Cream felt beret: eBay
Small aged silver tone metal & clear rhinestone bow earrings: Unknown, had for years (possibly Claire's)
Black velvet hooded top: Jones New York
Black and cream hand crocheted fingerless gloves: c/o Bobbins & Bombshells
Cream faux leather cross body purse: eBay
Cream faux leather eyelet belt: eBay
Grey 1940s style wide legged trousers: Heyday
Black 1940s style oxford shoes: Thrifted (Salvation Army)
Lipstick colour: MAC Diva
Nail colour: Essie Wicked
Photography by Tony Cangiano
♥ ♥ ♥
Though February and early March have seen much more rain than snow around these parts, that doesn't mean that we've having roasty-toasty days by any means. Almost all have called for layers and, quite frequently, the wearing of gloves.
It's scarcely a state secret that I'm wild about gloves, but would you believe it, for all the pairs in my collection, I did not have a single example of knit fingerless gloves!
Not, that is, until very recently when my lovely friend Karen from the fantastic Etsy shop Bobbins & Bombshells (as well as the eponymously named Bobbins & Bombshells blog) contacted me to see if I'd be interested in receiving and reviewing a pair of her handmade crochet fingerless gloves.
Complimentary gloves? Yes, pretty please! :) Karen is a passionate crafters and vintage seller alike, with offerings in both camps to be had in her delightful Etsy shop, and I could tell just from the photos alone that her various styles of fingerless gloves were expertly made, so I was really keen to try them out.
Karen zipped them my way in an absolute flash and I have to say, they're even more charming and beautiful in person. I'd spoke with Karen beforehand about the fact that I'm allergic to lamb's wool (it usually gives me hives), but I needn't have worried, because a number of her knits are offered in alternative yarn materials, such as prima cotton.
These hand warmers are indeed very well made, and - if you'll forgive the rather obvious pun - they fit like a glove. The specific pair that opted for is called Lady Bows Crochet Fingerless Gloves in Ivory with Black Bows Pima Cotton and they retail for $40.00, which is quite reasonable considering that each pair is hand crocheted by Karen herself.
Generally speaking, I tend to associate fingerless gloves (often of the lace variety) with the Victorian era and, in more recent human history, goth fashions (both of which I love to no end), but that isn't to say that they can't easily be woven into a mid-century ensemble as well.
I gave a lot of thought to how to style these adorable cream and black crocheted hand warmers and kept coming back to the same general outfit concept in my head. I'd pull on two of my perpetual winter wardrobe staples (black and grey) to pick up the black in the gloves, then opt for cream hued accessories to compliment the cream wool that appears in them as well.
In the process of getting dressed, I tried a number of shirts on, but none did it for me quite like this fitted black velvet top from Jones New York. Usually I wouldn't tuck something bulky into high waisted pants (and can see said bulk in these photos, though that's really neither here nor there), but it simply didn't look the vintage part left untucked.
I wanted the focus to rightfully be on these stylish fingerless gloves from Bobbins & Bombshells, so I went with a casual look that I described to Tony on the day I wore it as being a bit like Marlene Dietrich meets (subtle) corp goth.
For the shoot itself, we selected a scenic vantage point near the small Southern Okanagan town of Osoyoos on a day when the wind chill brought the temps down below freezing at that altitude and gloves were definitely needed!
Part vintage, part goth, part lolita style, and entirely sweet looking, these hand crocheted gloves were an awesome item to work with in terms of styling - not to mention a comfortable way to keep the covered parts of my hands warm.
Karen's work is skilled, stylish and fun and I want to wholeheartedly thank her for bestowing these gloves on me.
Not only was she generous in that regard, but she has very kindly offered to partner with my blog this week for a fantastic giveaway. Read on for all the exciting details!
Giveaway details:
Enter below for your chance to win a $40.00 USD store credit from Bobbins & Bombshell's Etsy shop that you can use to put towards the purchase price of any item(s) available there at the time that you redeem your prize (as many of Karen's gloves are $40, so this prize value works out splendidly if you’re looking to pick up a pair).
This giveaway is open to participants worldwide and you can enter using as many of the following eleven Rafflecopter different options as you desire.
The only one that is required for entry is that you please leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favourite item is in Bobbin's & Bombshell's shop.
This giveaway will run from today's date (Wednesday March 9th) until Tuesday March 15, 2016, after which time I will draw the randomly selected winner and in turn contact that person to inform them of the good news.
I will then be in touch with Karen who will provide the winner with further details regarding how to claim their prize of a $40.00 USD Bobbins & Bombshells Etsy shop store credit.
If you have any questions about this giveaway, please zip me an email anytime.
♥ ♥ ♥
I love that I now have a pair of fingerless crochet gloves. There's something really exciting about styling them, especially when trying to do so in a vintage/vintage inspired outfit context.
As the last vestiges of winter are still lingering, I suspect I'll get to enjoy these beautiful hand warmer for at least a few more weeks and will certainly be donning them inside throughout the year, too, as they're perfect for those like myself who often have chilly hands.
Thank you again, Karen, for this marvelous collaboration, and many thanks to all of you as well for taking part in this giveaway. Best of luck to everyone!
I love this slightly different look from you, Jessica! I did think it was a bit goth-y the moment I saw it, and definitely in a very good way :) I would never have thought to put black velvet and cream knit together, but it works so well here. And you know what I particularly love? How a beret pulls it all together ;) You knew I was going to say that, right! xx
ReplyDeleteI did have a inkling that you'd catch the beret right away. :)
DeleteThank you, sweet CiCi, I really do as well (though I wish the velvet top didn't create that weird bulking affect on my tummy area) and loved that I got to let more of my perpetual goth side come out in this fun winter look.
Thank you very much for taking part in the giveaway, too. I really appreciate it!
Tons of hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
♥ Jessica
While I am not joining the giveaway (I don't need them in my weather) I do have to say they look so good and the bow detail is for me the icing on the cake - they look fab specially with the nails.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, sweet Lorena. I love that Essie polish so much. Anything in the burgundy family always sets my heart aflutter! :)
DeleteThis giveaway is actually for a $40.00 store credit that you can put towards anything in Karen's Etsy shop (be it one of her vintage or handmade items), so if that changes things for you, you may want to enter. :)
Big hugs & happy mid-March wishes,
♥ Jessica
Man, you always have such epic backdrops!! Those gloves are adorable and you look adorable, too!! =)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, sweet dear. It's true, we are really fortunate to live in a corner of the world with such breathtaking landscapes. I try never to take that for granted - just to take pictures of it! :)
DeleteHave a fabulous Thursday!
xoxo ♥ Jessica
This is such a cute look!!!! Really great color combos. It has a kind of Victorian vibe even with the pants
ReplyDeleteIt does for sure, I agree. I really felt like my inner goth girl was getting a chance to come out and play, albeit subtly, here, which delighted me to no end. :)
DeleteMany hugs, sweet Kate,
♥ Jessica
Beautiful as always and those gloves are so cute! My favourite item in the store has to be the 1970s Floral Tapestry Clutch Purse - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/246082095/lady-of-the-canyon-vintage-1970s-floral. Can you imagine the outfits you could wear with that?! xx
ReplyDeleteIt really is a dreamy bag with such a wealth of styling potential, I agree (I have a perpetual weakness for tapestry bags from all eras).
DeleteThank you very much for your lovely comment and for taking part in this giveaway, dear Cate. Best of luck to you!
Big hugs,
♥ Jessica
I am so EXCITED I found this blog earlier in the week. I have enjoyed reading various posts and watching some of your YouTube postings you have up - keep the videos coming! I recently downloaded a snood pattern from Ravelry and can't wait to try it out :)
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I have been loving your Links page - the resources have been endless! I immediately favorited the Bobbin's & Bombshell's ETSY shop and have been drooling over this sweater: https://www.etsy.com/listing/267248924/posies-vintage-1960s-ivory-cardigan?ref=shop_home_active_2
Thank you again Jessica! I hope you have a wonderful week!
~Anna
Olympia, WA
Hi Anna,
DeleteThank you very much for your terrific comment and for introducing yourself (as well as for entering the giveaway. It's a pleasure to "met" you, my dear.
I love knowing that you're a fan of my videos. They seem to come in spurts, when time and my health will permit, so I wouldn't say you could set your watch to my posting frequency by any means. ;D That said, I do hope to get more up this year and have at least a dozen topics in general I'd love to devote videos to this year, so hopefully there will be some new content up on YouTube from me in the not-too-distant future.
Many thanks again for everything!
Big hugs coming your way from Penticton,
♥ Jessica
Love the velvet top Jessica and those fingerless gloves are the cutest:)
ReplyDelete-Madison
www.minniemuse.com
Thank you sweetly, dear gal. I love this top, too, though probably wouldn't tuck it into this particular pair of pants again, as it added some unwanted bulk to my midsection. Oh well though, not a big deal in the slightest and the outfit as a whole looks so cute, I totally agree. :)
DeleteBig hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
♥ Jessica
I like the Vintage 1960s Black Full Nylon Slip with Lace Bust and Trim by Russell Newman.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful etsy shop! So many cute things, but I think my favorite is the pair of fingerless gloves with anchor buttons! https://www.etsy.com/listing/226350283/miss-sailorette-hand-knit-fingerless?ref=shop_home_active_10
ReplyDeleteWhat incredibly sweet gloves. Those bows are super cute!!
ReplyDeleteThey really are darling, I totally agree. These gloves are off-the-charts comfortable, too. Whether at home or out and about (especially at the dog park), I've just been living in them and am delighted to report that they're holding up superbly.
DeleteBig hugs & joyful mid-March wishes,
♥ Jessica
Love the gloves, and love your outfit! Just a hint of goth, especially with the black finger nails, to this otherwise vintage ensemble. You wear it well!
ReplyDeleteI too am a fan of fingerless gloves, and I just popped over to her Etsy shop to view her selection. If I win the giveaway, you can be sure I'll be getting a pair. And I've saved her shop so I can buy a pair soon even if I don't win! ;-)
Thank you very much, dear Grace. I adore the subtle goth notes here, too. A lot of people don't know this about me, but I'm as much a goth girl as I am a vintage adoring lass and the older I get, the more that side of my wardrobe wants to come out and play again, so I don't doubt that other goth influenced ensembles will appear here as time goes on. :)
DeleteThat's awesome to hear. I can't sing the praises of these charming fingerless gloves highly enough. I've been living in mine ever since they arrived and am sure I'll keep wearing them (at home) even when the warm weather returns.
Many hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
♥ Jessica
You look great in those trousers, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweetly, dear Philippa. I've got another 40s style trouser outfit coming down the pipeline in the not-too-distant future, which I hope you'll enjoy seeing, too.
DeleteBig hugs & happy mid-March wishes to you, my lovely friend,
♥ Jessica
You look absolutely fantastic! What a great transitional season outfit. I am adoring the mixed look and am so honored that you love the gloves! Thank you for such a lovely review! xoxo Karen
ReplyDeleteYou are wholeheartedly welcome, Karen. Thank you for your terrific comment and again for your generosity, both towards myself and my lovely blog readers. I appreciate it a great deal and can't sing the praises of your fabulous hand made fingerless gloves highly enough. They've practically become like a uniform piece for me during these chilly final weeks of winter.
DeleteTons of hugs,
♥ Jessica
What a fun look! I love your description of it too. That's how I feel about some of my outfits sometimes too - it's never just one thing!
ReplyDeletexoxo
-Janey
And you know, I think that makes for some of the best looks around. Styles can, and should, be mixed if so desired. The end results are often more eye-catching and creative than were they comprised of just one influence.
DeleteMany hugs & thanks for your wonderful comment,
♥ Jessica
I love those trousers, I'm looking forward to wearing/blogging my trousers when it starts getting cooler here! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat location for photos too! xo
Thank you very much, sweet Camilla. Isn't that just a stunning spot? We'd never shot in that precise location before and somehow it just seemed to suit the chilly weather and slightly vampy/gothy meets 1930s/40s vibe of this outfit. It would be fun to return and shoot there again when there's heaps of snow on the ground.
DeleteBig hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
♥ Jessica
nice blog
ReplyDeleteLove this outfit Jessica, the cream with black velvet is a perfect match! Those gloves look so lovely and that brooch is stunning! x
ReplyDeleteThank you sweetly, my dear. I'm a big fan of this brooch as well. It has that go-with-a-million outfits quality that I find so appealing in vintage jewelry.
DeleteMany hugs & happy mid-March wishes,
♥ Jessica
What a superbly chic and practical outfit! I'm always a fan of outfits you can wear to romp around in nature in the cold. But who wants to sacrifice style? There's definitely an '80s meets '40s touch here.
ReplyDeleteAs for my favourite item, have you seen that 'Printemps' Jetome '60s clutch??!
It is smashing indeed! I could see that looking breathtaking in your wardrobe, sweet Porcelina. Fantastic choice for what you'll put the store credit prize towards, if you win.
DeleteBig hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
♥ Jessica
Hello Jessica, .. yesterday to me here came the snow! March, another crazy month! I really like this your outfit, these pants are you very well, a style that I love, but I have not yet found the vintage pants like these, I will try for a long time! I also love the black, the goth style is the one that most resembles me (although I always feel divided in two, between absolute black and rainbow!), As well as Victorian lepoca, the result gloves also are important an accessory for me . Your are really nice, well done: brava Karin! Perfect other accessories in white and the brooch is really romantic!
ReplyDelete;***
serena
Thank you very much, dear Serena. These 1940s style trousers came from a company in the UK called Heyday (they're ad is currently on my blog's left hand sidebar) and I really can't recommend them highly enough. I currently own three different pairs from them (as well as two dresses and a top) and all are excellently made, comfortable, and fabulously authentic looking.
DeleteMany hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
♥ Jessica
You work with such great partners, Jessica! This is another fabulous giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome compliment, Amanda. Thank you very much. I really am fortunate to be able to work with such a talented, fantastic group of sponsors, all of whom definitely help to make the act of blogging all the more enjoyable for me and my readers alike.
DeleteBig hugs & happy almost-springtime wishes,
♥ Jessica
I love these 50s pumps! https://www.etsy.com/listing/251513141/on-the-avenue-vintage-1950s-de-liso-debs?ref=shop_home_active_6
ReplyDeleteWhat a teeny tiny waist you have! I adore that velvet bomber jacket and those fingerless mitts are adorable. xxx
ReplyDelete*Blush!* Thank you very much, dear lady - that means all the more to me because I really felt like this velvet top added a lot of unwanted bunching to my mid-section.
DeleteBig hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
♥ Jessica
I'm sorry to say that it hadn't occurred to me that people might be allergic to lambswool, but that's wonderful that she thought of that and offers knits in alternative materials. It never really gets cold enough in Sydney to need gloves but I'd imagine fingerless ones would be very convenient when you need to use your phone or something and don't want to have to take off your whole glove. Also I love your brooch, it reminds me of Beauty & the Beast!
ReplyDeletejessica - littlehenrylee.com
I totally see that in this brooch, too. If I ever find a teeny, tiny cloche, perhaps I"ll display this brooch under it in a solid nod to such. Thank you for the inspiration there, as well as for your whole lovely comment, dear gal. It's always such a treat to hear from you.
DeleteTons of hugs,
♥ Jessica
Such a cute and casual look-- Marlene Dietrich meets (subtle) corp goth is the perfect way to describe it! Also, I love those gloves with that belt! Too cute! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you sweetly, my lovely friend. Isn't that belt charming. It's not the best quality ever and I doubt I'll have it into my golden years (to put it mildly), but it's held up well for at least 2 - 3 years now and I love that this post gave me a chance, if memory serves me well, to debut it here (I think it has a really springtime appropriate look and feel to it with the charming eyelet detailing, don't you?).
DeleteOodles of hugs,
♥ Jessica
I love the gloves!
ReplyDeleteAren't they fantastic! I feel so blessed to have a pair in my own wardrobe now.
DeleteThank you very much for your lovely comment and for taking part in this fun giveaway, Lily.
♥ Jessica
The fingerless gloves are adorable! Talk about crochet goals. I wouldn't mind getting a pair from her shop for myself :)
ReplyDeletethis i call "sporty luxe"!!!!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous ensemble! you look like the heroine from a 30s "bergfilm"!
the half gloves are the cherries on the cake - i really like this style - especially for being out and about - they don´t get in the way while snapping pics and i do not overheat like in full gloves.
and you know what - fingerless gloves or such with "cut off" fingers are very midcentury for europe - very post war. i´m always fascinated how different this era looks west and east of the atlantic AND west and east in europe. in eastern europe some pics look like the post war period endet just 1990....
i hope i did´t bore you to much with my historical geekness :-)
tons of hugs ! xxxxxxxx <3
Fantastic term for this melding of styles, dear Beate. I'm delighted to know that I reminded you of the 1930s - that was the decade I most felt came through here as well.
DeleteSame here, massively. The ways, both similar and dissimilar, that fashion progressed inside of and outside of Europe during the 1930s - 50s fascinates me a great deal, too.
As someone who eats, breaths, sleeps, and never stops reading about history, I promise you that you could never bore me when it comes to that subject. Quite the opposite! :)
Huge hugs & happy last week of winter wishes,
♥ Jessica
Hello Jess.
ReplyDeleteYou have, yet AGAIN succeeded in looking tip-top and matching every single detail, in order to enhance the glitz and glamour of those amazing gloves (oh, when folks let you promote something, they surely get the best of you!) :)
The brooch!
(yeah, of course I've got amazed by it), it's so inviting and friendly, yet dashingly elegant. Like I always tell you: you are blessed with an "eye" for details.
Have a happy Friday!
M.
Sweet Marija, that is honestly one of the nicest, most touching compliments I've ever received here on my blog. Wow, seriously, thank you. I really do try to bring my styling A game all the more when working with sponsored pieces and truly appreciate that you're able to pick up on such.
DeleteMany hugs & happy Sunday wishes,
♥ Jessica
You look lovely, what a fun outfit for this weird inbetween-y weather as the seasons change. I had a chuckle at your description of it too, I definitely see the goth influence. I too was a goth in my teenage years (weren't we all?!) and find it creeping back into my style now and then.
ReplyDeleteSo true! :) Interestingly though, even in a large(ish) high school, there were almost no other goth kids here at the time back in the late 90s/early 00s (I don't think that the goth subculture had become as widespread here in small town Canada). I will always and forever be a goth girl at heart an the older I get, the more that side is coming out in my wardrobe again, too (love that it's doing the same for you as well).
DeleteMany hugs & thanks for your great comment,
♥ Jessica
ooh, that little green hat with the netting is perfection! Thank you so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it though! And what a splendid hat it would make for spring.
DeleteMy pleasure, sweet Sabrina. Thank you very much for taking part!
Big hugs,
♥ Jessica
I would say that one of my favorite items are the 1940's pumps.
ReplyDeleteSarah
www.sewcharacteristicallyyou.weebly.com
Likewise! I'm drawn to vintage shoes like that all the more because my hard to fit feet never seem to be able to find any that work for them (and thus I must admire them simply from afar).
DeleteMany thanks for your comment, Sarah, and for joining in on this fun giveaway.
Have a beautiful Sunday,
♥ Jessica
That velvet top looks so sumptuous! I really like the look and feel of velvet. It looks great paired with the cream accessories. The gloves are lovely. I think one of my favourite items in her shop are the heather cable gloves and the other is the purple cocktail hat!
ReplyDeleteSplendid choices! I'm in the biggest mood for all things purple right now (it must be due to spring's return this month).
DeleteThank you very much. It really is sumptuous - plus, though you can't see as much in these snaps - it has a wee hood to boot! One day, when I don't have a hat or other fanciness happening on my head, I'll have to sport it with the hood up. I don't get a lot of chances in a vintage fashion context to wear hoods, but this top would finally give me one. :)
Oodles of hugs coming your way,
♥ Jessica
I like the "Ragtime | Vintage 1940s Rag Woven Purse in Red and White with Zipper Art Deco Pattern- Rare and Resourceful."
ReplyDeleteTerrific choices! I adore that purse as well. So chic and beautiful!
DeleteThank you very much for taking part in this fun giveaway, dear gal. All the best to you with it!
xoxo ♥ Jessica
Those gloves are so cute!! Love the trousers! I just bought my first pair of swing trousers and can't wait for winter to try them out :)
ReplyDeleteOoohh, how exciting! I have short, anything-but-slender legs (or, as I like to call them, "bulldog puppy legs" :D) and find that most pants are total train wreck on me, but thankfully wide 30s/40s swing styles tend to be a lot kinder and more flattering. I have three pairs of Heyday's pants so far and would love to add more to my closet as time goes on.
DeleteThank you very much for your lovely comment. I hope you have a great tail end of winter/start of spring!
Big hugs,
♥ Jessica
You are so cute <3
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, sweetheart! That really means a lot to be coming from an awesome goth fashionista like yourself.
DeleteTons of hugs,
♥ Jessica
This is such a departure from your usual outfits but still so authentically you. I love how the pops of white/cream really highlight the fabulous gloves and how the bow on your belt echoes those on the gloves-- so well done! Best of all, this looks like a perfectly comfy outfit, a sort of soft and cuddly goth look, perfect for the damp and chilly dregs of winter.
ReplyDeleteThat is an exceptionally astute way of summing up this outfit, dear Randi. Thank you very much. I completely agree and just adore that my goth side (which many folks don't know, is actually every bit as strong as my vintage one) was able to come out a bit more here in this look. I plan to let it continue to all the more as time goes on and in a lot of ways, doing so ties strongly into what I was discussing here recently regarding the dynamics of being an eclectic person and how it relates back to blogging.
DeleteMany thanks again & have a splendid week!
xoxo ♥ Jessica
Thank you very much, my dear.
ReplyDeleteHave an awesome week!
♥ Jessica
Those wide leg trousers are absolutely magnificent!!! I am such a huge fan of wide pants. I have several pairs! Gorgeous as usual!
ReplyDeletexx Belle
Thank you sweetly, lovely lady! They're my favourite style of pants/trousers as well (and just about the only ones that look even half decent on my short, stubby little "bulldog", as I like to call them, legs :D). I own three different pairs from Heyday so far and hope to add more to my closet as time goes on.
DeleteBig hugs & happy start of springtime wishes!
♥ Jessica
It is so unusual seeing you wearing trousers. I have to admit I like you more in skirts, but you are always a cutie. The gloves are so cute with your black nails, she could not have wished for better advertisement model than you, dear. :)
ReplyDeleteIt isn't an everyday occurrence here, that's for sure, though - funnily enough - I wear trousers (be they genuine vintage, repro, or vintage appropriate ones) quite often, including almost anytime I'm doing something pertaining to Annie outside of the house. My Freddies of Pinewood side button jeans and overalls/dungarees are a godsend on that front.
DeleteThat's a terrific compliment, thank you very much! I loved that these fingerless gloves allowed me to share more of my goth/vampy side and plan to keep doing so more often with other outfits here as time goes on.
Many hugs & happy Tuesday wishes,
♥ Jessica
That's an interesting look and the backdrop is so serene. Warm greetings!
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome! I love all these details: buttons, lace, bows, high waist, textures of fabrics.
ReplyDeleteCute outfit. I adore anything Victorian and those gloves are soooo lovely. Ha, and I just finished watching a BBC series called "The Paradise" that was, you guessed it, set during the Victorian era so I've got Victorian Fashions on the mind. *wink*
ReplyDeleteRegina
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