Dressing in Style

It has taken a while but I have finally got my dressing room!! For years my spare room was a dumping ground for all things that we didn't have a place for but with an ever growing vintage clothing collection something had to be done.

The first step was fitted wardrobes the length of the wall, we went with a company called Hammonds who were brilliant - a designer talked us through what we needed and drew up a plan - a few weeks later we had stylish new hanging space - modern with an Art Deco twist.

Then the fun part started - finding all the decorative pieces - I have always wanted a glamorous dressing table and found the perfect on, I have a vast collection of pictures and fashion plates that I have picked up over the years, hats and other accessories that are to pretty to hide in cupboards.

Looking forward to getting ready in my fabulous dressing room.

(Photo Missy Vintage)

 

Just a few of the things I love -

Blue hat and shoes - Retreat Vintage

Beige Picture hat - Shazam Vintage.

(Photos Missy Vintage)

 

Fabric by Villa Roma - from http://www.janerichards.co.uk/, blind and stool covered by

 

 

 

It is still work in progress - I need to find some proper storage my vintage hats and bags, put up a few more pictures but for now I am happy and love getting ready the day in my dressing room.

Summer inspiration and ideas.

The sun has finally come out to play, sitting at my desk I can see feel the heat through the window and see the flowers gently move in the breeze.

I would love to be out there soaking up some rays but needs must and I have to crack on with work - a photo shoot to plan, a fashion show to organise and press packs to send out to companies - not rest for the wicked or fabulous!!!

Summer makes me feel better and more alive - my thoughts turn to lazy day picnics, bright coloured vintage swimsuits and floral dresses, sitting in the sunshine with a glass of bubbly.

So just a quick post to share some of my favourite summer images and inspiration. Not much of a theme just pictures I love and make me feel good!!

 

 

Just a few of lovely summer images to brighten up you day - what are your favourite images that make you think of sunny days???

Deco decedance - part 2

Waking up on the Saturday morning with the sun streaming into our window was a fabulous start to our weekend of Deco indulgence.

One thing about "posh" hotels is the wonderful bathrooms and robes that they provide you with and Claridges is no exception.

Bath time bliss!!

Bathrobes.

The lovely bath products.

 

Refreshed and ready for the day we headed down to breakfast and what a setting have it in!!

 

 

Silver salt and pepper pots, and individual jams and even the tomato ketchup came in one of these little jars!!

 

 

Stepping out into a lovely warm day we headed to the V&A to see the Glamour of Italian Fashion exhibition and then onto Harvey Nicks 5th floor restaurant for a cocktail or two and lunch.

 

 

 

 

I forgot to take any pictures of my food as it looked so good that I ate it all before I remembered to take pictures - but it was yummy!!!

 

 

I was really excited about the evening as we had tickets to see Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit so we jumped in a cab and headed to the theatre.

 

One thing that does always upset me is how people don't dress up for the theatre anymore but never mind the play was amazing and Angela and the whole cast were fabulous.

 

 

Just had to share a couple of outfits for the weekend -

70's does 40's jacket from a charity shop, skirt from a 40's suit, 40's blouse from Shazam vintage and hat vintage 30's from Paris.

Vintage jacket from Retreat Vintage, 40's skirt and blouse from Shazam vintage.

A few pictures of Deco style around the hotel.

 

 

It was such a fabulous stay if not rather indulgent but hey you are only here once, the experience will stay with me forever and we now have a "Claridges Fund" so we can go back again!!

 

 

For now I will leave you with a quote from Spencer Tracy - " When I die I don't want to go to heaven I want to go to Claridges!!"

 

 

 

 

 



 



A weekend of Deco Indulgence - Part one - The arrival!!

Last weekend my lovely Hubby and I stayed once again in one of the most fabulous places to celebrate my 50th birthday - I know it isn't official until later in the year but you only hit that age once so I am allowed to have more than one treat.

 

 

Claridges is the most wonderful place - this was our 2nd stay and the staff welcomed us back as if we were honoured guests.  From the moment you step through the revolving doors into the grand entrance hall you are transported back to a bygone era of Art Deco splendour.

 

 

After checking in we were shown up to our room - which never disappoints - with original wardrobes and walnut writing desk, while we unpacking the door bell rang - yes you have a doorbell and a bottle of champagne and cake arrive with compliments of the hotel.

 

 

The way in!!

 

The room and marble bathroom!!

Plenty of room for all the clothes.

 

Claridges know how to treat a birthday gal!!

 

 Once we unpacked we headed just around the corner to a great restaurant called Hush that I had been wanting to try for while - tucked away in a corner of Mayfair we sat outside in the courtyard - relaxing over a delicious lunch and bottle of wine.

 

 

 

Salmon and saffron fishcakes, sorrel sauce, hand cut chips and green beans.

 

 

 

On arriving back to the hotel we changed for cocktails - in keeping with the tradition of the era of course, then downstairs to the hotel bar to have a drink or two.

 

 

Love the pic of Liz behind us!!

 

 

 

Worn out after a long day we retired to bed - the maid had turned down the sheets, laid out our PJ's, drawn the curtains - sweet dreams until tomorrow.