Vintage in Brighton- Charity Shop Who's Who

As my purse strings seem to get tighter and tighter every month, I am continually finding myself browsing and buying in Charity Shops. I am lucky in that I have three right at the top of my road that each have something a little different, in fact I rarely stray further afield!

 

First up is the British Heart Foundation on Western Road, near to Waitrose. It seems that every time I go in here, I walk out with something! Expect to find plenty of clothing, with the shop sectioned into tops, skirts, trousers, dresses etc. There is currently a great knitwear selection in there at the moment. I must admit that this is one of my favourite charity shops as you will often find original vintage in here! Delve deeper into the shop and you will find a few small but well stocked homeware shelves. More often trinkets and smaller homeware items, these shelves often turn up trumps.

 

Turning right out of there, if you can make it past Sally's beauty supplies next door (where they sell super strong hairspray and Crazy Colour semi permanent hair dye), you will reach Oxfam. Always with a beautiful window display, inside there are always lots of dresses to browse through. There is currently a wonderful array of winter coats to choose from. I have had quite a lot of luck in here recently as they seem to have added more knitwear and skirts to their stock. I always find there to be a good selection of menswear in here too. Upstairs you can even find records!

Crossing the road, you will find the Martlets Furniture shop next to Taj. Whilst they do stock clothes, I am most impressed with their collection of furniture in here. With this shop in particular, I find it best to go in there as often as possible as it seems that stock regularly changes around. There is a huge array of wool and knitting needles, as well as books too!

Heading further into the centre of Brighton, I always make a beeline for the Martlets Shop on Church Road, near to the Corn Exchange. This outlet specialises in Vintage, and even has its own Instagram and Twitter feed! Search for 'vintagemartlets' on Instagram and @Martletsshops on Twitter. I am always spoilt for choice in this store! They are even having their very own Vintage Me Christmas Fair on 30th November at the Unitarian Church. I think it will be dangerous for the old purse strings but all for a good cause!

Do you recommend any other charity shops around Brighton? I am yet to let loose on George Street in Hove, and believe London Road is also promising!

 

Hannah xxx

Dollydagger Model Search 2013

The time has arrived; it is officially nearly one whole year since I won the Dollydagger Model Search! Hasn't it flown!

 

I entered the competition a devout vintage lover, but perhaps lacking the confidence to embed it into my life completely. A month or so before the competition opened, I had the chance to have some pictures taken of me and thought that I may as well give the competition a go, never thinking that I would come anywhere near winning. New to Brighton, and not really knowing very many people due to moving around quite a lot over the past few years, I really didn't even think that I stood a chance. Never mind the fact that I am only 5"3 and by no means a model!

 

Here is my original entry...

 

 

 Never did I imagine that I would win and end up seeing myself looking like this...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fancy entering the 2014 competition then?! Read on...

 

 

Entries open from 23rd September, with voting running from 1st to 31st October. To enter, e-mail a full-length photograph and headshot, both taken within the last three months, along with a favourite photo of your choice and a written statement or video explaining why you want to win to modelsearch@dollydagger.co.uk.

Voting over Facebook will decide on the top 8 finalists, who all win prizes worth £50. The overall winner will win a 12 month modelling contract, and prizes from each shoot of up to £200! This lucky lady will be chosen by a panel consisting of Emma Ayres, Simon Flamson (manager of the Brighton based store), photographer Toby Amies and (drumroll please)...me!

Those of you wondering whether or not to enter...do it! This has not only been an amazing opportunity to wear some seriously fabulous dresses, but has also give me the chance to meet some really lovely people. A year ago, I would have never dreamt that I would be confident enough to wear vintage every day, write a blog and have met so many like minded people. I'm just going to try not to shed a tear when I hand over the reins to the next winner!

 

I can't wait to see your entries,

 

Hannah xxx

 

 

Quadrophenia Dreaming

I have a confession. Yes I love my 1940s and 1950s, but deep down I harbour a craving to be a  Sixties gal. The decade stood for change, monochrome and moving on. If my hips, legs and boobs would allow it, I would totally be a mod!

 

 

 

As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, Brighton Rumble arrives in town and we celebrate the mod culture that made Brighton what it is today. Before it all gets going, I thought I would share some of the upcoming events with you!

 

Everything kicks off on Friday evening, with Komedia hosting the first of three Mod nights...

 

 

Head into the North Laines on Saturday and Sunday for Brighton Rumble on the Beach at the Prince Albert...

 

 

The Brighton Big Screen really gets things going on Sunday, from 7pm there is an exclusive preview of All Or Nothing- The Mod Musical which is quickly followed by one of my favourite films, Quadrophenia. General admission is free. Keep your Quadrophenia album in mind and move straight onto Concorde 2 for Stay Sick Mods vs Rockers. Admission is £3.

I will be sure to get some pictures taken ready to report once I have recovered!

Hannah xxx

 

 

Pride

Last weekend, the whole of Brighton turned into party central as it was the turn of Brighton Pride! I went out with the lovely Danielle of Daniella Christina fame, and we met up with fellow blogger Hayley of Vintage Vessel at The Black Dove at the top of St James Street where you can regularly find Hayley DJing every Saturday night. If you ever go here, I recommend you check out the extremely decadent and lavish downstairs, we certainly made the most of our surroundings with an impromptu few photos!

We decided to dress up in our vintage finery and celebrate in our style, vintage glam! I turned to my trusty wardrobe staples, a Collectif Dress and Vivienne Westwood Melissa shoes. It had been a hot day so I decided against the seamed stockings; however I was regretting my choice a few hours later as my feet were killing! Seamed stockings always save the day in the old Viv’s!

I embraced my inner Carmen Miranda/Betty Grable with my hair, creating a range of victory rolls on top of my head for an updated poodle style. This not only covered my outrageous roots but was a really easy style with the help of my latest purchase, 1940's Hairstyles. I took on a slight bit of the rainbow theme with an assortment of flowers pinned in my hair. I bought these one early morning at Brighton Marina Boot Sale where there was a stall selling a range of beautiful haberdashery. These were cards of 12 flowers for a pound each, so I snapped up two cards of Pink and Yellow flowers. They come with flexible metal legs which slide easily into your hair then can be securely attached with a Kirby grip or two. It was a great style for a warm evening as it was lovely to have all my hair out of the way for a change; normally I am worrying about my set dropping! I have also been wearing this non stop in the warm, sunny days that we have been having.

 

There is another great look in my new book, which incorporates a French twist with flowers hiding the join. I think I shall be trying that one out next!

Have a lovely weekend,

Hannah xxx

One For The Weekend

As much as I love living in Brighton and having such a wonderful amount of vintage right on my doorstep (as lethal to my purse as brilliant to my wardrobe), every now and again it is amazing to see what the areas just outside of the city have to offer.

Step forward Lewes. A beautiful town nestled amongst the Downs, it is steeped in heritage and makes for wonderful viewing through the Charity Shops and Boutiques. A short bus or train ride away, it is so worth a visit to get some country air and change of scenery. At the top of the hill (it is worth the short but steep walk) is Lewes Flea Market, on Market Street. Open 7 days a week, there are stalls a plenty full of trinkets, homewares and affordable furniture. Unbelievably, the only day it is closed is Christmas Day!

Generally, furniture is located upstairs or in the back room. I recommend you take a look at the stalls upstairs as their latest stall holder is my boyfriend! Over the past few months we have hunted around the South to collect the cream of the crop in terms of contemporary and classic mid century design perfect for filling your home with. I have found it very difficult to resist the temptation to force him to keep it all and could very easily and quickly end up on one of those hoarder programmes.

 

Have you been to Lewes Flea Market yet? I would love to hear what your favourite finds have been, or what you would love to find!

 

Hannah xxx

 

 

Vintage Summertime Dressing

My first 'real' summer of dressing completely 'vintage', and I must admit that I am finding it difficult to find an outfit that is suitable! Standard attire on the streets of Brighton seems to be denim shorts and a top which would simply not suffice at all. After months of wearing calf length skirts and dresses, to bare the flesh (or even above my knees!) feels slightly indecent and I opened my wardrobe with trepidation, fully knowing that there was no fifties playsuit hidden at the back but really hoping there was!

 

I was in an outfit quandary. A simple dress feels slightly too dressy for lying on the beach however everything else felt a little to restrictive, formal or just not right. I decided to go for my Gingham Circle skirt, Lace top and trusty Rocket Originals Olivia's. A light circle skirt adds a summery touch, especially in a cute pattern! I long for a novelty print one...

Doesn't Brighton look beautiful!

Skirt: Handmade by Me!

Top: Vintage stall at 1940's event on the Isle of Wight

Bag: Vintage
Shoes: Rocket Originals

Belt: Oasis

 

I have also taken to jumping on that flowery bandwagon by adding some small floral accessories into my hair! I picked up this little rose really cheaply from a local fabric shop and love how the grey flower and green leaf contrast against my hair. A little experimention with my fringe and I quickly managed to add a little victory roll/kiss curl amalgamation to sweep my hair away from my face.

 

 

I would love to hear what you have been choosing for your vintage summertime outfits,

 

Happy sunbathing and don't forget your suncream!

 

Hannah xxx

A Date For Your Diary

One for the Brightonians here, on the 21st July Johnny Loves June Vintage Fair makes a return to Shoreham!

 

You will find around thirty five stalls showcasing a range of items to Ice Cream Parlour, Jive Dancing and a Vintage Hair and Beauty Parlour I am very tempted to book in for some half moon nails, for a mere £7!

 

I personally love visiting Vintage Fairs around Brighton. Unlike anywhere else in the country, they really are the hub of creativity and it is SO inspiring to see what everyone else is up to. There is so much more than the standard charity shop picks (which I admit I love) and shabby chic. You have the unique opportunity to indulge in the smaller designers and makers that are inspired by their local surroundings and culture. It is so refreshing and I really believe carrying the 'vintage trend' on into the current day. Here is a selection of some of the stallholders that will be showcasing their amazing work at Johnny Loves June...

 

You will find me with my boyfriend on his stall, for Hold Fast Co. He hand draws tattoo inspired sketches which can be picked up as a sketch (if you have a particular frame in mind) or in a sourced vintage frame! He has recently been working on the most amazing images so please keep an eye on the Facebook page!

I am obsessed with Foxy Flamingo, the creations of lovely Lisa who we met at another fair in Horsham. Her designs are so kitsch! Brighton born and bred, she also stocks her wares in Kemp Town Trading Post!

 

Not forgetting the amazing creations of blogger and gorgeous girl Emma, of Lady Jardin fame. She is a crochet extraordinaire and I highly recommend that you check out her animal creations on her Facebook page!

 

I think I will have to hold on to the old purse strings quite tightly!

 

Hope to see you there,

 

Hannah xxx

 

 

Where To Find Me

A smaller post for today to let you know that I have branched out and can now be found on other social media! I keep my Twitter and Facebook regularly updated with musings, chatting with other vintage lovelies and post lots more pictures and event listings.

 

You can find me on Facebook here and Twitter here! I would love for you to give me a follow or like and don't forget to say hello!

 

Hannah xxx

 

 

Emmaus Vintage and Retro Emporium

Another sunny day (could summer ACTUALLY be here?!) caused for another bike ride. Can anyone tell I'm on a mission to lose some flab?! Anyway, back to the point. We rode our bikes over to Emmaus in Portslade Old Village to check it out after everyone we know telling us how fantastic it is there. It's safe to say that they were right- what a treasure chest! We first visited their Vintage and Retro Emporium.

Quite literally a bedroom from heaven

The Vintage and Retro Emporium hall is stunning

 

As much as I love the vintage scene that Central Brighton has to offer, I definitely notice a difference when I head slightly further out of town. There is generally lots more choice and sometimes I am even lucky enough to find items for slightly cheaper! Here you can expect tons of reasonably priced furniture to kitsch home wares and trinkets a plenty! Everything has a sticker on it marking the price, with the most expensive being £5 and all furniture is labelled. I really was overwhelmed by the quality and incredibly reasonable prices. What a fantastic cause to donate to, whilst also bagging a beautiful bargain.

 

Say hello to our new display cabinet!

For those without a way to collect the item, don't worry. Emmaus can help with delivery and charged us a mere £5 to deliver from their store to Central Brighton.

 

There is also the Second Hand Superstore, full of more furniture (including one Utility Wardrobe I was determined to get my hands on), lots of home wares, pictures and general bric-a-brac that I love browsing through. I managed to bag myself what appears to be a Lucite necklace and very beautiful diamond and emerald necklace, both for a pound each! I love a bargain.

 

I also love this jacket that I found, but sadly decided against purchasing it!

 

Hope you had a lovely day,

 

Hannah xxx

Sunday Best

With a visit to a Vintage Fair on the cards, I decided to get my Sunday Best out. The sun was shining and I thought it a perfect opportunity to debut some recent purchases.

 

I recently got this Dollydagger Strawberry Picnic Bustle Dress, and have to say that I love it so much that I have been wearing it everywhere.  The neckline is very square which reveals a very demure amount of collarbone before gathering in at the waist. It is a bustle dress, so defines the waist and then 'poofs' out slightly to give a very flattering shape which I think is quite 1940's Dior New Look, like dress number 4 below. Dollydagger have some new designs coming in soon, with the same style dress but in a strawberry and gingham print which is below too.

 

I paired it with my new Rocket Originals Olivias, rose brooch from my previous post, vintage hat, vintage handbag and H&M cream cardigan. Both bag and cardigan are looking slightly worse for wear, and I was quite open to potentially picking up some replacements at the vintage fair but unfortunately it turned out to be a bit rubbish! It looks like I will be indulging my Ebay addiction again!

 

Hannah xxx

Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon

A sunshine filled day off calls for a bike ride away from the busy lanes towards Hoves' Blatchington Road. Quite the vintage location, between the numerous charity shops expect to find home ware emporium Department, vintage store Bobby and Dandy and you should definitely squeeze in time for a yummy bite to eat at Ethel's Kitchen.

 

 

 

Today I wore:

 

Dress: Original 1950s Sun Dress-Ebay

Belt: Purchased a long time ago from Oasis

Bag: Vintage

Sunglasses: TK Maxx

Shoes: Rocket Originals

Head Scarf: Boo Boo Kitty Couture

 

May I just say how much I am in LOVE with my new shoes. There are no words! Check them out, mine are their Olivia style, which are comfortable and true to size.

 

We called into Bobby and Dandy and I couldn't help but pick up a small treat. I have had my eye on this brooch for quite a while so to see it sat there,waiting for me was just too much and I had to buy it!

 

 

On my way home I decided to call into Oxfam on Western Road to see if there are any bargains and picked up this pretty sun top for a mere £3.99. How could I resist?! I picture it with some Freddies of Pinewood Classics and my Rocket Original shoes (watch this space...). Excuse my shiny face- I am on a mission to fit nicely into my suit for Goodwood, so flew down the seafront on my bike!

 

 

Hannah xxx

Hold Fast Co.

One aspect of the vintage lifestyle that I love (other than the clothes, make up, jewellery and everything else...), is continuing my passion for mid century design into my home. From a G Plan footstool to Atomic Coat Rack, I love building up my collection of home wares to ensure that my home also represents my favourite eras.

 

Brighton is such a treasure chest for hunting for the ultimate iconic piece. From charity shops, to flea markets, to all of its individual artists, Brighton is brimming with design and culture that can be carried into your home. I would like to put the spotlight onto my boyfriend Joe, who has recently turned his hobby into a business.

 

Joe worked for many years as a bespoke furniture maker, working with a range of woods and has made everything from Church doors to kitchens to coffee tables! Alongside this, he also indulged in his passion for mid century design and home wares, and has collected iconic pieces from the fifties and sixties. I would regularly find myself lusting after pieces in Design Shops or Vintage Fairs, to which he would chirp up with 'oh, I have one of those'; I shortly began to realise his great eye for classic design. Primarily interested in creating and restoring pieces to celebrate original design, Joe enjoys celebrating the natural materials more so than 'shabby chic'. A talented artist too, he also does wonderful vintage inspired hand drawings.

 

holdfastcobrighton.etsy.com

 

holdfastco.blogspot.co.uk

 

twitter.com/holdfastco_

 

facebook.com/HoldFastCo.Brighton

 

His great experience from working as a furniture maker means that he is also able to lovingly restore any of your pieces. He can travel to you, or collect your item to work on in his workshop. I know that I have bought things that needed some love and care, and Joe has really brought them back to life. Take a look at this nest of tables!

 

 

Joe is very flexible, creative and happy chat about any ideas that you have. His prices are very reasonable and I can assure you that he will put his all into each piece of work. If perhaps you have that coffee table in need of restoring to its former glory, chair to reupholster or sideboard needing to get rid of its scratches, pop an email off to him at holdfastco@hotmail.co.uk to discuss further, or contact him over the above links.

You can find him next weekend at two vintage fairs; on Saturday 25th Joe will be at the Vintage and Very Nice fair in Chichester. On Sunday 26th, we will both be at Belle's Vintage and Retro Fair in Horsham...we would love to meet any of you so please come over and say hello!

 

Hope you've had a lovely weekend,

 

Hannah xxx

Get Stitched!

Ladies of Brighton, listen up! Vintage emporium Beyond Retro Brighton, is joining up with the Brighton Festival and will soon be having an embroidery tattoo parlour! Perfect for those who love tattoos, vintage and retro designs, or even those scared of needles, here is your chance to spruce up some clothes with some old school goodness!

 

Talented Jenny King has worked for many high fashion brands such as Erdem, Stella McCartney and Mary Katrantzou. Her website shows some of her amazing work, www.jennykingembroidery.com. Using her sewing machine, she practises an original 50's technique to embroider your choice of old school tattoos onto a favourite piece of clothing or something you have purchased from Beyond Retro. Choose from a classic swallow, horse shoe or her array of retro designs. You can choose whichever you like, and can even personalise them!

 

This will be taking place on Saturday May 11th at Beyond Retro from 10am to 6pm. It is free to get in and designs start from a mere £5!

 

I will definitely be making a visit with a suitcase of clothing to be stitched!

 

Beyond Retro is located at 42 Vine Street, Brighton, BN1 4AG

 

With lots of vintage love,

 

Hannah xxx

A Brighton Belle on VintageBrighton.com

Just a quick post to let you all know that I have been lucky enough to be featured on VintageBrighton.com! A local go to guide for shop reviews, event listings or to find out about up and coming businesses, I highly recommend a look.

 

You can find the article about A Brighton Belle by clicking on this link VintageBrighton.com

 

Many thanks to the lovely Jo-Ann Fortune for asking me to take part, I am an avid reader of this feature and so super chuffed to be taking part!

 

Hannah xxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

A New Dress or Two...

With my wages fresh in my bank account, and burning a hole in my pocket, I decided to take a trip around the vintage shops of Brighton to see if I could find any bargains. I have been asked to do another photoshoot in a couple of weeks with a local photographer, so I definitely had an excuse to shop...

Kate and Aud is situated on Trafalger Street near to Brighton Station. A tiny little shop, it is jam packed with clothes, and has a wide variety of different vintage clothes upstairs. I highly recommend you all to check it all out! Frustratingly, there is one dress in there that is my dream dress, however it is slightly too small :-(. This didn't put me off, I managed to find these two beauties in there today:

Say hello to our doggy doorstop, Wilbur!

 

 

I simply couldn't resist this darling print!

Have you recently purchased any bargains? I would love to hear about them! Or recommendations of your favourite vintage shop in Brighton are always welcome!

 

Hope you had a wonderful, if not slightly wet, weekend

 

Hannah xxx