Vintage Guide to Suffolk

At the beginning of August, I had a wonderful week away in Suffolk with my boyfriend and his family. Alongside lots of games of badminton, cricket and rounders, we found time to drink quite a lot of wine, eat lots of food and find lots of vintage shops! Here are my finds...

We stayed very near to the Snape Maltings, which had something for everyone, from a Concert Hall, locally produced food store to a large room full of Shabby Chic interior pieces. We quickly found the Antiques and Collectables store tucked around to the side of the development. There was a huge amount of vintage clothing, but I didn't really find anything that jumped out at me, although I'm sure with a more dedicated hunt there would be some great finds. I would say there was better quality collectables than clothing, and very similar to a small Snoopers Paradise here in Brighton. Make sure to nip down the road to The Golden Key, a fantastic country pub that makes a seriously good Fish and Chips!

Aldeburgh is a beautiful, picturesque town by the sea. One of my favourite shops there was a great independent wine and beer merchant who sold a selection of the more obscure tipples. I was disappointed to find a surprising lack of vintage, however Vintage Angels on the way into the town makes up for it. A wonderfully extensive selection of vintage clothing on offer; for once the men also have plenty of quality vintage clothing to browse through too. I have a feeling that a lot of money would have been spent had we not cycled there! Vintage Angels contained one of the best selections of menswear that I have seen. Even better, there is a small but well stocked vintage furniture emporium attached!

 

Near to Aldeburgh is Thorpeness Emporium, which looks like a new development, but probably contained the best array of vintage I could find in the whole of Suffolk! The selection of clothing was perhaps more female orientated, but on a whole, the Emporium contained a wide range of quality and kitsch homewares. I really loved it here, and even found the hat I intended to wear for Goodwood! (silly rain prevented it). Even better, nip across the road afterwards to the tea rooms, down to the sand beach or even have a row on the lake!

 

I must admit that I was slightly let down by Ipswich. I did expect more vintage shops but perhaps I am spoilt by Brighton! Carr Street was the best place to visit for charity shops, with them even situated conveniently next to each other. Fairweather Vintage has a lovely selection of ladieswear and the benefit of in house alterations upstairs and mod menswear downstairs. Vintage and Retro homeware is best found on St Peters Street.

On one of our last days, we headed over to Felixstowe, a seaside town with a small amusement arcade that we made sure to visit...

 

In typical seaside town fashion, there is plenty of charity shops to choose from but hey, who can complain at that?! Head over to the bottom of Hamilton Road, nearest to the sea, and you can find a vintage homeware shop and a new favourite of mine, The Thrify Thistle. I really enjoyed seeing the selection of crafts made by local people, and picked up some beautiful felt brooches that I haven't stopped wearing recently! These brooches were made by the very talented Lucy of 1940's Style for You who I think could very easily persuade me to part with a lot of money! Alongside the brooches, she has an amazing collection of knitted jumpers perfect for this time of year that she has on her Etsy shop.

 

Have you been to Suffolk or are you from there? I would love to hear about any places I missed out in the comments below!

 

Hannah xxx

Transitional Tweed

So often am I used to throwing on an outfit and rushing out of the house to get my different jobs sorted, that I always forget to snap a quick picture of my outfit! Wearing vintage day to day can seem daunting to those who want to, but I intend to get snap happy with some of my outfits to show just how easy it is! A few staple pieces, such as a great skirt or Freddies, means that suddenly an old, discarded top can have a new lease of life!

 

Skirt: Vintage from Love Me Two Times in East Grinstead 

Top: Topshop

Cardigan: H&M

Shoes: Ebay

Bag: Mulberry

Headscarf: Boo Boo Kitty Couture

Brooch: A gorgeous find from my holiday to Suffolk (blog post coming soon!)

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

 

 

Headscarves and Beehives

Another addition to the vintage hairstyling posts of late is another easier style to pull together. This is a very frequent look that I wear. It is really easy to do, hides a multitude of grease/freshly washed hair sins and maintains a great fifties look. 

 

 

 

The key to mastering this look is the right amount of beehive, with a small French twist at the back. I scoop my hair into a roll with my right hand, and use my left hand to pin it in place. I tend to do this style in freshly washed hair, as you can just shove as many pins in to hold everything in place and get a days wear ready for a good set. The fringe requires slightly more modern day styling; those faithful curling tongs and plenty of backcombing and hairspray! I then roll the longer fringe bits into a small kiss curl and off I go!

 

I seem to be collecting a lot of headscarves, and buy most from Boo Boo Kitty Couture. They are quite honestly the perfect size, colours and material to get a great look very easily!

 

I recently bought a 1940's hairstyle book and am trying a few of those looks out, keep your eyes peeled for another hair post coming soon!

 

Hannah xxx

Bumper Baby!

Since watching How to Marry a Millionaire, I have been obsessed with everything Betty Grable! From her hair and make up to incredible legs, I have been really inspired by her. I stumbled across this image of her and was struck with inspiration and decided to try a modern replica of this look.

I decided to try a loose set with a more modern bumper bang and headscarf. The standard bumper bang look is widely recreated in vintage circles, but it is a look I have struggled to replicate! I was using a hair doughnut, purchased from Boots and really struggled to catch all of my hair in the roll. A trip to Simon Webster Hair later, and I had it sorted! It seems the doughnut that I was using was far too big and so I wasn't getting as tight of a roll as I needed. They recommended that I buy one of those and cut it in half. The right sized doughnut that I now use is pictured below.

I find that this style works better on greasier hair (as do vintage styles) as the hair has lots more hold. To form the bang, separate the hair like in the picture below. I find it best to stop slightly before you reach the crown to ensure that there is still some volume at the back.

Please excuse my hair fresh out of the set!

Then comes the tricky part. Take the doughnut and roll the hair under, as you would with a long foam roller. It may take a few attempts but hold out to get a great outcome! I ran a slight bit of pomade over the fringe I rolled up to keep any stray hairs in place. There is then a little multi tasking were you need to hold the fringe in place but also secure each end of the roll with a long pin me down grip (click here to see). Once the ends are secure you are free to let go and pin away. To cover the ends of the doughnut, simply slide the hair along and you may need to pin some looser bits down. Once everything is secure, you can gently press on the bang to bring it slightly lower down the face.

 

Add a sweet headscarf or bow for a fun look perfect for the summer days!

 

Ta Da!

 

 

 Good luck, and I would love to see your attempts! Tweet me @ABrightonBelle_!

 

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

 

 

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

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