A Fabulous Year!!!

As the year draws to a close I always take a little look back at what has happened over the past months.

It's been quite a year - after dreaming of designing my own vintage collection it finally happened with the launch at The Old Hollywood Vintage Fashion Show during Norwich Fashion Week (www.norwichfashion.co.uk) - months of finding the right manufacture, sourcing fabric, trims and choosing packaging and then in October the on line shop went live - shop for you own dress at www.fabulousmissk.co.uk.

As a result of the collection I have been featured on a number of blogs and websites which is always great fun and rather strange to see me referred to as a fashion designer!!!!

One a personal front my lovely Hubby celebrated his 50th birthday so we had a rather fabulous time staying in Claridges and vintage shopping in Paris, we camped for the first time at Twinwoods or should I say "glamped".

This time of year is always tinged with sadness as it was around Christmas that my mum passed away. The collection is a tribute to her as a skilled dressmaker and terribly stylish lady - I will raise a glass this Christmas and hope that she loves the dress that is in her memory.

So here is a little look back in pictures of my fabulous year.

The collection launch.

(Photo Joe Black)

 

Claridges.

 

Vintage to die for in Paris.

 

Camping in style at Twinwoods,

 

My Mum - R.I. P

 

 

 

With my 50th birthday celebrations in the coming year and lots of exciting ideas and plans - I think that 2014 is going to be an even more fabulous year.

 

 

Thank you all for visiting and reading this past 12 months - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

 

 

 

 

Glamour on a Sunday afternoon.

This Sunday was some what of a glamorous affair as I headed off to Winsor Bishop's  1920's themed Christmas Party, ( www.winsorbishop.co.uk), so full on vintage style was called for outfit wise.

Fur cape and Beret - Lulu Vintage, 40's vintage suit Prim Vintage, tights Jarrolds and shoes Bowhill and Elliot.

Outside the shop was an array of fabulous cars and I would have gladly driven away in the grey one (not up much on cars - and didn't ask the owner but I am sure someone will tell me what it is???) Saying that I wouldn't say no to the red one either!! The grey I thought for formal occasions and the red for nipping around town - no??

 Once inside I was welcomed at the door by tuxedo clad door man and invited to pick a cracker that contained a prize (more of that later!!)

Glass of Kir Royal in hand - out of coups in true vintage style, I had a wander around and drooled over diamond, pearls and vintage jewellery.

Upstairs in this wonderful wooded panelled building they have built a champagne bar so you can sip a glass of bubbly when choosing your wedding ring or piece of fine jewellery. So with the champagne flowing freely I did have a few glasses to start the festive season off??

 

Upstairs too they had set up a roulette table for a chance to play for £250 to spend in the store. Sadly we didn't win!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The atmosphere in the shop was lovely with the Acatellas keeping us entertained with cool jazz.

 

 

Dancers Sasza and Mel from Swing Tonic kicked up their heels dancing the Charleston and Swing.

www.swing-tonic.co.uk

 

 I spied this fabulous catalogue for Chanel watches and jewellery - out of my price range I am afraid but I did wonder if they would let me have one just so that I could drool!!

 

 

Whilst the Chanel and some of the vintage pieces I was coveting would make my bank manager gasp, I did treat myself to an early Christmas present - that cracker I was talking about earlier gave me a money off voucher to spend in store so here is what I bought myself for Christmas.

 

Freshwater pearl studs - grown up jewellery!!

 

 

It was a rather decadent to way to spend a Sunday afternoon - the Winsor Bishop team certainly know how to through a party - a fabulous start to the festive celebrations!!

 

 

 



 

 

 

 





 



 

 

 

 

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.