Day 5 in the studio: 7 hours in and

I HAVE DONE NOTHING. EXCEPT TURNED THIS BOOK INTO A BAG (MINUS CLASP)

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Oh well that’s unfair. It was Chris’s birthday today.

Happy Birthday Chris.

X

I adore this.

Day 3 in the studio: Costume Drama

I am not going to say very much about these gorgeous dresses. But I will say that I shouldn’t have taken the photos (sneaky) and that I they are from The Sudley House “Costume Drama: Fashion from 1790-1850” exhibition which runs all the way to th 7th May 2012. And it’s free. Bonus. 

My highlight is this fashion-forward yellow silk brocade evening gown from around 1840.

s  

Day 3 in the studio: visit to sudley house

I have fallen in love with an artists called Henry Raeburn and this is why..

Girl Sketching

Oil on Canvas

1810

The way the Raeburn has captured her innocence and wistful expression is absolutely captivating. I love how he conjures up the angelic glow that shines down on her, highlighting her face. Technically this is nothing to shout about, if you look at the desk and her hand there is very little detail but frankly, I do not care. Hurrah for new inspiration. 

STUDIO DAY 3: JAUNT TO LIVERPOOL SHOPS

What a gorgeous display of custom made pill box hats by Enola Rose Designs. Are they not the most lovely yet eccentric things? You can find her boutique in Grand Central  on Renshaw street in Liverpool. 

ZEE:LIKE WOAH

http://www.andfestival.org.uk/event/exhibition-zee

Already having an idea of what I was about to experience almost put me in a nervous position. I knew there was smoke and that it was a clever idea to breathe through my nose but nothing could have fully prepared me for what I was about to…see? Hear? Feel?

ZEE is an installation by Kurt Hentschläger whose art tries to push the limits of our senses, forcing them into overdrive. ZEE is certainly no exception to this rule. I’m not going to bang on and I’m certainly not “reviewing” this - hell I’m no art critic - but I do want to share my thoughts and feelings. 

As soon as you enter ZEE you cannot see past your own hands, for the thick faux fog ensures you’re vision is restricted. Unable to rely on one sense forces your others to overreact and the uncomfortable bass heavy audio evokes a feeling of instability and disorientation. The strobe lighting begins to play havoc with whatever vision you still have, shapes are thrust around your head - diamonds, squares, circles all in tessellating patterns. Even when you close your eyes the patterns continue but the colours alter and there is no escape.

I felt I had a choice. Do I let this environment disturb me? Do I relate it to the harrowing effects of too many intoxicating substances? Or do I fall still and let this completely new feeling wash over me, creating images and questions? 

Is this what entering Heaven is like? 
Is this an alien space ship?
Am I still in my body?
Is there anybody still in here or am I all alone?

I did both. Switching quickly between the two. The artist had certainly achieved what he had set out to do with me. Not only were my senses in over-drive but my emotions and thought process were reacting in a way I didn’t think they could. Paranoia, helplessness, freedom, elation, fear, curiosity and confusion. All in the space of 12 minutes. 

If you find yourself in Liverpool, head to FACT and sign up for this exhibition. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced and feel rather superior to my band mates (who have been stuck in Sandhills Studio) for going. 

More actual fashion-y things to follow…

x

Stufio means comfort and cold floors mean slippers (Primark, FYI)

LOVE

studio time? New coat time.

Hello one and all.

Today I am in the studio and I have nothing to do. If you need to get a picture of where I am just look below…

Got it? Great. Although, looking around and looking at that photo, things aren’t quite so tidy. Or well lit. Nonetheless I am content with my surroundings. 

I went shopping today in Liverpool with Miss Independent herself, Kim Roberts. One thing that shocked me was how super cool the volunteers were in Oxfam on Bold Street. In the charity shops in Sheffield you don’t get handsome indie dickheads and to this I object. Oxfam is overpriced. I feel as though I shouldn’t say it as it all goes to a good cause but…it is. Worryingly, all of their Vintage stock came out on racks marked “Halloween Costumes” but I browsed all the same. I spied a gorgeous black frock but at £10 I couldn’t bring myself to buy it. Admittedly if that had been £10 in a Vintage shop I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid, not even an eye lash. Funny.

I nearly bought lots of things in Liverpool but restrained myself and only bought a new but discounted mac from Debenhams. It isn’t this colour, more a dark tan. £30 a pop isn’t bad though, non?

The mac is a classic. But my favourite mac wearer has to be Miss Alexa Chung..

Having just posted that photo I nearly bought THESE booties from Peacocks at a snip of £15…

OK OK OK I’m lying…I actually nearly bought THESE babies…

I would wear them with a bright pink dress and hair on top of my head. Oh yes. 

“Gina - how is recording going?”  - I have recorded one synth line. 

G x

She’s gorgeous and she’s my best dressed on a Saturday night out. Dress: Topshop
Leather: TK MAXX: £60.

Fair is Fair

http://www.thevintagefair.com/

Me oh my I’ve been slack on the old blogging. Apologies. Today I’d like to draw your attention the super dooper people at The Vintage Fair. I have had the privilege of doing a handy bit of promo work in Sheffield. And to do so I get to play dress-up! (Oh I also flyered with the lovely Bethany of http://www.stylefashionvintagebaby.com/ who has some really great ideas - good job really as she is in fashion!)

In the photo here I am wearing a vintage polka dot dress which I shortened, a hand made petticoat from The X Shop, a vintage nurses belt and a H&M cardigan. And the pearls are real. Oh yes. Lucky me. 

You’d be amazed at how many people want to know where the train station is and where the nearest McDonalds is when you stand with a big sign saying VINTAGE FAIR HERE TODAY. I guess you’re asking for it really.”But what is the fair?” Is also another very common question. See answer below:

The Vintage Fair is a touring fair of around 40 stalls that visits cities around the UK and for a measly £1 you can have a nosey around these fabulously varied stalls. And a nosey at the very well dressed handsome people. I’m a magpie - what can I say? Other things to expect…

• Scrummy vintage cupcakes and tea in sublime teacups we are all too lazy to find in charity shops ourselves.


• The Vintage Salon where girls leave with Victory rolls Dita would be proud of and beehives worthy of Bardot.


• Homeware and aprons that make you want to bake and wash up all at the same time.


• Vintage inspired, unique jewelry that Topshop wished it stocked at twice the price.

Each fair is focused on whatever the season currently is and in September all the winter jumpers, fur coats and student loan friendly items are on display. So on December 5th at Sheffield Town Hall I suggest you get ready to rummage through even more fur, even more jumpers and capes and of course beaded and sequinned dresses. You’ve got to love an 80s party frock! Here is one I bought from Cow in the sale last year…

(oh I’m glad I’ve shifted another stone since here - I split the dress right up the back that night! Mortifying!) But ooooh look! Shiny!

In conclusion, you can look at gorgeous people and gorgeous things at The Vintage Fair. 

Keep tabs,

g

I have a confession to make

I’ve bought something new. I know I know I know…but it turns out that this whole buying everything second-hand is really quite challenging, especially when I work in the city centre. No excuse, right? Well…slight excuse?

Let me justify it, it’s a dogtooth dress and it cost £12.99 from H&M. If only someone had told Gaga.

Fin

This was the best dressed woman in Sheffield last night.

She’s wearing an Aqua Couture jumpsuit and Dune shoes and her cardi is from Primark. I assume the hair is by an artist.

Today I’m wearing:
Jumper: old
Skirt: Topshop via eBay
Bag: charity shop
Shies: peacocks

Thanks Big Ben for the photography, its inspired.

Apologies for the photo quality.

Tonight I’m wearing:
Dress: Vintage
Jacket: Topshop
Bag: charity shop
Shoes: new look
Brooch: topshop

My Picks of eBay

Did you enjoy my song choice? I love a bit of JoFo. Now for my Top 5 picks of eBay, it can be a chore but hopefully I can show you that a little virtual rummaging can pay off…

1960s Black dress Size 14 currently at £2.99

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Cracking 80s Jumper at a tiny £1.04

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Fingers crossed I win this turquoise number at £3.70

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And I have a love of GINA heels and this pair are going to make someone very happy at £4.99…Golly.

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And if you’re a dainty size 6 please look for this sublime yellow ball gown at a cheapy cheap £30.99…at the moment!

Happy bidding.

G

With the release of Johnny Foreigner’s new album Johnny Foreigner VS Everything here is a fun Friday treat for you all. It’s a classic.

[youtube=[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-PY53SdyUY&w=420&h=315]]

Today I’m wearing:
Blouse: H&M
Skirt: charity shop
Shoes: new look
Necklace: vintage

VICTORY ROLL SUCCESS

So....Vintage?

I knew from day one that most things I write on this blog will not be unique or unheard of. The whole process is rather for my own delight than that of anybody else. But oh my. There are some very dedicated vintage lovers out there and I have serious envy for all that they own and all that they can do with their hair. I would like to share the following blogs, websites and internet trinkets with you. If you have ever fancied getting into Vintage fashion but have never dared or needed inspiration then I hope you find something up your street in this list. 

First of all, thank you Sophie for pointing me in the direction of Bright Young Twins.

http://brightyoungtwins.blogspot.com/

They are two gorgeous girls who eat, drink and breathe 30s and 40s fashion and I wish I owned their wardrobes. I feel incredibly unfashionable and like a vintage lover impersonator while reading. Enjoy!

This is my absolute favourite image from their blog with her hair styled in a long 20s style. Beautiful. 

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http://aubreylondonpinup.com/pin-up/hairstyles/

Aubrey London has a fantastic YouTube channel with countless tutorials on vintage hair styles and make-up looks. And there are also lots of other great tutorials online. This is the Hairstyles section of her website and I hope you’ll give them a go - I learnt how to do this roll fringe from her:

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For all of your vintage inspired lingerie needs look no further than What Katie Did - http://www.whatkatiedid.com/

Whether or not you purchase one of their infamous bullet bras or pairs of back seamed stockings (I believe it’s 3 pairs for £10 currently - ooh!) please go and have a nosey just for the fabulous models!

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For an insight into the life of a professional vixen, check out Miss Teese’s personal photo album. 

http://www.whosay.com/ditavonteese/

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Another blog that I recommend for the musings and stylings of a Vintage Lover is that of Fleur De Guerre

http://www.diaryofavintagegirl.com/

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If you ever find yourself down Brick Lane please visit Beyond Retro as this warehouse is full to the brim with old, fabulous things. The website is pretty darn attractive too:

http://www.beyondretro.com/

This is my pick of the dresses, I love how elegant the subtly paisley print is, though at £45 it isn’t on the cheap side. 

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The Girl Who Stole Vintage inspired me to blog. If you are more on my wave length and want to mix eras and mix the old with the new and give things a modern twist then check her out.

http://thegirlwhostolevintage.tumblr.com/

My name is Lereese Atkinson and I am 24, and I live in London. Although my blog will be focused mainly on my favourite subject, which is fashion, I don’t actually work in the fashion industry nor do I have anything to do with it. I’m not an insider, just an enthusiast.  None of my opinions will be a Professional opinion but they will be personal and true to me.

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And of course I completely love The Vintage Fair. The Vintage Fair visits over 20 venues around the country as well as festivals with pop-up fairs. 40 plus stalls in great big venues (Sheffield - check out your Town Hall!) with clothes ranging from 50s - 80s, crafts, re-worked vintage, home ware and retro linen never mind the scrummy tea and home made cakes.

http://www.thevintagefair.com/

You’ll be seeing me in a vintage wedding dress and a big sign on November 5th in Sheffield City Centre promoting the fabulous Vintage Wedding Fair. The next big vintage fair is on December 3rd at The Town Hall. 

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WELL!

This is merely the tip of the ice berg. I hope that this selection tickles your fancy and gives you an insight into what is out there. I’m completely inspired by Bright Young Twins and will be spending Saturday afternoon crafting my hair into various retro styles - wish me luck…!

Keep Tabs,

G

Today I’m wearing:
Dress: vintage
Bag: charity shop
Necklace: vintage fair
Lipstick: Maybelline in Coral

Top 3 Charity Shop goods

It’s all going wrong world, I left my car in the car park without telling anyone and I will get a £60 fine. Did I mention I hate cars?

During my shift this morning I found some real goodies, here are my top 3:

Burgundy Hobbs Pencil skirt size 14 cashing in at a ridiculously cheap £8.00:

Here is my new jumper (£2.50), yes those are people stood under umbrellas:

And lastly, this absolutely incredible coat that a lady bought for her friend at a cheeky £15. I love fur cuffs and collars:

So there you have it, my first Top 3 charity shop items. Boom. 

Keep Tabs.

G

Today I’m wearing: Cardigan: vintage (£15) Belt: peacocks Top: charity shop £2.50 And today I’m in the charity shop, I’m going to choose my top 3 items in the shop to post. Let’s rummage.

Give it some lip.

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick” - Gwyneth Paltrow.

So no, I can’t afford a new outfit but I can stretch to a new lipstick. And I reckon so can you. But make it a bright, bold one. What began as a bit of a guilty pleasure or a desire to make a statement has become part of my everyday wear. I’m turning into my Mother, who never gets dry lips because she wears lipstick every single day and has done for many a year. 

Here’s a Mother Daughter lipstick moment for you. My first lipstick was a gorgeous Coral colour called Gay Geranium by No7 and I as I popped it in Mother’s basket she says with fondness “Gina, that was my choice of lipstick in the 80s!” ”Well, I never!” I replied. But isn’t that just super?

I wear lipstick to work at the theatre for every bar shift. When you are limited to what you can wear it is hard to maintain a unique look, I use bright lipstick to communicate to the luvvies that I, too, am an extrovert. Oh and that I’ve been up since 6am LOOK AT MY LIPS NOT MY EYES THANK YOU PLEASE.

My over-arching point here is that lipstick transforms an outfit for a fraction of the cost of well, a new outfit.

Make like Temperly and go Orange:

Katy Perry has always nailed Hot Fuschia 

And who better than Dita to demonstrate the classic red lip.

Please don’t be afraid to experiment! I hope you won’t regret it. 

Keep Tabs

G

Today I'm channeling Nannan...

Hola. 

Top: Nannan’s Eastex blouse
Skirt: Last years’ River Island
Belt: Peacocks 
Lipstick: Mum’s Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick in Cherry Red
Cello: Lucy’s. 

That bitch stole my Berketex dress.

“I came to office promising major ethics reform to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is a law. While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor’s office that I didn’t believe our citizens should have to pay for. That luxury jet was over-the-top. I put it on eBay.” - Sarah Palin

eBay is addictive. And like most addictions it brings out the worst in us. The inner greedy gremlin raises its ugly head when we are rudely outbid or when that incredible dress you bought for £45 goes for a measly £0.99. 

My most recent eBay disappointment was in the loss of this beautiful flesh pink Berketex dress: 

I set my highest bid at £12.00 and then at the last minute BAMM “you did not win said item” it sold for £12.50. Whoever she is, I hope she looks dreadful in it. I had big plans man, big plans. Sob. 

So when I didn’t get my fix, I went looking elsewhere, hoping that i would stumble upon an amazing find with minutes to go. I typed generic titles into the search engine like:

• Vintage 14


• Vintage 16


• Topshop 16


• Dress 14


• Dress

Then AHA! Yes. “MOD red dress 60s/70s size 14” auction ends in 1h 42. That will do. I set my bid at £4.50 and won it at £4.20. Immediate thrill. Buzzing, you could say.

But then… looking at the photos, I realised my thirst had not been quenched, as it was no flesh pink Berketex frock. And as they say “you buy shit, you buy twice” and in my case thrice and more so. I have yet to receive these ‘second-best’ items but I have my doubts. Plus I ended up spending an unnecessary £17. 

I conclude that I have eBay guilt. A bit like alcohol or sex guilt but worse. Because at least with alcohol guilt you probably had a good time at least for a short while and the same applies for sex guilt, or so you’d hope.

You have been warned. 

Keep tabs

G

Accidental leopard print double whammy. Oops.