April 2019 / Va-Voom Vintage | Vintage Fashion, Hair Tutorials and DIY Style

Outfit: Pincic Sweetheart

4/16/19

The Missouri River floods have been on the news for several weeks so I didn't expect to get to have a walk and picnic on my favorite trail so soon! My husband was off work last Friday and we had a gorgeous sunny day so I finally got to go on the first picnic of the year.

I never mind the mild flooding that spring brings because it leaves a soft white silt on the path when the water recedes and old gnarled trees from somewhere upstream, perfect for a spot to sit and watch the barges and river birds. In the summer, when the water level is low, I'll hang on to this tree while I climb down a steep hill, down to the sand bar to look for pretty drift wood and fossils.

I brought a vintage table cloth to sit on and some sandwiches and berries from the farmer's market for our lunch. This picnic basket is a gift from my grandma and it has a little wooden stand inside to carry a pie so it doesn't get squished.

I wore my new Dolores Sweetheart Picnic Doll Dress from Collectif. I can't get enough of the mint green and berry print. I wish I could find the fabric to use for everything in my life.

I always wanted to try an off-the-shoulder top. I see so many cute girls on other blogs and Instagram wearing them but I thought they would slide all over the place and fall down too much. I thought I'd give this style a try though, because it can also be worn pulled up on the shoulder like a peasant blouse.

I tried it on and slipped the sleeve down and the elastic in the top of the sleeve keeps it right where you want it to stay whether you want them up or down. Oh and it has pockets!! I'm wearing a size 4XL for reference. The Dolores dress comes in other cute prints and solids and this style is available as a mix and match separate in the Dolores top.

After our picnic we had time for a walk around the trail and some errands before the little ones got home from school. I can't wait for some pretty weekend weather so they can picnic with us!

Outfit:

Dolores Sweetheart Picnic Doll Dress c/o Collectif

vintage red straw hat- antique mall

red spectator heels- BAIT footwear

bakelite bangles- various antique shops

Free Pattern: 1952 Knitted Toss On Bolero

4/4/19

Its time for this month's free vintage knitting pattern. This one is from 1952 for an adorable basic bolero. This bolero fits bust sizes 32-38 inches but if you need help resizing please check out the resources listed at the bottom of this post.

This is knitted in a chunkier yarn so it would be pretty quick to whip up. Since basic boleros were also popular in the 1940s, this is a great versatile addition to a vintage wardrobe. I love hand knits that can be worn all year too. Its such a disappointment to spend so much time knitting only to have to wait til the weather is right to wear it! Not so with this classic knit. Pair it with dresses, skirts or even pants for a cute 60s look.

If you've ever wanted to learn to knit and don't know how, this is a good simple pattern to get started with. I always find wonderful tips and tutorials for beginners on Youtube so if you're not sure what a stitch means, check out Youtube!

I hope you enjoy this month's pattern and be sure to check my Free Patterns page for more and follow along on Instagram for updates on monthly freebies!

vintage knitting resources:

resizing knitting patterns from By Gum By Golly
vintage knitting needle conversion chart from Vintage Stitch-o-Rama
discontinued yarn chart from Purple Kitty

featured hair tutorials

Pin Curl Setting Patterns from 1953

4/2/19

Here are a couple of classic pin curl setting patterns and brush outs from American Hairdresser Magazine 1953. American Hairdresser is a magazine for salon owners and professional stylists so they have a lot of tips for working on clients and articles about salon equipment that was available at the time.

If you enjoyed this post, see my other old magazine scans for more vintage beauty and fashion magazines.