What Shall I Wear? is probably one of the most seminal books in fashion, at least for me. I'd rank it right up there with Fashion is Spinach, and that's saying something.

It was supposed to be released today, but Amazon is already showing it's out of stock — I'd order it now to be sure of getting one! Copies of earlier editions sell for well over US$100.

This is what McCardell had to say about her designs:

"For me, it's America—it looks and feels like America. It's freedom, it's democracy, it's casualness, it's good health. Clothes can say all that."

The whole book is inspiring. I heartily recommend it.

Weirdly, we only have one pattern tagged "Claire McCardell" on the wiki. Hmm. I'll have to see what we can do about that!

In celebration of Jen's site MOMSPatterns being up & running for three solid years, she's running a Happy Anniversary To MOMS Sale (combined with a Labor Day sale) through the weekend! Save 25% on by using coupon code 'yayjen' until Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at midnight EST.

Jen's also just moved another 50 patterns to the Sale Section which has patterns priced from $1-$5. AND she's still adding 30-40 patterns every day for you to choose from. (And she offers combined & discounted shipping for multiple purchases.) Happy Anniversary!

Lisa at the Vintage Fashion Librarian is giving away a Mood Fabrics bag (of Project Runway fame)! Very spiffy.

Sorry for the light posting folks, but in addition to moving across the country for my internet startup, I *just* finished (the first draft, anyway, I expect my awesome editors to add some of their awesome to it) of The Secret Lives of Dresses novel, due out next year from Grand Central (in the US) and Hodder (in the UK). Whew!