Afternoon Tea, Dancing and a starry hotel weekend

Last weekend we stayed at another fabulous hotel - this time it was for my brother in laws 50th birthday bash but I not going to say no for a chance to stay spend time drinking cocktails, dancing and living it up!!

This time it was in the heart of theatre land -The Savoy - it was the favourite of many a movie star form the golden age of Hollywood and the famous American Bar.

 

 

I love arriving at posh hotels - we drove up to the entrance and waiting to open the door is a smartly dressed doorman, taking you luggage and inviting you in to the grandeur of reception beyond the revolving doors.

 

 

 

And what a hotel it was - with a recent re-vamp costing quite a few millions it was amazing. Many of the features including the floor are original and totally restored.

 

 

 

 

 

After being shown to our room and the luggage magically appearing we settled in to the Art Deco themed surroundings - getting changed before heading down for a quick drink before our Afternoon Tea.

 

 

 

Vintage 40's dress Shazam Vintage. In the famous American Bar.

 

Champagne Afternoon Tea with style!!

 

 

After a long relax in the bath and a quick power nap we headed back to the Beaufort Bar this time for a cocktail before dinner - I loved this bar - black and gold very Deco interior but due to the fact that my camera is not great in low light we didn't get any great shots (note to self - get a better camera!!), It was the 125 year anniversary of the hotel so they had created some signature cocktails and a "pop up cocktail menu".

 

1930's dress Lulu Vintage, fascinator by me and 1930's tux also Lulu Vintage.

 

 

We actually bought this book from the shop along with a special edition cocktail shaker - so expect lots of drink photos over the festive season as we try some out!!

 

 

Dinner with Steve- the birthday boy and family and friends!

 

While we were enjoying our dinner we were treated to the sounds of the 30's from Alex Mendham and his orchestra - a truly amazing experience recreating the dance band era.

 

In between courses we took to the dance floor - I was moving so fast that I am a little blurry in this picture!! We even managed a Fred and Ginger tap routine??

 

 





 

 

What a weekend - I have been spoilt this year with fabulous hotels and events - will have to start saving and get some ideas for next year now!!

 



 



 









Three Brides, and a Groom - photo shoot diary.

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to work with some fabulous and talented folk. This Sunday was one of those times.

After the success of Norwich Fashion Week photo shoot at a fantastic venue - The Maids Head hotel right in the centre of the city. I was asked by the new owners to get a team together to provide some images to update their promotional material.

So bright and early on Sunday morning - Missy Vintage, Joe Black and his wife Milda arrived at the hotel to work our magic,
 http://www.missyvintage.co.uk/, http://www.joeblackphotography.com/

Weddings were staged - brides and grooms outfits looked amazing - a couple of guests walking through the hotel offered their congratulations to the happy couple!!

After a short break for lunch - the lovely staff at the hotel treated us to yummy sandwiches and salad - we had already had fizz before noon to get us all into a party mood!!

Back to work for the afternoon this time to shoot afternoon tea - and trust me it wasn't your gentile style??  Cocktails and dinner were next up for the day - along with some heckles from customers in the bar but we are professional we can cope!!!

Then there was the final shot of the day - the selfie of all the team!!!

It was a very long day but all worth it with some fabulous images - I can't wait to see the final results but in the meantime here are a few behind the scenes shots from Missy Vintage.

 

 

Well done to the models - Amy, Beckie, Nina and Jake. To the hotel staff that were fabulous and roped into some of the shots. And the shops that lent us some amazing outfits.

 

http://www.thefrockspot.co.uk/

http://www.proudlockandharry.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/RetreatVintage

http://www.johnlewis.com/our-shops/Norwich

http://www.lovecouture.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Luxury Vintage Christmas Gifts

Last week I shared some ideas that wouldn't make you bank manager unhappy this week I thought I would give him a scare!!!  This is my fantasy list of vintage Christmas gifts - some are just expensive so saving up or maxing out the credit card would be a possibility and some are just pure indulgence and will have to wait until the lottery win but a gal can dream can't she!!!???

Originally made for Grace Kelly the classic bag from Hermes - so stylish and elegant but big enough for carrying around everyday essentials.

 

A set of Louis Vuitton Luggage or a steamer trunk like this one. Luxury travel as it used to be.

 

 

Paris to Venice on The Orient Express - the British Pullman is not cheap but affordable but it has always been my dream to travel overnight and wake up in a different country, with Deco luxury to boot!!

 

 

I love my vintage and wear it everyday, I have a vast collection that continues to grow but to have an original from one of the great designers such as Chanel, Dior or Schiaparelli would be the ultimate dream.

 

 

Vintage Champagne - anyone that knows me knows my love for fizz - to buy a vintage bottle and share with all my fabulous friends - what fun!!

 

Now what gal wouldn't want this for a present - a wardrobe full of shoes - enough said!!

 

 

Afternoon tea at the Ritz - not for everyday but a little be of "affordable" luxury to indulge in at least once in a lifetime!

 

Vintage brooch made by Cartier for Wallis Simpson - a piece that would be worth a fortune now but just a little vintage piece of jewellery in my stocking - pretty please!!

 

Cat slippers and eye mask from Charlotte Olympia - expensive at £395 but oh sooo cute!!

 

 

 

7 Vintage gifts that won't break the bank.

It's that time of year again when our thoughts turn to Christmas shopping and it can get to be quite an expensive venture as things are quite so simple as they used to be when all anyone expected was a simple gift, a few nuts and an orange in their stocking.

But now with the internet, supermarkets and the high street hard selling us from the end of October it is hardly surprising we all end up broke and our credit cards groaning,

Buying vintage is a great way of getting something special without breaking the bank and you are supporting independent shops and sellers which is always a good thing to do.

1. Vintage Brooches - any vintage gal would love one of these to pin on her dress, jazz up a hat or add a bit of sparkle to her winter coat.  They can be picked up at vintage shops or fairs and even charity shops for a few pounds.

2. Vintage scarves - another idea for the ladies, again a reasonable price will buy you a fabulous scarf to add a bit of vintage glamour to any outfit.

3. Vintage Tea cups  - always a fabulous gift so what about a matching teacup and saucer and side plate that the recipient can have their afternoon tea and cake in style.

4. Cocktail glasses - if their tastes run a little stronger a set of or individual cocktail glasses make a lovely gift and if you are feeling a little more generous add in a bottle of their favourite tipple to go a long with them.

5. Vintage sewing pattern - for someone who enjoys making their own clothes - how about a vintage pattern from an era you know they love and add some vintage fabric or buttons for a little something extra.

6. Sewing or craft classes - they are lots of knitting, craft and needlework classes around so if there is someone you know would love to learn buy them a voucher along with some knitting needles or small sewing kit.

7. Prints - give someone a vintage print - you can pick up lovely prints on all subjects from fairs, boot sales and antique shops, whether they love fashion or cars the list is endless, frame it and it will be a fabulous addition to their home.

My new favourite thing - Afternoon tea.

Inspired by the most recent photo shoot that I worked on my new favourite thing is afternoon tea parties There have been fabulous places to have afternoon tea for ages but one has just opened locally and we used it for this photo shoot.

One of my favourite places to have tea is The Ritz - my husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary with champagne and cakes in their Palm Court.

One place I have yet to go is the Berkeley for their Pret a Porter Tea - I have stayed in one of their fabulous suites and sipped cocktails in The Blue Bar but this is on my to do list.

While the summer is still here - just - I am going to invite a few friends over for a girly afternoon. So here is my guide to create your own fabulous Afternoon Tea Party.

There are so many places doing cup cakes now - even good old M&S are do really cute ones in lemon, raspberry and chocolate and they are only £2.99, or what about the French Fancies that have been around for ever - they look so pretty with all that icing.

Try to find some champagne coups - I always think that they have an old Hollywood glamour about them and make the fizz pink! I float a couple of raspberries in the glass just to add a little extra.

Make some simple sandwiches and to make it fun get some of the kids cookie cutters and make them into hearts or stars.

Have look around your local antique shops for some tea cups, don't worry if you can't find matching ones just go with a theme say all roses or all one colour. While you are there see if you can find a cake stand or some plates to display your cakes.

If the weather is good set up a table in the garden - throw some pretty floral cushions on your chairs, add a vase of summer flowers - use a teacup or little jug.

Ask your friends to dress up - take inspiration from the 40's or 50's and have yourself a fun girly day.

This is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and any excuse for me to get glamorous is enough!