As the golden hues of harvest season begin here in Northern California, Napa Valley transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of autumn splendor. The vineyards, cloaked in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, beckon for a visit, and what better way to capture the magic of the season than with a photoshoot amidst this glorious fall foliage?
For this enchanting excursion, I chose to wear my exquisite Oktober 50’s Dress by Hell Bunny—a piece that feels as if it was crafted precisely for this moment in time. The fit of the Oktober 50’s Dress is nothing short of perfection. It zips smoothly up the back, and the deep pockets are both practical and delightfully unexpected. The pleats on the full circle skirt and bodice create a graceful silhouette, while the faux wrap top and under-bust seams delicately enhance my feminine curves. This dress is a celebration of vintage style, with a design that flatters in all the right places.
Wearing my standard 2XL Hell Bunny size, I found the dress to be a flawless fit, effortlessly accommodating an ample bust thanks to the cleverly designed overlapping fabric panels. The Oktober 50’s Dress is available up to size 4XL, making it a versatile and inclusive choice for women of all shapes and sizes.
Greetings, fellow vintage lovers and Christmas aficionados! The sun may be shining, and the beach might be calling, but here on our cozy corner of the internet, we’re channeling a winter wonderland with a kitschy twist. Yes, it’s that magical time when we blend the nostalgic charm of yesteryear with the sun-soaked joy of summer—welcome to Christmas in July!
Vintage Vibes: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Imagine stepping into a time capsule where tinsel shimmers, Santa sports a Hawaiian shirt, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sweetness of candy canes. That’s right, we’re taking a trip back to the 1950s and 60s, when Christmas was all about big, bold decorations, and the spirit of the season was captured in the most delightfully kitschy ways.
Mid-Century Modern Merriment
Nothing says mid-century modern like a sleek aluminum Christmas tree adorned with vibrant, colorful ornaments. Picture your living room bathed in the warm glow of vintage fairy lights, casting a festive hue over your cherished collection of retro baubles. Add a few classic mid-century furniture pieces, and your space is ready for the ultimate Christmas in July celebration.
Pinup Perfection: Fashion to Flaunt
Let’s not forget the fashion! Channel your inner pinup girl with playful, flirty novelty print swing skirt, and cherry red lipstick. Imagine greeting your guests in a darling vintage-inspired apron, serving up frosty eggnog and festive treats with a smile that rivals the twinkle of your Christmas lights.
For the gents, think dapper with a twist: Hawaiian shirts in holiday prints, bow ties, and perhaps a jaunty Santa hat. After all, Christmas in July is all about embracing the unexpected and having a little fun with tradition.
Collectibles and Curios: Deck Your Halls
This is the perfect time to showcase your collection of vintage Christmas decorations. From ceramic Santa figurines to glittering tree toppers, each piece tells a story of holidays past. Create a whimsical display on your mantel or a festive centerpiece for your July soiree. And don’t forget the stockings—hang them with care, and maybe even fill them with summer-themed goodies for a unique twist.
Spread the Cheer: Kindness and Compassion Year-Round
Christmas in July is more than just festive decorations and joyful gatherings—it’s a reminder to spread the spirit of kindness and compassion every day. Just as we go the extra mile to make others feel loved and cherished during the holiday season, let’s carry that warmth into our everyday lives. Small acts of kindness, like a thoughtful note, a warm smile, or helping a neighbor, can brighten someone’s day. Volunteer your time at local charities, donate to those in need, or simply lend an ear to a friend. By embracing the essence of Christmas—generosity, empathy, and love—we can make every day a little brighter for everyone around us. Remember, it’s the little things that create the biggest impact, and there’s no better time to start than now.
Closing Thoughts
Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to blend your love for all things vintage, kitsch, and mid-century modern with the sunny spirit of summer. So, deck the halls, don your pinup finest, and raise a glass to the most whimsical, wonderful time of the year—no matter the season!
Remember, it’s not about the date on the calendar but the joy in your heart and the sparkle in your eye. Here’s to celebrating Christmas in July with all the charm and cheer of a true vintage holiday. Cheers, darlings!
Craving even MORE vintage Christmas magic?
Dive into a treasure trove of Vintage Christmas Ceramics history, discover forgotten manufacturers, and feast your eyes on stunning photos of vintage decorations, all in one fabulous book! Unwrap the magic of Christmas past and add this gem to your collection.
Uncover even more festive history, rare collectibles, and the stories behind those treasured decorations. My Vintage Christmas Collecting Series is your one-stop shop for everything vintage Christmas. Don’t miss out!
Get your twinkle on with the Starry Eyed Santa top, and other vintage kitschy designs available in a wide range of styles to suit everyone:
Sizes: Small through 4XL, ensuring a perfect fit for all body types.
Colors: Choose from winter white, sleek black, and more.
Women’s, Men’s, Unisex Styles:
Find your perfect looks and spread the cheer in style at Crazy4Me Style Shop!
As we approach the 4th of July, let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore how you can infuse the vintage 50’s era into your wardrobe and home. Celebrate Independence Day with mid-century outfits and collectibles featuring patriotic, nautical-themed Pinup and Rockabilly styles, and charming mid-century kitsch.
Nautical Outfits: Classic American Fashion with a 50’s Twist
Patriotic and nautical fashion has been an iconic part of American style for decades. These themes blend beautifully during 4th of July celebrations, offering a chance to showcase your creativity and love for vintage fashion.
The Vintage Nautical Look
Creating a vintage 50’s nautical outfit starts with the basics: think sailor pants, wide collars, and classic navy-and-white or red-and-white stripes. The 1950s was also an era of full skirts and A-line dresses, so consider adding a full, pleated, midi-length skirt in navy blue or red to your ensemble. Top it off with a striped boat neck top for that truly nostalgic look.
Summer’s here, and it’s time to fire for a retro barbecue and up the grill, slip into our favorite vintage summer outfits, and let the good times roll! If you’re like me, you can’t wait to dust off your mid-century treasures and infuse your backyard gatherings with a healthy dose of nostalgia. Let’s dive into some kitschy must-haves that will make your summer BBQ the talk of the neighborhood.
Hot Diggity Dog!
No backyard BBQ is complete without hot dogs and hamburgers, and what better way to serve up your favorite condiments than in those darling Lefton Pixieware mustard jars? These adorable anthropomorphic ceramics, shaped like hot dogs and hamburgers with whimsical expressions, will bring a smile to everyone’s face and add a touch of kitschy charm to your table setting.
Shake It Up, Baby!
Salt and pepper shakers are a must-have for any BBQ, but why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Anthropomorphic salt and pepper shakers are where it’s at! Think cute corn cob couples, smiling strawberries, and even cute corn cob plates with matching skewers! These quirky characters will bring a smile to your guests’ faces and add a touch of kitsch to your table.
Retro Fashion and Summer Memories:
And let’s not forget about backyard BBQ fashion! A fun 1950s novelty border print dress adorned with cheerful oranges perfectly complements the summery vibe, while a stylish harlequin print circle skirt makes a statement as you arrive in your classic 1956 Nash Metropolitan. More summer fashion here.
Let’s Get This Party Started!
With your retro treasures in place, you’re ready to host a summer BBQ that will transport your guests back in time. So put on some swingin’ tunes, break out the hula hoops, and let the good times roll! Remember, it’s not just about the food – it’s about creating an experience that’s fun, festive, and full of vintage charm.
Bonus Tip: Of course, no retro gathering is complete without a vintage Polaroid camera to capture those picture-perfect moments of laughter, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. Don’t forget to snap some photos of your kitschy BBQ spread! Share them on social media with the hash tag #retrobbq and let’s spread the mid-century love!
Let’s Get Kitsch-y Together!
Do you have any favorite mid-century collectibles that you love to showcase at your summer BBQs? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to create unforgettable retro gatherings.
Get ready, nostalgia lovers and vintage enthusiasts! The world of Strawberry Shortcake has collided with the whimsical creations of Erstwilder, and the result is a jewelry collection so adorable it might just make your heart sing.
A Blast from the Berry Best Past
Remember those sun-drenched afternoons spent with Strawberry Shortcake and her berry best friends? Remember the sweet scents of strawberry fields, the giggles of Custard the Cat, and the feeling that anything was possible in Strawberryland? Erstwilder has bottled those childhood memories and sprinkled them with their signature vintage-inspired magic, creating a jewelry line that will transport you back in time.
Wearable Works of Art
Imagine Strawberry Shortcake herself, her iconic red hair and freckles brought to life in vibrant resins. Or wear the sweet Berry Happy Home as a reminder that some of the best adventures happen in the simplest places. Each piece in the Erstwilder x Strawberry Shortcake collection is meticulously hand-assembled, bursting with hand-painted details and intricate designs. These aren’t just accessories; they’re wearable works of art!
Unleash Your Inner Berry-Lover
Whether you’re a die-hard Strawberry Shortcake fan or simply adore Erstwilder’s quirky charm, this collection speaks to the inner child in all of us. Let the Strawberry Shortcake Smile Drop Earrings add a touch of whimsy to your day. Or wear the Sitting on a Strawberry Necklace (as I am in this photo) serve as a reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures. Plus, as an Erstwilder partner, I always enjoy the thrill of collaborating on such fun collections and designs – it brings out the creative kid in me.
New to Erstwilder’s whimsical world? Dive deeper into their delightful collections like the Heartfelt Hydrangea series, bursting with floral charm, or the Care Bears collaboration, spreading messages of love and care through adorable resin accessories. You won’t be disappointed!
A Limited Edition Treat
Like all good things, this collection won’t last forever. So, if you’re longing for a sprinkle of nostalgia and a dash of playful style, head over to your favorite Erstwilder stockist and snag these treasures before they’re gone. After all, a little bit of Strawberry Shortcake sweetness goes a long way!
Easter brings a playful spirit with its vibrant colors, adorable bunnies, and of course, hidden eggs! If you have a soft spot for nostalgic charm, you’ll adore the world of vintage Easter kitsch. Think ceramic bunny planters, whimsical 1950s figurines, and more. Let’s dive into this cheerful world and discover how to build your own collection of Easter treasures.
The Timeless Charm of Vintage Easter Collectibles
Vintage Easter kitsch has a way of stealing hearts across generations. The bright colors, cheerful designs, and pure whimsy take us back to simpler, more playful times. If you’re searching for ways to add a dose of vintage delight to your Easter decor, look no further than these classics: