weekly giveaway - carrie girl:

December 14, 2009



carrie girl is such a treasure. it's one of those shops you come across and immediately favorite and want everything! her jewelry travel wallets are pure genius - i put one on my christmas list ;) (i always throw my necklaces in a bag and then they get all tangled, hehe) this week carrie has generously donated one of her fabulous clutches - the penelope clutch.

win: penelope clutch, $40 value!



Carrie has also kindly offered a 10% discount off
your entire purchase from her shop!
Excellent for gifts for friends or yourself :)

Code: OHHELLOFRIEND
Discount: 10% on ANY purchase

Hello! Please tell us a little about yourself! My name is Carrie, and I live smack-dab in the middle of the Midwest in lovely Iowa City. I am an elementary special education teacher who spends most of my free time sewing and making things or thinking about sewing and making things. I started Carrie Girl a little over 2 years ago, and since then I have fallen even more in love with the creative process of bag and accessory design.

How did you get started in sewing and making all your lovely clutches and travel wallets? I started sewing about 4 years ago when I was living in Brooklyn. On a whim, I got a sewing machine from Target, bought a book, and started teaching myself. I’ve learned a lot along the way by trying new things and making a lot of mistakes. Recently I saw a tote bag I made for my brother’s girlfriend when I first started out and totally cringed, but it was just a nice reminder that learning to do something new is a process and that at least I had made some progress!

My Travel Jewelry Wallets are one of the first real projects I saw through from start to finish. They are inspired by a silk jewelry case my mom had from the 60’s. My version is made from vintage fabric, organic cotton canvas and bamboo batting, so they’re a modern twist on a very functional item. I started the clutches last spring when I became completely obsessed with scallops and wanted to use them on everything! I love the design process--each of my patterns are worked and re-worked several times before I actually get to the final product.

Where do you find all your beautiful fabric? I try to use as much repurposed fabric as I can, so most of my stash has been collected from thrift stores and garage sales. Some of it I find by the yard or in big scraps, but others are cut up vintage shirts and dresses. I usually hit my thrift store route once or twice a week after work, and definitely on Saturdays. I try and keep my purchases just to fabric and notions, but once in awhile a ceramic deer or vintage lowball glass makes its way home with me, too.

Where do you gather inspiration from? I’m most definitely inspired by the materials I use—vibrant fabrics, different textures and unique patterns. I love flipping through vintage craft books and magazines for color combinations and new-to-me techniques. I also find inspiration daily from the crafting community--reading blogs, checking out Etsy stores and design websites always makes me want to go home and sew. There are so many talented people out there making beautiful things in their kitchens and bedrooms. I'm often floored by it all. I have to say that it wasn't until I discovered the crafting/sewing/DIY world online that I really was inspired to start doing it myself. And it still sustains me.

Favorite inspirational blogs/shops/links: I spend way too much time reading blogs and window shopping online, so here are just a few... the small object | smitten kitchen | clever girl | etsy: quit your day job

Visit carrie girl and leave a comment
with your favorite item from the shop.

( EXTRA CHANCE TO ENTER! )
wait! there is an opportunity to gain one extra entry:
simply twitter, facebook, or blog about this giveaway
and come back and comment with the link :)

please check back next week to see if you are the lucky winner!

giveaway ends on monday, december 21 at 8am, pst




ps: congrats to LORI the winner of the giveaway from lisa leonard! please contact me with your information! (winner has 1 week to claim prize. if prize is not claimed, a new winner will be chosen)


162 hello's:

  1. the dark teal Penelope Clutch-- so wintery!

    Thanks!

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  2. love the navy clutch with red plaid. reminds me of my old school uniform :)

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  3. The Clementine Clutch in any colour that includes black of some sort. Thanks for the chance! jj10bower@shaw.ca

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  4. I love the black wool with plaid. So cute!! I hope I win:)

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  5. Carrie, I too am completely obsesses with scallops. I want to scallop my tree skirt, my pillow cases, my handmade cards, everything!
    I love your clutches! Thanks for the giveaway, Carrie and Danni!
    --Sarah

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  6. My favorite is the black and red plaid penelope clutch! Also, I tweeted about it at www.twitter.com/mybeautifulone

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  7. I love the Clementine Clutch - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24550424

    The retro teal color and black and white flower pattern are perfect together.

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  8. i can't decide if i love the clementine or the penelope more! i love any one in plaid!

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  9. I LOVE the Penelope clutch with the plaid. Adorable.

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  10. I love the clementine clutch, particularily in the purple with the teal flowery top, its gorgeous!

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  11. I love the navy and floral Clementine Clutch. What a great shop! Thanks for the link!

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  12. I love the Clementine Pouch in dark blue with flowers. It's gorgeous!

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  13. i love all the penelope clutches in plaid. So lovely! thanks for the giveaway!

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  14. I adore the Clementine Clutch... any color combination would be delightful!

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  15. omg!! this is so cool!! please count me in too!!

    my fav item is the clementine clutches!!

    xoxo

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  16. I love all of the clementine clutches!

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  17. I LOVE the Clementine Clutch! So feminine. I want it in the sky blue or purple!

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  18. I absolutely love the tartan Clementine clutch - very retro! Thanks for showcasing a great maker - I love stumbling across new faves! Nic xx

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  19. Those plaid penelope clutches are just darling!

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  20. the clementine clutch is adorable! i would love to give it to my sister for christmas!

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  21. SO adorable and SO lovingly handmade!
    My favorite is the travel jewelry wallet...perfectly named. I love the vintage fabrics, specifically the one with blue flowers and gray leaves...

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  22. Love love love the olive green + teal penelope clutch! Super cute!!

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  23. ALLLLL OF THE jewelry wallets are my favorite. I love her whole shop!

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  24. oh my gosh i LOVE the clementine clutch! those scalloped edges are uber cute!

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  25. my favorite is definitely the Clementine clutch in the beige with red/blue plaid :) i love the scallops too!

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  26. the clementine clutch is too sweet for words! i adore it!

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  27. My favorite has to be the aqua colored clementine clutch. Gotta love that scalloped edge!

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  28. i love the navy clutch with red plaid...they are all SO beautiful though..

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  29. tough call on a favorite... i think i like the penelope in the plaid wool (with the black) the best, although they are all adorable!

    crossign my fingers!
    sarah

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  30. What sweet and simple designs. I really like this one:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24552443

    Thanks for a great giveaway!

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  31. Love the travel jewelry wallet - the one with the black background and colorful flowers. So cute!

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  32. These are gorgeous! My favourite is the Clementine Clutch (the blue and flowered one)

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  33. I think I like this one best: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33602559

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  34. Ooh, I love these!
    Particularly this dark eggplant and plaid penelope clutch. Such a beautiful rich color and simplicity.

    Kait
    (kaitmustwait@gmail.com)

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  35. Clementine---with the beautiful eggplant color!

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  36. twittered about the giveaway at http://twitter.com/kaitkatt.

    <3

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  37. The travel wallets are genius! (I especially like the green flowered one!) As a college student, it seems like I'm constantly shuttling from my school in Massachusetts to my home in Seattle. Many trips = lots of tangled necklaces. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  38. I love all the Penelope clutches, especially any of the navy blue/plaid ones. So cute!

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  39. Oh I love that adorable Clementine Clutch that's blue with the flower flap. Sophisticated yet fun!

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  40. That Penelope clutch is fabulous!

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  41. love love love this giveaway! :D

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  42. The Penelope Clutch in blue & olive. So dreamy!

    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  43. Love the penelope clutch, also!

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  44. Love the Clementine Clutch!

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  45. I love this clutch and her shop! I'm really liking the Clementine Clutch :) Thanks for the opportunity!

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  46. I can't decide between this one, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24529179, and this one, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24552443. Overall, I love the Clementine Clutch!

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  47. I love The Clementine Clutch!!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36415578

    lianne-nichols at hotmail dot com

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  48. The Penelope is actually my fave! We are MFEO!

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  49. Heart any of the Penelope clutches. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

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  50. Wow could this be the best giveaway ever?! I think it might be in the top ten at the very least. My favorite item in her shop is by far the The Clementine Clutch. So unique and fabulous. Loves it

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  51. The Penelope clutch is my favourite and I'm a sucker for plaid, so I love them all!!! If I had to choose my very favourite it would be either the one you have pictured in your post or the mustard coloured one with the teal plaid flap.

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  52. Love these cute travel bags. I love the floral prints and always love Navy anything! Check out my Twitter "shout out" http://twitter.com/citygirljojo

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  53. I absolutely love the Penelope clutch in this navy and red plaid. So cozy!!

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  54. I blog. :-)
    http://lilbikergirl.blogspot.com/2009/12/you-can-never-have-too-many-purses.html

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  55. I love all the plaid Penelope clutches! So adorable! :)

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  56. i love the red and navy penelope clutch :)

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  57. Love the penelope clutch with the blue fabric and red and white plaid top!

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  58. Gorgeous clutch!! I also love the purple and floral Clementine clutch. :)

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  59. The Clementine Clutch is the most adorable thing i've ever seen. it's a mix of my favourite colours too!

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  60. I love this little purse...so cute!

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  61. The travel jewellery wallet is such a clever idea!

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  62. I think my fave is the penelope clutch! It's so cute!

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  63. Love, love the Clementine Clutch... all of them are too cute :)

    caseyrandom@gmail.com

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  64. All of the Penelope clutches are adorable!!!

    Thanks for having yet another fantastic giveaway!

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  65. I love the Clementine Clutch! The fabrics used are so pretty!

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  66. they're all so adorable, but i think my fave one is the teal penelope clutch with the plaid :)

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  67. the plaid choices are all so lovely! and such a vintage/preppy twist... I think my favorite is one with the houndstooth :o)

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  68. Clementine clutch is my favorite. I love the scalloped cut. The flowery fabric is so pretty, and delicate looking. Great shop!

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  69. I love the dainty Clementine clutch...beautiful fabrics to choose from:) Thanks for the chance!
    christinbanda at yahoo dot com

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  70. Penelope in mustard yellow.

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  71. oh man this is so so so hard!
    maybe the clementine clutch that is the light sea green with the black and white flowers?

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  72. oh man this is so so so hard!
    maybe the clementine clutch that is the light sea green with the black and white flowers?

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  73. 1.
    i adore the turquoise and black clementine clutch!!

    2. http://twitter.com/jenfurmishel/status/6685116173

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  74. Oh yes please!!! I love the navy clutch with red plaid!

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  75. wow I love everything. I love the clementine clutches the most and the beige one with the bright colored little flowers is my fave.
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24529179

    had to heart her shop! <3

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  76. I like the Penelope Clutch with the green herringbone :)

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  77. The dark blue Penelope Clutch(with white, red and blue strips - the one pictured above). So adorable and perfect for winter!

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  78. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=509838650

    I posted it on my facebook :)

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  79. I really like the Clementine Clutch that's navy with a floral flap...

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  80. oh i love the black clutch with plaid! so wonderful!

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  81. that is such a great giveaway

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  82. I love the travel jewelry wallets -- especially this grey and blue one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36428305. Everything here is so beautiful and looks really well-made. Classic and funky at the same time!

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  83. i love the penelope clutch in green! love the unexpected colors on this classic clutch.

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  84. I love the Royal Purple with blue flower flap Clementine Clutch.. hehe don't know how to describe the flap :)

    I also tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/mspeppero

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  85. the beige clementine clutch with red plaid...so cute! :]

    thank you!

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  86. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33602559

    I just love this :) sooo cute! glad it's the one being given away :)

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  87. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  88. i love the black floral jewelry case. adorable

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  89. oh, and here's an extra entry for good luck!
    http://cocoagreen23.blogspot.com/2009/12/another-giveaway.html

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  90. How do you do it? You always find the best shops! :)
    I'm in love with the shape of her Clementine clutches, sooo pretty!

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  91. love the flowery jewelry wallet, it's preeettyyy :)

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  92. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  93. Love the Penelope clutch. My favorite? The first one in the picture showing the 6 clutches. Love the plaid in that one!! A beauty for sure!!

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  94. I liked the black penelope clutch with the classic red/white/etc plaid flap. ;)

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/betsieandlou

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  95. I absolutely adore the Penelope clutch!! SOOOOO cute.

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  96. i'm torn between the teal with black and white flap and the olive with plaid top.... all very cute!

    courtney.kieras (at) gmail (dot) com

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  97. LOVE the travel jewelry wallet!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36429113

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  98. i love the clementime clutch, with the beige bottom and flowery top! so cute!

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  99. I love that little Travel Wallet in the patter/color that you posted above the most!

    xo
    Cassie

    (moonfaceon@gmail.com)

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  100. the navy blue with red plaid is gorgeous!

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  101. The Clementine Clutch in purse is really nice

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  102. oh c'mon lucky 104!! :P

    I would love a travel jewelry wallet, this exact pattern (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36427390) hokay hokay?? :P

    they are ingenious! and i love the name 'carriegirl'!

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  103. I love the Clementine clutches!

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  104. I love the Clementine Clutch! it is so cheerful and lovely and the scalloped edge is to die for!

    mialovesgod@yahoo.com

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  105. my favorite one is the The Clementine Clutch
    cream color with the mini colorful dots on top!

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  106. The tan and floral clementine clutch is JUST what I've been looking for! DANG! I love it! Can I win that? :) Hehe. These are all beautiful!

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  107. I like them all, but I especially like the Penelope clutch in the olive color with blue plaid.

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  108. I love the travel jewelery wallet with the quilt-like calicoes the best.

    So impressed with Carrie's ambition- I hope I can be like that!

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  109. The Clementine clutch which has those black flowers:)love each one of them...

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  110. my favorite is the clementine clutch - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24551804

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  111. oh i love these! hmm, it's so hard to choose one! love 'em all, but i'm especially loving the clementine clutch with the navy blue body and floral flaps. what a great giveaway! thank u!:D

    TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com
    Cleaning out my closet: ShopTheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

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  112. Wool plaid! So wintery, I love wintery purses. Thanks for this chance to win!!

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  113. I like the clutch (id=33600649)

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  114. What a great giveaway!! Beautiful shop, the blue and red Penelope clutch is amazing!

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  115. Oh! This is so nice!
    And, by the way, soooo nice blog...

    www.floddertjeblog.blogspot.com

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  116. i think i like the dark blue/purple penelope clutch the best - although all the color combinations are lovely.

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  117. I definitely love the Clementine clutch in sky blue.

    And the Penelope clutch in the navy plaid or the olive/turquoise!

    Thanks for having this contest!

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  118. what a cute clutch!

    breanneangelo@gmail.com

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  119. I love love love this clutch!
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36414104

    The colors are fantastic!

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  120. I heart the travel wallets! I am forever untangling jewelry. I especially like the floral one with the black background.

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  121. I love the pink Clementine Clutch. Aww adorable!
    Thanks for the chance.

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  122. i love the travel jewelry wallet!!!!!

    artsygirlb96@gmail.com

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  123. I'm loving this giveaway! The clutch is sooo cute! My favorite item from the shop would have to be this Clementine Clutch:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24529179

    Thank you for this giveaway! =)

    missxmeliss@gmail.com

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  124. I also tweeted about the giveaway:

    http://twitter.com/meli_renee/status/6720668284

    missxmeliss@gmail.com

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  125. I love the travel jewelry wallet - in all of the patterns lol :)

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  126. I blogged!http://lifeasitisbeautiful.blogspot.com/2009/12/blog-find-oh-hello-friend.html

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  127. Ilove the navy clutch with red plaid
    so beautiful stuff

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  128. Love the penelope clutch
    ;-)

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  129. The Clementine Clutch is my favorite
    thanks for the chance

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  130. I love the Penelope clutch with the plaid !

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  131. My favorite is the Penelope Clutch, lime green base with blue/green plaid closure. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  132. Oh, how lovely!!
    My fave item from the shop is The Clementine Clutch, the last one in her shop...although it's very hard to choose. I love multiple items from her adorable shop!

    This is the link:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24529179

    Thanks sweetheart!

    Oh, and congrats to Lori...

    <3
    Mila.

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  133. I love the clementine clutch in light grey with the blue, pink & orange flowers I think it's cute as a button!!!

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  134. The vintage plaid wool clutch in red plaid is one of my faves...there are a few others I like as well... her clutches look very put together & so crisp.... great sewing! Please enter me,thanks!Renee- reneealam@verizon.net

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  135. i love the penelope clutch pictured for the giveaway! please pick me!

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  136. i adore the blue Penelope clutch with the red plaid!! what a lovely shop!

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  137. love the black vintage plaid clutch...wonder find!

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  138. what adorable clutches! I especially love the penelope clutch! and the ones with the scalloped edges... oh the cuteness!

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  139. I love the Clementine clutches! They're all so cute!

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  140. Such beautiful items! I especially love the navy penelope clutch with the red/blue/green plaid!

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  141. I love the navy clementine clutch with bright flowers. The girly, scalloped deatil is the best!

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  142. i absolutely love the travel jewelry wallet! the print is just beautiful!

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  143. I love this clutch:

    Penelope Clutch

    tazimd@gmail.com

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  144. though i love the clementine clutch, my favorite for both functionality and fashion is the Travel Jewelry Wallet! so cute and so useful!

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  145. ohhhhh, I love the colours in this Clementine clutch: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24550424

    what a great giveaway!

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  146. I love the vintage fabric of the green travel jewelry wallet. What a great idea!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36429113

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  147. my new obsession.. the clementine clutch in seafoam with a black and white patterned flap... ugh
    a close second is the penelope clutch in red and navy blue
    =]

    colettebauer@yahoo.com

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  148. <3 the clementine. So quaintly cute!

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  149. i LOVE the Clementine Clutch!

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  150. Oh, I love the Penelope Clutch ... so vintage classic!

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  151. love the purple clementine clutch

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  152. I love the clementine one! The cute little flowers are so girly :) Like me.

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  153. the penelope clutch is my favourite...so cute!

    Elizabeth T

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  154. while the penelope clutch is sweet.....I am also loving the clementine clutches in any colour!

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  155. Ok, these clutches just might be my newest obsession. I love the Clementine clutch in the pastel floral fabric - so beautiful!

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  156. this ones is my favorite:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24529179

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  157. I love the penelope clutch it's my fave
    thanks Nikki

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  158. These are all so cute. I love the clementine clutch in blue with the floral top the most. Thanks for the oppertunity and for introducing me to this shop

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Friends, Thank you so much for reading + supporting my blog, and for taking the time to leave me a comment. Your comment support truly means so much to me. Have a lovely day! xo, danni