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

 

 

Madam's Vintage

There's a new Madam on the scene and she wears fabulous glasses! Madam's Vintage has been taken over by vintage lover and fellow blogger Alex, of The Forties Floozy. Her great clothing taste has extended into her spectacle collection and I think it's fair to say that we are now well and truly spoilt for choice in the glasses department!

 

Fifties frames a plenty, you can find everything from sunglasses to the classiest, engraved frames in a range of colours and shapes. It doesn't stop there, she also caters for the men out with there with a variety of fade and tortoiseshell frames! Alex is happy to help and discuss your needs, send more pictures or source something particular you may have in mind.

 

There is also a very useful 'Swapsies' idea- if you are bored of your existing frames and fancy a change, Madam's Vintage can work out a way to swap your current frames for some new-old ones and use your old ones as a discount!

 

Brighton people, please allow room on the pavements for one vintage lady running to Specsavers for an eye test to renew that prescription! I promise I haven't been purposely squinting...

 

Here's a selection of some of my personal favourites

 

Hannah xxx



Marilyn

Cynthia

 



Peggy

Delores

Two's Company

It's been a while since I did a photoshoot, but as the weather has (slowly) improved, I have suddenly had quite a few!

 

First on the list was a sunny Saturday evening around Shoreditch and Brick Lane. How trendy. Normally it is just me in front of the camera, however this time I was joined by my usually camera shy boyfriend, for a tatts and vintage inspired shoot! Beware- this is quite a picture heavy post!

 

 

 

 

 

The above photos are by Steve Mannell Photography and below by Rob Grimes Photography, two brilliant photographers that put us at ease and got some shots I love!

 

 

Top: Vintage from Wolf&Gypsy

Skirt: Vintage

Cardigan: H&M

Shoes: Rocket Originals

Hat: Vintage

 

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

 

 

Hey Pageboy!

Whilst I normally favour a set, victory roll or hide beneath a brightly coloured headscarf, last Saturday I had a little time on my hands and decided to try a new hairstyle. I have recently rediscovered my love for Dita Von Tease's' perfect waves and modern pageboy hairstyle, and thought I would give it a go. 

...Sigh, these are all so perfect!

 

I hadn't set my hair the night before (lazy!) so decided to also pin curl it first using my curling tongs. I separated my hair into three sections, back and two sides, and then curled big chunks of hair towards my face. Tip- a little hairspray before using the tongs works a treat! I would say I got three pin curls per each section of hair. Immediately after releasing my hair from the tongs, I rolled them into the pin curl in the direction that I wanted the curl to be, secured with a Kirby grip and gave a quick spray of hairspray. The most important part of heat styling is to allow the pin curl to fully cool before releasing it.

 

 After doing my make up, I released the pin curls and gently brushed the curls out with my Kent brush. I tried to brush the individual pin curls out so that they merge with the other pin curls from that section of hair. I then rolled them underneath and secured with a Kirby grip, another blast of hairspray and 'et voilà!'

 

 

I am really happy with how it turned out, especially considering it was my first attempt! I think this will be a perfect hairstyle for when my hair gets a little longer as I will be able to embrace Dita's look completely. I am not keen on constantly using curling tongs as I am petrified that I will kill my hair, so plan to try doing this style with a set. I will tweet and update my Facebook with how I get on!

 

Hope you like it and I would be grateful for any tips!

 

Hannah xxx

 

Homeward Bound

So long surrounded by dress, suit or shoe inspiration, my desire to have a bedroom reflecting my love of vintage sometimes gets put on the backburner. Continuously visiting flea markets, vintage fairs and charity shops definitely has it perks and every now and then, I snap up a bargain for 'my dream bedroom'. It then ends up sat in the cupboard...how sad.

Whilst my dreams feature an old hospital steel framed bed, Utility Wardrobe and fifties dressing table, I will have to settle with some pretty pictures, mirrors and bed linen for now. I have been wracking my brains for crafty, cheap and creative ways to revamp my bedroom and I think it could be instantly improved by some of my following ideas...

 

• I have a plan to make a duvet cover and pillow case for myself with some beautiful fabric. A thrifty option is to make is reversible, perhaps atomic on one side and a ditzy floral pattern on the other?! An even cheaper option is to just make the panel in the middle with the expensive fabric. I have been admiring the fabrics on 20th Century Cloth and Sanderson.

 

 

 

• Another option is to make some cushions. I love the idea of a simple cushion like in the picture below, with a beautiful forties, dress making pattern esque lady on one, and slick male dreamboat on the other! The bobbles around the outside are so cute. I am tempted to purchase from lovely Brighton based designer, Lisa of Foxy Flamingo who makes beautiful cushions!

 

...Sigh!

 

• I love the idea of using a retro drinks tray or serving tray as a way to store my perfume, rings and bits and bobs. A quick look on Ebay reveals many suitable trays!

 

• A vintage vanity case or suitcase can be easily picked up in charity shops or flea markets and would be an ideal way to store hats, stockings, gloves and more goodies!

• I currently store my headscarves and scarfs in a tall glass. This was picked up from Snoopers Paradise in Kensington Gardens for about £10, and is an efficient and pretty way to store and display your finery! Another option is the tall glass sweet jars!

 

I am busy trying to hunt down trinkets for my new display cabinet, which you can see above. I plan to display my hats in there along with hopefully lots of fabulous finds.

I would love to hear about any of your vintage finds perfect for furnishing your bedroom! Please inspire me more, and maybe I will brave a picture when the transformation is complete.

 

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

What's To Come At Beyond Retro

I recently had the pleasure of being invited to a breakfast at Beyond Retro to find out what's coming up for Spring/Summer 2013. Over a cup of tea and croissant, we were shown the range and different trends that are set to come, and my goodness are you in for a treat!

 

For us vintage ladies, there really is a bit of everything to take our pick from. The swinging sixties are back, with monochrome and graphic prints a plenty, right through to bright coloured, smock mini dresses from Beyond Retro's in house label. This label is focused on upcycling vintage garments into key pieces, with their beautiful smock dresses priced very reasonably around £35.

Think delicate lace, ruffles and sheer prints for the upcoming Thrills and Frills collection. Original vintage pieces have been carefully selected to create a collection that will allows you to incorporate a vintage style into your daily life, if you don't already.

 

Rockabilly style can also be sourced from Beyond Retro over the upcoming months. Their Varsity collection is focused on baseball tops, bomber jackets and all things Americana. Nautical too, with their in house label stocking sailor shorts and tops.

 

Not to forget the gentlemen, they can choose from the upcoming Knit About The Boy range which focuses on 1940's style cardigans, knitted vests and jumpers. The (ah-a) Prints Charming collection features a range of vintage silk shirts, with graphic and paisley prints a plenty. The ladies are catered for by the in house label, with a range of cut of silk shirts, shorts and skirts!

I fancy this with some capri pants!

 

Don't forget to visit their Brighton store on Vine Street, tomorrow 10-6pm to get either an existing, or new, piece of clothing embroidered with your choice of traditional tattoo designs! I will be heading over in the afternoon.

 

With lots of vintage love,

 

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

New Hair Time!

Hello again!

Last Thursday I took myself down to the fabulous Simon Webster Hair on Gardener Street down the North Lanes. I needed a new colour as my ginger was fading quickly and I was almost back to blonde!

The lovely Alice does my hair and I couldn't recommend her more. She really listens to what you want and works with you to get the best result. I am of the opinion that they are the trained stylists so I often ask for her opinion for what style or colour she thinks I should go for. She really analyses your hair and plays around with it to make sure that you get the cut or colour to suit you. The prices are incredibly reasonable for the service and style you receive in there, and the complimentary cup of tea or glass of wine!

I am quite daring with my hair and since taking the plunge and going ginger, I love being a redhead! It does take quite a lot of upkeep but is so worth it for the fabulous colour. This time I went for a bit of a change, a darker red and then got a blonde streak underneath some of my fringe. I love it!

They also stock Bumble & Bumble products which smell delicious and work wonders. I purchased their Colour Minded Shampoo on Simon and Alices recommendation. This is Sulphate Free, and learnt that it is the sulphates in shampoos that strip the colour from your hair. Whilst it is a little more expensive at £23, it really does look after your colour and hair condition and you don't need to use as much at all as some of the cheaper brands.

Whilst you can get colour protect brands for much cheaper from Boots or Superdrug, they don't do as well for your hair and you will end up having to get your hair coloured in much quicker time. I just feel this is a big part of my vintage look that I really want to look after.

Any more redheads out there? Do you recommend any particular colour protect products? I would love to hear from you!

Much love,

Hannah xxx