintage style emerged from my dancing. I have always loved clothing from other eras and I would spend hours drawing my own designs of styles long gone but growing up in Sarnia, there were really no “vintage stores” and everyone just dressed pretty much mainstream, so I did the same.

It was only after I moved to Toronto for Fashion School in 1999, that my eyes were open to this whole new world of “vintage clothing”, but I still kept my mainstream style.

Then Lindy Hop entered my life in 2008 and I no longer felt comfortable heading out in jeans and t-shirts, I needed 40’s dresses, 50’s circle skirts (to name just some of the items in my closet), vintage hairstyles, the shoes and purses to match.

Once those clothes landed on my body, I 100% felt that I had found the “REAL LIZ”. it felt so very right and I have not looked back since (while I will admit that once in a while “mainstream Liz will make an appearance or two).Vintage Inn Blog Vintage Fashion Vintage History 1930s 1940s 1950s 1920s

 

Q. When did you create The Vintage Inn and what was your main reason for wanting to blog vintage experiences?Vintage Inn Blog Vintage Fashion Vintage History 1930s 1940s 1950s 1920s

A. I created the Vintage Inn because I am fascinated by the time periods between the 1920’s and the 1960’s. The history, clothing, music, etc. and I wanted to share my passion with others who might feel the same way.

I was also wanted to have a more Canadian component to my blog, which was often missed in many blogs posting about the same time period. So when you visit my blog, you will not only see vintage images from the 1940s, but you might also learn about where people went dancing in Ontario during the Swing Era and what classic movie stars were born in Canada. Topics like these are really why I wanted to start my blog.

Vintage Inn Blog Vintage Fashion Vintage History 1930s 1940s 1950s 1920s

Q. What’s your favourite piece of Toronto’s/ Canada’s vintage fashion history?

A. This is an easy one; it’s hands down the story of Veronica Foster, the original rosie the riveter. But in Canada she was actually called the ‘Bren Gun Girl’ and came BEFORE Rosie was invented. Veronica worked in the Bren Gun Factory right here in Toronto and became the poster girl for the Canadian Home-front Effort.Veronica Foster-The Original Rosie the Riveter blog post by www.vintageinn.ca

Q. What’s one place you’d recommend to someone wanting to travel to experience the ultimate vintage experience?

A. Oh, this a good question! I love travelling and have been to many places that have several wonderful vintage elements to them but I think for the purpose of this interview I would say, ‘Havana, Cuba’.

If you love Art Deco Design (which I do) and the 1950’s, then Havana is your place. Spend a weekend there, stay in the hotel where Ernest Hemingway lived for several years (I did), get a ride in an authentic 1950’s Bel-Air, walk around the Historic Quarter and look up to all the beautiful Art Deco Buildings towering over you, sit down in a bar and listen to the beautiful Cuban Music playing and then while drinking a classic Mojito, close your eyes and soon you can see 1950’s Cuba in it’s heyday. That my friends is a true vintage experience.

Vintage Inn Blog Vintage Fashion Vintage History 1930s 1940s 1950s 1920s

 

That is it for today but if you would like to read ahead and see the other Canadian’s featured thus far, please visit Starlotte Satine Vintage’s Facebook Page or Instagram.

In a vintage online buying mood? Then you have to check out the store’s Etsy Page HERE.

I hope you enjoyed the first of many in this series (thank you to Starlotte for putting this together) and if you know of anyone that should be featured please reach out in the comments below or via the social media links above.

Thank you!

Liz

Guest Blog Post Series-Canadian Vintage Inspiration

Dear Vintage Inn Fans, please meet fellow Canadian and vintage lover, Starlotte Satine of ‘Starlotte Satine Vintage‘ located in Sudbury, Ontario.

starlotte

Starlotte Satine Vintage is the only vintage pop up shop here in Sudbury, ON that is privately owned. Specializing in bringing unique shopping experiences/ events that take you back in time all while giving you a chance to find amazing treasures for reasonable prices!

With a strong love for vintage clothing and fashion within the arts Starlotte Satine and her team of vintage enthusiasts decided it was time to bring a different era of shopping experiences to Sudbury’s core. Since then, Starlotte Satine Vintage has continued to put on pop up shop events that include all different styles of vintage clothing with a variety of sizes and eras that includes a little bit of something for everyone!

Each pop up event is a different experience held in different local businesses that sets the mood from past times and has also gives shoppers a chance to bring out a unique side to their own personal style while giving life to otherwise unused treasures. The goal is to eventually have a Physical location for normal shopping hours. However, until then ask us about personal styling, private viewings, consignment, and costume rentals as well! Hope to See you at our next big pop up sale/ event! Reuse, Shop Local, Say No to fast fashion, Be you!

Vintage Fashion from Starlotte Satine Vintage
Image via Starlotte Satine Vintage

 

I was recently introduced to Starlotte thru a mutual friend because she was looking for vintage guys and gals for a series she was doing called ‘Canadian Vintage Inspiration‘. I was instantly intrigued by this idea and wanted to know more.

About the Series:

Step inside the minds of Canadian Vintage life stylists in the modern world and find out what their passions, tips, and lives are like through my #canadianvintageinspiration hash tag! Once a week for #followfriday and #men’svintagemonday I’ll be posting Canadian vintage enthusiasts who are shaping the Canadian vintage scene and keeping it alive.

The Canadian vintage scene is much smaller than the rest of the world so I want to shine the spotlight on some of the amazing people who make Canadian vintage so great by showcasing incredible vintage fashions across Canada. I hope this project inspires others who are looking for fashion inspiration and to showcase homegrown vintage lovers. I hope to also give people an outlet to take bold risks with fashion and step outside their comfort zone.

Starlotte’s idea for this series is very close to my heart because it has always been something I have wanted to do on my own blog, but I just have never been able to find the time. That changes today! Friends I introduce you to my new guest blog post series and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have so far.

 

THE CANADIAN VINTAGE INSPIRATION by Starlotte Satine Vintage:

First up, Little Miss Cheri – An Authentic Cheescake Pinup

Canadian Vintage Inspiration blog post
Photo Credit: kentleafs

Q) What advice would you give to someone who wants to dress retro but dosen’t know how to get started?

How to dress in Vintage advice

A) You might think you don’t have the confidence to put on a vintage/retro look and go out into the world of onlookers but it’s surprising how much just having that outfit on will GIVE you confidence!

I have never once been met with negativity while dressed as a 50’s housewife,you get curiosity from some and compliments from others.

Start out with small pieces if you want like a vintage hat or a vintage circle skirt paired with a modern top. Find your muses in the modern time vintage lovers.

A lot of times they have blogs and YouTube channels and how-to videos that will give you great tips and help you along the way.

Canadian Retro Vintage Inspiration

Q) What’s your go to vintage styled outfit when your running late?

Canadian Vintage Inspiration

A) High waisted denim,a vintage button up blouse tucked in . Paired with a red lip, sparkly earrings and a retro ponytail/Victory roll. Switch it up by pairing it with a cute retro circle skirt to fancy it up a bit!

Canadian Vintage Inspiration

Q) What do you wish to see more of in the Canadian vintage scene, especially in Ontario?

Canadian Vintage Inspiration

A) Basically a lot more of what Starlotte Satine Vintage and many others are already doing. There needs to be more reasons for vintage and retro lovers to get together and more places to find old pieces to love. There’s definitely a special feeling seeing pieces in front of you and trying them on,just like it used to be before websites and fast fashion.

Thank you, Little Miss Cheri!

Next up, Andrew Desabrais-Theatre Actor and Vintage Clothing Aficionado

Canadian Vintage Inspiration Blog Post Vintage Man

Q) What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever received?

A) Johnny cash has always been an immense source of inspiration when it comes to my fashion sense. Always well dressed but often in a very understated way.

Johnny Cash

Q) What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever received?

A) Wear the best that you can afford -Todd Wilkinson

Starlotte Satine Vintage, Canadian Vintage Inspiration

Q) What is the main thing you look for when shopping for that one special piece of vintage to add to your collection?

A) Quality of material is always the first thing I look for when vintage shopping. It’s amazing how often you can stumble upon old designer pieces if you know the feel of good quality material.

Q) What inspired you to start dressing in a vintage style?

A) My grandfather was always an incredibly snappy dresser. Also wore a suit and fedora when he went out and about always. He also taught me how to shoot pool.

Vintage Canadian Inspiration

Thank you Andrew!

That is it for today but if you would like to read ahead and see the other Canadian’s featured thus far (there are 5 more left), please visit Starlotte Satine Vintage’s Facebook Page or Instagram. And stay tuned for a future interview with ME, the Vintage Inn!

In a vintage online buying mood? Then you have to check out the store’s Etsy Page HERE.

I hope you enjoyed the first of many in this series (thank you to Starlotte for putting this together) and if you know of anyone that should be featured please reach out in the comments below or via the social media links above.

Thank you!

Liz