Looking forward to Spring

Although it's a bit chilly the sun is shining and my thoughts turn to the outfits I can wear when the weather gets warmer and I can leave the winter coat at home.

I am feeling a whole 1930's vibe at the moment and with my "big" birthday celebrations this year there will be some fabulous occasions to try them out.

Finding original 1930's suits is pretty difficult so I will be adapting some of my 40's ones - the style didn't change that much until later when Dior's New Look came in 1947 so I think that I can get away with it.  Last week I had a couple of good charity shop finds though - a cute 70's jacket and cream beret that will look very 30's when styled with the right hair and accessories.

Along with that I think that I may have to invest in a 1930's suit pattern to create some of my own suits as I have lots of ideas of colour combinations and styles I want to recreate. Being a designer I love searching fabrics, looking at trims, buttons and seeing how I can put patterns and styles together.

On my travels I am going to be on the look out for ribbon, feathers and scarves to tie around hats to tone in with my neutral basics.

So here is "look book" for Spring and I am looking forward to finding similar pieces to create the outfits for the warmer days.

 

 

 

 

 

The elegance and chicness of these outfits are so amazing I would die to get my hands on the originals but alas I will have to get the sewing machine out to create my own I think.

 

Watch out for Spring outfit posts to see how I get on. In the meantime what is on your wish list for this Spring??

 

 

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.