Book Giveaway & Review: A Decade of French Fashion, 1929-1938 from Dover Publishing

The years spanning the crash of the stock market in 1929 to the outbreak of World War II in 1939 were some of the most troubled, fascinating and, at times, even lively, that the world has ever known. They were also, despite the immense hardships faced by many, some of the most fashionable and at that point in time, the design houses and clothing companies of France still held major sway over what the world sported.

While, of course, many people could scarcely survive - let alone think about keeping up the the Jonses on the fashion front - for those who were fortunate to still find themselves in a middle class or higher income bracket, the world of style carried on, by and large, much as it had for not only decades, but centuries before.

New names emerged, vying sometimes with well established favourites. Trends came and went with the seasons, hemlines - much like the infamous stock market itself - bounced from high to low and back again over and over, and certain looks would emerge and forever cement themselves as the defining styles of that decade.

The gorgeously illustrated book, A Decade of French Fashion, 1929-1938: From the Depression to the Brink of War from Dover Publications does a marvelous job of highlighting some of the most engaging and stylish looks of the nine - ten years between the end of era that brought us The Bright Young Things and six years of indescribable horror, as WW2 tore like wildfire though huge portions of the globe.

This was a period of glitz and glamour on the fashion front, where talkies entered the picture in Hollywood and movie stars – and what they wore – began to take on a status akin to that, traditionally, held only for royalty. It was time of uncertainty and excitement. Elements of the now often said expression "you only live once" remained from the party filled heydays of the 1920s, yet they were tempered with a more sophisticated refinement and serious air in the uncertain days of the thirties.

In A Decade of French Fashion, 1929-1938: From the Depression to the Brink of War, readers are presented with a splendidly detailed array of fashions from the era as they first appeared from the leading clothing designers of France at the time.

Save for a lovely written introduction, there is exceedingly little text in this 112 page soft cover book (which was released by Dover in July 2015). Instead the spotlight is shone - as I'm certain many a 1930s fashionista and starlet alike would approve of - on the clothing of the era itself. Such is presented through a well curated bevy of full-colour illustrations that first appeared in the pages of French catalogs which were geared towards especially towards the international market.

From the lingering notes of 1920s trends (think drop waists, handkerchief hems, cloche hats, etc) to the strikingly different styles that saw many a woman through the start of the second World War, such as hemlines that hit just below the knees, bold shoulder pads, and waistlines at one's natural waist, a flip through this book instantly highlights many of the trends, creative ideas, and beautiful details that called 1930s fashion home.

Being so devoid of text, this elegant book can be enjoyed in one quick sitting, though many a vintage and historical costume fan will want to savour it for far longer that - and both will find it to be indispensable in furthering their knowledge of, and appreciation for, looks from the third decade of the twentieth century.

From chic daytime ensembles (including that sort that you just know 1930s ladies who lunch were sporting en masse) to jaw dropping evening looks, the styles presented in this delightful book span the last breaths of the flapper era to the softer, and yet at the same time, also more rigid styles that would set the tone for fashion well into the mid-1940s.

This is a book to read and time and time again, each new viewing helping further details - from button placements to hemline shapes - to present themselves to you, the reader, as you soak up and savour the supreme elegance that was 1930s fashion for those with the means to buy from the best that France had to offer.

Though I myself rarely wear looks from this period (most, especially those before 1937, are anything but becoming on my short, hourglass shaped figure), I appreciate them immensely and have a strong affinity for all things art deco era fashion related.

Thus, it was with no small amount of pleasure that I readily, and happily, accepted Dover's wonderfully kind offer to both receive a copy of A Decade of French Fashion, 1929-1938: From the Depression to the Brink of War to review here, as well the opportunity to give one lucky Chronically Vintage winner the chance to win their own copy of this fabulous vintage fashion resource.

Read on to find out how you can win!


Giveaway details:

This giveaway is for one copy of the soft cover book A Decade of French Fashion, 1929-1938: From the Depression to the Brink of War from Dover Publications. It is open to readers (participants) worldwide and will run from today's date (Monday April 25, 2016) until 11:59 PST on Wednesday May 4, 2016.

The winning name will be drawn using Rafflecopter's random winner tool once the giveaway has wrapped up and the winner will be contacted via email shortly thereafter. Your book itself will be shipped out to you directly from the fine folks at Dover Publications.

You may enter using however many of the following ten Rafflecopter methods you desire. The only entry that is mandatory is that you please leave a comment on this post in which you share with me one or more of your favourite elements of 1930s fashion.

The more ways that you enter, the greater your odds of winning become. If you have any questions about this book giveaway, please don't hesitate to email me anytime.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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There was, and will forever be, an unmistakable sophistication and understated beauty to 1930s fashion. It took its inspiration from countless sources and culminated in a streamlined, refined style that could be blazingly minimalist or enchantingly whimsical. Very often it fell somewhere in between, with lengthy lines, bias cuts, and all sorts of marvelous details – that still make fashion lovers say "oh-la-la" to this day – calling the looks of this decade home.

I feel fortunate to be able to add A Decade of French Fashions, 1929 - 1938 to my collection, as well as to be able to offer one lucky winner a copy of their own, and want to sincerely thank Dover Publications for another exciting and very generous collaboration. My thanks all go out to each and every one of you as well, who take part in this exciting vintage fashion book giveaway.

Best of luck to all those who enter!

The Travelling Hat visits Penticton

Outfit details

1930s/1940s style tilt hat: Handmade by milliner Tanith Rowan
Brown plastic barrette: Goody
Black rhinestone stud earrings: Claire's or Payless
C. 1950s white blouse with black trim: Rue 23 Vintage
Royal blue blazer: Suzy Shier
C. 1950s royal blue rhinestone brooch: Gift from a dear friend
1940s/50s ruched light blue gloves: Unknown, had for years
1940s black felt and gold tone metal handbag: Possibly a gift (had for years)
1950s long black pencil skirt: Probably eBay or Etsy
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
1940s style black faux suede pumps: Walmart
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red


Photography by Tony Cangiano

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My dear friend Tanith Rowan is, hands down, one of the most talented milliners practising this timeless art alive on the planet today (long time readers may recall that she made my bespoke vintage style hat dreams come true last year with this dazzling grey and pink chapeau) and her creations never fails to bring me to my knees.

I'm a devoted fan and follower of Tanith's work, so when she announced on her blog in November 2014 that she was going to launch a traveling hat project (dubbed, very sweetly, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Hat) that would see a single creation of hers traverse the globe and land on the noggins of stylish vintage ladies far and wide, I couldn't add my name to signup list fast enough.

Like myself, Tanith is a big fan of vintage tilt hats and so designed a breathtaking example of such to send out in the world for many a fellow vintage wearer to spend a bit of time with before passing Adelaide, as she was christened, on to the next Traveling Hat participant.

Prior to "her" arrival in the Okanagan Valley, Adelaide last spent time with another good friend of mine, Seanna from the blog Seanna Approved. And before that, she had shown up in various corners of Australia, Europe, and America, but I believe I'm the first Canadian to have her spend on this side of the 49th.

Like all of Tanith's work, Adelaide is a vision of stunning beauty and expert workmanship. She had been worn by several other ladies before I received her, yet she reached me in excellent condition - testament to the quality of Tanith's creations (as well as the care that each person has used in handling this hat).

I very much enjoyed seeing how the other Sisterhood of the Traveling Hat participants had styled this awesome vintage style tilt hat, forming ideas for my own outfit with each new look that Tanith shared on her blog (check them out here). However, when Adelaide actually landed on my doorstep and I held her in my hands, all of those previous concepts flew out of the window.

She was even more breathtaking in person and I was struck by how powerfully she channeled a late 1930s/early 1940s look that would have been right at home on the head of any leading Hollywood starlet of the era.

I don't own a lot of 30s garb at all, but I wasn't going to let that stop the vision for an ensemble that was cementing itself in my mind from coming to life. By blending vintage and vintage appropriate modern pieces together, I was able to come up with a daytime (or casual evening wear) look that I feel taps into the spirit of the late 30s/early 40s quite nicely.

This enchanting topper deserves to be the star of any outfit and I aimed to make that happen here, opting for largely understated pieces and fairly minimal (for me) jewelry, save for the gorgeous 1950s blue rhinestone brooch that I added to my blazer (I don't usually wear brooches that are same colour as the solid hued garment they’re pinned to, but of the about fifteen different brooches I tried with this look, both Tony and I felt that this one worked the best and so I broke my usual rule and just went for it!).

There was something so deeply wonderful about getting to spend time with Adelaide. Not only did I stop and reflect often on the fact that she had been in the hands of many of my vintage friends around the world, none of whom I've yet met in person, but also that we were creating a future vintage accessory in this traveling hat. Unlike so many (current) old school hats though, this chapeau's story is know and documented.

Wherever Adelaide eventually lands for her forever home, her tale is documented and shared, history in the making captured care of modern technology.

It was an honour and joy of the highest magnitude to spend time with this traveling hat. While here, she got to see Kelowna and Penticton, including both our home and my parent's house. I bonded with this gorgeous hat and saying goodbye to it was a bittersweet experience.

I wanted to keep her with me for years to come, yet at the same time was elated to send her off to be enjoyed by the next chic vintage sporting lady who will put her own unique styling spin on Adelaide's story.

Thank you, dear Tanith, for creating this project and for uniting so many of us scattered across the globe with one enchantingly gorgeous hat that I'm sure, much like myself, no one who spends time with her will ever forget.

Perfect Autumn Days Filled with Laughter and Fun

Outfit details

C. 1930s/40s burgundy felt hat with netting: Garb-Oh Vintage
Brown and white plastic cameo earrings: Handmade by me
1960s does 1930s brown and black fur coat: Yard sale find
Hell Bunny Kim Flare Dress in Black: Retro Glam
1950s brown gloves: Unknown, had for years (probably eBay or Etsy)
Autumn Leaves Vintage Style Bag: c/o Vendula London
Black seamed nude stockings: eBay
Burgundy faux leather pumps: Payless
Lip colour: MAC Party Line

Photography by Tony Cangiano  

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The days are growing shorter with each passing sunset. The light struggles to produce much intensity, frost tips the morning blades of grass, and coats become a necessity - most days at least - once more. We're heading into the second half of autumn and while it may not have quite the vibrant hues or caramel sunshine of earlier weeks, it is still part of my favourite season and I always try to savour every last day until the first snowfall ushers in winter's brazen return.

I borrowed the title of today's post from the words written on the gorgeous Vendula London Autumn Leaves Clip Fastened Bag that I’m sporting here, which the company very kindly sent me as a review gift.

Today's post is the second time that I've had the pleasure of working with Vendula London (you can read about the other and get oodles of information about this stellar UK accessories brand in this post from September) and just as with the first, their product(s) nailed it out of the ball park.

This awesome burgundy corduroy purse - which I want to sincerely thank the company for - is part vintage looking, part shabby chic, and part scrapbook style, which is perfect for me because I'm a old school wearing, shabby chic adoring, passionate paper crafter. The autumn theme is what really melted my knees like ice cream on a slice of hot apple pie, however.

I've owned many bags, new and old alike, over the years, but this is the first that was ever specifically fall themed. Well made, elegant and playful at the same time, nice and roomy, and a cinch to dress up or down, Vendula's gorgeous Autumn Leaves Clip Fastened Bag is an enchanting purse that personifies the creativity, quality and appeal of this British company's awesome offerings (which you can receive free shipping on for all orders over $150.00 USD when you use the coupon code FDUS at checkout).

It struck me a few days ago that almost every year, come autumn, I dip my toes into 1930s inspired fashion. As much as I adore and appreciate the looks of that history rich decade, a lot of the styles from it do not work very well on my short, hourglass figure. Some, particularly those from about '37 onward, do though, and thus it's usually the tail end of the decade that I dabble with every now and then.

Save - possibly (it could be either 30s or 40s) for the hat - nothing here is genuinely from the 1930s, but as is often the case, clothing doesn't have to be from a particular era to look the part or channel the spirit of certain time period.

The dress is from Hell Bunny, purchased last winter, but not yet worn on the blog. The coat is a 1960s does 1930s gem that I bought a few summers ago at a yard sale in a neighbouring town. The burgundy hat, which I sported here earlier this fall (in this outfit post) hails from Garb-Oh Vintage and has proven to be the most frequently reached for chapeau in my wardrobe this season.

We nabbed these photos in front of one side of the SS Sicamous, a good sized paddle wheeler boat that once plied the waters of Okanagan Lake until - fittingly one might say (given my ensemble) - the mid-1930s.

It went through several years of of having an uncertain future, but thankfully some of the locals of the time had the good sense to see it as an important piece of history and to ultimately create a dedicated volunteer run society for its preservation and upkeep. For decades now it has been docked on the shorts of Okanagan Lake here in Penticton and is popular venue for weddings, music and fashion shows, and various other local events (in addition to being open to the public as a museum).

It has always been one of my very favourite sights in our small town and given its colour palette and history, it seemed like a fitting place to highlight not only this 1930s inspired look, but my resplendent new Vendula London bag as well – after all, one can only image the wealth of luggage and handbags alike that spent time on this boat during its glory days!

Fall really is a joyful time for me and I am so grateful for each sublimely pretty day of it. The smiles and the styles, the hues and the happiness, and, yes, even the return of coat weather. There is a natural flow to life and the seasons are a huge part of it, so I've never tried to fight their changes.

Instead I look at them as an exciting opportunity to let another segment of my wardrobe have it's moment in the limelight and to get reacquainted with old (garment/accessory) friends, while also welcoming new ones like this delightful, old school inspired burgundy kiss lock purse into the fashion fold as well.

Embracing controversy, getting real about blogging, and tons on vintage fashion: an interview with Emileigh from Flashback Summer

One of my favourite types of posts to share with all of you here, and one that I know many of you enjoy a great deal as well (the results of last year's Chronically Vintage reader's survey told me as much :)) is interviews with fellow members of the vintage community.
 
Today I'm elated to do just that in the form of a wonderful interview conducted via email that I recently had with Emileigh Rogers from the engaging and always enjoyable vintage fashion, crafting and lifestyle blog, Flashback Summer.





Emileigh is a passion young blogger from the States who loves the past, traveling, speaking her mind, her family, 1930s and 40s fashions (in particular), and never shying away from posting topics that act as springboards for some of the more controversial subjects in our vintage loving midst.


I've had the great pleasure of knowing her since her blog's earliest days and feel honoured that I got the opportunity to learn, and share, more about her with all of you today.


 
When you think of your blog, what are five adjectives about it that instantly spring to mind?


Intercultural – honest – worldview – vintage – conversation (These aren’t exactly adjectives… but they describe my blog still!)



You've been blogging since 2012, what are some of the most unexpected things you've learned over the course of that time?

Quite honestly, I only started blogging to drive sales to my Etsy shop, and it's still a dream of mine to be able to make some decent money from blogging and writing. However, I’ve been surprised at how much I actually love blogging itself and the community around it. I don’t even have an Etsy shop now, but I still have a blog! Although some moolah to support my vintage habit is a motivator, the fact that I have enjoyed getting to know other vintage wearers, learn a lot, and get to express myself is the motivation that gets me through the difficult blogging times.



If you could go back in time and give yourself just one piece of advice that you (now) wish you'd known as a novice blogger, what would it be?

I would tell myself not to try to be Solanah (from Vixen Vintage and American Threads), or any other blogger. I love Solanah’s blogs, but I’m not her! I first attempted to recreate such a blog and realized I was miserably short on vintage clothes… kinda a staple for a vintage blog. So I stopped and regrouped for a while, thinking about what MY blog would really be about, one that filled a gap in the vintage blog world. I then relaunched my blog later into what is now Flashback Summer!




On Flashback Summer, you never shy away from discussing topics that might stir up some friendly debate (such as whether or not to alter/remake genuine vintage garments, as well as numerous posts pertaining to different potentially culture sensitive topics including racism in vintage prints and jewelry, what drives your desire to get people thinking and talking about subjects that might, so to speak, rock the boat?

I love deep conversations and hearing different viewpoints, if it’s done in a constructive and respectful way. I sometimes feel like the vintage world can be very 2D and superficial, and I wanted to bring the depth to the blog world that I know exists in vintage wearers’ real lives. We’re from all over the world, and working through tough subjects with each other can open our minds to new lines of thought and celebrate the diversity that is the vintage community. I love that!



What are some of the posts that you've most enjoyed sharing on your blog to date?

I have really enjoyed the controversial posts. Like I said before, I love hearing others’ viewpoints. I also really like the Intercultural Vintage posts. I adore studying the traditional clothing of other countries, and when it dawned on me that, technically, traditional equals vintage oftentimes, I knew I had to include it! Cultures have borrowed bits of fashion from each other since the beginning of time, and I like tracking down where certain style influences have come from and the effect of cultures on each other.




Do you feel like your online self and your offline self are quite similar or are there elements of your offline self that rarely appear on your blog? (I find this to be true for myself big time!)
I think my online self and offline self are pretty similar. I’m a fact-loving, culture-studying vintager in real life, too, so my blog expresses some of my biggest passions in life. I think the only things that are different are that I’m more sarcastic and dry-humored offline simply because that doesn’t translate as well to the written word.

I’m also more controversial offline, but I only become more blunt and bring up very difficult topics in the context of relationships where I feel I’ve earned the right to speak. It’s too easy to be completely misunderstood online for me to feel comfortable sharing some of my opinions on very difficult subjects on my blog. Relationship creates a lot of grace and benefit of the doubt in times of disagreement that the internet doesn’t always provide.


For those who may be new(ish) to vintage, what are some of your top tips for sporting old school styles?

I would definitely start with classic pieces like a button down and high waisted pencil skirt. I tried to add in a bunch of vintage clothing all at the beginning, and it was expensive and frustrating as I tried to figure out the trends of decades, bought wrong sizes, etc. Start with a button down and pencil skirt and change your hair, makeup, and accessories to suit different decades. This is a low-cost way to experiment with your style to find something you love. Then you can invest in those statement pieces you know you’ll like longer term. I wish I had done this!




What decades in time are you currently finding your wardrobe most pulled towards?


The 1930s and 40s are what it’s about right now! I have pretty much always been drawn to these, though I’m exploring the 1930s more than I used to. I also have a weakness for a nipped-waist 50s suit that gets thrown in every once in a while, too!



Is there one or more decade that you love the fashions (et al) from but don't often, if ever wear?

I adore the 10s and 20s, but I hardly ever wear them. They tend to be the rarer, more expensive pieces or completely impractical for modern life. I LOVE the Gibson girl look, but it’s a bit much for the modern-day office!






Where are some of your favourite sources (online or off) from which to source vintage fashions and accessories?

Around my area there are two vintage stores, one of which doesn’t sell anything earlier than 1960, and the other is a bit expensive and mostly newer things as well. Because of this, I find a LOT of my clothes at flea markets/antique malls. EVERY Missouri/Arkansas town has at least one flea market, so I go on the hunt and see what I can find!



Are you a vintage purist in terms of preferring to only wear genuine vintage pieces or do you like to mix things up and wear repro, vintage inspired and similar classic pieces as well?

I would love to wear only vintage pieces, but my budget doesn’t allow it. To wear vintage every day you really have to have a lot of vintage so as not to damage things with overuse, and I just can’t swing that! Almost my whole wardrobe is now made of authentic vintage and pieces I have made myself from vintage patterns. Making things myself has proven to be cost-effective and lets me wear custom designs I love!




You recently got married (happy congrats again!) with a vintage themed wedding and shared some of the wonderful highlights of your special day on your blog. Did you find the online world to be helpful to you in planning your big day? If so, what sites in particular did you turn to often for inspiration, help, etc?

Thank you, Jessica! I found the online world a bit helpful in planning my wedding, but mostly for tracking down musicians, venues, etc. that were available in my area. I kind of looked at Pinterest, but I hate the idea of simply copying things I find off of there, so I really tried to use my own brain and creativity to come up with original, unique things that would work. I also asked my creative friends to help with different pieces of it, so they each brought their own skills to the table!



Have you found that anything on your blog or your approach to blogging has changed since you tied the knot?

I do know that my husband helps me take a lot more pictures now! It’s much handier photo-wise to live in the same house with him! Other than that, I don’t think my blogging has changed very much. Jacob is very understanding about my blog ambitions and very supportive.




What do you wish people knew about you and/or your blog (that's you're comfortable sharing publicly, naturally) that they don't already?

I know that other bloggers probably understand this, but I don't think people realize how much work it is to keep a blog up! I'm working on learning to balance the different areas of my life a little better right now, and while I'm trying to be intentional about creating good content, sometimes it's a struggle in the midst of responsibilities. But I do really enjoy it, so I want to keep at it!



Thinking ahead to the future, what would be your ultimate dream/goal for your blog?

I have other life ambitions, but if those for some reason fell through, I'd love to blog as my "day job." For me it's really not about making lots of money, it's about being freed up to do the things I love all the time... because what I love to do generates income! However, I'm thinking that other life events are going to take precedence eventually, so I'd like to work my hardest to create a great blog that I can be proud of until that time.




What kinds of things (topics, types of outfit or how-to posts, etc) are you looking forward to posting about on Flashback Summer this year?

I am really excited that my sister is contributing to the blog this year with holistic health types of posts. She will be talking about physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I thoroughly enjoy her writing and I know she has so much wisdom, especially at only 21 years old, to share with the world. I’d describe her as a hippie Yoda because of that.

(Jessica's note) You can also connect with Emileigh on the following sites:

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

Twitter

{All images care of Flashback Summer}

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Thank you very much for this stellar interview, Emileigh. I really appreciate that you wanted to chat with me and must say again how lovely it was to get to know you and your blog even better through this fun Q&A session.

If you're not following Flashback Summer (how charming is that name, BTW!) already, I can't recommend doing so highly enough. Emileigh has a wonderful vision for her site, posts often and on a diverse range of subjects, and is a truly lovely person.

You'll adore her blog, her candor, her gorgeous vintage outfits, her whit and her instantly recognizable passion for the past, and quickly find yourself looking forward to each her new posts as much as I, and her ever growing throngs of readers, do.

Special St. Patrick's Day 2014 edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday

{Undeniably and endlessly perfect for March 17th Day of course, what I love even more about this gorgeous vintage screw back shamrock earrings is that they're not so glaringly St. Patrick's Day so as to not work the whole year through as well. $20.00 from etsy seller Atomic Renovation.}




{Winter weather and dry indoor heating systems can parch one's skin out something fierce! Rejuvenate your epidermis and get it ready for the return of sundress season with the help of this fantastic made-in-Ireland bottle of Irish Field hand cream. £11.95 for a 230ml pump bottle from Bog Standard.}




{Keep the luck of the Irish near your heart or on your hat, scarf, sash or anywhere else you please with this timelessly elegant vintage gold toned and faux pearl shamrock Coro brooch. $9.00 from etsy seller Pythagoras Place.}




{You'll have no trouble catching a leprechaun when you're sporting this beguiling 1930s two-piece silk velvet skirt suit, as he'll be too busy admiring your stellar fashion sense to remember to stay out of sight! :) Jacket fits up to 32" bust, skirt fits up to a 25" waist. $186.00 from etsy seller Klad.}




{Forget the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I want to find a treasure chest full of vintage Bakelite like these three lovely stacking bangles instead (or in addition to said gold - one can never have too much of either! :D). $65.00 for the set of three from etsy seller My 3 Chicks.}




{Charming as a field of springtime clover, this delightful c. 1940s woven green handbag features charming little gold flowers with "pearl" bead centers and classic amber lucite handles, and would make for a fabulous spring and summer purse for many a year to come. $45.00 from etsy seller Canal Street Vintage.}




{Still in its original packaging, completely with lovely little handwritten note, this beautiful vintage Irish linen handkerchief features crocheted edging and would a marvelous piece to tuck in your handbag, for myriad potential uses, before heading out for a night of festive fun. $10.00 from etsy seller Ardythe's Orphans.}




{Whether you chalk it up to River Dance or the classic Irish jig, it's hard for me to not want to cut a rug come St. Patrick's Day. These timelessly beautiful Aris Allen Brown Velvet 1940s 3-buckle dance shoes (which are exact copy of an actual 1940s shoe design) would let me, or you, do just that in mid-century fashion worthy style. Available in modern ladies sizes 5 to 11. $69.95 from dancestore.com.}

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It is more than a little fitting that green is so closely associated with St. Patrick's Day, not only for the rich cultural and historical ties to the Emerald Isle itself, but because, if we've got a wee bit of that famous Irish luck on our side, the world is slowly starting to transform from snow white (or pallid brown) to the colour of fresh grass once more these days.

I've celebrated many a St. Paddy's Day in the snow over the years, don't get this Canuck lass wrong, but regardless of the weather, one always knows that winter's end is near. Spring itself, so the calendar says, kicks off in just three days time and that worth celebrating regardless of if you've got a drop of Celtic blood in your veins or note. Soon life will burst forth with near startling speed once more, blossoms and full on blooms shooting forth around every corner, the return of single layer dressing, and double digit temperatures.

Before we kick Old Man Winter to the curb entirely though, there's merriment to be had on March 17th. Whether you're a fan of guzzling back pints of green ale and partying like there's no tomorrow or prefer a more relaxed celebration at home, perhaps with some delicious Irish Soda Bread at the ready and a classic Hollywood movie feasting one or more of your favourite yesteryear stars of Irish decent on the telly, this is a day worth having a blast on.

If she's anything like me, and I can't help but think that she is, that's precisely what this week's stylish Vintage Fashionista, Deirdre (named for the what legend tells us was the most beauty woman in ancient Ireland) is going to be up to come St. Patrick Day. Decked out in green, whipping up soda bread, colcannon and corned beef before settling in for an evening of celebration, merriment and a good Maureen O'Hara, Gene Kelly, or James Cagney flick.

Albeit three days early, let me wish each and every one of you a splendid, fun, history, and green garb filled St. Patrick’s Day!  May the wind rise up to meet you always, my dear friends!