[ 50s short sleeve cardigan, 1930s fuchsia hat, 30s handcrafted collar. ]

Please give a warm welcome to one of my newest sponsors: Seams Forever! Amy stocks her shop with a mouth-watering array of vintage apparel and accessories, and notions from patterns to buttons. She was inspired to start Seams Forever after a trip to Paris this year (how romantic!), and shared with me a little of how she realized this was her dream: “I went to visit some friends in Paris earlier this year and all I seemed to want to do was go to fabric and button shops, vintage stores, textile museums, etc. Suddenly I realized there might be a way to create something out of my love for history, fashion, vintage, and my strong desire to begin clothing myself in re-used, recycled garments and materials. I have a real issue with all our clothes being “made in china” and with their poor quality, not to mention the disposable culture of fashion consumerism these days. It really just became a puzzle I finally saw as one piece! So I started Seams Forever to promote handcraft and recycling, and in honor of bygone fashions. I feel that vintage designs are full of self-respect and confidence in a way I don’t find very often in present fashion. And sewing, embroidery, weaving, knitting… these things are such beautiful, meditative art forms that we need to keep alive! Along with starting this online boutique I have been taking sewing lessons and have learned to knit…And I love it!” (I love that she is learning to sew and knit as well!)

[ 1946 handbag pattern, late 50s special occasion dress. ]

I spotted everything from gorgeous cardigans, 1940s accessories patterns, candy-colored buttons and vintage stockings (one of those “holy grail” items in the vintage community, as you all know!). Her hand-picked and carefully curated selection is not worth a miss; whether to treat yourself or someone in your life who appreciates the beauty of vintage. Amy has generously offered free shipping to customers who mention that they read about her shop on my blog. (Limited to U.S. and Canadian readers only, please.) Just put a little note saying so during the Etsy checkout process. Be sure to drop by Seams Forever for some gorgeous vintage goods and the Seams Forever Facebook page to keep up with the latest!

[ gold leaf headband, halloween cocktail hat & lightning bolt cocktail hat. ]

Please welcome one of my newest sponsors: Black Gardenia Design! Kat, the proprietor, stocks the shop with a fun array of vintage and retro-inspired creations that are sure to tempt. She shared a bit about the background behind the shop: “Black Gardenia Design is a company dedicated to art of up-cycle design; all of our pieces are one-of-a-kind creations made by re-purposing existing materials in conjunction with traditional supplies. What started as a journey of self-discovery has become an exploration in sustainable living, eco and social responsibility, and the search for beauty in the unexpected.”

The shop currently has quite a few one-of-a-kind retro-esque hats and toppers, as well as some fantastic vintage clothing. Kat has also stocked a number of fantastically fun Halloween-appropriate pieces that would be perfect for a bit of seasonal flair! I can see any of these being perfect for a bit of dress up on Halloween, without having to don an entire costume.

[ black and yellow plaid dress & red vintage dress. ]

You can also find Kat at the Black Gardenia blog, Facebook page and Flickr She has kindly offered a fantastic discount for all Elegant Musings readers. Just type in CaseyBGD in the “message to sellers” box during checkout for a generous 15% discount! Be sure to drop by the Black Gardenia Design Etsy shop for a peek!

If you’d like to inquire about advertising your small business, please see the sponsor information page.

Continuing the spotlight of returning sponsors for this month! I am delighted to bring you a roundup of these lovely sponsor shops; as with last week’s spotlight post, there are many, many treasures to be found in each. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new piece of vintage lingerie or a sewing pattern to kick start your next project, be sure to click through to each shop for more amazing goodies!

[ early 60s dress with midriff detail + 1941 dubarry pajamas ]

Deb’s shop, She’ll Make You Flip!, stocks a variety of vintage patterns from the 1920s through the present. She has quite a few tantalizing patterns, including some gorgeous late 50s/early 60s ones! (Since I’m already preoccupied with that era at the moment…) I’ve spotted quite a few in her shop that would be perfect for some fall wardrobe sewing!

[ 1950s black velvet and netting hat + black 40s lizard peep toe shoes ]

Julia has quite a few beautiful things in her shop right now: hats, mid century shoes to die for, and quite a few wool pieces that are perfect for the cooling weather to come. In the Stelma Designs shop there is also quite a selection of vintage lingerie and foundation garments–the full slips are really tempting me right now (since a girl can never have too many!).

[ 30s sporty toppers repro pattern + 1940s film noir suit vintage pattern ]

Word about Lauren’s shop has been spreading like wildfire as her reproduction patterns continue to gain in popularity! She recently added a 30s hat pattern into the mix (yes, it’s on my Christmas wishlist!), as well as versions of older styles in multi-size packages (so no grading needed!). But did you know she also stocks vintage original patterns and clothes as well in the Wearing History shop?

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.

September is one of my favorite months: the seasons change, weather (hopefully!) starts to cool off, and the slightly shorter days turns my thoughts to the myriad of new outfits and projects that come with autumn. So what better time to check out the array of wares my returning sponsors are offering right now? A warm welcome to all returning (and new–be sure to check out the sidebar for their ads!) sponsors this month!

[ 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!