The Vintage Vixen // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Vintage Vixen

She's the one with an iTunes library filled with more music from before 1970 than after 1970. She probably enjoys antique malls and thrift shopping. Her hair is might be pinned up in a vintage 'do, and her lips are often bright red. She might enjoy vintage recipes and some of the 'domestic arts' of days-gone-by. She might be handy with a sewing machine or in the garden. She probably owns a record player and sends letters. Black and white movies, hand knit blankets, and dinner at a diner are among her favorite things in life. She probably went as her favorite movie star for Halloween. Her grandmother might be her biggest hero. Don't be surprised to find her in horn rimmed glasses or an apron. Her Instagram is a collection of her vintage finds, retro hair styles, swoony old song lyrics, and her own handicrafts.

1) How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew

This is one of my favorite books of ALL TIME. (read my thoughts on it here!) Erin Bried interviews grandmothers who grew up during the great depression, they give her colorful stories and quotes, and teach her how to do all sorts of essential things. The writing is funny and sweet, the grandmothers are lovely, the how-to's are both fun and applicable to everyday life. I would buy this book for every woman I know, if I could afford it! :) The book includes: How to Roast a Whole Chicken, How to Repel Furry Friends from Your Garden, How to Handwash Delicates,  How to Make an Apron, How to Make a Centerpiece, How to Wear Red Lipstick, How to Make the Most of a Night In, How to Shop Without Credit, How to Start a Bookclub, How to Host a Potluck Dinner Party, How to Play Charades - just to list some! There is also a men's version: How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew, which KC has read and enjoyed, as well as one geared toward moms, which you can find on the Momma list.

2) Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book

The 1950, ring-bound classic! All of the vintage and homestyle recipes that you love are in this book. Restored to it's original black and white and vintage illustrated images this cookbook is an all-around delight. It also includes information essential to cooking, and the tools to do it right. This classic has a place in everyone's kitchen, especially the Foodie's!

3) Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun

This book is where DIY, vintage inspiration, cooking, style, advice, and sewing come together in one brilliant volume. I don't own this book yet... but I intend to soon! This beautifully designed book is divided by month and contains a wide selection of information in each section. Articles from vintage magazines, newspapers, and books are included to inspire you during each month. Vintage fashion tips, sketches, advice, and advertisements are tucked into each section as well. Along with those include long lost recipes, advice from the past, sewing patterns, embroidery stitches and tutorials, as well as decorating ideas. I cannot wait to finally get my hands on this one! Also good for the DIY-er!

4) Vintage Wedding Style: More than 25 Simple Projects and Endless Inspiration for Designing Your Big Day

Perfect for the vintage vixen on her way to the altar, this beautiful book contains 25+ DIY projects for her wedding day. With inspiring glossy photos this book is a treat to look at, and the projects are simple! The book is divided into different vintage styles from Farmhouse to Gatsby this book has it all. Also a good choice for the Hostess, DIY-er, or Girly Girl!

5) Easy As Pie

As a pie-lover this is one of my favorite little cookbooks! It is a sweet collection of vintage advertisements that contain recipes for pies. It contains 76 recipes, tips and tricks for crusts and pie-baking, as well as charming vintage illustrations, and snippets. From fruit pies to cream pies, ice cream pies to tarts, this book has it all. The old fashioned banana cream pie recipe was fantastic!! Also great for the Foodie!

6) Vintage Cakes: Timeless Recipes for Cupcakes, Flips, Rolls, Layer, Angel, Bundt, Chiffon, and Icebox Cakes for Today's Sweet Tooth

Perhaps you don't like pie... why not? This collection of vintage cake recipes is for you. The photography in this book flawless and the recipes sound fantastic! Classics like Texas Sheet Cake, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, and Cherry Chip Cake. Yum... Great for the baker in your life, the Foodie would also love this gift!

7) Style Me Vintage: Hair: Easy Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Classic Hairstyles

Your complete guide to vintage hairstyling from the '30's to the '60's. This book includes step-by-step instructions on how to complete the different hairstyles, equipment that is needed, make up to go with the looks, and fun vintage images. Also by in the Style Me Vintage series: Makeup, Clothes, and a Compilation of Clothes, Hair, and Makeup, Tea Parties, Accessories, and Weddings. Could also be great for the DIYer and the Girly Girl. 

8) Vintage Fashion Sourcebook: Key Looks and Labels and Where to Find Them

A beginner's look into the world of vintage fashion. Including, popular vintage labels, styles, and trends, how and where to buy, and how to care for your vintage clothing. This book is not the bible of vintage fashion, but it is a good starting place and reference point for someone looking to get started.

9) The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping: Insider Tips, Helpful Hints, Hip Shops

A more comprehensive guide to buying and shopping vintage clothing. Author Melody Fortier gives you the inside information on how to spot the clothing, what to look for in quality, how much to pay, alterations, and how to care for your vintage clothing. She also gives you tips on flattering fits in vintage clothing and specific stores to shop at. -A really fun and comprehensive guide. Another good choice for the Girly Girl as well!

10) The Vintage Pattern Selector with CD-ROM: The Sewer's Guide to Choosing & Using Retro Styles

Perfect for the girl who loves vintage fashion and loves to sew. This book has patterns from the '30's through the '60's made to fit your wardrobe today. Each decade is explained in terms of popular fashions, and the specific types of clothing represented in the pattern are also explained historically. This book comes with a CD rom making the patterns more accessible. Also great for the DIYer and the Girly Girl.

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for your retro loving friend!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra