Looking for a present for that special person in your life (or maybe yourself)?

Then Bakelite could be the way to go and if you have started to read my blog recently then you might of seen the word “Bakelite” mentioned a few times on here and could be wondering exactly what I’m talking about? Is this Bakelite something I have recently baked? Did my husband baked it (because I certainly don’t bake lol)? If those thoughts passed thru your head you would be incorrect, Bakelite is actually a plastic or its more technical name: “polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride” Say that 3 times fast..or say it at all 🙂

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.

Bakelite! The Must Have Vintage Fashion Accessory

Brief History of Bakelite

Bakelite was created by accident by Leo Baekeland (a scientist and a millionaire from selling his photographic paper patent to Kodak), in 1907 when he was trying to find a replacement for shellac and ended up creating one of the first plastics made from synthetic materials (discovered it would never melt). The plastics were used from everything from radio and telephone casings to kitchenware, jewelry (very popular due to its low cost to purchase especially during the depression) and even children’s toys (Wikipedia-Bakelite).

Collection of Bakelite products in a museum.

-Picture from the Bakelite Museum in the UK-

World War 2 though brought the end of Bakelite production by the main producers of the plastic “Catalin Corp” due to the need to focus on the War effort and this saw new plastics like fiberglass, vinyl and lucite take its place in popularity.

Bakelite is now highly converted for its retro appeal by the mid-century vintage loving crowd. The jewelry more than anything and if you we’re to go on Etsy or eBay right this second you will see many pieces of Bakelite for sale at insane prices. As example…the 1940s Bakelite cherry necklace below.

Source: Etsy

Don’t fear though, you can find Bakelite at lower prices than what I have shown here (especially if the vendor is not aware they are selling Bakelite or you win it on eBay or you get a nice seller who sells it under value or the piece is not as fancy, etc.).

Fake Bakelite: The vintage world has been taken over by “Fakelite” aka “looks like Bakelite but is not and very inexpensive to purchase”. I personally own a few pieces myself from Luxulite and I love them (especially on my low budget). They are a SUPER way to get the look of Bakelite without the cost.

1940s vintage style bracelet 1940s style bangle bakelite like fakelite

Here are some vendors on Etsy that you can buy from today:

Luxulite (my personal fav)
The Pink Bungaloo (pictured above)
Mrs Polly Lucite
Loretta Lou Jewels

****CAUTION: REAL Bakelite is hard to spot unless you know some tricks to test the plastic or know trusted vendors online or in stores. Decolish has as a great blog post on Bakelite testing that is a must read if you wish to venture into purchasing a piece or two of your own. People will try to sell you fake Bakelite at high prices so proceed with caution.******

In the Rockabilly & mid-century vintage crowd the women love their Bakelite and there is many a blog and online pictures with these beautiful women wearing gorgeous Bakelite bracelets (the plastic comes in the most beautiful colours and can be carved, inlaid or laminated with decorative designs thus making them the most popular). I have started my own collection myself and currently own a bracelet, brooch and earrings (like the collection of bracelets below).

These Bakelite yellow bracelets were being sold as set on Etsy

Source: Etsy

So with all that said, I will leave you with a some Bakelite jewelry images to get you dreaming of beautiful bangles and brooches to put under the Christmas tree (or even before that!). Happy Shopping!

Vintage marbled amber Burnt orange Bakelite, thick hoop earrings 1940s / 1950s.(avail as of March 17th, 2022 HERE).

Source: Etsy

1940s Vintage Bakelite Brown and Orange Dress Clip (Tested). Dress Clips can be worn at the neck of a blouse or dress as they just clip onto the fabric. Very fun fashion accessory! (August 2020 Update)

1940s Vintage Bakelite Brown and Orange Dress Clip (Tested). Dress Clips can be worn at the neck of a blouse, dress as they just clip onto the fabric. Very fun fashion accessory!

Source: Etsy

Vintage Butterscotch Bakelite Charm Bracelet (Tested). Such a stunny piece of Mid Century Jewelry. (August 2020 Update)

Source: Etsy

Bakelite Brooch/ Signed Shultz Jewelry/ Vintage Bakelite Buttons and Butterscotch Ball Dangle Brooch.

Source: Etsy

Fantastic 1940s Bakelite Grape Cluster Brooch via Etsy.

Source: Etsy

Deeply Carved Floral Leaf Motif Heavy Butterscotch Yellow Bakelite Bangle 1930s.

Source: Etsy

Vintage Bakelite Bracelet Transparent Apple Juice Marbled.

Source: Etsy

Do you love Bakelite as much as me? Share any thoughts you have on this topic in the comments section below.

Shopping for Bakelite: I have recently created a regularly updated, Etsy collection page of ‘Vintage Bakelite‘ jewelry that you can find HERE.

Further Reading:

Collection of vintage fashion blog posts from the 1920s-1960s

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

It’s that time of year again and just in case you need a reminder of what that is I’m talking about it’s…..CHRISTMAS!! I love Christmas always have and always will and I’m just counting the seconds till I can put up my tree and holiday decor in my husbands and I’s tiny apartment built for 1 🙂 In the mean time while I wait for Dec 1st I’m busy thinking about my Christmas shopping that has to be done and holiday outfits to be worn (or purchased). So where does a vintage lover like me shop in the big city of Toronto for Vintage themed gifts or a Vintage Holiday Outfit? Here are some of my fav picks.

West End Shopping

Mrs. Huizenga:

The store is located in the heart of Roncesvalles (121 Ronscevalles) and is teeming with furnishings large and small, old books, vintage jewellery, 1950’s dishes, beautiful vintage clothing (1950s-80s) and shoes plus much much more. I have purchased many items for myself and for friends from here and the prices are really good for being in a popular shopping part of town.

They accept all forms of currency, hours are posted on their website.

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Frou Frou Vintage: (1616 Queen St. West)

Mostly Clothing and accessories, this store has some pretty sweet mid-century clothing finds (not tons but they are there) and the owner is very knowledgeable in vintage clothing and the prices are pretty fair. Cash only so be prepared and hours are wonky so call ahead.

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Stella Luna: (1627 Queen St. West)

Another store with mostly clothing and accessories but the selection is good and the owner does carry some 1950’s and 60’s dresses/suits/skirts/hats etc. In the summer I purchased a cute early 60’s summer dress that I wear all the time and the price was $30 (taxes are included in the price).

What I love about this store, is that the owner has taken the time to colour coordinate all the racks. Looking for a red holiday dress…hit up the red rack and if it’s not there you are in and out in 5 mins. Cash only store, so come prepared and I believe they are open 7 days a week but always call ahead to be sure.

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Cabaret Vintage: High Fashion Vintage Boutique. UPDATE: Now only online

(Photo credit: Blog TO)

To start…Yes the store has pieces that are pricey BUT the clothes and accessories (men and women) are beautiful and in mint condition so you are getting your money’s worth. Also not everything is out of budget so don’t be afraid to browse thru the racks and just take in the beauty that is Vintage because you never know what you will find. Note: when they do sales they really do a sale so keep your eyes peeled for that.

The staff at Cabaret are FANTASTIC! I seriously can’t say that enough! Every time I walk into that store I am made to feel like I am family and I love it and that is why encourage friends and family to visit the store. The store accepts all form of currency and is open 7 days a week.

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Kensington Market

Flashback 1 & 2 (33 & 25 Kensington Ave)

Flashback Vintage 1 & 2 are both located down the street from each other in the main vintage clothing area of Kensington Market. Both stores have 1940-1960’s men and women clothing and accessories and I tend to find the selection pretty good BUT…as much as I love shopping in these stores (and my closet has several dresses from them) you need to shop there with caution because some of the clothes on the racks might be a bit worn (they are old!). Just be aware and check out the outfit from top to bottom to ensure you are okay with it before purchasing and you will be fine. All that aside though, I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from their stores (see dress below).

Store accepts all forms of currency and I believe are open 7 days a week.

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Courage My Love (14 Kensington Ave)

Cashmere Sweaters for $30. Vintage Lingerie for that special lady in your life , there are lots of lovely pieces to chose from. Love Bakelite Jewellery? They have a pretty impressive collection that will knock that special someones bobby socks right off when they open it for Christmas. In regards to clothing I also find that they tend to carry a nice selection of skirts from the 50’s and 60’s for really good prices. They accept all forms of currency and I believe are also open 7 days a week.

Lastly I will leave you with…

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East End

Gadabaout (1300 Queen St. East)
“Gadabout is an amazing repository for all that is vintage. Gadabout houses an extensive collection of vintage clothing, accessories, and fabrics including household textiles, blankets and rugs. In addition, the store carries ephemera, nostalgia and curios. Our Manly Man Corner is famous for its variety and oddities.

Clothing dates from the late 1800s through the 1970s (some 80s available but it’s not vintage yet) and is in impeccable condition. (We don’t carry any t-shirts or denim.) The store is a delight to the eye, a lift for the spirits and lots of fun. Visit often, new arrivals weekly.” (Gadabout “About Us”)

(Photo from Gadabout Website)

I LOVE this store and I left it till the last because it really is a store that you need a few hours to devout of your time to be able to see everything that is in every nook and cranny in the store (as you can see from the picture and that is only the first floor!). They truly have everything imaginable and you are guaranteed to find something for yourself or a loved one, whatever your taste is. Last time I was in I was trying on Bathing suits from the 1940’s and they were in the best condition! sigh…why did that blue bathing suit not fit me right?? 🙁 lol

They accept all forms of currency and store hours vary so visit their website or call before visiting.

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So there you have it, my favorite picks for some Toronto shopping for your Holiday outfit or for gifts for friends and family (or yourself..go on I won’t tell) and stay tuned for a post on “East end Toronto Vintage Shopping” coming soon.

So ladies and gents, where do you like to Vintage Shop in Toronto or maybe in your hometown for the holidays?

Liz