Hooray For Giveaway!

At last i found some time (precious thing these days!) to organize my first giveaway as promised!I reached 100 followers,106 to be exact and im very excited!
Thank you so much for supporting my blog.I must admit i met some very interesting gals since i started this and i feel very lucky that i share my love for the vintage with you all!

But lets get back to the giveaway....

One of you will be chosen at random to win one lovely handmade headpiece made from felt,like the ones in the pics!The lucky winner will choose between 13 available colors (red,burgundy,black,powder blue,mint,chocolat,dark brown,off white,forest green, green,candy pink,midnight blue & navy blue)!

To enter the giveaway you can do any or all of the following, just leave a comment for each entry to get your name in the hat!
1.Become a follower of this blog!

2. Be my friend at  Facebook & leave a comment here telling me what your absolute favorite "Swell Dame" accessorie from my photo albums.

3. "Like" my Etsy  shop or follow me on Twitter .

4. Mention the giveaway on your blog,or share on  facebook or Twitter.


I'll announce the winner on Tuesday the 6th .
Good luck everybody!

Sincerely,
Swell Dame

It's the time of the season!!!

The new poster for "Past Tense" bazaar by Les Broderies Anglaises!

For all of you near we will be glad to see you stoping by and say hi!

Swell Dame will be there as usual with brand new headpieces,accessories and  fine reproduction clothes to keep the last days of winter "warm" and glamorous!!!

Hope to see ya there!!!

Sincerely,
Swell Dame

p.s  http://www.facebook.com/events/183919571708477/

Lemonade In The Grass.

My inspiration for the past few days is the combination of green and yellow.
Here is my Etsy treasury list with some selected items.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzIyNzU2OHw2NDczMjk5Njc/lemonade-in-the-grass

Since today is the first day of autumn, i thoughT that i'm oblidged to keep the summer mood a bit longer in this blog for the following reasons:
a.I leave in Greece and here summer lasts for at least 1 month more.
b.Today is also my first day on actual holidays!(typically yesterday was the first but when we arrived at Pileio it was raining cats & dogs!!!!grrrr)
c.I still have freshly bought summer clothes (plus a wonderful 40s (green!!!) bathing suit) that  i didn't have the chance to wear yet....

Sincerely,
Swell Dame

Miss Lorelai wearing Swell Dame!

Shangai Express

Lovely Miss Francesca (BottonGufi) wearing my creation!She could not be more perfect!

Photos by Swell Dame 

Summer Jamboree #12

Eva Peron Inspired

Proudly present my new line inspired by one of my personal fashion icons of the 40s!

Eva Peron Deluxe!

Treasure Hunt #1

These what i found in last Sunday's Treasure Hunt  in Athens flea market!!!!

Easy and cheap way to turn a plain box into a retro 50s purse!!!!

First you find a box with nice shape that you think is appropriate and comfortable to carry around.
I found this in a bookstore,it's lightweight wood and has a nice pie-de-poule pattern & cool retro look.
I was lucky with this one,cause it allready had a nice antique clasp but if yours doesnt come with one you can buy one from your local hardware store or even better you ll find some great ones on Etsy!!!

You also gonna need a handle.Mine was a typical round bamboo one that i saw in middle and then drill two holes (see pic) with a Black and Decker.But you can easily use any handle that fits your bag.
I personaly prefer bamboo o wood for an economical solution but my favourites are made from bakelite and lucite.There is a great variety of vintage and some contemporary hones with retro touch all over the internet!!!

I then cut a copper rod and gave a shape that you see in the photo above.
Make sure you leave enough space for your handle to move around.

Afterwards i measure the top of the box and i opened two opposite holes with the drill.

I run through the copper rod from each hole and cut the excess amount on the inside!It's nesessary to twist the ends with a plier so that the handle stays in place!

And here you go..your vintage inspired bag is ready!!!!

I 've painted the bamboo handle with a  darker gloss paint to fit the colors of the purse and im also planning to put some fabric lining on the interior!


A swell &  easy way to add some glamour to your wordrobe with a small amount of money!
Hope you like it!!!!