Stop Staring! Dress Review and Giveaway!

Please Note: This Giveaway is Now Closed!

When I received the 40's/50's inspired Black Paris Dress with Flower from Stop Staring! I couldn't wait to try it on as I had heard and read many good things about the designs by Stop Staring! which are mainly 40's and 50's inspired.

I'm pleased to tell you that this dress gets my tick of approval! Here's why:

* The cut is flattering. The thin belted high waistline and sweetheart neckline make my waist and neck appear elongated, and much to my delight this creates the illusion that I am taller and slimmer.

* It's well made in the USA from quality stretch bengaline fabric, and it's comfortable. The stretch in the fabric allows me to sit and stand and move around with ease.

* It's stylish and timeless, and is perfectly accented with a pink and green embroidered flower and self-fabric belt with pink fabric on the buckle.

* It's versatile, it can be worn at the office and for evening outings.

Stop Staring! is giving away a dress to one lucky reader! Extra small to plus sizes available. The winner gets the dress of their choice from the Stop Staring! online shop depending on availability of stock at the time of choosing.

This giveaway is open to readers worldwide.

To enter, simply do these three things:

1. Visit the Stop Staring! online shop where you will find more fabulous vintage inspired clothing. Here is the link:

www.stopstaringclothing.com

2. Leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite dress or dresses from the Stop Staring! online shop. One entry per person.

3. Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. Alternatively, leave a link in your comment to your profile, blog or website where I can access your email address from.

This giveaway ends on March 2 2010 at 4.30 pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time). Comments will be allocated numbers in the order in which they are received. I will use random.org to generate the winning number on March 2 2010 after 4.30 pm AEST. The winner will be notified via email on March 2 2010 by 6.30 pm AEST.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary ' Black Paris Dress with Flower' from Stop Staring! No payment was received for this review or to host this giveaway.

Vintage Romance

My thrifted vintage 70's ceramic pomander by Lownds Pateman

Just a little vintage cuteness to share with you before Valentines Day...I'm an incurable romantic...

Vintage pomanders make great girly gifts. This one has lavender potpourri inside and it smells divine! The fragrance escapes through holes that are on each side of the pomander. The potpourri can be easily removed and replaced. Try ebay and etsy if you are keen to buy.

Happy Valentines Day!

Angie Wins & Menagerie Studio Heart Pendant Giveaway

Please Note: This Giveaway is Now Closed!

Congratulations to Angie from The Lingo Family who is the winner of the giveaway I hosted for Treasures Anew! Thank you to Treasures Anew for sponsoring the giveaway and thank you to all who entered! Now here is your chance to win another heart pendant which is also offered in the spirit of Valentines Day...

Menagerie Studio is sponsoring this giveaway, and the prize is this very cool art pendant from Menagerie Studio's "Vintage Impression" range. This one-of-a-kind pendant has been handcrafted from polymer clay. Paper and paint techniques have been used to give it an aged look. Designs have been impressed on both sides of the pendant and it can be worn on either side.

This giveaway is open to readers worldwide.


To enter:

1. Visit Menagerie Studio at etsy where you will find more fabulous one-of-a-kind creations. Here is the link:

www.menageriestudio.etsy.com

2. Leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite find or finds in the Menagerie Studio etsy shop. One entry per person.

3. Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. Alternatively, leave a link in your comment to your profile, blog or website where I can access your email address from.

This giveaway ends on February 18 2010 at 4.30 pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time). Comments will be allocated numbers in the order in which they are received. I will use random.org to generate the winning number on February 18 2010 after 4.30 pm AEST. The winner will be notified via email on February 18 2010 by 6.30 pm AEST.

My Favourite Vintage Bag

I have loved this bag for about 33 years. It was handmade with precision by my Dad for my Mum in 1952. I played dress ups with this bag regularly as a child.

When I was 2 years old I decided to add some toddler scribble to the inside of the flap. The scribble says "Mummy, can I have this bag...pretty please?" Mum recently gave me the bag :).

Congrats Clenna & Remembering Childhood Dress Ups...

Illustration by Nancy Reynolds Gamar from book called "Charm: The Career Girl's Guide to Business and Personal Success" by Helen Whitcomb and Rosalind Lang.

Clenna is the lucky winner of the giveaway I hosted for Alice Wears Gold! Congrats Clenna! Thank you to Alice Wears Gold for sponsoring the giveaway and thank you to all who entered!

When you were a little girl, did you love to play dress ups with your Mother's and or other grown up women's fashions and accessories? I did. I would play dress ups with my Mum's treasure trove of fashions and accessories for hours, and I can really identify with this cuter than cute illustration I'm sharing with you today.

My lovely Mum was a deportment and grooming teacher in the 60's and 70's and the illustration is from one of her textbooks from 1964. The illustration is from a section in the book called "Accessories Make the Difference". Here is an excerpt: "Some girls can give a gilt-edged look to the simplest outfit by the way they use accessories. The difference between one girl's shirtdress and another's may hinge on a marvelous belt. Perhaps a handsome bag sets off the whole effect."

In my next post I am going to share my favourite vintage bag with you. It happens to be a bag I used to play dress ups with as a child and my Mum recently gave it to me...

Treasures Anew Heart Pendant Giveaway

Please Note: This Giveaway is Now Closed!

At Treasures Anew you will find incredibly unique jewellery handcrafted from mainly broken/damaged china and glassware. Many of the pieces have been created using vintage china.

This graceful feminine pendant is the prize in this pre-valentines day giveaway sponsored by Treasures Anew. It features vintage Adams Ironstone china set in lead free silver alloy with a sterling silver bail.

This giveaway is open to readers worldwide.

To enter:

1. Visit Treasures Anew at etsy. Here is the link:

www.treasuresanew.etsy.com

2. Leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite find or finds in the Treasures Anew etsy shop. One entry per person.

3. Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. Alternatively, leave a link in your comment to your profile, blog or website where I can access your email address from.

This giveaway ends on February 4 2010 at 4.30 pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time). Comments will be allocated numbers in the order in which they are received. I will use random.org to generate the winning number on February 4 2010 after 4.30 pm AEST. The winner will be notified via email on February 4 2010 by 6.30 pm AEST.

Wordz of Life

With Valentines Day in mind I've decided to feature these endearing 'Heart Snippets' from the Wordz of Life etsy shop.

All 'Heart Snippets' at Wordz of Life are handmade with vintage cutter quilts. They can be personalised too. Find 'Heart Snippets' and more handmade sweetness at:

www.wordzoflife.etsy.com

Alice Wears Gold Necklace Review & Giveaway!

Please Note: This Giveaway is Now Closed!

'Sweet Dreams' by Alice Wears Gold oozes 60's mod style.

The striking openwork pendant is goldtone and has been painted white. Some white paint has been polished off the pendant in just the right places to reveal the gold. A cute little brass swallow charm hovers gently over the openwork.

The pendant measures 4.5 cm high (1.75 inches). The chain measures 46 cm (18 inches) and is gold plated with a spring clasp closure.

I love this necklace! It's components are harmoniously matched and it is a quality piece of costume jewellery. I received this necklace packaged with great care.

Become a Facebook fan of Alice Wears Gold to get exclusive offers and discounts. Click here to view the Alice Wears Gold Facebook page.

Alice Wears Gold is giving away a 'Sweet Dreams' necklace to one lucky reader! This giveaway is open to readers worldwide.

To enter:

1. Visit Alice Wears Gold at etsy where you will find a range of outstanding vintage inspired jewellery . Here is the link:

www.alicewearsgold.etsy.com

2. Leave me a comment and tell me about your favourite find in the Alice Wears Gold etsy shop. One entry per person.

3. Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. Alternatively, leave a link in your comment to your profile, blog or website where I can access your email address from.

This giveaway ends on January 28 2010 at 4.30 pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time). Comments will be allocated numbers in the order in which they are received. I will use random.org to generate the winning number on January 28 2010 after 4.30 pm AEST. The winner will be notified via email on January 28 2010 by 6.30 pm AEST.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary 'Sweet Dreams' necklace from Alice Wears Gold. No payment was received for this review or to host this giveaway.

Iron-on Some Love!

These fun vintage and vintage inspired fabric iron-on hearts are by Rik Rak. I thought I would tell you about them in time for Valentines day. :)

You can add them to just about anything and no sewing is needed!

There are other shapes available such as butterflies, birds and letters. If you buy three iron-ons you get the fourth one free on orders placed at one time.

Find these iron-ons and more handmade goodness at:

www.rikrak.etsy.com

Wonderfully Whimsical!

Happy 2010!

On December 18 last year lady luck was on my side...I won a print of an original ink and watercolour illustration by Shell Sherree, 'Katie's Fleurs in Paris', in Shell Sherree's blog giveaway.

Shell promptly sent my print perfectly packaged and I received it just before Christmas. I am absolutely thrilled to have it in my possession, it is gorgeous! Once I have found the right frame, 'Katie's Fleurs in Paris' will cheerily grace the wall of my front entry hallway.

Some more of Shell's marvellous work:

'Pink Paris Scooter Girl'
Love the vintage scooter!

'Pink Paris Scooter Girl's Eiffel Tower Tour'
Photos used with permission.

Find Shell Sherree's wonderfully whimsical original illustrations and prints at:

www.shellsherree.etsy.com

DeLIGHTful Giveaway Winner & New Year Wishes!

Congratulations to Tammy who is the lucky winner of the giveaway sponsored by buyster! Thank you to buyster for sponsoring the giveaway and thank you to all who entered!

I'll be hosting more fabulous giveaways here early in the new year that will be open to readers worldwide...stay tuned...

I would also like to wish all readers a new year filled with happiness. Thank you for visiting my blog this year! :)

Congratulations Teiva and Merry Christmas Everyone!

Teiva is the lucky winner of the giveaway sponsored by CSN Stores! Congrats Teiva! Thank you to CSN Stores for sponsoring the giveaway and thank you to all who entered!

I've had the sweet vintage ceramic baby reindeer pictured above for 26 years. I purchased it with my pocket money when I was 8 years old. Merry Christmas everyone!

DeLIGHTful Giveaway! Vintage Style Lead Light Sconce or a $60 Voucher !

Please Note: This Giveaway is Now Closed!

This giveaway is sponsored by buyster where you will find quality lighting at great prices.

The prize is a choice of this delightful Domus Lighting lead light wall sconce, perfect for prettying up a bland wall vintage style, or a $60 voucher to use in any of buyster's online stores.

PLEASE NOTE: This giveaway is open to readers who reside in Australia only. I'll be having more giveaways here in the near future that will be open to readers worldwide...stay tuned.

To Enter:

1. You must reside in Australia.
2. Leave a comment. One entry per person.
3. Leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. Alternatively, leave a link in your comment to your profile, blog or website where I can access your email address from.

This giveaway ends on December 29 at 4.30 pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time). Comments will be allocated numbers in the order in which they are received. I will use random.org to generate the winning number on December 29 2009 after 4.30 pm AEST. The winner will be notified via email on December 29 2009 by 5.30 pm AEST.

Travelling with Vintage Companions

I've got the blues today. It's all good :). I'm sharing some of my fave blue and blue accented vintage luggage picks from etsy that double as nice display pieces.

Get Ready Set Go sells vintage luggage that features fun artwork in waterproof black ink. This fab messenger bag is from Get Ready Set Go's Pick Your Poison Range, where you can choose the artwork you want on items or buy them without artwork.

getreadysetgo.etsy.com

Funky tapestry fabric suitcase from objet petit a.
objetpetita.etsy.com

Sleek hardcase suitcase from Aubie Jean Vintage.
aubiejeanvintage.etsy.com

Darling hat box train case with embroidery style print from Rarae Aves.
raraeaves.etsy.com

Cute train case from Vintage Takeout.
vintagetakeout.etsy.com

Blooming Lovely Wedgwood Teacup & Saucer Giveaway!

Please Note: This Giveaway is Now Closed!

I'm hosting this giveaway for CSN Stores where you will find a fantastic range of dining room furniture.

The prize is this Wedgwood Deco Bloom Teacup and Saucer Set from the Harlequin Collection! Oh, it's so lovely and deliciously romantic, isn't it? The winner will receive this set packaged in a stunning hatbox!

PLEASE NOTE: this giveaway is open to readers who reside in the USA and Canada only. I'll be having more giveaways here in the near future that will be open to readers worldwide...stay tuned.

To Enter all you have to do is comment. Be sure to leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win. One entry per person. This giveaway ends on December 23 2009 at 12.30 am CST.

Comments will be allocated numbers in the order in which they are received. I will use random.org to generate the winning number on December 23 2009 after 12.30 am CST. The winner will be notified via email on December 23 2009 by 1.30 am CST. I reside in Australia and my time is AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) which is 16 hours ahead of USA and Canadian CST.

LOVE HOPE JOY & PEACE

Fabulous cards by Sweet William - add a touch of doiliness to your pressies or send some doily love in the post this Christmas!

Madonna and Child ornament also by Sweet William. A sweet decoration for any time of the year.

More handmade sweetness can be found at lovelysweetwilliam.etsy.com

Wonderful glazed clay ornaments by Kylie Johnson of Paper Boat Press. The lacey/doily hearts are great for decorating any time of the year.

Find Kylie Johnson's wonderful items at paperboatpress.bigcartel.com

Merry SITSmas!

Dear SITStas,

On this SITSmas Day, I'm sending some vintage cuteness your way!
Wishing you all lots of cheer and also a prosperous new year!

Thank you for your support girls!

Best wishes, C :).

************************
SITS

Christmas Domestic Divaness

Boojiboo is cooking up a storm on etsy! Their figure flattering vintage flavoured aprons are delish!

boojiboo.etsy.com

Butterfly Winner

Yesterday I used random.org to draw the winner of this sweet vintage 40's butterfly pendant. Allison from the USA is the lucky winner! Her lucky number was 74. I received 76 email entries for this giveaway. Thank you to all who entered!

I will be giving away two more of these sweet butterfly pendants in the new year...stay tuned. For info on these pendants click here.