Bronte Beach Bathers

Hullo again, dear readers, after my long absence! I'm back in an autumnal London now but here are a couple of shots from Australia, taken at Bronte Beach in Sydney. I'm wearing an amazing 1950s bathing suit which a family friend gave me. Isn't it gorgeous? It's part of a collection of clothes she was given by her grandmother. As she doesn't wear it, she thought it better that it be used for the purpose it was intended, rather than sitting in a box... And I was an obvious candidate to be the recipient!

I've been on the lookout for a vintage style bathing suit for a while. There seems to be a fair few being made these days in this kind of style but they are all in modern fabrics and expensive. At the same time, I was apprehensive about buying an actual vintage article as I generally draw the line at pre-loved underwear and swimwear... There's just something that makes me slightly uncertain about it... But, coming from a friend, it felt a bit different and not at all weird. And they are the perfect, genuine, cotton article. The adjustable, buttoned straps initially felt like they were pulling a bit tight over my back, even at the longest length, but I just tied them as a halter neck and voila!

This treasure coming my way after my fruitless search for bathers just goes to show that good things come to those who wait!

Meant to Be? Or Tailored to Fit?

Some time ago, I came across a truly wonderful find at Paper Dress Vintage on Curtain Road in Shoreditch. A two-piece Mary Quant. Olive green dress and matching jacket, with a sweet blue and yellow floral pattern on the dress bodice and jacket lining and collar. The shade wasn't one I'd usually go for but the whole thing was just so fabulous that I had to try it on. The colour actually suited me quite well it turned out, the fabric was lovely and soft, the whole thing dead comfortable and the perfect length...

... but JUST too big! I was utterly devastated. I wanted it to fit, I willed it to fit, I squinted and pretended that it fitted. But sadly, it wasn't too be. The dress could have worked with some adjustment as it was a pretty simple shift. The jacket, on the other hand, would have required a fair bit of restructuring. The sales assistant, clearly seeing how heartbroken I was, informed me that they had a tailoring service, if I wanted to take advantage of that. I pondered very hard, more seriously than I have ever pondered alteration services but in the end, I walked away.

Although tailors can be amazing, there is something that just doesn't feel right to me about taking a vintage item that has survived intact down the ages, and then nipping and tucking to make it fit you. Especially when it's an iconic designer item, and so perfectly structured and made to begin with. It may sound a bit melodramatic but to me it seems like it wouldn't be a genuine item anymore. In this case, it wouldn't have been Mary Quant anymore, it wouldn't have been what she had designed, it would have been a new garment, even with the most skilled tailor.

So I maintained my philosophy of "if it doesn't fit, it wasn't meant for me and some other girl that comes after me will be the perfect new owner". It's actually one of the things I love about being an almost purely vintage/second-hand girl. Not only does it naturally keep your acquisition rate down, it makes it all the more special when you do find something that not only looks perfect on the rack but looks perfect on you too (such as this amazing find last year). For that reason, if it requires anything more than, say, a hem adjustment or a couple of simple darts (both reversible), I'll leave it behind.

What are your thoughts on modifying vintage items? Do you like your finds unadulterated or do you enjoy the challenge of making clothes work for you? Alternatively, do you use tailoring and altering services? Do you think I'm mad for my thinking that it wouldn't have been Mary Quant anymore if I'd modified the jacket? Do you feel like crying when you see, for example, a 1940s dress that was clearly originally knee-length, hacked off to be made into a mini (I once encountered a whole shop full of such abominations)? Or do you like personalizing and modernizing old items? I'd love to hear your comments.

Ballgowns at the V&A

Image source: The Guardian

Recently, I went to see the new exhibition at the V&A Museum - Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950. I had been looking forward to seeing this, and when I recently bought membership for the V&A, I decided that this would be my first exhibition with my fancy new card.

There were some delightful dresses and I really enjoyed the way that they had chosen to curate the exhibits. Instead of going chronologically or some other such way, they grouped together dresses by colour palette. It was fun to see dresses from, say, the '50s, '70s and '80s side by side with almost exactly the same shades and combinations of colour.

Yellows and oranges. The '70s number here (second from left)
was surprisingly one of my favourites. I'm not usually a '70s
girl, but I just found it so simple and elegant
(Image source: Vogue)

Reds and blacks. (Image source: Vogue)

Corals. I was fascinated by the kaftan dress on the left.
I couldn't quite work out whether there was actually anything
holding the sides together. Would be quite fun to wear, I think.
(Image source: Vogue)

Naturally, I loved practically all the '50s dress and most of the '60s, but I also found something to like in every era. When I moved up to the present-day dresses on the upper floor I was rather underwhelmed though - somewhat ironically as the dresses there felt like they were desperate to make a statement and grab some attention. But for me they felt somehow soulless. Perhaps because they haven't stood the test of time... Or perhaps because, being modern, it was just like going into Top Shop or some such, which I always find depressing...

Give me old fashioned elegance any day (Image source: Stylist)

Despite all the lovely vintage dresses downstairs, I have to confess that I would have been slightly disappointed if I'd paid to get into the exhibition. It felt rather thin somehow. I think my main complaint would be the lack of interpretation. There was hardly anything to put ballgowns into context or to chart their development - the information boards could basically be summed up in one sentence: "People used to wear ballgowns to debutante balls and other such events, now celebrities wear them on the red carpet". A few select dresses had further information but I felt that so much more could have been said to draw out the viewer's appreciation and understanding of the dresses and how fashions have developed. As it was, it just felt kind of like window shopping... Except I couldn't walk in and try any of them on! I was also frustrated about the lack of mirrors in some of the display cases. There was one amazing 1950s dress with some lovely detailing around the waist - I would have loved to have been able to see how it was constructed at the back and a well-placed mirror would have enabled that. I think such simple measures might have encouraged more overall appreciation of the dresses' structure and craftsmanship.

So, despite some undoubtedly lovely dresses, not necessarily one to hurry off and see. The recently re-opened fashion galley is looking great though. I only had a quick look around the permanent exhibits but will be going back for a proper visit some time. And I will also return with a review of the V&A's other current exhibition British Design 1948-2011 once I've been to that. I've heard good things about it from a couple of workmates so I'm looking forward to it.

In two days...

My thesis is due in two days.

Once it's handed in, I'm going to play with my winnings from the lovely Miss Wendy's giveaway.

All wrapped up pretty with lace

Patterns and fabric and book - oh my!

In four days...

My thesis is due in four days.

Once it's handed in, I might pop down to the Shoreditch Vintage Fair to see if I can find something to wear to the Future Cinema Bugsy Malone event.

I've never actually been to this particular vintage fair.  Has anyone else?  Is it any good?

Chap Olympiad 2012 - The Countdown Begins

Swooning at the 2011 Olympiad

Yes, tickets for THE best day out in the London calendar have now gone on sale. Or, more correctly, the best TWO days, as the Chap Olympiad is running over a whole weekend this time - Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July.

I've already rounded up a wee gang and purchased tickets. Rather weakly, we're just going for the Saturday rather than two days but that just means there'll be no need to preserve our energies and we can have a one concentrated, decadent, fabulous day with Sunday left over to recover. Although this time, I will try not to send my camera swimming in Pimms...

So if you're in London or nearby and you'll be there on the Saturday, come say hello if you see me!

All Dressed Up...

Today I went to catch the last day of the Glamour of the Gods exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, which was a collection of Hollywood portraits from the 1920s to 1960s.

Whilst I was looking a picture of Marilyn Monroe, a lady came up to me and said, "You've obviously come from somewhere nice.  You're all dressed up".  To which I responded, blushing, "No, this is just my weekend wear", which she said was wonderful, making me blush further!  Unfortunately, I don't have an outfit photo for you to form your own opinions, but I was just in a full-skirted dress with bare back (It was hot in there!  I'd had to take off my jacket...), understated kitten heels and a bit of lipstick - quite a standard outfit for me.  Don't get me wrong though, I was flattered by her comments!

I do often have people surprised about what I wear on my "days off".  I don't know about everyone else, but I almost always dress more up than down on the weekends, no matter what I'm doing.  I have a bunch of dresses that I feel aren't quite right for the office which I relish wearing on the weekends.  They're not evening dresses, they're just perhaps a tad too... playful for the office.  That sounds a bit suspect but you know what I mean - full skirts and petticoats, strappy backs, that kind of thing.  Rather than showgirl outfits, which is what you might have thought with the "playful" description!

I guess I just don't understand the casual-on-the-weekend concept.  I take my non-work days as the chance to wear exactly what I want, and to experiment with hair and make-up as I don't have to be in a mad, morning rush.  I also find it's a good time to trial more quirky ensembles to see if I feel comfortable carrying them off in general public before unleashing them on my workplace.

I'd be curious to know, how does your weekend wardrobe compare to your weekday one?

Oh, and as I mentioned it, below are a few favourite pictures from the Glamour of the Gods exhibition.  Enjoy!  And hope you all have a good week, whatever you wear!

Louise Brooks by E.R. Richee (Source)

Carole Lombard by William Thomas (Source)

Michele Morgan by Ernest A Bachrach (Source)

A Dress Fit for the Savoy

As you'll know from my previous post, on Saturday evening I went for a birthday treat at the Savoy Hotel.  Of course, any excuse to dress up...

Dress: Beyond Retro
Shoes: Beyond Retro
Hair flower: Accessorize

I had been planning to go for a '30s look, as a nod to the Deco style of the hotel but then a stumbled across this divine dress when I got distracted whilst out out shopping for winter warms the other day...

I was going to write more about the Savoy itself but I feel I must tell you the story of the dress (particularly after receiving such nice comments after it appeared in my last post - thank you, lovely readers!).  Whilst hunting for knits and other warm wear, I spotted it on a rack at Beyond Retro, Cheshire Street, and scooped it up immediately to carry off to the fitting rooms.  I pulled it over my head and proceeded to try to close the zip but there was one point at which it didn't want to go any further.  I tried and tried (gently, of course) but to no avail.  I was just about to admit defeat when I looked in the mirror again and thought "No!  This dress is perfect for me!  I can't let it go..."  I was in love, and surely you can see why.

I was smitten with the shape, the fabric colour and pattern, the ribbons under the bust...

... the gathered detail and the sash (if that's the name for it?) to one shoulder...

... the rusty pink lining and purple netting to compliment the blue fabric.  All such wonderful details.

I was entranced and felt that, if it could get past that one sticking point on the zipper, it would all be okay.  Tight, but okay.  It wasn't one of those situations where the circumference of the bodice is less than your rib cage and you know no amount of lung contraction will help...

And I was right!  I managed to get it past that one point with some nifty shifting of bra strap and I was in.  It was a little restricted but, considering how wonderful I felt otherwise, I could live with that.  But THEN, when I took the dress off, I noticed that there was some loose stitching around the arm.  I sighed a little, knowing repairs would be necessary before wearing.  UNTIL, I looked closer and realised that someone had adjusted the armholes!  Maybe, I thought, just maybe, when I unpick those arms, the whole bodice will just shift slightly south to such a degree that it would fit me JUST SO.  And, when I got home, I discovered I was correct!  It fit like a very comfy glove!  The dress was slightly imperfect for the previous owner but it just so happens that it must have been made for me.

And it's in such fabulous condition, I can't spot a single flaw.  It was reasonably priced too, especially considering its condition and age, and the fact that I will treasure it forever.  I guessed it was probably late '50s, judging by the style, finishing, and the placement of the zipper.  Doing some online research on the label when I got home, I discovered that the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union had that specific label design between the years 1955 (after the American Federation of Labour - AFL - and the Committee for Industrial Organizations - CIO - merged) and before 1963 when they designed and registered their new label.  (Thank you, Ikwewe on Ebay guides.)  So it seems my dating was correct!

So, on my visit to the Savoy, I went 1950s instead of 1930s, though my hair could have fitted in to either, I think.  I side-parted it and included my fringe in the overall pin curling in preparation for the evening.  I was going to wear it loose after brushing out but it's getting rather long and it didn't feel quite right, so I ended up doing a rough Gibson roll.  A first ever attempt, without a hair rat, and it didn't quite come together as expected but I was pleased with the result nevertheless.

In my '50s dress, coiffed hair, sipping cocktails in the American Bar, listening to the pianist play Frank Sinatra, I felt I right at home.  Marilyn Monroe, one of their many famous guests, may have walked through the door and I wouldn't have been surprised... much.

100 Years of Fashion? Or doom for the East End?

A couple of my friends have shared this video with me:

It is pretty damn clever and fun, and I envy whoever got to do the styling for it.  But I have to say that the fact that it's advertising a shopping mall leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  And I find it entirely depressing that, after all the lovely urban backdrops, the dancers finish up in a shiny, soulless Westfield.  It's less a celebration of style through the ages, more a portent of doom.  Okay, okay, that's a little melodramatic.  But, if you have a look at the shops which are opening up at Westfield Stratford, they're all generic chains that could be anywhere in England.  Imagine the East End turning into a sanitised shopping mall - what an awful thought!

But, you know, still a fun video!  The 1940s is definitely the best bit.  And I think it's sweet and strangely poignant when the boy disappears for a few beats as he goes off to war...

Style Hunting...

Darn it!  I didn't make it onto the Grazia website's Style Hunter page...  I guess finger-crossing didn't help.  Oh well, it was amusing to be snapped by their roaming photographers nonetheless.  And overall I think those girls that did make it onto the website looked pretty spiffing - I especially love Sophie's dress.  Though I have to confess that I don't get the 70s thing at all...  But I do think it's nice that the judges seem to have gone for a mix of styles and periods.

Anyway, I did snap some pictures of my own for an outfit post, but they're hidden away inside my handy disposable camera at the moment (no, I've not got a proper replacement for my Pimms-drowned camera yet).  In the meantime, here's one my friend took on her iphone...

I'm looking rather pleased because I'd just bought the glasses at this point, which happened to go perfectly with my outfit.  They're a bit mad, and perhaps not to everyone's taste (including The Cat's) but I just thought they were wonderfully quirky.  And really, can you blame me for not being able to resist when they complemented my '50s-style dress so well, both in colour and era??  I wonder if I would have gotten plus or minus points if I'd had them on at the time Grazia snapped me...?

I won't tell you about my other purchases just now as I'd rather wait until I can show you pictures of them.  In that case, perhaps I should stop blogging and get onto buying a new camera!

But I will just say that an excellent time was had last weekend down at Southbank for the Vintage Festival.  I had been intending to go to the ticketed event before discovering that there was a whole lot of free stuff going on by the river-front.  A skint friend talked me out of paying for a pass to Royal Festival Hall, and a group of us just browsed the "Vintage High Street" instead.  There was a good range of items and prices, and we had a lovely day browsing (with occasional purchases), people-watching, and finishing up with cream tea in the pretty refreshments tent.  The definite advantage of not paying £60 for a ticket meant that there was more money to go towards taking home permanent goodies, rather than mere fleeting entertainments!  But as I said, more on those "permanent goodies" at some later date...

Love letter from ... Nottingham (Vintage Shopping)

I'm back from a lazy weekend in Nottinghamshire, visiting friends and enjoying some country air and calm.  Despite not technically doing an awful lot whilst up there, I've still come back with lots to report.  But that could possibly say more about me than about anything else.

Anyway, first up, a report on vintage shopping in Nottingham!

First shopping stop was actually non-vintage but rather, new shoes! I spotted some lovely discounted patent red heels at Jones Bootmaker recently but didn't have time enough to try them on there and then. So, fresh off my train, I located the Nottingham branch. Once I found my size, there was not a moment's hesitation. Gorgeous, you must agree!

Here they are, tripping through the daisies on my feet
a few days later...

Next mission was to find my friend who was running her Ladybird and Sage craft stall at the Curiousity Haus market day in Sneinton.  Despite a bit of drizzle, this corner of Nottingham was brightened by some stalls with beautiful handmade products of all sorts.  I grabbed myself a pair of shiny red earrings to go with my new red shoes and perused a stall selling adorable baby shoes, etc, with a mind to buying a gift for some expectant friends.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure if it's a boy or girl yet and there were no unisex booties in the right size for the littlest babies.  Might have to buy online later...

After that pitstop, I tripped off to explore Nottingham's vintage shops.  My friend pointed me in the right kind of direction and I just went where my nose took me from there.  So I may have missed a few good 'uns but, coming out at the end of it all with three "new" items, I think I did fairly well!

First up: Oxfam on Goose Gate.  This is one of the Oxfam shops that has a carefully picked vintage-savvy collection.  Tried on a number of thing - one gorgeous French number, frustratingly just a tad too small.  But was compensated with a lovely green and blue tartan v-neck frock (which may have to wait until autumn) and a long, full skirt in a blue floral pattern on black background.

Wandered in and out of a few other places after this.  One nearby, also on Goose Gate, was lovely but I was going for cheap and cheerful and the items in there were more on the expensive side - especially, it seemed, the ones I particularly liked!  Was still worth a look, but unfortunately I can't remember the name to report back.  A bit rubbish of me!

After poking my head in a few more places, I began to get distracted by taking photos of buildings...

Nice solid 1930s down a quiet street

Dilapidated chic

Pretty wood carving, curves and glass

Curvy, curvy

Mad, rustic hodge-podge

Pretty stencilling and colour scheme

Then I turned around and discovered I was looking at the lovely Augustus on Pelham Street.  This sells a combination of true vintage clothes, vintage-inspired clothes, and fabulous vintage homewares, luggage, etc.  It also had possibly the best change rooms I have ever been in - according to the girl behind the counter, created using an old wardrobe.  I'm not sure of the protocol for photographing inside shops but snuck some pics inside the change room when I was hidden from view.  Sneaky...  But it gives you some idea of how they looked.  Also lets you see the lovely yellow dress I tried on which was unfortunately not at all good for my skin tone.  Was very sad to leave it behind...  I did walk out with the blue dress though, which has a darling fruity pattern.

Sneaking in the change rooms:
light-fitting and pictures

Change room mirror: yellows, blues and patterns

Delicious pattern and button

By this point, my shopping day was wrapping up.  I dropped into Cow on George Street but was a little disappointed.  Too many racks of early 90s floral dresses for my liking!  I did try on a couple of items but none worked for me.  Maybe a good thing considering I'd already managed one pair of new shoes, one pair of earrings, two dresses and one skirt... Hmm, what happened to all that cash I took out that morning?

But admiring buildings is free, so I took a few more snaps before hopping on a bus out to my friend's place in the nearby countryside.

Fabulousness Deco-ness

Creamy glazed tiles and frieze

Slightly scary Victorian heads...

Cozy alleyway

Art noveau glass

Blue and red

Finishing up the day with wine, newspaper... and the company of chickens!

Does anyone else know Nottingham?  Can you recommend any other shops there?  Did I foolishly miss out the best ones?  Would love to know for next time.

Twee Tweed (The Belle & Sebastian Look)

On the tube to Chalk Farm last Monday evening, you could just tell who was on their way to the Belle & Sebastian concert.  Anyone wearing tweed or corduroy was a safe bet.  Pretty floral dresses for girls.  Cardigans, for boys and girls...  But don't get me wrong, I mean this in the nicest possible way.  I like it when a band's fans have a group aesthetic.  I particularly like the vintage vibe of the Belle & Sebastian fanbase.

And I happily embraced it, in my tweedy shorts:

Wool suit jacket: Rokit, Covent Garden

Plain singlet: reliable ol' M&S

Tweedy shorts: Beyond Retro, Soho

Patent brogues: Jones Bootmaker

Silk scarf: Beyond Retro, Cheshire Street

Plastic bead necklace: Sunday Up Market, Brick Lane

Deciding what to wear to a concert can be quite tough.  Okay, sometimes I get a bit lazy but when I am truly devoted to a band I feel that sartorial homage is an important thing.  But you also have to make sure that all the basic functional considerations are covered, more so than usual.  You don't want sore feet ruining your fun, nor a wardrobe malfunction occurring whilst you're trying to dance or squeeze through the crowd.  Pockets are always a bonus because it saves you having to carry a bag.

So, on this occasion, I contemplated one of my sweet florally or gingham summer dresses initially.  But in the end my shorts won out, mainly for their nice, deep pockets.  From there, I kept it pretty basic, with a plain red singlet, flat brogues and some pretty but unfussy accessories.  Jacket for the journey there but hair up so as to keep it off my neck in the hot, sticky venue!

And now some of the finer details and observations:

I'm still discovering my shorts, which I just bought recently.  I tried them on without a belt in the shop so one thing I've subsequently noticed and love is the excessive number of belt hoops - more than really necessary but it turns a functional feature into something more fun and aesthetic.

And my new (old) RAF sweetheart brooch from ebay wasn't really calculated as part of my concert attire but has become a semi-permanent fixture on my favourite go-to jacket.  But that story is one is for another post.

This is possibly my favourite silk scarf in my collection.  It's small, but still a perfect size for simply tying around my head or neck.  I let it down for the photo so that the full loveliness of the Deco-esque pattern could be appreciated.

And, for the record, the concert was excellent!  I had a good bop around the dance floor, met some nice people, and a good time was had by all.

Meanwhile, on Exmouth Market

Uh-oh... This could be dangerous.  I noticed this today, just around the corner from my flat:

A vintage shop opening literally minutes away from me, on the route between my flat and my local coffee suppliers and handy convenience store?  I don't know whether to be pleased or concerned.  Pleased is, of course, the first natural instinct.  But concern for the purse follows swiftly after...  Especially as we're talking about Exmouth Market, and nothing's really cheap along that little stretch of EC1, so I have the feeling these won't be bargain vintage pieces.

However, closer inspection and research reveal that it's just a pop-up shop, part of an initiative called Meanwhile Space.  In their own words, they are "an innovative social enterprise which uses empty space in socially useful ways".  Great concept.  And it means I'll only have to exercise temporary willpower as the vintage shop stint will last for just a month before it's replaced by a photography festival base, and then a rolling programme until September.

So, it all sounds like things will be rather colourful and interesting in that little corner for the coming months.  More information about Meanwhile Space and the programme for Exmouth Market is available through this link.