Happy Holidays, and a Wonderful New Year!

Hi everyone-- I hope you had a fantastic holiday this year.  Things are just starting to calm down a little, or at least will once the near year's in.  This year I was able to celebrate Christmas with my family, pull a few holiday shifts, and visit my girlfriend's family in Philadelphia, along with Philly's great Christmas market and their awesome mulled wine.  My holiday retail job ended yesterday (free time!) and today I'm headed to PA with the girlfriend for New Year's, so I thought I'd take a moment to show you guys a couple of the awesome vintage-themed gifts I received, because this year, my seriously generous family nailed it.

Tequila Mockingbird 

So this isn't technically vintage-themed, but it's perfect for a lover of classic literature and a good cocktail--and let's be honest, that's every vintage girl out there.  For you noir fans:

And my personal favorite:

Hysterical-- no pun intended!

Vintage Notions 

One of my sisters gave me this book, and I'll continue to be wowed by it throughout the year.  "An inspirational guide to needlework, cooking, sewing, fashion, and fun," Vintage Notions is a beautiful book that's based on the work of the Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences, a school for women ran by Mary Brooks Picken from 1916-1934 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  It was a really remarkable school, and the first of its kind to be dedicated to the education of women, both as preparation for home life and as a way to learn a useful, profitable trade.  The author, Amy Barickman, pieced together the Institute's newsletters to create an amazing snapshot of the period, and the book includes recipes, sewing patterns, essays, and fashion articles-- it's really amazing.

This article I find particularly interesting-- it's of course a great look into the evolution of fashion, but even more fascinating, it's a look at how garments would have been refashioned, giving some hints toward correct dating.

My grandmother's class ring

This present means so much to me.  I've said before, I'm not much into jewelry, but this ring is an exception.  It was my paternal grandmother's class ring, and besides just being a beautiful vintage piece, it's so wonderful to have something of hers, particularly since she's no longer with us.

I also received a gorgeous silk blouse from my sister and a 1940s suit jacket from my brother that I'll show you all in an outfit post, once I've gotten in a few more yoga classes and a few fewer holiday desserts.  My girlfriend also got me some wonderful vintage-appropriate foundation garments that I uh, won't necessarily model, but which you'll see at work in future posts!  

I'm really excited to ring in the new year tomorrow--2013's been a challenge, but it's also brought me to some awesome people and opportunities.  I have a few things planned for 2014 that I hope will make this year even better, and I wish the same for you all--a wonderful new year, full of hope and promise!

Happy New Year!