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Giveaway: What Shall I Wear?
Quite a while back, I wrote a little review of the classic guide to dressing by Claire McCardell titled What Shall I Wear?
At the time, many of you bemoaned the fact that it seemed to be out of print. Well, that is no longer the case!
The lovely folks at Overlook Press have sent me a brand new edition of this lively little book to give away to one of you. The new edition is just adorable, with the same original illustrations throughout, along with photos of Claire McCardell creations.
The prize
We’re giving away a copy of this new edition, plus a $25 Colette Patterns gift certificate to go with it, good for anything in our shop.
How to win
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment telling me about your favorite piece of clothing right now (could be something you’ve made, or not).
I’ll draw a random winner on Friday, Feb 8 at noon PST and edit this post to announce the winner. The drawing is open to anyone and I will pay for shipping (though you may be responsible for duties in your own country, if applicable). Good luck!
ETA: Congratulations to our winner, Ellen! Thanks for participating, everyone. There will be more giveaways to come!
Comments
Tanya
February 6, 2013 #
It’s a Jasmine blouse I made in a lovely light cotton print. For some reason none of the shops at home are selling anything in natural fibres this season and they always leave me feeling stinky by the end of the day (Australian summers and synthetics are not friends). My Jasmine has a modest neckline and gently skims my curves, perfect for work. And the cotton fabric means it still smells freshly washed at the end of the day. I love it.
Julia
February 6, 2013 #
Sadly, my favorite item right now is a boob nursing top. I used to tell everybody who cared to listen that they are the least fashionable piece of clothing possible. Looking forward to finding a new favorite!
TanjaH
February 6, 2013 #
I don’t actually have a favorite piece of clothing. That’s why I decided to start making my own clothes recently. I used to make clothes for other people and forgot about what I was wearing. However, I am sure that I will soon have a piece of clothes that looks good on me and something that I can call my favorite.
Connor
February 6, 2013 #
My fav piece of clothing right now is my heavy black baby doll dress
Tas
February 6, 2013 #
At the moment, I am loving an embroidered long jacket that I bought when I visited the USA last year. Now I just need to get through Summer into Autumn so I can wear it more.
Greta
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now is a blue and white polka dot dress that I’ve had for several years. I would wear it everyday if I could!
Judy
February 6, 2013 #
Whatever I’m making is my favorite at the moment. Therefore, in a bizarre choice, my favorite is a muslin mock-up skirt I’m working on. I’ve never done a muslin mock-up first, which is probably why I’m often disappointed in my final products.
Diana
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite item of clothing right now are my extra-long legwarmers from American Apparel! Super handy in the chill winter of the northern midwest…
Jennifer McComb
February 6, 2013 #
Great galloping giveaway, Batman!
Seriously!
My favorite article of clothing right now? Comfortable, worn-in jeans, that I’ve patched all over – knees of course, but also belt loop joins, pocket joins. Lots of wear in ’em yet!
Thanks for the cool give-away!
Lene Light
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite wardrobe piece currently are my purple jeans from Target. They are a staple, high-waisted, and hold a crisp cuff without being scratchy. They also perfectly match a blouse I made (which is first runner up for the title of most beloved piece).
Good luck all!!
bunny
February 6, 2013 #
i love my lavender tunic sweater from old navy. it’s soft and warm and looks great with my grey skinny jeans! too bad it’s acrylic and is already pilling…
LauraH
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now is my brown hoodie. It’s extra soft and warm! I like to wear it with just about everything!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Alaskapsych
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing will ALWAYS be blue jeans! So sorry to admit it, but it is true. I am hoping to start making my own jeans for fit and comfort and to have control over style and type. But, yes, plain old blue jeans!
Lee
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite piece of clothing right now is a black merino scoop neck sleeveless swing dress. It’s semi-fitted until just below the bust point, so successfully looks non-maternity. It goes with bright tights and stripy tops worn underneath and has lasted for about four years so far. One day I will recreate it.
Kat
February 6, 2013 #
Fantastic contest, I’d love this book! My favourite piece of clothing at the moment is a dress I just made – Vogue 8810 – out of a lovely textured Japanese cotton. It’s so cool to wear in the summer heat, yet classy and stylish…right up my alley! Cheers :)
Eyejs
February 6, 2013 #
Hi, I would love to win this book. My favourite piece of clothing at present is a black cotton /bamboo ballet style wrap cardigan. Goes with so many things from pretty dresses to jeans.
Vanessa
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now is a fine merino wool knit dress from Garnet Hill. It is so soft! And warm! The bodice is a rib knit and the skirt is flat, to it clings where it’s OK and doesn’t where it’s not over my pear shaped body.
Spencer
February 6, 2013 #
It is a tie between my navy blue ginger and my dachshund washi dress. I love that I made both of them and they fit like a dream!
Katie
February 6, 2013 #
Enjoying summer in Sydney wearing silk men’s shirts in sherbet colours I bought at a movie costume sale, teamed with shorts, sandles and of course a big brimmed straw hat.
Annie Viccars
February 6, 2013 #
Giveaways are the bomb! My favourite peice of clothing right now is a brown tunic with giant blue & woth ribbon in african wax fabric made by my little cousin back homw. It’s summer time here in Australia so I wear it everyday after work. It’s this piece that actually encourage me to learn hoe to sew. Thanks!
Anna
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite item at the moment is a vintage faux fir coat from Marks & Spencer, however it’s so old the label says St Michaels inside! (their old name). I was given ‘the bear’ by my grandmother who used to wear it in 70s and 80s. It is literally the warmest thing I own so perfect for cold, sunny days!
cierra
February 6, 2013 #
I have an adorable yellow blazer that adds the perfect amount of happiness to any outfit, especially on a cold winter day.
Odeth v
February 6, 2013 #
I loveeee a sweater than have belonged to both my brothers as children, now it is my 3/4 sleeved red treasure
Emily
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite item of clothing is the only pair of jeans I own. Unfortunately I didn’t make them, they’re Levi’s, but they fit so well and look great with everything. I wish I could find more of them!
Cinnamon
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece(s) of clothing right now is my leggings. They’re comfy, look good, and keep me warm. I’ve even made some for myself and I always get complimented on them.
Nancy
February 6, 2013 #
My current favorite for this winter is a suit made for my mom in the late 70s. Coral, pink and dark purple tweed jacket and straight skirt with notched collar and gold buttons. She taught me to sew and did a lot of her own sewing but this was special fabric directly from England.. so she had it made for herself.
It reminds me of her and certainly is stylish today!
Tricia
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite piece of clothing at the moment is my long batik summery dress, adapted from the Sorbetto pattern. Thanks for the giveaway.
noreen
February 6, 2013 #
My current favorite peice of clothing right now are my new Keen mary jane dress shoes that just in the mail. They go with so many of my outfits, and are really really comfy!
Anna (sixtyfourcolorbox)
February 6, 2013 #
Do bras count as clothing? My current favourite piece of clothing happens to be a new blue bra I bought at Christmas. It’s super comfortable. I’ve actually forgotten to take it off a couple times.
If that doesn’t count, then my khaki corduroy skirt. It’s an A-line skirt, but it’s made of patches that create a swirl look. I love it and I hope it never wears out!
Stephanie
February 6, 2013 #
Thank you for doing this. My current favorite piece of clothing is my Pole Sweater (a comfy circular sweater) followed closely by my Frye Engineer Short boots.
Teddie
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite piece of clothing right now is a black wool maxi skirt I made. I drafted the pattern myself, and its super cozy and warm during the midwest winter. It also pairs perfectly with the coat I made out of an altered lady grey pattern.
Kerry
February 6, 2013 #
Great giveaway! My favourite piece of clothing right now is a navy and white Sorbetto that I made a couple of weeks ago. I can wear it with anything and dress it up or down. Awesome.
Katie
February 6, 2013 #
My current favorite piece of clothing is my first knit sweater. I do have sleeves to finish still but I know it will get lots of wear.
Liz H.
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now is one of my husband’s old t-shirts. I like to sleep in it when work trips keep us apart.
JP
February 6, 2013 #
A heather grey sweater with a scoop neck and batwing sleeves!
kaitui_kiwi
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite piece of clothing right now are my sandals, they count as clothing right? ;) I am really enjoying wearing them since we are having such an amazing summer, it gives me an excuse ot keep my toe nails panted too! Hehe
Laura Mae
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing generally changes on a daily basis (hopefully it is what I am wearing at that moment!). But if I had to choose one item that is a consistent winter favorite, it would be my wine colored wool pencil skirt – perfect to pair back with a cozy sweater and a pair of heels.
Kath
February 6, 2013 #
My fav thing at the mo is Ipanema jandals in black and silver – Summer here in NZ
michelle
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite piece of clothing is a pair of jeans that is for the first time ever fitted around the waist and hips without gaping at the back. The perfect size, the perfect amount of stretch, the perfect shade of indigo. They are a revelation and go with everything. I could live in them.
Mercedes Roman-Manson
February 6, 2013 #
Right now I live for peplum waist jackets. They dress up anything and when fitted correctly nip in my waist :)
Anna K.
February 6, 2013 #
I tend to be stuck on a blue linen shirt. The more i wash it the softer it gets and the more i love it. Linen is such a lovely fabric.
Linda
February 6, 2013 #
I just sewed a Cordova Jacket by Sewaholic in a Linton Ttweed using couture techniques. It was on Tasia’s site I learned of your blog and have since purchased a double breasted jacket pattern from you which is my next project in another Linton Tweed.
Rebecca Mae
February 6, 2013 #
My current favorite item of clothing is . . . a blue tunic, that fades from light to dark, in a very light cotton fabric.
Lydia
February 6, 2013 #
What a fantastic book!
My favorite article of clothing is a pair of purple striped fingerless mitts that I knit for myself. My house is drafty, and my arms are just long enough that most sweaters don’t have sleeves that reach my wrists. Someday I’ll knit a sweater with sleeves that are long enough, but I’m not that good a knitter yet!
bladerunner5
February 6, 2013 #
Mine is a skirt I made from a god-awful muumuu. I really liked the fabric when I saw it at Goodwill and knew it was destined for greater things. The skirt is too short to wear to work, so I wear it over bike shorts for working out.
Juliette
February 6, 2013 #
What a great Give Away! My favourite piece right now is a dress I made recently. I was inspired by a RTW dress but kept thinking that I could do it myself. I hunted high and low for just the right fabric and finally I found it. It’s one of those blue/mint green colours with an olive floral print that just glows!
It’s my go to dress and it sparked many things that have changed about my sewing. 1. I always sew a muslin now and take the time to make it fit, and 2. I wear what I have made with pride
Ella
February 6, 2013 #
Been feeling kind of crummy lately, so my favorite piece is a pair of flannel PJ pants that have pockets and a satin ribbon…
Joanna
February 6, 2013 #
Right now my favorite piece of clothing are my yoga pants. At 24 weeks pregnant all I care about is comfort.
karen Ladelpha
February 6, 2013 #
Hi there….it looks like a beautiful book. I’d love to win it. I’m just returning to garment sewing after a few years. My favorite thing to sew presently are blouses…using “vintage patterns” from a pattern company…thanks for the opportunity….Karen
Rachel Booth
February 6, 2013 #
Right now, I’m wearing my black skinny ponte pants, flannel gingham button up and denim jacket a lot! :) I’d LOVE to win!
Liz
February 6, 2013 #
haha, not trying to suck up, but the item of clothing I seem to reach for every time I have to go out the house for casuel reasons at the moment is my parfait I made in a lovely japanese lawn which a blue/green paisley pattern on a white background, the pattern is really stretched out so its very white but its a perfect summer dress for me here in Australia :-)
Carrie Ann
February 6, 2013 #
Black sweater dress with bead and sequence shoulders! A total show stopper!
Krista
February 6, 2013 #
The book looks fabulous! And a Colette gift cert! What a great giveaway!
My fave right now is a cozy, black, wear-with-everything sweater coat. It’s cute with boots, jeans or leggings and a top or over a dress with tights. Perfect for southern California’s version of Winter and a great answer to “What Shall I Wear?”!
miranda
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now is a pair of picque peacock green cigarette pants.
Marianne Swafford
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing is an old green argyle cardigan.
Brenda Everett
February 6, 2013 #
I recently made a shirtdress from some Amy Butler polka-dot fabric that turned out so cute! It’s really too cold here (western New York) to wear it yet but Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring on Groundhog’s Day an I have faith in him!
jen
February 6, 2013 #
Ah, so cool!
My favorite piece right now is a plaid button up shirt I bought on sale at JCrew. The main reason I love it is because it fits perfectly which is such a rare thing for me. I also like the tomboy-ishness of it. While I love girlie things I’m bit of a tomboy when it comes to everyday dressing (especially in cold weather).
Nakamarra
February 6, 2013 #
Great giveaway! My favourite piece of clothing is a stretchy, jersey leopard print top, because it is low cut enough for me to breastfeed my 5 month old daughter in! Being a nursing mum SEVERELY limits your wardrobe… but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Thanks CP!
Jill
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now are my bright red, super thick sweat pants. They’re warm, cuddly and have a forgiving elastic waist line. Can you tell it’s been a long, cold winter in my neck of the woods?
Sandra
February 6, 2013 #
My absolute favorite item right now is my electric jacket. I know, right??!!! It keeps me warm and cozy while I ride my motorcycle. There are also electric pant and gloves, but I don’t have those. All you have to do is plug them into your bike to stay toasty. It doesn’t look cheesy at all. It’s form fitting – not tight, and classy – I wish I could show you a pic – it’s amazing!!! Oh, you can order a battery pack, so once off your bike, you can still stay warm ;)
Catherine
February 6, 2013 #
My goodness what a lovely giveaway! My favorite piece is a DIY maxi skirt I made from a remnant – not incredibly glamorous, but for whatever reason, quite gratifying!
Liz
February 6, 2013 #
Thanks for the giveaway! I think my favorite clothing item are some skinny black ankle-length cords. I feel very Laura Petrie in them!
LK
February 6, 2013 #
My down jacket, lol, its COLD outside!
Kyri
February 6, 2013 #
I’d love to win this! What a great giveaway.
My favourite item of clothing at the moment is my new green skirt that I just made – a chintzy fabric with pink and purple flowers, lovely poplin half circle skirt with pockets. So comfy and pretty for a Australian summer’s day! Also, I’ll get to wear it when I go to the USA and Greece in June and July, so I’ll get double wear out of it this year!
Connie
February 6, 2013 #
My favorites pieces of clothing right now are my Eberjey pajama set, so soft and comfortable!
Elisabeth
February 6, 2013 #
I just completed (last week) my Tiramisu dress (from Cake Patterns)! It is so comfortable and a lovely burnt orange knit. I made it with long instead of short sleeves and I would be wearing it every day if I only didn’t have to wear scrubs to work! It’s my first knit garment and while it has some glitches it is SO COMFY! (And yet, it’s real clothes! Such a win!).
missjoiedevivre
February 6, 2013 #
Oh my. Oh my. Ohmyohmyohmy. I would love LOVE this book. I’m crossing everything I have. My favourite pieces of clothing right now are my self made circle skirts. I’m also in love with a RTW watermelon cropped cardigan, having finally figured out I need cropped cardis to suit me, and who’d have thought that watermelon is basically a neutral in my wardrobe!
mz kat
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite item of clothing is a 100% wool purple skirt I found at a second-hand shop. I love that it’s my favorite color. I love that it’s full enough to be able to wear over dresses and layer clothing. And most of all I loved the price ($4) !!
Cathryn
February 6, 2013 #
My favourite piece of clothing at the moment is a tunic I made. Being Summer down here, a gorgeous lightweight fabric tunic is the perfect thing to wear to look vaguely stylish and cool…
chloe
February 6, 2013 #
I love my homemade fold over waist striped ponti skirt. It took about 20 mins but feels great!
Shannon
February 6, 2013 #
My current favorite is my recently thrifted Pendleton 49er. I’d been looking for one for a while and I found it on a birthday shopping trip. I love the colors and it’s a great piece for the current weather.
Rebecca
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now is a sweater I got at Anthro not too long ago. It is navy, white and kelly green stripes with gold and navy bow buttons at the shoulders. I love it!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Ginger
February 6, 2013 #
Right now my favorite piece is a nursing shirt I bought from Canada. I can nurse my baby and no one sees my tummy. :-)
Ana
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing are by brown leather boots. They are practical for Colorado weather and stylish.
nalani
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite clothing item is a long jacket/blazer with oversize wooden buttons and a fabric belt. Fun, fun, fun!
Nobutterfly
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite item at the moment are dresses. I just can’t get enough
Aimee
February 6, 2013 #
Oh geeze, I have to pick just one?
I’ve made a cloak recently that I love, but I have one skirt made from corduroy SCRAPS that is my most worn. I’d have to pick that as my favorite. The waistband needs to be taken in, I’ve worn it so much that it’s stretched. I wear it with my favorite ready-to-wear shirt with 3/4 sleeves and a lovely pattern on it, and ruching up the sides. This skirt is made from Simplicity 2655 and the only alteration is that I took off the pocket ties (and obviously the skirt panels are created from two corduroy scraps each instead of being one piece as intended).
Cisa
February 6, 2013 #
Pick just one favorite? It’s like asking me to pick my favorite child, lol. Currently, probably the cornflower blue sweater dress from France. It’s got these darling birds knit into it down the front. The only downside? The top-most birds are situated just so, if you know what I mean. Nothing like starting your day off realizing you have bird boobs!
Amanda
February 6, 2013 #
Thanks for the giveaway! My favorite piece of clothing is my knit wrap dress I made last fall. Makes me feel so happy every time I wear it. :)
Meegan
February 6, 2013 #
Hooray! I’m really digging my Scout tees (brought to us by Grainline Studio)…I can’t stop making them! Highly recommend the pattern to anyone looking to add versatile and simple pieces to their handmade collection.
Michele
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite right now is my super warm flannel shirt. I get so cold in the winter!
Maggy
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite garment is a buttonless cardigan. It’s not complicated, it’s not handmade and it’s not even colorful, it’s just a plain black cardigan that I bought from Kohl’s. However, the shawl collar comes up and covers my neck perfectly when it’s cold, it’s the perfect length (below the the butt) and the sleeves are long enough to curl my hands into. In short, it’s cozy comfort in a sweater.
I love it and plan to wear it till it is nothing more than scant black yarn in strings about me.
Jude Bates
February 6, 2013 #
What a wonderful gift. my favourite piece of clothing currently is a soft waisted long light weight maharaja patterned skirt that I got for a bargain just before Christmas, it’s summer here in Australia at present and HOT , it washes, it wears and it is cool. thankyou for the opportunity to win.
Claudia
February 6, 2013 #
Thank you for this giveaway! My favorite pieces of clothing are two wool sweaters that I “made”. They were two long dresses originally. I cut off the top part and hemmed them with a cross stitch.
Sally
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing is my short sleeved Sorbetto that I made out of this piece f fabric I’ve had in my stash for maybe 18 years. I just kept waiting for the right thing to make with it. It’s a buttery yellow with little flowers on it. It has a vintage feel to it and just makes me happy when I wear it! Love your site, love your stuff!
CosmicCaro
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing now is my cobalt blue skinny jeans ; I feel younger and trendier with them! I love the soft fabric (brushed twill?!?) and the electric color! But since I wear them so often, they will die young I guess! Maybe I should try to make myself a nice pair of clover! ;)
Ginger
February 6, 2013 #
I think my current face is my new Anise jacket– I’m not even sucking up, that’s the honest truth! What an adorable book– so glad to see it’s back in print!
Lori
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing at the moment is a pair of dark blue trouser jeans; they are super comfortable and flattering (at least I think so). I’m hoping to learn how to make a pattern from these so I can have them forever!
lore
February 6, 2013 #
its going to sound like a suckup but as i’m sitting here typing this with my black rayon sencha top, i’m going to go with that! great giveaway!
lore
x
Claire Sims
February 6, 2013 #
I have a pair of seagreen/pale jade pants I love. They fit beautifully.
Emily
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite item of clothing is a knit skirt that has been faithfully stretching to cover a growing belly as we anticipate the arrival of a new blessing in the next couple of weeks.
Mika
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite item right now is a simple dolman sleeve top I made out of a rayon knit. It’s super comfy, but still looks put together when I style it properly.
Vivian Varela
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite clothing item right now is a blazer my sister made for me. It’s navy and looks great with both jeans and dress pants :)
Alexandra
February 6, 2013 #
My current favorite piece of clothing is my boyfriend’s blue plaid flannel shirt. I love coming home from a long day at work to snuggle up in it (and with my darling too!).
Randi
February 6, 2013 #
I’m loving Donna Reed’s shirt dresses (big fan of her show). She always looks so practical & stylish.
Aleah
February 6, 2013 #
My favorite piece of clothing right now is a cashmere sweater dress. Comfy, warm and versatile. And snuggelie. Thanks for the giveaway!
Suubi Njuki
February 6, 2013 #
Right now, I am so into narrow legged trousers which stop just before the ankle. I am loving them in vivid colours..in fact I just bought a fierce fushcia fabric to attempt making myself a pair!
Meredith
February 6, 2013 #
That looks like a great read! Right now, I’m seven months pregnant, so I’m tired of basically everything that fits. However, I did just finish knitting myself a beautiful waterfall cardigan, and every time I put it on, I feel a couple of degrees less frumpy.
Coriander
February 6, 2013 #
I recently made a dress with an african wax print. It was my first real dress and I was really happy that it turned out well. Right now that dress is my favorite piece of clothing.
Coriander
February 6, 2013 #
I recently made a dress with an african wax print. It was my first real dress and I was really happy that it turned out well. Right now that dress is my favorite piece of clothing. It is very kind of you to host this give away.