GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a $75.00 store credit from Wise Apple Vintage

There are many important factors when it comes to being a successful online vintage seller. To my mind, undoubtedly, one of the biggest and most powerful of such is the imagery that one uses to promote and showcase their offerings with.

Clear, well lit, beautifully shot photos can not only help a shop to succeed, they can instantly create an identity for a seller or brand as well.

Over the years, I've encountered tons of different vintage sellers and their shops online and I can honestly say that few have nailed product photography as well - or as appealing - as Nikki McIntosh from USA based Wise Apple Vintage does.

Whether in her standalone shop or over on Etsy, where she also sells, Nikki crafts inviting, cleanly shot and very attractive imagescapes to highlight her mid-century offerings, which primarily include housewares, barware, collectibles, and planters.



(Just a small sampling of the more than 100 different, super fun mid-century items that Wise Apple Vintage currently has in stock. From top left to bottom right: Vintage Ceramic Dog Wall Planter | Mid-Century Modern Dansk Red Pinwheel Dish | Vintage Ceramic Mushroom Cookie Jar | Vintage Stoneware Owl Mug)


If memory serves me right, I first discovered Nikki's thriving vintage shop on Etsy several years ago (she's been there since 2008) and was instantly hooked, just as I am on her seriously terrific main e-shop.

Her prices are refreshingly reasonable, her inventory is updated frequently, she has impeccable customer care, and, indeed, her product photography is so gosh darn lovely that I feel like I'm flipping through the catalog of a major housewares chain when viewing her listings.

I've had the great pleasure of working with Nikki as a blog sponsor for quite a while now, during the course of which we've formed a wonderful online friendship as well.

Nikki (who blogs about various vintage and decor related topics here) is as sweet as her vintage offerings are appealing, and as we embrace the very last days of summer, she has generously offered one lucky Chronically Vintage reader the chance to win a $75.00 store credit to her main (not-Etsy) shop).

Read on to learn how to enter this exciting giveaway and add some of Wise Apple Vintage's stellar mid-century charm to your own home.


Giveaway Details:


This giveaway is for one $75.00 USD store credit from Wise Apple Vintage standalone website.
 
It is open to participants worldwide and will run from today's date (Monday September 19th) until 11:59 PM on Monday September 26, 2016.

The winner will be drawn using Raffle copter's tool to do with after the giveaway has wrapped up and will be contacted via email shortly thereafter.

There are thirteen different ways to enter this giveaway via Rafflecopter, the only one that is mandatory so as to gain entry is to leave a comment below on this post letting me know what one of your favourite items in Wise Apple Vintage's shop is (please note, if you win this giveaway, you are not obligated to put your prize towards that item in the slightest and are free to apply your prize to anything that you'd like in Nikki's standalone online shop).

The more ways in which you enter this giveaway, the greater your odds of winning become.

The giveaway winner may apply their $75.00 USD store credit to the cost of any item, or combined items, in Wise Apple Vintage's standalone shop. Any amount above $75.00, including shipping costs, are the responsibility of the winner and will not be covered by Wise Apple Vintage.

Thus, for the sake of example, if you opted to selected two items that, along with their shipping costs, had a grand purchase total of $78.50 USD, Wise Apple Vintage would refund $75.00 USD to you after you had made your purchase and you would pay the remaining difference of $3.50 USD out of pocket.

If you have any questions about this Wise Apple Vintage $75.00 store credit giveaway, please don't hesitate to email me.

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Nikki's passion for vintage shines through in each of the beautifully curated mid-century items that she lists and in the care that she puts into photographing the products that she sells.

As a vintage consumer, blogger, and fellow seller, I really appreciate this and know that it speaks volumes to the success that Wise Apple Vintage has experienced over the years.

I'm tickled pink to be teaming up with Nikki and her fabulous shop for this giveaway and really want to thank her for the opportunity to do so, as well as to say a big thanks as well to each of you who take part in it.

Best of luck to everyone who does so!

Giveaway: Enter to win a $100.00 store credit from The Best Vintage Clothing's wonderful Etsy shop

Earlier this month I celebrated my 32nd birthday and as such, wanted to make sure that lots of gifts were on the docket - not so much for myself, but as for all of you, my wonderful readers.

In mid-July we celebrated with a giveaway from fabulous Etsy artist Sabrina from Inky Notions, and today I'm genuinely excited to bring you a second giveaway before the month wraps up.

If you've been following my site for a while now, chances are you may know that The Best Vintage Clothing has been a long time blog sponsor here. We've held numerous giveaways and collaborative outfit posts on CV over the years, each of which focused on The Best Vintage Clothing's main website.

For this fun giveaway however, the spotlight is on The Best Vintage Clothing's Etsy shop, which - much like their standalone site - teams with a beautiful selection of curated vintage and antique pieces spanning the Victorian era to the late 20th century.

Helmed by Laura (aka, Miss Kitty), a lovely lady who has been in the vintage selling business for many years now, The Best Vintage Clothing is a yesteryear fashion lover's dream.

From frocks to jewelry, hats to handbags, the frequently updated selection of offerings that TBVC provides is sure to delight, inspire and tempt just about any fashionista (see for example, the selection in the image below, all of which are, at the time of writing, available in TBVC's Etsy store).





In addition to the giveaway taking place here today (more dets on that in a moment), The Best Vintage Clothing's Etsy shop is currently holding a fabulous 25% off storewide markdown sale this week (the sale is on until Monday August 1, 2016), so if you've been eyeing a treasure of two over there, now is definitely the time to pounce!



Giveaway details:

This giveaway is for a $100.00 USD Etsy store credit to the The Best Vintage Clothing's Etsy shop. 

The winner can apply the store credit, as part of one transaction, the cost of any item(s) in TBVC's Etsy shop that they wish. Any costs, including shipping, above $100.00 USD, that occur as part of that transaction/purchase, will be the responsibility of the winner.

The giveaway on from today's date (July 25, 2016) until 11:59 PST on Monday August 1, 2016.

It is open to participants worldwide, who are welcome to enter with as many of the following Fifteen different Rafflecopter entry methods as desired.

The more methods with with you enter, the greater your odds of winning become.

The only entry method that is necessary to take part in this giveaway is that you visit The Best Vintage Clothing's Etsy shop and then leave a comment here telling me what one of your favourite items there is (if you are the winner of this store credit prize, you do not have to put it towards the item that you mention in your comment).

If you have any questions about this giveaway, please don't hesitate to email me.

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It's such an honour to count The Best Vintage Clothing as one of my blog's longest continuously running sponsors and to have the wonderful opportunity to partner up with them again here this month. We'll be doing so, for an outfit post, a bit later in the year and I can hardly wait for that collaboration either.

I want to sincerely thank TBVC on Etsy for this awesome $100.00 store credit giveaway prize, as well as to express my thanks to all of you who take part in this contest.

Best of luck to everyone who does!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: An art print prize pack (complete with a custom portrait of yourself) from Inky Notions

If a genie, fairy godmother or other benevolent imaginary being with the ability to bestow wishes - or perhaps more accurately in this case, talents - came along, I've always maintained that high up on my list would be the ability to draw and/or paint like a gifted artist.

I like to joke that even my stick people don't look like stick people and while that is a bit of an exaggeration, as much as I adore art, did well in art class, and consider myself to be an artistic person in general, I am by no means a talented drawer or painter.

Thankfully however, there are plenty of folks in this vast, wonderful world of ours who have been blessed with this fantastic talent. One of them who resides in our own online vintage community midst in none other than Sabrina from the lovely, photo filled blog Vibrant Vintage.

Earlier this year Sabrina took the exciting step of launching an Etsy shop by the delightful name of Inky Notions, where she sells prints of her original artwork, much of which is deeply imbued with a charming, memorable old school quality mixed with a distinctly appealing style all her own.

Around the time that Sabrina launched Inky Notions, she became a Chronically Vintage sponsor and very, very kindly offered to create and send me a custom print of my own. As Tony and I were on the cusp of celebrating our next "loveiversary" (the date that commemorates the day that we first meet back in 2004) around then, I instantly knew that I wanted my custom print to be a present for my beloved.

While a drawing of me might have seemed like a natural choice, as Tony already has tons of photos of his vintage wearing wife, I suggested instead that the portrait depict our two adorable pets, Annie (a black and white Bulldog dog) and Stella (a grey tabby cat).

I wanted an illustration of such for Tony not only for its own merits, but because while Annie loves everyone and everything on the face of the planet, shy little Stella is not as keen on her canine sister and the likelihood of an actual photo of the two of them “playing nice” in the same frame is exceedingly unlikely to ever happen.

Sabrina was game for this idea and did a marvelous job, using photos of the two of them (separately), to create an image on paper that will probably never be captured on camera. The piece is a true joy and testament to Sabrina's artistic talents (see the iPhone photo that I took of it below).

Tony loved it to bits and was so surprised by this hand drawn present (you just about could have knocked him over with the feather!). We're still looking for the perfect frame for it, but for now it is carefully displayed sans frame on a tall bookshelf – safely away from the inquisitive critters that it depicts.

We're both so honoured to have this custom piece of art in our home, and today I'm thrilled to be able to offer one lucky winner the same opportunity, as I've teamed up with Inky Notions for a great giveaway. Read on to get all the exciting details!


Giveaway Details:

This giveaway is the winner's choice of any three art prints that are currently available in the Etsy shop Inky Notions, as well as a custom 5 inch x 7 inch sized self portrait of yourself or someone else to be included with the three prints of your choice.

As per the sponsor's guidelines, this giveaway is only open to those in the US and Canada (though international readers are welcome to comment on this post still, if so desired).

The giveaway will run from today's date (July 12, 2016) until 11:59 PST on Monday July 18, 2016. The winner will be drawn using Raffle copter's random winner selection tool after the contest has wrapped up and will be notified via email shortly thereafter.



{A sample of three of the more than fifteen different original vintage inspired art prints that are currently available in Sabrina's shop, Inky Notions. If you're the lucky winner of this giveaway, you'll be able to choose any three prints of your choice, plus you'll receive a custom original 5" x 7" portrait as part of your prize as well.}



There are 11 different ways to enter this giveaway, the only one of which is mandatory is that you share with me what your favourite print currently available in Sabrina's shop is. The more ways in which you enter - all via Rafflecopter - the greater your odds of winning become.

If you have any questions about this giveaway, please don't hesitate to email me.

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Sabrina was a true joy to work with on my own custom print. She not only "got" my vision, but executed it to a tee and created an adorable original piece of art that my husband and I will treasure for the rest of time.

I really appreciate and want to thank Sabrina for so generously offering up this prize pack, including a custom portrait print, to one lucky Chronically Vintage reader, and likewise want to sincerely thank all those who enter this fun giveaway.

Best of luck to everyone who takes part!

Book Giveaway & Review: The House of Worth: Fashion Sketches, 1916-1918 from Dover Publications

These days we're used to seeing and thinking about a whole host of world famous designers and fashion houses. Even if we don't own a single piece from any of them, most folks are at least familiar with a handful of such and we've come to think of their presence as part and parcel to the world of style.

Such was not always the case though and the invention, if you will, of the modern fashion house as we would recognize and acknowledge it today is relatively new. Unquestionably one of the first and most influential early players in this sphere was The House of Worth.

Founded in France in 1858 by Mr. Charles Frederick Worth, a highly regarded and skilled dressmaker who had previously been employed by some of the top tailors in the UK and France, the House of Worth hit the ground running, by offering exquisitely made and deeply beautiful haute couture clothing. As time went on, the company would grow to include ready-to-wear fashions, as well as perfumes.

The House of Worth provided fashions to some of the most affluent, wealthy, powerful - and powerfully dressed - customers in Europe and the world as a whole. From stars of the stage, such as Sarah Bernhardt, Nellie Melba, and Jenny Lind to European royals, old money and new, and those trying to climb the social ladder alike, The House of Worth had an impressive clientele and provided stunning pieces to all of them (including both wedding gowns and costume party ensembles).

In its original iteration, The House of Worth remained in business until 1952 (the brand was revived again after more than four decades of laying dormant, in 1999), with Charles Worth's heirs taking over the company after his death in 1895.

It was under the leadership of Charles' sons, Gasteon-Lucien and Jean-Philippe, that The House of Worth experienced the Edwardian years, and it is the tail end of this very period that the book at the heart of today's post focuses.





The House of Worth: Fashion Sketches, 1916-1918 from Dover Publications is a unique and enchantingly beautiful soft cover book that includes 125 watercolour and ink illustrations, all of which were originally produced by The House of Worth.

That alone would be enough to make any vintage fashion or historical costume fan go weak in the knees, but this book is so very much more. Woven through its many fashion illustration filled pages, one is greeted with an excellently written - and very engaging - historical account of how these drawings (and some accompanying fabric swatches, which are pictured in photographs in this book) came to be in the possession of the Litchfield Historical Society located in Litchfield, Connecticut.

Readers are introduced to the well-to-do ladies, Julia Chester Wells and Mary Perkins Quincy, respectively, who received the drawing as a catalog of sorts that highlighted new offerings at the time, from the House of Worth during the 1910s. Throughout the book, their fascinating lives are opened up to us so as to help us get a better sense of what the typical American House of Worth customer was like back during the brand's heyday.

I've read more books on historical fashions over the years than I could ever count, and can honestly say that this is one of the most unique and appealing approaching to profiling the history of a company, its customers, and its products alike that I've ever had the pleasure of encountering.

The Litchfield Historical Society has done a marvelous job in helping to preserve the history of The House of Worth through these Edwardian era fashion illustrations, just as Dover Publications has done by teaming with them for the creation of this 144 page book, which was published in August 2015.

There is so much to enjoy and admire about the fashions created by The House of Worth. They were pioneers in the field of both haute couture and high end ready-made clothing alike, and unquestionably, they helped to pave the way for many other similar companies, some of who are still in business to this day, that would follow.

If you have even the slightest interest in yesteryear fashion history (and chances are, if you're reading this post, then you definitely do), than The House of Worth: Fashion Sketches, 1916-1918 is for you!

The awesome folks at Dover Publications have very kindly offered a copy of this book to one lucky Chronically Vintage reader. Read on to find out how you can win (they're are plenty of ways to enter and the giveaway is open internationally).



Giveaway details:


This giveaway is for one copy of the soft cover book The House of Worth: Fashion Sketches, 1916-1918 from Dover Publications from Dover Publications. It is open to readers (participants) worldwide and will run from today's date (Tuesday May 31, 2016) until 11:59 PST on Tuesday June 7, 2016.

The winning name will be drawn using Raffle copter'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 different 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 Edwardian era 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.


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Edwardian fashions, be they the simplest of garments or the most elaborate and expensive produced, have always spoken to me, and getting a chance to read The House of Worth: Fashion Sketches, 1916-1918 was a true joy that left me yearning all the more for a time machine (and a Vanderbilt's pocketbook!) to the past.

Sadly, such isn't possible, but we can immerse ourselves in the history of such care of marvelous books like this, and I truly want to thank Dover Publications for teaming up with my blog to offer a copy of this terrific title to my readers (as well, they've very kindly extended a 25% off coupon code, WFBJ, which you can use on their website to save 25% off on all orders until the end of June).

Many sincere thanks, and best of luck as well, to each and every one of you who take part in this fun vintage fashion book giveaway!

12 rapid fire questions with, and a CD Giveaway from, the wonderful Boyer Sisters

Over the years, I've had the immense pleasure of chatting many individuals and even one fabulous couple here on my blog, but today is the first time I've sat down with not one, not two, but three fantastic individuals for an people for the same interview post.

Specifically, I'm talking about none other than the dynamic, inspiring and very lovely Boyer Sisters, who many of you may be acquainted with through their stellar vintage fashion, sewing and lifestyle site, The Boyer Family Singers Blog.




Whether you're just meeting this trio of talented ladies for the the first time right this very moment or have been firm fans of theirs for some time now, I'm sure that you'll adore today's rapid fire style interview with these three delightful women.

Gift vocalists each, the Boyer Sisters - a swing era style musical harmony group comprised of three actual sisters, Jessica, Charlotte and Brigid, respectively - have been preforming together since 2008 (when they were all still young children spanning in age from 9 - 13) and have developed a distinct and deeply lovely sound that channels the the spirit of the big band days to no end.

The Sisters perform at many events and venues around America, including some involving WWII veterans, and just released their first ever, eponymously named, full length album last year (to learn more about the Boyer Sisters music, be sure to check out their website devoted to such).

As if that wasn't enough to keep anyone on their toes, the Sisters also run a frequently updated and immensely lovely blog, which includes a vast array of posts spanning topics as diverse as sewing projects to their faith, birthday celebrations to "what I wore" style outfit entries.

I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with the Brigid, Jessica and Charlotte in various capacities for a few years now and can honestly say that they are some of the sweetest, nicest, and most kind hearted folks I've ever encountered online or off.

These passionate young ladies bring grace, elegance, and a deep reverence to the past in all that they say and do online and with their music, and I feel truly honoured to have the opportunity to not only interview them, but to offer one lucky Chronically Vintage reader the chance to win their very own copy of the Boyer Sister's CD, here today.

Read on to learn more about the Boyer Sisters (who are each referred to by their first initial throughout this interview), their music, vintage wardrobes, dreams for the future, and so much more - then enter, below the interview, for you chance to win a copy of their toe tappingly fantastic CD.



1. What was the driving force behind the creation of your blog?


All: The driving force behind starting our blog was the inspiration that we gathered from other vintage, sewing and fashion bloggers, such as you, Jessica, and the realization that we had thoughts and opinions of our own that we wanted to share. So really it started as a blog for "us" in a way, and grew into something that was a way for us to minister to, and encourage, others.




2. Fashion, chiefly vintage fashion, is a key element of your website. How important is it to you to balance outfit/wardrobe related posts with other types of entries? Do you try to portion things out in a fairly set way (e.g., 50% fashion related posts, 50% other types of posts) or just let things flow organically there?

C: Overall, we schedule out our posts two weeks in advance and try and have at least one type of post out of each category that we blog about; Fashion, Creativity, Lifestyle, and Beauty, in each week. What we post is very organic in content, and we will trade off who will write up a fashion post each week. If it comes to me to do a fashion related post, typically I will do an outfit post, unless I have a fun, creative fashion idea that I want to share.


B: I am "the seamstress" of the blog, so I find it harder to balance fashion related posts with "What I Made" posts, since, for me, the creativity of sewing is inseparably linked to fashion. Generally what ends up happening is I will share an outfit post, unless I have something new that I have made, in which case any typical outfit post for me is thrown out the window in favor of sharing my latest creation.


J: I will say that if I don't have anything new to share, be it a new outfit combination, something I have bought that I love and want to share, or something that I have made, I will typically opt for a post that is more uplifting and encouraging to our readers. I try to be more sensitive, thoughtful, and encouraging, making sure that my life isn't always represented by fashion, but is represented by the fact that I care about other people and want to minister to, and uplift them, in any way I can.



3. What has been one or two of the best/most rewarding things about blogging for each of you?

J: For me, it would definitely be gaining a host of new friends from all over the country (and the world) who, if they are not so completely similar in their thinking, are encouraged to try new things through our example.


B: The most rewarding thing for me has been connecting with our readers, and gaining encouragement from the community that has grown up around our blog. It always brings a smile to my face when I receive a comment on a post, whether it be sewing or fashion related, saying that I have inspired someone to try something new, or revived an old dream that they forgot they ever had. Being able to encourage others touches me in a way that nothing else can.


C: My answer is very similar to my sisters. Just receiving comments, letters, and emails, hearing from our readers that we have touched them and inspired them to do things they were unsure of, or try new hobbies and new pursuits, that has been the most rewarding part of blogging.



4. Would you say that it's easier, harder or about the same to have three people run one blog than it is for just a single individual to do so?

B: I would definitely say it is easier to have three people running a blog. While we don't always get along and agree on everything, we each have different talents and gifts that we can use to help one another, and we can depend on each other to fill in the gaps when life and the blog become too much to handle collectively.


J: It is easier for a person like me, who is not remotely interested in coding, to have someone like Charlotte who can provide such a wonderful platform to work on. And it is hard trying to keep up with my sisters' creativity, while not always being able to do so.


C: It is easier in the respect that you have three people who think quite similarly coming up with content, so we don't have too hard of a time sticking with our blog vision. And also, we are able to blog frequently because we have three people working together to make things happen. It is harder in the sense that each of us do have to get along with two other people, and we have to work in harmony to make our goals possible, as opposed to just dealing with yourself. It is always more of a hassle dealing with other people than just being responsible to yourself.




5. What are each of your favourite time periods and why?

C: My favorite time period would be WW2. Nothing was perfect back in that era, nothing ever has been perfect! But the courage and valiance that the men and women showed back in that time is something to be admired, and from which I think we can find much to emulate. Besides the graver side of things, the fashions and music of that era were pretty spot on. ;)


B: There are several different eras in history that I admire, but the time period that I connect with the most is definitely the era surrounding WW2. As Charlotte said, the folks in that time had to have so much courage and tenacity to make it through those years, and I think we had a better sense of community then, than we do now. And I will just echo what Charlotte said, and say that the music and fashions were pretty swell too.


J: Laura Ingalls’ time when everyone was settling "out west" holds a special place in my heart, because we are from the western coast of the United States. If those folks had never ventured forth into the great unknown, we would never have had our home in the beautiful state of Washington (though we now live in the great Midwest in the state of Ohio), and their courage and fortitude were the inspiration that led to some of my favorite books that I have read.



6. In a few words (or lines), how would you each define your current styles?

J: Sturdy and reliable, natural, and tasteful.


C: Vintage-meets-modern, eclectic, with pops of color and a minimalist twist.


B: Authentic, ladylike, and eccentric.



7. What are some of each of your dreams and goals for the next five years of your life?

C: I've always had a dream of sharing my photography skills & web/graphic design know-how with a broader audience than just our blog, so starting a business with one (or both) of those hobbies is definitely a goal of mine. I would love to further pursue singing opera/Broadway style music outside of our girls' current career as 1940s-style performers, and I have always had the desire of becoming a wife and mother, so we'll see what happens with that :)


J: Oh, ho ho! You're talking to the girl who very much dislikes to plan for things, and rather likes to "go with the flow", if you will, of life and whatever it will bring. Having said that though, I have just picked up drawing again, so I hope to infuse that creative pursuit more heavily with the work I do on the blog. Besides this, I have begun to thoroughly enjoy the sport of running, and by the time the next five years is over I hope to have run a couple 5ks in the least. I have also just picked up a new Frank Sinatra book to study for voice, and I hope to incorporate those classic bluesy songs in with the shows the girls and I do already, if not to go out and do some solo work on my own. And to parrot Charlotte, I too greatly desire to be a wife and a mother, and pray fervently that that desire will be answered by the Lord someday soon.


B: To get married is definitely top of the list for me in the way of hopes and dreams. :) Aside from that dream of being a wife and mother, growing my ePattern business, Brijee Patterns, is going to be a focal point for me for the next few years. I always dreamed of having my own dressmaking business, but after realizing I am not cut out for the high-stress demands of that line of work, creating sewing patterns for other people to make clothing from has become a dream and passion of mine. We will see where I go in the days ahead.



8. You've grown a wonderful and impressive blog following. Do you have any tips in regard for those who may just be starting out or who are looking to grow the reach of their own blogs?

All: Connect with your readers! Open up just enough for them to really get to know you and feel like they are reading the blog of a friend, not just "a blogger". Be personal, but be tasteful about it (as another blogger, Elsie of A Beautiful Mess, put it: your blog is not your best friend).

Create a blog vision and stick to it, and always try to keep quality over quantity. People are attracted to bloggers that take time and energy to post and curate their content.




9. What are five things that bring you each joy?

C: Music (Frank Sinatra all day, every day :); creating something unique and beautiful; a sunny, blue sky; singing anything from Phantom of the Opera; performing in front of crowds, and bringing them joy.


B: Making music: Whether it be playing the piano and letting the tunes flow from my head to my fingers, or singing a tune as I go through my day; Sewing: watching a garment grow with every stitch; Cooking and baking: being able to experience that sense of satisfaction when you have made something delicious for everyone to enjoy; Learning something new: Whether it be history or homemaking related, I love discovering new things; Watching a child learn and the light that comes into their eyes when they understand something for the first time.


J: Being outside doing some recreational activities like walking, running, badminton, and bird watching, or doing something useful like gardening; drawing; singing with my sisters; having a heart to heart chat with somebody I love, be it a family member or friend.



10. Sewing is an integral part of your blog. How did you each get into this timeless art and what are some of your favourite types of garments to create?

B: When I was seven years old I asked my Mom to teach me what she knew about sewing. It started with making doll clothes, and after my skill grew from attending two summer sewing camps, I started making dolls as well. It was actually doll-making that drew me into the world of fashion history, which in turn prompted me to start sewing my own clothes in the styles that I couldn't find anywhere else.

My favorite type of garment to make... Oh, that is so hard to decide because I don't like making the same thing twice, and I enjoy the challenge each type of garment brings with it. The choice would probably be between skirts and dresses. Skirts because they are so simple and quick to make, and dresses because there are so many details that you can put into them.


C: I got into sewing through my Mom & sister Brigid :) One day I decided that it was something I wanted to learn, and the rest is history! I love sewing dresses, mostly. With the perfect fabric & design, it is such a joy to put in hours on a single dress, finishing each seam, fitting it just perfectly, and adding those bits and pieces that make it something special and magical to wear.


J: Like Charlotte, I too was encouraged and influenced by Brigi and Mom to sew, though I hopped on the bandwagon last. Before I made the commitment to learn the art, Mom was always the one to sew my clothes. After a while though, I began to realize that Mom and I did not share the same standards of perfection when it came to making a garment, and so I finally committed to making my own clothes so that they would be made exactly the way I wanted them, without any short cuts.

Don't take me wrong, Mom has always done a fine job of sewing for my sisters and I, but she isn't one for detail work like I am. And for me, if I have the time, making sure that even the smallest of details is done to perfection is one of my greatest joys in sewing. You could call me a snail when it comes to making up my own garments and I would agree with you. ;)



11. Can you each please share a hidden talent with us (aka, something that you haven't really discussed on your blog and that it might surprise people to learn about you)?

C: I love singing Broadway and opera music! I'm a bit of an actress at heart, so expressing emotion through song is a huge passion of mine, and the operatic Broadway style has a special place in my heart.


J: My "hidden talent" is derived from being able to look at something and then translate it onto paper or a 3d medium (such as clay) and make an exact copy of the object I am looking at. I mentioned above that one of my joys in life is drawing, and after recently having picked up that art form after neglecting it through high school, I am more inclined to say that art done with a pencil and paper, brush and paint, clay and tools resonates more with me than sewing ever will. As the months go on, I hope to share this talent on the blog, and reveal a side of Jessica Boyer that most people didn't know before.


B: I mentioned above that I love to play the piano. I have been studying the art since I was six years old, and I find such great joy in being able to just sit down at that instrument and make music go floating through the air. The moods that you can express and create are as limitless as the feelings that you have everyday, and, being an introvert, being able to "have a discussion" with myself, or praying through music, by playing the piano has helped me to work through many problems and conundrums.



12. And last, but certainly not least, what is it like having not one, but two other sisters who each share your passion for the past, sewing, and numerous other elements of life?

C: Not to sound cliché, but it's a true blessing in every sense of the word. We have our days when we just want to pull each other's hair out, but that's life. Having two other people who you've grown up with, share similar passions with, and just be best-friends with is a gift that I don't deserve, but am so grateful for.


B: It is nothing but a joy. We may get on each other's nerves at times, but I couldn't imagine life without Jessica and Charlotte. We pull each other up when we our down, and push each other off of the volcanoes of conceit that we inevitably find ourselves walking on at times. It is especially a blessing for me because I have two people to sound off my creative ideas with.

Sharing a passion for the past has led to interesting discoveries because we come at a subject from three different angles, and my sisters will think of things that I never would have myself. "A threefold cord is not easily broken" is our blog verse, and there never could be a saying that was more true. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the blessing of my two sisters, and I know they would say the same of me.


J: I couldn't have asked for better sisters than what the Lord has so graciously given to me. Being the eldest it is natural to take the leading stance, but as time has gone on, our age difference has all but disappeared in my mind, and I view my sisters as my equals whereas I used to not in my younger years. Truth to tell, it has been amazing to watch my sisters come into their own persons, albeit we all influence each other, but we still have very different personalities and characters that clash just as much as they compliment.

For everything I am so grateful, especially for our parent's stressing the need for us to work together. If it weren't for this, we would never be where we are today, singing and blogging three people strong.

♥ ♥ ♥

Giveaway Details:
This giveaway is for one physical copy of the Boyer Sisters CD, which will be mailed to you directly from the Sisters themselves. It starts today (May 16th) and runs until 11:59 PST on Monday May 23rd.

It open to participants from around the world and you are welcome to enter using as many of the following twelve different methods as you desire. The only one of which is mandatory to take part in this giveaway is that you leave a comment on this post telling me about your favourite type of vintage music.

If you have any questions about this giveaway, please don't hesitate to contact me via email.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Jessica, Charlotte and Brigid for this fabulous interview, as well as for generously offering one lucky Chronically Vintage reader the chance to win a copy of their truly excellent CD.

Best of luck to all those who enter - and to the Boyer Sisters themselves, with their music, blog and all other areas of their lives.

You ladies are an inspiration on so many fronts, a breath of fresh air in today's world, gifted musicians, and an absolutely sincere pleasure to know.

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!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Three beautiful vintage fashion filled adult colouring books from Dover Publications

It's safe to say that the adult colouring book craze has taken off like wildfire and then some! Though colouring books geared towards those far past the primary school age range are not new by any means, their widespread adoption and explosive growth as a market certainly is.

I've been wanting to dip my feet into the pool, so to speak, for quite some time now, as I greatly enjoyed colouring as a child and have been a passionate paper crafter (scrapbooker, card maker, etc) since my mid-twenties, however I rarely have time to just sit and craft or colour, so thus far I haven't done so - despite really wanting to.

Earlier this month I talked about how I'm making a point, no matter what, to carve out more downtime for myself. Ideally, I'd like my off-time to be as relaxing as possible, and the concept of adult colouring books certainly fall into that camp for me.

As such, Dover Publication's timing couldn't have been more perfect (no doubt the universe is trying to encourage me to relax more!). The awesome folks there recently got in touch with me again (we've worked together here in the past) to ask if I'd be interested in receiving a set of, and giving away copies of the same, three historical fashion filled colouring books from their expansive library of such.

Vintage? Colouring? A chance to unwind a little? Yes, pretty please! I jumped at the chance, not only for my own sake, but so as to be able to offer one lucky Chronically Vintage reader the chance to win a prize pack featuring all three of the following Dover adult colouring books.






Creative Haven Art Nouveau Fashions Coloring Book: Illustrated by noted artist Ming-Ju Sun, this elegant colouring book features fashions spanning the 1890s to the early 1900s (aka, the end of the Victorian era straight on into the beginning of the Edwardian period). Think leg-o-mutton sleeves, intricate lace, slender waists, sophisticated dangle earrings, and enchanting upswept hairstyles of the sorts that many stylish ladies of the day sported.

Like all three of the colouring books that I received from Dover, the pages in this title are single sided and perforated, making them a snap to remove and then display (or even frame), if so desired.

The illustrations in this book, like those of the other two titles, are a sort of neo-vintage take on the era and have a very romantic quality to them that instantly calls to mind many historical illustrations (and, really, art depicting people in general) from the 1980s, which I find wonderfully endearing and enjoyable, having grown up with us when I was a child.





Creative Haven Art Deco Fashions Coloring Book: Of the three colouring books, this lovely title (also starring illustrations by Ming-Ju Sun) might just be my very favourite. Inside one finds 30 pages overflowing with beautifully illustrated examples of 1920s, 1930s and early 1940s fashions, and I have to say, this book sings with the spirit of jazz age looks of various types (aka, not just the stereotypical "bright young things" sort of flapper ensemble).

It is a terrific cross selection of posh looks from that ever-evolving era and one that I'd imagine just about vintage fan would enjoy spending some time colouring in pages full of such chic fashions.





Creative Haven Fabulous Fashions of the 1950s Coloring Book: Like the other two titles, this wonderfully fun colouring book features art by Ming-Ju Sun and as the title implies, is rife with 31 pages of styles inspired by popular fashions, for both women and men, from a decade that many of us hold near and dear to our hearts - the fantastic fifties!
Like the other two books, this title is printed on really nice quality paper, with crisp, sharp black lines and illustrations, that while detailed, are not excessively intricate, as those in some adult colouring books tend to be.

Though I've not had a chance to sit down and colour in any of these three books yet myself (I need to visit Michael's the next time we're in Kelowna and pick up some good quality pencil crayons), I wholeheartedly look forward to doing so and already tell, before I've even brought pencil tip to paper, that these books are very high quality and a joy to use.

It doesn't surprise me for a second that adult colouring books have become an epic vogue over the last few years. They allow anyone who wants to become an artist (or further add to their artistic abilities) and also give users the important sense of completing a manageable crafting related project (colouring a page or even a whole book).

One might not always have time to whip out a quilt, knit a sweater, or create all of their Christmas cards from scratch, but most of us - myself included - can set aside an hour or two at least once in a while to connect with our inner artist and bring beautiful illustrations to life all the more thanks to our colouring skills.

For vintage fans, I can think of no better suited adult colouring books on the market today (and believe me, I see a ton of them each week when putting together the mailing lists for our website Any New Books) and truly want to thank Dover for sending me these three titles, as well as for offering up a set of the same books to one lucky reader.

If you'd like to enter for your chance to win, please read on to learn how to do just that! :)



Giveaway details:

This giveaway is one copy of each of the three Creative Havens vintage fashion colouring books shown in today's post. It is open to participants worldwide and will run from today's date (March 23rd) until Thursday March 31st, after which point, using the feature that allows you to do so directly through that app, I will draw the winning name using Rafflecopter.

There are nine number of ways to enter this giveaway and you're welcome to do as many of them as you'd like. The more ways by which you enter, the greater your odds of winning become.

The only entry that is mandatory is that you leave a comment on this post sharing some of your thoughts on adult colouring books with me (have you tried them? Do you you like them? Do you think that they're a passing fad or have they established themselves as category of crafting in their own right? Etc).

Once the giveaway has wrapped up and the winner has been drawn, I will contact them via email and then pass along their information to my lovely contact at Dover. If you have any questions about this giveaway, please don't hesitate to email me anytime.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Many thanks again to Dover - who, I should mention, have put out scores upon scores of wonderful looking adult colouring books spanning a wide array of topics and illustration styles - for teaming up with my blog on this exciting giveaway. And big thank you as well to all those who take part in this contest!

Whether, like myself, you're an adult colouring book newbie, have completed dozens already, or fall somewhere in between, these historical fashion filled titles are sure to catch your eye and have you reaching for the felt markers and pencil crayons in no time!


*PS* As this post was going to press, so to speak, I got wind of numerous exciting adult colouring book related happenings that Dover is involved with and wanted to share about them here with you as well. These events include:

-A monochromatic colouring colour that starts on April 1, 2016.

-Dover is sponsoring National Coloring Book Day on August 2, 2016

-Dover supports, and is involved with, numerous Coloring Book Parties that are rapidly springing up across the country.

-And, last, but certainly not least, Dover now has a delightful Facebook page just for their Coloring Book Publications.

Bobbins & Bombshells fingerless gloves review outfit & $40 store credit GIVEAWAY!

Outfit details

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

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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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♥ ♥ ♥

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!

Book Review and Giveaway: Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present from Bloomsbury

With an attention grabbing name like "Fashion Victims" one might expect a book boasting such a moniker to perhaps be a snarky take on street style, haute couture show addicts, or current day wardrobe "fails". Alas, I'm pleased to say, it very little to do directly with any of those things - at least not as we might picture them in the 21st century.

Allow me to explain. You see, Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present - a 256 page volume by author Alison Matthews David, that was published by Bloomsbury last year - is a detailed, intelligently written look at some of the most perilous aspects of clothing over the past three centuries (plus the occasional mention of an earlier period), with a particular emphasis on wearables from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Most of us are familiar with the risks that such garments as corsets and extremely wide hoop skirts posed to their wearers (and in the case of the latter, sometimes, tragically those around them, too), but the hazards of fashion in decades and centuries past goes far, far deeper. In this fascinating book, Ms. Matthews David does an excellent job of exploring seven such wardrobe risk in particular, as well as the roles they played on mainstream culture and the collective psyche at the time that they were most prevelantly a very real problem/risk.

After an engaging introduction, the author jumps straight into exploring the hand that diseased/germ infested materials, toxic (manufacturing) techniques, poisonous pigments, dangerous dyes, potentially deadly clothes (as in those that could easy strange and entangle their wearers), inflammatory fabrics, and explosive fakes (think early plastics and faux silks such as rayon) each played in the lives of everyday people and the well-to-do alike.

Each topic is articulately presented, with no shortage of photos and/or illustrations, and one instantly senses that the author - herself an Associate Professor at the School of Fashion Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario - not only knows the subject matter well, but that she spent a good deal of time researching and really getting to the material she was covering.

Despite the very somber nature of the topics explored within, I didn't find Fashion Victims to be an overly heavy or grisly read. That isn't to say of course that the facts and (in some cases) theories put forth aren't gruesome at times, for they certainly are, but rather that that tone and pace of the book was such that it was an enjoyable read that I got through quickly. In fact, I fully expect I will reread this book multiple times over the years.




Whether one is a passionate historian, collector of yesteryear garb, vintage fan, and/or avid historical costumer, there is a great deal of information to be gleaned and taken to heart in this book. Case in point, and without spilling the beans too much on one chapter, I will never look at – or touch - early fur hats the same way again!

Frequently when we hear about the risks involved in many areas of clothing production and wear in centuries past, we then proceed to think, often erroneously, that we're beyond such dangers nowadays. And while it is true, thankfully, that we now know of the often catastrophic risks posed by certain chemicals, dyes, materials, germs, and even garment styles themselves, as the author astutely touches (including in her final summary chapter), we are by no means immune to hazards and life threatening problems in today's fashion world either.

Each year I read a substantial number of fashion related books, most of which are historically centered, and I can honestly tell you that this one had me on the edge of my seat. While I was already familiar with much of the subject matter, in nearly every instance, I learned more about a particular topic than I was aware of prior to picking up this book and I walked away feeling both well informed and like I'd just had a very eye-opening read.

Quick in tone, lively in spirit (again, relative to the subject matter), and well laid out, Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present is a book that I wholeheartedly believe deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone with even so much as a passing interest in the history of clothing.

As such, I'm delighted to let you know that Bloomsbury - who very kindly furnished me with my own copy (thank you so much!) - has offered one lucky Chronically Vintage reader a chance to win their very own copy of Fashion Victims by Alison Matthews David.


Giveaway details:

This giveaway, which is open to readers worldwide, is for one copy of the book Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present, which will be provided to the winner directly from its publisher, Bloomsbury .

The giveaway will run from today's date (Monday January 18th) until 11:59 PST on Monday January 25, 2016, with the winner being drawn and contacted via email (as well as possibly announced on social media) shortly thereafter.

If you've like to enter, please feel free to do with as many of the following Rafflecopter options as you desire.

The only one that is mandatory for entry is that you leave a comment on this post, the rest are entirely optional. The more that you enter, the greater your odds of winning.

Should you happen to have any questions about this giveaway, drop me an email and I'll be happy to answer them as best I can for you.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present is not only a smartly written, in-depth and deeply interesting book, it is also an important work of historical research and sobering account of some of the very real, very deadly dangers that have lurked - and continue, in certain cases, to reside - in our closets and places of clothing manufacturing alike.
 
I hope that the winner of this giveaway enjoys, and learns from, their copy as much as I did and want to sincerely thank the good people at Bloomsbury for sponsoring this wonderful book giveaway.
 
Best of luck to all those who enter!

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a $100.00 gift certificate from Violet Vixen

The holiday season might be wrapping up for most of us this week, but that doesn't mean that the festive spirit has to end entirely, too. I know how busy, and at times even stressful, the past few weeks have been for many of us and as such, I really wanted to offer all of you a fantastic giveaway to usher in 2015 with.

For this inaugural blog giveaway of 2016, I'm absolutely delighted to have teamed up for the first time ever with popular online American vintage reproduction, alternative, steampunk, and goth fashion purveyors, Violet Vixen.

Their frequently updated shop is chock-a-block full of the kind of fun, fashionable, timelessly lovely offerings (sourced from an array of different brands) that so many of us go weak in the knees for.

With everything from novelty prints to timeless florals, dresses to tops, corsets to handbags, and offerings for both men and women, Violet Vixen is a delightful site with a wide away of products that are sure to appeal to just about any vintage, pinup, rockabilly, retro, steampunk/Victorian Industrial, or alternative fashion fan.



{Just a small sampling of Violet Vixen's fabulous (current) products, any one of which might be an ideal choice to put your $100.00 gift certificate towards, if you happen to be the winner of this exciting giveaway. From top left to bottom right: Hawaiian Sidecar Dresss | Dragon Lace Pink Cupcake Corset | Betsy Pink Sparrow Gumball Purse | Cherry Blossom Plus Size Dress}



In addition to very generously offering one lucky Chronically Vintage reader the chance to a $100.00 gift certificate (voucher), the lovely folks at Violet Vixen also kindly sent me a cuter-than-cute Flamingo Fun Skirt to review, which I will be sharing here with all of you in an upcoming outfit post in early 2016.

(As mentioned here last week, we've continued to experience snowfalls here everyday as of late, which makes shootings quite dangerous for our photographic equipment, otherwise I'd be posting snaps of myself in this charmingly lovely skirt here today; again, watch of them a wee bit further on in the year.)


Giveaway Details:

This giveaway, which is open to readers worldwide, is for one $100.00 USD gift certificate/store voucher from Violet Vixen, which will be put towards merchandise on their website.

Violet Vixen has informed me that they will also provide shipping cost coverage up $35.00 for those outside of the USA.

Just to clarify that point, if you are the winner and you live outside of the USA, your gift certificate can be put towards up to $100.00 in merchandise and then if three are shipping costs beyond that $100.00 value, Violet Vixen will cover such shipping costs up to a total of $35.00 (this is due to the fact that their shipping prices run on the steeper side for those outside of the US).

The giveaway is taking place between today's date (Wednesday January 6th) and 11:59 PST on Wednesday January 13, 2016, with the winner being drawn and contacted via email (as well as possibly announced on social media) shortly thereafter.

If you've like to enter, please feel free to do with as many of the following Rafflecopter options as you desire.

The only one that is mandatory for entry is that you leave a comment on this post, the rest are entirely optional. The more that you enter, the greater your odds of winning.

Should you happen to have any questions about this giveaway, drop me an email and I'll be happy to answer them as best I can for you.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A huge thank you to Violet Vixen for this wonderful giveaway opportunity, and the very best of luck to all those who enter!!!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Cheap Chic by Caterine Milinaire and Carol Troy

Perhaps because it was the decade that proceed the one in which I was born, I've always had an interesting relationship of sorts with the 1970s. That was the era in which my parents came of age and when I burst onto the scene in the eighties, there were still many vestiges of that decade to be had in everyday life, food, popular culture and even, to a degree, fashion (albeit more so at the start of the decade).

The seventies - like the eighties - often get a bad and largely unjustified rap in my opinion. They were a heady decade indeed and one comprised of many, many different worlds overlapping and at times colliding with one another, but they were also passionate, inventive, fun, and very individualistic and it is into all these points that the massive classic that is 1975's Cheap Chic taps.




Written by Caterine Milinaire and Carol Troy, this title was hugely popular back in the day, remaining such amongst many in the fashion know in the years that followed. This past September it was rereleased to celebrate its 40th anniversary, complete with a forward by none other than Tim Gunn.

I'd long heard of this book, but yet read it, so when the fine folks at Penguin Random House kindly offered me a review copy of my own and not one, but three, copies to giveaway here on my blog, I jumped at the chance.

Yes, my blog focuses primarily on mid-century fashion (et al), but sometimes it's not only enjoyable, but deeply worthwhile to study and learn from the looks of other eras as well. I'd already seen some (21st century) reviews of this book and had noticed that it seemed to draw a very mixed reaction from folks. I pushed those voices out of my head and dove into it over the course of a weekend.

To begin with, this is not a fashion book of the more standard format that many have followed in recent decades. That is to say, it doesn't (for all intents) set out a list of items that you should buy, spend chapters suggesting styling tips for various body types, or tell you what not to wear to the point of beating a dead horse to death.

Instead this good sized soft cover book is a collection of personal accounts and fashion tips from a wide range of stylish folks back in the seventies, along with general fashion advice from the authors. There are familiar names - Diana Vreeland, for example - and others that, for most folks at least, have long since vanish from the trend setting scene. It many ways it feels like, and genuinely was, an early form of sharing street style with the masses long before the first such blog every took shape.

To a degree, this book is hard to succinctly summarize because while there are general common themes throughout - such as where to shop for good deals, how to style existing pieces creatively, what to splurge and what to save on - most of the views shared in it vary a good deal from one another, speaking greatly to the individuality, as touched on above, of the seventies themselves.

In general the fashions and ideas presented in this book are of a relatively casual nature - at least compared to those of earlier 20th century decades - but not entirely – glamour is still discussed here and there throughout the book – and, very fascinatingly to those in our circle, wearing vintage (chiefly Victorian - 1940s garments) is discussed in various capacities (as is upcycling, long before that term had even been coined).

It is easy to get a sense of the milieu of the decade - including the fact that many folks were no where near as PC back then as most are today – from Cheap Chic, just as it is the recessions, the post-Vietnam war climate, second wave feminism, the influence of music on fashion, and a tapestry of bohemia and Cape Cod power dressing mingled into one. All of this and more is to be had amongst the B&W photos and words of the 224 pages that comprise Cheap Chic.

Chip Chic is not, to my mind at least, a book that will necessarily tell you how to dress like you just walked out of 1975, because at the time it was first written, it was a look at current fashion and how one could mold such to create their own highly personal look, and not a vintage style how-to of the sort that now exist for various decades.

Some people - particularly those who enjoy a more minimalistic/streamlined wardrobe - see this book as a style guide for the ages, and indeed there are some timeless tips and inventive ideas to be had amongst its pages, but what Cheap Chic was most of all to me was an incredible slice-of-life look at how everyday folks, artists, fashion insiders, celebrities, and a slew of others were dressing and viewing the art of fashion during the seventies. In that sense, it strikes me as both a history book and a fashion manual, as well as a thoroughly fascinating look into the minds and closets of some of the decade's biggest tastemakers.

Though you may not find yourself rushing to don the clothes suggested within, it is hard to read this book and not appreciate the sense of passion that those who contributed to it had for their wardrobes and the many ingenious little hacks and clever ideas they brought to their daily attire, be it cheap, chic, or both. It is a fascinating, sometimes eyebrow raising, occasionally eccentric, always entertaining take on style that any historical fashion fan, regardless of if their closet ever steps foot near 1970s looks, would likely enjoy reading.

And indeed, if you'd like to enter for a chance to do just that, please read on for further information.


GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is providing three copies of the book Cheap Chic to the winners of this giveaway. Each winner will receive one copy per person of the book. This giveaway, as per the request Penguin Random House, is open to Canadian and American participants only (you're welcome to comment on this post if you live elsewhere, but your comment will not be counted as an entry).

The giveaway will run from between December 7 and December 14, 2015. With the randomly selected winner being drawn and contacted shortly thereafter.

Excitingly, for the first time ever here on Chronically Vintage, I've opted to use the widely beloved Rafflecopter for this giveaway, which should streamline the entry process and make things even easier for everyone involved. Please feel to enter this giveaway via however many of the following options you would like.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Many thanks to Penguin Random House for generously sending me a copy of Cheap Chic to review and for providing three copies to give away to a trio of lucky Chronically Vintage readers. I sincerely appreciate it, as I did the chance to finally dive into this highly lauded 1970s fashion guidebook.

It made for a thoroughly intriguing read and one that sparked some fresh thoughts for me about the decade's looks and also in regards to how the wearing of early to mid-century fashion was starting to really gather steam back then.

Best of luck and many thanks to all those who enter this giveaway!