This was our 4th Annual Tiki Party … with surf bands, burlesque performances, rum tastings, limbo and colourful outfits galore … we threw one hell of a party!
Toronto Vintage Society Admin Team
Not quite sure what a Tiki Party is? Click here to find out more Tiki culture.
Click here and here to see what TVS Tiki previous parties were like
A wee glimpse of some of the crowd and performances of the night… Kassandra Love + CoconutThe bigger the hair flower the better 🙂 Moi…before the hair fell flat
What I Bought
There were a number of fabulous vendors on site … which means some shopping had to be done 🙂
This adorable brooch I picked up from Cheap Thrills. I DO Love Lucy! I do! I do!!! Click here to see what I mean.
Then I met Marylou of The Bonnit … and these bad boys followed me home. Perfectly compact rain bonnets with adorable patterns on them!
And they even fit with a giant hair flower affixed to head – bonus!!! 😉
They come 2-per-pack. And soon with colour printed patterns.
Right now she’s offering FREE shipping to all over Canada. Just sayin’ ladies 😉
What I Wore
I picked-up this floral halter-neck dress last year at one of those blowout sales Tatyana Boutique was having.
Kinda loving the lime green centers on blue flowers, all over an all black background. I plan on extending the wear of this dress into the Fall with a black cardi… since it’s been waiting to be worn out for an entire year!
How beautiful is the backdrop of our Photo Booth?
I can’t even imagine how much patience and delicate scissoring it must have taken to get each of these leaves perfect.
Totally worth it tho. Just. Beautiful! ❤
How I Got The Look: Dress and Purse, Tatyana Boutique, Giant hair flower, Fruits of Bali, Jelly shoes from my trip to Malaysia (click here to find out more)
Special Thanks to Joy Tan for snapping these pics of my outfit for me!
Did YOU make it out to our Tiki Party? What did you think of my outfit and this event recap post?
Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below.
Cabaret Vintage has been in the heart of West Queen West, Toronto for almost 20 years and has been named Best Vintage Clothing Store in Toronto by Now Magazine.
This year however, the shop is moving its business to online sales only. You’ll be happy to know that their vintage inspired options go up to a 2x sizing there – FYI!
While the storefront will remain operational until February, the ladies of the Toronto Vintage Society booked an hour of exclusive shopping-time with Tao (the delightful shop owner) to scoop up as many “one-of-a-kind” vintage finds as we could. 🙂
The Ladies of The Toronto Vintage Society …wishing you a Happy New Year!
What I Wore:
I’ve been stalking this Tatyana Boutique dress (a common hobby of mine) and finally got it when it was super marked-down….
The Outfit Deets: Faux fur purse, Aldo (click here); Bowtie belt, vintage; Maryjane heels, Nine West; The Judy Dress, Tatyana BoutiqueThis dress is very generously sized, the one below is a 2x (I usually fit into 3x/4x with Tatyana sizing).
Model vs. MoiThe neckline and shoulders of this dress is really what stole my heart. And its the perfect length…no hemming required for my petite frame.
I love it so much ❤
So much so, that I’ve actually wore this to the office the week before Xmas … and received “compliments” which included very-vintage-y, as well as Elf-y
Le sigh…
The Judy Dress – Tatyana Boutique
What I Bought:
“Exclusive shopping event”, they said.
“It’s only an hour”, they said.
“No harm in looking, right?” they said.
Sigh… I cannot be trusted. My visit was suppose to be strictly for window-shopping purposes. I thought I could totally control myself, as finding true vintage in my size is like finding a needle in a haystack. I thought I was safe. And still, this giant bag of delights followed me home.
What was inside the shopping bad you’re wondering?
The following beauties…
Three pairs of elbow-length gloves….. one in perfect condition brown leather!! ❤
This brown hat sits on the head at a sharp angle, held on to the head with a hat-pin … I couldn’t put it down, and maybe kept it on my head whilst I shopped the store…. 🙂
And lastly, this gorgeous mink fur collar!!! ❤ ❤ ❤ It was a splurge-o purchase….but just look at it! I’m only human people!!!
And it’s given new life to older pieces in my closet already, like this cheapy wrap-dress from Old Navy that’s been in my closet for ages…
If you are interested in shopping at Cabaret, you can by appointment only before they move exclusucely to online sales. Reach out to Tao, tell them I sent ya 🙂
Looks like we’ve finally gotten a snowy winter in Toronto. Here’s the winterized me that day…post-shopping with a new hat & scarf set I got for Christmas.
Oh dear! Another month and so few blogposts to show for it.
I’m alive, I promise. It’s been a dizzy busy December!
Let’s dedicate this blogpost to filling you in and catching you up on all the many fun-filled adventures that took place in the Life and Times of Moi this past month….
Holiday Hair with The Proudest Pony
I don’t know about you…but when it comes to my look, my hair-game is weak sauce!!!
So when I was invited to this blogger exclusive evening at The Proudest Pony – wild horses couldn’t keep me away. See what I did there? 😉
Me with Ashley, Owner and Hairstylist Extraordinaire + Me with the ladies of Main St. CCTah-Dah!!! Final results: Vintage glamour bob
If you’re following me on Instagram (if you’re not – you should – click here) you can see the entire hair transformation there 🙂
Me with the delightful hair magician, Garlande … she’s a doll!! Outfit Deets: Top, Penningtons (other looks); Skirt, Forever21+
Corporate Holiday Party
I work for a huge company – and haven’t been interested in going to the companywide holiday party in a few years.
But since I got my hair did the night before, and had a dress that was dying to be worn…. I had to make an appearance this year 😉
Accessories: Ear cuff from Forever21 and Earrings from Your Big Sister’s ClosetOutfit Deets: Coat, Laura Petite; Shoes, Guess; Purse, Danier Leather; Dress, Kiyonna
This faux fur zebra coat was the first I’ve found that didn’t add extra bulk to my bod …. and fit me perfectly in the shoulders. It was from Laura Petite – isn’t it lovely?
The first weekend of December, Toronto Vintage Society hosted our annual holiday party – this year with a White Christmas theme.
This was the crowd at about 9pm!!! It was a super fun night, with a number of great bands and performances, with a full house all night long.
These were some of the beautiful homemade kitsch being sold at the event – I may have picked up a few for myself 🙂Here are a few snaps from the TVS Album…
Team Xmas Lunch and Office Party
Remember that fabulous hat I WON from Goorin Bros last month? Well, I picked up another glittery kitschy facinator from this year’s TVS White Kitschmas…clipped it to this hat, and voila la!
Holiday Amazingness was Born!!!
…pardon the no-makeup selfie here friends…Outfit Deets: Propeller hat, Goorin Bros; Cropped cardi, Old Navy; Necklace, LOFT; Fanny skirt, Tatyanna Boutique (for more click here and here)
It was the perfect for my Team Lunch where festive gear was strongly recommended 🙂
Later that week, our entire department had some mandatory fun with more festive furvolity and general office appropriate holiday shenanigans! 🙂
I’m one of those rare people who only ever saw the Star Wars films as an adult, not as a kid. But I was an instant fan…and with the release of Episode VII, I hosted a movie marathon…
Complete with Darth Vader slippers, Lightsaber pretzel snacks and 1/2 the cast on my couch 🙂
Naturally, I HAD to dress for the theme too….
BOTH of these tees are from Ardene – FYI!!!
I had tickets for THE FORCE AWAKENS Christmas Day –and oh yes, there’s an outfit for that – duh!!!
Outfit Deets: Faux fur collar long sweater, Reitmans; Star Wars tee, Ardene
Want more Star Wars Fashion? I got you covered…click here 😉
Toronto Distillery Christmas Market
It never really feels like Christmas until you’ve visited the Distillery’s Christmas Market.
Sadly, it’s not quite the the same experience without snow. But we made the best of it…
Eating GIANT Turkey Legs, in the street …. Keepin’ it Klassy. That’s how we do!
Can’t leave without the mandatory group selfie in front of that xmas tree 🙂
The Many Open House Holiday Get-Togethers
I’ve got so many lovely friends who open up their homes for some good ol’ fashioned holiday cheer.
I participated in the vintage cookie exchange again this year – click here for the cookie recipe.
But this time baked up a few billion extra and packaged them up as giveaways and hostess gifts 😉
One of my favourite holiday looks this year was this one: BLACK & RED!
A pleated black circle skirt is a staple in my wardrobe. You can dress it up or dress it down. For an easy house-party-outfit, I chose to wear it with this retro red plaid top, and added a fun broach/hair fascinator to amp up the christmas-y factor to this look. Adding that needed festive vibe needed by all holiday party attendees.
Outfit details: Skirt, Forever21+; Plaid top, Collectif, Loveless Boutique; Shoes suede tie-up flats from Christian S for Payless; Holiday bow earrings Target; Holiday broach/fascinator, handmade kitsch from Toronto Vintage Society
What’s great about this outfit is that the pieces can totally be worn together or separately, paired with other items, throughout the year!
Orphan Xmas Eve Dinner
What was originally gonna be a dinner for two in pjs xmas eve….became a proper grown-up dinner for 6 xmas eve 🙂
Friends are the Family you choose.
Since selling the house and downsizing to a shoebox of a condo, I didn’t think I’d be hosting many parties ever again.
I’m very fortunate to have found some lovely new people in my life whom I can call friends. And am thrilled to be hosting get-togethers again 🙂
NYE 2016
Alas, I’ve yet to make any firm plans for New Years Eve just yet….
There’s plenty happening. I did pickup this amazing beaded vintage jacket…that will very likely be incorporated into my outfit, once I make a decision on what to do for NYE.
What are you doing for NYE? What are YOU gonna wear? Tell me in the comments section below 🙂
Found this vintage beaded beauty at ThePublic Butter – 50% off!!!!
Hope you all had a fabulous time off from work, and had lots of time to catchup with family and friends and everyone in-between.
Looking forward to 2016 and all the adventures to be had in life and fashion.
Thank you for following the blog! Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year ahead! xo
It happened. Summer is Over. Fall has officially begun!
I dunno about y’all….but I had an excellent summer! Toronto is the greatest! And Summer in the city is just the best!
With all the many street festivals, buskers, concerts, dancing on the pier, movies in the park and ferry trips to the Toronto Island… there’s always tons of fun to be had.
Here is a quickie recap of some of the fun-in-the-sun events I attended, that I didn’t get a chance to blog about:
TVS PinUp Picnic
Toronto Vintage Society did another PinUp Picnic this year … armed with blankets and baskets we sectioned off a corner of Trinity Bellwoods to enjoy an afternoon of simple fun in overcast skies…
The Outfit: Cherry peep-toed wedges, H&M; Wicker purse, Tatyana; Parasol, Damzels … and the dress…
After picnicking … a few of us were ready to learn how to do The Stroll with Drea from Soda Pop Hop
No vintage picnic is complete without some dancing in the grass. Click here to see what last year’s picnic was like 🙂A few of us from the Toronto Vintage Society and Friends
Dirty Dancing Quote-a-long
The Bloor Cinema hosted a Quote-a-long movie screening of DIRTY DANCING.
Oh yes…. taking us back to the summer of 1963, via the summer of 1987. Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) is resigned to spend her summer at a wholesome family resort in the Catskills, when she unwittingly discovers the wild dance parties the resort staff have after hours.
This quote-along screening was hosted by comedian Steph Tolev, in a karaoke-style where you were encouraged to yell back at the movie screen and boo Robbie-the-Jerk, woot Johnny-the-Dreamboat, and get up and dance like it’s the Time of Our Lives!!!!
Happy to report that EVERYONE knew exactly when to say, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
Toronto Vintage Society’s Tiki Lani Lanai
This was our 3rd Annual Tiki Party … and it was our best turnout ever!
Not quite sure what a Tiki Party is? Click here to find out more Tiki culture. And here to see what it was like last year 🙂
Me among the crowned Tiki Queen of the evening…. and her wife. Aren’t they both just adorbz! My outfit: I found this floral aqua romper (yup, its a onesie friends) from Forever21+; Hair flower from Fruits of Bali; Sandals from Coach
A few of the ladies of Toronto Vintage Society who helped organized and put this party together 🙂
O.K. Blue Jays!
I’m not a big sports fan – sitting through 9-innings of baseball on the hottest day ever and paying for ridiculously over priced food and booze, isn’t my first choice of spending a sunny afternoon.
Buuuuuuut the Toronto Blue Jays have been killing it this season! And in true bandwagon-fan fashion… I wanted to be apart of the hype!!!
So, we got ourselves nose-bleed tickets to a PACKED Skydome game!
Plus, look at these cutie-pie tees I found us!!! $17 from Winners bebe! Aren’t we the cutest!??!
Clearly our matchy-matchy look helped them WIN the game that day. You’re welcome fellas! 😉
Turns out for a non-sports-fan, I made it to a game last year too. Click here for that.
Pre-drinking at Steam Whistle Brewery before the game
Let’s Go To The Ex!
I haven’t been to The Ex since I was a teen. A few dancing friends went down on a Monday night to cash in on the $6 after 5pm deal….. We tasted weird deep-fried foods … checked out livestock at the farm … rode some rides… lost money trying to win prizes…
In line with the gang for BUMPER CARS at The Ex!
AND got to dance the night away to BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY ….!!! We were “So Money” and we didn’t even know it 😉
A few of us caught wind that on August 15th folks were gathering at the Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Park (Richmond, California) to try and set a NEW Guinness World Record for “The Largest Gathering of People Dressed as a Rosie the Riveter”!
The current record was set last year when 776 Rosie and Rosie lookalikes gathered at the Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, MI.
This year, they hoped to round-up 1000 Rosies!!!
The rules for dressing like Rosie:
How I Got The Look: headscarf and earrings from Ardene; jeans from Old Navy; denim shirt from Reitmans; mens red socks, Forever21; boots from Aldo
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
Since we couldn’t be in California for the event, a few of us from the Toronto Vintage Society wanted to be there in spirit and rounded up the troops for a perfect photo opportunity in front of the fab colourful 3D Toronto sign at City Hall.
And here are OUR results:
HEY, wanna dress up in heavy jeans, coveralls, socks and boots … and do up your hair in vintage style on a Saturday afternoon, for a photo-op?
Duh!! Yah WE do!?!
You know you’ve found your tribe when you’re doing THIS on the hottest day of summer 😉
Now, we weren’t so hardcore about sticking to the ‘outfit rules’ as our friends in CA looking to break world records.
But I think we looked pretty spectacular none-the-less 😀
Since we were all out and about anyways, we adventured via TTC for some shopping…
Rosie the Riveters invade Rosie the Rebel…. And then cooled off with some desserts at The Bean and Baker Malt Shop… OMG!!! This deliciousness that I’m guzzling below is called THE PINK LADY MILKSHAKE! Go and get yourself one immediately. It will not disappoint! ❤
There are tons more fun snaps – check them out on my Instagram channel –> and follow me 🙂
Meanwhile in California ….
Yup! They did it! They broke the world record for the most Rosie’s gathered in a rally!!!
1084 Rosies were counted for the Guinness World Record!!!
Congratulations friends!!! Happy Day! ❤
Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of the United States, representing the American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were in the military.
Still curious? Click here to read more on the iconic Rosie the Riveter and her importance.
Hope you enjoyed reading this post. 🙂
Photo Thanks to Erin, Joy and Liz – thanks for all the sharing and capturing of the fun!
The most familiar symbol of the “Roaring Twenties” is probably the flapper: a young woman with bobbed hair and short skirts, excessive makeup and jewellery, who drank, smoked and said “unladylike” things … and more sexually “free” than previous generations.
Some of the lovelies behind the Toronto Vintage Society
The fashions of the ’20s are one of my faves…but sadly extremely difficult to find in my size, and even harder to make look good on my body shape. The drop-waist isn’t something that I can pull off.
But I love me some fringe & feathers!!! So when I found this getup on sale at an online costume shop – it had to be mine! ❤
And there was finally a reason to wear it as Toronto Vintage Society hosted a Selfie Photo Booth at Palais Royale’s Winterlicous night of dinner and dancing!
I have to admit, this might be the most glamorous venue in Toronto!!! The Palais Royale Ballroom has been around for 92-years. This space is oh-so magical.
Winterlicious diners enjoying before the dancing begun.
Since I’m not the best with makeup application – I googled what a flapper in the 1920s would do and then tried to replicate it with what I had on hand. Here’s what I found and my results…
Volia! Me trying my hand at Gatsby makeup: base from PURMinerals, eyeshadows and blush from E.L.F., lipstick from MakeupForever, mascara fromYounique 3D Fiber Lashes (please ignore the hair curlers)
The best part of flapper wear…is all the accessories!!!
T-strap shoes from Naturalizer; feather headband came with the dress; earrings from Necessities; pearls and bracelets picked up at Toronto Vintage Clothing Show
And…with all the pieces together – TAH-DAH!!!
I was pleasantly surprised how well my hair worked out. There was a sh*t-ton of hairspray to keep these waves in. And I’m happy to report that the doo lasted pretty much the whole night…including post-event libations in the wee hours of the AM…which is pretty impressive with my thin hair, blustery winter weather and Lindy Hopping all night. 🙂
Now that I had the hair, makeup and outfit all done…..it was time to dance my feet off to the music of Alex Pangman!
Swing dancing to Alex Pangman + an excuse to get dressed up in 1920s garb – what better way to end the work week!
The Toronto Vintage Society had a fabulous Selfie Photo Booth set up, complete with fabulous authentic props!!!
Here’s a selection of moments captured “TVS-Selfie-Photo-Booth” style:
Dapper swing dancers romancing me for the camera – Giddy Up! 😉
All the fabulous vintage props at the TVS Photo Booth….This fab pic of the Toronto Vintage Society gang – at our fab Selfie Photo Booth — tons more on Instagram #palaisroyaleballroom
Earlier this month the Toronto Vintage Society gathered together to celebrate all things MERRY, KITSCHY and BRIGHT by turning the Cadillac Lounge into a winter cabin!
But what the heck do we mean by “Kitschy”? Good question!
“Kitsch”, according to Wikipedia, is; (/ˈkɪtʃ/; loanword from German) is a low-brow style of mass-produced art or design using popular or cultural icons. Kitsch generally includes unsubstantial or gaudy works or decoration, or works that are calculated to have popular appeal. Click here to read and see more about exactly what this means 🙂
The Event:
$5 at the Door got you entertainment galore!! 40s/50s themed decor and suggested dress code with Best (and kitschiest) Dressed prizes to be won! Along with vintage cocktails flowing all night and home made treats, handmade kitsch and vintage chachkas for sale!
The Cadillac Lounge transformed into our Kitschmas Cabin
The Toronto Vintage Society never does anything half-assed …. always FULL ass! 😛
Not only were we able to transform the Cadillac Lounge into a wintery holiday cabin, there was all kinds of fun entertainment all night long to get everyone into the festive spirit no matter what your ‘thing’ was. There was even a Nail Artist: Strawberry LIPs n TIPs creating one-of-a-kind holiday art one nail at a time!!
Loving my amazing Rudolph nail art – outstanding!!!
This party was non-stop entertainment which included…vintage vinyl and holidays classic movies played all night long by our very own DJ Tarana Pete…
DJ Tarana-Pete spinning vintage vinyl & holiday movie classics
PLUS Performances by ELVIS and his burlesquing alter ego – Blue Suede Sue. Then the adorable Miss Kitten Monroe.
Me with the talented Tia Brazda and delightful Kitten Monroe
AND performances by the Tia Brazda Swing Band with her hit song Christmas in Mexico!! Take a listen and get yourself a copy… Tis’ the season for this catchy toe-tapper of a tune 🙂
Ooooh…and there was plenty of swing dancing too!!!
Me with my skirt all a-twirl!
As you can see…..We PACKED the place! It was a spectacular night!!!
I’m pretty sure I managed to sell raffle tickets to every single person in here!
And to top it all off…..we even had an amazing Winter Wonderland of a photo booth setup with SANTA!
Click here for the full TVS Photo Booth album — each picture just jumps off the screen with happiness and joy!
If you didn’t make it out to the event, you can relive the fun – prepare to smile your faces off 🙂
Dancing went on until the wee hours of the morning …. AND there was even karaoke in the backroom!!!
Collage-o-Fun captured by my iPhone …
I’m not gonna lie, due to all the liquid courage (who knew apple cider and rum would be such a delicious combination) I may have gotten up on stage to belt a tune or two. There is evidence of this on someone’s phone…dun dun dunnnn 😮
What I Wore:
Photo Credit: Val Soo
I picked up this Alika Circle Polka Retro Dress during Tatyana‘s BOGO event – yup…BuyOne, GetOne FREE!!! This dress comes in a variety of solid colours that are just as lovely. But I really, really, really loved this black, white and red polka-dot pattern. And was determined to xmas-ify for THIS holiday event!
With an amazing lattice style around neckline and sleeves you really don’t need any accessories to jazz this frock up! The waist features a bow at the center that leads to its full circle skirt. There’s a three-eye-hook closures above the back zipper…which requires a buddy’s help, at least in my case 🙂
The Alika Circle Polka Retro Dress WITH crinoline
The dress on its own is quite lovely with the full circle skirt. But it gets even for amazing with a puffy red crinoline underneath! Plus, it hides any additional lumps & bumps that may have resulted due to vintage cookie eating the weeks before….click here to see what I mean. 😉
And I’m happy to say that EVERYTHING I’m wearing in this post came from Tatyana Boutique on West Queen West, in Toronto. To read more about Tatyana’s new Toronto location click here.
As lovely as everything looked all together, my outfit was incomplete. It was missing the much needed “Kitschy” factor.
AND THEN THIS HAPPENED…..a fabulous Poinsettia fascinator!!! Hand-made by the crafty curator of TVS, Miss Jacquie – isn’t it amazing? Totally helped perfect my look for the evening’s event! 🙂
Handmade Kitschy Poinsettia Fascinator …. I’m told that there are some available for sale at Damzel’s East location, FYI 😉
Earrings from Your Big Sister’s Closet; Hair flower made by Jacquie Jeffery
And ….TA-DAH! My vintage kitschmas look was complete!
Blurry end-of-the-night selfie
Extra Bonus to those reading this right now!!! Tatyana Boutique will happily give you 15% off until December 31st by mentioning this blogpost friends >>>>
Ok…the holiday season is upon us and I’m sure you’ve got 101 places to be as invitations start filling up your calendar. I aim to write not only about What I Wore …. but rather What I Did while wearing it.
So get ready for a flurry of Holiday Happening posts from me throughout the month of December friends 🙂
One of the first invitations was to a Vintage Cookie Exchange!
If you’ve been following the blog, you know that there is a group of special friends in my life from all my involvement with the Toronto Vintage Society. Among them are the crafty, kitchy, artsy, put-Martha-Stewart-to-shame few who’ve really helped me expand and discover new skills I never knew I had. And this invitation was one of those moments of discovery!!!!
The Mission: Bake 8 dozen holiday inspired cookies to give away to the others who were coming to this shindig, plus a few to be plated, shared and enjoyed at the party.
Now, for a chick (moi) who doesn’t bake, my immediate thoughts were …. DUN DUN DUNNNNN…Run Away! Run Away! in a Monty Python spirited way.
But then I bought this amazing fanny midi skirt, which would be perfect for the get-to-gether …and so I decided I’d make an effort by trying my hand at baking! 😉
I picked up this lovely skirt from Tatyana Boutique’s newest location on West Queen West during their BOGO deal. Yup – Buy One, Get One FREE!!! Naturally I had to scoop up this midi in both colours: wine and green. Needless to say that these two skirts will be making multiple appearances over the holidays (stay tuned to the blog for that!) 🙂
Best part about these skirts: THE POCKETS!! Perfect for iPhone, cab fare and lip gloss … you know, the essentials!
In an effort to step my up holiday glam, I decided to wear festive accessories like my gold xmas bows set I picked up from Target a few years ago. Still kicking myself for not picking them up in the other metallic xmas colours they had at the time. Sigh…
How I Got The Look: Black n’ white polka dot 3/4 length top from Reitmans; Fanny midi skirt from Tatyana Boutique; Xmas bows accessory set from Target; and shoes were thrifted
Outfit Photo Credit: Val Soo
As for my baking effort and contribution … I’ve been told that peanut butter cookies are the easiest of all the cookies to make. And with the help of Pintrest, I found the following recipe and added my own holiday twist and TRIPLED it!
Ingredients (needed for approx 3doz cookies):
1/2 c. butter (unsalted is best, but salted works fine)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Un-wrapped Hershey Kisses, 1 for each cookie
I’ve even documented my efforts step-by-step for y’all 🙂
Step 1: In the bowl cream together butter, both sugars and peanut butter. Add egg and vanilla. Step 2: Then combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Add flour mix to butter mix. Step 3: Refrigerate dough in bowl for 30 minutes.Step 4: While dough is in fridge, preheat oven to 375C, line your cookie sheets and unwrap all your Hershey’s Kisses. I went with Hugs instead…the swirls looked more ‘holiday-like’ 🙂Step 5: Form into 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.Step 6: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are just a little brown.Step 7: Discard all the burnt ones – lol. This was my very first batch…seems the recommended use of parchment paper was of critical importance. Sigh…Step 8: Remove from oven, and press a Kiss/Hug into each cookie. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes and then move cookies to cooling racks (or plate).Step 9: Put a dozen of them into individual festive baggies to give away at your Vintage Holiday Cookie Exchange! I call these cookies: Christmas Hugs!!Step 10: Become Cookie Monsters with your cookie baking friends and eat as many as you can in a violently horrific manner!! #nomnomnom
This was my first cookie exchange ever – first time baking cookies ever, in fact. And with relatively little work and preparation I’m now am able to offer a variety of lovely baked goods to family & friends at upcoming holiday festivities and gifting. HAZZA! 🙂
Between all the shopping, parties, wrapping, decorating, and travel this time of year, most of us would put “more time” as the number one item on our holiday wish lists. So this year, why not kill two turtledoves with one stone by hosting a cookie exchange party?
SWING OUT TO VICTORY! is an annual dinner-dance held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. You don’t need to be a dancer! There are tons who come out just go to absorb the experience in a great museum setting with people dressed in their vintage finery.
The superb Toronto All-Star Big Band performed nostalgic tunes from the 1930s and 40s all night underneath the famous Avro Lancaster (last in Canada) – the main focus of the event.
This was going to be my first ‘away’ dance … and I was excited to get all decked out in ALL of my 1940s gear!
Finding vintage plus-sized pieces hasn’t been too easy. But I did have some luck at this Spring’s Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, where I picked up this floral belted day-dress, along with these new-vintage (i.e. never been worn) Celebrity bow-tie heels. The white gloves are from 69Vintage, and the purse was a vintage gift (thanks JJ!). The only non-vintage piece was my fascinator, which I picked up from the Your Big Sisters Closet.
In an effort to make this dress more ‘1940s evening appropriate’ … I was on the hunt for a fur stole. Lucky for me, my vintage loving friends (thanks Erin & Joy) discovered that The Public Butter (a vintage shop on WQW) had a ton of them for sale!
I picked up this beautiful mink fur with a patterned, in perfect condition, lining for only $40!
The beautiful vintage mink fur stole I picked up – in mint condition from The Public Butter, $40!
The hair is always my biggest challenge. Liz, of The Vintage Inn, gave me a great easy tip and I was able to create this vintage back-roll…which held up pretty well all night!
A gaggle of us carpooled our way just outside of Hamilton, in our 40s finest …. stopping to have dinner at Swiss Chalet, we be Klassly like dat….yup – classy with a ‘k’. And then we were off to dance among the planes with uniformed men 🙂
Lovely 1940s fashions, airplanes and furs with some fabulous ladies! Special thanks to Erin for bringing along her camera to capture some of these fab snaps!A little sweaty faced after all the dancing
At some point in the middle of the fantastic night, a delightful lady handed me a card and said I was her choice for “Best Dressed” of the evening…and would be called up on stage for the competition! Woot! Woot!
Geez…check out my Best Dress competition – 7 ft tall goddess with perfect pin-up hair…Best Dress Contestants were me, 7ft pin-up goddess and Winston Churchill
2nd prize winner of a giant basket of goodies for the Best Dressed Contest!Moi – a la 1940s. Photo credit: Shermette … click the link to see her blogpost recap on this event.
Is there a panda behind my head? “I always feel like somebody’s watching me”….Toronto Vintage Society ladies totally ambushed this uniformed crewmen into this shot. He doesn’t seem to mind too much though 🙂
Dancing to the always magically big band music of Toronto All Star Big Band, surrounded by the planes at The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, among veterans and friends dressed in vintage finery and WINNING 2nd place in the best dressed contest ….. what a fantastic night!!! Can’t wait for next year! 🙂
Electro Swing Toronto’s event this month was attended by moi and several TVSers (Toronto Vintage Society) to work the door and help judge the best dressed competition that is held each time an Electro Swing event happens. Tonight’s theme: VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD!
DJ Medicineman (founder of Electro Swing in Toronto) often recruits TVS to help him with vintage related things – and so far these collaborations have been fantastic!!! To see the other ones I’ve attended, click here , here and here.
Me wearing what I was told is a “80s does 20s classic black Hollywood peplum dress (BlackMarket Vintage on WQW for $10). And Joy!!! Photo Credit: ShermetteAnd Joy in an amazing Audrey Hepburn inspired look with jewels, gloves, cig holder and everything! **swoon**Joy and Shermy … in their amazing vintage dresses giving their best vintage-non-smiling-bored faces.
Here we are on stage…trying to gauge audience applause for winners of Best Dressed: Dapper Dude and Dashing Dame:
Tah-Dah ….TVS with the winners of the Best Dressed Competition:
Check out my magical hair transformation courtesy of Jacquie – done in two mins flat in the green room at Revival!!! Thanks Miss Jacquie 🙂
My dress was a simple black – a classic hollywood look – with gold Lemay. I was told is a “80s does 20s classic black Hollywood peplum dress (BlackMarket Vintage on WQW for $10).
I threw on a black feather boa (Dollarama) and excessive blingy jewellery (most of which i got as wedding presents – Indian people love giving jewellery to brides)…and off I went.
Collage -O-Fun had at Electro Swing Toronto’s Vintage Hollywood night!
Me being ‘Door-Whore’ at Revival …TVSers: Jacquie (Founder of TVS), moi, Shermy and Joy
For complete photo album of the event, taken by David Tom Photography, click here. AND to read about the event from Shermy’s perspective visit her blog Shermette. 🙂
Toronto Vintage Society’s Tiki Lani Lanai
Then I met Marylou of The Bonnit … and these bad boys followed me home. Perfectly compact rain bonnets with adorable patterns on them!
They come 2-per-pack. And soon with colour printed patterns.
How beautiful is the backdrop of our Photo Booth?
This was the crowd at about 9pm!!! It was a super fun night, with a number of great bands and performances, with a full house all night long. 
I’m one of those rare people who only ever saw the Star Wars films as an adult, not as a kid. But I was an instant fan…and with the release of Episode VII, I hosted a movie marathon…
I have to admit, this might be the most glamorous venue in Toronto!!! The Palais Royale Ballroom has been around for 92-years. This space is oh-so magical.
Blurry end-of-the-night selfie
PPMeow! 
