Here is an interview I did with the lovely Sadie of Vintage News. I think its sums me up pretty well.

Things to apologise for: I say ‘you know’ far too much. And the claw is attributed to years of living in France, where you learn to speak with your hands before you do with your mouth. Boff!

I also mention our next Ric Rac club – more details can be found here and here. It’s going to be amazing.

So a few months ago I took a little trip to Yeovil to go to a Vintage Fair curated by a friend of mine called Claire who is also a fellow 60s fan. And I am very pleased to announce it is back bigger than ever in April. Its going to be a corker I can tell you.

There will be 7 hours of Vintage loveliness going on as Hello, Bygones collaborates with Marry Me in Somerset on the 1^st of April (no foolin’!) to bring you their Vintage and Retro Bash! The day will also be supporting a very worthy charity at The Yeovil Women’s Hospital.

So for the frankly measly price of £1.50, (yep thats right. One Pound and Fifty Pence!!) what do you get? Well, settle down and I shall begin…

The fair is set within the The Westlands Leisure Complex across 4 rooms and there will even be lots of fabulous pre-1980′s vehicles including Tina the Purple Cortina, Katy’s Campers and scrummy Scooters outside for you to have a nosey at.

Here is what you can expect to find inside. I recommend you plan ahead ladies (and gents)!

The Ballroom

There will be over 40 stalls of vintageness for your perusal and enjoyment of clothes, records, instruments, kitchenalia, jewellery, furniture, retro toy’s, cakes sweets plus lots more and throughout the day the stage will be host to DJ’s and 2 fashion shows. The first will show case clothes and accessories from Hello, Bygones! and the second from the Wedding Fair stall holders.
Expect to see The Path to Living History Group who are a 1940′s US GI’s re-enactment team, erm, reenacting?! Very interesting and really rather yummy!
LeKeux & The Vintage Salon will be there creating beautiful Vintage inspired make-overs including hair and make-up for all you lovely ladies (booking required).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After your make-over, pop into the Retro Photo Studio where you’ll have the chance to go through the dressing up box, don your glad rags and have a fabulous Vintage style Photo Shoot with Unwin Photography (booking required).
And for the brave there is a 50′s style Tattoo Parlour (again, booking required).

And while you are in the Ballroom, why not take part in a few workshops that have been organised! There is only limited space so send an email to Claire if you would like to book yourself in, or give a lovely present to someone! Beginners welcome of course!

For £10 you can partake in the Bunting Workshop with Pica Pica
An hour and a half lesson learning basic sewing skills and create a string of bunting using beautiful vintage fabrics.

For £12 be creative with Vintage Fascinator Class with Gypsy Rose Upstyling.
In this workshop you will make a truly unique and beautiful fascinator hat, with a vintage twist, at a snip of the price of one from the shops! You will be guided through the creative process by bridal and accessory designer Lucy Fosh.
You will design your mini fascinator using a selection of retro style fabrics, ribbons, buttons, veiling and feathers and learn how to create a fabulous flower using an age old technique. Your fascinator will be attached to a hair band so will be suitable for all hair types. This lesson lasts an hour and half too.

For £15 there is the Vintage Rose Cupcake Workshop with Ice Maiden Cakes.
Come along for a hands-on practice and learn two different techniques for icing your cupcakes as well as how to use molds and embossers to make simple but effective vintage rose decorations. All materials, tools, and 6 cupcakes are included. The lesson lasts an hour and I expect you can eat your results!

So after all that, what’s next?

The Carling Suite & Wessex Suite

Marry Me in Somerset will be hosting a Vintage & Retro Wedding Fair throughout the two rooms and will be showing off their wedding dresses within the Fashion Show (in the Ballroom). If you want something a little different on your wedding day then you must come along, there will be over 40 stalls of wedding gorgeousness to buy or take inspiration from.

Phew! Now where can you go to relax?

Well, if you get in there quick enough the DVK Secret Supper Club will be hosting a Vintage/Retro themed lunch from 12-2pm in the Lounge Bar. DVK SC is actually Claire’s brainchild and although you may find imitators, this will always be the original and the best. Accept no substitutes!! (booking required and strongly recommended!)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   After your lovely lunch, settle yourself in a little visual treat of the Beatles Classic “A Hard Days Night”. From 3pm – 7pm the Lounge will be converted into a Cinema with a 12ft x 10ft screen, by Pop Up Cinema. So come and watch a 3pm or 5pm special screening . There will be a bar available with food, drinks, a Retro Sweet Shop and Vintage Pop-Corn Cart. (booking required)

There is also the Family Lounge which will be open to the public serving Sunday lunches and food from their Bar Menu. And whilst you take a load off there will be the Yeovil Live Stage provided by the local music, arts, and entertainment magazine Yeovil Live. Make sure you pop along and pick-up the latest issue for FREE.  From 10am till 3pm there will be some excellent live  entertainment in the form of Rock ‘n’ Roll band The Animal Urges,  Lindy Hop, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Swing Dancers, Bexi Owen (Jazz, Blues & Swing Singer), A Cigar Box Guitar Band, Burlesque Troupe AND a BBQ!

Wowzers. All for £1.50! You cant go wrong! Book yourself in for a few treats or just have a lovely day browsing. You wont regret it!

You can contact the lovely Claire for all the above here:
www.daisysvintagekitchen.co.uk
info@daisysvintagekitchen.co.uk
07984 225596

Here is a little visual treat of what is to come (click for the link)!

THE BLUES KITCHEN PRESENTS…

Following the huge success of its launch in October, Stumblin’ Slims is back to kick off the New Year with some sexy vintage Rock n Roll. On Saturday 21st January 2012 gals in vintage prom dresses and guys in quiffs and tight denim will be revving up the T-birds to get to Stumblin’ Slims, the hottest 1950s Rock N Roll night, taking place at Village Underground in Shoreditch.
Hosted by team behind The Blues Kitchen, Stumblin’ Slims will recreate the girly glamour and leather clad sexiness of 1950s and 1960s Hollywood in East London. Across between Prom Night and a late night drag race meet, Stumblin’ Slims will capture the essence of that era, all with a soundtrack of original rock n roll tracks and live bands.
Saturday’s event will feature live music from Little Barrie – a power trio that plays stripped down Blues, R&B, Funk and Soul. Having supported Primal Scream and Paul Weller, the band recently launched their 3rd album, produced by Edwyn Collins. The night will also feature a DJ set by Kate Hutchinson (Time Out).
Throughout the evening DJ duo, Hits Don’t Hurt will spin vintage hits and dance floor fillers. Based in East London, Hits Don’t Hurt specialise in playing original Rhythm and Blues vinyl that is guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor. Resident DJs at Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green, Hits Don’t Hurt played Glastonbury, The Isle of Wight Festival and The Secret Garden Party, and recently got London dancing while playing the Deadmau5 after party at the top of the Millbank tower.
Throughout Stumblin’ Slims, guests will be able to sip from a (spiked) punch bowl and help themselves fairground-style to popcorn and candyfloss. Marlboro smoking rebels and their bobby socked girlfriends can play spin the bottle in the back of a pickup truck while those without a prom date practice the hand jive and get giggly on milkshake cocktails.
Throughout the night, there will be professional dancers on hand to teach wannabe twisters and jive bunnies in readiness for the Stumblin’ Slims Twist Contest. The winning couple will not only be presented with the coveted twist trophy, but will also win free meals at The Blues Kitchen in Camden.
Saturday 21st January 2012
Cost: £15 adv. £20 door
Times: 8pm – 2am
Village Underground
54 Holywell Lane City of London EC2A 3PQ 020 7422 7505
www.stumblinslims.com

This is an unbelievably overdue blog that I have been sitting on for while. I’m sorry, I’m just not a daily run-to-my-computer, kind of writer. I just don’t have the discipline. And as good as my intentions are, life, projects and dramas all tend to crop up at short notice in my life. Anyway I digress! A few months ago I was invited to the launch of Soap and Glory’s new cosmetic range. I rarely tend to go to such things (see above) but I had heard good things about the brand from Fleur and Jeni, so off we went on a mini-mafia outing out West.

Here we are immortalised in Polaroid (which I may have stolen from Fleur’s blog of the same event)

So before I proceed, let me tell you a little story about make-up and my face. They just don’t like each other. One of two things tend to happen. 1) I can put on more make-up than your average drag queen, yet when photographed, I look like I have no features at all 2) it then tends to slide off, sink in completely or run away. Once, I tried a primer in a vain attempt to make it stay and ended up nothing more than a white moustache and little gumballs of foundation all over my face. Either way my face and make up don’t get on, which is why I am generally the least polished of the mafiahood.

I tried most of their products and here are the ones that I would recommend. If these can do anything for me then the odds are they will be amazing on everyone else with a normal, well behaving face.

SHOW GOOD FACE RRP £11 – this foundation is lovely and smooth to apply, and just sits nicely on the skin, like a quiet child. Lightweight and silky, it provides a flawless cover without feeling caked on. Best of all the added primer does the trick without giving me the aforementioned milk ‘tash.

CHEEK MATE RRP £8 – This is amazing value for money. You just need a tiny dab for a lovely sheer natural glow. I think this  would work equally on tanned skin as on a vintage pallor. Make sure you a) blend in quickly before it dries b) wash your hands straight after unless you want rosy digits.

GLOW ALL OUT RRP £11 – Now it is often said that vintage girls don’t do ‘glow’ but I say sod that. This provides a light shimmer which I find gives a youthful touch to a look that can otherwise make your skin look, frankly, a bit dull.

LID STUFF RRP £10 – this is a great ‘vintage’ staple.  I have this palette in ‘whats nude’. These shadows don’t crease which is a god send and the aforementioned version includes all the nudey-beiges that you need for a good 40′s eye. I also use the darkest brown to shape my eyebrows.

The range can be found in Boots or online.

Now, time for a giggle

I like it when modern styling doesn’t really have a ‘style’, it just looks different and pretty. Innovative. That excites my brain. I like art that I don’t quite understand at first because my grey matter hasn’t processed it before. Yes there is a large dollop of vintage in here but I love how fresh Mia Wasikowska looks in these Miu Miu ads. Contemporary Heritage.

I have 3 important writing projects to complete today. Except I can’t as I am completely entranced by this Kodak test film from 1922. You can read more about the techie stuff here

Look at those gently fluttering eyelashes. And the bit where the child jumps in and tickles her chin – that actually made me squeal out loud. I want someone to come and tickle my chin. Beautiful but terribly eerie to think these women are now long gone. Though the child,  maybe not.

Clothing wise the hats are starting to veer away from the huge floral affairs of the previous decade towards the cloche but the ethereal Edwardian influences are still very visible. The 20′s flapper look didn’t arrive till the mid to later half of the decade.

….and back to work.

Some of you may know that after 7 years of being a dedicated Londoner (I even walk like a one, you know that pace? And the look that says ‘no, YOU will move out of the way first, lesser being!’), I am now a born-again Portsmouth dweller. I say born-again in a humorous reference to years of vowing never to live there again. Many summer holidays and one solitary post-university year were quite enough, thank you. However I saw the light (*that light being a the glaring beacon that is a flat on the seafront right by the train to London) AND I refuse to pay 40% more rent this year in Hackney. Who ever said the Olympics would be a good thing for East Londoners needs to be shot. Was it you Boris? I know at least two people who have lost their homes due to rent increases. I also wanted to spend more time with my beloved Grandmothers. God, I love those women too much.

Oh, how things can change.

It turns out that my home town (Pompey born to Pompey parents, bred in Paris darlings) has also provided me with a lot of inspiration. It’s not rocket science: its a fascinating place from a historical point of view and I like old things. This is one side of Old Portsmouth. I took these pictures on my iphone, I hasten to add, to share with you why it inspires me. If I feel at a loose end I simply trot out to the sea front. Its equally therapeutic during a storm or rainy day. On days of particularly dramatic emotion, I have been known to entertain a bored mind (mine) by standing on a windy rampart in a blue velvet Victorian frock coat, looking wistfully out to sea a la *ahem* Fanny Price….(part of Mansfield Park was filmed in Old Portsmouth). I still spend half my time in London – don’t withhold those events invites, have travel card, will travel – but the rest of the time: bliss.

All of these pictures were taken in a 200 yard radius of my flat. Take note friends who have promised to visit! I adjusted the contrast slightly on a few, but as anyone who knows me can attest, I have no photography/photoshop skills what so ever. Nor where they taken on any fancy Hipstamatic app. The light between 2.30 and 4.00 pm today was just magical. One of those days that turns everything into a painting.

Lady-like behaviour at the Ric Rac club, of course. Photo: Hanson Leatherby.

Good morning everyone.  It’s a lovely, mild sunny day here in Old Portsmouth, and as ever I am feeling very inspired by the view from my office (read ‘kitchen table’). There is something about watching the slow transit of submarines, container ships, war vessels and car ferries go by that I find very stimulating. Combined with the mild weather this winter, I have jumped the gun and decided to think ‘Spring’ already.  For me January is all about getting the House of Vintage Secret in order (read tax return *sigh*) and planning a very special Ric Rac club on the 18^th of February. More of this will be revealed soon here, as I know many of you have been asking us when we will do the next one.

It’s now 22 days until publication of Style Me Vintage Clothes. And my website has a lovely new page all about it. You can also find out more and read my ‘manifesto’ and views on dressing via the first tab on my landing page which will also take you straight to it ( have many of you seen the lovely front page on my site?). There is still the pre sale price on Amazon, so hurry!

Fashion Plate from Le Petit Poulailler

To celebrate all this change and my premature declaration on Spring I have decided to have a sale. To help you get in the mood for change I am offering 5 personal shopping days for one £95 (normally £ 145) including a light lunch and a free copy of my book.  Bookings are can be made for a specific day (subject to availability) or can be purchased as a gift voucher, to be booked at a later date (this is also subject to availability, though I always find a date that suits everyone!). As I said, I am limiting this to 5 bookings and the sale ends this Friday. You only need to pay a £40 to secure the booking. I am very, very proud of my testimonials so please take a peek if you need any further insight.

That may be a bit of a dramatic statement considering it’s never going to love me back, like a friend or even maybe a small dog. I do know that every time I watch this it makes my heart fill with the kind of happiness that comes with wearing a really excellent vintage outfit and not giving a damn about what anyone else thinks. Because in my head, I look awesome, and that is all that matters. Why do we not have more women like this in fashion? We need people to promote the idea that dressing is a personal choice and pleasure, not a chore, not an obligation, and certainly not something to get upset over.  Ladies, choose your own style and wear it with pride. As these Grandes Dames demonstrate, your confidence will shine through. Don’t let someone ‘yuck your yum’. These women have grown fashion balls of steel and I love them for it.

This is a taster of a documentary that comes out this year (some reports say spring, others summer) by Ari Cohen and Lithuanin born video maker  Lina Plioplyte.

I have been very much cheered by all the positivity I have noticed seeping out of the web for dear, young 2012. It seems to be the year where everyone is determined to put their best foot forward.

I’m sure the start of 2011 wasn’t this cockle warming. Or maybe that was because the Twitter addiction had yet to kick in and a third of my life didn’t revolve around following yours.  Anyway, I am delighted you all feel so positive.

What’s this babble? Where has the vintage gone? Well one of the things I want to do this year is write more ‘personal’ blogs.  It’s my website, I don’t write for advertising or traffic or stats. So here goes nothing. I promise I will keep it to once a month. It’s cheaper than therapy. So nah!

Things I have to be grateful for, so thank you world:

The best friends ever, who love me just as I am. You know who you are.

A Twitter following full of lovely, encouraging people (Seriously I am very grateful for it, it has answered no end of questions and provided me with a raft of new friends, see below).

A brand spanking new decade to fill with achievements, I hope. I’m finally embracing being 27 +3.

A barmy but supportive family, including a fellow blogger.

For the first time, this year I have some great professional support. If you are in need of a literary agent, accountant or PR company I know some great professionals to recommend.

It never ceases to amaze me how many lovely, interesting and creative people I get to meet and from friendships with. Real ones. That last. Even after they have seen me drunk.

New people I met in the flesh in 2011 that I want to see a lot more of in 2012. They are all well worth a click.

The Bright Young Twins

Liz Trezenga

Sophie Van Der Goltz

Annie Andrews

Hanson Leatheby

Becky Horsbrugh

Annie Pancake

Charly Surry

Cathy Stevens

Sandra Lohmann Newall

Simone Hadfield

Bex Shaw

Tara Starlet

Aunty Maureen

Alice Gabb

Lily La Scala

Emma Block

What do I want to achieve/do/be in 2012?

Some sort of project to encourage people to dress how they want, and not feel bullied by fashion or society. *Thinks hard* *develops squint*.

I want to do some proper thinking  (see above), and write about more in-depth issues. I may have a rather special new platform for this. Once I get my first article done, I can tell you more. It’s very exciting and reminds me that I can be analytical. Not just overexcitable.

I want to get geeky in a tech way so more reading this, me thinks. I’ve owned an iPhone for two years. I have just downloaded my first app. Like last week. Cringe.

If I say it here, I have to do it….I am going to do a weekly round up of the best vintage/repro/vintage style bargains on the web. On that note if you are looking for something, let me know. I enjoy a challenge. On that note take two, if you are a seller, tell me about your business. I am, after all, a shopping addict projecting my illness on others

I am going to make time for volunteering. Seriously, I have been meaning to call Age Concern for about 5 months now to do this. I love old things, and that includes people. Yes, I am busy but I will make time.

I am going to get properly healthy. No more running around fuelled by adrenaline, thank you. Even if it is just 30 minutes walking each day. I live on the coast for crying out loud.

I am going to learn to drive. Something small and safe.

I am going to shop better for myself. I reckon I have one year left of floral 50’s dresses so it’s time to invest in some tailoring.

I am going to be more selective with who I spend my time with and not waste in people who just want something from me. I am still going to network like crazy.

Most of all I am going to learn the art of  patience.

Views, opinions and shopping plugs all welcome. Happy 2012 people x