{GIVEAWAY} Win the Darling Ahoy! Dress from Shabby Apple!

{up for grabs...the ahoy! dress from shabby apple}

Happy Friday, my darlings! Do I have a treat in store for you this morning or what?! With the official start to summer just around the corner, this is the perfect time to get you ready for fetes, festivals, and summer fun – why not start it with a giveaway from my newest affiliate sponsor -- the oh-so-fabulous Shabby Apple boutique!

If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting www.shabbyapple.com, I can’t recommend it enough for dresses for little girls and women alike, all vintage-inspired and totally adorable.

So, here it is…up for grabs is this doll of a women’s dress: the Ahoy! dress in pretty green cotton voile.

All you have to do to enter is head on over to Shabby Apple’s Facebook page, ‘Like’ them, let them know that oh my word! sent you, pop back over here and leave me a comment letting me know you did. That’s it! Super easy peasy, right?

Want a few more ways to win? Tweet it (@evereeve), Facebook it (link back to http://www.facebook.com/ohmywordblog), blog it...whatever! For every bit of promo, leave me a separate comment and each will count as a bonus entry!

(Please don’t forget to include your email address somewhere so I can contact you if you win – no spam from me, I promise!)

{Just a bit more of the awesome that is shabby apple}

But wait....there's MORE! Cuz' I adore you, you ALL can be winners and get your own awesome bit o’ vintage loveliness a la Shabby Apple when you use the coupon code “ohmyword10off” & get 10% off your order! So if you’d like some new accessories, a new bathing suit, or even a maternity dress – Shabby Apple has you covered. (FYI: discount expires in 30 days, so get on it!)

The rest of the giveaway details:
• Only open to U.S.residents (sorry, International ladies!)
• The winner will be chosen at random based on the received comments.
• Contest ends at midnight EST on Friday, June 24, 2011.
• Winner will be announced Monday June 27, 2011.
• Once announced and contacted, the winner must provide me their name, address, phone, email address and dress size, so I can make sure the good folks at Shabby Apple get you your dress!
• Sorry – no exchanges will be offered for the winning dress.


Happy summer!

♥ Evelyn

Rocking the New New Shoes.

Yay! New shoes! My first pair of vintage saddles just were  | - |   that much too snug around the width of my foot at the vamp (where the black part starts at the top of my foot), so I kept my peepers open on both eBay and Etsy for another (preferably vintie) pair. Voila! $15 on eBay for a perfect 1/2 size up pair. Though not vintage, they're a perfect reproduction -- complete with hard Biltrite soles. Can't wait to get these puppies broken in! So, if you know of anyone who can fit a US-6 and is interested in a solid pair of vintie saddles, email me :o)

Saddle up!

{1936 LIFE)

It's no secret that I completely adore shoes, but I've noticed these last couple of years, shoes don't seem to love my feet. Perhaps its that I've spoiled myself with the comfort of  flip flops and trainers, but your average shoe -- not sneaker, sandal, heel, or whathaveyou -- just isn't as comfortable or durable as I'd like it to be. And when they're comfortable, they aren't so fashion-friendly. This all got me to thinking of how things used to be. When folks didn't have 30, 50, or 200 pairs of shoes. They had a few, were well-made, and cared for. Tapping into that resourceful line of reasoning, my mind wandered back to the saddle shoe. Quintessentially "vintage America", saddles harken back to a less wasteful time in American history, a time when people used what they had until they couldn't repair it again...and even then, it was probably passed to someone who would use it anyway. (Heck, even the poorest man during the Great Depression wore a hat when he could.)

I grew up close to my grandparents and, as children of the Depression, nothing, NOTHING in their home was wasted. I rather think we could all learn a little something from our not-so-distant past and take a lesson in being resourceful. Personally, I'd like to continue to work on purging the unnecessary from my life -- paring it down to versatile, practical, and functional essentials (plus a handful of things I love just to spice everything up a bit.) Even though I'm at that "paring down" stage, I truly need to have a single pair of shoes that are cute, durable, and versatile to wear throughout the year. So here it is: the saddle shoe. Willits classic saddle shoes, white with black saddle, hard, ruddy rubber soles.With a shoe that's been in style, albeit in varying degrees, since the 1930s, I can't lose. I can't wait for them to arrive!

Sure wish they still cost $2.85.

{1941 Sears Catalog found here}

Wanted on Wednesday: Let There Be (Mason Jar) Light!

{top images: Martha Stewart; bottom left: Re-Nest; bottom right HGTV}

Words cannot explain how much I adore DIY mason jar lanterns. I especially love the look of tiny glass jars hanging low from a patio umbrella -- that could be a great way to upcycle old jam jars, don't you think?

Wanted on Wednesday: Vintage Eames Lounge & Ottoman

{modern 50}

One day, I will curl up in this Herman Miller masterpiece and read Hunter S. Thompson. Life will be grand.

Wanted on Wednesday: Illuminated Carnival Letter Lamp

My current obsession (oh how I want this big 'E'!): the Illuminated Carnival Letter lamp, as offered by Columbus's own Collier West, found in our beloved Short North district.

It would live in my home office and make me smile every day. For $185, I really do love lamp.

Make Do & Mend: Patching Holes

 {farouche etsy}

For quite awhile now, I've been thinking about my spending patterns, what they mean, the impact they have on my household and the global picture, what it means to truly "make do and mend" and, to go one step further, how to apply those philosophies to my every day life.

In the past, I have been guilty of replacing items with brand-new because I was tired of the old one (*guilty of following flash-in-the-pan trends and not investing  in classic foundation pieces). I've also donated clothing that was ill-fitting before ever trying to alter it to fit me properly (*guilty of not seeing the value in already-owned pieces and getting creative with my seamstress abilities) and, lastly, I recognize that, in the past, I've put way too much value on the 'new' instead of saving my money and making do with what I already own. Well, I'm proud to say that, for me, those wasteful days are over. From now on, I'm going to apply the philosophies of generations past and make do and mend. It's not going to be any walk in the park, but I hope that checking in with my progress will inspire you to tackle some projects of your own and share tips as we discover them. I hope you'll join me in "using it up, wearing it out, making it do and doing without"!

Here's what I did last week:

1. Sewed up a tear and patched two holes in a vintage pillowcase liner.



2. Sewed up two tiny holes in a $2 thrift store sweater I recently bought.

3. Finished an elastic skirt made from a new cotton sheet and white grosgrain ribbon. Added some pockets using Susan at Freshly Picked's tutorial here. (Not the greatest pic, but I had to share it. I love the pockets!)

4. Made a notebook tote for my best friend's son's 2nd birthday (I'll post pics after I give it to him!)

What's up next on the Make Do & Mend list (and this isn't just limited to clothing, folks!):

- Hem about 6 pairs of pants
- Make some kind of window covering for spare bedroom window
- Pick up & strip wood benches from my grandma's old house (hopefully pick up over Easter weekend...)
- Reinforce a seam on a pair of suede flats (holes already awled and ready for stitching)

What's on your Make Do & Mend list?

Plate Wall + Cathrineholm

{Lisa Congdon, Lena Corwin, Cathrineholm -- oh my! all via Dwell.}

"I owe my color sense to crayons." - Angelo Rafael Donghia

A Little Bing This Christmas

I love Bing Crosby almost second to none nearly all the time, but at Christmas, his songs are magic. Here's to all your favorite holiday traditions, whether it's egg nog, laughter, singing, kissing under the mistletoe, gingerbread or snowy white Christmases. xo

P.S. I'll keep an eye out for Santa on my flight home tonight :)

DIY LOVE: Vintage Angel Embroidery Patterns

These completely adorable kitschy cherubs are for all those crafty folks who love a vintage Christmas. Thanks to Floresita and her treasure trove of vintage transfers, we all get to enjoy these little angels! {Click here for the pattern.}

{Finished project by Sew It's For You}

You're Invited! WWII U.S.O. Hangar Dance

Showing off my stems, seams and all.

It's almost that time of year, folks! Dust off your uniform and polish up your dancing shoes because this September 19th, 2009, the Historical Aircraft Squadron will host their annual WWII U.S.O.-style hangar dance!

This year will again feature the fantastic Z Sharp Band, with their full 18-piece jazz orchestra specializing in the Big Band era classics!

For those of us who could always use a refresher, a FREE one-hour dance lesson will be provided from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. before the start of the dance. Just give my friend and HAS volunteer Kathy a call at 614-899-9690 to reserve your spot -- and tell her Evelyn sent ya!

Two Lovely Ladies

So get ready to mark those calendars...here are the details!

Who: Historical Aircraft Squadron -- a GREAT non-profit, all-volunteer group dedicated to the restoration, display and operation of former military aircraft and equipment in the hangar and museum at the Fairfield County Airport.
What: WWII-style Hangar Dance is "Bring Your Own Beverages" with Hors D'oeuvres provided. Once again, this year will feature the fantastic Z Sharp Band, with their full 18-piece jazz orchestra specializing in the Big Band era classics!

Where: Fairfield County Airport Historical Hangar
3266 Old Columbus Rd NW, Carroll, OH 43112

(Click HERE for a map)

When: Saturday, Sept 19, 2009 from 7-11 p.m. (Free dance lesson from 6-7 p.m.!)

Tickets: Admission is at the door, single $20, couple $35

P.S. I don't know if they'll be having a contest for the best-dressed couple, but, as last year's female winner (!), I can say that there's no harm in dressing your finest!

Evelyn & Bob - The 2008 Best-Dressed Contest Winners
(Did I mention that Bob's uniform is HIS ORIGINAL? What a guy!)

{Bombshell Beauty} The Lipstick Effect

{source}

Maybe you've heard the buzz on what's being called the "Lipstick Effect" and perhaps you have not. Nonetheless, there is some truth and common sense behind the idea that women, during (wait for it...) "economic uncertainty" drop the frivolities of ultraluxe goods and opt for high-impact, low price-point items, like the classic red pout circa the 1930s and 40s.

There is something to be said for spending $5 on a new tube of lipstick, isn't there? And if you're only spending $5, why not go for broke, so to speak, and go with a high-impact color like red?

Not all of us is willing to gamble on which shade of red to buy, however (and goodness knows there are a million and a half shades out there.) Nothing irks me more than buying the wrong shade of lipstick and never wearing it again. What a waste!

To help you on your journey to becoming a bombshell yourself, here's a few hints to choosing (and wearing) the perfect shade of red.

1. Know your skin tone. This one is a biggie in knowing how to select complimentary makeup colors and shades. Not sure if you have warm or cool undertones? Head to your nearest makeup counter for an assessment or use helpful online sources for guidance. Generally, bright, classic red looks great on pale complexions, but here are some general rules:

· Cool Tones: Berry reds, pink tones, blackberry, plum and other blue-based reds

· Warm Tones: Tomato reds, orange-reds, corals, tawny or golden reds

2. Outlining is essential. To prevent feathering and keep your color on your lips, outline them! Many use a coordinating red to carefully outline your lips, but I prefer and recommend a nude or neutral liner. I've also filled my lips in entirely with a nude liner prior to applying a bright red to my lips to maintain color for longer.

3. Powdering & blotting. One thing I don't hear often enough are the powdering and blotting tricks, which are nearly essential to wearing red lipstick. If you really want your color to stay put, apply your liner and lipstick carefully, then dust on a little translucent power (with a cotton ball, so as to not ruin your powder puff), then reapply a second coat of lipstick, then blot. The best way to blot without ruining your clean lines is to take one slip of toilet paper and roll your lips over it gently or slightly pucker your lips and kiss.

4. Everything else. The general rule of thumb is to keep the rest of your face pale in comparison to your classic red lips. In most occasions, that's a safe rule. Go easy on the rouge and eye shadows, maintaining a clean, bright complexion is more than enough. If you're feeling daring or have a date night, black eyelashes and a bit more eyeliner may be in order. Nothing is as sultry as a smoky eye and a red lip! But apply makeup with caution because there is a fine line between looking like a classic beauty and a harlot. When in doubt, go for the less-is-more look.

And remember...you're never fully dressed without a smile!

Do You Play..?

{source}

Croquet Makes a Comeback | Peterman's Eye

Shared via AddThis

Playing croquet reminds me of my childhood and I'm loving the idea of it coming back into fashion. Can you imagine...croquet at football tailgates instead of cornhole or hillbilly golf? I think we'd be OK until someone decided to use the mallet as a weapon :)

So Cute Southern Vintage Invitations

Aren't these invitations from Benign Objects to die for? I love the combination of patterns and colors. The kraft envelopes keep everything relaxed. Makes me want to drink a mint julep and sit under a magnolia. Gorgeous.

{Benign Objects via Oh So Beautiful Paper}

{Must Have} The J. Peterman Company

With as much time as I spend online poking through treasure troves of online finds, so rarely does anything jump at me quite the way The J. Peterman Company did. Oh my, do they have some delicious goods! It's my new favorite.

But honestly, not only do they have tip top rare vintage finds for the home, completely adorable vintage-inspired fashions and accessories for men and women, it's the descriptions for each piece that practically made me swoon. I freaked out a little, actually, then proceeded to read outloud to my fella at least a half dozen of the things. (He loved it, I promise.)

Like this one for the Tournabuoni Shirt & Skirt (darling illustration below):
"The women of Florence are famous for their trim miniskirts and designer scarves, their slick sophisticated pumps.

But there’s another side to their wardrobes, one that goes deeper into the Tuscan character. Practical, active-spirited...you could even call it tough chic.

This outfit discovered in a small shop on the via Tornabuoni is a fine example. Looks like something Oriana Falacci might have worn on a journalistic adventure to one of the more remote latitudes.

(There was a Florentine for you. As a pigtailed schoolgirl, carried explosives for the anti-Fascist underground. Later, the sharpest political interviewer in the world, pursuing truth with remorseless charm that got Yassir Arafat, Henry Kissinger, and the Shah of Iran to disclose the most amazing things.)

You’ll look right at home in a trattoria on the Arno, nonchalantly twirling pasta on your fork.

Even better, it’s just about all you need for a week or two of exploring the city and the ancient hill towns beyond, discovering those whites and reds that the Italians keep for themselves."

All that to describe a shirt & skirt combo. Now THAT is how you sell, my friends.

And look! Even more completely to-die-for pieces. Oh J. Peterman Company. You've just created a monster.

{all images courtesy J. Peterman Company}

Emergency Post: How to Make a Tom Collins

{source}

Eegads! What is a Tom Collins, you ask, oh dear anonymous commenter? It's a perfect summer sipper cocktail, which was quite popular in the 1950s and 60s. Basically, it's a jazzed up gin sour, but it sure is tasty!

If you're of age and of the inclination, whip yourself up one and let me know what you think! But please. Don't skimp on the gin. Get the good stuff. Life is just too short to drink bad liquor. Srsly.

What you'll need:

2 oz. quality gin
1 oz. lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar or simple syrup
3-4 oz. club soda
1 orange slice
1 maraschino cherry

What you'll do:

Shake gin, lemon juice and sugar together with ice and pour over ice. Add club soda and garnish with orange and cherry. Ta-da! That, my fine friend, is a Tom Collins.

{source}

Hep Cat Kitchen

{source}

Doesnt' this kitchen just make you want to play Bridge and drink a Tom Collins?

Uncool in the very coolest way possible.

"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is
what you share with someone else when you're uncool."
-- Almost Famous

P.S. If you're local to Columbus and could give some old vinyl a new home or purpose, please let me know. I have about 100 records that need to go (mostly organ music, thanks to an auction lot I won a few weeks ago.)

Sewing Party

How cool is this stationery set? If I had any friends who did any sewing whatsoever, I'd have a party starring these cards-turned-invitations. Wouldn't that be fun?!

Love with a capital L. I am resisting buying them just to have "just in case"!

{Courtesy Fred Flare}

P.S. Get them at Fred Flare. I'm SO popping into the store the next time I find myself in Brooklyn.

P.P.S. Fred Flare has a blog and it's hilarious. Show them some love.

New Sewing Table/Desk

What do you think of my new (to-me) ex-desk-now-sewing-table? Isn't it a gem? Best part? $5 at a local auction. Oh yes. All she needs is a new coat of paint and maybe some new hardware.