If you are a fan of old fashioned bike rides then you most certainly have heard of the Tweed Run. Having experienced it twice I can say it really is one for the bucket list. These days though I prefer a more niche jaunt along the coast. No taxi drivers trying to run over the marshalls, which I have seen in London.

It is with sheer delight therefor that I can announce I will be participating in the Velo Vintage Summer Occasion and Ride in June. On the back of a tandem no less. Velo Vintage is a delightful affair run by father and son team Alistair and Seb Cope, who both attended my book launch last year. I can vouch that they are lovely chaps and cycle pros to boot.

The ride will take us through the coastal resort of Exmouth, in the County of Devonshire. We depart at 11.00 am along a route that will take in a short section of the Jurassic Coast. At midday (ish) there is a surprise! And at 2:00 pm (about) we shall arrive at the very beautiful National Property, A la Ronde for afternoon tea. At 4:00 pm we shall find ourselves back in the centre of Exmouth for, well…..something to pick you up a little and some music.

‘The 3rd Velo Vintage Occasion & Ride is set to be a fabulous day with a record number of registered riders, some fabulous venues and splendid entertainment!’

As if that wasn’t sufficient there are some marvellous prizes to be won.

I will  be judging the Best Dressed Lady and the Best Dressed Gentleman competition, which is being sponsored by Ringtons Tea and an additional prize of a photograph taken in the camera obscura being used by Light-Play.

Chapeau have just come on board to sponsor the best tache for gents and ladies! (ladies can knit, crochet, cut out of cardboard or anything else to join in the fun!)

To celebrate the launch of the Anglo-French cycle route, the Tour de Manche, a luxury hamper of French and English goodies will be awarded to the best dressed dame and the best dressed monsieur (and their bicycles) kitted out in the most “fantastique”French costume!

All this for a contribution of 12 Guineas (£12.60 in new money).  Can you think of anything more delightful to do on a Saturday in June?

PS doesn’t Jeni look fab on her Pashley?

Did you all have a nice weekend? I felt like it was the busiest of the year. Goodwood Revival, Southsea Fest, London Fashion Week, Strong Island bike ride and the first ever British Beard and Moustache championship (not that I made it to most of those – just the Southsea Fest and bike ride – both immense but knackering fun). All rounded off by a new series of Downton Abbey. I’m a bit broken today to be honest, so I’m going to keep this blog short and sweet.

To start the new week I’m going to have a competition. The prize: a copy of my book Style Me Vintage, Clothes and two free tickets to the Festival of Vintage which takes place this Sunday at Epsom Racecourse.

I’m looking forward to catching up with Lekeux Events who did hair and make-up at Victorious Vintage. My good friend Liz Tregenza will be there also with her giant collection of Horrockses dresses. We will be judging the best dressed competition, and yes we do accept bribes. I gave a talk at the York festival and the shopping and outfits were outstanding.  It’s up there with Revival in terms of quality.

To win tweet me what you would wear or leave a comment below. Competition ends Wednesday!

Wah! I’ve just been invited to the first London Fashion Week vintage fashion show but I can’t go as im keeping it local and going to the Southsea Fest. I’ve been sucked into coastal living. It’s quite nice.

Here is the low down: Retrospective is an exciting new London Fashion Week show and party that explores the past to predict next season’s trends. Taking place at Bloomsbury Ballroom on Saturday 15^th September 2012, Retrospective will feature catwalk shows exhibiting beautiful one-off pieces from the world’s finest design houses and collections.

Founded by Bourne & Hollingsworth, the creators of the hugely popular Blitz and Prohibition parties Retrospective will be the first event during London Fashion Week to show the cyclical nature of styles and trends, whilst offering the fashion industry the chance to indulge their love of vintage and period design.

Retrospective has teamed up with the best vintage experts in London to create a show that features fashions from the 1920s right through to the 1980s. From shops like Lucy In Disguise, vintage suppliers Peekaboo Vintage and costumiers Violet’s Box, the brands involved in Retrospective are all well respected within the fashion industry and well known in the public consciousness.

Retrospective will be open to the public, allowing ticket holders a glimpse into one of the most exciting events in the capital’s calendar, and offering high fashion for all. The evening begins with a reception of cocktails and canapés. Then guests will be seated to enjoy catwalk shows featuring designs from names such as Mary Quant, Givenchy, Ossie Clark, Chanel and Dior. Mixing gowns, accessories and casual wear from over 50 years of fashion, each look will be selected and styled to reflect the current and future trends being showcased during London Fashion Week.

 After the show, Retrospective will move the party from catwalk to dance floor with a dazzling event that celebrates the finest fashion moments from the last century. With cocktails from Bourne & Hollingsworth, and music courtesy of the finest DJs and bands in London, Retrospective will combine style and spectacle to present a LFW party like no other.

Throughout the party will be a programme of floorshows that captures the key moments in fashion history. Using exciting performers and dancers – from flapper flash mobs to Studio 54 dancers on horseback – Retrospective’s live re-enactments of the most iconic and influential events in the fashion world will amuse, provoke and inspire.

Whether it’s an original Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking or your Nan’s favourite fur coat, a one off Schiaparelli gown or that amazing prom dress you found from a Hackney charity shop, throw on your finest finds from the last 10 decades and join Retrospective to celebrate the fashion of the past and the future.

Tickets priced at £30 for Cocktail Reception, Show and Party or £20 for Show and Party Only

 Tickets are available through the Retrospective website or by calling 020 7724 1617

                                                                             Reception from 8pm, Show and Party from 9pm

Today I thought I would share with you some insight into one of things I do to earn a living: vintage personal shopping. I am going to explain how I got into it, what are the key skills and also explain a little bit about how I personally operate.

So here goes. Like most things I currently do, I am completely self-taught, but with lots of experience. However I didn’t just wake up one day and think ‘I am going to charge people money to dress them in old togs - yes that seems like a cool thing to do’. No, what actually happened is I had the idea when I was thinking of styling work that didn’t involve lugging around large quantities of clothing and kit. After years and years of dressing people at my old flat in London and at events, I realised I had a developed an quick eye for what was going to work on someone (or not). Let me explain more: I used to have rails and rails of vintage clothing and bits of costume that lived pretty much all over my little home in London. I also collected hats, capes, shoes, and headdresses, anything that took my fancy really. I loved bits of old theatrical costume and absolutely pillaged the Angel Costume sale a few years back.  I was also an avid networker and would often invite people over for tea (well gin, actually, thanks to Hendricks who used to send me a drinks’ trolley’s worth each month). As a result of this I would have stylists drop in looking for items for shoots. I had everyone from Dazed and Confused to the Guardian via buyers from Net a Porter looking for dominatrix style pieces. Japanese Madame Figaro came to shoot it and when I had my leaving sale Time Out featured it. Then came the friends who were singers, performers, all looking for that extra special item for a show or music video. I had quite the coterie of now world famous burlesque dancers wanting silk 20′s kimonos for after shows, and smart 50s wiggle suits for walking around town. I also had a list of regular buyers who I would shop for purposefully. What this all boiled down to was an ability to know, at a glance, if something was going to fit or fail. I also got to know with pin point clarity how vintage cuts would sit on the modern woman. Vintage clothing seldom features elastic, and the cuts are very specific so either it will look great or terrible. Combining these skills I could rapidly pluck a dress out of a clients grasp and replace it with a fail safe alternative that would delight rather than depress. This threw up an interesting point: often the stranger the dress looked on the hanger, the better it looked on the person. If I had a pound everytime someone said, ‘ghastly, I don’t even want to try it on’ only to find it fitted like a (posh) glove then I would be typing this from my gin palace in Fiji. Taking all this in hand I thought ‘why not teach people how to shop and buy vintage?’

Once I decided this was a skill I could impart on a professional basis, from beyond the confines of my home I set about deciding the format. It’s is very important to me that following is achieved:

1)      Enjoyment.  A day with me is about having fun and I try and make it as relaxed as possible. For starters I wear vintage in an everyday wearable style, and I tend to turn up dressed quite simply, so as not to create any preconceived perceptions of what I am going to suggest. Only 10% of my clients want an era specific look anyway, and I’m not here to try and make you look like a 40s land girl, unless that is what you are after. This personal style development, not following the crowd.

2)      Education. The truth is vintage shopping or even just shopping for a new style can be a nightmare. During the day I try and impart as much of buying knowledge, as practically as possible so that you can speed learn my skills and come away feeling a little savvier. I also been told that learning about vintage styles and shapes has made high street shopping easier as well.

3)      Value. It is crucial that all my clients find bargains that look great and will last. A garment must tick all the boxes bellow before I make any whiff of a purchase suggestion.

-          It fits, looks great and is a 110% wearable condition. I also look carefully to see how many washes it will last and if I think there are stress points that will shortly give way.

-          The price is right. I have never been in the market of telling people to part with large sums of money just because a dress looks great on them. I value it myself, along the lines of my own criteria and if the price matches what I would pay for it (or less) then great. I actively only encourage a purchase if I believe that the client could resell it for the same price or more.

So who comes shopping? I’ve had everyone from 20 year old Swedish fashion bloggers to ladies in their 60’s. Mothers and daughters, sisters, groups of friends from New Zealand. Interestingly I don’t think I would have predicted how many 50plus ladies would be interested in my services. I am delighted about this as it broke down my preconceptions of who would enjoy wearing vintage. The very best feedback which makes it all worthwhile comes from women who feel like they rediscovered their shape, and what suits them. This is the joy of veering away from trend based high street garments and having the luxury of picking out simply what YOU like. I will never ask a client their age or size beforehand either and people are welcome to bring a friend, chaperone or relative. It’s about feeling comfortable.

People often ask me if I have ever had a nightmare client. The answer is no. That’s not to say I haven’t had some difficult ones. Is it easy? No, it’s extremely exhausting. You have to be 100% on the ball for 6 hours – there is no turning around and saying ‘sorry there is nothing here for you’. I usually feel so drained by the end that I can barely speak. The satisfaction, though, is immense. I am so proud of the testimonials I have. Knowing that you helped someone look and feel special with non high street clothing is quite unique.  I am also passionate about helping people discover their waists. Vintage clothing can seriously enhance a figure and its wonderful seeing women discover their shape. This is part of my secret ploy to reverse the muffin top inducing damage of recent fashions.

I also now consider all the shop keepers my friends. This wasn’t an instant process, and the trust I am now given took a long time to build. You don’t just let anyone walk off with a large armful of precious one off pieces. I wrote a whole chapter in my book on how to get into vintage clothing without damaging it, so I make sure their garments are handles with the utmost care. They now welcome my business, and I in turn am delighted to help support them. They also give my clients extra special love.

Highlights:

-          Taking Jane Garvey shopping for Women’s Hour.

-          Taking a young girl shopping who loved all her new clothes so much that she wore them straight away, and got papped 5 minutes later by legendary Vogue photographer Candice Lake.

What are the key skills:

- patience.

- an ability to size people up very quickly.

- a good knowledge of what is quality vintage and what isn’t.

- an understanding of fabrics.

- a 6th sense that a garment will suit and fit.

- the foresight to see how these garments will work out in their day to day life (this is why we have lunch first)

- good communication skills, and not being afraid of convincing people to step out of their comfort zones.

Top tip: build excellent relationships with your shops. This can result in a whole range of perks from discounts to early opening times.

Shhh. I also do ‘normal’ personal shopping. Its actually A LOT easier as you have a range of sizes, but I am a glutton for a challenge so vintage wins every time

If you have any other questions please ask away in the comments.

If there is one thing i’ll champion till the cows come home,  it’s the independent vintage shop. In fact indie shops of all types should feted, nurtured and cherished.  In my job as personal shopper, with the exception of one solitary place, I always take my customers to owner-run shops. Why? Well the difference is considerable. It’s like being cooked for by a friend rather than eating a drive through Mac Donald’s.  Take my favourite shop in London, Hunky Dory Vintage. Ian and Ian (or ‘Ian Squared’ as I refer to them in my head) hand pick all their clothes from France and Italy, know their stock inside out and  give me and my clients a discount, and the run of the shop. Last year I went to Ian B’s 50^th birthday and both of them came to my book launch. It’s quite simple, once you get to know each other, a relationship forms which brings with it many benefits.

Independent shops don’t always have the easiest of times. In London, especially, rents are on the rise. The trend I have seen is for an area of independent shops to be over taken by multinationationals once that location has been deemed ‘on trend’ only for those interesting shops to move elsewhere. The aforementioned Hunky Dory did just that from Greenwich to Brick Lane. Some established merchants are fighting back. This is what happened when Abercrombie announced their intention to set up shop in Savile row. With all this in mind, it makes me very excited to share with you a new and utterly different online vintage shopping concept. How on earth does this tie in with the above I hear you ask? Okay, bear with me…

A couple of months back I met Bahareh to talk about her new on-line selling platform Voutique. I wasn’t convinced on paper and I wanted to find out more. I adore the connection between tech and selling vintage and it had piqued my interest. Over tea at Browns we discussed how they were going to bridge the gap between the online world and the physical world of buying vintage and I learnt about an incredibly novel new website that is going to help showcase the very best of independent shops and give them the online presence that is missing with so many businesses.

So what exactly is Voutique all about? Ok so here is the skinny. It’s a website featuring beautiful handpicked items from a number of independent boutiques. They are currently selling mens, womens and furniture (with wedding dresses coming soon) all sourced from some of the best vintage businesses in the UK.

I have seen a preview and the items featured are gorgeous. So many 50s dresses at very reasonable prices and also exciting Victorian items from Rebecca Sweeting’s L’Oublie collection. During our chat Bahareh touched on a point that I agree with: many websites list items of poorer quality alongside prime items. Whilst it is good to have a price range, the time and resources involved in making an item available to buy over the internet are considerable. Internet shoppers are primarily convenience shoppers. They want you to do the rummaging, sorting and cleaning, and they want it sent to their door. They are time poor, and generally have the money to splurge if they are looking at your site. This is why I have no qualms with online vintage being a bit pricier, as I know that work that goes into making it convenient and easily available.

Another bonus is the most shops I know don’t have the time or the inclination to market themselves online, and Voutique does exactly this by providing a shop profile.  Countless times I have wanted to write or tweet about a shop and had nothing to link them to. There is also a business support and courier services offered. I’ve seen their current list of collaborators and it’s impressive. If you own a shop and would like to get involved there is still time. There is a 6 week free trial period after which a very modest fee kicks in.

For the online consumer this will give fresh access to a veritable treasure trove of quality items. I have been informed that there will be very nifty search options so that you can find exactly what you want. You can also sign up to a service where you register your interest in a particular item. When it’s been found you will be the first to know. They are also working on shooting all the clothes in-house to harmonise the images.

As an ex seller and avid buyer I sit on both sides of the fence and to me its seems like a win/win situation and with a founding member being a tech wiz this is one project that I shall be following with interest. Voutique goes live today. Happy shopping!

Here are my top 4 buys:

 40s embroidered evening dress from Hide Out Classics

Stunning polka dot 50s dress in bright colours

Late Victorian mint green coat

 Reluctant to put this one up as I want it so much

Morning all, you may have seen on Twitter yesterday that I (sort of )announced a very special project, one that I feel truly honoured to host. Some of the tweets were a bit cryptic and there are quite a few parties involved, so let me explain a little bit more.

On the 31st of May, from 6pm till 9pm (put in your diaries please) I will be hosting a very special evening of all things vintage and shopping at Mary Portas’ Living and Giving Shop in Primrose hill. I visited them recently and its a gorgeous warm space that sums up the aim and ethos of these shops.

‘With the local community at its heart, Living & Giving is not just a shop, but a place to inspire, share, create, meet and discover’

I’m going to do a book talk on how to buy and date vintage, and a Q&A, but more excitingly part of the evening will be a vintage shopping extravaganza where I will be on hand to help you pick the best items of clothing to purchase. 100% of the profits will go to Save the Children, which I am delighted to be supporting.

This is where I need a little help.  Mary’s three shops are currently saving the best donations for the evening itself (that alone is exciting enough) and I almost fell off the sofa yesterday when I found out Zandra Rhodes has donated, but we could do with a bit more. In fact lots more please. The more we have, the more we raise.  So, if you love vintage and have some good quality items to spare, I promise I will re-house them with someone who can wear them and will love and look after them. I know this is equally important to a lot of you. So instead of leaving them languishing in the eBay bag, dig  ‘em out and do something good with them. I will also, of course be donating some very special items from my wardrobe.

There are three ways you can do this: this Sunday Mary’s team are collecting donations at the Pop-up Vintage Fair at Hampstead Town Hall (11 -4). Otherwise you can drop off your donations at the shop, just please let them know it’s for the event. Lastly there will be a goodie bag for the first 25 guests who donate any pre-loved designer or vintage pieces on the night.

Lastly this event is open to all and It’s going to be a really lovely evening, so please do come along. There will be some amazing items on sale. My gorgeous cover girl Jennifer Siggs of  the Yesterday Girl blog fame will be there to help style and answer questions (if the 50’s is your thing then she is your girl) and also of course cocktails and canapés. I hope to see you there.

Thank you
Naomi x

Before the utter madness of the last Saturday, I spent a relatively sedate weekend in the company of my friends Hanson and Jeni. When I lived in Hackney, a jaunt down to Brick Lane was almost a weekend standard.  There are three of my favourite vintage shops in the world there.  Yes, in the world.  By the time I left the capital it felt mundane, a little jaded. Now I can’t get enough. I marvel at the hipsters like the tourist I have become. I’m sure many marvel at my own hipster tendencies. Thats all fine, I am happy to be part of the melting pot of self expression. I consume the giant squelchy salt beef bagels like my last supper, dribbling mustard and gherkin juice down my chin in gay abandon.

For those of you who have seen the picture of me in my book in the huge sequined ball gown (in the 50′s section) that is what is in the classy dalston-moving-special bag.  I lost it, and it was found again. I had to pay a reward, but I got it back. 

I am not a photographer so this picture blog is thanks to Hanson. There are a million photographers in London, so here is why you should hire him. He is great at event, product and portrait.

“As a lover of the past with a great appreciation of history, I take my inspiration from an era when the photographer was himself a glamorous part of the photographic process. I strive to use manual equipment that makes the photographer work more in tune with his camera and the art of creating photographs. I want to capture the glamour and the gritty realism of today, with the same authenticity that was evident in the great photographers of the earlier years. To achieve this, I use vintage cameras and lenses, as well as the best of handcrafted modern camera equipment.”

As some of you may have noticed from my Twitter bio, I am very lucky to be called upon from time to time, to contribute to my favourite magazine, Homes & Antiques. Many moons ago I did a shoot wearing a 1950’s dress for them (Jan 2009!), and it turned out to be the beginning of many a lovely collaboration. Three highlights really stand out to date. A few years ago I picked for them my top ten 1950’s Christmas party dresses and accessories which were then superimposed on beautiful drawings, in the style of old fashion plates (Jan 2010). Incidentally it was during the 1950’s that fashion photography really came into its own. I have a lovely Elle from 1953 which features a mix of drawings and photography.

Last year I was beyond proud to be asked to be on the judging panel for the ‘top 50 Vintage Shops in the UK’ article, which came out in August this year. I love to share my finds so it was a dream come true to be asked. The Shop in Brick Lane and Tango Tea in Portsmouth are still proudly displaying their  ‘winners’ boards in their windows and it makes my grin like a Cheshire cat to think that I made that happen. One of my winners even made their local news. It’s so important to keep indie shops going (pls do another round H&A!).

Before I come across all ‘Mary Portas’ I will leave you with my favourite assignment of all time: I had one of those heart-stopping moments last year when I was asked to travel to Marseille to write about the towns’ shopping and 1950’s heritage. Yes, that’s right readers; I got paid to travel abroad and write about vintage and antiques (known as ‘Vintiquing’ – a catchy term to cover simultaneous vintage and antique shopping, for anyone who may be unaware of its meaning).

I have two things to say about this assignment. Firstly it was the most exciting and eye opening job I have ever done. The warm welcome I got from the business owners and tourist reps was mind blowing. They are gearing up to be the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and boy, are they proud of it.  No one was snobby or stuck up and I felt thoroughly looked after. To be honest, I was humbled.  And there was no lack of material to write about. Secondly I have never done a job as exhausting as this one. Why?  Well 3 days nonstop of walking for 12 hours a day, trying to fit in all aspects of a town from food to shopping to other things to see was knackering, and throughout it all I felt a heavy obligation to report accurately and to do the town justice. I also quickly cottoned to the fact that people have their own agendas and a few times I sensed that I needed to keep on track rather than be led down a suggested path. The funny thing was, the whole town seemed to know I was there. I would go into one shop and they would say ‘ah la journalist Anglaise, we have heard all about you!’ which was actually very funny, and somehow also very French. I also needed to balance this with finding the very best for the magazine readers.

So I can tell you now, travel writing is not the doddle it seems. There is a HUGE amount to process and take in and memorise and then you very quickly have to sift it to retain the best. Luckily I am a big fan of going to bed at 10pm and getting up at dawn. There is also not a huge scope to go back ask more questions when doing the write up!  On the way home my evening Eurostar hit a stag and which resulted in testing the tracks for damage.  I came home exhilarated but phsycally and mentally spent.

If you would like to read my article (teaser: bakelite bangles for 6 Euro’s anyone?) or to order any of the back issues of Homes and Antiques (they really are quite timeless) then all you have to do is call this number: 0844 844 0255 or email homesandantiques@servicehelpline.co.uk. Its worth it for the shopping guides alone if you are planning a city break. I’m going to leave you with part one of my Marseille pictures, with part two coming up next week with a look at what is on offer this month (1960′s interiors fans you are in for a treat). A big thank you to Hanson Leatherby for editing my amateur work.

Eames DSW Chairs

Chairs and Lamps at Atelier 159

Helene Boy's eclectic shop

Mid Century Cabinets and Chairs

Helene's shop doubles as a gallery

Lunchtime at La Boite a Sardine

Vintage sardine tins

Entrance hall of La Cite Radieuse

Le Corbusier Corridor

Front of La Cite Radieuse

Small Studio Appartment

These little bedrooms were guest rooms for people visiting.

Side elevation of La Cite Radieuse

The view from the restaurant in La Cite Radieuse

Le Relax Factory Shop

Le Meublier Shop

Curiosities in Le Meublier

You may remember my post on Portsmouth and how it inspires me, and here is part two of sorts. This weekend I spent a day back in my old hood: Hackney. Prior to my descent to the coast I was a firm Hackneyite. I lived in London Fields and Mare Street. I managed to dodge any appearances on Being A Dickhead’s Cool, Hackney Hipster Hate or Vice’s Do’s and Don’ts probably by the skin of my teeth, and frankly there were times when I deserved to be in there. That said, whilst I was there I loved it, and I’m not ashamed to say that – it gave me a million opportunities and I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t spent most of my mid to late 20′s living near the Murder Mile.  Ever wanted to be in Grazia Style Hunter? – just take yourself off to Broadway Market on a Saturday. Drink with Kelly Ozbourne? (BTW she sounds just like her mum and I’m sure she bats for the other side secretly) – all perfectly feasible at the T*at and Mutton, a pub so wanky you would only get served if the staff liked the look of you. It was great for a while, but at some point, thankfully, you grow out of it and either you move elsewhere. Like Clapton, Stokie or in my case Portsmouth.

I had the chance to return as I was in town for the launch of Cate Sevilla’s excellent new weekly on-line TV show Pop Hive (first episode features VS fav’s The Broken Hearts – check it out now!) and happened to be staying with my friend and digital overlord Patrick Hussey. Patrick, when he is not being summoned by the Minister for Culture, lives in a rather splendid Art Deco building. The Strand building was built as ‘Hackney Electricity Demonstration Halls & Offices’ in 1925 and designed by J A Bowden. It was converted in 1995 into flats featuring a roof garden. A few metres down the road we decided to take a gander at St John at Hackney. A church has been on the site since Tudor times. The little house with the red doors has been a public mortuary for over 100 years. This area is just steeped in history. I also took a few snaps of the shellfish vendor by Hackney Central Station. One of the last remains of  proper Cockney right there. In the same vein as my Portsmouth post, all these pictures were taken in a 200m radius, with my iPhone. I bloody love the diversity of this area of London. Its one of the few places in the world where truly ‘anything goes’. I even miss the Hipsters.