The little red hankie

I've unintentionally amassed a large hankie collection over my years of vintage shopping. They always seem to be so abundant, inexpensive, and just plain cute that you can't help but pick them up. It always makes me smile when I purchase a vintage bag and a hankie tucked inside comes as a bonus. I love the sentiment of a hankie - one fragranced with your perfume that you give to your beloved, or an embroidered "sweetheart" hankie that wipes away tears and waves goodbye. The red hankie has always intrigued me as it's so eye-catching compared to the delicate and lacy varieties.

The history of the little red hankie starts with none other than Joan Crawford. Rumor has it that while attending a glitzy awards show, she went to dab her lips and soiled her hankie with red lipstick - a bit of an etiquette faux pas! Hopefully she knew to use the folded underside of her hankie to hid her excess lipstick from the public. Nevertheless, soon after she asked her seamstress to whip her up a red handkerchief so she could dab at her lips without worry... and the red hankie was born! The audience took notice and soon all young women followed suit with their own red hankies at the ready.

Lipstick tissues did exist at the time, however these were more intended for blotting lipstick in between applications. Using a tissue after eating would have left little bits of paper all over one's pout. A red handkerchief is also just so much more stylish and would perhaps catch the attention of an admirer. Revealing a coordinating red hankie to dab at your perfectly reddened lips... talk about glamour!

You may wonder why many of these hankies are adorned with embroidery often featuring scottie dogs. Well, the scottie was the "it" dog of the era. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's own scottie, Fala, became world famous. The scottie dog became a symbol of feistiness and determination. As a result, the breed became the go-to in the 30s and 40s for spirited and fashionable ladies.

— TYG

The world according to Mrs. Miniver

I'm sure any booklover out there understands what I mean when I say how dear imaginary characters can become to you, like old friends that you can always go back and visit. Mrs. Miniver is one of those characters that I instantly adored. A 1940s housewife on the brink of WW2, a blurb on the front flap describes Mrs. Miniver as "of the endurable and pleasant sides of existence. Against the shadow of the present, she holds up to view the everyday domesticities, the comings and goings of family life, and finds them good ... the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and suddenly important."

Her station is described as middle class, but upon reading the book I couldn't help but get the feeling Mrs. Miniver is definitely an upper middle class lady, who owned a home in London complete with domestic staff. Nevertheless, she exemplifies the beauty in daily routine life and simple pleasures. One of my favorite sections is the one dedicated to Mrs. Miniver choosing the perfect diary, simply titled "The New Engagement Book."

The book is actually not a novel, but a collection of short stories that were originally printed in The Times. Most of the stories focus on Mrs. Miniver's musings surrounding domesticity, routines, social etiquette, and thoughts about her family. I marked quite a few quotes that resonated with me, and still make me smile when I reread them. Mrs. Miniver seems like such a kindred spirit.

Greer Garson as Mrs. Miniver in the 1942 film.

"This was the kind of thing one remembered about a house: not the size of the rooms or the color of the walls, but the fell of door-handles and light-switches, the shape and texture of the banister-rail under one's palm; minute tactile intimacies, whose resumption was the essence of coming home."

"As a rule she managed to keep household matters in what she considered their proper place. They should be no more, she felt, than a low unobtrusive humming in the background of consciousness: the mechanics of life should never be allowed to interfere with living."

"No, it wasn't shyness. It was more like a form of claustrophobia - a dread of exchanging the freedom of her own self-imposed routine for the inescapable burden of somebody else's. She must be prepared to adjust herself all day to an alien tempo: to go out, to come in, to go to bed, to sit, to stride, to potter (oh! worst of all, to potter), whenever her hostess gave the hint. There was always a chance, of course, that the Havelocks' tempo might turn out to be the same as her own ... and realize that a day without a good chunk or two of solitude in it is like a cocktail without ice."

"She gave herself an extra handful of bath salts as a futile antidote to woe."

"To be entirely at leisure for one day is to be for one day an immortal."

"It is a thing, she knew, which must never be done in a hurry. An engagement book is the most important of all those small adjuncts to life, that tribe of humble familiars which jog along beside one from year's end to year's end, apparently trivial, but momentous by reason of their terrible intimacy. A sponge, a comb, a tooth-brush, a spectacle-case, a fountain-pen - these are the things which need to be chosen with care. They become, in time, so much a part of one that they can scarcely be classes as intimate ... so it wasn't until January that Mrs. Miniver ... found herself in the stationer's shop with enough leisure to give the matter the attention it deserved. She stopped in front of the rack marked 'Diaries' and prepared to enjoy herself."

This adorable, peachy-pink edition from 1940 is one of my most beloved books.

"Besides, Mrs. Miniver was beginning to feel more than a little weary of exchanging ideas and of hearing other people exchange theirs. It's all very well, she reflected, when the ideas have had time to flower, or at least to bud, so that we can pick them judiciously, present them with a bow, and watch them unfold in the warmth of each other's understanding: but there is far too much nowadays of pulling up the wretched little things just to see how they are growing ...

Half the verbal sprigs we hand to each other are nothing but up-ended rootlets, earthy and immature; left longer in the ground they might have come to something: but once they are exposed we seldom manage to replant them. It is largely the fault, no doubt, of the times we live in. Things happen too quickly, crisis follows crisis, the soil of our minds is perpetually disturbed. Each of us, to relieve his feelings, broadcasts his own running commentary on the preposterous and bewildering events of the hour: and this, nowadays, is what passes for conversation." 

"She saw every relationship as a pair of intersecting circles. The more they intersected, it would seem at first glance, the better the relationship; but this is not so. Beyond a certain point the law of diminishing returns sets in, and there aren't enough private resources left on either side to enrich the life that is shared."

"Words were the only net to catch a mood, the only sure weapon against oblivion."

"She breathed surreptitiously on the window of the car and drew two circles with her finger; but they were hardly interested at all - a mere moonlight infatuation which would soon peter out - so she added ears and whiskers and turned them into Siamese cat twins."

― TYG

Five 1940s things to brighten your day

1. Red lipstick & nail varnish. Is there anything better than a bright red lip or a glossy red manicure? Not to a vintage girl! The color red has an amazing invigorating and uplifting effect. In fact, the signature 1940s shade Victory Red was created with just that very purpose in mind. Catching a glimpse of a cherry red lip in the mirror or those little ruby jewels on your fingertips while you cook, clean, sew, write, or whatever else you have planned, will brighten your day.

2. Handcrafts. A simple handcraft like knitting, sewing, or darning is a low cost activity that taps into the vintage make do and mend mentality of the wartime. It can also provide hours of entertainment - I enjoy working on a small project like knitting a pair of socks or a scarf that I can finish quickly for a little productivity boost. The movements of knit, purl over and over actually become quite meditative and a great way to focus your mind and relieve stress. 

3. Radio shows.  By 1940, radio shows had become so popular that over 80% of Americans had a radio at home; this era became known as the golden age of radio. With so many shows available, there was a little something for everyone - either fictional serialized dramas and spooky mysteries, or nonfiction topics such as history, cooking, comedy hours, or big band and swing concerts. Websites like Old Radio World and the 1940s Radio Station have preserved many of these radio shows for listeners even today. 

4. Hair flowers. As the morale of the 1940s was low, personal presentation was of utmost importance. To help keep spirits high, women were not only encouraged to present themselves beautifully, but also to bring beauty to others. The hair flower trend was all the rage in the 1940s as a simple way to add glamour, femininity, and a touch of whimsy to your appearance, especially as clothing production and affordability was low. Hair flowers, often made of rayon or silk, could add a pop of color to an outfit and also camouflage any imperfections in your hairstyle.

5. A strong cup of tea. Due to wartime, tea rations were scaled back to 2oz per adult per week, which averages out to around three cups a day. From 1942 onward, children received no tea allowance, and the elderly were granted an extra ration beginning in 1944. Unlike fine tea which is meant to be enjoyed plain, builders teas were created to be strong, brisk, and hold up to accompanying cream and sugar as a pick me up. Celebrate the end of 1940s wartime by brewing yourself a strong cup to fuel you through the day - with cream? Sugar? One lump or two?

— TYG

Creating a glamorous vanity table

Is there anything more inherently glamorous than a vanity table?  

I recently spotted this skirted vanity table at an estate sale. The blush pink color of the skirt and sweet matching stool is everything my younger self would have dreamed of (not to mention, it's the perfect color to complement my blog). The skirt will need some laundering but overall the piece is still in great condition considering it's approximately 70 years old. I've created a makeshift vanity on top of our bedroom dresser for the past few months, which has been serving my needs well enough. However, I prefer to apply my makeup in natural lighting, so being able to place my new table near a window will be immensely beneficial. The vanity is dainty with a lovely rounded kidney shape which makes it easy to maneuver. 

From my reading, these classic swing-arm vanity tables first came into fashion around 1930 and stopped being produced around 1980. When my husband was assisting in removing the table from the car, he noticed a stamp underneath the mirrored top, dated 1950. Next on my list is to add a lovely beveled trifold mirror, some pretty lamps, and a bud vase with flowers to complete the set up. 

I'm also planning to find drawer inserts to store my makeup and hair accessories. The mirror top will be decorated with a collection of feminine treasures, some from my current vanity and others that I plan to gather over time. Below are photos of some of my favorite Old Hollywood ladies and their own vanities for inspiration. I am always fascinated by what other ladies use for their toilette and love to scope out all the beautiful products and lovely bottles.

Having a careful, curated selection of items on your vanity table creates that glamorous Old Hollywood aura while also giving a personal look into who you are and how you care for yourself. The cosmetics we choose to paint ourselves with and the fragrances we choose to wear are such intimate details of our lives, which is what makes viewing a lady's vanity table so enchanting. There are some items I come across again and again that I think are essentials for a perfect vanity table...

Katharine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Elizabeth Taylor, & Jean Harlow.

Vanity sets with brushes, combs, and a hand mirror create a look of cohesion on your table. You can find many sets still available online and in thrift or antique shops. I like to have a hand mirror for a closer application when applying lip liner and shaping my brows.

A vase for storing brushes. In the 1940s, head vases and glamour girl vases became hugely popular and add a bit of playful kitsch to your vanity. Some are now very collectable, so search for one that speaks to you and also fits in your price range.

Perfume bottles - I have a small wardrobe of fragrances and enjoy having them out on display. I mix them in with my collection of simple cut glass bottles and antique versions of my favorite brands and scents. Bottles with atomizers are also super glamorous - many are still functional, all you need to do is disassemble the bottle, give it a thorough clean, and refill with a new fragrance.

Trays for compartmentalizing - Using trays to store your fragrances and vintage perfume bottles in clusters on your table create a sense of intention and organization. Mirrored trays are lovely and help the light from your lamps dance around and make your vanity sparkle.

A powder jar and hair receiver -  Powder jars are available in glass, celluloid, ornate gold, or lovely patterned cardboard boxes with either pressed or loose powder, and for extra glamour, add a fluffy puff for application. Also available in various materials, a hair receiver is used to store hair taken out of a lady's brush, later to be used for rats & hair styling.

A lipstick holder - A must-have item that provides easy access for when you need a quick swipe of rouge. Store your current lipsticks and beautiful vintage bullets.

Atomizers and daubers, oh my!

Some final items I think would be lovely to have are:

A small tissue box - Useful for blotting lipstick and removing excess powder.

A hat pin holder - A very practical addition to your vanity if, like myself, you're a vintage hat collector and often need to secure them to your hairstyle to complete the look.

A trinket dish - A convenient place to store rings and earrings before bathing or bed time. Also great for storing your hair pins and clips.

A small framed photo - Adds a personal touch and reminder of someone important to you. I have a photo of my mum on her wedding day with flowers in her hair that I just adore.

A miniature clock - Of course, to keep track of your time (or not!). Getting ready and putting your face on should be an enjoyable experience and an act of self care, whether you're getting ready to meet a special someone or just taking time for yourself.

— TYG 

Incorporating vintage into your wardrobe

Building a vintage wardrobe is an exciting prospect - but it can also be daunting. New fabrics, smaller sizes, tailored construction, and decades old fabrics and thread... where do you start? 

Maybe you're building your wardrobe from scratch or trying to shift to a more vintage style. Using authentic accessories is a great way to get your vintage style rolling. They're an easy way to show off your personality and plentifully found at low to moderate prices.

1. Add some sparkle to your day. One of the easiest ways to start incorporating vintage into your wardrobe is to wear vintage jewelry, either fine pieces or fabulous fakes (costume). Vintage jewelry puts an exclamation mark on your look, adds visual interest, and also makes for a great conversation starter. To look especially put together, search for vintage jewelry sold in either parure, a full set of the same design, or demi-parure, for a lovely cohesive look.

2. Trade your current bag for a vintage number. There's nothing like the high quality construction of a good vintage bag. Vintage handbags were built to last, often with resilient materials and substantial hardware, which often develops a lovely patina as the decades pass. The best part of switching to a vintage bag is that they are so easy to shop for online since there is no "try on" necessary. Just check the description for your preferred bag dimensions. 

3. Channel your inner diva with a scarf. Who hasn't seen those glamorous photos of old Hollywood actresses with their scarves tied to keep their curls in place? Use them as a hair wrap or headband, a neck tie (either a jaunty kerchief or an elegant pussybow), a shawl for date night, or draped over your outerwear for a burst of color and pattern.  

4. Try a pair of ladylike gloves. If you live in a colder climate, you most likely wear a pair of gloves at some point of the year. Pairing a beautifully luxurious pair of kid leather or cotton gloves with your winter coat will instantly give you an air of vintage elegance. You can also coordinate a pair of gloves with a light jacket or blazer - this way, it looks a bit less conspicuous to non-vintage enthusiasts. 

5. Be a flower girl. Hair flowers create such a feminine and flirty look no matter the length of your locks. Keep it classic with red roses or white camellias, abundant hydrangeas and lilacs in the spring, or island blooms like orchids and plumeria in the summer. You can wear fresh flowers of the season, purchase vintage millinery flowers online, or make your own by purchasing silk craft flowers, arranging them onto your preferred hair clips or combs, and securing with a small bit of glue.

6. Get pinned. Any outfit can be made more classic with a brooch or scatter pins, which can be found for next to nothing at thrift stores, charity shops, and online. Collect a few that appeal to you and you will soon have endless options to bejewel your outfits. Brooches are so much fun because they can be pinned in so many different ways - on your lapel, on a sweater, or even to highlight your neckline on an evening dress, just to name a few.

Due to their novelty and beauty in design, any of these accessories can add a small vintage element to your outfit without the feeling of being dressed in costume. Even on my most casual days when I dress in my highstreet clothing, I always add at least one or two of these small pieces to infuse my own personal style and love of vintage. Accessorizing is an accessible avenue for anyone considering making the jump to a more vintage sense of style.

— TYG  

Lessons in elegance: literary ladies

Bette Davis in the film
adaptation of Mr. Skeffington (1944).

I've always loved studying ladies who exhibit classic elegance, grace, and poise.

One of the things I love most about classic novels is that you can stumble upon so many lovely descriptions of the elegant lady I wish to be - the one often with a serene, otherworldly demeanor. 

Here are some quotes I've come across recently:

"In a few minutes Mrs. Forrester came in. She was a tall woman in a flowing negligee, who wafted graciousness all around her, putting the world at ease." — Mildred Pierce, James M. Cain

"The chauffeur, unable to hurry her because of having to be respectful, felt his situation acutely, with policeman shouting at him in front, held-up cars bellowing at him behind, while his lady, incapable of being flustered and used to doing what she chose and how she chose and when she chose, with her customary grace and dignity, took her time." — Mr. Skeffington, Elizabeth von Arnim

"This was a woman's room, graceful, fragile, the room of someone who had chosen every particle of furniture with great care, so that each chair, each vase, each small, infinitesimal thing, should be in harmony with one another, and with her own personality." — Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier

"Not only did everybody with whom Helen Morrison worked and played with get along famously with her, but under her gentle management they got on beautifully with one another too." — Stella Dallas, Olive Higgins Prouty

I love the mental pictures each of these quotes stirs up for me. I'm reminded to take my time going through my day, to interact with the world in a gracious and calm manner, and to always bring beauty to my environment, wherever I may be.

Don't you just love it when a book speaks to you? 

— TYG

The 1940s face

Out of all the vintage beauty looks, the 1940s face still remains my favorite. Makeup looks in the 40s were glamorous but still natural, with cosmetics used to softly define the face and highlight the features. I think it's a more subtle, yet still distinctively vintage, look compared to many other eras that can still easily be worn in modern day.

Some of the hallmarks of 1940s makeup are:

Photo credit: Glamour Daze

The base: Women generally applied pancake makeup, either from a compact or a foundation stick, spread evenly up to the hairline. Base products left a matte finish on the skin. Powder was patted all over the face lightly, but thoroughly, with a puff in a shade that matched the complexion exactly. Excess powder was tissued off to avoid a "floury" look to the skin.

The cheeks: Rouge was applied sparingly. If one desired a flushed look, pot rouges were applied to the skin using a "tri-dot" system and blended upwards towards the cheekbone until completely diffused. "Nothing dates you as much as too much rouge," they believed.

Max Factor's guide to applying eye makeup (1940).

The eyes: Makeup was meant to enhance the eye and make it appear sultry and alluring. Single eyeshadows were matte and applied in a soft wash over the lid and slightly up onto the brow bone, depending on the eye shape. Some of my favorite eyeshadows are the Clair Obscur shadows by Chanel. They are lovely, matte "non-color" colors that don't look too bold but add a light dimension to the eyes. In the evening, shadows in muted shades of grey and violet were used, sometimes with a hint of shimmer.

Eyeliner was very natural, applied just to the lash line to emphasize the lashes, if used at all. For a 1940s look I prefer a pencil or gel eyeliner, which creates a softer look than a liquid pen and can be blended out easily. Mascaras, either in black or brown, were applied with a brush - Besame Cosmetics produce beautiful mascaras in both cake and cream formulas that are still available today.

There was a focus on "lifting" the eyes and the face, therefore, products such as eyeliner and mascara were applied to the top lids and upper lashes only.  

The brows: Eyebrows were natural in appearance and lightly shaped to flatter the face. Most commonly, the eyebrow was tweezed into a well defined, slightly rounded arch that gave a very feminine look to the eye. The eyebrow shape was balanced, with sparse areas of brow were filled in with a pencil and then softened with a brow brush, working the product into the hairs. Vaseline was used to condition and set the brows in place.

Vintage Face: Period Looks from the 20s, 30s, 40s, & 50s.

The lips: Of course, red was in fashion. The 1940s even birthed its own shade known as Victory Red, worn by many women in support of the troops during WW2. Victory Red is still produced today by Besame Cosmetics and is one of my personal favorites to wear. It's a perfectly cool-toned red that downplays my rosacea but also doesn't wash my fair skin out of all its color. The most important thing is to find a shade of red that works well with your own coloring.   

The lip shape was full and emphasized, with a coordinating lip liner used for slightly overdrawing the cupid's bow into a voluptuous rounded shape, known as a hunter's bow. If your lips are even, you may apply straight from the bullet; if not, using a lip brush can help you achieve precise application. Start from the center of the lips and work outwards, making sure not to leave any visible areas of lip exposed near the corners of the mouth.

Traditional lipsticks had a lovely satin finish and could be blotted to create a more matte, long-wearing stain on the lips. On occasion, a light layer of vaseline was applied over top to give the lips a subtle sheen. Lipsticks that harmonized with your rouge and nail color created the illusion of being well-groomed and put together.

— TYG  

What a housewife must know

What should every housewife know in order to run her home smoothly, efficiently, and with style? Guides, like this 1930s film by McCalls, titled Recipe for the Perfect Housewife, were released to encourage the art of homemaking. I love these instructional, simple but authoritative videos that give a glimpse of life in the past when homemaking was considered a true art form. How lovely does this lady look pottering around her home in the clip below? She is totally chic with her short waved hair and pussybow blouse. 

A housewife must know...

Food, and how to cook: A housewife should enjoy cooking for herself and her family. A few times a week, get creative in the kitchen and hone your culinary skills by attempting new recipes. Each time you make a recipe, make notes on what you could change to improve it or add your own twist. After a few attempts it will be perfected, and slowly you can build up your own menu of foolproof dishes that can be whipped up at a moment's notice. It's also important to know how to economize your kitchen by using up scraps and leftover servings.

How to set her table attractively: Make the effort to set the table nicely with china, silverware, flowers, and candles. Personalize the table's decor by coordinating linens, flowers, and candles to create various color palettes and themes that are pleasing to the eye. Table setting makes your meals feel more special - a reminder to slow down and enjoy your food and to connect with whomever is sitting with you.

How to make her home comfortable and inviting: Each room should be tastefully decorated with no clutter. Things like flowers, candles, throw pillows, antique books, lamp shades, and old paintings are easy ways to bring in charming decor. I enjoy looking at old homes because of the more formal style that the decor seems to have. Each room is decorated with the specific purpose for that room in mind - the table is the centerpiece of the dining room, perfectly made beds in the bedrooms. etc. The homes are not gaping open-plan caves or stark minimalist dwellings - the rooms look cozy, warm, and lived in.

The worth of labor saving devices: Even women in the 1930s used "modern" devices to make their housekeeping more organized and efficient. The goal wasn't to expend all your energy in a cleaning marathon, but to strategically conserve your energy while still maintaining a clean home. Find what appliances, cleaning products, and organizational systems work best for you. Treat your home like a  boutique bed & breakfast that runs on schedule for meals, laundry, and cleaning routines. Getting the housework done smoothly means more time for family, socializing, and hobbies.

Clothes, how to buy and make them: The quintessential housewife always looks put together. Yes, this is an exaggeration, but it's a reminder that just because you work from home doesn't mean you have to neglect style. Get dressed every morning, look at photos for inspiration, and cultivate a sense of dress appropriate for your lifestyle. Regularly prune your closet and add new items as you go. If you sew, you can thrift, upcycle, and mend clothing to stretch your wardrobe and add your own personal touch. 

That she must face death to bring children into the world: Well... that escalated quickly.

To be a companion and sweetheart to her husband: It's the "little things" are the big things here. Treat your partner with respect, be supportive, spend quality time together, and make your marriage a priority. Have fun and make the effort to plan special dates, surprises, and traditions.

To make social contacts: Housewives often had a strong sense of community with other wives in the neighborhood and were encouraged to participate in social events such as community groups, charities, and bridge clubs. With the use of modern technology, you can also cultivate a community of likeminded friends from all over the world - a blessing for the more introverted housewife.

To widen her own horizons and find time for culture: Contrary to popular belief,  housewives were not just mindless domestic drones. Not only were women experts at running a home, but they were also encouraged to seek out the arts and bring culture into their life. Once the daily tasks were finished, finding time to read with the family, listen to music, or pursue an interesting hobby was encouraged. Being able to make interesting conversation, not just exchange local gossip, was very becoming for a lady.  

— TYG

The finishing touches

I've always had a fondness for books. As a child, I loved going to the little corner library in our town and picking out new books to take home. The scholastic fair was the best day of the year in primary school. As a teenager, I often hid away in the library at school between classes and during lunch, preferring the quiet solitude of the shelves over the boisterous school grounds. I would perch myself like a cat on the mezzanine level and read quietly, occasionally surveying the goings-on below.

My love of reading most likely stemmed from my mother, who always had a book in hand. One day, while searching for something new to read, I started rifling through my mum's bookshelf and stumbled upon a book that instantly caught my eye - a weighty, hardcover volume with a minky colored dust jacket. The title read "Finishing Touches: A Guide to Being Poised, Polished, and Beautifully Prepared for Life." Instantly I was smitten. I studied the pages day after day, hoping to absorb some of the information. Despite being too young to fully understand all of the lessons, I was fascinated by this book and carried it around with me like my own personal manual, a guide to a seemingly lost way of being. The contents brought me back to all those old films I had seen, ones where young shopgirls are sent off to study etiquette and elocution, and return home confident, poised and glamorous. I always imagined attending such a school would be wonderful.

Today this beloved book is part of my own vintage living library, covering many topics from beauty rituals to how to wax and polish furniture. My books are a constant source of inspiration for me, dear old friends that are always there, waiting for me to stop by for another visit. Whenever life starts to feel a little dull, I refer back to my shelves of inspiration. They help propel me forward and motivate me to dream about the life I want to live and the person I want to be.

— TYG

Yesteryear beginnings

Hello. I created this blog to celebrate the simple, elegant, & classic aspects of life, inspired by the bygone eras. A way of living that will never go "out of style" despite our changing world. 

To me, the yesteryear girl is someone who finds beauty in the old and forgotten, is mindful of small quotidian pleasures, and embraces tradition by tapping in to her creativity and femininity. Cultivating this way of life is one of my true passions.

Growing up with older than average parents, classic movies, retro television, and flea market excursions were staples of my childhood. Since then, I have been fascinated by vintage and felt drawn to old things and historical places. As an only child, I poured over vintage books and sat transfixed by old black and white movies, creating fanciful reveries of myself as an elegant lady of another time and place.

My favorite decades are the 1940s and 50s, everything from beauty to fashion to interiors. Creatively, writing, cooking, and sewing are my favorite pastimes.

I have always wanted my own little place to write about all the things I love. This blog will focus on vintage lifestyle & fashion, classic films, glamour and femininity, etiquette, homemaking, interiors, and thrifting my way to my dream vintage life.

— TYG