wordsonthetopic

Upper Gardner Street Market

2012-02-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

During the winter months I suffer from CBSW - Car Boot Sale Withdrawal Syndrome. It's a series business. Not willing to get up in the dark to face the icy cold and rain of a weekend morning, I need something to see me through. Charity shops go someway to scratching the bargain-hunting itch, but I still long for a good old rummage in boxes filled with random bric a brac, through rails of second-hand clobber and tangled piles of fabrics, accessories and shoes, and miss the thrill of the haggle and the amazing deals you can pull off.

My medicine comes in the form of Upper Gardner Street Market in Brighton's North Laine. Open from the respectable hour of 9am every Saturday, the residential road plays host to those selling furniture, second-hand and vintage clothing and accessories, books, CDs, vinyl and hand-made crafts. There's even hot food on offer, as well as cakes and organic fruit and veg.

Last winter I picked up this super cosy faux fur coat for just £20, and while I only get to wear it for a few weeks a year, it's a outfit essential on those days when the temperature drops below freezing.

Dressed in my teddy bear coat, this weekend I paid £5 for these Clarks heeled loafers - I love the fringe and link detail on the front - and was also taken by a faded framed Tretchikoff print. The Lost Orchid depicts what can be interpreted as the remains of a night on the tiles in 1948 (when it was painted) - a vibrant button hole flower with safety pin still attached and water droplet 'tear', cigarette butt, match and party streamers, all discarded on grey concrete steps. It's somewhat bleak - like an early version of those 'Drink Responsibly' adverts - but I fell slightly in love with it and am going to head back next weekend to see if it's meant to be.

Cupid collars

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Brighton-based re-made vintage boutique All My Finds have created a limited edition collection hand-made Peter Pan collars for Valentine's Day, and I for one have fallen in love with them. Here's how I styled their red suede collar for www.vintagebrighton.com - the perfect match for the vintage Aquascutum coat I picked up for just £5 in a charity shop on Hove's George Street a few years ago (best find EVER). Head over to the site now to be in with a chance of winning one of these cute outfit fixers.

Damn you rogue strand of hair...

Collar - All My Finds
Dress - Zara
Coat - vintage Aquascutum via charity shop
Boots - Urban Outfitters

Simple tee, statement accessories

2012-02-01T03:05:00.000-08:00

In the colder months, my vast collection of floral print dresses goes into hibernation to be replaced by black skinny jeans, simple tops and statement accessories. Now this is what I'm talking about:

Clockwise from left: Cos purse - 20 Euros, Topshop Boutique cat tee - £28, Monki leather-look purse - 8 Euros, Whistles triangle ring - £12, Topshop metallic brogues - £32, Tatty Devine fine cat ring - £120

Didier Ludot - the perfect LBD

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

So, last weekend I was introduced to a dress of my dreams. Featured in Stella magazine's covetable 'Miss Sixties' shoot, it reminded me of a frock I'd seen in my Little Black Dress book, and when I dug it out realised this was because Didier Ludot, the French designer behind this fabulous Peter Pan collar piece, is the author of said inspirational tome.

At £150, this limited edition dress for Le Petite Bateau is no doubt a total bargain compared to the Chanel dress worn by Catherine Deneuve, but still a little steep for me. Good thing it's sold out then...

Thrift finds - Whistles' winter florals

2012-01-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

I just can't get away from Whistles at the moment - not that I want to if bargains like this keep finding their way into my wardrobe. I snapped up this yellow and pink rose print pleated dress in Hove's Oxfam for just £14.99, and plan to dress it down with thick black tights, block heel ankle boots or flats, such as these mustard loafers (£4.99 from British Heart Foundation), and a slouchy cardigan.

The Postal Service and British Sea Power CDs were £1.99 each from Oxfam, Western Road, one of the best local charity shops reasonably for priced alternative music - IMHO...

Silent Sundays: Camel cape

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Camel cape mac - Elizabeth Lau via Oxfam
Black long-sleeved top - Peacocks
Leopard print trousers - Whistles
Cowboy boots - vintage via charity shop
Harrods bag - vintage via charity shop
Skull & crossbones heart pendant - Mawi via Cocosa

Spring is coming

2012-01-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Paul & Joe Meow! makeup

2012-01-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Some things are just too beautiful to use. Why do Irregular Choice put kitsch graphics on the soles of their shoes when they'll just get scuffed? Why do brands make candles in the shape of animals when you'll have to watch them melt?

And why have Paul & Joe created this new cat-themed makeup range when every lip slick will make the cute cat in the hat and paw prints disappear quicker? It's mean, that's what it is. Mean.

Monsoon - top five tops

2012-01-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Seventies and Victoriana trends have afforded lady-like blouses and shirts a fashion revival, and they remain a key piece for spring/summer 2012.

Whether you're going for the prim traditional English look, floaty boho florals and prints or preppy collars to peek out over your crew neck, Monsoon have are great range of sheer tops to choose from.

The cute flower-shaped buttons, delicate embroidery and perfect Peter Pan of the Sophia print top (£38) put it in top spot. See which pieces make up my top five here:

Fusion Erisa blouse, £42

Cherrie print top, £32

Florence blouse, £38

Camilla blouse, £65

Whistles' fan girl / trouser trial

2012-01-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

So, this is becoming a bit of a Whistles' fan girl blog, but I CAN'T STOP GOING IN THERE - I may have a problem - BUT THERE'S 70% OFF!

Today's obsession - leopard print riding trousers, now just £35. At the risk of sounding like a typical girl in January, my legs are my least favourite part of my body, so trousers are difficult. But as one of my New Year's Resolutions is to be braver with my outfits, I'm trying to work them into my wardrobe. A woman can't live in dresses and black jeans - particularly a woman who works in fashion.

While the print may be taking on too much too soon, I've been adequately inspired by the polka dot jeans rocked by Jen from A Little Bird Told Me and Laetitia of Mademoiselle Robot, both a similar size to myself, to give these a go.

Is this crazy talk?

Silent Sunday - pink wafer

2012-01-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

Pink waffle knit - Topshop via charity shop
Black mini - Monki
Boots - vintage via car boot sale

January sales

2012-01-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

So many great bargains to be had this year. While the Topshop sale was a disappointment, my new favourite brand Monki offered up some sleek and simple Scandinavian beauties at Primark prices. I even snapped up a Monki dress in my local charity shop for under a fiver!

Elsewhere, I unashamedly indulged in dresses, picking up a very cute book print sheer shirt dress with bow tie detail from the Urban Outfitters online sale, a great all year round midi dress, slashed from £175 to £50, and chunky cats eye shades for £20 in Whistles, as well as that Pearl Lowe for Peacocks bow dress - just £10.

What did you pick up in the sales?

Red poncho, striped boxy top and black mini skirt - both Monki

Whistles tiger feather midi dress and Pearl Lowe for Peacocks bow dress

H&M designer collaborations

2012-01-04T05:02:00.000-08:00

H&M's press e-mails are full of such joys - beautiful imagery, exciting news and sneek peek videos - that it's hard not to share. Proof that good PR relies on good content. So why resist? Let the sharing commence...

First up, and hot on the heels of Autumn 2011's debut Versace for H&M limited edition collection, is the fashion giant's capsule resort range for the Swedish store. Available exclusively online from 19 January, expect it to sell out within hours, to reappear at triple the price on eBay later that same day.

While I wasn't keen on the autumn's brash baraoque and neon Club Tropicana pieces, this new collection, boasting soft pastels, fun prints and easy-to-wear accessories, seems much more up my street.

But as if that isn't enough, March heralds the much anticipated Marni for H&M clothing and accessories collection, available in around 260 stores worldwide and online from the 8th.

"I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints," says Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni founder and creative director. "As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements."

Right, I'm off to set up an online account to save time on style scum days... If you're in, I suggest you do the same.

Clements Ribeiro at TK Maxx

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm rarely brave TK Maxx, prefering a more laid-back charity shop or online hunt for bargains. But once in a while I brace myself, secure my blinkers in place and prepare to hone in on only the best designer bargains.

The trick is to focus until you find that first special item - a clue that there may be a collection of designer gems just waiting to be found. On this occasion, that initial hint was a pearl-detailed Clements Ribeiro grey cardigan, which lead me to many more cashmere pieces, including this tiger motif striped jumper and royal blue 1960s-style box cardigan.

At £64 and £50 respectively, it's this kind of designer bargain that affords TK Maxx its cult following.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

What I wore for a New Year's Eve meal out with my lovely husband:

Canary yellow flare dress - Louche at Joy, tights - Peacocks, boots - vintage via Traid, owl necklace - Cheap Frills

New year clear out

2011-12-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Before

After

January always makes me re-focus on the home - preparing the nest for the cold winter months - and part of this involves re-assessing my wardrobe in order to accommodate new arrivals, plan winter outfits and identify any gaps that the January sales could help me plug.

This year I acted on tips from Elika Gibb's Practical Princess guide, taking everything out of the wardrobe, being ruthless when picking items for the charity shop (four bags full) and reorganising clothes by type, colour and print before placing on plastic hangers. I also invested in 50 space-saving, kind-to-clothes velvet hangers - alas not nearly enough for my full collection - which were prioritised for dresses.

A few hours work and I've rediscovered many old favourites, which can be afforded a new lease of life now that I can actually see what I have, and also learnt a few things; namely that I don't need any more cat-themed pieces of clothing and I'm not afraid of colour and print.

Think pink - outfit inspiration

2011-12-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Since its re-brand, Whistles has become one of my favourite high-end, high-street stores. Simple, contemporary items in every-day styles have been brought to fashion life with bold colour pops and spring/summer's Jackie O style pink waffle pieces were some of the most wearable of the season's ice cream trend.

Thanks to a bit of sun-damage, the skirt came home with me for £25, but sadly the slouchy jumper remained out of my price range, so I took an inspiration photo and vowed to keep an eye out for a similar gem.

Once again it was a charity shop to the rescue, as I snapped up this pink Topshop lattice jumper for just £4 in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, when visiting my granddad.

Patience is not only a virtue, it also pays off...

Christmas no. 1

2011-12-21T23:58:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not talking about Little Mix's debut, this Christmas no. 1 was a day spent with the husband; opening presents, eating bite-sized and plate-sized food and repeatedly losing at Scrabble in preparation for the real family event.

My favourite present combined two great things - Tatty Devine jewellery and cats - and my new friend coordinated perfectly with the Christmas Lurex sparkle jumper I picked up from Barnardos' stall at the the Brighton Retro Fair.

Other gifts seemed to follow a theme, celebrating great artists who are no longer with us - RIP George Harrison, Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse. I've been playing the latter's posthumous release Lioness: Hidden Treasures on repeat over the last few days, revelling in the mix of classic covers (Amy's raw vulnerability on 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' is heart-renchingly beautiful), stripped-back versions of Back To Black songs and previously un-released tracks full of wit and charm.

As darkness descended and candles were lit and rabbits illuminated, Christmas dinner saw us make use of a collection of my ever expanding vintage crockery - vegetables were served in the Midwinter Sienna tureen and there was finally call for mid-century milk jugs thanks to some delicious gravy.

Scrabble defeats aside, a tip top day.

New year, same me

2011-12-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

'New year, new you' - possibly the most over-used message peddled by the media, retailers and any one trying to sell you anything in January. Well, I don't want a new me thanks - I'm pretty good as I am. So when it comes to fashion, in 2012 I am going to continue to:

[This is my serious clothes-swapping face]

Wear black skinny jeans, even though I ‘shouldn’t’. A stylist this year told me that skinny jeans on those with hour-glass figures can make carrots of legs, as we carry most of our weight on our thighs and hips - not the best look perhaps. Yet while I can appreciate that this may be technically true, they're just too versatile to give up. Topshop's Baxter jeans are a real time-saver when it comes to throwing simple outfits together in the morning.

Invest in discount designer pieces. As I've written about previously, I'm all about investing in designer bargains on members-only sites, at pre-loved designer sales and via good old eBay. Much more likely to hold their value and great outfit focal points, my favourite designer bargains of 2011 were a Mawi skull pendant (£40 - Cocosa), Luella silk top (£45 - Rag Trade Sale) and lace detail T-shirt (£15 - eBay) and Alice by Temperley black lace dress (£62 - Cocosa).

Stock up on staples. It seems I can never have enough basic black tops, black cardigans or tights, as well as the aforementioned black jeans with which to pair colour pop pieces. I've experimented with many different looks over the years but am now, in my late 20s, leaning towards the sleek and simple Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic - hence the Monki lust. Although that's not the say the bold print dresses won't be making their usual appearance in the summer.

Rummage through people's left-overs. I don't think my love of charity shops, car boot sales and flea markets will ever wane. The thrill of the find is somewhat addictive, always a good talking point, and, most importantly, you can pick up unique pieces that no one else will be wearing at bargain prices - how would that ever get tired?

Clothes swap. Even better - if you can imagine - than the above is clothes swapping. Free clothes, yes FREE! I resolve to acquire yet more free clothes next year, and the year after that, and... you get it. But it'll be hard to beat the Marc by Marc Jacobs sun dress I snapped up at Brighton's first vintage and retro swish.

What are you going to continue to do in the new year?

Photo by Anj Daskarolis

Kitsch creatures

2011-12-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our flat is full of kitsch creatures, which I enjoy all year round, but I feel that Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate these little friends and show them off to their full potential. Hooray for cute useless tat!

Monki magic

2011-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

I'm falling ever more in love with Scandinavian design, and my latest crush is Swedish-born concept store Monki. The brand takes the simple silhouettes of the Scandinavian aesthetic and adds urban, girly and fantastical twists, resulting in easy-to-wear pieces imbued with a tongue-in-cheek sense of fun.

Prices range from 3 euro for socks to 130 euro for coats, with the majority of pieces on the international site under 50 euro. So affordable that my wish list for spring/summer is, for once, within the realms of financial reality. Peter pan collar top, camel coat, quirky tee, heart print dress and sheer cranberry shirt = £150 - throw in a black pleated mini and some cute accessories and you've got yourself a covetable capsule wardrobe.

Can't wait to raid the real-life stores in Stockholm next year!

My Swish vintage clothes swap

2011-11-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

Clothes swapping - ain't it great. My Swish events offer the perfect opportunity to swap those unwanted clothes cluttering up your wardrobe for new-to-you gems from beyond your circle of friends.

Brighton is full of stylish folk, so there are always fabulous finds to be had, but their first ever 'vintage and retro swish', held at the Blind Tiger this Sunday, was in my humble opinion, the best yet.

Goodie bags with free copies of Vintage Explorer magazines, tea and Cloud 9 chocolate brownies served on vintage china from Roses All Over and vintage styling and shopping courtesy of from Emily Inglis from Wooden Hill Boutique - and all that on top of free clothes!

Helping the Swishettes sort, tag and hang the clothes, I got to have a sneaky peak at the best bits before the snatching began, and managed to bag a cute green beaded knit, canary yellow floral summer dress, 1960s pop art mini for a friend and, the steal of the day/month/year - a Marc by Marc Jacobs sun dress!

Christmas sparkles

2011-11-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, the pre-Christmas excitement has well and truly infiltrated the Fortune household and my most recent second-hand purchases are two very special sparkly tops perfect for the party season.

Silver cardigan with pin polka dots, £24 - Rag Trade Sale

1960's party top (part of a skirt set), £9.99 - Barnardos at Brighton Retro Fair

Loving the Lurex!

Christmas windows - Brighton Lanes

2011-11-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

Fairy lights, foxes and decadent displays - the shop windows in Brighton's Lanes have infected me with Christmas spirit today. Ho, ho, ho!

Custard cable-knit

2011-11-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

Looking to add to my collection of winter woolies with a colourful cable knit, I've spotted some covetable cosy pieces in River Island, Zara and Topshop this season. However, as is always the case, the more I saw these on others, the less I wanted them.

Once again I'm glad I held off on a pricey high-street purchase, because yesterday I snapped up this custard/mustard-coloured cable knit for just £5 a the Art Junky fair in the Phoenix Gallery. Such a bargain and the perfect piece to compliment my Tatty Devine autumnal leaves necklace.

Rabbit lamp

2011-10-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

Our new pet - rabbit lamp, £34.99 in the sale at England at Home:

I'd been lusting after one of these for a while, having spotted a few different designs on the market, so snapped this up when this went in the sale.

The price points for 'novelty' homewares such as this are so varied, as these two items illustrate nicely:

Moooi rabbit lamp - £320 and Next rabbit lamp - £35

A confused closet

2011-10-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Unless it's pants and socks, I never buy clothes at full price, and I'll even hunt those essentials down on sale a three-for-two deal. Charity shops, car boot sales and second-hand boutiques are my bread and butter, topped with the occasional spreading of high-street sale and designer bargains.

The thrill of picking up wearable vintage or second-hand high street pieces for a few pounds will never leave me, or at least I hope it won't, but as I've started to become more knowledgable about high fashion, the investment potential of designer bargains has seen me break through my £30 one-item-spend ceiling on a more regular basis.

So, my wardrobe is now an odd mix of designer dame and charity shop chic, see exhibits A and B below:

Bottle green velvet beaded collar dress, £12 - Cardiff charity shop (taken up by my lovely friend Sarah) and Alice by Temperley black lace dress, £62 - Cocosa.com

Luella silk black and floral panel top, £45, The Rag Trade Sale and John Lewis floral silk top, £3.99, British Heart Foundation, Western Road

It's great to have a few really special pieces for occasions that warrant them, and to know that these are likely to hold or even increase in value over the years - I may even pass them on to my children if I have any, and they give a four-letter-word about pretty tops and dresses.

What type of pieces is your wardrobe made up of?

Through a child's eyes

2011-10-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Illustration is becoming an ever more desirable art form online as websites struggle to identify themselves as unique. As well as fashion illustration, such as that showcased at Amelia's Magazine and on blogs such as Canned Fashion, I've also come across some fabulous children's illustration that I thought worthy of a quick share session.

In September, H&M launched a range of children's clothing, All for Children, to raise money for UNICEF's initiative to help some of poorest cotton-growing communities in the world. As well as some super-cute ensembles, the collection includes a picture book telling the tale of Moritz the sheep and friends, created by H&M children's print designer Therese Bruckner and her sister Caroline Bruckner, who wrote the story.

On our summer jaunt to Amsterdam, a very affordable Woolworths-style shop called Hema also offered up charming illustrations in the form of products decorated by artist Fiep Westendorf. I'm sure Jip & Janneke, Westendorf's little boy and girl characters, and Pim & Pom, a pair of cats, are much-loved by Dutch children.

And finally, a children's illustrator a little closer to home - I recently visited Catherine Grimaldi's flat to do a shoot for the vintage interiors book I'm creating with Mat from Southern Retro, and not only marvelled at Catherine's impressive Snoopy collection, but her own art work. This piece is from her book 'It's Raining'.

Good night, sleep tight

2011-10-10T09:06:00.001-07:00

Girl and Boy pillows by Jennie Desmond through The Poundshop. £10 each.

Reiss coat

2011-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

It's going to be tough to top this charity shop find this month - a great little boxy Reiss coat, bartered down from £20 to £15 at British Heart Foundation, Western Road.

I love Spiral

2011-10-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

If you read this blog regularly, you probably know that already, and to be honest I shouldn't really be talking about it so much, because I want to remain the little-known treasure trove that it is. But I can't help it - it's just too good not to share!

Yes, there's a lot of crap to sift through, but the gems make it worth putting in the time (and I admit I do pop in or at least have a gawp in the window most days on my way home from work).

Recent finds include a Fred Perry cobalt blue jumper dress for a fabulous fiver, this 1970s coffee set for £2.50 and a Midwinter side plate - just 50p!

So, keep it quiet, but listen up...The charity shop is located on Bedford Place, Brighton, just a few streets along from Waitrose if you're heading towards the sea, and sells an ever-changing variety of second-hand furniture, clothes, crockery, books and CDs. Look hard enough and you're bound to find some mid-century gems.

The new do

2011-09-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

After nearly a decade of long hair, I finally took the plunge and went for the chop. Thankfully, I think the new crop does just what I hoped it would - it makes me look like a grown up, and a rather sophisticated one at that, if I do say so myself. The lovely Spencer at Trevor Sorbie Brighton (pronounced Sorbee, rather than Sorbet I'm told) is to thank for the new do.

Before

After

In-between the steady snips and blow-dry blasts, Spencer told me that several of the salon's clients have been in for restyles over the past month, due to the change in season and the fact that many just don't get chance to get to the hairdressers in the school holidays. Many customers are asking for soft perms and waves, he said, predicting that the most popular Christmas party style this year is going to be big hair - blow dried, backcombed and curled. Time to invest in some super-strength hairspray...

Midi to maxi

2011-09-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

There's no better time to bring out those midi and maxi dresses and skirts than on a summer holiday abroad, when wind and rain are less likely to ruin that Seventies glamour-puss look. So, making the most of the weather, I wore little else on my recent jaunt to Turkey.

Midi and maxi lengths are perfect for that late twenties-mid-thirties age range, which means these pieces will no doubt become holiday staples for years to come. Curve-skimming and pin-covering, they're also pretty handy if you want to over-indulge or hide any embarrassing sunburn.

Dress - Primark, clog sandals - Swedish Hasbeens x H&M

Ribbed top - Primark, floral skirt - vintage via Etsy.com, tan sandals - Clarks

Maxi dress - Fashion Against Aids at H&M, black flats - Terra Plana

Colour block chairs

2011-09-14T12:01:00.001-07:00

England at Home proves that colour-blocking isn't just for clothes:

Wetsuit in the city

2011-09-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Some trends are interesting, exciting even, on the catwalk, but in the harsh reality of the high street strip lights makes me glad that I'm not a slave to fashion.

Rosa Cha, Sao Paulo, SS11

When trend-forecasters Mudpie proclaimed that neoprene, the fabric used for wetsuits, would be turning up on the high street in spring/summer 2012, I just couldn't imagine it.

“‘Water Footprint’ examines the delicate ecosystems beneath the ocean, the value of hydro-energy and the benefits of a coastal existence,” they wrote of the emerging trend earlier this year. “Neoprene becomes a fashion fabric for skirts, shorts, ballet pumps and beach bags for a casual “surfer chic” look.

“Body-con jerseys featuring hyper-ethnic prints provide a refined wetsuit identity , while body-contouring seams display a more obvious reflection of the theme.”

Wetsuits in the city? Ridiculous, I thought, absolutely ree-dic. But, as usual, they were right - in fact the coastal invasion has already started. See exhibits A and B: Zara, Oxford Street.

Click here to see where the trend has come from.

Catwalk image courtesy of MPDClick.com

One year anniversary - paper

2011-09-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

It was mine and Irish's one year, or paper, wedding anniversary earlier this month. To mark the occasion we commissioned the fabulous Audrey Malo to create an illustration from one of our favourite wedding photos.

A really special piece that we can keep forever and enjoy everyday.

Audrey also created the logo for www.vintagebrighton.com - she's pretty damn good.

Vogue Fashion's Night Out

2011-09-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 8 September, all the big name retailers on Oxford Street brought out their big guns for Vogue Fashion's Night Out; hosting fashion shows, offering meet-and-greet sessions with designers and celebrity collaborators and handing out hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of champagne and goodie bags.

I was with John Lewis for the evening, helping to create a short film about those all-important autumn/winter trends, featuring interviews with fashion bloggers, designers Mischa Barton, Osman Yousefzada, Amanda Seabourne and Nina Godfrey from Vogue.

I took a few sneaky shots I took of Mischa, who was sporting a one-shoulder black drape dress, statement necklace and the most magical white glitter and black velvet Mui Mui shoe boots.

Before everything kicked off, I popped next door to see what House of Fraser were up to and bumped into Mary Portas, who was promoting her standalone shop in the very glittery department store (I felt like I was in a nightclub at times, but then I don't get out much).

As well as an army of red-headed mannequins, Mary's shop boasts collaboration collections galore - Mary Portas for Clarks, Mary Portas for Radley - as well as her own range of sharp, smart and sleek clothing and hand-picked items, from home and fashion accessories to foodstuffs, by independent designers and companies. There's even a cafe!

Whilst there, Mary was cornered by a woman who wanted to see her range in larger sizes. "Well, we go upto a size 18", she replied. "No Mary, bigger, we want bigger" - you heard it from the shop floor Mary, and you of all people know the importance of pleasing the customer.

Click on images to enlarge

Bed of boobs

2011-09-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

A rather modest parcel arrived for me this morning. Look at it - neatly packed in tissue paper with a simple sticker bearing the mark my favourite Amsterdam vintage shop, Wini Vintage.

Little did the postman know that these buxom beauties were just waiting to burst out of the box!

I'd been admiring the Sixties' sex-bombs since I tracked down Wini Vintage online. Every so often I'd check back to see if they were still there, and after realising that I'd be gutted if they weren't, bit the bullet and paid the 50 Euro to make them mine.

I like to think that the fabric once hung as part of a curtain or wall-hanging in the playboy pad of a super-suave Sixties' gent. But for now these lovelies are sharing our marital bed - my husband is one lucky man - until I decide whether I can bear to separate them to make cushion covers.

See the embroidered shirt and Fifties' floral print skirt I picked up from Wini Vintage on my last Amsterdam trip here.

Blitz vintage - an OCD dream

2011-09-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

The new Blitz vintage department store, off London's Brick Lane, is how I wish my wardrobe was - not a huge warehouse filled with hundreds of pre-loved clothes, although that would also be nice, but a bit of an OCD-sufferer's dream. Not only are different types of clothing stored with their close friends - jackets with jackets, skirts with skirts etc - so you know exactly where to head if you're looking for something specific, items are also stored by pattern and colour, making for some very visually pleasing polka dot and rainbow graduated displays.

I like to imagine that the folks behind Blitz have also employed an intern whose sole job it is to roll up jacket and shirt sleeves, as well as make sure that shoes are displayed just so, with one stacked on top of the other.

Delightful dresses

As well as satisfying satorial ordering, Blitz also boasts a vast collection of delightful dresses, all in good condition and reasonably priced, with summer sale items starting at just £16. Definitely one to bear in mind when you're looking for that special Christmas frock or next summer's vintage festival outfit.

Oh, and rather randomly, the store also has a well-stocked selection of cheap books, from authors such as Hunter S. Thompson, Louis Theroux and Franz Kafka plus fun non-fiction titles - the Mozipedia or Dogs in Vogue anyone?

I can't actually believe that I haven't explored this area of London before now - what a loser - and will be returning with Christine some time soon for sure. Vintage clothing and curry - is there any better combination?

Check out Blitz at 55 - 59 Hanbury Street, E1 5JP

Screaming nails

2011-09-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

I recently wrote a post about how to bag a beauty bargain, highlighting the merits of magazine gifts. One of such freebies, a Ciate nail polish, was given away in Marie Claire last month, and at £9.00 a pot, represented a pretty good deal.

The brand's blurb that its "mouth-watering shades...are terrifically "bang on trend"" and ""scream "modern day woman!"" reminded me of the not-so-popular kid at school who makes up their own nickname and twenty-something girls who constantly exclaim that they're "crazy" in a desperate attempt to make themselves interesting.

However, aside from my sneering cynicism (it's not attractive, I know), the pink blush polish gave a pleasing French polish effect and dried quickly, which is always a plus for someone you can't sit still for more than two minutes. And Ciate's sleek bottles, complete with cute bow, will no doubt appeal to the increasingly number of women investing in nail polish as a cheap way to update their look in [newscaster voice] "the current economic climate".

Matador print

2011-08-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Another brilliant bargain vintage print from Spiral charity shop - possibly 1950s? Change from a fiver at £3.

The merits of Midwinter

2011-08-28T08:21:00.001-07:00

The birthday treats keep coming - the joys of being born in a month when people are away on their hols. Below are a couple of very well-picked gifts from a friend and fellow Midwinter ceramics fan: a Sienna vegetable tureen and yellow tea cup and saucer with pretty pussy willow detail.

The latter is perfect for a ginger and lemon herbal tea and dark chocolate fix. Yums.

From fine to fabulous - exciting hair news

2011-08-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

Fine-haired women rejoice - Trevor Sorbie claim to have devised a way to put a spring in your step with a permanent wave treatment. Similar to the Eighties' perms of your-mum's-head fame, the waves will last until they grow out.

The treatment is only available at the Covent Garden salon from 2 September, priced at £180, but will likely to be rolled out to regional branches if it proves a success. And with big Seventies hair, well, big at the moment, and my locks frustratingly flat, I'll be first in line to trial 'The New Wave' when it comes to Brighton.

Oh, and while I'm talking about hair, I have to mention my recent bargain hair care revelation: Creighton's Beautiful Brunette range, which has made my aforementioned lifeless hair multi-tonal, thicker and super-soft over the past week. And where is this magical serum sold you ask (we'll, you don't, but Im going to tell you anyway) not at Trevor Sorbie or any other fancy salon, but Poundland - POUNDLAND! Now that is a product worth stockpiling.

West German pottery

2011-08-20T03:51:00.000-07:00

Like many mid-century lovers, I'm a big fan of West German pottery. The geometric patterns, abstract artwork and textured finish makes the pieces an interesting addition to any living space, and instantly recognisable as designs from the post-war years.

Whilst not being uncommon, the demand for West German pottery - or W. German as the pieces are marked on the base - has pushed prices up over the past decade. However, I was lucky enough to receive a lovely small blue vase as a wedding present last year and recently picked up a large floor vase for just £5 and a small plant pot for 50p at the Brighton BHASVIC car boot sale - total bargains!

Large floor vase - £5, BHASVIC car boot sale

Small plant pot - 50p, BHASVIC car boot sale

Small vase, wedding present

H&M's cosy new season trends

2011-08-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 25th August, H&M will open its first ever shop-in-shop on the ground floor of Selfridges in London, which will include a selection guest curated for the launch by super-cool DJ and model, Leigh Lezark.

"The curated pieces are, I feel, modern classics everyone should have in their wardrobes," Leigh said. Adding that she's "tried to throw in some colour", in reference to her love of all things black.

From the preview, it's clear that we're not talking about bold and bright colour pops, but rather a muted pallette that fits with this season's Sixties' vibe, championed in Vogue's Autumn/Winter 2011 Runway Roundup.

But while I'm not sure that "everyone" should have jersey mustard-coloured hotpants in their wardrobe (I certainly should not), the soft-line cocoon pieces Leigh has chosen look very wearable for the winter.

I'd be quite happy to hibernate in the over-sized cardigan from January through March.

Chair charity

2011-08-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

I love getting things for free - who doesn't - and I also enjoy a bit of a project, so when I came across this mid-century hardwood chair covered in paint and grime our by the bins (I really should have taken a 'before' photo - it was in a sorry state), I felt that it deserved a second chance.

A good scrub, sand down and layer of varnish later, it's been given a new lease of life and a home in my bedroom. Typical of mid-century style, it's sleek but simple, practical and timeless. And I think it's quite beautiful.

If anyone thinks they know who may of manufactured this style, I'd be very interested to know.

Birthday treats

2011-08-14T07:18:00.001-07:00

It was my birthday last week, and I was well and truly spoilt. Not only did I enjoy a delicious over-indulgent tapas meal with friends, complete with chocolate mousse birthday cake, my lovely husband presented me with a Roberts Revival radio, now filling my ears with new tunes courtesy of 6 Music whenever I'm in the house, and two Ridgeway Parisienne plates (picked up last weekend at the fantastic Brighton Retro Fair).

I also treated myself to a pair of Melissa for Vivienne Westwood jelly skull-detail powder pink heels, reduced from £120 to £49 through designer sale site Cocosa.com - still more than I'd usually spend on shoes but a real investment bargain!

Welcome to Hotel Pleasure

2011-07-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Rather than booking a cheap hotel deal for our recent mini-break in Amsterdam, Irish and I stayed in a studio apartment decked out like a boutique hotel.

In an old warehouse building in the peaceful area of Prinseneiland, near the bohemian Jordaan district, the flat boasted wooden beams and floor, a sleek fully-equipped kitchen and somewhat unique interior decor.

Building on a monochrome, pink and silver theme, the owner has fused wild and spiritual influences with animal print, deer heads in various materials, candles and busts of religious figures.

Making the most of the small yet airy space, a kitchen island doubles as an eating/entertaining and preparation/cooking area, storage units are made design features with transfers and display capacity and sleeping, living and eating areas are marked off with ceiling hangings that still let the light through.

Staying in an apartment, rather than a hotel, meant that it was much easier to relax, being able to chill out in the living area and make cups of tea and snacks, and at just 80 Euros a night the trip also worked out cheaper as well as more memorable.

If you're interested in booking your own stay at 'Hotel Pleasure', contact Nathalie on nathalie@ifyouneedahand.nl, and see my vintage guide to Amsterdam here.

The delights of Dylon

2011-07-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Take one wishy-washy coloured dress, kindly gifted by a fellow bargain-hunter friend, and add a sachet of violet Dylon. Result - a striking summer dress that no longer looks like lingerie.

Amsterdam vintage finds

2011-07-19T14:30:00.001-07:00

Ah, Amsterdam - the only place outside of Brighton I could see myself living. Yes, there's a lot of weed smoking, yes, there are half naked girls in windows, but this is by far all that the city's about.

Indeed, it's somewhat of a dream destination for vintage-lovers. The Joordan distrcit is home to a plethora of independent and affordable vintage boutiques and second-hand shops selling everything from 1950s dresses and childrens' clothes to homewares and books, and the permanent Waterlooplein flea market and Monday morning Noordermarkt are fantastic hunting grounds for unusual pre-loved pieces.

Here's what I found on my recent visit:

Left - right: Cream 1970s shirt - €2, peach 1960s top - €5 & black floral sparkle shirt - €2 all Waterlooplein market, white embroidered shirt - €7.50 Wini Vintage, 'Holland' fabric - €5, Barbarella book - €8 & Agatha Christie book €1 - Waterlooplein

Vintage Life magazines - €2 each second-hand book shop on Ggasthuismolensteeg, black flare dress - €19.95 Zara (okay, not stirctly vintage but so Sixties), 1950s sunglasses - €5 and wooden rabbit brooch - €3 De Looier Antique Market

Plastic chip 'n dip bowls - €2, glass 'war' bottle - €2, 1967 Turi Design 'Lotte' teacups - €5 each all Noordermarkt

Black embroidered kaftan - €8 Noodermarkt

1950s skirt - €22.50 Wini Vintage

Fruit shirt (reminiscent of Prada and Stella McCartney's s/s11 designs) - €4 Wini Vintage

I also really wanted to buy a copy of the beautiful Flow magazine, but seeing as I couldn't understand a word of it, thought that if would be a somewhat extravagent purchase just for the pretty pictures. If you know Dutch, however, I'm sure it's a fantastic read!

Charity shop & car boot bargains

2011-07-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

Meakin poppy bowl, £2 and red 1970s pan, £2 - both from Spiral charity shop

Sadler Staffordshire jug, £2 - Brighton Marina car boot sale. Metal teapot - wedding present

1980s colour-block dress, £9.99 - Oxfam, Western Road

Embroidered cheese-cloth tunic, £5 - Brighton Marina car boot sale

High street doll

2011-07-06T12:27:00.001-07:00

So, it's sale season again. When is it not sale season these days? In fact, buying things full price is so last season...

But while charity shops, car boot sales and eBay are my main shopping haunts, I do venture into the high-street stores on occasion. One has to know what all the cool kids are wearing, even if it's just to avoid it.

And there are some things that I find it very difficult to do second-hand - jeans being one of them. As jeans sizes vary so wildy, I can't buy them online, and by the time they've found their way to the land of rummage, they often look like a Jackson Pollock canvas, having been relegated to decorating garm along the way, or are bearing rips in places that I am now just too old to get away with.

So, I was happy to pick up some Seventies-style flares from the Topshop sale for a reasonable £20. A sensible purchase I felt - already worn twice.

The same can't be said for my other high-street sale bargain, however. But how could I say no to the perfect white patent, Pattie-Boyd-esque, 1960s dolly shoes for just £7? Thank you New Look. I will cherish these shoes. I might even wear them at some point.

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Minxy milk maid

2011-06-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Husband: "Where did she come from?"

Me: "She's a fairy, she arrived last night."

Husband: "She looks like a hussy."

Oh.

Minxy milk maid - £1 from British Heart Foundation, Western Road

How to bag a beauty bargain

2011-06-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Now in my late twenties, lotions and potions promising to slow down the signs of ageing and quality every-day cosmetics are becoming increasingly attractive. I'm more likely to be drawn to £30 tubs of creams than a pot if £5 sparkly green eyeshadow, which is unfortunate, seeing as my budget is still very much in the £5 sparkly green eyeshadow bracket. But, a bargain-hunter/cheap-skate till the end, I've discovered a few ways of kitting out my bathroom, and my face, with expensive skincare products without shelling out full-price. And you'll be pleased to know that none of them involve shoplifting.

In-store events
Last week in Brighton's L'Occitane branch, I indulged in cupcakes, sipped from a champagne glass, enjoyed a mini facial and walked away with a goodie bag bursting with £45 worth of products, and all for just £10. Thus is the joy of in-store promotional events. I'd read about this one in Stylist magazine, and booked my place immediately. The goodie bag was full of luxury shower gels, face creams and moisturisers that will keep me going for a good couple of months. Check magazines and skincare retailer's websites for events near you.

Magazine freebies
With the women's magazine market so saturated, free gifts are a great way to tempt you to buy a particular title, and they seem to be getting better. Steer clear of the cheap t-shirts and canvas bags and focus on the cosmetic giveaways. Glamour has offered free Benefit, Nails Inc and Clinique gifts in the past year - all pricey products. Get a subscription to a magazine and the savings can work out to be even greater. You may even get an extra freebie for signing up.

Vouchers and offers
Boots is the Don when it comes to skincare savings. It's forever giving out £5-off vouchers that can be used to bag yourself some bargain beauty treats. And the brands in-store also give away excellent gifts - No7 and Clinique especially. Sometimes a sample serum tube can last for months. Also look out for Boot's two-for-one offers and make the most of the Boots advantage card - I used a double points voucher when I bought all of my wedding makeup and quickly amassed a tidy sum with which to treat myself in the future. Supermarkets can also be good places to look for offers on branded skincare.

Charity shops & car boot sales
Charity shops and car boot sale pitches are full of unwanted gifts, and these often include skincare sets, barely-used perfumes, hair products and plenty of other lotions and potions. Go rummaging just after Christmas to bag the best finds. Or hold your own gift and clothes swap after the holidays - you may be after just the thing your friend received with a fake smile and quickly hid in a drawer.

Oh, and one more top tip - check out ASOS.com for branded beauty products and perfumes in the sale, particularly post-Christmas.

Do you have any other money-saving secrets? Do share...

Second image by Flickr user SunShineCity.

How much is that doggy in the window?

2011-06-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Ask in Spiral charity shop to find out. I'm sure these not-so-furry fellows won't struggle to find a new home.

Autumn in spring

2011-06-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

While I don't want to wish the spring and summer away, today's outfit was an autumnal treat.

New Tatty Devine 'fallen leaves' necklace, snapped up in the Bank Holiday Sale for £15, rust-coloured silk pussy bow blouse from Hove Oxfam (£8), trusty black Topshop skinny jeans from the old Duke Street Traid (£8) and gold Faith brogues (£5) from a Loved, Worn & Reborn fair. Total cost - £36.

Sideboard salvage

2011-06-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Look what we found out on the street - a 'shabby chic' kitchen sideboard that didn't cost a penny. Thank you, god of bins.

Living it up in Uppingham

2011-06-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

One of my bestest friends got married in her old boarding school in Uppingham, an affluent market town in Rutland, this weekend. It was a perfect day, full of happiness, love and chatter.

Being a summer wedding in a grand location, it was the ideal excuse for everyone to dress up, and I chose to debut my £10 eBay bargain buy - the Mad Men dress - matching it with the handbag I wore to my own wedding, picked up for £5 at Vintage @ Goodwood, and my much loved Swedish Hasbeen x H&M sandals.

As we had some time to spare before the big event on Saturday morning, we pottered around the shops and came across a rather splendid, albeit somewhat overpriced, vintage boutique called Legacy.

I tried on another Joan Harris-esque pencil dress, complete with this season's 'on-trend' scalloped collar detail, and as it fit so perfectly, and I was on a bit of a pre-wedding high, ended up walking out £50 down - expensive, but special.

A bug's life

2011-05-20T03:49:00.000-07:00

Insects - they're creepy, crawly, and not everyone's favourite cup of bush tucker tea. They are however, essential to life on earth - as the plight of the bee has brought to mainstream attention over recent years - and it seems that the little critters have captured the attention of the fashion world this season.

Among the ubiquitous bird prints and Stella McCartney-inspired fruity fashions, plagues of insects are taking over the high street. Bees, butterflies and beetles have landed on accessories and summer staples, while grasshoppers and dragonflies have invaded soft furnishing departments, appearing on cushions and ceramics.

Like all creatures great and small, there's much beauty to be found in our fluttering and scuttling friends, although I feel that artist Jessica Harrison may have taken it a little far with with her fly lashes - that's right - fly leg eyelashes...delish.

Here are some of my favourite bug out pieces:

Left to right - butterfly top - Topshop, £45, butterfly playsuit - French Connection, £62, bug top - Dorothy Perkins, £26

Clockwise from top right - bug brooch - ASOS, £30, bee makeup bag - Ollie & Nic, £15, bug ring (part of a pair) - ASOS, £35, bee necklace - River Island, £4.99

Butterfly shirt dress - John Lewis, £185, bug embroidered tunic - ASOS, £22

See some more expensive bug fashions on Elle.com.

Brighton Retro Fair finds

2011-05-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Brighton Retro Fair at City College on Saturday was full of glorious homeware goodies. I've recently given up drinking (booze that is - other liquids are allowed), a decision which has seen me drink more tea and eat more cake - that 'treat' craving has to be fulfilled somehow and the new Soreen banana bread is a winner.

So, I now have added incentive to buy all those pretty cake plates I see knocking about in charity shops, vintage boutiques, car boot sales and fairs. The latest addition to the collection is this very delicate forest and deer set by Alfred Meakin (£8) - so cute.

I also picked up this rather ugly - in that 1960s/70s way that I like - coffee and cake plate/tray from the £1 box outside Martlets on North Road.

And this wind-up alarm clock was also just £1 from the Retro Fair, although the tick tock is so loud I'm not sure the husband will allow me to keep it...

Marina boot sale win

2011-05-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

My first time at the Marina car boot sale yielded this amazing paisley print travel bag - £10, haggled down from £20 - and this original 1950s coffee table - £15 down from £20. Win and win.

I can't believe I haven't been to this sale before. It's more of a second-hand or vintage fair than a 'crap-I'm-clearing-out' affair, and I could have bought so much more if I had the space. Maybe it's time to move to a bigger place...

Chichester vintage

2011-05-01T04:17:00.000-07:00

Chichester - lovely stuff. Beautiful old high-street buildings - the Cathedral isn't bad either - lush green parks where cricket matches offer an air of the fictional Midsomer (of the Murders fame) and home to the Pallant House Gallery, currently playing host to an exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Festival of Britain and the works of celebrity Mid-Century designer couple Robin and Lucienne Day.

Being home to the Goodwood Revival and last year's Vintage at Goodwood festival, the city is also no stranger to vintage vultures, and has much to offer those on the hunt for original bargains.

South Street, the road that leads from the train station into the town centre, is lined with charity shops, serving both national and local causes. There are many affluent chaps and chapesses in Chichester, which makes for some top quality pre-loved gear. Boden, Monsoon and Jigsaw are among the brands commonplace in the city's charity shops, and vintage dresses, crockery and jewellery are also plentiful. Thank you old ladies of Chichester.

However, many of the city's best charity shop vintage offerings have no doubt been snapped up by the buyers of One Legged Jockey, a vibrant vintage boutique One Legged Jockey on Crane Street - another charity shop hot spot.

Selling everything from cowboy boots and jeans, through original mini and maxi dresses to picnic hampers and tableware, the shop is jam-packed with pieces of interest. Prices are reasonable, although obviously not charity shop or car boot cheap.

Another of Chichester's must-visit shops for vintage-lovers is Number Forty Three on North Street. As well as original Mid-Century furniture and homewares, the shop also offers up-cycled interior pieces and unique gifts and accessories.

In short, Chichester makes the perfect day trip destination for those with an eye for the old.

Vintage Paris painting

2011-04-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

The latest edition to our walls - a vintage Paris tourist painting, picked up for £4 at the brilliant Spiral charity shop on Bedford Place. Shhh, don't tell too many people it's there...

Looklet.com - a brand engagement dream

2011-04-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

When Beyond Retro announced that some of their stock was now available to play stylist with on Looklet.com, it prompted an hour of unofficial down-time at work. I hadn't realised that this was the tool I'd seen fashion bloggers use to illustrate their take on the current trends, and once I did, I was hooked.

For Looklet virgins, the site allows its users to style outfits from a number of high-street, designer and vintage brands, offering a choice of models, backgrounds and effects.

It's easier to make things look pretty than with Polyvore sets, and you don't have to go out and buy stuff and spend hours taking photos, deleting photos and generally becoming frustrated that you don't look like a model in order to share your outfit creations - Lookbook.nu is not my bag.

The site attracts 500,000 hits a day from all over the world and, as I said, is naturally popular with fashion bloggers looking to share their style. A brand engagement dream - so, what does it cost for a retailer to get their stock on site?

A contact from the site told me that there is no cost for brands to be represented - all they would need to do is loan some samples of an upcoming season’s stock to the Looklet.com studio in Stockholm, covering the shipping costs back and forth.

Seems like a cheap and quick win in terms of online exposure and engagement and would also be a great tool to use for client’s on-site content, enabling content creators to put together good-looking seasonal outfits to illustrate fashion editorial.

I'll definitely be encouraging my high-street clients and vintage contacts to join the likes of Topshop, Zara and Beyond Retro and get in on the act before the site owners start to capitalise on the social tool as they could do.

The investment bag - Cambridge Satchel Co

2011-04-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Being a bargain-hunter, with a penchant for a certain type of style that I like to call 'charity shop chic', there are few satorial items on which I would blow £85. Indeed I only stretched to £250 for my wedding dress, which was, of course, second-hand or 'pre-loved' if we are to use the current preferred euphemism.

But even I, a magpie on a budget, recognise that some things are worth the investment. Things that will last a lifetime, retain their value and grow old gracefully.

These very justifications for the purchase of 'it' bags see women part with hundreds and thousands of pounds for arm accessories - and me the slightly smaller sum I received for my first Guardian piece.

My 'it' bag of choice is the vintage-loving fashion bloggers' favourite - a handmade, leather satchel from the Cambridge Satchel Company.

Having seemingly been around since satchels were the sole preserve of school children, the brand owners must not be able to believe their luck now the practical geek pieces have become 'must-have' fashion accessories. They probably thank the Lord for Alexa Chung and her awkward school boy guises each morning.

But, judging by their 1990s-style website design and functionality and the charming presentation and packaging of my bag, all the attention hasn't gone to their heads.

My satchel, in my favourite colour - grass green, conveniently conforms to this season's colour pop trend, and apparently attracted a compliment on its first outing - missed during a public micro-argument with the husband, who kindly informed me afterwards when we were friends again.

The leather is hard and rigid at the moment, giving the colour a brashness perfect for summer, but give it a few years of constant companionship and it'll soften, with cracks and quirks familiar only to me.

If we're going on cost per wear, I think this one will pay for itself before the year is through.

Car boot sale booty

2011-03-27T10:47:00.001-07:00

Midi-length, cranberry and pleats - three of this season's key styles in one light-weight skirt, a Cath Kidston-esque pin-board for displaying inspirations and reminders and a pair of designer Melissa for Herchcovitch rubber brogues. Today I bought all of these covetable items, and some, for less than 20 of your English pounds.

Oh BHASVIC, how I've missed the Sunday car boot sale - it's been a long and lonesome winter without you. Let's make this year's spring and summer fling the most fruitful yet!

Travel case - 50p
Pleated midi-skirt - 50p
Cow cream jug - £3
Sixties' coffee jar - £1
Melissa for Herchcovitch rubber brogues - £10
Checked fabric pin board - £4
Total - £19

Mirror mirror, on the sofa...

2011-03-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for a vintage mirror compact for a while now, and I found this beauty in a charity shop in York for £3. It's by Stratton of Mayfair, and no doubt belonged to a lovely old lady.

‎On the subject of compacts, I was visited by a workman this week who seemed more interested in watching me apply mascara than dealing with the guttering problem in the yard. He was perplexed:

"Why, when women have these amazing old dressing tables with huge mirrors, do you always see them sat on the sofa putting on their makeup in tiny compacts?"

A good question, Mr Workman, a good question indeed...

X Factor Live @ The Brighton Centre

2011-03-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

This week I was lucky enough to live my X Factor dream, seeing the stars of the show live at the Brighton Centre with one of my best friends. It. Was. Brills...

Click on the image to share the joy. THE JOY!

Bidding for a bargain - Guardian piece

2011-03-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote a piece for the Guardian.co.uk on the highest ticket vintage accessory items sold through eBay last year. Read the full article here.

Stay cool cat

2011-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

I know that John Lennon circle glasses are the new big thing in eyewear - the perfect accessory for that Seventies revival look - but it's the cat eye craze that's still exciting me.

Image by Flickr user Uh ... Bob

1950s-style glasses hit the fashion headlines when Prada models strutted down the a/w '10/'11 catwalks in exaggerated winged eyewear, complimenting the beehives and full skirts that fuelled last season's Mad Men fever [check out Kris Atomic's brilliant illustrated interpretation below].

My Grandma rocked her spiky specs back in the post-war years. But as my face is a little too round to pull off the Prada and Tom Ford glasses favoured by the celebs, I opted for some subtler Miu Miu frames as my last eyewear upgrade. It's important to choose a style you're comfortable with if you need to wear your glasses every day like I do - damn you computer-based work...

Illustration by Kris Atomic

With sunglasses, however, you can have a little more fun creating different looks. And while tortoiseshell cat eye sunnies can set you back upto three figure sums, Accessorize have a lovely pair for just £14. The catwalk style has hit the high-street just in time to compliment summer's vintage-inspired looks. Purfect.

Accessorize sunglasses - £14

A beginner's beehive

2011-02-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

My hair is fine - so fine that there were very nearly tears and tantrums when it came time to deciding what to do, or indeed what I could do, with it for my wedding. Curls just fell out, and the half-up do we eventually settled on required the formation of two small hair horns to create a bump that gave the illusion of volume - carefully combed over to cover.

So, my hopes of creating any form of beehive in the image of my glamorous 1960s style icons were slim. But after watching this video tutorial by Carrie at wishwishwish.net, I decided to give it a go.

Some 50 hair grips and half a can of hairspray later, I was very pleasantly surprised by my reflection. The 'do' only took ten minutes to style and withstood everything a windy and rainy Sunday in Brighton could throw at it. Of course my hair was taller, but it seemed to make me walk taller too - I definitely felt my Sunday best.

The Mad Men dress

2011-02-05T07:12:00.001-08:00

I recently sold a whole load of clothes on eBay, meaning that I had £70 in my Paypal account to play with. As it costs to take money out of said Paypal account, of course it all went straight back into eBay - good set-up they've got there.

So the 'sorry you were out' cards, which now read 'something for you' - much more enticing - have been piling up over the last week and today I trekked up to the post depot to pick of my parcels of joy.

The item I was most excited about getting my hands on was an original 1960s gold threaded floral and paisley print dress. No one else had bid on it and I won for just £7.50 plus £3 P&P - a grand total of £10.50!

It looked gorgeous on the site, and I thought it'd be the perfect dress to wear to one of my good friend's weddings in the summer.

You can never be sure of the sizing when buying things through eBay, especially when they're vintage, so I was a little anxious that it wouldn't fit, but it does - perfectly!

The lining is silky, the material heavy, the gold thread catches the light beautifully and it hangs in a way that means it will swish and swoosh on the dance floor.

I really didn't want to take it off - June can't come soon enough.

Oh, and did I mention that it cost just £10.50? TEN POUNDS AND FIFTY PENCE! I have to win some kind of bargain-hunting award for this. Where do I pick it up?

Who said the free magazine was dead?

2011-02-02T03:37:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote a column about the birth of vintage culture for Stylist.co.uk – the online home of one of my favourite magazines.

Stylist, along with the fabulous 'culture with conscience' Egg Mag, are breathing new life into the free title market with quality content and stylish design - I always look forward to thumbing through the current copies.

Read the full Stylist column here and look out for some more writings by Jo in Egg Mag later this year...

Swedish Hasbeens for H&M

2011-01-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

Queen of collaboration, H&M is teaming up with Swedish Hasbeens to bring three affordable pairs of the cult 1970s-style clogs to the high-street this spring.

Founded in 2007 by childhood friends Cilla Wingård Neuman and Emy Blixt, Swedish Hasbeens was born when Emy came across 300 pairs of 1970s clogs in the basement of an old shoe factory, which she revived using traditional Swedish methods.

These methods are still at the heart of the company, which also states that it makes its '70s-inspired footwear from "ecologically prepared natural grain leather since it’s the most beautiful and the highest quality at the same time as it’s environmentally friendly".

This all helps to justify the clog's price tags, which start at around £100 and spiral upwards from there.

Indeed, the press release for the company's Spring/Summer 2011 (s/s11) states: "In the world of cheaper and faster, fashion consumption relies on mass production, cheap labor and conventional trends. Ideas like sustainability, creativity and quality are sacrificed for short-term profitability and fear of failure in the stock market.

"Swedish Hasbeens aims to counter this destructive industry trend with their focus on quality and sustainable production and materials, like they once were made."

An interesting statement to make at a time when they were, supposedly, negotiating to create a range for a global high-street retailer that deals in fast, mass-produced fashion.

Indeed, with prices for the H&M variety of Hasbeens ranging from £34.99 to £39.99, I had to ask how they were able to cut the price point so dramatically.

A spokesperson for H&M told me: "H&M can keep the prices low – even for shoes such as Swedish Hasbeens for H&M – because we have few middlemen, we buy in large volumes, for stores in 38 countries, we have an efficient distribution system and we are cost-conscious at every stage of our business."

Admittedly, the wooden-soled shoes do look gorgeous - I'm genuinely excited about being able to get my hands on a pair. And fortunately for (or perhaps partly because of) Swedish Hasbeens, clogs have been key to the current 1970s fashion revival, so these will no doubt be snapped up when they hit shops and the online store on 20 April.

There’s a gladiator-style strappy wedge with three buckle ankle straps, available in cream, tan or black, a peep-toe slip-on wedge with snake-effect laced leather and a more traditional heeled sandal, the style that I'm after, with a single ankle strap which comes in cream and red.

It will be interesting the compare the quality of the leather and construction, but lacking the necessary few hundred pounds myself, I'll have to ask Swedish Hasbeens super-fan Mademoiselle Robot how they stack up.

What I would really, really like though, if anyone would like to act on the hint, is a pair of light Mimmie Mouses or '60s Slingbacks from the s/s11 collection proper.

Southern Retro

2011-01-12T13:40:00.001-08:00

I've been featured as part of Mat Keller's Southern Retro project, a collection of portraits and interviews with vintage lovers in the South East and beyond.

You can see the photographs, read the piece and find out more about some of the characters on the Brighton vintage scene on Southernretro.com.

1960s wardrobe update

2011-01-11T11:38:00.001-08:00

As well great deals on the high-street, I've come across some fabulous vintage bargains this month.

This delicately embellished Betty Draper-esque cream cardigan was just £8 from a new vintage shop in the North Laine, part of the expanding To Be Worn Again empire. All items are uniformly priced, with shirts starting at £3, shoes at £5 and dresses £8. Well worth a visit!

These next two 1960s dresses were just £2 each from a mess of a stall at the Upper Gardner Street Market - the second-hand trader was trying to get rid of a load of stock he "couldn't be bothered" to sort out, making for some special finds for those who were willing to rummage. And I'm not one to shy away from a good rummage...

I love the collar on the brown shift, which I think is very Peter Pan but Irish says is more 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves', and the checked dress has a feminine flare that looks great with a skinny belt.

And, while my wardrobe is fit to burst with vintage dresses, I just couldn't resist this flower power pop art shift - £15 from a pop-up vintage shop in Leeds Corn Exchange. I can't wait to wear it with bare legs and sandals in the summer.

NYE outfit

2011-01-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

NYE was a cheap and cheerful affair this year: the husband and I went for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant and then enjoyed a few quiet drinks back at the home bar - a perfect way to see out what has been a perfect year.

It was a good opportunity to wear out my new Elizabeth Lau 'Sherlock' cape coat and white Urban Outfitters shirt with black velvet collar and cuffs - both self-picked Christmas presents. I teamed them with a black cord mini, wooly tights, shearling boots and a leather satchel, for a look that, in hindsight, had me look a little like a school girl, but not one who goes to foam parties...

Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life review

2010-12-17T01:15:00.001-08:00

If you're looking for a last-minute Christmas present for a fashion-loving friend, you can't go wrong with Justine Picardie's captivating biography of legendary French fashion designer Coco Chanel.

Full of glorious images, thrilling tales of passionate love affairs and a well-researched account of Chanel's rise to the top, and the battles she faced along the way, this book has put Coco firmly on my list of my female heroes.

Read my review here.

Charity Christmas cards

2010-12-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

Of course we all know that sending Christmas cards isn't considered very eco-friendly, but if you're a little bit obsessed with greetings cards, as I am, choosing charity Christmas cards helps to ease the guilt. My favourite this year are these vintage designs from Scope - just £2.99 for ten!

Tea cosy

2010-12-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

I don't drink tea that often, but somehow I've managed to acquire more than one woman's fair share of tea sets and tea pots. They make for great kitsch decoration and I now feel like a proper hostess when people pop round. Milk and sugar everyone?

Rose print tea set - £4, Shelter, George Street

Tea set - £4, Sussex Beacon, St James' Street

1960S coffee pot - wedding present, floral tea pot - 99p Age Concern, St James' Street

1950s striped coffee set - 10 Euros, Amsterdam

Art Deco tea cup and saucer - £2.99, Ebay

Red metal teapot - £2, Shelter, Westen Road, coffee cup, part of above set

White metal teapot - wedding present

Brighton Open Houses - Cross Street

2010-12-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

What better way than to spend a Sunday afternoon in the run-up to Christmas than visiting some of the Open Houses currently displaying art and gifts from local creative talent in our area.

Much more enjoyable than trudging down Western Road (when was the last time you were given complimentary mulled wine and snacks while browsing in Churchill Square?) these are the perfect places to pick up unique Christmas gifts, decorations and cards, or even just a little treat for yourself.

My nearest Open House is just round the corner on Cross Street, Hove, a wooden panelled workshop space used for mosaic and jewellery-making classes.

Cosy and kitsch, the studio is jam-packed with gorgeous handmade crafts including mosaic artwork, bunting, cards, jewellery, prints, brooches, pocket mirrors, leather purses, soft-toy animals, fabric pin boards and much more. Plenty to pour over while your generous hosts pour you another mulled wine...

To find your nearest Open House, visit the Artists Open Houses website.

Urban Outfitters opens in Brighton

2010-11-19T10:18:00.001-08:00

After months of shielded building works, Churchill Square's old Borders store opened up as Brighton's first Urban Outfitters today. And it's well worth the wait.

The layout and offering of the huge upstairs women's section makes next door's H&M, and all of the other high-street chain shops in Brighton, look shabby and tired by comparison.

Boutique collections, a vintage section and homewares, books and gifts (check out this mini sewing machine) are presented as if in an eclectic designer bazaar, brought together by those with apparent excellent taste.

The dressing rooms are equally grown-up and spacious, and I spent an enjoyable ten minutes trying on some of the cutest Peter Pan collar pieces.

Left to right: t.b.a velvet antique collar dress, £150, Pins and Needles velvet collar blouse, £45, Cooperative school boy blouse, £42.

The shirt in the middle (currently sold out online) is so soft and versatile that it was swiftly added to my Christmas/January sales/whenever I have the money hit-list.

And to go with the 1960s/school-boy look I spotted some stunning box bags and satchels, such as the metal handle lady bag, flower tooled bag and old school olive satchel.

Of course, Urban Outfitters is that bit more expensive than its high street competitors, but the store experience and the unique pieces are worth saving up for.

M&S S/S 2011

2010-11-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Packed full of gorgeous vintage-style looks, it seems that M&S has raided the archives to inspire its s/s11 womenswear collection.

Chic and playful pieces recreate the styles of the roaring Twenties, swinging Sixties and bohemian Seventies, for directional looks that could help re-define your style for summer.

1920s

While the colours and embellishments may have been a bit fussy for Coco Chanel, I can imagine the famous guests at her chateau parties and Riveria trips wearing pieces not too dissimilar to these below.

Cute straw boaters, delicate beading and embellishment, sea-side stripes and pyjama-style satin trousers make for Art Deco elegance.

1960s

No doubt inspired by the Mad Men fever which has the fashion industry firmly in its grips, another of M&S's strongest threads looks to have taken Jackie O, Bridget Bardot and Audrey Hepburn as its fashion muses.

Choose from sophisticated swing jackets and shift dresses, gorgeous gingham, chic LBDs and monochrome and patent pieces.

Boxy lady-like bags, capri pants and canary yellow dresses also look set to be huge next season.

1970s

Boho is still beautiful for s/s11, with floaty chiffon shirts, bell sleeves, maxi dresses, jumpsuits and wide floppy hats proving that the 70s revival wasn't just a flash-in-the-pan trend last summer.

Stella McCartney-style denim skirts and dresses make for classic casual looks and layering slouchy jumpers over maxis brings this trend into 2011.

Elizabeth Lau cape coat from Oxfam

2010-11-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

I put in the time, so it's only right that I should come across some extra special pieces in charity shops every now and then. And yesterday was one of those occasions. A brand new Elizabeth Lau coat, £49.99 in North Street Oxfam! This is why I spend half of my life riffling through second-hand clothes.

Having done all my Christmas shopping this month, I'm knew that I was without resource for such luxuries as summer coats in November, but I had to try it on, and it fit so well and looked so cute - the leather collar, diagonal button holes and polka dot lining add really unique detailing - that I came up with a plan.

The new husband didn't know what to buy me for Christmas, and for a while there he didn't know what he had bought me for Christmas. I saved him a job. How kind I am. And how thoughtful and clever he is to have got me a Sixties-style coat, with on-trend cape shaping, from one of my favourite designers and still have money left over for a few little surprises.

The cape coat has now been stashed away by said husband - who was quite pleased not to have to do his own Christmas shopping - but I'm so excited about it that I did some online research and came across Carrie of WishWishWish styling the Sherlock summer coat with cute Orla Kiely pieces. Exactly how it should be worn. I think there may have to be a few more layers involved in my outfits though as very much doubt I'll be able to wait till summer dress weather to wear my bargain find. I can hardly wait a month...

Lanvin for H&M - inspiration from the past

2010-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blown away by Lanvin's collection for serial collaborator H&M - a few too many corsages and bling details for my liking. I may be in the minority of people who wouldn't want Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe - more specifically, I'd take the wardrobe, possibly turn it into a study, but she could keep the clothes.

However, the presentation on the homepage reminded me of the Theatre de la Mode exhibition I've recently been researching for a piece I'm writing on the history of the little black dress.

To celebrate France's release from German occupation in 1945, and to reinvigorate creativity in an industry heavily restricted by wartime rationing, the top French designers of the day, including Jeanne Lanvin, presented their designs on Elaine Bonabel's wire dummies.

Premiering in Paris' Theatre de la Mode, the show exhibited collections by designers such as Balenciaga, Balmain and Nina Ricci, and finished its world tour in 1946 at the De Young Museum in San Francisco.

Looking back, as well as the obvious Eighties influence - acid brights, tulle skirts and OTT detailing - the inspiration for Lanvin's highstreet collection can be seen in much earlier pieces by the French fashion house.

I love the floral detailing and va va voom volume skirts of these evening dresses from online archives, though perhaps a little bit more expensive than the H&M pieces...

Image source

Image source

Image source

Brighton POD

2010-11-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Trawling vintage boutiques, charity shops and flea markets for original retro gems may be the perfect way to spend a weekend for many lovers of past styles, myself included. But you don’t have to spend your days hunting for that elusive perfect piece to get the look you want for your home.

Brighton POD, which stands for Promoting Original Design, does just what it says on the tin, acting as a shop window for a selection of Britain’s independent design talent.

As well as cute ceramics, contemporary lighting and unique jewellery, there are some fab vintage-inspired homewares on offer that add fun twists to classic designs.

Get the vintage look for less effort with our pick of some of the best pieces from the site.

Get the 1950s look

Clockwise from top: Three-tier cake stand, £32.95, I Love Retro; Decoupage seaside trinket box, £65.00, uoldbag; Pin up girl cushion – Maureen, £37.00, Crumpet & Skirt; Talulah A3 print, £10.00, Nicky Snow; Tin coasters, £8.00, Nicky Snow; Large vintage embroidery cushion 2, £35.00, random retail.

Get the 1960s look

Clockwise from top: Atomic coat rack, £15.95; Pink flowers wall sticker set, £17.95; Trimphone, £36.95; Set of three flying ducks, £16.95; Kitsch cuckoo clock, £17.95, all I Love Retro.

Bargains - a/w10

2010-10-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

A selection of bargain buys from recent months, along with some old favourites and retro homewares.

Dress: £20 Topshop sale
Boots: £16 Traid
Bar: £30 Spiral charity shop
Cat: £1.50 Spiral charity shop
Couple figure: £2 Spiral charity shop
Ice bucket: £4 North Laine flea market
Roberts radio: £6 BHASVIC car boot sale
Lamp: £4 Shelter charity shopAs above
J letter necklace: £10 Tatty Devine at Clothes Show London
D&G little black velvet dress: £40 Oxfam charity shop, Western Road
Lou Shabner framed print: £25 Oxfam charity shop, Western Road
Long gold bird charm necklace: Handmade
Faux fur coat: £20 Upper Gardner Street Market
Red Formica table: £30 Spiral charity shop
Fur coat: As above
Purple court shoes: £15 H&M
Telephone table: £10 BHASVIC car boot sale
Joker painting: Commission Vicky Roberts
Floral H&M jacket: £5 charity shop in Crouch End
Black Topshop jeans: £6 Traid
Bird print shirt: £15 River Island sale
Small leather satchel: £10 Ebay
Typewriter: £15 Age Concern George Street
Mui Mui glasses: £175 Specs opticians
White coat: £5 BHASVIC car boot sale
Russell & Bromley boots: £30 Vintage @ Goodwood
Chair: £15 Spiral chairty shop

Silhouette necklaces

2010-10-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

An image of this Yves Saint Laurent necklace (£1,010!), featured in the November issue of Vogue, reminded me of a few similar, cheaper, silhouette necklaces that have caught my eye of late.

I can't work out if they're childishly charming, or a bit creepy. There was something about Tinkerbell, for example, that always freaked me out. Especially Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell - scary stuff...

Anyway, I spotted wooden silhouette necklaces such as the one below in a few pretty little boutiques in Cornwall in June, and have since become a little bit obsessed with the Stolen Thunder website.

A friend of a friend, Maggie Angus, has also starting selling acrylic jewellery online, and has some fun jive and ballroom dancer necklaces in her collection.

And I couldn't write about silhouette necklaces without bigging up Tatty Devine - the experts in iconic acrylic jewellery. This swing girl necklace is one of the Best Of Tatty Devine, which they describe as "a set of 50 favourites modelled by some of our best friends and favourite folks".

1960s telephone table

2010-10-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today I went to BHASVIC car boot sale, looking for small things - a old but working watch, some desk storage, perhaps a little something pretty...I bought a 1960s telephone table.

I ummed and ahhed about how I was to get it home, but luckily the man selling it was a friendly chap, and offered to drop it round for just £2 extra, bringing the grand total to £12. Take that Snoopers...

Unfortunately, someone had tried to pimp my telephone table (it was always going to be mine) by reupolstering the seat with some ill-advised material - shiny, crinkly and spotty. The colours were all wrong for the flat too, ours being a red and orange home.

However, Mr Table Man told me that this was covering the original black vinyl - and seemed quite surprised when I said that I would much prefer that - so I set to work with my screwdriver and pink jewellery pliers, taking the table apart and performing some arduois staple surgery.

There were moans, there were accusations of drama queening and there was a tiny, weeny tantrum when I screwed the seat back on to the wrong end of the table top.

But the job only ended up taking an hour and was pretty damn satisfying, especially when the staples came out whole (similar to when you're extracting a splinter) and the simple and sleek black seat was revealed.

My collection of winter boots is now residing in the slide cupboards, the BT box is hidden and Irish will no longer have to sit on the toliet lid when on the phone to his family. A happy day.

Montreal's magnificent skyline

2010-09-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Montreal's skyline boasts some of Canada's most striking modernist buildings. The best place to take full advantage of the view is down at the harbour. Look across the water and you could be forgiven for thinking that you're looking both into the past and the future.

One of the most exclusive and sought-after addresses in the city, the bizarre-looking concrete boxes that make up Habitat 67 were built to celebrate Expo 1967, the World's Fair grandly entitled 'Man and his World'.

Another of the Fair's lasting legacies is the Montreal Biosphere, a futuristic-looking dome which houses interactive exhibits aimed at increasing understanding of environmental issues. After a fire burnt away the 'bubble' in 1976, the structure was left out of use and in disrepair until bought by Environment Canada in 1990.

Turn around to look back at the sky-scrapers that define the city's skyline and another iconic architectural achievement stands out. The Aldred Building (in the background of the photograph) is similar to the many Art Deco masterpieces that jewel New York's panorama, and indeed was completed in the same year as the Empire State Building.

Click on the images to enlarge and see some of Sussex's best Art Deco buildings over at www.vintagebrighton.com.

Ethical fashion feature in Fat Quarter magazine

2010-09-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

My very talented, creative and hard-working journo friend Katie Allen has put together the second print issue of her fab magazine Fat Quarter - an alternative to women's glossies.

This issue features an interview with enterprising musician Laura Kidd, aka She Makes War, a short story by Michele Roberts, author of the Booker-shortlisted Daughters of the House, instructions for a DIY textiles project, a piece on the lives of Japanese women, book reviews, music reviews and loads more! Delicious.

Plus, there is a feature written by my fair hand on ethical fashion. Just how much do we really care?

See the piece by clicking on the PDF link below and buy your copy of Fat Quarter for just £2.50 (plus £1 for P&P in the UK) here. It's well worth it.

Fat Quarter Ethical Fashion

Canadian vintage finds

2010-09-19T08:15:00.001-07:00

I'm back, and have a very good reason for being away - the best reason in fact: I got married (more on that to come) and my new husband and I have just returned from a fortnight's honeymoon in Canada.

Having only ever travelled within Europe before, the holiday was a real adventure, and as we spent four nights in the harbour town of Halifax, Nova Scotia before travelling on a luxurious overnight train to the French-speaking city of Montreal, Quebec for another four, we saw and experienced a great amount.

A guide to the many and varied vintage shops in Halifax and Montreal is to come on my new website www.vintagebrighton.com, which is another reason I've been a little quiet of late. The website is a labour of love and boasts a vintage shop directory, events listings and original blog and feature content - a must-see for vintage lovers whether living in Brighton or not.

Until then, I thought I share with you a few of my Canadian vintage finds:

The Seabiscuit Jumper - bought for $30CDN from Dressed in Time, Halifax. Similar to the alpine knits spotted all over the catwalk at A/W 2010 Fashion Weeks, particularly those championed by D&G, and perfect for keeping me cosy on the boat trip we took.

The Sixties Travel-bag - a floral delight picked up for $20CDN from Seconde Chance in Montreal, a fabulously vibrant little shop on Rue Amherst, somewhat of a destination for lovers of 50s-70s-style furniture and objects. The perfect weekend bag.

The Granny Bag - in great condition - bought in a bundle with a amber heart pendant and 1990s Kate Moss Calvin Klien promo postcard for $20CDN from a junk shop just off Rue Amherst and next to a pet shop housing some of the cutest little kittens I've ever seen. We had to buy yet another present for our cat there to justify our endless cooing and talking to the little furry bundles.

The Pop Shoppe bottle - not exactly vintage but I loved the style of this label so much that I had to buy the fizzy pop - although half of it ended up going down the plug-hole. The bottle is now on my dressing table, waiting to hold a flower. The green costume-jewellery ring on top fits only on my little finger - I'm hoping it's for a child and that my fingers aren't in fact massively obese - but is very sweet and the colour is my birth stone. This was $5CDN from Kitsch n Swell, a fabulous little shop sandwiched between a handful of other vintage boutiques on Boulevard Saint-Laurent in Montreal.

The Shearling Boots - not vintage at all, but I never said I was a purist... Everyone who reads the fashion press will know that shearling is huge this season, with trims appearing on aviator jackets, boots and gloves. I figured that buying these from a shop in The Village in Montreal may reduce the chances of bumping into others wearing the exact same pair in Brighton - we will see. The heel height is just right for my low-pain theshold and, as you can see in the below photo, wearing them makes me very happy.

J.H. Lynch and Lou Shabner - the takeover

2010-08-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our flat is turning into a timewarp. Technological clues, such as the iPod speakers, PS3 and laptop are the only things that could tell you that Irish and I live in 2010, not the early Seventies.

Our bar - a Schreiber drinks cabinet/bureau - takes pride of place in the living room, and is now home to a vintage Roberts radio, ice bucket, a collection of pretty glasses and many kitsch deer figures. As well as spirit bottles and a retro cocktail shaker, of course.

But the finishing touch came this weekend when I came across a framed print of a beautiful red-haired woman by Lou Shabner in Oxfam. Shabner's style is very similar to that of J.H. Lynch, whose iconic mass-produced prints of exotic women graced the homes of thousands in the 1960s and 1970s, and even featured in A Clockwork Orange. Needless to say, I bought it, and at £24.99, was pleased with my bargain find. 'Sara', as the internet leads me to believe she is called, adds the focal point the bar needed.

My growing obsession with Lynch and those of his ilk was triggered when I spotted a print of the 'Woodland Goddess' at the amazing Waterlooplein flea market in Amsterdam. One of his most well-recognised paintings, it seemed vaguely familiar, and I loved the Bond Girl glamour of it. I haggled it down to seven Euros and the Goddess has lived in our bedroom ever since.

Next came Tina, or 'The Nymph'. Like Goddess, Tina is exotic-looking, dark-skinned with dark hair and red cloth covering her modesty. She's gorgeous.

After a month of so of searching for the right Tina for our flat, I 'won' a signed and chunky white-framed print on Ebay for £40, a price I could justify before the wedding. She now sits above our reading chair, and is the first thing you see when you enter the flat.

Of course I am not alone in my love of these iconic prints. A simple Google search will uncover other bloggers who have written about their obsession, collectors looking for specific women and vintage enthusiasts trying to find out more about these somewhat mysterious artists.

Anyone with a love of Seventies style is bound to be drawn to the prints, so typical are they of the era. But what I really love about them is that they depict women with real, sexy curves - hips and stomachs - are painted by British artists, proving that the US doesn't have the monopoly on iconic imagery, and stand very close to the line that separates taste and tacky.

I look forward to meeting more Lynch and Shabner beauties on my travels.

Vintage @ Goodwood

2010-08-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Vintage @ Goodwood festival brought together all the best of Britain’s cultural past, as conflicting as these parts may be: Land Girls spun at the Roller Disco, Betty Draper-types sipped on pints of lager and Rockabillys got down to Northern Soul.

This was a festival for people who don’t like festivals. People like myself. It stripped away the scummy toilet, bar queue and mind-altering excess aspects of a big event, leaving us with music, dance, fun, food and a whole lot of culture.

The journey back in time began from the moment we arrived at Chichester train station. An old Stafford Blue bus took us, slowly but surely, down the narrow country roads and through the immense Goodwood Estate, before stopping at an opening in the woods where fairy lights lit the way to the first festival of its kind.

The only backlog we experienced all day was seen at the opening arch, where vintage-lovers dressed in clothes inspired by the 1920s right up to the 1980s were hit by aesthetic overload.

The festival High-Street - essentially a huge theatre set - made a real impact, but before that classic cars were offered as the first of several hundred design exhibits to be marvelled upon during the event.

Shopping

For me, and I’m sure I can speak for many of vintage-lovers on this, shopping for vintage clothes and homewares is an experience to be cherished in itself. Rather than a means to an end, it is an exploration of the past, a kind of hands-on museum visit. And the shopping at V@G kept me entertained for hours.

Yes, there were the big-name high-street presences – John Lewis, Cath Kidston, Doc Martens - the organisers no doubt needed those cash injections to make the event as wonderful as it was. But the real star attraction was the hundreds of independent vintage traders who had brought along the cream of their crop, ensuring that you could find good quality design classics as reasonable prices.

Packed into long stretched of undercover marquees, providing shelter in the rain storms, the stall holders had gone to a lot of effort to make their patch pretty, resulting in the feeling of picking through an upmarket bazaar. Vivienne Westwood, Ozzie Clark and Moschino were among the original designer items to be snapped up, with classic pieces from Horrocks, Laura Ashley and Liberty also on the rails.

I picked up a 1960s cream box bag (£5), a lady-bird print skirt (£15), a cute embroidered cream cardigan (£10), and a pair of magenta Russell & Bromley boots (£35), proving that the traders hadn’t hitched up their prices extortionately in order to cover their pitch costs.

Music

Rather than the main attraction, music at the event provided the soundtrack to the day’s activities. Wandering around the site, the sounds of Northern Soul, rock and roll and war-time crooners brought the day to life, prompting a spring in people’s step.

For the dancers, various music tents hosted jive, funky soul and waltz, offering the perfect opportunity to show off the steps practised as part of a passion for the past.

While Martha & the Vandellas and the Noisettes drew crowds to the main stage, pop-up performances around the site throughout the day also provided welcome interludes. Even the stall holders seemed to have chosen their tapes – yes tapes – CDs and vinyls carefully, all to add to the overall experience.

And among the classic films, the high-street Cinema and mobile cinema showed more obscure music films for the culture buffs.

Crafts and kids

DIY crafts go hand-in-hand with vintage. Many second-hand purchases will need alternations to fit today’s figures and styles, and for those wanting to wear something a little different,, or decorate their home with original pieces, making your own is very appealing.

To cater for the crafters, Clothkits courses were held on the high-street, where you could make cushions and kids clothes among other items, and various other independent stalls offered to help you make your own bunting, selling fat quarters of gorgeous original and reproduction vintage fabrics.

Kids were also very well catered for at the festival. In fact V@G would deserve a reputation as one of the most child-friendly festivals in the country. As well as a Butlins tent and fun fair, complete with helter skelter, ferris wheel, a waltzer and roller disco, various arts and crafts, story telling tents and children’s performances looked very appealing to the big kids too.

Cars and caravans

The variety and sheer number of classic cars and caravans on the V@G site was awe-inspiring. Even those not usually interested in motoring – I count myself among this group – spent what amounted to hours marvelling at the sleek curves, iconic designs and ingenious space-saving features.

The American teardrop trailers were my favourite, with pop-up backs revealing a smart 1950s-style kitchen and snug interiors beautifully decorated with soft furnishings.

Vehicles also became tea rooms, bars and candy shops for the festival, as well as historical exhibits up for auction or used to promote the My Cool Caravan book.

Food and drink

Festival-goers are a notoriously hungry bunch, and were extensively catered for at V@G. As well as the numerous portable tearooms, complete with vintage china and indulgent cake, burgers, fish and chips and pancakes were served out of old-school trailers and vans, while pie and curry was dished up from the high street’s very own pub and curry house.

For the more health-conscious, sushi wraps, salads and vegan fare was on offer, and fresh juice and smoothie bars acted as healthy alternatives to the Pimm’s bus and various tent bars serving up lager, ale, wine and spirits to those up for a boogie or who just wanted to watch from the sidelines.

While having a picnic on the grass was an option at a number of points in the day, the solid floors of the venue bars and cafes were welcome relief when it rained, especially for those in heels and fur.

Vintage @ Goodwood wasn’t sold out, the site wasn’t heaving. But it was all the more enjoyable for this. Any queues moved fast, the atmosphere was friendly and jubilant, without high-spirits turning into trouble, and it has to have been one of the cleanest festival sites in the country. I saw not one bottle or food wrapper on the ground.

After ten hours at the site, we waited just ten minutes for our blue bus to take us back to reality. Please come again next year, Vintage. We’ll be waiting.

Shopping between seasons

2010-08-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Despite having to battle through several hundred missing-piece bikinis and sole flip-flops (a flip flop?), I've actually managed to keep a level head in this year's summer sales. I've achieved 'sensible shopper' status by talking myself out of buying light floral-print dresses. My wardrobe has reached saturation point with this type of garment, and they really didn't do me any favours last winter.

Instead, I've scoured the sales for investment pieces that will start to make up my winter wardrobe. River Island came up trumps with studded pixie boots for £15 and khaki army trousers at £20, and among the sea of floaty kaftans that you'd only ever wear two days a year - tops - in Monsoon, I spotted a cosy long marl chunky knit cardigan - half price at £30.

I've already worn all of these pieces - the cardie had a outing in Yorkshire, where it is apparently autumn already - and I'm currently bidding on a pair of low-heeled wooden clog sandals on Ebay that I'll be able to wear bare foot now and with socks when it gets colder - ignoring soon-to-be husband's unsure looks. I love how Laetitia at Madmoiselle Robot wears these.

So, I seem to have acquired what those in the fashion press call 'transitional pieces', with other items in this category for a/w including:

The maxi dress, which can be layered with chunky knits and skinny belts. This Seneca Rising dress in the ASOS sale would make the perfect new season maxi.

The shirt dress (French Connection have some gorgeous bird-print designs - see exhibit one and the Mui Mui-inspired exhibit two), worn with bare legs now and leggings and an undertop or cardi when it gets colder.

The cropped military jacket - big now until the foreseeable future, although personally I'm all about M&S's khaki greatcoat.

Very lovely autumn IMAGE by Flickr user Nicholas_T.

The vintage shop of Mum

2010-08-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

I've written before about the vintage treasure troves our mother's wardrobes can prove to be. But, as I bemoaned last time, my mum's hoarding habit has only really developed over the past twenty years. "I had loads of great stuff from Sixties and Seventies London that I threw out before you were born," she said. "I thought I was being good".

No mum, you were being bad. You were being very bad.

"Well, when you were a teenager you were never interested when I was having clear-outs".

I was an idiot when I was a teenager mum, we all know that.

Sigh. But, BUT, it seems that not all was not lost. While at home the other weekend, my lovely mother gave me free run of her huge fitted wardrobe, with some very exciting results.

The first piece that had me throwing off my clothes in order to get it on my back was a cute Vivienne Westwood denim waistcoat, which has already had an outing layered over my Breton-stripe dress. Mum bought it second-hand, so doesn't know if it's the real thing or not. But who cares? It looks damn good.

The next was a psychedelic floral velvet jacket from Lee Bender's Bus Stop - a boutique very popular on Carnaby Street during the swinging Sixties and Seventies. I wasn't sure if she'd want to see it go, but, as she said, it's better that it gets worn than becomes moth food. It's a definite contender for my Vintage @ Goodwood outfit.

And the final find - a beautiful lace throw. Origin and DOB unknown. This piece is timelessly chic and I imagine will become a wardrobe staple, worn over evening dresses as well as used to soften more masculine looks such as autumn/winter's military trend.

I really would recommend giving your mum's wardrobe a raid. With her permission of course...

Brighton Morris Men

2010-07-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Who would have thunk it; Brighton has it's very own team of Morris Men, whom I came across when putting out the recycling this evening. Adorned with beards and bells, the group were smacking sticks and waving flags in time with a violin and accordian outside The Iron Duke.

As my dad used to be a Man of Morris himself, much to my mother's bemusement - "he was a hippie at university then suddenly we had moved to Yorkshire and he was wearing bells and running up fells" - and my hometown sees droves of soot-faced dancers flock to its streets for the Holmfirth Folk Festival each year, I had to go down for a bit of foot tapping.

Apparently, the Brighton Morris Men play from St George's Day til September every year, after which they meet each Thursday evening at the Hanover Centre, Southover Street, to practice. Check out their dance programme here.

The baby-blue typewriter

2010-07-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not going to do all my work on this from now on - can you imagine not being able to cut and paste, it just doesn't bear thinking about. Instead, it is joining the many items in our flat that are to be looked at, but not used.

It is very pretty to look at though, and with a new ribbon would create some cool typography for home-made cards - hmm, next project...

I found it for £15 in a charity shop in Hove, and it's become the perfect holder for my original Sandie Shaw sheet music (I think she looks beautiful in this photo), which I haven't been able to find a frame for as it's U.S.-sized A4.

Oh, and I can also now pretend to work at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, in preperation for Mad Men Season 4, which, by the way, premiered in America on Sunday - exciting!

Words with...Nina Bon Bina

2010-07-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with Nina Bon Bina's delicately embellished, floaty and feminine pieces at Clothes Show London, so caught up with the lady behind the label, Nina Patel, to find out about her gorgeous new collection, design principles and fashion inspirations.

Tell us about your design background:

I studied fashion design at Manchester Met Uni and then was lucky enough to go on to do an internship at Maria Cornejo in New York.

Although our design aesthetics are very different, I learnt a lot through her. Her dresses are often made from one crazy looking pattern piece that’s folded and sewn together with maybe one or two seams that result in beautiful garments.

I definitely learnt that good design doesn’t have to be complicated.

When I came back to the U.K, I fell into designing for the high-street supplier side of the industry, designing for many of the giants, from M&S to Oasis. It was always my goal to set up my own label. My parents are self- employed and always encouraged me to go in that direction. About a year ago I felt it was time to make it happen.

Who are Nina Bon Bina pieces designed for?

My pieces are designed for women that want to look good, are aware of trends and are after key pieces. My collections are full of strong flattering separates and dresses that create instant looks without the fuss of having to layer many pieces or style with lots of accessories to make it work.

Where would you wear a Nina Bon Bina item?

My pieces are versatile, for example my ‘bows a plenty’ blouse for S/S 10 can be worn at the office with a pencil skirt and can look just as good worn with harems or shorts in the day or evening. Dresses like ‘Leila’ and ‘Touch of Paisley’ have been bought for special occasions, for example to wear at Ascot or at a wedding.

The shapes of your collections are simple and classic, yet the embellishments are very intricate. Do you work with the philosophy that beauty is in the detail?

Yes, I do. I think that the beauty in the detail is achieved through intricate embellishments but can equally be achieved through using lovely fabrics, ensuring garments are cut to flatter the body and by making sure all finishings are of a high quality.

All the embellishments are done by hand. How long does this take per item?

It depends on the style. My gypsy-luxe dress for A/W takes 3-4 hours to hand embroider.

How many of each design are made?

The quantities differ per style but I’d say approximately 25-30 pieces per style. I am looking for more stockists and of course would like to increase the number in order to sustain a business, but I will never be producing thousands of pieces per style. I want people to know that they are buying into a small brand and that they’re getting something special.

Which designers do you admire?

For the gorgeously girly collections I admire Lela Rose, Erin Fetherston and Matthew Williamson. I also like a lot of French and Australian brands like Maje and Willow.

What details have you taken from your S/S collection into your new season styles and what's new?

The S/S collection was very floaty and dreamy; I had gorgeous silks and chiffons in smock shapes in pretty pastel colours. For A/W, the feminine handwriting remains but in-keeping with A/W trends, the colour palette is richer, silhouettes have become more fitted and the brass embellishment and zip details give a slightly harder edge to the pieces.

What influences are you drawing on for your autumn/winter Look Book?

The lovely Laetitia, aka Mademoiselle Robot, will be styling the collection and we’re going to keep the look very clean and fresh with simple styling. I love the Kirsten Dunst issue of Lula so we may draw a few influences from that.

Which is your favourite piece in the new collection?

The cobalt sequin dress is my favourite. I love the colour, it’s incredibly flattering to wear and can be worn year after year.

Where can we buy Nina Bon Bina pieces?

At the moment my full collection is only available to buy through www.ninabonbina.co.uk. I also sell through two boutiques in Essex, one in Surrey and one in Lincoln but I’d encourage customers to contact me regarding specific pieces to check if the boutique stocks the styles they’re interested in, as none of the boutiques stock the full collection.

Prices start at £65. The Nina Bon Bina S/S collection will be going into sale 31 July, with selected styles discounted by 20-45 per cent.

A fond farewell to Brighton Traid

2010-07-18T00:52:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of Brighton Traid on Duke Street. Just around the corner from where I work, I've spent many a lunchtime riffling through the rails of quality second-hand, vintage and re-made clothing and trying on beautiful shoes. In fact over the years I've done my bit to keep the shop in business, having bought coats, tops, dresses, boots and bags. And with profits going to fund projects to fight global poverty, it's the best kind of shopping - that of the guilt-free variety.

So I was very sad to hear that the shop will be no more as of September. Talking with one of the, always charmingly dressed, shop assistants, she told me that the rent is now so high that Traid head office has decided to lose its one store outside of London.

Sad face. What will I do with my lunch hour now?

There is, however, a silver lining to this sorry tale. Traid is known for its amazing 'everything £3 down to £1' sales, which it holds at the end of each season, so there is bound to be one mega closing-down sale as the shop sees out it's final weeks.

See you there!