[ alice in wonderland bunny belt + black lace bird buckle. ]

As you already know, I am a fan of Cassie’s wonderfully imaginative and whimsical belt buckles. She has quite a few in autumnal hues that would be gorgeous belting a comfy cabled sweater or tweed suit jacket, or maybe over top a plaid dress! Be sure to check out her shop for more equally adorable buckles!

[ te amo charm necklace + gray and crystal earrings. ]

I’m in love with these metallic pieces that Paige crafted for her shop, Little White Chapel! Both would be perfectly at home in any autumn outfit–especially to add a little pop of sparkle to dark, rich colors. Be sure to check out her shop for more beautiful accessories for everyday or special occasion glamor.

[ 1960s silk suit + vintage rococo cameo brooch. ]

Karen has gathered up some more gorgeous vintage pieces for her shop! Many of which are perfect for this time of year. Lots of rich colors, plaids and heavier fabrics, all of the deliciously vintage variety await you in the Small Earth Vintage shop…

[ 30s hooded jacket in two lengths + 50s slim pant and boxy top. ]

I don’t know about you, but part of my autumn daydreams have centered around what I can sew for the new season. Tina has a wide array of vintage patterns perfect for creating some new wardrobe additions. Be sure to stop by the What-I-Found shop for patterns from the 1920s forward!

A big thank you to all the lovely shops that advertise here on Elegant Musings! If you’d like to inquire about advertising your small business, please see the sponsor information page.

[ 1942 full or 3/4 coat + 1930s Hollywood movie star suit ]

If you sew (or just appreciate) vintage patterns, you know you can never have too many sources to keep an eye out for that next great find. She’ll Make You Flip!, my newest sponsor, has an impressive selection of truly gorgeous vintage patterns for the seamstress or collector! Deb, the “curator” and owner of the shop told me that she’s “an accountant by day, and vintage fashion lover by night whose passion for vintage patterns can no longer be contained. The styles and the artwork of times past are so lovely and should not be hidden in the attic, so the mission at hand is to bring these previously-owned treasures back into the marketplace, where other sewists, artists and collectors can enjoy them.”

[ 1940s dress with draped hip, 1950s apron with transfers + 1960s sheath with detachable tunic ]

Deb stocks a wide variety of patterns from the 1920s forward, and also has a special shop section for Vogue patterns. So no matter what your favorite era, there is probably something for you! She is also very careful to account for the pattern pieces included and describe the pattern’s condition–something that I know I appreciate when purchasing an older, previously used pattern. She has graciously extended a lovely offer for you all! From now until September 30, 2010 take 15% off your purchase from the shop when you type “Casey” into the note section during checkout. So what are you waiting for? Be sure to go check out She’ll Make You Flip!

[ bird buckle with black cherry belt, squirrel buckle with orange belt, & morning bloom belt. ]

When Cassie initially emailed me about advertising, I was so excited about showcasing her work! Cassie specializes in beltmaking, creating unique and whimsical belts embellished with ceramic buckles sold through her Etsy shop. Based in Tennessee, she has been crafting these lovely little pieces since 2008 and has a wide range of delightful designs. An art teacher by day and beltmaker in her spare time, she likes to play with different techniques on her ceramic buckles and utilize her “out of control” fabric collection in the designs. I was delighted when Cassie offered to send me a belt to review and model with an outfit, and I immediately picked one of the rabbit buckle belts–I thought it appropriate considering I have a pet bunny!

[ vintage floral fabric belt & yours truly modeling the bunny belt--available here. ]

I can truly say that after having seen one of her belts in person, they are very beautifully made and I love sporting mine with various outfits to add a bit of color and fun! Cassie not only makes these darling rabbit belts, but also squirrels, butterflies, birds, whales, and some medallion styles as well. All are beautifully stamped with designs for surface embellishment and paired with a complimentary fabric to form the belt. The colors and patterns she picks are so eye catching–and I can see these going well with a variety of styles and seasons. The belts themselves will work well for a variety of sizes–so no need to worry if it’ll fit!

[ bonus Mr. Freckles picture! he was in a cranky mood that day we took the pictures... ]

These belts would be just the thing to add a bit of fun to your early autumn wardrobe–and dare I say (if you could bear to part with one!) great gifts as well? Be sure to drop by Cassie’s shop and take a look around–and prepare to covet each and every design!

[ garden tea skirt + mint julep striped dress. ]

Two lovely pieces that would be perfect for some season-transition layering from Jenny and V Handmade. Patterned tights with the skirt and a comfy cardigan with the dress and you’re set to go!

[ high wattage rhinestone hairpins + black beauty necklace. ]

As we move closer to fall, I tend to be drawn towards darker accessories like these lovely pieces from Little White Chapel. Both would be lovely to add a bit of sparkle to your September wardrobe!

[ 1940s corde wristlet purse + 1950s pewter shirtwaist dress. ]

1940s Corde purses are so textural and stunning in person–plus a timeless classic. Or how about this lovely shirtwaist from the 50s in a flattering shade of pewter? Both from Small Earth Vintage.

[ 1970s alfred shaheen tunic dress + 1940s navy platform heels. ]

New shoes are always a treat at the beginning of a season, and if you’re one of those (covetable) gals with smaller feet, these 40s platform heels from Stelma Designs might just do the trick! The beautiful Alfred Shaheen tunic would be perfect for a late summer dinner party…

[ 1940s advance slips + 1960s slim dress and cropped jacket. ]

In the mood to sew yourself some new clothes? Be sure to swing by What I Found where you’ll find a variety of patterns to spruce up your wardrobe!

A big thank you to all my lovely sponsors for your ongoing support! Don’t forget that with all Etsy shops, you can easily follow the shop feed on your feed reader of choice! Just click the “subscribe to shop’s feed” link on the Etsy shop’s main page.

[ the newest Wearing History pattern: Smooth Sailing (also available for bust sizes 30" to 34"). ]

If you are interested in sewing vintage and spend a great deal of time (like I do!) hunting down patterns from earlier decades, you may have found how elusive some styles are to find. Half the time you have to do some size tweaking too and maybe adjust some portions for modern wear–when all you wanted to do was sew! That’s where Lauren of Wearing History comes in. She recreates and in many cases adjusts vintage styles, grades them to a variety of sizes, and prints them on quality paper for the modern sewist. She has just released a brand new pattern for 1930s sportswear trousers and blouse–wouldn’t these pieces be great for that transition period in fall? She told me she reworked the trousers to achieve a better fit and reduce some of the excess bagginess one finds in 30s trouser patterns–which means these will work great for your everyday wardrobe too! I just ordered a copy of this new pattern and can’t wait to try it!

[ Wearing History Sunkissed Sweetheart (sizes 30"-34"), original 50s cheongsam dress pattern, original 40s apron dress pattern. ]

She also sells original vintage patterns for the collector or sewer, and has a wide array of mouth watering patterns available right now. From the 1930s through the 60s and 70s–she’s got it covered! Lauren writes an informative and inspiring blog (he inspiration and scans posts are not to be missed!), also titled Wearing History. Be sure to stop by her shop and check out her latest patterns!