"Vintage" clothing giveaway

Yes, another giveaway!

I'm hosting my 3rd Annual Accessory and Clothing Swap at my home next week, enter to win and I will do some personal shopping for YOU at my swap and mail you a box of secondhand finds.

What, you don't wear second hand? Then let's call it vintage and think of the money you'll be saving. For inspiration on wearing vintage, check out at Danielle's wonderful What To Wear Wednesdays on her eco-friendly blog Fresh Quince. Here's an image from one of her February posts:

{Danielle's consignment finds at Current Boutique in Arlington}

Let me show you a few of the items I scored at my clothing and accessory swap last year to inspire you to enter my giveaway:

{apt. 9 ruffled shirt}

 How cute is this for a Spring day with dark cropped jeans, sandals, and a ponytail?

{Dani Max sleeveless shift dress with piping detail}

This smart little dress is a favorite, so classic with a bit of graphic retro styling...

{Anne Taylor shell}

Perfect to layer in my new favorite color...

So let me shop for you! Just leave a comment below with what you'd be looking to score at my swap for a chance to win.

For ten extra chances, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave a comment below. For another ten chances, post about this giveaway on Facebook and leave a comment below!

I'll draw the winner on Valentine's Day, February 14, at 12:00 noon EST.

Loretta

...and don't forget to enter my other giveaway for a pair of sterling silver & pearl earring and chocolates!

Happy New Year! (with paper glasses and eyeshadow mustaches)

Welcome 2011!

{Yes, the dress did come from a thrift shop - Doors of Hope in West Sand Lake, N.Y.}

I'm wishing everyone a Very Happy New Year! Here's a pic of husband and I heading to the "DECADES" party on New Years Day (thank you fab host Ann Marie!)

I'm attempting an aloof pose as I would suspect a 70s Diva to do, and my sweetheart is looking THRILLED to wear sideburns and a mustache of brown eyeshadow! With an old sportscoat and tie from my Dad, I though we were quite the 70s pair until he added the Irish fisherman's cap, and then I felt as if I were dating the...

Lennox Air Conditioning pitchman from before the turn of the century!

Seriously, 2011 is so hard to wrap my head around. After the craziness of the holidays, the New Year always feel like a fresh start. I have so many things I want to try in the months to come, I feel as if my head could come undone!

Wishing you a Healthy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year,
Loretta

But What Decade is this Dress?

As this year comes to a close, I'm heading to a New Year's Party where the theme is "DECADES." Partygoers need to dress in any decade they choose. 

I'm a lucky girl - the host of the party sent me a dress to wear as well! I haven't seen her yet to ask anything about this dress, but she volunteers at a thrift shop, so perhaps it came from there.

Now, here's my question: What Decade is this Dress?

A small tag on the side seam tells me the dress was made in East Germany. Made of a knit fabric with the bold diagonal pattern printed on, the only fitted part is two simple tucks on the bodice. The colorful op-art design might place it in the 60s, but because it's so unstructured, I'm guessing the 70s. What do you think?

Loretta

The Real-Deal Vintage Look

{My Rosie - sweet seven years old}

Do you know someone fascinated with vintage clothing patterns? I do! I took these photos of my daughter Rosie for Kayce Hughes, owner of her own women's and children's clothing company. I wanted to show Kayce this top my mother sewed for me when I was a child...

My Mom sewed this up in the mid 70's, look at the two little tucks in the bodice and the adorable gathered sleeves!

Of course, a little red rick rack trim never goes out of style! And did my Mom choose that chicory blue fabric for the sweet floral print or the fact it's an indestructible polyester?

Do you have any real-deal vintage in your closet?

If not, the next best thing is a piece from Kayce's line Kayce Hughes. That love of vintage clothing patterns and a keen eye for classic details make Kayce's clothing stay in style for decades. 

... and Kayce is offering enjoy 35% off any of her items. Enter the code: "thirtyfive" at check out, offer will end tomorrow 9pm central on December 16 on her website KayceHughes.com!