Are you grateful enough?

Gratitude is a powerful thing. I think most of us practice basic gratitude when we receive gifts or when something nice happens, but how many of us can truly say we are grateful enough?

I'm not talking about sending thank you cards after Christmas, I'm talking about sitting back and realising all that we have to be grateful for...

The friend who text to see if you're OK.
The kiss your child gave you this morning.
The warm bed in the warm house you woke up in.
The food on your table.
The parent(s) or grandparent(s) that are still with you.
The smile a stranger gave you on the way to work.
The freedom you have to dress however you like.
The song that makes you smile when it comes on the radio.
The smell of autumn.
The last hug you received.

All these things and thousands more besides. But most importantly, for me, is whatever love you have in your life.

Love is the most powerful force, and no matter who we are, where we're from, what we have or don't have; we can all still love and be loved. And boy am I grateful for that.

I was inspired to write this post today as the very wonderful Karen who writes at http://yankeedoodlepaddy.com/, has started a beautiful 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge on Snapchat this month.

The concept is simple; for each and every day in November, you speak about something you are grateful for on your Snapchat story. It can be the same thing every day, or something different each time - it doesn't matter at all! Karen is collating all the entries and adding them into a prize draw at the end of the month so there's also the chance to win goodies. But competitions and giveaways aside, I think this is such a powerful and uplifting challenge to take part in. It's full of love, just like Karen herself.

Don't forget, if you would like to take part then also send your Gratitude Snaps to Karen directly. Her SC username is blissbakery. And I would absolutely love to see them too so please follow me and I will follow you back, even send them to me too if you like :) my SC username is emmab82. You can also see my first two posts on there today and don't worry if you're a little late to starting, just make sure you post enough gratitude snaps to catch up to today's date!

So, here's to a thankful and grateful November. I can't wait to hear all about yours.

Bye for now
Em xx

A Party Dress with a Difference

It's no secret how much I love Simply Be. For me, they are the brand who have really taken plus size fashion into a whole new dimension of gorgeous.

Not only do their designs absolutely excite me, but I've always found the fit and quality of their garments to be absolutely spot on.

So when I was recently approaching the My Vintage 4th birthday party, I new exactly where I was heading to shop for party dresses!

I am quite picky when it comes to dresses, as I know what suits my shape and being nearly 5ft10, I always need to be wary of length. As you know, I do tend to wear a lot of my swing and skater style dresses with tights or leggings, which is pretty much my signature look. But this time, I really wanted to find something that but different and step out of my comfort zone a little..

When I saw this deep blue maxi dress I fell in love. It was the combination of colour, crinkle fabric and neckline that I loved, as well as the awesome dropped sleeves!

At the bargain price of £45 this was an amazing buy! The cut and quality are amazing and I got so many compliments on the night!

I wore some tan dolly shoes with pointed gold toes, but this would be lovely with some gladiator sandals for holiday evenings...

Hats off to you Simply Be, you saved the day once again!

Until next time
Em xx

Do You Know How to Accept a Compliment?

When was the last time you received a compliment? Maybe someone commented on a Facebook picture? Or someone stopped you in a bar because they loved your dress or shoes? Maybe you were praised for a work project or piece of writing? Or possibly a member of your family let you know how happy you make them?

Now think about the way in which you reacted to this compliment, If you're reading this post then it is pretty likely that you did one of the following...

1. Answered with another compliment
Complimenter: "Oh wow, you look amazing!"
You: "So do you!"

2. Changed the subject
Complimenter: "You really made me smile this morning"
You: "Well, I'd had the morning from hell. The cat was sick on the dog and the kids nearly blew the house up"

3. Laughed it off
Complimenter: "You know, you have really beautiful eyes"
You: "Really?! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ha ha.  Ha"

4. Played it down
Complimenter: "I love that top, it really suits you"
You: "Oh this? It was only £5 in Primark!"

Sound familiar?

You know you've done it.

We all have.

But today, it stops!

Today we turn a new page and begin a new chapter towards feeling better and more confident. And big results always start with very little steps. This is just one of those steps.

Now, I know I am going to make this sound really easy. And I honestly know it isn't, but neither is it that hard when you really think about it.

So the next time you receive a compliment, whether it's online or face-to-face and whether it's someone you know or a stranger, I want you to simply listen to the compliment, take a deep breath, and just say... Thank You.

Two little words. Really rather simple. But not usually the first thing that comes out of our mouths in these situations. But receiving a compliment should never be anything other than a lovely experience. It's not an awkward inconvenience, it's an actual gift. That person has seen or felt something so good about you that they feel compelled to share it. They are literally giving you a gift.

So imagine that those words are wrapped up in beautiful sparkling paper, and that the complimenter is handing you a gift. You wouldn't dream of taking a present out of someone's hand without saying Thank You now would you?

So why do it with a compliment? It makes no sense when you think about it does it?

Let this be a little challenge to you. No matter what person or what context, next time you receive a compliment, just say thank you.

And don't forget to let me know how you get on! It'll make you feel great I promise! And keep practising...

Don't forget to follow me on Snapchat for more daily motivation and tips! My username is emmab82

Until next time, stay beautiful!

Em xx

What I've been loving this month - April

Love, love, love; love is all you need.

I love LOTS of things. Lots and lots.

But what have I been particularly loving during the month of... April?

Let's have a look...

1) Moschino Teddy Bear Perfume

Yeh, I know. It's not new, it's a few seasons old but I don't care! My gorgeous Simon bought me this as part of my birthday present and I absolutely ADORE it! I do love a bit of Moschino anyway, so when I opened it and saw this adorable teddy bear along with a Moschino logo; I was over the moon with my new little friend. It took me a few minutes to actually realise that he was more than just a teddy, and that he actually had a gorgeous bottle of perfume hidden inside!

And it's not just any perfume, it'a gorgeous fresh and lively scent that I absolutely adore. So if I waft past you anytime soon and you like what you smell - it's my little mate Ted (aka Moschino Toy) :)

2. Kombucha

It's a big thanks to the wonderful Vicky of Freedom Organics in Darwen for introducing me to the wonders of Kombucha. It's called "The Living Tea" and it's a fermented infusion of green tea with living probiotic cultures. It's such an amazing fresh and tangy drink with natural fermented fizz and I love the taste! There are various flavours available; my personal favourite being the Raspberry and Elderflower. It's made in the valleys of Hebden Bridge by Equinox and as I say I get my fix through Freedom Organics.

Following my cellulitis and subsequent septicemia last year, I am on a dose of antibiotics for 12 months. Not only has this meant no alcohol (I REALLY miss wine) but it's also played havoc with my immune system and digestion so having a regular probiotic really really helps. SOOO much nicer than those gross Yakult things. Barf.

3. Gary Barlow Tribute Acts!

A couple of weeks ago, some of the girls and I decided (on a whim) to go see a Gary Barlow tribute act at Mangiamos Italian Restaurant in Darwen. I mean, if you know me, you know I'm a humongous Take That fan so I wasn't actually dreading it as much as some of the other girls were but I DID legit think that he would be very cheesy and very cringe. But we actually had a BRILLIANT time and it was so so nice to really let my hair down, have a good old boogie and a giggle (as well as some super yummy food!)

The tribute artist was Tristan Parrock and I can honestly say he was fantastic! Super handsome, a great singer and naturally charismatic. If that wasn't enough, he even did the Pray dance routine (squee) tongue-in-cheek of course... You can find out where he is performing on his FB page and website and I think we might just have to go back and see him at Mangiamos in December!

4. Snapchat

I can honestly say, I have been bowled over by how many amazing, inspiring and truly entertaining women I have had the pleasure of discovering over the last few weeks. Before this month, Snapchat was just one of those apps that sat on my phone nor doing very much. I would check it intermittently and see a few updates from friends and would occasionally post the odd selfie but that was about it! It wasn't until I started to see a few friends doing 'shout outs' for fellow bloggers to follow; that my interest was peaked and I began to follow more and more people. Suddenly this whole new world of amazing vlogs was opened up to me and I started to make fantastic connections with people!

I am now more than a little bit obsessed, and if I miss anyone's 'story' (snaps are only live for 24hrs) then I am absolutely gutted! I am watching little slices of lots of different lives every day and I'm also getting involved myself! It's a brilliant little community and has almost taken over as my favourite type of social media!

I will be doing a more in-depth blog post soon with my absolute favourite Snapchatters that you NEED to go and follow but for now here are a few of my faves...

Sera (@seraemily) who is just a constant source of inspiration to me and has just the most perfect sense of style. Love her lots.
Karen (@blissbakery) it's not that often that someone you see on the internet leaves you feeling like you really know them, yet want to know so much more. That's Karen. She is so warm, kind, supportive and positive. As well as being a fellow foodie. Big love.
Kim (@sosodempo) I mean, this woman is just bloody hilarious! She talks to the camera like we are all her best mates and she always always always makes me smile. Super dooper love.
Katy (@ktktoo) Katy Kay is just my little bundle of happiness. She is absolutely gorgeous, kind, loving and super funny! I feel like I've known her for years! Mega love.

Ooooh BTW, if you want to follow me, my handle is @emmab82 and I would love to hear from you so come and say hello!

5. W7 Makeup

I love, love, love makeup. That's no big news. I hoard it, and I will spend anything from the sublime to the ridiculous on it. But I also am also happy to try ANY new brands (new to me at least) at a while ago I stumbled upon W7. They are a fantastic budget brand and do some amazing dupes of Benefit and a few other big brands. I have fallen so much in love with their products, that we are now stocking a range of them at My Vintage!

I've been crushing over their Genius Feather Light Liquid Foundation, which gives the medium to high level of coverage I crave, and a matte finish without getting crusty or flaky on my dry skin. And at £4.99 I am just so thrilled that I have found it!

I've also been LOVING their highlight and illuminate liquid, which is a dupe of Benefit's High Beam. This was me trying to capture the subtle yet impressive effect (combined with the foundation mentioned above) and I really love how my skin looks so clear, fresh and bright...

As I say, we are selling a range of this at the shop, but that's not why I am telling you this - I just LOVE to spread the word about amazing products I love and will always be honest with you about my reviews :)

So that's about it for April's loves! I hope you've enjoyed having a read - I would love to hear from you if you love any of these love of mine!

Hope to see you on Snapchat too!

Bye for now!
Em
xxx

A New Direction!

As many of you know, this blog has been with me for quite some time now but it's never really gained any momentum as I have flitted from talking My Vintage to talking about me and back again several times!

I really enjoy writing and I also enjoy sharing my varied interests with you all. I don't always want to talk shop and I know you don't always want to read about it either so I have decided that from here on in I am going to take the blog in a more personal direction. I hope that good news?!

There are thousands of amazing bloggers out there who write about fashion, makeup, hair and plus size stuff but hopefully my mix of all these things combined with my general sense of humour and fun, will be a good old read!

There will be plenty of this...

A bit of this...

No doubt some of this...

And maybe just a bit of this too... (he is so cute it kills me)

I've been asked by lots of you on Facebook and Instagram for makeup and hair tutorials so I will endeavour to bring you this too!

My other real passion is bringing self confidence to other women and spreading the word about body positivity so I will also be blogging about this and giving you hints and tips to help you boost your self confidence whenever you need to!

I want this blog to be a fun and fulfilling hobby and I hope you can join me on this journey and get to know me a little better.

Don't forget to also add me on the following for real time updates to boot...
Instagram: emmamyvintage
Snapchat: emmab82

And as always, your comments, likes and shares mean so much so thank you in advance!

See you soon my lovelies.
Em xx

10 Items ALL 90's Teenage Girls Had in Their Handbag!

If, like me, you spent your formative teenage years in the 1990s, you are bound to remember these absolute handbag essentials!

1. Perfume - Exclamat!on or CK One

It will come as no surprise to you that I had both! There were so many awesome scents that we HAD to have in the nineties. Some of my other favourites were of course The Body Shop White Musk or Dewberry sprays. There were a lot of Charlie Red fans too, but that never did it for me. CK One was a cool new revolutionary scent as it was unisex, so suddenly you and him could have the same fragrance. We were suitably amazed and impressed! Quite frankly nowadays I don't let anyone touch my perfume so you wouldn't find me sharing it with Simon that's for sure!

2. Mood Ring

These. Were. Incredible. A cool piece of jewellery that didn't only look awesome, but also changed colour depending on your mood. Seriously? Well, no. I was more inclined to change my mood depending on the mood that the mood ring said I was meant to be in. But anyway, whatever, minor details, These were cool. End of.

3. Brown Lip Liner

Brown lip liner was most definitely my thing back in the day. And I'm not gonna lie, in the absence of actual brown lip liner, I would just use eyeliner! I would line my lips then fill in with a clear lip gloss. yes really.
The thing is, I really thought I looked like this...

When in actual fact, I am now fully aware that I just looked like this...

In my defence, we didn't have YouTube makeup tutorials back then!!

4. Butterfly Clips

I mean, there was nothing cooler than clipping your hair back in thin rows and securing with butterfly clips in a rainbow of colours. It was good enough for Billie Piper and Sarah Michelle Gellar, so I was all over it and never left the house without spares. It was also a bit of an unspoken competition as to who could fit the most of these glittery little critters in their hair on non uniform day...

5. Flavoured Lip Balm

So many flavours. So little time. Lip balm was the absolute holy grail for us 90s teen girls. For me, at a strict Catholic school, it was the nearest thing to lip gloss we could wear and who doesn't want their lips to taste and smell like Coca Cola?! Let's face it, we wanted the boys to find our fruity pouts irresistible too!

6. Nokia Mobile Phone (with an assortment of fascias!)

Yes it was a mobile phone. Did it have a touch screen? Nope. Did it have a camera? Nope. Did it have a colour screen? Nope. But it did have Snake. And that was simply the best mobile game ever invented. And I'll tell you what else was awesome about this phone - one full charge would last you 3 or 4 days! Yes, really!
There was no end to the amount of replacement fascias you could get for your Nokia - my fave was the pink Purple Ronnie one pictured above, complete with cheeky poem on the back cover!

7. Multi Colour Pen

You never know when you might need a pen. But more importantly, you never know when you need 10 different colours in one pen to write your bestie a letter with a million different doodles and coloured bubble writing. Obvs.
Why carry a pencil case when you can carry a single pen with ALL the colours. It's was genius.

8. Dummy Necklace

No-one can be quite sure why these necklaces were such a thing, but they really were a thing. Not the sweety candy kind, these were hard coloured plastic on an equally colourful cord necklace. I love, love, loved these and had them in so many different colours! I was obsessed with them ever since my major crush Mark Owen worn one, and they were cute, right? Have you still got yours?!

9. Tamagotchi

The virtual pet that lived in your pocket/handbag - it was one of the coolest things we had ever seen! It was an adorable little digital animal that you had to keep alive by giving it enough food, rest, love, attention and training. But if you didn't... it died. That sucked. I killed a lot of tamagotchi in the nineties but I still loved the little blighters!

10. Roll-on Body Glitter

Glitter was probably the most used beauty product in the 90s! And these little roll on glitters were amazing. One your eyes, cheeks, shouldrs, arms, EVERYWHERE! Who doesn't want to look like a giant Christmas decoration??

And there we have it - the things we loved might seem weird now but they were the best of the best back then!

Don't forget to show me your 90s handbag memories too!

Over and out
Em
x

Christmas Jumpers - Hit or Miss?

Love them or hate them, the popularity of Christmas jumpers does not seem to be waining! And just like when I was a child in the 1980s, it seems that when it comes to a festive knit, the uglier the better!

Somehow over the last few years, there has been a huge resurgence in the Santa, snowman, reindeer, penguin or Christmas tree emblazoned sweaters with a whole host of extras like 3D noses, glittery antlers, jingling bells and even real lights!

The Cosby Show was probably one of the first places these crazy jumpers appeared, as Cliff Huxtable was renowned for his loud, clashing and down right cringy knits.  Not forgetting Chevy Chase  in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the 1980s loved these iconic sweaters!

But it wasn't until 2001 that they started to grow in popularity once again. Personally, I think you can either thank (or blame depending how you look at it!) Colin Firth in Bridget Jones' Diary for our reignighted love of the ugly Christmas knit! It was around this time that "Ugly Sweater Parties" became a bit of a phenomenon and the love has gown every year since.

We now have charities such as Barnados and Save The Children that hold Christmas Jumper days every December where participants wear a Christmas jumper to work and make a donation in return. It's a fantastic idea that has taken off all over the country and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Here at My Vintage, we have everything from original 1980s vintage Christmas jumpers dripping with beads, sequins and glitter - to our latest take on the trend which are these adorable Christmas print swing dresses/tunic tops. From Father Christmas print to penguins and snowmen, these are a really girly and comfortable alternative to those thick and scratchy jumpers!

Whatever your chosen Christmas wear, we are bound to have it in our Darwen shop or on our website www.myvintage.co.uk - ho ho hope to see you soon!

Over and out!
Em x

Disco Fever - 70s Vintage Glamour

It was in the New York nightclubs of the 1970s where disco began to take hold. Dance music was electronically enhanced with pounding catchy beats and layered orchestral sounds, and the urge to dance was just too strong to give into!

With this musical craze came a real shift in evening fashion and in 1976, Studio 54 really set the scene. The dancefloor was filled with women wearing shimmering and sparkling fabrics, hot-pants, leggings, leotards and super glam dresses. Hair was big and getting bigger, make-up was bold and glittery. This was the time when a woman really wanted to stand out and be noticed! Favoured colours were electric blue, lilac purple and fuchsia pink and man-made fabrics such as lamé, satin, sequin, polyester and velour were most definitely in vogue.

Whether wearing shiny tiny hot-pants and sequin boob tubes, or long draping dresses with dipped backs; this was a time of showing plenty of flesh, usually enhanced with a little shimmer or glitter of course. Designer such as Halston, Bill Blass, YSL and Chloe were the rulers of the stunning Grecian inspired dresses that fell beautifully from the neckline or strapless top. Sashes made from silk scarves and metallic belts and strappy heeled sandals completed the look for the fashion forward girl about town.

In street style, the disco look incorporated skinny shiny trousers in a rainbow of coloured satins, sequinned tops and lots of ruching. Towards the end of the decade, shoulder began to broaden and shoulder padding was most definitely on trend. Alternative looks for the younger disco crowd included silk shirts worn open over shimmering swimwear and leggings or oversized 'boyfriend' t-shirts sporting Roller Disco motifs. Disco was most certainly the last great look of the 1970s and really encapsulated the thrill seeking glamour of this revolutionary decade of vintage fashion.

I've always loved anything that sparkles and shimmers, so the vintage disco clothing from the 70s is amongst my favourite of the iconic looks we stock at My Vintage. Here are some amazing examples of funky disco chic that look as good today as they did almost 40 years ago!

You can shop 70s vintage clothing 24/7 at www.myvintage.co.uk or at our Darwen shop on The Circus.

Don't hate the Eighties! Vintage Fashion Special.

The eighties has a really bad reputation when it comes to fashion, but if you delve a little deeper than neon leg warmers and ra-ra skirts, 1980s vintage fashion has a lot to offer in 2015...

The 1980s evening dress is a real classic that works for two very particular reasons. Firstly, the sleek and feminine lines work to accentuate and flatter a woman's curves and secondly most of the fabrics are very female friendly. I'm talking silks, sequins and lots of viscose.

1980s Vintage Laurence Kazar Red Sequin Cocktail Dress UK Size 12/14

Some of our favourite evening dress necklines jump right out of the 80s including the cowl neck, slashed neck, cut out back and high neck. There is also of course, that cute prom dress style of dresses that give a nod toward the 1950's whilst staying short, tight and flirty. In 1986, Christian Lacroix created this style with fitted bodices and skirt puffball skirts. It was a refreshing change for women who has spent years wearing classic floor length gowns to black tie events. Now the the economic boom for the youth and Yuppy culture flying high, cocktail parties and soirees were much more fashionable, and these just screamed out for younger, shorter and cuter styles of dresses.

Designers started to go over the top with their creations and soon there was no such thing as too many sequins or bows that were too large. Frilled tops, dropped waist skirt with tutus, back bustles, pastel colours, beads and ribbons all featured heavily for anyone who was anyone.

1980s Vintage Gina Bacconi Pink and Black Prom Dress UK Size 6/8

In 1987, Yves Saint Laurent and Emanuel Ungaro took the hemlines even shorter. Early Ungaro versions featured rouched satin skirts in rich chocolate brown, contrasted with cerise pink details such as rose corsages, sashes and trains.

I absolutely love 1980s evening dresses (with the odd exception of course!) and not least the fully sequinned shift dresses in bright jewel colours or the over the top fishtail skirts and asymmetric necklines. It'd pretty difficult to find a high street party dress today that doesn't have some 1980's vintage influence, and the more the start to explore, the more surprised you'll be.

Original 1980s Radley Peplum Cocktail Dress UK Size 10

So put crimped hair, glow sticks, white socks and rainbow lycra out of your head and start thinking of the endless possibilities of 80s fashion. I guarantee there will be something you like when you really start looking. You may even end up with a fantastic 80s dress for your Christmas party this year!

1980s Black Evening Maxi Dress with Metallic Strands

We have a huge and impressive range of 1980s vintage clothing here at My Vintage, browse the online rails at www.myvintage.co.uk or pop in to see us at our shop in Darwen town centre.

Over and out!
Em xx

The 1960's - Out of this World

No doubt inspired but the Yuri Gagarin space race of 1961, cutting edge fashion houses such as Courréges and Pierre Cardin began to bring futuristic collections to the catwalks. Using limited colour palettes, shimmering silvers and glossy whites; these 'space age' clothes were based on that fantasy vision of life in the modern year 2000. The pretty, whimsical and superfluous decorations were shunned in favour of short straight skirts, simple a-line tunics and flat leather boots and shoes. Minimal was the buzz word.

In 1964, André Courréges showed his 'Moon Girl' collection which was full of straight lines, boxy shapes and most definitely no frill in sight. Skinny trouser suits with front slits to fall open over flat boots, simple square cute coats with basic pockets and buttons and of course the very shortest of short skirts. Accessories were also 'space age' with goggle style sunglasses and astronaut inspired helmet-style hats.

In an already androgynous style era, the hard and straight lines of these collections and the more angular models that were chosen to show them off, led to a trend in his 'n' hers clothing. It was the must have look for young hipster couples who would have identical looks to show they shared absolutely everything.

I love the modern take on 60s Space Age fashion and here is a quick checklist of the most important features of this trend:

• Mini pinafore dresses.
• Monochrome and graphic prints.
• Plastic detail and accessories.
• Asymmetric cutting.
• PVC coats.
• Metal and chain mail incorporated into garments.
• White, silver and shimmer.

We always have a great range of 1960's fashion here at My Vintage and if you fancy stepping into their preconceived version of the future, come and see some of our collections - they are truly out of this world!

You can shop 24/7 at www.myvintage.co.uk or visit us in store on The Circus in Darwen,