100th Follower Giveaway: Retro Awesomeness

I was tickled to discover that I now have more than 100 followers! I'm so incredibly flattered. Thank you, thank you for reading. When I started this blog about a year ago, I didn't expect to have a single one. I'd simply fallen in love with other sewing/style blogs and wanted a virtual space to obsess and ponder. What I hadn't expected was how this blog community—you!—would catapult my sewing and cement a commitment to all things quality and handmade.

I plan to have more giveaways in the new year, but as I wrap up a busy year of sewing and style, I'd like to give away a few of my treasured items to some of you in this incredible blog community.

Following are three items that I've packed with me all these moves and could only part with if I knew they were going to a good home. I know they're more style than sewing related, but I think they'd all make a great addition to your semi-handmade closet. Consider one of these for yourself or someone you know. I'll ship worldwide!

1) Argyle pumps

I bought these at a vintage shop. Leather, Made in Italy, 1 inch heel, size 6 1/2.



Given their age, they've got a bit of wear, but they're definitely in wearable shape. I just may not go splashing around in puddles in them (I made this mistake once with vintage heels; they literally disintegrated during my first day of teaching).

I've only worn these once partly because every time I put them on I feel like one of Cinderella's step-sisters trying to fit her fat foot into the glass slipper. So warning, ladies, these lovelies run small. They should fit a 6 just fine.

2) Vintage off-white quilted purse

This I scored at my favorite thrift store in San Diego. It's got numerous pockets, a metal zipper and a clasp. I've always thought this would be a lovely everything purse. And with spring on the horizon, think of it paired with a lovely full-skirted sundress.

(to give you an idea of size -- this is your standard paperback)

3) Retro dress

This is not a vintage dress, but it screams retro to me. Look at that honeycomb smocking on the bodice, the satin-y finish at the bodice, the belt and around the skirt. The button-lined pockets. Sigh.

I found this at a resale shop in Hawaii just in time for a New Year's party in an abandoned military bunker. Swing dancing with men in their sailor whites, partying like it was 1939. And it's all yours.

This is made in China (see the tag) and says "medium," but I'd say it'd fit ladies size 2-4 in ready-to wear (Bust 32-34) at the bodice. The skirt is nice and roomy. The fabric is lightweight, and you'll likely need to wear a slip with it.

To enter: Leave a comment on this post and let me know which item you're interested in (any one or all three!) and answer the question, What's the most versatile item in your closet?

On Jan. 1, I'll use of those random number generator thingys to pick a winner (or winners:).

Again, they're be more in the new year -- but I'd love love love to bequeath these to you. Happy New Year!

:) Ali