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Voodoo Vixen Sheila Dress Review

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I’m always excited to try out clothes from reproduction brands who I haven’t tried before. One such brand is Voodoo Vixen. I’ve seen their lovely clothes modelled by some of my favourite bloggers before and loved seeing their collection at the last London Edge, so I was really happy when they recently offered me a dress to review. Choosing was hard, as there are so many gorgeous styles and their prints are absolutely amazing.

Sheila Voodoo Vixen Dress ReviewIn the end I chose the Sheila dress which I liked because of the colours and the lovely cat print. Despite being a big fan of cats and owning two of my own, I had no clothes which featured our feline friends, so this was definitely the dress for me. I love the mix of mid century atomic inspired pattern next to the abstract cats, it really is a gorgeous print.

Voodoo Vixen Sheila Cat Print Dress ReviewMy favourite thing about the dress is all the extra details, which I often find lacking in other vintage inspired clothing. The pockets are a really nice detail, they are turned down and fastened with a button and have plenty of room inside for essentials such as an oyster card and a lipstick, which I never go anywhere without. The dress has a piped trim around the collar and pocket, giving it a more expensive finish which makes the dress that little bit more special to me. The covered black buttons on he chest and pockets bring out the black in the pattern and again, make the dress stand out from other dresses I’ve seen. The dress comes with a matching cotton belt, in the long run I will probably use a more robust one of my own to nip in the waist a little more.

Voodoo Vixen Sheila Dress PocketsSize-wise I went for an XL, which is equivalent to a UK 14. Having lost a little weight recently I’m quite a small 14 now, so I found the dress came up a little big on me, although not by much. There is a full size guide on the website to guide you through choosing the right size and having measured the dress I found the size guide to be accurate.

Voodoo Vixen Sheila DressThe overall quality of the dress was really good, the fabric was nice and heavy with a little bit of stretch. It is 97% cotton and 3% elastane. All the finishes are neat and well made and the zip is nice and strong, so I know I can wear it a lot without worrying about it falling apart. The dress is machine washable, which is an essential for me.

Voodoo Vixen Sheila Cat Print DressThe skirt is reasonably full, but personally I wouldn’t wear this one with a petticoat, I think it looks fine without.

I teamed my dress up with some original vintage bangles and my pink Donna shoes from Hotter.

I loved wearing this outfit, it was fun, easy to wear and very comfortable. The quality of the dress is lovely and it’s definitely something i will be wearing a lot this summer. I can’t wait to revisit the Voodoo Vixen website in the future and choose more of their lovely clothes.

See the full range of clothing on the Voodoo Vixen website.

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Lindy Bop Sale Haul

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Before putting myself on a strict spending ban, I had one last hurrah and ordered a few bits from the Lindy Bop sale. This was a few weeks ago now, and I’ve just got round to trying all my new things on. I went a little out of my comfort zone with this order, as I wanted to try a few pieces that  will fill gaps in my wardrobe. Excuse the poor lighting in the photos, I had to take these myself indoors on a rainy day.

Lindy Bop Tropical DressMy first purchase was the lovely tropical Pink Hibiscus Cynthia dress. I usually choose quite classic English style vintage dresses with more traditional floral designs. I absolutely love this tiki inspired dress as a summer alternative. Out of all the Lindy Bop dresses I’ve tried, this is my favourite one fit-wise. It’s a really flattering design and works really well on my body shape. I went for a size 14 in this one. This dress is currently £18 in the sale.

Lindy Bop Tiki DressThe other dress I bought was the Zsa Zsa Blue Tropical Twin Set Wiggle Dress. I don’t really wear wiggle dresses very often as I feel like they show all the bits I’d rather hide. But I found this one really flattering and I love that it comes with a matching bolero. I can’t wait to wear this out for evening drinks this summer. This dress is currently £24 in the sale.

Lindy Bop Floral CaprisFloral capris are definitely out of my comfort zone, but I really wanted to try the Kendra Classic Floral Print Cropped Capri Trousers. They actually look a lot better in real life than in these pictures. Here I’ve teamed them with an original 50s cotton blouse, but I’m on a the lookout for a white gypsy top to wear with them instead. These are currently £12 in the sale.

Lindy Bop Cocktail Glass SkirtLastly I got the Peggy Fifties Style Pink Cocktail Glass Full Circle Skirt, again this isn’t as traditional as some of things I would usually go for, but I thought it was really fun, especially as I love cocktails so much! The skirt is lovely and full, I’m wearing two petticoats with it here.

Annoying all these items have gone back up to full price, Lindy Bop often put nearly everything in the sale and then return it to normal price. I still think everything is really reasonable though. They currently have an up to 50% off sale with lots of other lovely things in it, so its well worth a look.

For some of my favourite new arrivals, check out my Lindy Bop Summer Wishlist.

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A Very Vintage Summer with Mela Mela Vintage

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All of a sudden the days are longer, the sun is shining (well, sometimes!) and our heads are full of picnics and Pimms. We think that the perfect way to enjoy these long idyllic days is with a vintage themed summer of pretty dresses and lazy daytrips with friends. Nothing says summer like a 50’s sundress, striped deckchairs or high tea in the great outdoors. With this in mind we have the best vintage fashion and lifestyle tips to keep you stay cool and stylish on summer days.

What to Wear

The sundress is the perfect way to style up this summer. Try a 50’s style in an easy to wear cotton for a real vintage vibe.

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The fun thing about these sundresses is the eye popping array of designs available from feminine florals to nautical stripes and everything in between, meaning there is a design for every taste and budget. The cinched in waist is also a flattering shape for pretty much all body shapes. For a real summer vibe pair with some wedges and a vintage straw hat to add some lady like cool to your look.

For those more active summer days try a cropped trouser or high-waisted short with a tied off shirt or blouse and a pair of ballet pumps. Perfect for messing about on the river or a summer bike ride out in the country.

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The Perfect Picnic

A proper vintage themed picnic is much more than a few warm sandwiches and wine in plastic cups. A vintage picnic should be about style, elegance and proper planning and is the perfect way to celebrate a special event this summer. First things first, this absolutely calls for a great picnic basket with flatware and glasses, you can pick these up online or in vintage stores and this will instantly up the cool points of your event. You will also need a cute vintage style blanket to complete the theme. Then plan a lunch of elegant nibbles, champagne and of course a cold jug of Pimms!

vintage-scarf-liberty-orange-ivory-stripes-floral-squares-frontVintage Seaside

Make a day at the beach a stylish event with a vintage look and accessories. Forget the sand covered beach towel and sun bleached costume, choose a vintage high waisted two piece to bring elegance and femininity to the seaside. Keep cool with an up-do covered with a vintage scarf and team with some cats eye sunglasses and red lipstick for screen siren cool.

1950s-vintage-musical-compact-gilt-diamante-detail-lipstick-holder-open_1

A traditional striped deckchair means you can sunbathe in vintage style and an authentic parasol will keep off the rays. For a real taste of the vintage seaside hire a beach hut with friends and experience a truly retro day out.

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation and what better way to enjoy this summer than to draw nostalgic inspiration from a more elegant age. So hit the vintage stores and stock up on the perfect accessories for a long, cool summer of classic style.

This lovely post was written for me by Nick from Mela Mela Vintage, a wonderful vintage shop in Twickenham. The shop is full of the most beautiful original vintage clothing and accessories and is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a really special true vintage item. 

Visit the shop in person – Mela Mela Vintage, 74 High Street, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 8JD

or see their extensive range of vintage fashion on the Mela Mela website

*sponsored guest post

Pretty Retro 40s Style Tea  Dress Review

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Earlier this year I went to one of my first 1940s themed events. I usually dress in 1950s style clothes, with the occasional dabble into the 60s and 70s. When it came to finding an outfit suitable for the era I found it a little tricky. In the end I wore my peony print dress from House of Foxy that I reviewed last year. But it got me thinking how nice it would be to have a few 1940s style outfits to wear to events and that I really needed to fill that decades gap in my wardrobe.

Pretty Retro Red Ditsy Tea Dress

Last year at London Edge I visited the House of Foxy stand, where they were not only displaying the amazing clothing from their range but also a selection of clothing from a new brand that they have launched in the last few months. Pretty Retro is an affordable reproduction vintage brand, which sells key pieces to create a vintage look. As a huge fan of House of Foxy I am so excited by this range. The designs are simpler and are more suitable for everyday wear, so where House of Foxy is perfect for those show stopping extra special outfits, Pretty Retro provide the kind of clothes you could wear to work or for a lunch date.

To me this brand really fills a gap in the reproduction vintage market and I’m really excited to see what else they have coming up in the future. They kindly offered me the chance to review one of their dresses. I jumped at the chance, especially because a 40s style tea dress had been exactly what I was looking for. I opted for the Pretty Tea Dress in Red Ditsy. This is a simple viscose tea dress, perfect for an everyday 40s look.

Pretty Retro Tea Dress Review

What I love about the dress is that it is simple and easy to wear while still having some really gorgeous details. It has a typical 1940s neckline and slightly puffed shoulders and has a super flattering gathered detail at the front and a little bow. The fabric is a lovely flow viscose which makes it hang beautifully. I have worn it 3 times this week already because it is the perfect dress to wear in a heatwave. The dress isn’t fitted so the light fabric skims over the body, which is so comfortable.

Red Ditsy 1940s Tea Dress Pretty Retro

Fit wise I went for a 14, as the dress has no zip or fastenings and is quite loose fitting, I think this was the right size to go for and I think it comes up pretty true to size. The bias cut of the fabric, gives it a beautifully flattering drape and I found it really easy to wear.

As usual I added a vintage Enid Collins bag to the outfit, although not era appropriate, I think they go with everything and I’m not a stickler for keeping everything authentic, I like to dress like me! I also wore my Orla Kiely for Clarks Abigail shoes, which are probably my all time favourite shoes. Although they are 70s inspired I think they work well with 40s style dresses too. I finished the look with a stack of simple vintage bakelite and plastic bangles and a vintage bead necklace. I will definitely be wearing this dress to my next 40s event, with slightly more authentic hair and accessories.

Pretty Retro Red Ditsy Tea Dress Review

The quality of the dress was really nice. The fabric is absolutely lovely and the details make it that little bit more special. The dress costs £49 which I think is just right and I think it is something I will keep for many years to come and wear a lot. The dress also comes in a blue tiki print and a black polka dot, both of which I would really like to add to my wardrobe.

The whole range is really exciting and includes a wiggle dress and a really beautiful swing dress as well as basic wardrobe staples such as capris, swing trousers and pencil skirts. If you are new to vintage or just want to expand your vintage wardrobe, this is a really great place to start. I’m really hoping this dress comes out in more prints, because I would love to have more.

See the full range on the Pretty Retro website. 

*Thank you so much to Pretty Retro for sending me the dress for review. All opinions as usual are entirely my own. 

 

Love Ur Look 1950s Style Shirt Dress Review

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As I have mentioned many times on here, Love ur Look are one of my very favourite reproduction vintage brands. One of the things I love most about them, is that they’re not making clothes like any other brand on the vintage scene. Their dresses are made ethically in India using salvaged and up-cycled fabrics and everything is absolutely lovely quality. One of the things that sets them apart from some other brands is all the lovely design details, everything bit of finishing is gorgeous and I’m a big fan of their detailed collars, oversized pockets and beautiful buttons.

Love ur Look 50s Style DressMy latest dress from Love ur Look, is a classic 50s style shirt dress. I am completely in love with the pretty grey and coral print, which really does look like an authentic 1950s fabric. I already have a similar dress in a black floral from Love ur Look which I wear all the time, so I couldn’t wait to wear this lighter coloured one in the summer.

Love Ur Look 1950s Shirt Dress ReviewThe dress is made from a lovely soft cotton and fastens with black plastic buttons. It comes with a matching tie belt, which I have worn tied at the back for these photos, but it could also be used to make a bow at the front. The dress also has handy pockets at the side – an absolute must for me. The dress is also fully lined in white cotton has a really full gathered skirt, which is perfect for a mid-century look.

Love ur Look Dress and Vintage Bakelite BanglesI wore the dress with a simple stack of vintage bakelite and bamboo bangles and an Enid Collins bag with a pretty butterfly design. I also wore my trusty pink Donna shoes from Hotter, which I wear with almost all my vintage outfits, as they’re just so comfortable.

Love ur Look 1950s Check Shirt DressFit-wise I went for a size large, which works out about the same as my usual size 14. It is ever so slightly tight across the bust on me, which I find with most shirt dresses, but as it’s a nice strong fabric I think I can get away with it.

At £48, I think the dress is excellent value for money and would be perfect for someone looking for a dress for vintage events, that isn’t from one of the bigger repro brands.

This dress is available here. See the full range on the Love ur Look website.

This dress was kindly gifted to me by Love ur Look, although I am also a paying customer. All opinions are my own. 

House of Fraser Yumi Tea and Macaroon Dress Review

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The high street isn’t somewhere I shop for dresses very often, mainly because I usually wear either vintage or reproduction vintage clothes and buy online. One shop on the high street that I’ve noticed is really good for finding vintage style dresses, is House of Fraser. They stock a really wide selection of brands and many of them have pretty prom and fit and flare style dresses, perfect if you’re looking for something fifties style. When I was offered a dress to review from house of Fraser, there were so any things I liked, it was really hard to choose. In the end I chose the Tea and Macaroon dress by Yumi, because it is just too pretty to resist.

House of Fraser Yumi Macaron Dress ReviewThe dress is adorned by pretty pictures of vintage tea cups and macaroons, all things I love! I felt like a princess as soon as I put the dress on, it is just so lovely. It is designed to be worn strapless, but also comes with some thin straps which I preferred. The dress has a satin lining and two layers of net to give it a slightly fuller look. For extra volume you could also wear it with a petticoat.

House of Fraser Yumi Dress ReviewThe quality is absolutely lovely, the dress has boning and cup support, which really help with the fit and the dress didn’t slip at all. The fabric is lovely and light and hangs perfectly over the net underskirt. I went for a size 14 and found that the dress came up true to size. It sits just below the knee, which is my favourite length.

House of Fraser Yumi Tea and Macarons DressI wore the dress with an original 50s necklace, a 50s box bag and a pair of Hotter shoes. I’m also planning to wear it with some flat shoes and a cardigan for a more casual look. The Dress is just too lovely to save for special occasions. I intend to wear it a lot.

Yum Tea and Macarons DressHaving tried this dress and been really impressed, I’m definitely going to get more dresses from House of Fraser in the future. I love the choice of style and huge range of brands. If you like vintage style clothing, but prefer to buy new, this is a great place to look.

Check out the full range of dresses on the House of Fraser website.

*This dress was kindly sent to me to review. All options are my own. 

Finding The Perfect Skirt With Octer

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For someone who has a lot of clothes, I actually find shopping quite tedious. Especially when I’m looking for something specific. There’s nothing worse than having to trawl through lots of different websites trying to find that perfect item of clothing. I was recently introduced to a site called Octer, which aims to make the experience a little easier. Octer is a shopping site which includes items from hundreds of different online and high street retailers. It’s a great tool if you want to search lots of different shops for one item.

Octer Cath Kidston Skirt Enid Collins Bag and Miss L Fire ShoesAs someone who doesn’t shop on the high street that often, I have very specific tastes, so it was a really quick way to find something that would work with the rest of my wardrobe. I’m a bit obsessed with skirts at the moment, so that was the first thing I looked for on the Octer site. I was able to specify my price range and them browsed through until I spotted something I loved. It wasn’t long before I spotted this gorgeous pencil print skirt from Cath Kidston and I knew it was the one.

Octer ReviewI really enjoyed being able to look through so many different options and I discovered a few brands that I wouldn’t otherwise have thought to look at. The site is so easy to use and once you’ve found the item you want, it takes you through to the retailers website so you can purchase the item. I’m going to a ball later in the year and I need a dress to wear and I’ve already used Octer to scout out a few options.

Octer OOTDThe site doesn’t just cover women’s clothing it also has mens and children’s wear as well as beauty products, technology and interior items listed, so it’s a great one stop shop for everything you need. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to an online department store. I’d really recommend giving it a go, if like me you want to save time on shopping. Find out more on the Octer website.

I wore my new skirt with a top from Collectif, a vintage Enid Collins bag and Miss L Fire shoes.

*Thank you to Octor for paying for my skirt, all opinions as always are my own. 

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1950s Summer Party Dresses

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As the beautiful warm weather continues there’s still plenty of time to wear beautiful vintage summer dresses. In this fantastic guest post Nick from Mela Mela Vintage, shares some of his 1950s favourites…

Does a stack of wedding and party invites leave you with a ‘what to wear’ headache this summer? Why not look to the era of gin cocktails and elegant summer soirees for your party vibe this year? The 50’s is providing us with some serious party wear inspiration right now and what’s more there is a 50’s look for every occasion. From the infamous wiggle dress to flattering circle shapes and cotton summer dresses Mela Mela have you covered. Swoon over some of our favourite 50’s pieces now in store to get your summer party look nailed.

Screen Shot 2016-09-01 at 15.13.30Sunshine Prints

50’s designers weren’t afraid of some seriously bold prints and this sunshine coloured dress is no exception. The striped cotton design with classic flared skirt reminds us of holiday sunsets. We think it is just crying out for some Hollywood sized sunglasses and a glass of Pimms!

Screen Shot 2016-09-01 at 15.14.06Nautical but Nice

The 50’s fashionista loved the whimsy of sailor inspired dresses and co-ord sets. This striking navy two piece has more than a hint of the sea about it. Cut in an iconic wiggle shape, this dress has a form flattering fit. Combining high style with elegant restraint we think this would be a great look for a formal wedding or professional event.

Screen Shot 2016-09-01 at 15.14.29Prom Princess

Some of the most swoon inspiring 50’s dresses combine the classic circle shape with oodles of tulle and embellishment. This exceptionally pretty example pairs a full netted lilac skirt with a white lace overlay to stunning effect. Be a knockout at a summer ball in this ultra feminine number.

Screen Shot 2016-09-01 at 15.14.54Gorgeous Gingham

Nothing says long summer days like a hit of gingham. A 50’s pattern staple, it’s fresh, pretty and perfect for summer. Available in every colour and style it’s also incredibly versatile. This full length taffeta example with nipped in waist and cute button detail is sure to make an impact at any alfresco event.

Screen Shot 2016-09-01 at 15.15.15Club Tropicana

Hot summer nights call for acid brights and wild prints. The 50’s love for the colourful and for exotic Hawaiian inspired prints has left us with some amazing items. This strapless cotton dress combines an abstract pattern with a tropical colour palette for a fun and fresh finish. Perfect for cocktails and dancing at a summer beach party.

Screen Shot 2016-09-01 at 15.15.47Flower Power

A garden party is just the thing for a fabulous floral. The 50’s showcases everything from delicate pastel floral designs to bold graphic designs. We love this delicate pink and blue example with its gorgeous velvet waist belt. The scooped neck gives it real impact combined with the classic 50’s circle shape. Pair with sandals for an easy, breezy finish.

We hope these gorgeous 50’s summer looks have inspired you to try a vintage look this summer. You’re sure to be a knockout in a unique vintage find that will turn heads. Be sure to check out our full range of 50’s dresses here.


A Seventies Style Maxi Dress for Autumn

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September is one of those times of year when the weather can go any which way. One day can be sunny and the next wet and windy. Although I adore the summer, I love the months where the weather starts to turn and everything changes colour. The same applies to my wardrobe. After a summer of pretty floral dresses and bright colours, I like looking for darker tones and changing my look up a bit. I mostly wear 40s and 50s style dresses in the summer, but for Autumn often lean more towards the 60s and 70s. the colours of the later decades work really well later in the year.

JD Williams 70s Dress OOTDTodays outfit is inspired by the seventies, but is all brand new and from online retailer JD Williams, who have a huge range of clothing and shoes on their site. Whenever I’m reviewing modern clothing, I always look for things that work well for a vintage and retro look and both the shoes and the dress really stood out to me.

JD Williams Summer 70s Dress ReviewThis gorgeous maxi dress, is a lovely and comfortable and I love the flowing top and hem. The mix and match prints are fabulously retro and I really enjoyed wearing something a bit different to my usual mid-century look.

JD Williams 70s Style Platform SandalsI absolutely love big chunky platform shoes, and never get to wear them with my older outfits, so these were a great choice to go with this dress. I’m not a big fan of my feet, so it was a bit out of my comfort zone to get them out! The shoes were surprisingly comfortable and didn’t hurt at all when I went for a walk in them. I intend to get some of my original seventies dresses out this Autumn to wear them with.

Outfit Details:

Maxi dress – JD Williams – Currently on sale at £13 reduced from £40

Platform Shoes – JD Williams – Currently on sale at £32 reduced from £40

Bangles – Primark about 8 years ago

See the full range of maxi dresses here.

*This outfit was sent to my by JD Williams to review. All opinions are my own.

Twinwood Festival 2016 – Most Marvellous Outfits

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A couple of weeks ago, I went to Twinwood Festival for the first time. The festival celebrates all things vintage, from music and dance to fashion, with a lot of history thrown in. I went with a big group of friends from the Most Marvellous Meet Ups group and we had a fantastic time. I’m going to write another post talking about the festival a bit more and sharing my outfits from the weekend, but today I wanted to share some pictures of some of my friends and their gorgeous outfits.

twinwood-festival-2016-amy-and-rebeccaAmy and Becky

twinwood-festival-2016-carrie-ann-nicola-and-hollyCarrie-Ann, Nicola and Holly

twinwood-festival-2016-lynda-and-sarahLynda and Sarah

twinwood-festival-2016-hattie-and-lottieLottie and Hattie

twinwood-festival-2016-beverley-steph-etcSteph and Beverley and I can’t remember the names of the two handsome chaps (someone help me out)

twinwood-festival-2016-samSam, wearing my favourite outfit from the weekend. I love everything about this gorgeous yellow outfit.

twinwood-festival-2016-holly-and-emmaHolly and Emma

twinwood-festival-2016-marvelettesMe, Tanya, Beverley, Steph, Sam and Lucy

twinwood-festival-2016-becky-beverly-and-amyBecky, Beverley and Amy

twinwood-festival-2016-becky-and-amyBecky and Amy doing 40s to perfection.

twinwood-festival-2016-beverly-lucy-tanya-and-stephBeverley, Lucy, Tanya, and Steph with a handsome chap!

twinwood-festival-2016-gemma-lucy-and-rachelGemma, Lucy and Rachel

Doesn’t everyone look fabulous. Next year I might pluck up the courage to ask people I don’t know for photos, as there were so many stunning outfits everywhere. It was like vintage heaven! Look out for my outfit round-up some time in the next week.

While we’re here, I have a big favour to ask all my readers. As many of you know last year I was lucky enough to win a Cosmo Blog Award, which was a huge honour and mostly thanks to all my wonderful friends and readers who nominated me. This year I would love to be nominated again, since there isn’t a photography section this year I would like to be nominated in the Lifestyle category. If you could spare a minute to nominate Vintage Frills it would be much appreciated, and as a reasonably niche blog I need all the votes I can get!

Thank you! xxxx You can place your nomination here.

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A Charming New Bracelet

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chlo-bo-labradorite-sparkle-flower-heart-braceletAs you may know my jewellery collection is a pretty big one. I love accessorising all my outfits with pretty pieces and I’m always on the lookout for lovely things to wear with my clothes. I was recently given the opportunity to review something from the ChloBo website. They sell a gorgeous range of stackable pieces of jewellery, which are perfect for mixing and matching.

chlo-bo-labradorite-sparkle-flower-heart-bracelet-reviewI chose this lovely rose and labradorite stretching bracelet, with a cute little heart charm. I thought it would go nicely with some of my pastel coloured floral dresses as well as brightening up simple casual looks. 

chlobo-labradorite-sparkle-flower-heart-braceletThe bracelet is really delicate and simple and I love the pretty stones and rose gold beads, the little details are so lovely. It is made with high quality Sterling silver and coated with rose gold.

chlo-bo-labradorite-sparkle-flower-heart-bracelet-close-upChloBo jewellery is made in the UK, which is always a big selling point for me as I’m passionate about supporting British companies. The range is inspired by freedom and travel, with different global influences.

chlobo-rose-gold-heart-braceletI really like the boho feel and the fact that you can build up a collection of jewellery and build different stacks.  You could go really heavy and wear loads, or just keep it simple with one. 

chlobo-rose-gold-heart-bracelet-reviewAll the charms have different meanings, so for example with my bracelet the Labradorite is the semi-precious stone of spiritual awakening. When held, it is believed to have calming and healing powers. The heart is worn as a symbol of love.

chlobo-rose-gold-and-labradorite-heart-braceletI was really pleased with the quality of the bracelet, which came in a sturdy presentation box. I think it would make a wonderful gift for a special occasion. In the same way that you would add to a charm bracelet, you could keep adding new bracelets to the stack over time. ChloBo also have a wide range of necklaces, rings and earrings to compliment the bracelets.

Check out the full range on the ChloBo website.

I am entering the Cosmo Blog Awards again this year. If you have a minute, I would really appreciate a nomination in the Lifestyle category. Thank you! You can place your nominations here.

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A Bright and Cheerful 1950s Dress OOTD

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As the weather gets colder, all the colours in the shops seem to get darker. Although I am a fan of the gorgeous mustards, plums and bottle greens that grace our autumn wardrobes, I can’t help but feel a little mournful for the cheeriness of summer. I will definitely be sharing some of my typical autumn and winter outfits on the blog over the next few weeks, but today I’m sharing something a little brighter.

outfit-photographAdmittedly I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago when it was still warm, but I think the dress in todays post could definitely work at this time of year. I’d just pair it with a cardigan and some thicker stockings. I also think the colours reflect those of the leaves that are falling from the trees.

checked-dress-ootdThe dress is an original 1950s dress, which I bought from Liz of Advantage in Vintage. I buy a lot of clothes from her, because she has an eye for beautiful things and she also always has a lot to offer in my size. I’ve teamed the dress with my trusty Hotter heels and an Enid Collins bag. This was the first Enid I ever bought and I love the colours with this dress. I’m also wearing an autumn inspired hair flower and a stack of bakelite bangles.

Since I only recently bought this dress, I certainly won’t be hiding it away, waiting for the Spring. How do you make your summer clothes work all year round? I’d love to know.

In other news, the latest issue of Vintage Life magazine is now out, and it features two articles written by me. I am so proud to be featuring in the brilliant re-vamped issue. It is absolutely packed with brilliant content and they have some amazingly talented writers on-board.

I’ve also started listing some of my new stock on my Etsy shop. At the moment I’m just adding some more jewellery, this always sells out really fast, so I’m excited to see it all go to it’s new home. Next week I’ll be adding some original vintage clothing too. So keep your eyes peeled.

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Cath Kidston Winnie The Pooh Dress OOTD

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I had been looking forward to the Cath Kidston and Disney collaboration, since I first heard about it a few months ago. I knew there would be a dress in the range and I was determined to own it. As the range was a limited edition I knew it would be hard to get my hands on one, so I signed up for the early bird newsletter and luckily managed to get the dress in my basket within ten minutes of it going online.

disney-cath-kidston-winnie-the-pooh-dress-2These sold out so quickly, by later that evening there were none left so I was definitely one of the lucky ones. So is the dress worth the fuss? In some ways I feel I got a little sucked into the hype of this collaboration. I absolutely love Cath Kidston and Winnie the Pooh, so I was always going to love this range. However I very rarely wear polka dots, so this is a bit of an exception for me. I think it’s really cute how the polka dots are incorporated into the print though, but it would have been nice to have had a floral dress option too.

disney-winnie-the-pooh-dressMy other misgiving with this dress is the length. It’s just a little bit too short for me. Although I love wearing shorter 60s dresses, to me this style of dress would look better sitting at knee length. Other than that the dress is wonderful, I love the thick textured fabric and the overall shape and as a collectors item, this was a great addition to my wardrobe.

winnie-the-pooh-cath-kidston-dressI wore mine with some vintage red and yellow jewellery and my favourite yellow Miss L Fire shoes, to bring out the colours in the polka dot balloons. I’m looking forward to trying it out with different accessories and making it work for the winter.

I am really looking forward to the next Disney Collaboration from Cath Kidston. Here’s hoping I’ll get lucky and get my hands on the next dress from the range!

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The Perfect 1940s Style Dress from Pretty Retro OOTD

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A few months ago, I reviewed a beautiful floral 40s style dress from new brand Pretty Retro. As I said in that review, the dress would be perfect to wear to 1940s events. Last week I received anther gorgeous dress from them and this one is every bit as lovely and a very authentic tribute to 40s fashions.

pretty-retro-1940s-style-shirt-dress-reviewFor those of you unfamiliar with the brand, it comes from the creators of established repro brand The House of Foxy, and is an affordable range of staple items for a vintage wardrobe. The range consists of several dresses as well as a great range of separates. The dress in todays review is the latest new addition to the collection and comes in a choice of green and red.

pretty-retro-pretty-green-shirt-dressSince green is my favourite colour and I don’t have nearly enough of it in my wardrobe, I knew it was the perfect dress for me. I love the simple shirt style and all the extra details are really flattering. The dress has pleats and tucks in all the right places, giving it a very authentic vintage feel and setting it a cut above similar reproductions I’ve tried. I love the slightly padded shoulders and larger buttons which finish the look of the dress of perfectly.

pretty-retro-green-1940s-dressWhen it comes to fit, I went for a size 14 which is my usual size and it fits perfectly. The side zip allows for a perfect fit and it was lovely to have a shirt dress which doesn’t gape at all at the bust. The length falls just below the knee, which is just right for the era. The dress is made from a poly, viscose and spandex mix, which acts in the same way as a traditional 1940s rayon.

pretty-retro-outfit-detailsI will definitely be giving the dress a spin at any 1940s events I go to. I’m quite tempted to buy it in the red too, as it’s such a useful dress to have in my collection. It is also perfect for everyday wear, as it’s really comfortable and classic and it can be machine washed, so it’s practical too. At £59 it’s a great investment piece that can be worn year after year.

pretty-retro-pretty-green-shirt-dress-reviewI wore mine with a beret which I picked up on Ebay, some Cath Kinston bangles, a vintage Enid Collins box bag and my Clarks Orla Kiely shoes. I love mixing up my eras a bit, but I’d probably wear some classic brogues with it to an event.

Check out the full range on the Pretty Retro website.

*Thank you so much to Pretty Retro for sending me the dress for review. All opinions as usual are entirely my own. 

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A Seventies Style Maxi Dress for Autumn

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September is one of those times of year when the weather can go any which way. One day can be sunny and the next wet and windy. Although I adore the summer, I love the months where the weather starts to turn and everything changes colour. The same applies to my wardrobe. After a summer of pretty floral dresses and bright colours, I like looking for darker tones and changing my look up a bit. I mostly wear 40s and 50s style dresses in the summer, but for Autumn often lean more towards the 60s and 70s. the colours of the later decades work really well later in the year.

JD Williams 70s Dress OOTDTodays outfit is inspired by the seventies, but is all brand new and from online retailer JD Williams, who have a huge range of clothing and shoes on their site. Whenever I’m reviewing modern clothing, I always look for things that work well for a vintage and retro look and both the shoes and the dress really stood out to me.

JD Williams Summer 70s Dress ReviewThis gorgeous maxi dress, is a lovely and comfortable and I love the flowing top and hem. The mix and match prints are fabulously retro and I really enjoyed wearing something a bit different to my usual mid-century look.

JD Williams 70s Style Platform SandalsI absolutely love big chunky platform shoes, and never get to wear them with my older outfits, so these were a great choice to go with this dress. I’m not a big fan of my feet, so it was a bit out of my comfort zone to get them out! The shoes were surprisingly comfortable and didn’t hurt at all when I went for a walk in them. I intend to get some of my original seventies dresses out this Autumn to wear them with.

Outfit Details:

Maxi dress – JD Williams – Currently on sale at £13 reduced from £40

Platform Shoes – JD Williams – Currently on sale at £32 reduced from £40

Bangles – Primark about 8 years ago

See the full range of maxi dresses here.

*This outfit was sent to my by JD Williams to review. All opinions are my own.


The Perfect 1940s Style Dress from Pretty Retro OOTD

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A few months ago, I reviewed a beautiful floral 40s style dress from new brand Pretty Retro. As I said in that review, the dress would be perfect to wear to 1940s events. Last week I received anther gorgeous dress from them and this one is every bit as lovely and a very authentic tribute to 40s fashions.

pretty-retro-1940s-style-shirt-dress-reviewFor those of you unfamiliar with the brand, it comes from the creators of established repro brand The House of Foxy, and is an affordable range of staple items for a vintage wardrobe. The range consists of several dresses as well as a great range of separates. The dress in todays review is the latest new addition to the collection and comes in a choice of green and red.

pretty-retro-pretty-green-shirt-dressSince green is my favourite colour and I don’t have nearly enough of it in my wardrobe, I knew it was the perfect dress for me. I love the simple shirt style and all the extra details are really flattering. The dress has pleats and tucks in all the right places, giving it a very authentic vintage feel and setting it a cut above similar reproductions I’ve tried. I love the slightly padded shoulders and larger buttons which finish the look of the dress of perfectly.

pretty-retro-green-1940s-dressWhen it comes to fit, I went for a size 14 which is my usual size and it fits perfectly. The side zip allows for a perfect fit and it was lovely to have a shirt dress which doesn’t gape at all at the bust. The length falls just below the knee, which is just right for the era. The dress is made from a poly, viscose and spandex mix, which acts in the same way as a traditional 1940s rayon.

pretty-retro-outfit-detailsI will definitely be giving the dress a spin at any 1940s events I go to. I’m quite tempted to buy it in the red too, as it’s such a useful dress to have in my collection. It is also perfect for everyday wear, as it’s really comfortable and classic and it can be machine washed, so it’s practical too. At £59 it’s a great investment piece that can be worn year after year.

pretty-retro-pretty-green-shirt-dress-reviewI wore mine with a beret which I picked up on Ebay, some Cath Kidston bangles, a vintage Enid Collins box bag and my Clarks Orla Kiely shoes. I love mixing up my eras a bit, but I’d probably wear some classic brogues with it to an event.

Check out the full range on the Pretty Retro website.

*Thank you so much to Pretty Retro for sending me the dress for review. All opinions as usual are entirely my own. 

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Rainy Days Call For Cheerful Outfits – 60s Inspired OOTD

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Do you ever find yourself in a bit of a style rut? I often do at this time of year. Sartorially the summer is definitely my favourite time of year. I find it so easy to throw on a gorgeous 50s style summer dress, some cute sandals or ballet flats and I’m good to go. The colder weather always comes as bit of a shock to me and I find myself looking at my wardrobe with a total lack on inspiration.

Then I remember the 60s and seventies, and I feel inspired again. The autumnal colours of the two decades are so easy to wear at this time of year. I hate wearing black as it totally washes me out. Todays outfit is actually a little daring for me. I rarely wear short skirts and this is a lot more leg than I usually have on show. But sometimes you’ve just got have fun and this outfit really cheered me up on a soggy cold rainy day.

sixties-inspired-ootdI picked up both the skirt and top at my local Sainsburys while doing my weekly shop, I am absolutely loving their clothing at the moment and I’ve picked up quite a few things in the last few weeks. I’ll definitely be sharing some more supermarket outfits over the coming weeks. I’ve paired them with some daring mustard tights from Primark, which make me feel a bit like an extra from the Simpsons, but I still love the colour. My shoes are my trusty Orla Kiely Abigail shoes from Clarks.

retro-sainsburys-jumperIt was fun to step out of my comfort zone a bit in this outfit and to try something a bit different. One of the best things about wearing vintage and retro style clothing is being about to jump between the decades and mix and match your look. For me always dressing in the same style all the time can get a bit boring and I enjoy the creativity of taking inspiration from different eras of fashion.

clarks-orla-kiely-abigail-shoesYou’ll probably notice me wearing these shoes with loads of outfits over the next few months. Partly because they are my very favourite shoes and they go really well with so many of my clothes. Also because I don’t own that many shoes any more. I got rid of loads and now try to invest in good quality shoes that will last me years.

Outfit details:

Top – Similar here – Tu at Sainsburys

Skirt – £18.00 – Tu at Sainsburys

Tights – Primark

Shoes – Some available on eBay – Orla Kiely at Clarks

What do you think of this slightly different look from me? Do you enjoy experimenting with influences from different periods in fashion history?

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Cath Kidston Watch Review

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Back in September Cath Kidston launched their first ever watch collection. The range features some of their most iconic prints and come in a selection of different styles and finishes. From polka dots to florals and my all time favourite cowboy print, there’s something in the range for every Cath Kidston fan.

cath-kidston-watch-collection-2The full range of watches is available at WatchShop.com and they kindly offered to send me a couple of watches to try. I chose the Briar Rose and polka dot and the Kingswood Rose Multifunction watches.

cath-kidston-watches-in-boxEach watch arrives in a lovely presentation box with the classic Cath Kidston branding. I really like packaging and think it would work really well as a christmas gift or stocking filler.

cath-kidston-watches-gift-boxThe watches are beautiful quality, I was really pleased with both of mine. They are really bright and cheerful and are a lovely addition to my outfits. The straps were really comfortable and cushioned, so for someone who rarely wears watches it was easy to get used to wearing one.

cath-kidston-watches I liked all the little details on the watches, such as the use of Cath Kidston branding on the watch strap and buckles, as well as the pretty gold details on the face.

cath-kidston-briar-rose-watch-in-boxPrice wise I think they are quite reasonable. The multi function watch costs £85 and the more simple design costs £60. The collection ranges in price from £35 to £85, so there’s something there for most budgets.

cath-kidston-briar-rose-watchI’m really enthusiastic about the range and really impressed by the whole collection. I’d definitely recommend taking a look through the whole selection, to see if your favourite classic Cath Kidston print is there.

cath-kidston-watches-watchshop-com

cath-kidston-watch-vintage-frillsView the full range on the watchshop.com website.

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Walking Through the Leaves – A Casual Autumn Outfit

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In my last outfit post, I talked about how much I’m loving the latest clothing collection from TU at Sainsburys. As well as liking the convenience of being able to pick up a few bits while doing my weekly shop, its nice being able to boost my winter wardrobe without spending a fortune. I recently picked up this casual denim dungaree dress which I can wear lots of different tops underneath.

autumn-denim-dungaree-dressAlthough I have a wardrobe full of original vintage clothes, as a busy mum I also like to stock up on new items that I can wear out and about, without the risk of damaging. I’ve recently built a small staple wardrobe of mix and match pieces that are perfect for the colder weather and my busy life.

sainsburys-denim-dungaree-dress-ootdTodays outfit was worn under a very warm coat for a lovely walk around Morden Hall Park with my best friend Fay. It was lovely to slow down for a bit and enjoy a  nice cup of tea, before taking a walk through the crunchy leaves and taking lots of pictures of our beautiful surroundings.

throwing-autumn-leavesI really like the mixture of this floral 70s style blouse with the dungaree dress and a comfy pair of flats. It all goes really well together, while still being really casual and laid back. Let me know if you like these casual everyday looks and I’ll be sure to share more of them with you.

Outfit Details:

Floral Blouse – £10 – Primark

Denim Dungaree Dress (similar) – £18 – TU at Sainsburys

Shipley Shoes – £75 – Hotter

Thank you to Fay for taking these pictures for me. For a really good read take a look at her blog.

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A Retro Pinafore Dress and An Autumn Walk

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From my last couple of outfit pots, you may have gathered that I’m a little bit obsessed with TU clothing from Sainsburys at the moment! At this time of year I turn to comfort food and comfort clothes, as I reluctantly adjust to the colder weather. I also love to dress more retro and vintage during the autumn, as the colour palette of the sixties and seventies lends itself so well to the season.

sainsburys-maroon-tartan-corduroy-dress-ootdTodays outfit is all about comfort, it’s warm and easy to wear and perfect for long walks through the falling leaves. The dress is another from Sainsburys, who have some really gorgeous seventies inspired clothing at the moment. It’s made from warm tartan corduroy and goes really well with my Primark sweater from last year.

sainsburys-tartan-dungaree-dress-ootdI’ve worn it with some warm black tights and a pair of shoes from a couple of years ago from Clarks. The whole outfit was lovely to wear and definitely kept me warm. As with all my TU dresses I went for my usual size 14. The dress washes really well and like the dress I included in my last OOTD, its perfect as part of a mix and match wardrobe, I’ve worn it with lots of different sweaters and blouses and created lots of different looks.

sainsburys-corduroy-pinafore-dress-ootdAlthough lots of the collection is available online in Sainsburys, I’ve always found that there are slightly different things in store. So it’s definitely worth looking at both.

I have got some fabulous original vintage and vintage inspired outfits that I’m planning to photograph over the next few weeks. So come back soon, to see what else I wear in the autumn and winter.

Outfit Details:

Dress – £18 – TU at Sainsburys

Sweater – £6 – Primark

Shoes – Clarks

Thank you so much to Fay for taking my pictures for me.

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