A nod to Mod (also titled 'An Introvert's Guide to Valentine's Day: Part 1')

Ah, Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year. Having taken February 14th off work this year in order to enjoy a 4-day long weekend, I vowed to make this Valentine's Day the best ever. Particularly because A.H. was working (in the Bahamas, no less...I woke up to find a 'Valentine's card' that had a picture of a porcupine with the text "Sorry I acted like a prick" on the outside, and "And left you for the Bahamas on Valentine's!" written on the inside. Oh, how that man understands my utter disdain for mushy cards. One reason I love him).

Anyways, with the man out of the way, it was a day to focus on self-love. Which, I have a lot of. My Valentine's Day commenced with watching the Olympics in my PJs and was followed by a yoga class; watching Patrick Chan win silver in figure skating; a very relaxing acupuncture appointment; and attending a members-only evening at the Art Gallery of Ontario to check out the Guggenheim exhibit. All by myself! (Because if there's one thing us introverts love best, it's spending time with ourselves.)

I had about an hour and a half to kill between the end of my acupuncture appointment and my 7pm entry time to the AGO. Between the two locations just happened to be Kensington Market.

The vibrant neighbourhood of Kensington Market is known for many things, let's call them the five (six?) "C"s: coffee, cheese, counter-culture, cockroaches (having heard many a story from my mother, a former resident), and clothing. Vintage clothing, to be exact. I don't know how many vintage shops are in the neighbourhood, but there are many, just waiting to be explored!

I decided it was a fantastic idea to kill time by browsing a shop or two. As I ambled up Augusta Ave, I passed in front of Bungalow West and saw a sign that drew me into the store quicker than a chain-smoking 60 year-old to a bingo hall:  

STORE CLOSING - 75% OFF EVERYTHING!

Bungalow is actually two stores on the same street, and seems they were in the midst of consolidating into just one - so Bungalow West was on the way out. Much to my benefit.

I browsed through what was left of their stock and in no time I came across a section of Mod dresses from the 60s. My eyes widened in awe as I delicately sifted through the colourful selection and savoured this monumental moment in vintage clothing hunting. I had yet to come across much Mod in all my second-hand buying adventures, and here in front of me was a plethora of dresses to be had. And they were all 75% off!

Unfortunately, only one was my size. Not that it was a deterrent from taking two others to the changeroom anyways. But, if there's one thing I've learned through research of buying vintage clothes, it's that you should always buy things that fit. You can have items altered and taken in, but A) it may not be worth the cost and B) knowing myself, I'd never get around to it.

I settled on the only one that fit - admittedly, it wasn't my favourite of the three patterns, but with a $12 price tag and still fabulously Mod (i.e. brightly coloured and covered in flowers), who could say no?

Had I been born 40 years earlier, I'm fairly certain I would have been a flower child:

Doot-in doo-doo, feelin' groovy!

So there you have it...my first foray into 60s Mod and a great addition to my day of self-love (and my closet). I love the unique X cut neckline and fitted back, yet open and airy front - with pockets! I think it will make an excellent maternity dress one day (which is NO TIME SOON - let it be known!)

But wait, was that ALL I bought?! I guess you'll just have to wait for my next post... ;)

THE DETAILS:
Era: 1960s
Materials: Cotton Polyester blend
Label: Vanity Fair
Made in USA - so groovy