Enter to win three gorgeous pendant necklaces from Know Your Onions

In celebration of Victoria Day here in Canada, I thought it was high time we had another giveaway on Chronically Vintage (holidays do tend to naturally equate themselves well with gifts after all!).

Recently I was contacted by a talented woman (Jayne) from the UK who runs a seriously interesting line of jewelry products by the rather fascinating name of Know Your Onions (for those on this side of the pond who may not be - as I previously wasn't - familiar with the expression "know your onions", it's a British phrase that means to be knowledgeable or experienced about, or in, in a particular subject).

To be honest, I'm contacted by a fair number of jewelry designers on a regular basis, yet when I decide to do a giveaway, I like to partner with artisans and companies that stand out from the pack in some regard, and for Know Your Onions does just that - thanks in large part to the engagingly unique, heirloom quality look of the line's intriguingly lovely pieces.

Crafted in slate and ivory hued resin, these pieces feature images with an etched looking design that instantly evokes an old fashioned charm, yet also manages to seem very current and on trend. Jayne cites the classic art of scrimshaw as one of the key influences behind what led her to create these pieces and upon seeing the items in the Know Your Onions line, one instantly sees a similarity between these (entirely animal friendly) resin pieces and the famous whale boning carvings of yesteryear.

Amongst the goods up for offer in the Know Your Onions line, one finds bangles, brooches and pendant necklaces, each of which is available in a wide array of seriously charming designs.

From a delightfully fun vintage tattoo inspired sailor girl brooch to a whimsical peacock feather patterned bracelet, the jewelry items in this line offer up an understated, immensely wearable allure and glamour that makes them terrifically easy to pair with a myriad of vintage and modern looks alike.

For the past week I've had the pleasure of wearing one of Know Your Onion's pendant necklaces (which, as someone with a fierce allergy to nickel - and thus a need to avoid a lot of jewelry that isn't free of this pesky metal - I am over-the-moon happy about, because it's entirely free of any metal components, being strung on a black that ribbon that is so gentle and soft on the skin you forget you're wearing it entirely), and must say – unbiasedly - that it's become my new favourite necklaces.

The ivory pocket watch pendant - which instantly telegraphs a sense of both steampunk chic and stunning vintage elegance - is substantial, yet not heavy or straining on the neck. It lays beautifully on one's skin and has a pleasant natural coolness to it that makes it especially lovely to sport now that we're heading in the scorchingly hot days of summer.

The ivory and black finish of this pendant makes it an instant neutral that pairs well with a vast number of colours and fabric choices.

I tried it out with everything from a vintage black and pink floral print dress to a rusty pumpkin hued fitted t-shirt and it looked fantastic with each colour - and pattern - I wore (in fact, I think I'd be hard pressed to find a shade this pendant clashed with!). Once tied securely, the silk cord stayed done up all day long and the pendent did a terrific job of remaining in place (I don't recall it flipping over once).

Perhaps above all else though, it looked seriously gorgeous. Banish any preconceived notions you might have about resin jewelry being best suited for middle schoolers or looking too twee from your mind. This pendant, which has an almost antique porcelain look to it, is seriously fashionable, wonderfully grown up, and more elegant than a room full of royals.

As such, I'm bubbling with happiness about the fact that I have a prize pack of three splendidly beautiful, delightfully vintage inspired Know Your Onions pendant necklaces (worth £65.00/approx. $105.00 US) to giveaway to one very lucky winner.

 

 

 

{The winner of this awesome three piece necklace set will win one of each of the – slate compass, ivory dragonfly, and slate heart - pendants shown above. These wonderfully attractive pendants are very nicely sized, the slate grey heart, for example, measures in at 78mm H x 59mm W.}

 

If you'd like to enter for your chance to win (and, I assure you, you do - these pendants are seriously stellar!), you've got five easy ways to so.

1.) Post a comment below about your favourite item from Know Your Onions line of chicly beautiful resin jewelry.

2.) Post about this giveaway (be sure to include a link back to this announcement post) on your own blog, telling your readers about this fun contest. Once you’ve written about the giveaway, come back here and let me know you’ve done so by leaving a comment with a link back to your post.

3.) Add Chronically Vintage to your blog roll (or other area of your site/blog where you list some of your favourite blogs) – or mention if you’re already doing so. Stop by to let me know in the comment section that CV’s on your blog roll, and you’ll gain another entry for the contest.

4.) Become (or let me know if you already are) a Google Follower of Chronically Vintage (see the right hand side bar to join), then take a moment and leave a comment saying so.

5.) Spread the good word about this contest via Twitter or Facebook. Again, be sure to jot down a comment letting me know you've done that.

Everybody is welcome to enter in however many of the five ways they wish, just be sure that you let me know about each entry in a separate comment, to better enhance your chances of winning (four comments for example, would give you four entries into the contest, thus four potential chances to win!). Please remember to post a separate comment for each entry!

 

This giveaway is open to participants from around the world (I've received the pendants from Jayne already and will be sending them on the lucky winner personally), and will run until 11:59pm EST on Sunday June 29th.

The winner will be drawn (using a random number generator) the following day, contacted directly (via email and/or through a blog comment on their site) and announced shortly thereafter in a Chronically Vintage post.

As well, starting today (June 23rd) and running until June 30, 2011, Chronically Vintage readers can take advantage of a wonderful 15% discount on all Know Your Onions pieces purchased from the Know Your Onions website. To avail of this great discount, enter coupon code vintage upon check out and 15% will automatically be whisked away from your total.

I want to thank Jayne for the opportunity to partner with Know Your Onions for this excellent giveaway. Her pieces are precisely the kind of vintage influenced, skilfully handcrafted jewelry (Jayne has a professional background in textile design and the ceramic industry, which instantly shines through in her exquisite pieces) that I - and I know a lot of my readers - utterly adore. I will cherish my Victorian pocket watch necklace forever - and know that it will be of the most frequently worn items of jewelry I own.

Massive thanks as well to everyone who enters this fabulous blog giveaway, I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to bestow this marvelous trio of pendants on one of my readers!

Vintage Fashionista Friday: February 11, 2011 (Special Valentine's Day Edition)

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{Posh and engagingly smart looking, this simple - yet in no way boring - vintage hat, complete with black oven weave veil, s a true fashion classic that would definitely see you through a multitude of events and styles. Vintage velvet halo hat, $19.00 from etsy seller Tiddlywink Vintage.}  

{Packing a wallop of glamour, this all-natural mineral mascara is 100% handmade and completely vegan friendly. Available in either noir (black) or chocolate (brown), this vitamin B5 enriched mascara is sure to help you bat long, wonderfully pin-up worthy lashes wherever you go! Kookla mineral mascara, $18.00 from etsy seller Kookla Luxury Artisan Make-up.}

 

{Adorn your lobes with a fantastic hit of St. Valentine's Day spirit care of these silver tone, immensely pretty vintage cherub heart earrings. Cupid approved large silver heart earrings, $5.00, from etsy seller The Dancing Poodle.}

 

{This is the kind of treasure we can all dream of being handed by our grandmother one day. Made of sleek grey rhodium, pave rhinestones and a red glass crystal heart, this immensely pretty 1940s necklace in excellent condition (no dull or missing rhinestones) and would go radiantly with a wealth of evening and cocktail dresses, pretty twin sets, and feminine blouses. However, there’s no denying how much it would shine – and work superbly - on February 14th with any outfit! Vintage 17 inch necklace with red heart pendant, $66.00 from etsy seller ChezVous.}

 

{Fit for the likes of a Hollywood princess such as Grace Kelly, this staggeringly elegant black lace evening dress is wildly beautiful, yet in no way over-the-top. It's sort of truly timeless frock that you could slip into time and time again and never feel as though you were tired of wearing it, thanks to the impeccable cut, feminine detailing, and silk-satin fabric it's constructed from. Measuring in at a svelte 33/34" bust and 26" waist, this sublimely lovely midnight black 1950s cocktail dress is available for $325.00 from etsy seller Timeless Vixen Vintage.}

 

{Smashing as either a frock or a coat, this richly sophisticated red topper is styled like a beautiful 1950s dress, features 3/4 length sleeves, a sweeping portrait collar, and is made from a satin-esque stretch cotton that helps it hugs all of your curves in the right places. Courtney Coat Dress, available in ladies sizes 2 to 12, $159.00 from Trashy Diva.}

 

{This woven wicker handbag, gloriously bedecked in all-over white micro-beads festooned with a generously sized crimson rose and dainty matching rosebud, is a true work of mid-twentieth century handbag art. Hailing from the 1950s and made by Midas of Miami, this sweet little vintage purse measures 6 inches across by 7 inches tall, and sells $149.00 from etsy seller Patina Vintage.}

 

{Consider these passionately elegant satin peep toe pumps to be the new (and forever in style) LBD of your shoe wardrobe, thanks to their sweepingly curvaceous vamp cut, rich black colouring, and swish rhinestone adorned bow. Pleaser Women's Violette peep toe pumps, available in ladies sizes 6 to 12, $54.95 from Amazon.}

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My, here we are nearly in the middle of February and this is the first edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday that we've had this year (though to be fair, the last one was on Friday December 31st). With the timeless day of love and romance looming ever nearer, it only seemed fitting that this week's gorgeous vintage gal, Valentina (natch!), went to town on her outfit, ensuring it was chalk-a-block with oodles of vixenish red, chic black, sensual lace and other splendidly alluring touches.

While my own Valentine's Day ensemble won't be quite as luxurious as this, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be decked out in vintage red and/or pink pieces (I've got a couple of floral print dresses that combine both, and I'm thinking I'll sport one of those along with a red bow in my hair and a pair of heart shaped earrings) to help celebrate this delightful day.

Have you planned your February 14th outfit yet, my beautiful fellow vintage fashionistas?

As another chilly, snow filled week winds down, I want to wish each of you the cheeriest of weekends ahead - and a truly wonderful countdown to Valentine's Day!

Vintage Fashionista Friday: March 19, 2010

{Made of soft crocheted rayon, this vintage inspired hair snood in bright tomato red is just thing to keep your locks out of your way when you’re hard at work. Happily, it looks equally elegant as a stylish accessory with your favourite vintage ensembles, too! This lovely snood – which appears as though it could have hopped right out of the pages of a 1940s fashion magazine – can be yours for the bargain prise of $2.99 (US) from the eBay shop K and Katie.}



{Add an adorable dose of sweetness to any look in your wardrobe with the charming gold toned necklace featuring a metal bow and a glass sprig of lush red cherries on a 16 inch chain, for $6.99 (US) from GirlProps.com.}



{With toasty spring and summer weather on the horizon, it will soon be time to turn to short sleeved, breezy shirts to help beat the scorching heat. This darling red bandana print “rodeo girl” top is made from 100% cotton by Heartbreaker Fashion, and would look fantastic with your favourite pair of high waisted (or low waisted, if you dare!) shorts or trousers. “Red Rockabilly Bandana Print Twist Tie Top” available in assorted ladies sizes, $42.00 (US) from BabyGirl Boutique.}



{A streamlined, classic shape lends elegance and functional beauty to this 1950s era purse which was once owned by the wife of the actor (Ray Bolger) who played the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. Featuring a subtle dose of femininity thanks to the little bow on the front, this Koret brand taupe leather purse (with a detachable strap so that this bag can also be used as a clutch) measures 7.5 inches high by 10 inches wide, and is can be found for $30.00 (US) from etsy seller Vintagestorm.}



{Evoking thoughts of Hollywood’s leading ladies who wore trousers with aplomb, these timelessly fantastic, wide legged pair of sailor pants are the sort of style our vintage girl Frankie would definitely have sported at her war ammunition factory job and on the weekend when she was kicking back with the gang. Brown sailor, button front pants, available in assorted (modern) ladies sizes, $99.00 (Australian dollars) from Tiger Rag.}



{Forget about modern day utilitarian fabric lunch bags and haul your daily nibbles to work (or play!) in this marvellously fun vintage metal lunch pail featuring the US Postal systems beloved character, Mr. Zip. This delightfully endearing lunch box measuring 8 3/4 inches wide by 6 3/4 high, can be found for $22.00 (US) from etsy seller Wyatt Edward Vintage.}



{Both gorgeous and versatile, these wonderfully ageless tan hued, jute heeled wedge shoes are made from supple leather and feature a buckle strap slingback. They would look amazing paired with pants, shorts, skirts or dresses – you name it! 4 1/2 inch heeled Matt Bernson “Bo Peep” wedges, available in ladies sizes 5 to 11, $191.00 (US) from Zappos.com.}

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Speaking of all things fun and fashionable, if you haven’t already done, so be sure to enter Chronically Vintage’s giveaway for a $100.00 online shopping spree from LA Vintage. The contest is on for two more days (it closes at 11:59 EST on Sunday night), with the lucky winner being selected – and announced in a post- on Monday March 22md. Massive thanks go out to all those who have entered the contest so far, I love the wonderful response that this giveaway has generated and cannot wait to draw the winner’s name at the start of next week!

Scores of thanks as well to each and every one of you who have left wonderful comments on recent Chronically Vintage posts, your words always brighten my day and mean a tremendous amount to me.

Wishing you all a bright and beautiful, entirely enjoyable weekend as we officially kick off the start of spring 2010!

Vintage Fashionist Friday (special St. Patrick’s Day edition!): March 12, 2010

Last week’s debut of the new post Vintage Fashionista Friday, received a very warm welcome and a slew of wonderful comments that led me to know I’d selected a great theme for Chronically Vintage’s end of the work week article.

I’m delighted to know that so many of you like the idea of assigning a lovely girl’s name to each outfit I put together, and sincerely hope that you’ll enjoy today’s festively verdant and shamrock filled homage to the Emerald Isles and (next Wednesday’s) St. Patrick’s Day, which I like to imagine being worn by a fair skinned, redheaded Irish lass named...


{Whether you live in Dublin, Dresden, or Delaware, keep spring’s bounty of rain from ruining your stylish vintage hairdo with this terrifically fun green and white polka dot umbrella (which comes with a cute matching rain hat) from Samsonite. Available for $23.67 (Cnd) from Overstock.com, this 100% polyester umbrella is travel size and can easily fit into a purse or even large coat pocket, ensuring you’re never caught off guard when a spring shower hits!}



{Adorable, dimensional leaves wind their way up the front of this pretty Kelly green, ¾ length sleeve, cotton and cashmere cardigan. Perfect for nippy March days – or an under-heated pub! – this whimsical sweater, which features a snap front and beautiful lattice work around the collar, is available in sizes XS – XL, for $98.00 (Cnd) from Anthropologie.com.}



{Help impart the luck of the Irish into your wardrobe with this timelessly charming necklace featuring a 1” sterling silver horseshoe and an itty-bitty brass shamrock strung on an 18” sterling silver chain. This dainty, elegantly fun piece of jewelry is available for $29.00 (US) from etsy seller Luxe Deluxe.}



{There is something so understatedly lovely about this classic, modest vintage frock with its moss green and white gingham pattern. Trimmed with white eyelet and sporting a row of wee little buttons down the front, this sweet dress fits up to a 36 inch bust/28 inch waist, and can be had for $74.00 (US) from etsy seller Thirteen Eighty-Five’s shop.}



{A lady can never have too many pairs of gloves in her arsenal of accessories, and this sophisticated hand crocheted cotton pair would make a welcome addition to any gal’s closet (or glove box!). This “new old stock” pair of gloves was sourced in Ireland and is described as having a bit of stretch to it, thus allowing it to fit most hand sizes. Gorgeous for any event from a wedding to a night out at your favourite Irish restaurant, these wonderful gloves are available for $29.00 (US) from etsy seller White O'Morn Cottage Shop.}



{Carry around a burst of jolly green clover in your pocket or purse everyday with this lovely little embroidered linen handkerchief. Measuring 9”, this hemmed vintage hankie comes packaged in its own clear top box, and is available for a mere $2.88 (US) from etsy seller Vintage Sew and Sew.}



{Let your feet imagine they’re wandering through a grassy Irish meadow in these immensely lovely green suede pumps from the 1950s. A classic cut and hue, paired with a subtle bow detail, ensure these shoes will forever hold court amongst your footwear. This marvellous pair of heels, which fit a (modern) US size 6.5 to 7, is available for $45.00 (US) from etsy seller Carnival Moon.}

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Wishing you each a weekend that glistens as enchantingly as the colours of a rainbow, and which is filled with the merry spirit of St. Paddy’s Day!

Five for Friday {November 27, 2009}

...Less than a month before the magical jingle of sleigh bells once again fills the air, still plenty of time to get everything done – or so at least it seems on paper! One strategy I find works well is to try and check off as many of your big tasks three or four weeks ahead of time as you can. Shop and wrap gifts, bake and freeze goodies, decorate your home, trim the tree, and send out your cards in the coming days, thus helping to relieve the amount of things to do long before the 25th rolls into clear sight. Some of those very activities are filling my upcoming weekend, coupled with catching up on this week’s wonderful blog comments, and devoting plenty of time to just relaxing and savouring the last few inklings of autumn that remain....


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{To jazz up any wall in your house with a hefty dose of
gorgeous vintage art}


{Sporting a classic burlesque poster entitled “Casiono de Paris”, this 24 inch wide by 32 inch long canvas stretches across a wooden frame, ready to be hung anyplace you please – from the bedroom to the powder room. Its sultry image of a pretty redheaded dancer and serene pallet of night time hues is sure to look breath-taking in any corner of the house. Vintage print on canvas, $90.35 (Cnd) from Overstock.com.}


{To add sizzle and grace to your holiday party wardrobe}


{In cool blue tones that channel pure serenity and elegance, this chic 1950s floral brocade evening dress is as charming as it is timeless. Perfect for everything from office Christmas parities to New Year’s Eve celebrations, this dress would become a perpetual favourite in your closet year after year. 1950s blue brocade dress, fits up to a 39” bust/33” waist, £40.00 (UK pounds) from online vintage seller, Martha’s Closet.}


{To keep thoughts of spring, with birds melodically chirping from the blossom clad branches, close to your heart all year long}


{A sweet little bluebird perches atop a gold tone branch in this lovely and playfully enjoyable necklace that is sure to make all who come in contact with it burst into a smile (after all, how can you not love a cute vintage looking birdie?) “Necklace of Happiness” metal bird charm and chain, $14.99 (US), from ModCloth.}


{To ensure you have plenty of extra seating whenever company drops by}


{Looking as though it could have traveled through time straight from the counter of a 1950s malt shop, this sleek chrome and turquoise bar stool would make a welcome addition to many a vintage lover’s home decor. “Blue Retro Bar Stool”, £85.00 (pounds), from Dotcomgiftshop.}


{To carry the necessary “must haves” and assorted sundries of everyday life in charming vintage style}


{This beautiful little woven wicker handbag in a deeply classic navy blue hue would look just as amazing during the summer with a sundress as it would nestled against your favourite wool skirt all winter long – and at the bargain price of just $15.00 (US), how can you not find yourself drawn to this vintage purse? “Le Amiche” 1950s or early 60s handbag available from etsy seller Thirteen Bees Vintage.}


How are you each on this lovely last Friday in November, sweet dears? I’m busy as a bee, whipping up a chocolate coconut custard cake (say that five times fast! :D), doing a good once over of the apartment before the weekend (I try to tidy every day, but especially like things to be neat on the weekend, when my husband and I are both home, so that we can just relax and not think about what chores might need to be done), and addressing my holiday cards to go out in the mail (hopefully no later than the start of this coming week).

The snow has held off here so far, despite the fact that it’s looked as though a blizzard could burst forth from the heavens at any moment all week. With the anticipation of snow in the air, the approaching holiday season seems all the more festive, and has me in a jolly mood!

I really hope that you’re also in happy spirits, and that this weekend will be a gorgeous and very fun filled one for everybody!

Vintage Deal of the Day: November 24, 2009

{Add an elegant and delicate hint of sparkle to any holiday ensemble with this delightfully lovely little pair of clip-on snowflake earrings. Their gold tone and subtle red and green rhinestone detailing are sure to make the perfect addition to your festive jewelry box. If you’ve melted over these beauties (which would also work so prettily as brooches or hair clips), whirl your way over to etsy seller Ava Firenze, where these 1950s earrings can become yours for $14.00 (US).}


Good morning, sweet dears! I want to extend a very warm, heartfelt thanks to those who stopped by to wish me a joyful “Stellaversary” yesterday. Reading your own touching stories about your believe pets and about how much you also adore animals brought tears of happiness to my eyes. There is no denying what a profound and wonderful impact a pet (or pets) can have on a person’s life, and I love knowing that many of you have also been deeply touched by your furry (or feathered – or finned) friends. Thank you again so much (from both Stella and I) for helping to make my happy celebration even more joyful and memorable!

On this Tuesday morn, which marks one month until Christmas Eve, I hope that you’re all doing splendidly, and that as we head full on into the holiday season, you each have a truly amazing remainder of 2009!

What I wore on Halloween night

Rapturous wind rattled the building all day, long wispy tendrils of soot hued cloud filled the sky, the sun proving as elusive as a ghost. Yet the gloomy weather only helped to bolster our moods and set the tone for Halloween on Saturday.

Spending a quite night at home, I donned a mixture of black and orange pieces from my closet, centred my make-up for the evening around smoky purple eyes and deep Bordeaux coloured lips. Though it’s been several years since I last wore a full-fledged costume, never has a single All Hallows Eve slipped past without me dressing in the spirit of the day.

Below are four snapshots that my darling husband took of me, using the burgundy curtains in our living room as a backdrop. We both agreed that it they added a certain gothic/Victorian vibe to these “spooky” photos. (Please look past the fact that I’m frightfully overdue for a haircut [my last one took place in May!], and that I was retaining water, for how shall we say, female reasons.)

{Halloween Night 2009}









Outfit details:

-Black flower headband: Forever 21
-Black hoop earrings: Claire’s (other little stud earrings worn in holes above bottom hoop earrings, also from Claire's)
-Black plastic bead necklace (one strand, looped twice): Claire’s
-Pair of black faceted plastic bracelets (worn on right wrist): H&M
-Black “crystal looking” plastic and ribbon bracelet (worn on left wrist): Fairweather
-Orange t-shirt (which actually has the loveliest crochet style lace on the back that you can't see here, I'll have to get a pic of it one day): Reitmans
-Black tie front, ruffled cardigan: Wal-Mart
-Sheer black shawl/scarf with sparkles: thrifted about a decade ago, no label
-Black double brass buckle belt: Forever 21
-Black and white polka dot skirt: Suzy Shier
-Nail polish colour: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in “Emerald City”
-Lip colour: Diva by MAC


Festively fashioned as I was, as the night wore on and the hours rolled past, we didn’t end up getting a single trick-or-treater, much to our disappointment. We live in a large apartment building full of kids, but I believe that the wide spread concern surrounding the swine flu here in Toronto scared off many parents from allowing their children to go door-to-door this Halloween. Oh well, there’s always next year – and in the meantime we can nibble the candy that didn’t end up being handed out. Yum!

I love Halloween dearly and wait for it eagerly each year, but now that it’s over, my mind already feels like it’s more than ready to begin the Christmas season. I love reasons to celebrate, to deck my halls, trim my tree, cook a lavish meal and celebrate the spirit of giving, friendship, love and peace. I’ll definitely have to think up a great Christmas outfit this year – luckily I’ve got seven weeks until Ol’ St. Nick arrives to figure out what to wear! :)

I hope that everyone had an excellent Halloween, and that as autumn begins to take on a frosty feel, you're each have an amazing winter holiday season!

Vintage Deal of the Day: October 27, 2009

Hi lovely dears, thank you very much for the awesome positive response to yesterday’s inaugural Deal of the Day post! I’m really happy to know that you dig this idea and am looking very forward to bringing you tons of terrific items that I've encountered in my online travels.



{Isn’t this little vintage brooch (it measures 2 ½ inches by 1 ½) wonderful? It’s classic gold tone and use of a timeless fruit make it a piece that’s bound to work with a multitude of looks in your vintage wardrobe. At just $7.50 (US), it's hard to beat the price on this cute accessory, too! Be sure to swing by etsy and visit Luncheonette Vintage is this darling cherry pin is calling your name.}


One quick point I wanted to mention is that I realize each of us defines what constitutes a good price differently. As someone who’s always tried her best to land a stellar bargain (whenever possible) and who lives on a very tight budget, you have my word that I will definitely try to feature items in this post that I view as being good deals - taking into account elements like the age, quality, brand, and condition of a given item. After all, everyone adores finding a great bargain and I hope I’ll be provide you with oodles of them!