Vintage-Inspired Gifts for the Music Lover

1. Vintage Instrument:
Paul’s Boutique

If your budget allows, something like this 60s MIJ Pyramid Electric is sure to be a showstopper ($399).

ABOUT: “Paul’s Boutique buys, sells, trades, rents and consigns the finest in vintage musical instruments, amps, effects and recording equipment.”

Run by Paul Babiak, he writes: “After spending seven years in San Francisco and Los Angeles playing in bands and selling vintage guitars, I came back to Toronto in 2000 to open my own shop. I try to specialize in unique and funky gear but occasionally I’ll run across some nice classics!”

PRICE RANGE: $-$$$

SOCIAL IMPACT: We always support buying vintage and local – sustainable in many ways.

WHAT WE LIKE: I don’t know a lot about instruments, but the stuff Paul stocks looks super cool. People like Paul who specialize really know their stuff, and I feel like even those of us who don’t really know what we’re looking for could find what we want with his help.

2. Vintage Records:
She Said Boom

ABOUT: “We sell new and used vinyl records and CDs, focusing on Alternative, Electronica, Jazz, Reggae, Roots, Afrobeat and other great music. Book lovers will adore our used book selection, which specializes in Literature, Philosophy, Art, History, Political Science, Graphic Novels, Cookbooks, Kids’ books and more. Explore a new world of wonderful music, literature and culture. New arrivals every day!”

PRICE: $-$$

SOCIAL IMPACT: This is one of those Toronto staples, She Said Boom has been around forever because they stock quality stuff. Once again, buying local and buying vintage keeps our community strong and saves stuff from landfills!

WHAT WE LIKE: They have a HUGE assortment of stuff, and last time I was in there the person I talked to was very aware of their stock. They regularly get in new products so you can go weekly and browse away. For a gift, if you don’t know what they like or want to try something different, pick up a few albums based solely on the cover – they can hear some new tunes & if they don’t like them, at least they’ve got some artwork for their walls!

3. Acoustic Speaker:
ReAcoustic and Handmade Speakers Hub

There’s no doubt ReAcoustic makes the most beautiful versions, but their prices put them out of reach for a lot of us. Like this walnut base and early 1900s gramophone horn priced at $863.15 CAD.

ABOUT: These simple speakers work in the same was as a megaphone, amplifying the sound that goes in through the small end and comes out the large. Your phone is placed into a base so that the speaker on the bottom sends its sound through the box and through the horn. The first place I saw make these was ReAcoustic, and theirs are beautiful, but pricey. If you check on Etsy you’ll find some cheaper versions that work in the same way, but use less decorative horns.

PRICE RANGE: $$-$$$

SOCIAL IMPACT: Reusing vintage materials, often scrap pieces of wood, and they don’t require any power – very green!

WHAT WE LIKE: They are so fun. I love the look of old gramophones but admittedly they aren’t very practical. Honestly, for years I saw the old horns come up at auction and thought, gee, I need to think of something to make with one of those, so I was pumped when I first saw these. Good for a party if you throw on someone’s playlist, and it looks a lot nicer on a shelf than most iphone docks.

4. Old School Swing or Jazz Night:
The Toronto Vintage Society

THE source for vintage Toronto.

ABOUT: “A home for Toronto’s (GTA) events, photos, shops and shows that celebrate the vintage/retro lifestyle. We want to inspire you to feed this community and get out and meet others who love all things vintage/retro!”

PRICE RANGE: $-$$

SOCIAL IMPACT: Varies depending on event.

WHAT WE LIKE: Since events are always changing I’m just linking to the best place to hear about all vintage music events in the city – the Toronto Vintage Society. They post about concerts, swing dance nights, all sorts of things that would make a lovely gift or night out. You can support local artists and meet like-minded people.

5. A Walk Through Toronto’s Music History:
Friar’s Music Museum

ABOUT: “Toronto’s celebrated music history is now on permanent display in the free Friar’s Music Museum™, with curation rotated twice a year!”

PRICE RANGE: Free! Maybe grab a drink before or after?

SOCIAL IMPACT: This museum is helping preserve a small but important part of our art history. Admission is free but I’m sure donations are welcomed!

WHAT WE LIKE: I love local history and really specialized exhibits. Toronto is often referred to in how it compares to other bigger cities, like NYC or Chicago, but we really do have a culture all our own and I think it’s important we all know that.

Have something you think should be added to our list?
Let us know in the comments.

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Vintage-Inspired Gifts for the Makeup Lover

1. Glamorous Faux Lashes:
Besame Cosmetics

For years I wondered how I could accomplish this look without filling my eyes with melted wax.

Bésames Decades of Lashes: 1920s,30s,40s,50s & 60s styles

ABOUT: “Longing to bring back the simple glamour of her grandmother’s beauty routine, designer and cosmetics historian Gabriela Hernandez started Bésame Cosmetics.  Founded in 2004, Bésame Cosmetics has gained a cult following with our meticulously designed, historically inspired, and highly pigmented cosmetics that surpass expectations.  

Our simple yet luxurious formulations are made with pride and a labor of love for Gabriela, each one being 100% cruelty-free and created for sensitive skin. They do not contain gluten, parabens, or mineral oils. Owned and operated by Gabriela and her family, all products are produced locally in California with Gabriela overseeing every batch. All Bésame products are long-wearing, minimal waste, and packaged to be displayed proudly.”

PRICE RANGE: $-$$

SOCIAL IMPACT: While Bésame is based in the US, it is still a female-lead, family run business, and they create cruelty-free makeup in a range of shades meant to suit all skin colours. Buying from the US can get a little pricey, but luckily our very own Gigi’s House Of Frills carries some of their products, so be sure to check her out before ordering online. Then you can support local as well!

WHAT WE LIKE: Bésame has a wide range of vintage beauty products and all of them are great, but I chose to share these because they are unlike anything I have ever seen. It’s not hard to find a vintage shade of red lipstick, and a fair number of companies make a powder that can give you that Hollywood glamour look, but this is the only place I have seen faux eyelashes made to suit a decade, and when I saw the 1920s ones, my mouth dropped open. I’ve been wanting a way to emulate that style since my early teens.

2. Cosmetics Made With Authentic Vintage Recipes:
LBCC Historical

Face powder made from the exact 1936 recipe, this one is perfect for pale skin.

ABOUT: “Welcome to our shop. We specialize in researching and reproducing historical Apothecary & Cosmetics products. Our recipes are extracted from the historical archives and were used by our ancestors. We carry everything from historical hair care, to ancient salves that will heal even the worst wounds and sore muscles. Our ingredients are 100% top quality, natural, and almost always organic. If you have any questions or have a historical family recipe that you want replicated please feel free to inquire.

In my spare time ( which isn’t very often) I replicate Historical clothing for museums, forts, and interpreters. I specialize in custom orders and authentic recreations for your reenactment and museum needs. I have been replicating historical clothing and reenacting for 25 years. If you find a picture of a museum piece, please feel free to inquire if I am taking orders. I have pieces in many Museums and Forts across the US and world wide.”

PRICE RANGE: $

SOCIAL IMPACT: This small, female owned and operated business is preserving vintage and antique recipes, the products they make come in reusable or recyclable materials, and they are cruelty free and mostly organic.

WHAT WE LIKE: I’ve talked about this brand before as I have many good things to say about them. I love that they use the real historic recipes and the reproduction labels make for an adorable addition to a vanity table. At the moment all their face powders are for lighter skinned folks (I suspect those recipes are easier to find), but they are frequently adding new products, and their other categories do have a little something for everyone.

3. A Vintage Beauty Parlour Experience:
Vintage Mrs Ree’s Beauty Parlour

ABOUT: “Mrs Rees’ Vintage Beauty Parlour is a  Glamorous Old-Hollywood style salon for Ladies. This is a salon created around old ideals when women went to the Salon and men went to Barbershop… It’s a place to feel comfortable while receiving the highest quality services with the best products in world. It’s a time to relax and pamper yourself ~ it’s a place you can feel at home! Its a piece of luxury where YOU are the centre of my attention! You’ll go back in time in atmosphere but be pampered with all the latest techniques and products… it’s an experience you won’t forget and will want to share with all the girls you know!”

PRICE RANGE: $-$$

SOCIAL IMPACT: Another woman-led business, they use natural, earth-friendly products.

WHAT WE LIKE: I had to go hunting for this place, so I don’t know much about it, but I’m glad it exists. There are several British stylists I follow online and wish I could see to do my hair, but for some reason the same is very hard to find in Canada. This is a bit of a stretch on a list about makeup, I know, but I think this could be a whole “night out” experience with a friend: do each other’s makeup, go get your hair done, special memories for sure.

4. Vintage Beauty Supplies:
Makeup Compacts

This one is from CinnamonGirlStuff on Etsy, but vintage compacts can be found al over.

ABOUT: A vintage compact is a lovely gift because you have such a variety to choose from. You can look on Etsy or eBay, or stop in just about any vintage shop and find one to your liking. Prices and styles range so you’re sure to find something for your someone.

PRICE RANGE: $-$$$ (there are highly collectible ones out there that can cost a pretty penny, but I would plan on spending between $20-$60 for a nice one for the average person).

SOCIAL IMPACT: Go green by shopping vintage! And if you can, support a local business.

WHAT WE LIKE: If you carry a purse, you can use a compact. And if you change your purse with your outfits, you can probably use several. They can also sit and look lovely on a nightstand or vanity, and while these are traditionally an item for women, there’s no fitting or anything that needs to be considered, so really this can be a gift for anyone!

5. Reusable Makeup Removers:
Handmade by AVO

I chose these for the pretty vintage floral pattern, but you can get these many places or make them yourself!

ABOUT: These small, washable pads are made to replace one-use cotton pads that are very non-eco-friendly. You can find them many places, often with pretty patterns like these, or even make them yourself.

PRICE RANGE: $

SOCIAL IMPACT: They keep cotton pads out of the landfill, and require so little fabric you can make them with scraps, helping to cut down on textile waste as well.

WHAT WE LIKE: I actually prefer these to cotton pads because they don’t tear up and leave bits of fluff on your eyelashes. When I first saw them my only concern was how often I’d need to clean them, but honestly they’re usually so cheap I would get a weeks worth, change daily, and toss them in with whatever laundry you have at the end of the week. I’ve been meaning to make some with some of my vintage scraps – I’ll post them when I do!

Have something else you think should be on our list?
Let us know in the comments.

Retro Christmas Countdown – Gifts For The Guys

As a follow-up to yesterday’s post on finding the perfect gift for the vintage-loving ladies in your life, we thought we’d do one for the boys.

For The Host

Does your man love to play host? Help him up his vintage game with a gift like this masculine travel bar set from Etsy, or check out Toronto’s BYOB for a similar one-of-a-kind find. Not much of a drinker? Why not help add to the ambiance with a retro-inspired radio or mp3 player, like the funky ones by Crosley.

For The Film Buff

An easy gift for you film-loving friend is of course, a movie or movie box set. Already know his favourite vintage flick? Why not buy him a gift set by the same director or starring the same actor? If you really want to leave an impression, you can even give him this ridiculous (but very cool) vintage-style Crosley tv.

For The Business Man

If he has an office or dedicated workspace, there is a wide range of gorgeous office accessories out there sure to make any vintage lover squeal with delight. Restoration Hardware has spectacular pieces and while most are pricey enough to be options for the very wealthy (few of us have upwards of $3000 for a desk) some of their desk accessories are relatively accessible, like the 19th Century Belgian Deed Boxes (doubt he already has one!). Or go for something with a more personal touch and find an antique card holder from your local vintage shop and take it in to be engraved.

For The Greaser

If he’s more of a 50s bad boy type lots of vintage and rockabilly stores have some wicked shirts, like these from Tatyana’s boutique. And if he spends more time doing his hair than you do, maybe throw in some good old fashioned hair pomade as well and help keep those Elivis-esq coifs looking fine.

For The Dandy

 

If your gentleman prefers tweed jackets and bow ties to jeans and bowling shirts, you may want to look for something a little more upscale and help him complete his “dandy” image. New York’s Fine & Dandy would be my first choice here as they carry everything you could need for this look – even spats and sock garters! If that’s a little much check out their wide range of neckwear, sure to impress the most particular of tastes.

Retro Christmas Countdown – Gifts for the Ladies

With Christmas less than a week away we thought it was time to do a final Christmas countdown for all you retro lovers out there. Check our blog every day up to and including on Christmas for some vintage holiday fun.

To start things off, here are some fabulous gift ideas for the lovely ladies on your list.

For The Makeup Lover

Is the lady on your list a fan of glamourous vintage makeup looks? Then be sure to check out Besame Cosmetics. Created by cosmetic historian (yes, that is a thing) Gabriella Hernandez, Besame features a wide range of  reproduction beauty products that beautifully capture the luxury styles of the 1920s-50s. From 20s style cake mascara to 1938 Crimson Cream Rouge, this company is sure to have the perfect item for your makeup loving friend.

For The Quirky Friend

Not sure what to get for your quirky, vintage-loving pal? Have no fear, there are dozens of great options. Why not try a funky pillow with a great cult-vibe? Or an adorable Sailor-Jerry-esq tea towel set? Blame Betty has these and many more for very reasonable prices. Not quirky enough? Try scouring Etsy for a unique find, like these book purses from Novel Creations, or find a one-of-a-kind vintage item, like this kitschy figurine – she’s sure to remember that!

For The Cocktail Fan

Nothing screams vintage like the perfect cocktail served up in a gorgeous vintage glass. West Elm carries a nice set of 20s inspired stemware, and Toronto’s own BYOB carries everything from stunning absinthe fountains to funky tiki mugs.

For The Jewellery Lover

Dazzle her with an Edwardian (reproduction) ring or a daring Deco necklace. Jans Jewells offers a wide selection of reproduction jewellery made with more affordable materials (eg. cubic zirconia rather than diamonds) so you can get that beautiful one-of-a-kind look without breaking the bank buying a real vintage piece. 1928 is a similar store with a lot of great vintage-inspired finds; check out their Downton Abbey collection for some hopelessly romantic pieces.

For The All-Round Retro Diva

Does your gal love everything retro? Does she look like she stepped out of a Golden Age picture? Then you’re in luck, because there are dozens of stores dedicated to amazing retro-styled fashions. Here in town check out shops like Tatyana’s Boutique or Rosie the Rebel for more casual retro duds, or try Cabaret Vintage for a more upscale look. If you’re willing to look overseas you’ll find an even better collection at shops like Collectif or What Katie Did. Make sure you check the return policy, especially if ordering from overseas. In cases like this, a gift card may be the way to go, it’s unlikely your retro diva would be disappointed in that.