A New Look For A New Year

Christmas time brought me a book that I had long lusted after, '1940's Fashion'. Inside there are many pictures that simply fill me with inspiration but I have to say that it has caused a slight change in style for me! I asked for the book as I hoped to fill my head with inspiration for wonderful, original 1940's styles, which it has done, however I have been inspired by different images to those than I expected to be. Just look at the front cover...

What really stands out throughout the book is the sense of fun that could be found through enjoying clothing. I perhaps always regarded 1940's style as a more restricted and prescribed effort due to the war efforts, however the book really shows how fun style could be.

I must admit that I have made the schoolboy error of just diving in and looking straight at the pictures- how could I resist?!

This above image has the following caption; "Stage actress Ethelind Terry in slacks, a cotton blouse with scalloped edges, a white casual turban and suede moccasins, photographed on a military airfield. The image was part of a propaganda drive to encourage women to take up war work and to suggest that everyone, regardless of fame, class and wealth, was in it together and they all had to do their bit''. I can certainly say that the turban alone would have persuaded me, what a look!

I think these looks are so perfect as spring approaches, I particularly love the above photo with the slacks and 'Sweater Girl' style jumper. I have made some amazing finds recently, with the ever faithful M&S Classic Collection and BHS both well stocked with reasonably priced pieces. Alongside this Forties look, I do long to adopt a little more of the Sweater Girl look into my wardrobe. My Instagram is full of serious inspiration and I simply cannot resist- I think another blog post will have to include some of my inspiration.

 The top below is a BHS purchase paired with a headscarf- I think it is time to find (or make) some turbans!

Alongside some new wardrobe additions this spring, I can hardly forget the accessories can I?! I dream of greatly increasing my brooch collection with an assortment of novelty and mid century pieces and have made some purchases recently. 

Do you intend to adopt a new look into your wardrobe for this new year? As 2013 drew to a close, I felt ready for a change and slightly fed up with my wardrobe. I am looking forward to feeling more of a sense of enjoyment and frivolity from my outfit choices, rather than trying to be 'spot on' all of the time.

With lots of love,

Hannah xxx

The Glamour of Belville Sassoon- Fashion and Textile Museum

During my recent blogging absence, I was lucky enough to make my first visit to the Fashion and Textile Museum in London with my Mum. Both dress lovers, we were absolutely in our element viewing the collection of stunning gowns from the sixties onwards. Whilst I am more a 1940's/50's fan, you simply cannot deny how beautiful the creations are and the history they hold.

 

 

Each dress had been donated; some from the personal collections of the designers and others from prized collections of very lucky ladies. Some had even been donated by royalty, as they famously dressed Diana, Princess of Wales.

 

I will begin with a picture of my absolute favourite of them all! This slinky number is so elegant and the attention to detail up close was amazing. One can only imagine how amazing someone like Rita Hayworth would have looked in this.

 

I adore the effortless, Elizabeth Taylor esque, late sixties silhouettes of the dresses below.

 

The picture behind this stunning green dress is of the red dress below; what a silhouette!

 

 

And finally, the most incredible wedding dress- just look at that train! What a feeling it must have been to wear such a beautiful dress walking up the aisle.

 

 

 

It is safe to say that both my Mum and I had serious dress envy by the time we had seen them all!

 

I really recommend that you go and take a look if you have time. Incredibly reasonable entry of £8 really allows for an inspirational wander around some wonderful dresses that left me wishing for something just half as glamorous! You had best be quick though; the exhibition does end on 11th January!

 

You can find more information by clicking on this link to the Fashion and Textile Museum website.

 

If you have been, I would love to hear your opinions and which was your favourite!

 

Hannah xxx

As One Year Draws To A Close...

May I start by apologising for this very overdue blog post. It has been quite some time since I dedicated some time to blogging! I guess that starts my plans for the New Year...I will blog more!

 

Before I decide what I would like to achieve in the coming year, I like to look retrospectively back at  what I have achieved in 2013.

 

The year began with a series of photoshoots for Dollydagger. I still look at those shots in astonishment that that girl in those photos is me! What a wonderful experience, I feel very lucky to have had such an amazing opportunity!

I suppose my next highlight of 2013 has to be finding my feet and really getting to know some amazing people in Brighton! Being new to a city, so far from home, can be very daunting and can take a while to find similar minded friends. I have been lucky enough to meet some wonderful people.

Vintage lovers Daisy, Danielle, Hayley and Ellen

 

Who can forget a memorable visit to the Goodwood Revival! I think this will be a permanent fixture on our calendar now.

 

 

We also took a small holiday to the Isle of Wight for a vintage vacation!

 

 

After lots of hunting around boot sales, eBay and Snoopers Paradise we made serious progress on collecting an assortment of mid century furniture and homewares. We also moved into a much larger flat!

 

 

And I can't leave getting this little lady out...

 

 

I recently received some amazing news that I have got a promotion at work (woop woop). I really hope that 2014 is my year as I may have a few more pennies and a little more time. I have worked so hard during 2013 that I really hope that it all pays off so I can really enjoy 2014. I prefer to set myself aspirations rather than resolutions so am setting myself the challenge to go on more holidays, visits to weekenders and, of course, acquire lots of wonderful vintage clothing.

 

I must just finish this post by thanking everyone for reading this blog. I have been amazed by quite how friendly, open and helpful everyone is out there! I also love reading everyone else's blogs for inspiration so look forward to seeing what you all have to come in 2014 too.

 

Wishing you all the very best for the New Year,

 

Hannah xxx

Christmas Is A Comin'

Hello everyone, and hello December! Haven't these past months flown, it seems barely any time since I was thinking about a transitional wardrobe! Since I last blogged, I have had what can only be described as a vintage siesta. It turns out that moving house is as exhausting as I remember, but will soon have some pictures to share of my new flat. I have felt quite uninspired vintage-wise, so decided to compile a Christmas wish list to get myself back on track!

 

I believe that Christmas is about finding unique and one off gifts, rather than items from well known brands. Where better to turn than Etsy; home to some of the best handmade, reasonably priced and vintage inspired brands.

 

A firm favourite of mine is Rosie Alia Designs. She has recently stocked up her store with an array of festive treats; I particularly love this Christmassy hair clip.

 

Another accessories go-to store comes from Newcastle based Luxulite. Her unique take on classic sweetheart brooches are absolutely adorable and really kitsch. What a great way to do a modern take on a classic piece of the vintage wardrobe.

 

 

Other Etsy favourites include '1940's Style For You', 'Naked Without One' and 'In Grips We Trust'.

 

More browsing on Etsy quickly came up with more gems...

 

Bakelite Bangle Set

 

Pendleton '49er Jacket

 

Lucite handled handbag perfection

 

 

You can't forget some classics from some of the best reproduction brands out there, with Freddies of Pinewood full of amazing stock, any of the Vivien of Holloway pencil skirts nor Dollydagger dresses!

 

Oh how I dream of endless budgets, Christmas' and birthday's...

 

What is on your wishlist? I would love to hear who are your favourite Etsy sellers, or what you are particularly lusting for.

 

Until next time,

 

Hannah xxx

High Street Hoarder to Charity Shop Chic

Welcome to my very own X Factor style 'journey'; From High Street Shopper to Vintage Lover.

 

As vintage has gradually infiltrated my wardrobe, I have had to come to terms with the fact that I can't afford nor justify filling my wardrobe full of reproduction or expensive vintage. Half of the fun of bargain hunting is bending everyone's ear with quite HOW cheap it actually was, so here goes...

 When I finally gained the confidence to brave full vintage attire,  I was desperate to kit my wardrobe out with amazing golden era clothing. This meant I was frantically hunting them down as it just felt so good to be wearing the clothes that I had wanted to for years. I remember the feeling of disbelief when I discovered the Collectif and Dollydagger websites!

 

How did I not know this was out there?! Because I had been hell bent, splashing the cash on fashion magazines and in high street stores in an attempt to 'keep up' with the ever changing trends. Another top, dress or pair of shoes that was always 'nice' but I never got that sense of pride for finding it, and could still never find anything to wear in my wardrobe.

 

WARNING: Old pictures alert...

 

Above I was beginning to brave something a little bit different...

 

And above is my very first venture into trying to vintage myself up. I remember watching a CherryDollFace tutorial and it taking me about 3 hours to do! This photo really does make me want a fringe!

 

I feel that I have gradually changed my perspective. I am now a keen bargain hunter, and proud to tell people that actually, my outfit did only cost £20! No longer do I continually buy magazines, I gain so much inspiration from reading other blogs, chatting on Twitter or watching films and learning about history. I really have turned a full circle to now; I am determined to see how good I can get for as little as possible, rather than proudly showing off a pair of £80 jeans or a top from All Saints. Both of which end up being thrown out. 

 

Here are some of my favourite pieces that I have found or made over the last few months:

 

I made this Rockabilly style top

Top: Oxfam £4.99

 Skirt: Vivienne of Holloway from eBay £20

 Shoes: Ebay £10

 Necklace Oxfam £1

£8 from Brighton Racecourse Boot Sale

 

Stork £4 and Coffee Set £5, both from Martlets on Western Road

 

I recently wrote a blog post about some of my favourite Charity Shops in Brighton, you can read it here!

 

Hannah xxx

 

The Edge of Love

Ok, I have a confession. I am a big Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller fan. They may split opinion on their acting ability, but it surely can't be disputed how beautiful they are?! The Edge of Love even has the Brucie Bonus of not just Keira and Sienna, but Cillian Murphy too. Drool. 



Anyway, back to the film! Set in wartime Britain, it is a complicated love story between two couples. With Knightley's husband sent to war, she begins an affair and faces the consequences when he returns. I was really hit by the realisation of how lonely war must have been for both those fighting, and those left behind. In such a terrifying situation for all, you can only imagine how frantically all sought solace and similarly struggled to return to normality once it was over.

A real highlight of the film was the incredible wardrobe throughout. I must admit that the outfits of both Miller and Knightley whilst in London did seem much more opulent than their circumstances would suggest, however I certainly wasn't complaining! However, the later parts of the film are a great lesson in the knitwear and tea dress combination that is perfect for transitional times of year.

I think that this coat above is so stunning. Just look at those darts!

What is your opinion on this film?

Hannah xxx
 

Pin Curl Setting Styles

Normally a complete rollers enthusiast, it takes a lot to persuade me to try a different setting technique! I stumbled across these 'Hollywood Hairstyles- and how to do it yourself' guides, which even show how to get some of our favourite Golden Era Gals' do's.

 

These techniques are all done by a Pin Curl set. To roll a pin curl, take your strand of hair that you wish to curl, give it a spray (or three) of setting lotion and comb it through. Pinch the hair between your thumb and index finger, then make a loop using your other hand and roll the hair up the head. Clip it into place with two crossed Kirby grips and your are away! Just ensure that you use the same amount of hair to get uniform curls! I find this tutorial from Vixen Vintage particularly useful.

 

I decided to use this Lauren Bacall tutorial as I am continually looking to perfect my Pageboy!

 

 

For once in my life, I made sure to follow the instructions exactly, and was SO pleased with the results. When I do my usual roller set, I am always pleased with the front but never quite achieve the back quite how I would like it. It seems like the pin curl method gets perfection! Please excuse the dodgy lighting of my flat (I really do hope my hair isn't two toned like it looks!) but here are the results...

 

 

I also found quite a few other techniques, I just need to decide which to try next!

 

 

 

I think this (above) would create the ultimate Betty Grable look in Pin Up Girl!

 

Which is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter (@ABrightonBelle_)

 

Hannah xxx