The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show Fall 2023 show is HERE! It's this weekend and I don't think I've slept a wink this entire week because I'm too excited. As many of you know the vintage show is where I buy a bulk of my vintage clothes so I am keeping my fingers crossed I find some gems to add to my closet! The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show is taking place on Saturday September 30th and Sunday October 1st at the Queen Elizabeth building at exhibition. It's super accessible by train (Short walk from exhibition station) or by car. Tickets are $15 but if you sign up for their emails you get a discount ! If you want more information you can check out their website here or you can follow them on instagram here. I've been going to the show for years now and it's seen me go through different decades during my style evolution. Over the past couple of years I've been more focused on 1940s and 1930s so thats what I'll be looking for this year. Let's get started!
THE SHOPPING LIST
1930s/1940s Dresses
As always dresses are my weakness ! I cant help buy want to buy them. I'm going to be a bit more picky with the dresses I buy and look for particular cuts and colours. More muted dusty colours and feminine silhouettes. I know the 1940s has a lot of menswear (utilitarian) inspired dresses with shoulder pads but I'm looking for more 1930s/early 40s where the lines are still flowy and the sleeves have a small puff to them. High necklines and fun decals! I would also be interested in a peplum detail. Think Allie from the Notebook or Lili Collins character in the last tycoon.
Short Sleeve 1930s/1940 Knits
This is something I started wearing this summer. I've been loving short sleeve knit tops for summer ! And yes I know we are going into the fall but vintage shopping has no season lol. If I see a summer piece I like I'm going to get it! I also have a trip coming up mid October and it would be perfect for it! I want some short sleeve knit pieces that have an interesting pattern or detail like the ones below.
1930s/1940s Blouses
Blouses ! Why are they so hard to find! I want some nice fitting 1930s/1940s feminine blouses. Most modern blouses I find are oversized and I can't seem to find ones that fit properly, so I have my fingers crossed that I find one at the vintage show! I am looking for both short and long sleeve.
Cropped Knit Cardigan
Ok so this is something I do want for the fall ! I would love to find some cropped knit cardigans. I wear a lot of long plaid/wool skirts in the fall/winter so I find cropped sweaters look best when paired with them. Otherwise long cardigans look a bit more... grandma-ish lol. I have a couple of cropped ones and I love the look ! I want cardigans that have a knit texture or pattern, my ideal colour would be chocolate brown!
1930s Hats
Ok you guys know I can't go into a vintage store/show and not look for hats! Some girls love shoes or handbags but I'm definitely a hat girl! I really want some 1930s hats, especially in white/cream. I would also love a navy blue or grey. I want more every day hats that I can just throw on and will match a lot of things. I have a few statement hats already so I am attempting to stay away from those.
1930s Handbags
Ok I debated even putting this on the list because realistically I have enough handbags. So I will only get a purse if its a unique 1930s handbag. I couldn't really find a picture of what I'm looking for because I'm not looking for anything in particular. I'm hoping I just stumble upon something amazing and that its from the 1930s.
Basic 1930s/1940s Skirts
I know I have a lot of skirt but I am looking for some plain basic wool skirts that I can wear on the daily. I have a bunch of plaid ones but sometimes I want to wear tops that have patters, but I can't because of the skirt. So I am looking for a chocolate brown or navy. Although I would be happy with any skirt from the colour palette at the end of this post (You'll see it at the very end). Oh and the skirt has to have pleates on the bottom half of the skirt! Or a be a beautiful knit.
1930s/1940s Matching Sets
I talked about this in my last post. This year I've been really into suit sets so that is on my shopping list too! Wether its a suit set or a matching knit two piece! A colour that isn't neutral would be amazing !
Crochet Brooches
For jewellery I don't have much that I'm looking for. The main thing I would love would be a crochet brooch. I got one last season and I'm obsessed with it! Its so cute and from the 1930s. I think they are a great way to accessories a knit sweater or the lapel on a blazer.
Heart Jewellery
Last but not least I would LOVE some heart shaped jewellery. This should come to no surprise if you've been following me for a while. I am obsessed with heart shaped jewellery I always have been since I was little. I have my favourite every day necklace from WWII, a heart shaped locket. So I would love to find a heart shaped brooch, or bracelet, bonus points if its wartime jewellery.
.......Basically anything you can find in the video below
Here is the colour palette I am looking at
Of course I don't expect to find everything on this list. Vintage is really unpredictable and sometimes you find the perfect piece but its not in your size (or price range). However I would be thrilled with finding just one item from this list. This is more so to give you an idea of the types of things I'm currently into and what I'm searching for. The one things I'm avoiding is black clothing and accessories. I have way too many black dresses and hats so its the last thing I need. What is on you vintage shopping list?