Lil Vintage Me

A Few Threads Loose: Ooh la la Pin Up Sew-Along... with a giveaway, of ...

2012-02-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

Fancy joining me and afew others on a vintage sew along? Hop on over to afew threads loose and join in sewing some undies!!!

A Few Threads Loose: Ooh la la Pin Up Sew-Along... with a giveaway, of ...: Ladies, I present the Ooh la la Pin-Up Sew-Along: I've been talking for a while with a fellow blogger about doing a joint sew-along and n...

I'm in Love.... Heyday's Trousers

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Before I started with 'this vintage lark' you would often find me in a pair of jeans. My instant go-to for days when dresses were too cold, they suited my 'country mum' lifestyle. Last September I put my jeans away and haven't worn them since! Autumn and Winter were spent wearing thick wooly tight under dresses and occassionally boots. I seemed to be doing ok. Luckily I had bought a pair of vintage-ish wide leg trousers (from Sainsburys) which did me for colder days but I always felt a cheat in them. Now temperatures have dipped into the minus numbers I've opened my jeans drawer a couple of times for a couple of occassions ( a muddy country walk, and an evening with friends at the pub) luckily I've resisted both times!!

Kitten in Heyday Trousers

It definitely became apperent that what I was lacking was a good pair of 40s style trousers!! Once again I turned to the internet for a solution. It didn't take me long to find Heyday doing a short run of Khaki Trousers. A great price and up to my size too - the colour would be perfect and go with lots of other stuff - I was sold!! Unfortunately money funds restricted me from purchasing them until after my birthday
(M-I-Law was giving me a voucher) and the website warned they had previously sold out very quickly - oh no!

Taking a chance I emailed the company and asked if they could hold a pair for me. Great news (dealing with these smaller companies with great customer service) was that they could! It was a long wait (even longer because I got mum to take them up for me) but when they arrived I could not believe how great they were!! The cut, the fit - every thing!! As I looked in the mirror I could imaging a pair in navy, red.......all of them!

A post earlier in the week on another blog (sorry can't find it at the mo) listing all our UK reproduction companies reminded me just how lucky we are here, so when payday comes around, treat yourself and support these UK companies that really do put their customers first!!

Birthday Bowling

2012-02-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Last weekend (amid the snow) was my joint birthday bowling bash with my Brother and Daughter. We headed over to Bristol with other halves, children and Parents and had a fab afternoon!!

We went for a Mexican first, where we were handed stickers sheets of moustaches - What Fun!!!! Cue hilarious posing for Camera session....

So glad we chose Bowling, it gave hubby a ghreat excuse to wear his Fab 'new' 1950s bowling shirt - didn't he look handsome!!!

{Make do and Mend} Dressmaking for Dummies

2012-01-31T04:32:00.000-08:00

There weren't many things on my wish list for 2012 , mastering victory rolls and another great 1940s hairdo was on there along with being able to swingdance properly.

But the main goal on my list was to be able to sew my own clothes!!

Luckily on the same day I was trawling the internet for courses, a flyer came through from my local school offereing a dressmaking for ~~dummies~~ beginners class. I signed stratight up!

It was my first my first week last Thursday and I loved it, theres a good mix of people young and old, old hands(that are self taught) and others new to it all. We were offered a pattern to sew in class, but I didn't like it! I was really after something a little more vintage inspired....

Unfortunately vintage patterns are on the small size for me, so I was hoping to find retro inspired patterns instead. I found loads I loved, but set with instructions to buy a skirt pattern with a zip and to bring it to class next week, that discounted quite a few.

In the end I've bought this pattern....

Not retro at all, but simple! I've bought material to make E (top right) but I'll be adding straps and turning it into a suspender skirt which should be perfect for swing class! I'll also be able to reuse the pattern to make some 40s style pencil skirts!

I've already bought 2 more 40s patterns off eBay!!!!

How about you? Can you sew? I know lots of you that read this do, so, any advice for a beginner? What patterns are good?

The 1940s Family: A Wassailing We Did Go...

2012-01-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

The 1940s Family: A Wassailing We Did Go...: Hailing from somerset the 1940s family could hardly miss an opportunity to take part in this ancient local tradition. Wassa...

todays post is over on my other blog. come see what we do in somerset on a cold january afternoon xx

The artist And Vintage Mondays

2012-01-29T03:50:00.000-08:00

Last week for a special pre birthday treat, hubby took me to see The Artist. I was so excited! I'd wanted to see this film since I first saw the trailer.A double super thrill was that he was taking me to see it at the Little Theatre in Bath for one of their Vintage Monday showings!

Creative Bath write up
Bath’s Little Theatre Cinema will shortly be inviting the public to take part in a time travel experiment. Although we’ll be showing the same brand new films as usual, we’ll be turning the clocks back around the cinema, back to a time of gentility and refinement. Staff in old-fashioned uniforms, ice cream tray sales, intermissions – you thought these were things of the past, but on Monday nights from 16th January, the Little is bringing them back and resurrecting the truly great days of cinema.

Martin Jennings-Wright, manager of the Little, said: Lots of our customers miss the days when a trip to the cinema was a real event, and we are delighted to revive that atmosphere. We hope we can jog a few older memories, and perhaps open a few younger eyes to how cinemas used to be, at the same time as playing the latest films via state of the art digital projection.

Customers turning up in 1940s or thereabouts costume will be treated to free refreshments on the night!

Little Theatre Website

Usherettes, ice cream trays, the sound of the wurlitzer... every Monday from 16 January, come along to the Little for what made cinemaging in the 1940s and '50s so great.
You can even spend the intermission enjoying an in-cinema cigarette (of the sweet variety).
We'll be showing the same line-up of films as during the rest of the week, but all done with nostalgic flourish.
Do come in your best period outfits - if we like the cut of your jib there'll be ices or refreshing drinks on the house.

When we arrived, we were very pleased with the entrace - red carpet no less!! But unfortunately thats where the magic stopped for us...

All the props were there but there was no feeling or sparkle. Maybe we'd hyped it up in our heads too much? Maybe it was just the service that was lacking. To me there was no atmosphere of the 40s, Noone make the evening feel special, I had too call the usherette back for my order because they didn't ask our row, and repeat my choice twice to her before I got it. And no, even though we were head to toe in authentic and reproduction 1940s garb we did not receive it free!The cinema itself was very comfy and the building was cute. But I don't think we'll return unless its the only place showing a film I like. We'll be heading back to the westway in frome for our Independant Cinema fim watching.

The Film was AMAZING and eclectic ephemera has done a great review here you can read. I loved every minute of it and really really hope they make more of this type of film.

New Birthday Shoes!!!

2012-01-25T23:50:00.000-08:00

I am always on the look out for perfect vintage style shoes that fit and I can walk in! There have been several purchases along the way, and I am haunted by the old saying 'the shoes maketh the man' -woman! So far without the shoes, my outfits always feel a bit lacking.

I have several hurdles that the shoes must overcome....

- firstly I have awful wide feet
- secondly I have problems with one leg / ankle meaning both i wear through shoes super quick and have been unable to succesfully wear heels since I was 17
- lastly because of this I am unwilling to spend alot on shoes ~~because I'm a skinflint~~ that won't last / will become unbearably painful after I buy them!

I was so delighted when I saw these great widefitting t-bar shoes in a catalogue at my mums and she offered to buy them for me for a birthday gift!They came today and they are soooo comfy!

A small heel *covered too - soo 40s*, that I could confidently walk around her house in!

What do you think?

Now they also came in blue.....will they tempt me too?

Birthday Time!

2012-01-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday, which I am lucky enough to share with my good friend and vintage mama Bunny. Anyhoo between us we got a fair few retro / vintage images sent to us! They inspired me to find more, so here's a carefully selected favourite few, enjoy!

Aren't birthdays great!? I didn't really do too much celbrating but I'll be back soon, when I have the pics to show you what we did get up to!!

Its Raining.....Again!! Lets Brighten things up!!

2012-01-19T02:27:00.000-08:00

Its cold , grey and wet again! What is it with January? If it wasn't for my Birthday, I could gladly fast forward the whole month!!

To keep up with my attempt to get outside to soak up some Vitamin D where I can, I've been looking online for accessories......

Rain Hoods had definitely slipped in to Granny territory, but I found a couple of companies bringing them up to day for us vintage girls!!!

Firstly from Betty Blue's Loungerie is the Marilyn Rain Bonnet, available in pink or black. I'm just loving those cute bows!!!

I am also totally in love with this leopard Print one from Bubble Betty

It come in this adorable tin to keep your handbag dry!

Of course I could always by tempted by these umbrellas too....

50s Umbrella

50s Pagoda Umbrella

and maybe even this...

Brooch

{Beginners Guide) to Vintage Gloves

2012-01-18T04:10:00.000-08:00

Audrey Hepburn

Rules of Glove Wearing

There are many rules to be observed in the art of Glove Wearing, here are the main ones:-

* Gloves should be worn when shopping, dancing, visiting and outdoors as well as to a place of worship. (Basically whenever they would look pretty!)
* Gloves should not be worn whilst eating, drinking, applying make-up or smoking.
(This is common sense , don't wear gloves when they may get dirty!)
* If gloves get soiled, remove and do not wear until washed.
* Remove your right glove before shaking hands. If not possible then you should apologise by saying 'pardon my glove'.
* When gloves are removed they should be placed directly in your bag and not carried.
* Remove rings before putting on gloves

I hope they're going straight into your handbag Audrey dear!

Marlene Dietrich

Image

Types of gloves...

There are many types of gloves and several lengths availablefor you to choose. A general rule of thumb is that
"the shorter the sleeve the longer the glove"

Opera Gloves

Image Via

Three-Quarter (or Coat) Length Gloves

These are approximately 14" or six-button in length. These may be worn with any length sleeve, tucking under longer sleeves.

Image via

Gauntlet Gloves

Image via LottieLoves

Suitable for most sleeve lengths, the armpieces are worn over the sleeves.

Day Gloves

Gloves

Short gloves finishing at the wrist. Made from cotton or later nylon, also popular were crocheted gloves.

During the 1950s gloves were the finishing touch to any ladies outfit, giving a polished, groomed look. Although cream or white were most popular choice, gloves were now available in a whole range of colours

Choose colours that match compliment or contrast your outfit see my colour post for help

How to find your Glove Size

Measure all around your hand with a tape measure. Place tape around the knuckles of your hand (indicated by the red line in the photo below).

Measure your dominant hand - the right if you are right-handed, and the left if you are left-handed.
Compare this measurement on the chart below to find your correct glove size!

Note: some manufacturers indicate glove sizes by inches and others by Small, Medium, Large, etc. . Use the tables below to find your size.





Named Size	Inches	Cm

x-small	6	15
small	6½	17
medium	7	18
large	7½	19
x-large	8	20

If you manage to get yourself a pair of vintage gloves that need a little freshening up, you can find a guide on how to wash them here

A Drive in the Country

2012-01-16T03:22:00.000-08:00

At the weekend we bought a new car, which gave me the best opportunity to suggest to Hubby we went for a little Sunday Drive! We decided to drive across the Somerset Levels and I suggested we might stop at Wedmore and stretch our legs!
Nestled on the edge of the levels with the mendips in the background, its a very picturesque town, Full of hidden lovelies! We driven through a few times but never stopped. Being Sunday, all but the village shop were closed, but it was nice to have a wander and see where we might like to come back too later on...

We found this gorgeous bike outside a gallery

Then wandered up Church Street, and through the graveyard

I spotted the Old Post Office. Now I always daydream I have an old house with shopfront windows, and this was soo quaint (I'm a sucker for sage green window frames and doors). I'm not even sure what I would even do with an old shop? Probable just have it as a coffee come craft area and just invite all my friends to call each day!!

Flowers were out around the village but it was bitterly cold (sorry hubby) so we turned around and headed back to the car

Although I did spot this shop on the way, it seemed to have a good mix of vintage housewares and clothing so I'll be planning a return trip soon...

Hope you all had a nice weekend too!!!

{Beginners Guide & Tutorial} Half Moon Manicures

2012-01-12T01:18:00.000-08:00


Dita von Teese and her Half Moon Manicure

A very vintage way of manicuring your nails, the half moon manicure where to the nail is painted but the half moon (and or tip) area is left bare, Popular in the 1920s, 30s and 40s the half moon manicure is also making a resurgence these days among many vintage loving gals.

Now I know your thinking whats the point, your busy right? Can hardly get together a normal lick of polish let alone spend ages doing a tricky half moon manicure!! Well relax, this really is easy......

and will look fantastic!

Half Moon Manicure Tutorial

You will need
Base & Top coat
Nail polish
Hole re-enforcing stickers

How to do it...

1.First cut / file your nails into you preferred shape - I like to keep mine fairly short but rounded.

2.Remove any old polish

3.Apply a base coat of polish, I use clear polish , but you can certainely mix it up and go for another coloured polish! Let it dry.

4. Apply re-enforcer stickers to the base of the nails to create a mask for the half moon shape - make sure they are central on each nail!

5. paint your nails with main colour varnish, painting slightly over each sticker. Let dry.

I've used 'Rapid Ruby' for this tutorial.

6. Carefully remove stickers, if your careful use can place them on other hands nails!!!

7. If required, apply a top coat all over the nails.

Go out, be beautiful!!!

Where things may have gone wrong.....

Placement of stickers - be brave you need to cover quite a deep bit of your nail to get this looking right. The top of the hole should be in line with the base of your nail, no less.

Varnish coming off with the sticker - two culprits here, you may have put on too much varnish or may not have let the varnish dry thoroughly. If its taking off the base coat, then stick the re-enforcer to something else first before applying to your nail and the stickiness will hopefully be reduced.

Varnish creeping under sticker - make sure the sticker is firmly stuck down with no gaps. paint nails from base to tip direction

Hope you like it!

{Ministry of Food} Teapot Biscuits Recipe

2012-01-10T02:01:00.000-08:00

I was delighted at the weekend when I found these super cute teapot cookie cutters on sale.

Hubby was a bit miffed on missing out on some coffee cake the day before so I broke with tradition and made these teapot biscuits coffee flavoured for him!!

Recipe

275g Plain Flour

25g Cocoa Powder

30g Drinking Chocolate Powder

75g Icing Sugar

1 tbsp instant coffee

225g Stork

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Preheat oven to 175C

Crush coffee powder into a fine powder using a pestle and mortar.

Sieve flour, cocoa powder and drinking chocolate into a bowl. Add coffee and set aside.

Cream stork together with icing sugar and vanilla extract.

Gradually add sieved dry ingredients (flour /coffee/ cocoa ) to this mix. Bring together until dough forms a ball.

Remove from bowl and roll out on a flour dusted surface until 0 .75cm.

Cut shapes from dough and place on greased baking tray.

Bake for 12 minutes until cooked through but not coloured.

Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.

When cooled decorate.

Enjoy!!!!

Lazy Sunday

2012-01-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Today has been ever so nice and relaxed, some baking, some listening to music....

You'll all know I'm a big fan of top chap, Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer. When we went to see him last month FromeTV were there with cameras. The resulting film has now surfaced and I've popped it here for you all to enjoy! and Yes I am just in it for a milli-second! LOL.

Tickets for his upcoming gig in Swindon have gone on sale this weekend too, pick some up here.

Mr B Gentleman Rhymer brings 'Chap Hop' to Frome from Frome.tv on Vimeo.

{Beginners Guide} Vintage Colour

2012-01-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

Image via DressingVintage

... or breaking away from neutrals.

Remember when you were a child and wore clothes because you liked them, not because they went together or coordinated? You wore things that made you feel happy, and somehow, sometimes, you just looked amazing

My daughter is great at this, at only 9 she can pull random colours from her wardrobe and have a fantastic outfit in 2 minutes, smiles beaming all over her face!! Somewhere between childhood and grown up we can loose the joy of wearing colours and find ourselves sticking to safe neutrals!

My mother would take great pleasure in telling you that when I was 16 most of my wardrobe consisted of black, by the time I left home and started work in an office, I had matured to a mostly navy wardrobe!! Now I am guilty of being drawn to buying grey , grey or grey grrr!!

The world of Vintage can be a wonderful journey into colour!!!

|Browsing the photos of vintage clothing on Etsy can be like dipping into a big bowl of sweets, so many lovely colours! Who wouldn't want to wear all that happiness!

Ok, we're entering a slightly scary area for some of you, so once again I'm here to hold your hand....

Start Small

There are some colors that scream vintage to even mainsteam viewers, by mixing these with your neutral wardrobe as an accent colour, it can ease you in gently. Try mustard, cherry red or jade

Brittany - VaVoom Vintage

Take inspiration from homes

Every decade has its palette of colour, peruse the palettes and take inspiration for your wardrobe

kohler.

Go to the site and slide along to timeline for your desired decade!!!

Go with the seasons

Its a lot easier to feel relaxed in colour if you are in harmony with your surroundings. Remember being drawn to wearing red at Christmas? You looked fab and didn't feel too self concious did you? Try pastels in spring, Candy brights in Summer, or Russets in Autumn

dethrose's sand and sea look

Use a Colour Wheel

beadworks.co.uk

Want to know what colour accessories to wear with your new dress? Use a colourwheel.

An easy guide to using a colourway
1. Choose the colour you want to wear
2. Decide if you want toning, harmonising or contrasting colours.
- For Toning colours choose from within that slice of the wheel (lighter or darker tones of that 1st colour)
- For complimentary colours choose from the slices either side of your original colour.
- For contrasting colours chose from the slice directly opposite your original colour.
3. Don't be afraid to mix all three across your clothes and accessories,eg. lighter and darker shades of green for an outfit with red accent accessories.

Take Inspiration from Something you love

Do you have a favourite painting or vintage china pattern? Pull your outfit colour from that. Choose the most dominant colour, or your favourite as your main item of clothing, dress, suits etc, the next as your accessories hat, gloves, shoes etc, then the third most dominant as your highlight bracelets, earrings, shoe clips, brooch etc

You can make it easy to find the pallete of a picture by entering it into this online palette generator from degraeve.com

So basically, be brave and give it a try, even if its only a little colour, and cheer up this yucky winter weather!!
If you already have this sussed and have some great colour combos to inspire us, please share them in the comments below!

{Film Night) Charade (1963) - Audrey Hepburn & Cary Grant

2012-01-04T02:30:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, hubby and I have been treating ourselves to a few classic films. Arthur being a big Cary Grant fan this was one of our first films we chose, and I must say it didn't disappoint!

Billed as a Comedy - Thriller genre, Reggie Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) plays the widow of a thief who has just been murdered. She befriends Peter Joshua (Cary Grant) to help her as her husbands cronies try to find the lost loot. But is he in on it ? Who knows?

I'm always wary of a film where hubby can guess the outcome before me, as he did with this one, but 20 minutes later we were both proved wrong. With twists and turns all the way up to the final credits you'll be thoroughly hooked in !
,
Oodles of sassy dry wit, from both stars and plenty of comedy situations, it doesn't lack in the humour department at all!

Finally, with a backdrop of Paris , Grant's charm and Hepburn's Style this film oozes chic.

Loved this mustard coat!

Leopard Hat anyone?

stylish spy!

I really can't recommend this film enough, its become a favourite of ours already and its a perfect lazy Sunday afternoon watch!!

{Thrifting Finds} December's haul!

2012-01-03T02:30:00.000-08:00

With christmas and New Year posts I never got around to showing you some of my great finds from December.

Less than a week after spying a modern version of this set and saying to my mother 'wouldn't it be nice to have a vintage version of that' we found this in a charity shop!
I pointed it out to her in the display cabinet and promptly paid for my shopping and left (duh!). Ten minutes later the penny dropped and I went back to the shop and bought it!!!

Aren't they darling????

I'm glad we went back, because we also spied this lovely forties style suit, which mum treated me to for xmas!! Being impatient, forgetful and wanting to wear this to the watercress line event boxing day I sneaked a photo of it in the changing room! Well I needed to plan my accessories didn't I?

Same town different shop we found a little something for hubby.

Having lost out on a few 40's cufflinks on ebay recently, we thought these would probably pass muster and Arthur snapped them up!

Finally, I think, we had a 9am dash to the charity shop on xmas eve to buy a punchbowl we'd seen (and subsequently reserved)

As well as the punch bowl, we bought another vintage tea set (gold patterned) to coordinate with our pink roses.

we also found a perfect little hat for Martha....

I'm secretly extremely jealous of this hat and I'm plotting ways to be able to wear it myself (It goes perfectly with my cardigan!) Why oh why cant our head sizes be the same!!!?

The skirt I never thought I'd wear

2012-01-02T01:43:00.000-08:00

We've all done it I'm sure, spotted that amazing bargain in the shop and bought it only to get home and find it hanging in the wardrobe unused and unloved for weeks or months after.

I bought this skirt, I think for the pricly sum of £1.75, a few months ago. Ooooh I squealed in the shop, a polka dot skirt, in my size I must have it! I'd seen lots of vintage and rockabilly girls wearing polkadots, it must be a wardrobe staple I thought!

Alas, when I got home, it didn't seem such a great buy, it clung to my lumps and bumps and I suddenly looked at the polkadot patter as 'cliche' and 'trying to hard' and what on earth would I wear it with, my retro blouses are all patterened, my jumpers too plain, and wrong coloured!

It wasn't until the lazy days that lay inbetween xmas and new year that I reached for the skirt again, and decided I'd give it one last try before consigning it to the charity shop pile once more. With a quite home day ahead I slipped on the skirt and remembered a wrap cardi I had, and ta - da, although only a flavour of vintage, rather than full on retro I now had another outfit and a use for the skirt at last!!! Sometimes in the quest for wearing a vintage look I seem to overlook some rather nice little outfits, that are all a mile better than the Jeans I would have normally slung on this time last year!!

Cardi - ebay, Skirt - thrifted, Necklace - scarlet vintage,

Bracelet - thrifted, Lippy - Rockalily (roulette red)

What are your everyday round the house outfits?

New Year Celebrations!

2012-01-01T03:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a fantastic time celebrating last night? We had a meal out with family in Bath.

A first for us we dined at the Cosy Club. I hadn't been there before so had been umming and aahing all week about what to wear!!

Looking at the website they described themselves as a modern day gin palace and the interior sounded fantastic...

"The bar area comprises of an Art Deco-inspired snug & a roomy bar area, which is dominated by an impressive gin-palace-style bar. The look is completed with leather club chairs, sink-into sofas, Art Deco coffee tables, velvet pouffes, chandeliers, & a pair of feature Art Deco uplighters (from the set of Jeeves & Wooster).
The dining area has seating for up 110 guests & a further 66 guests on the balcony. The interior is an eclectic mix of reclaimed tables, old leather dining chairs, reclaimed railway waiting room benches, old lab stools, Victorian lampshades & Eastern European factory lights. On the raised area, complete with a couple of feature antler chandeliers, the walls are adorned (literally covered) with old oil paintings & prints."

Mum & Dad

After searching online all week for a 20s dress , I gave up! Luckily I found a cute 50s style dress at 20th Century Foxy that I thought would be fun for New Year Eve. I added my enormous coral petticoat and voila, a fun but dressy yet casual outfit for new year!

The meal was lovely, the food excellent.....

I did have a gorgeous Winterberry Eton Mess for dessert but scoffed it too quickly for photos!

I could have easily sipped more of these devine Trifle Martinis instead though.....

Yum Yum

Of course I've saved the best til last..... the perk of having a dad who owns a wedding car company means that our lift for the evening was extremely stylish (even if the setting of a carpark wasn't !!)

Happy new Year everyone!!!!

So long 2011, and welcome to the new year!!

2011-12-31T02:37:00.000-08:00

Oh folks, what a good year 2011 was for us! I can hardly believe this time last year I didn't know so many of you, and hadn't entered the world of vintage as I know it today!

Thank you for journeying along with me, for the advice and support and for the lovely comments along the way!

I'm wishing you all a happy new year today as...

We have plans tonight to have a very lovely evening with family here.

Which I am sure will be very civilised...

but hopfully will end a bit more like this!!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful night tonight and that 2012 brings you all that you wish for!!!

{Catch-Up} Trains, Chains and Mince Pies!!

2011-12-22T03:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posting this week, the school holidays are here and I can't get anywhere near the computer!!!

We've been busy little bees though...

Christmas shopping in Frome

Making paper chains

Melting vinyl records

Making Mince Pies

Visiting Local Railway Stations!!

What have you been up to? I hope you are all enjoying the run up to Christmas as much as we are!!

Normal service will be resumed shortly...

Goodies from scarlet vintage

2011-12-17T00:52:00.001-08:00

Last week I won a prize in scarlet vintage's Birthday raffle!! My first win even though I enter lots of vintage raffles! I couldn't have been more pleased though .....

The packages included

a lovely rose print scarf ....

oops don't have a piccy for this one yet!!

Very handy for keeping off this wintery chill we're having!

A delicate brooch....

I've earmarked this for an outing to the watercress line on Boxing Day

Leaf Earrings...

Already worn last night!

A necklace....

Perfect match for my cream bangle!

and a couple of Beaded Headbands (that my daughter immediately stole and wore to school)!

Scarlet Vintage is a reletively new find for me and I haven't actually made it into the shop yet, only visited online. So I'll leave you the blurb from their site and give you a proper review when I visit after christmas....

"Hidden behind the hubbub of Milsom Street, you'll find the beautiful cobbled Queen Street, now home to one of Bath's best loved vintage clothing shops, Scarlet Vintage.

Inside this historic Georgian building you'll find a treasure trove of vintage clothes and accessories; how about a tiny vintage 1920's bag that once carried a Charleston girl's lipstick, or a 1970's sequined disco dress lovingly kept for special occasions.

Visiting Scarlet Vintage is a truly indulgent experience, pop along Monday to Saturday 10:30-5:30!"

I hope you've all been enjoying this seasonal weather? We only had quater of an inch of snow yeterday but little ones still managed a tiny snowman!!

{Make do and mend} leaping deer brooch

2011-12-15T03:23:00.001-08:00

How do you get over the Wednesday midweek slump?

Recentely I've been devoting my wednesdays to a bit of Make Do and Mend time!!

I began by signing up for a Bunting Workshop at Millie Moons in Frome. This was just to get me back into the swing of 'making stuff' amazingly I was treated to a one-on-one lesson with the instructor and was amazed to find I went home with something I was extremely proud of and could replicate at home using bits of material from my stash!

Since then I've stuck to the 'do something crafty' on a wednesday and I've been popping around to my mums for a coffee and a sewing lesson. We've taken up hems, fixed holes in school trousers etc, all jobs I've previously dropped off with nanny to fix and collected a week later!! We've even got ambitious and made a vintage style pettycoat for under my gingham dress.

Look you can just see it under there!!

Yesterday, however, we were both busy so I stayed home. The creative urge still struck me though, so I made this leaping deer brooch in the afternoon! What do you think? I love it,! and I think I've found a new hobby, small, cute and transportable - sounds perfect!

Felt badges we very popular in the 1940s so I'll have plenty of inspiration.....

Image

Retro Christmas Tipples

2011-12-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

I'm sure I'm not alone on this one but people seem to have special drinks they associate with christmas time! (and if you don't drink stay tuned I have some treats for you too)

From a mulled wine at the Christmas Nativity, to a Sherry left out for Santa, there seems to be an assortment of nostalgic tipples, here are a few of my favourites....

For me, christmas morning has memories of my mother making snowballs as a pre dinner drink and me sneaking the bubbles and cherry from the top! This tradition has now passed full circle and my daughter now pinches the bubbles from my christmas morning drink!!!

{Snowball Recipe}

Place 2 measures of Advocaat and 1/4 measure of Lime Cordial

into a glass.

Top up with Lemonade and

add a glace cherry!!

The next Christmas Tipple for me has to be a local, Babycham! I spent my childhood peering out my window when we went through Shepton Mallet, craning my neck to see the larger than life Babycham deer!

Babycham is a light sparkling Perry and was lauched in 1953. It was also bought in every year by my parents 'especially for guests at christmas'!

Now to start a few traditions of my own.....

Popular in the 50s, I'm looking forward to trying this on a cold Christmas Evening

{Hot Buttered Rum}

Place1 teaspoon of caster sugar in a warmed glass

Add ¼ cup boiling water, ¼ cup dark rum, 1 tablespoon butter

Sprinkle with nutmeg & serve

{Mulled Ginger Wine}

We're big fans of ginger beer here, so when I saw this on the shelf the other day, I had to pick up a bottle!!
Seems a pretty good candidate for a new xmas drink!

{Non Alcoholic Tipples}

Lots of us don't drink when were at Parties, designated drivers, on meds, children sharing drinks etc so its a great idea to have a few non alcoholic drinks available...

No quite sure how this one came about other than, the children wanted a cocktail on xmas eve....

{Kids Christmas Eve Cocktail}

Add 1 tsp sugar to a tumbler

Add 2 quarters of lime and muddle

Add 1/2 glass of crushed ice

Top up glass with lemonade

Decorate with loads of umbrellas and gawdy fab decorations!!!

{Mock Champagne Punch}

Combine I litre of chilled sparkling water and chilled ginger ale.
Add 3 cups of chilled white grape juice.
Serve immediately in champagne glasses

{Mulled Wine Alternative}

I'm not claiming to have a recipe for this only a tip on what I do... take a normal mulled wine recipe and substitute a red grape shloer or similar for the wine. I've also just warmed up shloer with a mulled wine spice bag in it to infuse flavours, adding sliced clementines!
Quick, easy and infinitely quaffable!

{Christmas Coffees}

Add some christmas flavours to your hot drinks with a teaspoon of syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, this list is as long as your imagination!!

Spinkle on a festive design to your cappuccinos....

Chin Chin! And remember to drink responsibly!

{Inspiration} Tuesday Dance Night - Are you Swinging?

2011-12-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

If you're one of my followers over on facebook you'll know Tuesdays are Dance Nights for me and the hubby!!

We signed up a few weeks back for Lindy Hop dance classes with Hoppin Mad in Bath. We've really enjoyed our first few classes, not to mention dressing up for them! To begin with I'd been wearing a skirt and blouse combo in various guises....

Last week though, it seems as though a few of us had had a silent memo to switch to trousers!! Quite a few of the ladies had gone from dresses and skirts to swing pants so here's some inspiration for swing inspired outfits...

Lets Start with the shoes....

As you can see from the piccy above, I'm a bit partial to the two tone variety!!!

Saddle Shoes

If you're a beginner dancer, flats might be a more sensible option...


WingTip Mary Janes

Lady K Loves

HeyDay

These suspender pants are very tempting!

I love these tie tops with the trousers, but just for the next few months I'd go for a jumper instead

Rocket Originals

And actually, to get me out of the house on those cold January nights, I'd be awfully pleased if Santa brought me a pair of these wool ones!!

W ool Swing Trousers

I really can't to wait to buy a nice swing dress for the spring, but until them I think Swing trousers should do just fine!

What about you? What do you like to go dancing in?

*edited to add - we found our classes through the website Are You Dancing if you are in the UK you can search by area for classes and dances near you!

It takes a while to get a 1940s look!!

2011-12-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite sure everyone realises how long it takes to pull together a 40s look.
I've read articles that timetable a housewifes beauty routines and these often involve a couple of hours before bedtime plus another in the morning! Now there is no way I ever would have time for all that and I positively salute all those vintage girls who take time to pincurl or set their hair in rollers ever night - I really am a panic at the last minute girl!

However, having an invitation to a christmas luncheon this afternoon I set out with the very best intentions and did very well!!

I picked out my new Heyday Mary dress and laid it out last night, I planned the rest of my accessories and set them out too. I even went to bed early like a good little girl!

This morning I started my hair and makeup routine a couple of hours before we were due to depart. Of course, like clockwork my victory rolls flopped and I had to redo my hair in an elegant sweeping style instead- no worries, this is why I started so early!! All this was made easier as the children were at nanny's on a sleepover. Taking a break, I rang nanny to see when she'd be dropping them back? 'Quarter to twelve' was the reply! Right, 11:45 that gives us 35 minutes to change the childrens clothes and head back out the door. No problem, I went up to their wardrobes and laid out a choice of outfits for them to change into (aren't I good - still smiling smugly!) The children return informed by nanny 'be quick now! We don't want you to arrive late for the meal', eagerly they run upstairs....

"Muuuumy I can't find my tights!"
"I've put your white socks on the bed"

"But I'll be cold, I want tights!"
"Ok!"
I run about looking for a pair for her,finally i find tights - unfortunately with holes!!
Hubby runs to drier to retrieve another pair of tights, but they're still wet!
Puts tights on radiator to dry whilst reminding son he needs to apply brylcream to his hands before he rubs it on his hair or he'll end up with white lumpy bits
"but thats how daddy showed me to do it"
run upstairs and show daddy how to apply brylcream, whilst fixing a brooch into my hairsytle as an elegant flourish!
Run backdownstairs, grabbing vintage handbag and gloves!
Check tights are drying - they're dry -yay!! Give them to daughter and lend her bobbypins so she can do her hair, whilst running out the door

Head out to the car, get in and check clock 12:30 'is that clock right' 'yes!'whoops we're supposed to be there! Drive quickly and arrive at Hotel!

As we are going in, stop and ask hubby to take a photo of me *daggers look*
'what?'
'we're late remember?'
'oh yes'

Finally we find the room where everyone is having pre dinner drinks. We walk through the door and everyone turns to look at us and smiles! Hey, hopefully we did something right!

Surely they must realise, it takes a while to look like this!!!!

A Little Fifties Christmas!!

2011-12-10T23:56:00.001-08:00

source

I started writing this post as a compilation of a few of my favourite Christmas Songs! It soon became pretty obvious they were all hailing from the 1950s, so I thought why stop there? So heres a little bit of inspiration to add some 50s fun to your christmas this year!!

I'll kick off with my favourite christmas songs.....

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas - Bing Crosby 1951

Baby It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin 1959

Frank Sinatra - Let It Snow, 1950

Now your in the mood it's trime to send out your xmas cards....

from stylised baubles from the V&A

to cute retro kitties found here

sending retro christmas cards can spread the 50s love!!!

Decorate your finest 50s tree

(you are wearing your matching xmas circle skirt aren't you girls?)

Image via JoCo

Don't forget the tags for the presents...

50s Gift Tags

Change into your fantastic Christmas dress

VivienofHolloway have simply dozens of perfect 50's styled dresses to choose from!!

And don't forget your Apron!!

I'll leave you with this darling little clip of a family's christmas day in the 1950s....

Wishing you all a fabulous Fifties Christmas!!!

A weekend in Frome!

2011-12-06T23:17:00.000-08:00

Part Two {Sunday}

I don't know why I ever complained there was nothing to do here, I think it was just the matter of going to the first thing - one event inevitably leads to more!!!

I've been meaning to go to to one of the Markets 'on the hill' ever since I saw the first poster for it in a Catherine Hill Shop window, even pre-vintage me was sorely tempted! And with gorgeous posters like this who wouldn't be....

Held monthly throughout the warmer months and with special one-offs at christmas etc, I always seemwed to be busy when they were on. But as the season has now slowed Sunday Morning we took ourselves off to Frome.

We parked in the town centre and wound our leisurly way through the 'Frome Flea' before we started our ascent on the hill!!

Lots of lovelies on sale at the flea, but I'm always so nervous to blatantly take photos of stalls!!! Here's a couple I managed to snap discreetly...

I couldn't help but snap this Coffee Bar in an old Citroen Van

This lady set her stall out so sweetly with twine bundled books, Hubby had his eye on the train for a while!!

I loved all these mirrrors set out, and if we had our 1930s pad, I'd had bought a couple I'm sure!

The Hill was absolutely packed! So we hardly had a chance to see any stalls on the way up!! I've looked at some other photos from past fairs and I'm sure this was an exception to the norm so I shan't be put off going again!!

So we battled past the crowds until we found refuge in Poot! Ah good old Poot! Aparently we'd just missed Mr B perusing their rails earlier - what good taste he has!! They'd rung in the week to say they had a grey 40s suit in, in Hubby's size and would we like to come in and try it? Don't you just love shops like that? Although when you walk in and they call you by name, a little voice does question 'just how often do you 'pop in!'' Don't stop it though Hayley, I love it!! So, anyhoo, the he passed on the suit but bought a pair of 40s trousers and an original CC41 shirt! Grr how does hubby find all these gems not me!!

On our exit, I found a darling stall selling felt brooches and  bought myself a nice red one to compliment my new  Heyday Mary dress next weekend :)

Cheap Street seemed quite deserted in comparison!!!

As the weather was unseasonable mild for December I also took it as a last chance to wear a summer dress I had bought this cardi to go with!!

Lovely Tweedyness and An Evening of Chap Hop!!!

2011-12-06T01:23:00.001-08:00

Did you ever notice that as soon as you stop looking, everything eventualy comes to you? This week has kinda been one of those!!

After the end of 'the season' and a little lull in our vintage activities this weekend was cram packed full of lovely goodness! To break up a potentially picture heavy post, I'll break it up into two posts!

Part One {Saturday}

First off we found a couple of lovely things in the shop in the village, a scarf for hubby and a 'can bung it on to keep me warm on the school run - without the kids getting too embarrassed' hat for me!!

Luckily these both suited our outfit requirements for the evening as we had tickets to see the rather dapper Mr B Gentleman Rhymer performing in his rather brilliant style of Chap Hop.

For those not in the know, Wiki describes Chap Hop as ' a variety of music originating from England that mixes the hip hop genre with elements from the steampunk subculture and stereotypical English obsessions such as cricket, tea and the weather.' but it is oh so much more than that!!

The invite proclaimed .....

On a one-man mission to introduce Hip-Hop to the Queen's English, Mr. B is delighted to present Chap-Hop.

Having spent the best part of a decade bringing some manners back to popular culture, this dopest of fellows will entertain and amuse you with his ingenious stylings.Aiming to dazzle with dignity, Mr. B takes to the stage with his Banjolele and stiff upper lip to perform ditties of pipe-smoking, high society, Cricket and sexual misadventure, as well as some more well-known pieces from the world of Hip-Hop, re-worked in true Chap-Hop fashion.

A side note of Tweed jackets/flat caps and false moustaches welcome, we donned our tweed and headed to Frome!!!

Gosh, you really don't want to know how many outfits I tried on before I chose this one!!!

The night itself was absolutely fantastic! And it wasn't just the man himself we were also treated to some super support acts, Frome's finest poet "Muriel Lavender", and some of our favourite Burlesque girls Dulcie Demure and Lola Pinch! As well as a rather spiffing new band from Frome, Indigo Children.

Thinking we'd seen the last of him for the evening we had a rather nice surprise of Mr B as Dulcie's 'Diet Coke Break' Bloke!!!

Luckily I think he's in both Bristol and Swindon soon, so we shan't have to wait too long to see him again!!!

Pip Pip!!

{Beginners Guide} Why everyone should own a red lipstick and 5 easy steps to wearing it!

2011-12-01T04:05:00.001-08:00

Red Lipstick and the Vintage Look seems to go hand in hand doesn't it???

Before I got into vintage, I hardly wore make up. So confronted with the notion that a vintage look had to involve a bright red lipstick, I was rather scared!!

If you've not taken that step into red lipstick yet then I know exactly how you feel and I'm here to hold your hand!! Here are five easy steps to becoming a red lipped vintage lovely!!

Step One

Find out what shade suits you. Every skin shade suits a different shade of red lipstick. What? different reds? Why yes! All red lipsticks have different undertones, blue, orange etc
Choosing the correct one can even mean whiter teeth and a brighter skin tones!

Black or Brown haired girlies with a warm complexion should choose shades of red with brown undertones, golden, deep, and coral colours.
Dark hair but cool complexion, choose shades of red that are plum, burgundy or cherry red
Blonde Bombshells with warm complexions should buy reds that are coral, orange or copper undertones.
Cool Complexion blondes need to look for blue undertones or plum.
Redheads with warm complexions should buy brighter and orangey shades of red
Cool complexion redheads can buy bluebased reds, plums and berry tones

{Extra Tips}

*An Orange/ Coral based lipstick will have brown undertones , a blue based one will have blue!
*A great place to test a lipstick to see if it suits your undertones is on the inside of your wrist (wear the sun hasn't caught you as much!
* Blue based lippy is perfect for paler skins and will make your teetch seem whiter
*Orange based lippy works will with olive skin tones

Step Two

Ease your way into it. Once you've got the right shade you don't have to go full out with the lipstick. A great trick is to apply a lipbalm to your lips then apply your lipstick over the top using your finger! This will create a more subtle lipstain effect. Start wearing your red lipstick this way as much as you can without feeling uncomfortable

Step Three

Time to step up to the full red lipstick look. First of all practice applying your lipstick at home - don't wait for the evening of your do!!!
Do you need a lip primer or pencil? Worrying if your lipstick is bleeding or feathering isn't going to help put you at ease is it?

How to apply your lipstick....

1. Apply any primer as directed on the package.

2. Outline your lips with a lip pencil, draw around your natural lip line or recreate the fullness of lips you want with the line drawn. (This is a great time to even out wonky or uneven lips)

3. Fill in with lipstick using a lipbrush. Load up your brush and paint your lips!

4.When you've covered them , blot with a tissue, then reapply a second coat if needed.

Now look in the mirror...... don't you look gorgeous?

Step Four

No? You looked in the mirror and you're still not sure? Ok - no need to go out just yet, keep practising putting it on and wearing around the house, the more you do this the less nervous you'll feel when you finally want to go out in it!
And yes, when the postman rings, you may want to scrub it off before you answer the door but seriously answer it!! Its only going to be 30 seconds and you'll be looking down at the signing sheet for most of it!

Still not quite there? try going out alot more using the lipstain idea and gradually build up the amount of lipstick you add.

Step 5

You're finally feeling ok-ish about the idea of wearing it outside - yay!! Now pick your battles, I wouldn't suggest wearing it on the school run, or particularly anywhere you will bump into someone you know sans make up. Go out somewhere, anywhere! A walk in the country, shopping, sightseeing and enjoy your day! Then gradually ease in days where you'll know people, and then a 'look at me' outing. Soon you'll forget ever being nervous and wearing red lippy will be the norm!!

Rockalily Roulette Red

A little bit more, just so you know....

* the first time I wore red lippy to school was about 4 months into wearing it out, and it was only a quick dash in to pick my daughter up for a dentist! I forgot I was wearing any till we got out!
* I now feel somethings missing if I haven't got red lips!
* I just bought my third red lipstick, and have already picked out my 4th!

And the Why....

Well, why not?
Red Lipstick is fabulous, its the cherry on the cake!
No time before you go out? A slick of red lippy and you're ready to go!
It will brighten up your whole outfit.
Unlike your most expensive jewellery or most exquisite dress, you can wear it everyday and feel a million dollars!!
Its a real confidence booster!

{Beginners Guide} Buying Vintage versus Reproduction and modern

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Original 1940s Hat!!

Right so now you have your invitations I'm presuming you'll be buying something to wear. Which way do you decide vintage or reproduction?

When I was 19, back in the 90's I bought myself a little 1967 mini cooper. A real classic I loved every inch of that mini!
Where am I going with this you ask? Bear with me.....

Well although I loved the cooper to pieces it wasn't exactly practical for everyday use, however beautiful or authentic it was. So after a year I sold it for a modern car.

Ten years later I found myself yearning for another mini, being a bit cash-strapped I bought an old beatup 850 "Bluey" I loved every minute of it, but it soon gave up on me *grr*
No problem, my dad told me of a customer (80 years old lady driver!!) who was selling hers! A mini sky, ten years newer that Bluey and in perfect condition I bought it without a second thought! I regretted it ever since!!

It still looked like a mini but it had changed over the years, it felt sterile all of the fun gone out of it.

Compare these minis to the clothes available for you to choose when dressing vintage....

Original Vintage Clothing -The Cooper

Etsy

Original clothes dating from 1920s - 1980s can be sourced from various places, ebay, vintage clothes shops or vintage fairs. They are often very well made and have been loved and cared for and have visited many a grand occasion in their several decades of use!

Pros
Definitely the dream buy!
Its authentic you are wearing a piece of history
You're likely to turn heads of both those in the know and others alike
A lot are unique
Well made, better quality

Cons
Rare not always easy to find
Limited options (sizing / colours etc)
Precious (may easily tear, get moth-holes etc)

Reproduction Clothing - Bluey

Heyday Dress

There are several companies that offer clothing designs based on earlier patterns, the owners are often passionate about their eras and i have found the clothing to be very well made! These clothes are available in sizes to fit modern bodies and suit modern lifestyles.
There are lots of these companies out there, some of my favourites include

Heyday
Rocket Originals
Puttting on the Ritz

Pros
Original styles or designs
Modern Sizings
Easier to care for (Often machine washable)

Cons
Often only availble on short runs
More likely someone will be wearing same dress

Modern Vintage Inspired Clothing - The mini Sky

{High street}

New Look

We are very lucky here in the UK at the moment that the 40s is 'in' so lots of 40s inspired clothes are in the shop. If you are able to spot them then these are great for bulking out your wardrobe, cashmere cardis anyone? They also are a great way to ease your way into wearing vintage, so you don't feel you are putting on a costume or standing out like a sore thumb.

Pros

Easier to find
Can be Cheaper
All Sizes

Cons

Quality
Watered down Versions
Common

{Speciality companies}

Trashy Diva

There are several speciality shops in this area too including

Pin Up Couture
Trashy Diva
Bernie Dexter and
Bettie Page Clothing.

These offer a certain look I find, often PinUp inspired always glamourous! If you need a knock out dress then these should be your first port of call!
If you are lucky enough you'll have a fabulous boutique locally that will have a range all in the one place (don't worry - they do online too!)

Deadly Is The Female

Others online include stoptrafficclothing, Pin Up Girl Clothing

I really do think there is a place for all of the above in your life , a good modern vintage wardrobe can take the best of all of these and blend them together.
I am ever so useless at looking after clothes and have alot of couldn't wear vintage activities, so alot of my dresses are reproduction or vintage inspired. Also I'd never fit in those teeny tiny waists of the 40s! I do buy alot of authentic vintage accessories though, bags,hats gloves.....

Which type of clothing do you buy most often?

Tea Parties and Stocking Stuffers

2011-11-27T04:48:00.001-08:00

I love Tea Parties, who doesn't?!! Cake, Tea, Dancing , Music and good company what isn't there to like?

I've been after a vintage tea set so I can recreate it at home for aaaaages, but have never found the one that's 'just right', until last week, when I became the new owner of this lovely set of trios (cup, saucer and plate) from Ebay.....

Of course, because I haven't bought a full set I'm still on the look out for the perfect TeaPot, SugarBowl and MilkJug!! But its a beginning and aren't they lovely!!!

So with all this lovely tea party-ness about the place I've come up with some fab tea party inspired christmas gift ideas for you all!

Earrings

TeaCup Ring

Chestnuts and Sugar Scented Candle

If you fancy making these yourself check out Betty Bee's Tutorial!

Tea Party Bunting

Amazon

Wouldn't this make a fab activity!!

Amazon

Go click over there not here - it won't work! I'm hoping to do a review of this book so keep watching!!

Hope these give you some inspiration, till next time my lovelies!!

Plaid Dresses and PanAm

2011-11-26T06:09:00.001-08:00

Or how PanAm has inspired my wardrobe!!!

I had wanted a plaid dress for a while now, I'd kinda imagined when I found it , it would a 50s one, possibly the form of a shirt dress.....

ConsettasCloset

Tziporit

I didn't realise just how much my viewing habits had influenced me...

Pan Am

For the past few weeks I've been totally addicted to Pan Am (set in the early 60s), posts about it have run right through the vintage blogs and I've loved every one. However it has never, ever entered my head to include any 60s style dresses in my wardrobe, the thought had never even entered my head!

Until I spotted this dress on the redressing website and suddenly I came out of the 40s and into the 60s for the night!!

Whoops a bit dark!

This one shows it better!

Love the colour of the stripe (thought it was blue online but its a gorgeous turquoise!)

I was quite pleased with my hair too - even if my friend did ask " is that your real hair?"

me - what? course it blooming is!!

{Beginners Guide to } Getting "into" the Vintage Scene

2011-11-23T06:06:00.001-08:00

The Vintage Mafia girls - Never short of an invite!

By no means do I declare I am "there" yet but for someone at the very beginning of their vintage journey there may be a few hints and tips I can share.

When I began this journey, we had the passion and a bit of the look but nowhere to go! It always seemed to me like everything vintage that I lusted after was happening far far away, possibly London or Norwich or even in the good ole US of A and Australia! What was lil vintage me going to do stuck in Somerset?

1. Look at what events there are in your area? Do they have a website or facebook page?

Use facebook to connect with people who enjoy your era, search 'vintage tea party' or '1940s' in the search bar and see what comes up, are any in your area look at the larger area groups such as northern forties or sw re enactments, then see if anyone is from your town.

2. If there is something on in your area - go to it!!!

Be it a vintage fair a ww2 show or a tea party, go along and give it a go! You'll soon find out which bits you enjoy and which you don't!

3. Don't commit to just one era (at least not straight away!)

Although I'm very much part of the1940s family when we attend events, everything from 1920s - 1950s appeals to me and thanks very much to PanAm I've just bought my first early 60s inspired dress!! Go to lots of things, let all the styles wash over you and see where you settle!

4. What did they used to do in your favourite era?

Dancing, Tea Parties, Burlesque, Make do and Mend? Each of these areas gives you scope to find more like minded people. Like knitting or want to learn? Get along to a knitting cafe or group, chances are you'll find more like minded souls there. Our first "vintage event" in our area was a burlesque night. Just being in a venue with so many other people that enjoyed dressing up made me feel more confident in my attire! Events very often have flyers and posters for other things you might enjoy hanging about on the day - pick them up!!!

5. Vintage Shops

Chat to the assistants or owner, they probably work there because they are ~~hopefully~~ passionate about vintage, do they know of anything coming up? check out the flyers on the counter or posters in the windows

6. Read magazines

Even back copies will have events in them, check online if they are on again. Some great magazines we've fouind so far include milkcow, vintage life and best of british

7. Use Blogs

Read and subscribe to as many vintage blogs as you can and clickity click on all the blog lists down the side , chances are they are vintage too!! Don't be afraid to leave a comment asking a direct question about something!

8. Join Forums

There are plenty of great forums out there, try the FedoraLounge, 1940s social network, Worldwide Vintage Network

7. Talk to EVERYBODY!

Stall holders at fairs (ask them where they will be next?) The performers at shows (where else can you see them? do they run classes?) Shop owners (have they heard of any good events coming up?) The lady sitting next to you in the knitting cafe / sewing class (have you done any other classes? - maybe theres another great place in the next town?)

I hope that gets you started branching out and finding other kindred souls and events? Ad when you have that great once in a million invitation - don't forget to invite me!!!

Don't for get to comment and leave any tips you have too!!!

Winter Woolies

2011-11-22T01:13:00.001-08:00

Theres no denying it, foogy mornings, seeing your breath in front of you, and the dropping temperatures, winter is definitely trying to arrive!! A that signals for me, it's time to pull out the kniwear!!! Jumpers and Cardis for me have always been the ultimate comfortwear. However in the past that has sometimes meant big baggy and shapeless!?
This year I'll be looking for something more refined for snuggling up in, and that for me means browsing those vintage (and vintage inspired) knits!

Heres my latest buy to kick us off, I love the flower detail - and yes yet again I've ~~taken the boring route and~~ bought grey!!!

And this gorgeous mustard cardi of Solanah's is my ultimate 'must have' but I havent found one yet!! It has inspired several mustard colour buys though this season!!!

Vintage Vixen

Sometimes original knitwear from the 40s can be difficult to source so retro inspired or reproductions can be really useful here, and luckily the shops are full of them at the moment...

Beaded Cardi from Darling Clothes

Rocket Originals

Jumper and Shrug from Matalan

If you are lucky you'll be able to knit ( not I!) or know someone that can, then you can pick up a vintage pattern from etsy or ebay and recreate to your hearts contents! In case you don't then there are companys where you can chose from vintage desins to be knitted. Try Cissie's Vintage Knitwear

This ones my favourite ....

So whats your favourite piece of knitwear in your vintage wardrobe, the piece that goes with everything or is stunningly beautiful? Or whats the piece that you are lusting after and yet to find this winter??

If I've whetted your appritite for knitwear head over to michelesvintageknitwear for more lovely inspiration!

{Ministry of Food} - Friendship Cake

2011-11-15T05:05:00.001-08:00

Another misty grey day today so I ~~decided to stay tucked up in bed~~ turned on the radio for some christmas tunes and headed to the kitchen with Herman!

Herman is a German Friendship cake ( a sourdough cake that is handed out in starter form to your friends when you split the mix). Now I reckon Herman counts as a vintage recipe as I remember passing on tupperwares of Herman starters for my mum in the playground at school ~~25years~~ ~~ago~~ when I was at Juniors.

I've been wondering about this for a while recipe and was ever so pleased to see a friend handing out small tupperwares of something in the playground - yay! Herman was back!!!

I've lovingly looked after him for the passed 10 days , feeding and stirring as directed then today it was time to bake him!!

For those of you who are lucky enough to be given a Herman and maybe spill him all over the instructions your friend lovingly wrote out for you (Yes! that can happen, sorry Fran) here they are, if you don't have a friend to give you a Herman Starter then scroll down to the bottom of this post for a rather cheekily named Billy No Mates Cake and you can start one yourself!!

Herman Instructions

Hello, my name is Herman.
I am a sourdough cake. I'm supposed to sit on your worktop for 10 days without a lid on.
You CANNOT put me in the fridge or I will die. If I stop bubbling, I am dead.

Day (number listed below)

1.You get Herman and put him in a large mixing bowl and cover loosely with a tea towel.
2 & 3 Stir well
4Herman is hungry. Add 1 cup each of plain flour, sugar and milk. Stir well.
5-8 Stir well
9.Hungry again. Add the same as day 4 and stir well. Divide into 4 equal portions and give away to friends with a copy of these instructions. Keep the 4th one.
10. Using the 4th portion.
Stir well and add the following:

1 cup sugar
half tsp (teaspoon) salt
2 cups plain flour
2/3 (two thirds) cup of cooking oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 cooking apples cut into chunks
1 cup raisins
2 heaped tsp cinnamon
2 heaped tsp baking powder

Mix everything together and put into a large greased baking tin. Sprinkle with a quarter of a cup of brown sugar and a quarter of a cup of melted butter. Bake for 45 minutes at 170-180C. When cold cut into finger pieces. Cake freezes well and is also delicious warm with cream or ice-cream.

"Billy No Mates Cake"

Ingredients

1 Cup plain flour
1 Cup caster sugar
1 Cup plain natural (live) yoghurt
Half Cup milk
1 small sachet fast-action dried yeast (breadmaker yeast)

Put all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
IMake sure you use a natural live yoghurt, as this contains what you need for the sourdough culture being created.

Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until fully combined to a smooth batter-like consistency.
If the mixture is too thick to run off the spoon, add a little more milk and mix again.

After being left alone for 24 hours, the mixture will turn frothy and should make your daughter ask "mummy has that cake mix got alcy-hol in it, as she walks past and smells it! So we're looking for aslightly alcholic smell here, fermenting apples etc.
Give it a good stir - the froth will collapse, but the mixture will remain fairly bubbly.

You now have a starter for your Herman Cake. Measure out 1/2 pt and go straight to day 10 on the instructions....

Poppy inspiration

2011-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

This weekend is Rememberance Sunday, Poppy Day as the children like to call it. A poppy is such a beautiful flower. So in honour of that day here are some of my favourite poppy inspired finds ....

A simple alternative to the paper poppy pin...

Etsy

Beautiful earrings....

Etsy

Wishing I'd ordered this fascinator..........

Bethanylorelle

A modern design for everyday....

HoneyThistle

I couldn't resist this super cute picture....

The Poppy tree

So there we are, get creative with your poppy wearing this year!!

To donate to this years Poppy Appeal click here for the Appeal Site.

Vintage Inspiration - Sportswear

2011-11-01T03:05:00.000-07:00

Last month I joined the local gym, yay go me!! Eager to get started I went out and bought some run of the mill exercise gear (boring!) After a week of attending I noticed that everone at the gym looked exactly the same and nearly every piece of clothing was black!!! This got me wondering if there was any vintage sportswear out there or vintage inspired?.

A quick google search landed me with loads of 70s /80s 'vintage' gear but not alot of earlier stuff. Now call me fussy but for me to be able to think of something as vintage it has to be at least older than me! (and preferably by 25 yrs+) So i discounted these and started looking further back.

Firstly I decided that I was in the wrong game..... tennis and golf both have way more stylish vintage outfits!!

Etsy

Etsy

Etsy

I loved this dress but sadly not my size!!!

I finally found some inspiration with superkawaiimama and her vintage inpired outfits

So there it is!!! Now I just need to find some stockists in my size along with the nerve to be the 'odd one out' at the gym!!!

I'd love to hear all of your ideas and recommendations please?

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Halloween has got to be my favourite holiday - yes probably even more so than christmas (but only just!) I guess it must be the dressing up and I've always be partial to Poe!
Every year I say I'll deck the house out, but I never get around to it. I have the perfect idea in my head and somehow I guess reality might not live up to it!! Its an antique skulls, cobweb candelabras and perched ravens kinda look, without an orange pumpkin in sight!!!

image - brooklyn limestone

Oh well, maybe next year....

My second dilemma was what to wear to the Shoscombe Spook, refusing to buy an off the peg costume I planned to wear my new autumn dress, burnt orange and polka dots (halloweeny yes?) but I found out we were supposed to wear costumes for the kids party aswell so I wore that friday!
If in doubt go with something familiar, so I pulled out my wedding dress from the wardrobe, my trusty beaded chocker and bought a new long black wig (£2.50 at Sainsbury - bargain!) some facepaint and makeup later....ta da...

Corpse Bride!!!!

What did you all wear?

Autumn Dress & Pretty Petticoats!!

2011-10-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the look of big frilly 50s petticoats but being a 40s girl I've stayed away until now!
Solanah of Vixen Vintage did a very tempting post on petticoats recently and they've been bobbing about in my mind since!

Of course I convinced myself I could sew one!! Little miss requested one too, for her halloween party. I found some tutorials and sat down with my sewing machine. An hour and a half of cutting and sewing later she had a passable petticoat but it had driven me mad and there was no way I wanted to attempt one for myself!!
Having bought one on ebay before I wasn't keen to go down that route (cheap but scratchy and mis shapen) and alot of the online shops only do them for slim hips, I put the petticoat idea away for now!

The universe has a strange way of working though and after the vintage bazaar on Saturday I wandered into Poot and they had one hanging from the rafters!!!! I fit like a dream, and although not my first choice of colour , I LOVED it!!!! What do you think?

Sorry for the blurryness, little miss took the pics!

Swindon & Cricklade Wartime Weekend

2011-10-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

Mentioning George and Gracies Pilot in the last post, I searched through the blog to link it in, and realise - I hadn't blogged about the event we saw it at!!! So here is a very belated post about the Swindon and Cricklade War Weekend... a brilliant blend of railways, ww2 re enactments and vintage shopping!!

The weather wasn't looking promising so I ditched the dresses are tried to rock a landgirl style outfit! Not a bad decisions as there were loads of landgirl displays there.

Not sure whose those were but the amazing homefront displays in the gazebos were put on by the marvellous Blitz Buddies. They were a great bunch of people, very frindly and eager to answer any questions I had!

Their display also include period cars, we instantly fell inlove with the v8 pilot!!

One of their members was the fab Mrs She, who was offering Vintage Hairdos for £5 so, as I am had been struggling all week to recreate anything vaugely vintage, I treated myself to some victory rolls!!

Hard to photgraph dark hair but here's a closeup....

We also treated ourselves to a 1940s lunch in one of the carriages!

Potato & Leek Soup or Spam fritters to start with Rabbit Pie or Corned Beef Hash mains, Apple Tart Dessert and of course to finish a nice cuppa!

I really loved these cups!!

Shopping was fab too, I snagged a lovely brown hat and hubby bought this stunning coat

I really liked this tank top...... but as the price had fallen of, the chap wouldnt sell it *grr*

So all in all, a great little event, very relaxed and lots of fun!!!

Very Vintage Weekend Part 2 - Wiltshire Tea Party

2011-10-08T12:28:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we travelled to Malmesbury and spent the afternoon sipping earl grey and enjoying a delightful afternoon of vintage entertainment and shopping!!!!

As predicted the weather had turned chilly, so it was a great excuse to wear my fabulous winter coat!
I also um'd and ah'd over wearing my snood today, but finally decided on my hat with a nice little hair roll at the front!

The Tea Party organised by Lavinia was great, we had early grey and lemon drizzle cake all served on vintage china.

The crowd that turned up was amazing, lots of lovely fashion to gaze at and many interesting characters. We had a most enjoyable game of dominos with Pike (one of the Blitz Brothers ) and chatted with facebook friends!

Entertainment was top notch with a retro DJ , a rockabilly singer, burlesque performance and dancing displays!

I didn't find too much today to buy, a vintage game of lotto and a book on retro hairstyling. I did spot these outside in a charity shop window, but it was closed!

I also found this in the carpark.... and after George and Gracie's V8 Pilot, this is my very next favourite vintage vehicle fantasy buy!

Hubby on the other hand splashed his cash very nicely....

A genuine WW2 USAAF uniform!! :)
(be still my heart!)

Livinia was talking about more tea parties in the near future, so keep your ears open, and come along for some vintage fun!!

A Very Vintage Weekend Part 1 - Rook Lane Retro

2011-10-08T08:57:00.001-07:00

Today we went to Rook Lane Retro, a twice yearly retro fair held in Frome. With free entry to anyone in retro / vintage outfits how could we resist! We've never been before so it was a nice little morning out. The actual fair was alot smaller than I expected only about 16 stalls max and covered several decades of retro-ness so I wasn't sure how many treasures I might find there?

Fear not though hubby and I scoured all the stalls, including one woman who wasn't a business but had just 'had a clearout of her childhood memories still at home' and found the following treasures.....

Lace Hankies...
I love the scotie Dogs!

40s Books....
A couple for the children to read at events, a great magazine for me to flick through on a steam train journey (Hubby has some vintage reading material, waiting in his Christmas Pile...shhh!)

Pink Gloves....
Now stricktly these weren't bought today but in the week from a local charity shop and they had their first outing today! Just look at the ruching on them, isn't it great!!!

Once again its been another vintage day in Frome, so we wandered around to Catherine Hill again and checked out the vintage shops. I tried on a couple of hats in Make and Mend but couldnt decide on which one so we went for a stroll and ended up in Nova where hubby found a perfect fitting brown trilby, which apparently he's wanted for a while, so we bought that instead and wandered home via this lovely little street......Frome really does have some of the prettiest buildings!

Tomorrow we have been invited to the Wiltshire Vintage TeaParty in Malmesbury, so I will hopefully find my perfect hat there instead!!

Stepping Out.... at Avon Valley Railway

2011-10-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

Well I've busy busy of late caught up in day to day things I'm sure I'll work into the blog in good time. But what a fantastic weekend we had last weekend at Avon Valley Railway! But wait I hear you cry, you said they went having any 1940s events now? Well they wernt but we had a family pass we had won at a silent auction last autumn. With the valid until date looming and a forecast of a great sunny weekend we decided to step out all by ourselves but in a glorious 40s fashion!!

We've never been to any events where no one else has dressed up yet, even feeling a little self concious at ones where everyone is in costume, on some occassions! But I shouldn't have worried one bit, when we arrived there were murmors from people in the cafe enjoying their tea and cakes that 'there must be an event on' I smiled and walk on. On the platform a lady walking passed me and blurted out ' you look fabulous' She must have thought I was a bit odd cause all I probably went bright red and spluttered out 'um, Thanks!' My confidence went sky high after that though :)

On the train we played vintage games, cards and picniced!

Being my normal photo crazed self It was during me taking several picks of the family that the gentleman opposite asked if anyone had taken a photo of all 4 of us together yet? Well when he offered I snapped his arm off, we never get one of us as a family!!!

So really our first time going out in period dress by ourselves was a complete success and something we'd like to do again soon!

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2011-09-15T01:21:00.001-07:00

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Introducing Arthur.....

2011-09-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

Reading the many blogs out there, its easy to assume its the ladies that are leading the voyage into vintage. Well lucky for me hubby seems just as keen to join in! Having bought his first couple of vintage items at W & Ws he was pretty keen to get some kind of complete outfit together to wear to events. Of course hubby being hubby his vintage vision would include (ultimately) car too and there in lay the problem. Hubby was thinking military. The problem was he prefered British vehicles but American uniforms! After much deliberation we decided, for now at least, Civvy street was definitely the way to go.

Luckily I knew exactly which street to go to...

Catherine Hill, Frome.

One of the coolest streets in the county for all things vintage and handmade! Unfortunately Make & Mend was shut but we tootled up the hill to Poot, and that is where hubby found his outfit!!

The lady in the shop was great and ever so helpful, we were in vintage heaven!! Hubby found a gorgeous green grey handmade 40s suit, never worn vintage shoes and a grey felt narrow rim fedora that fitted like a dream! He even picked his own vintage tie to match, and the woman said to me....' I think he was born in the wrong era'!

Sadly nothing for me today, I found a gorgeous wrap dress but it wouldn't do up over my ample bosom!! So off I headed home with a very happy hubby. He ran upstairs and changed back into the suit, grabbing Young Masters suitcase, and back down the stairs came....

Arthur Snail, travelling salesman.

Of course Arthur needs a girl at home to look after him, so i became Lily,
and we really havent looked back since!!

How it all began ....

2011-09-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

So, as this vintage lark is new to me, I've been trying to work out exactly what sparked me into the 'dressing up' part of it. Looking back I'm pretty sure it was this post by Hen over at Henhousehandmade.

I've read Hens blog for months now and the severn valley post really got me interested. Hubby loves his trains and it reminded me that our local railway normally has a 40s event. I showed hubby Hens post and posed the question....... 'you wouldn't fancy dressing up like that and go off to a railway event would you?' the rest they say is history!

Of course nothing is ever that easy and Avon Valley Railway had no 1940s event planned for 2011! A month or so later though when we were off at our devon bolthole, we noticed flyers for a weekend event 'Wings and Wheels' at Upottery Airfield 5 miles from us....

Wing and Wheels was great, plenty of WW2 vehicles, Reenactors and Planes. There was also a small stall selling vintage clothes and accessories! Hubby bought a pair of 1940s glasses (the prescription was perfect!) and some suspenders, I bought a fairisle hat for Little Miss and A leather (evaccuee) suitcase for Young Master.

Needless to say I came out with something too, a pair of crocheted white gloves and a navy tea dress. 'Is that your first vintage dress?' asked the customer in the snood next to me 'It won't be your last!'

We went back to Wings and Wheels the next day and I wore the dress....

Do You Dream in Vintage?

2011-09-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

Apparentely I do! For the past week in all of my dreams everyone has been dressed in period clothing *weird* this have never happened before? Maybe my subconsience is trying to tell me something!

So welcome to my little blog and see how everything vintage is gradually creeping into / taking over my life!