Amsterdam

This week I went to Amsterdam with some very BADASS ladies and we had a whale of a time. Here is a little summary of my time away as well as some brief write ups on the flea markets and the vintage shops I visited. First things first, outfit post. 

Skirt: Topshop Maternity (!)

Jacket: Charity shop

Shoes: New Look

T-shirt: H&M

Sunglasses: ASOS

Bag: River Island

Waterlooplein flea market was very high on my list of things to visit, so I went renegade for a morning to rummage through piles and rails of clothing and accessories. Table tops of 5euro dresses, 7euro jumpers and shellsuits were fantastic for those with patience and other higher end vintage sellers had better stock for not much more money. Still a hell of a lot cheaper than England! There were ridiculous amounts of stuff I could have taken home with me, I just didn't have a big enough suitcase.

By this area, on your way back towards the Dam square, there are a few retro shops such as the one below. However, I felt these were overpriced and lacked diverse, good quality stock. There is one exception - Retro et Chic which sold beautiful Victoriana and antique clothing and accessories. I didn't manage to get a photo of this shop as I couldn't find it again! 

The Nine Streets is an area straddling the three main canals of Amsterdam behind the Palace. It is brimming with curious, trendy and quirky boutiques selling all sorts. Of course I was there for the vintage. Before I get there  - and the quality of these photos is awful but the sun was bright and I felt dead cheeky so did it in a rush! This opticians stocked new prescription glasses based on vintage frame designs. You had to ring the doorbell to enter and I just daren't! But really incredible specs, in fact the dutch do glasses very well indeed.

Here we reach my highlight of Amsterdam. The jewel in the Nine Streets crown. Laura Dols Vintage.

This shop doesn't stock vats of 80s naff polyester drivel OH NO. This shop has rails and rails of 40s, 50s and 60s frocks that are beautifully mended, cleaned and railed according to size and then colour. I was in there for ages! I could have taken photos of everything, but these two dresses stood out for me.

1950s dress

1940s dress - I was going to buy this as a birthday present to myself, but it was too big. Sob.

Vintage and repro linen too.

Love a good showgirl outfit!

My only other real "vintage" moment to share with you are my friend Kate's Victory Rolls. She has a short blonde bob so struggled to do much in the way of retro hair before, but I had a go and am quite pleased with how they came out! First attempt styling somebody else's hair and it came out OK I reckon!

Well I don't have much else to share with you I'm afraid! Apart from that we had an awesome time and I would recommend Amsterdam to EVERYBODY. There are so many "types" of holiday you can have there and I will definitely go again. This is a farewell photo of us all looking a bit drunk. xxx

Deth Rose Vintage

If only I were very slim, blonde and THIS WOMAN...OK I will start again.

If only I lived in the US, had lots of money and could fit in these beautiful dresses or at least knew somebody who I could watch wear them. This is Deth Rose Vintage. Her blog can be found here and her Etsy shop can be found here. 

With "Classic Style not Costume" being her accompanying statement, I think you can see that this shop is a rare find. Gorgeous 50s and 60s dresses, skirts and suits in stunning shapes, textiles and design. Not to mention the girl herself! What a babe. 

There are a few downsides, a) she is based in Chicago and b) they ain't cheap - but this grade of vintage is so high that I suppose it is worth it. Perhaps more for a special occasion. Lastly c) the sizes are generally small (6-12) so I'm missing out already. Sob! But this isn't stopping me sharing her stunning clothes with you!

x

My Vintage Fair Buys

 I had a spare 30 minutes to nip around the fair after promoting in the cold all day. First of all, I couldn't believe how cheap everything was! I could have gone mad! And I seriously regret not buying one particular dress for £5. But we live and learn. 

Below are two bird hair clips. They are so bloody lovely, I can't wait to create a nest for them to sit in (in my hair).

 

I saw this necklace from afar and expected a hefty price tag but no, £5 later and it was in my pocket.

 Super stuff.

Sticking to £5 items, I am in love with this simple 50s summer dress. It is a little big, but belted and petticoated I reckon this dress will see me through many summer days.

I took a risk with this next 60s dress. Again a snip at a fiver. But it's so high necked that I figured it would make me look very busty. It isn't the most flattering of my dresses but it is so detailed with the beading at the collar, cuffs and waist that I couldn't turn it down. 

Oh and I'm well aware my frizzy locks need to be in a top knot for this dress. 

Well! There you go. The Vintage Fair - get going. 

If you're in London this weekend (4th February) then visit the fair in Shoreditch.

http://www.thevintagefair.com/

x

ASOS Sale Re-boot...

If I could, I would.

And if I would...

£47.50 for these incredible hot pink block heeled loafers

£30 for some incredible teal green cone heels. 

£13 for an over-sized gold envelope clutch

£24 for a neon lace midi dress - Pastels you say? NEVER! I WON'T DO IT!

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Following my love of teal and bright colours, this midi dress is a snip at £18.

Incredible stuff. Why isn't it pay day yet?

G x

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

I’m spending my boxing day eve watching the marvelous adaption of Swan Lake by Matthew Bourne, only just a 3rd of the way through but I thought I’d express my delight at the Queen (Fiona Chadwick) and her delightful dresses.

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This is just the most stunning and witty performance! I can’t believe it’s taken me 16 years to see it. Larvly.

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.

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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. 

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