The problem with vintage is...

I reckon we've all been here, but those who buy vintage may have been here moreso.

The problem with vintage is when you find a dress you love, it's 9/10 times, one of a kind. Now this comes with a whole bunch of pros but God damn if not being a size X/Y  isn't a huge con. So I'm in COW in Sheffield and I find this dress...

I fall in dress love. I adore houndstooth and the contrasting floral pattern is just amazing. I've never seen anything like it and it reminds me of the S/S12 Preen collection and Mary Katrantzou's quirky designs. Naturally, the dress is not in my size. I mean, I'm not a big girl (anymore) but I'm certainly not a skinny thing and size 12 is still a bit far off for me, especially with these babies *gestures at bosom*. 

But I still bought it. And I tried it on loads with various types of control underwear. Still no joy. Cue very embarrassing photos...

My thinking is that I will fit into it one day. Am I right in thinking we've all been there? Especially with vintage, because the beauty (and the problem) is, I will probably never find this dress ever again. 

Gina x

The Vintage Fair: January Sales

It is that time again where I am promo girl. It's also the last time I can wear what I want! We are getting uniforms for March 10th (The Town Hall 11-5...FYI).  It wasn't as eventful as previous promo days, no marriage proposals or anything like that. But I did get photographed about 6 times. I find it odd that my photo is flying around the internet. hmm. Flattered I suppose. Anyway. The above outfit comprises of Girl Stole Vintage dress, Primark brogues and a vintage pill box hat. Oh and the earrings are from Topshop. 

I decided to do a very nifty nod to the Victory Roll/quiff hairstyle as I didn't have a great deal of time to get ready! The lipstick is a beautiful Guerlain red complete with compact mirror. It is a fabulous lipstick as it lasts forever.

This hat was only a fiver but I love it. Don't be afraid to put pill box hats at a jaunty angle or even on the back of your head like I have. It hides a multitude of hair sins!

I will be back tomorrow to show you my gorgeous and barganious Vintage Sale buys!

x

beyond retro

You know that awful moment when you walk out of Topshop with a new dress then the next night see 1,2…3..4 other girls in the same one? Or how about this, I went to Meadowhell today, walked into New Look having seen “50% off party wear” to find that everything was…ok. All the dresses were fine and the tops were nice. Nothing stands out. This is my nightmare. It’s the reason I love second hand clothes, the likelihood of seeing anyone in the same outfit is so incredibly slight. 

Are you struggling to find a swish outfit for the festive season? Well me too. I’ve just had a little nosey on the super funky Beyond Retro website and found some great stuff I’d like to share with you. 

All of these dresses are under £30 and YES I KNOW they’re second hand - but who else will have them? I can pretty much guarantee they’ll be better made than anything on our High Street  - have you looked at the stitching on your most recent Topshop purchase? eeek. 

Oh and if you subscribe to the Beyond Retro mailing list, you’ll be in with a chance of winning £50 in vouchers. Bingo. 

Feeling adventurous? Hello hats!

BUY BUY X

i wish: pearl lowe for peacocks

It’s been a week since I posted anything, my apologies. I’m feeling super skint right now so I decided to have a little daydream about the things I’ve seen and want want want…and they all happen to be gorgeous dresses by Pearl Lowe for Peacocks.

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This stunning gold, embroidered evening maxi dress is my favourite piece in her most recent collection. With a nod to the 40s in it’s sleek silhouette and satin fishtail skirt, it is an incredibly elegant dress. Definitely one for magic knickers though, even for the slimmer ladies out there. No glitzy accessories or fancy hair, the dress really does do all the talking. And at £80, I reckon that’s fairly well priced.

               

For a new vintage-gothic take on the LBD, look no further than this midi A-line, velvet and lace dress. Lots of adjectives there. I reckon there is a hint of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress in here too. It is a backless dress, so there is a decision to make on underwear or sneaking in a strappy top underneath if you’re not so confident or like me, rather busty! 

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Hello boob friendly dress. Being another midi A-line skirt, this dress plays it rather safe but gives you the option of amping up your accessories, hair and make-up. I think I’d go with either a classic nude or black heel OR something completely contrasting like a leopard print block heel. 

Peacocks have their own range of evening dresses too which are well worth a look if you’re on a budget. I will certainly be purchasing at least one…Pretty New Things?!

x

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

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