How to LOVE other people's photos of you.

So we've all pretty much nailed the selfie now, right? I don't know many women who haven't mastered the art of good lighting, raised camera and duck face pout of course!

I am really good at selfies hahaha. Here are some of my favourites...

I'm sure you also have some selfies that you are comfortable with, that make you smile and that you'd be happy to show to anyone... And that's why they are probably (like mine) used as your social media profile pictures.

So why is it that most of us feel very differently about photos that other people take of us? Is it the lack of control? Is it that they aren't bothered about our best side or most flattering angle?

Well there is actually a proper grown up scientificmabobs explanation for this. We have one very frequent but surprisingly inaccurate source of seeing ourselves, and that is the mirror. We are so used to seeing our concise mirror image, on average around 70 times per day, that seeing a completely different angles/ratio/distance image is a bit of a shell shock.

Now you might be in the minority of women who are so completely happy with their appearance and comfortable in their own skin, that anyone could take a photo of them from any angle and they wouldn't mind in the slightest. If this is you then you have my admiration and utmost respect. You are very few and far between though...

So to recap, a selfie recreates the mirror image of us that we are used to seeing on a regular basis. A photo that someone else takes of us represents how other people see us everyday. From a variety of "bad" angles that we are never even aware of. That's why your friends and family will usually be shocked if there is a photo of you that you hate - as that's how they usually see you.

So how can we get over this? Well, like any fear, the best way to tackle it is to face it! We did a little bit of research on this and discovered that there is also a scientificmabobs way to deal with it.

The theory is called "Mere-exposure" and can also be known as the familiarity principle. The idea is simple - the more often you are exposed to something, the more you will like it. So when it comes to photographs you hate, the only way to start liking them is to keep looking at them. OVer and over again, for as long as it takes. But it actually won't take that long for you to start tolerating the images before you will actually begin to like them. And what could be better than liking yourself and the way the world sees you, that little bit more? Not much I'd say.

I will let you into a little secret now. Here are some pictures of me that other people have taken, ones that I HATED at first but have now grown to like with this very effective method...

Those of you who have met me will probably wonder why I ever hated these. But I did. I can confidently say now though that I really like them and no longer see the problem myself either.

So, your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to find those photos you hate that other people have taken of you and keep looking at them over and over again. You'll more than likely go from "Ewww" to "Hmmm not too bad I suppose" to "Actually I quite like that" much quicker than you think!

Let me know if this works for you and how much better it's made you feel.

Bye for now
Em xx

5 Ways to Flatter your Figure with Vintage Clothing

No matter what age, height, size or shape, we all want to flatter our figures and look our best. There is no shame in wanting to make the most of your best features and with vintage clothes and retro fashion you can seriously tap into this with the right know-how.

Here is the My Vintage Top 5 Guide to using vintage clothing cleverly to flatter your figure...

1) 1950's Dresses

Whether original vintage or brand new retro, the classic 1950's swing dress is one of the only styles that really does flatter every kind of figure. With a fitted top, nipped in waist and full skirt, it is my go-to shape for all women.
If you have a very slender, athletic body, these classic vintage dresses create that killer hourglass figure and give you a curvier outline.
If, like me, you are on the plus size end of the spectrum, these beautiful dresses bring you in at your smallest part and skim over the rest, thus giving you a slimmer outline.
For ample busts, go for a v-neck or plunge neck top and for smaller busts, a classic straight Audrey neckline is perfect.

2) Fitted Cardigans

Again, you can easily find beautiful fitted cardigans in both original vintage and brand new retro clothing ranges. 1940's and 1950's fashion gave us the fitted, waist length cardigan. Often in a twinset with a matching top and most usually in pastel colours. In modern retro and rockabilly fashion, the fitted cardigan is a big player and colours are bolder - reds, blacks, greens and blues in the main.
The key here is avoid loose, baggy boyfriend cardigans. These can of course look cool in the right context, but if you are wearing something that hugs your arms and top half, it is always going to be more flattering. These cardigans look great with so many outfits too - jeans, cigarette trousers, pencil skirts, circle skirts and all shapes and lengths of dresses.

3) Half & Half Dresses

If you are fortunate enough to be completely happy with both your top and bottom half, this might not help you, but most of us prefer one or the other. Half and half dresses are perfect for this, you want to go for plain fabric on your least favourite half and something brighter and/or patterned on your preferred half! The eyes will be drawn to the bright/patterned part and this will therefore be accentuated. Easy peasy!

4) Vintage Belts

I do often hear women saying that they do not have a waist. Well, we obviously all do, but for some women it is more defined than others. With the same principal as the 1950's clothing, a vintage belt brings you in at your smallest point, thus creating that hourglass holy grail. There are so many different types of vintage belt, the wide stretch elastic belts are particularly good as they can be worn easily at any point on the waist, or even on the empire line if this is the place where it is most flattering on you. These can be found in all good retro and rockabilly ranges but there are also some gorgeous examples in 1980s vintage, with decorative buckles and sparkly finishes.

5) Sharpen your Pencil

Aaaaaaand finally, it is my one woman mission to ensure that every single woman owns at least one pencil dress or pencil skirt. They are a must for all figures and I absolutely guarantee you that despite how big you think your tummy or your bum is, if you wear the right fitted item then your figure will be well and truly flattered! Still don't believe me? Just wait and see how many compliments you get...

5 Ways to Wear a Vintage Bodycon Skirt

A vintage bodycon skirt is a must-have wardrobe essential. I'd recommend a black one for ultimate versatility all year round. At My Vintage, we have lots of styles, colours, textures and sizes of vintage bodycon skirts all year round so you are sure to find one that is just right.

They are high quality, flattering for any shape and cost less than £20!

If you're not yet convinced on how much you need one of these stretchy little wonders then here is my top 5 ways to wear one... (thanks to our current work experience girl Abby for her help!)

1. Shopping with Friends.

Styled with pink reworked tie knot top (size 10/12 - £18) and vintage Frank Usher cropped quilted jacket (size 12/14 - £85)

2. Office Chic

Styled with 70s vintage pussybow blouse (size 10 - £16) vintage black satchel bag (£20) retro geek glasses (£5) and vintage Karl Lagerfeld shoes (size 6.5/7 - £75)

3. Girls Night Out

Styled with vintage Frank Usher long sleeved sequin top (size 8/10 - £65) and black patent Shilton handbag (£15)

4. Sunday Stroll

Styled with 60s vintage striped shirt (size 12 - £18) jade green vintage bag (£14) and blue retro sunglasses (£10)

5. Lunch Date

Styled with vintage giraffe print blouse (size 16/18 - £18) black patent croc bag (£18) and round retro sunglasses (£10)

I'm sure you'll agree you need one of these bodycon skirts in your life right now! Visit our vintage shop in Darwen to try a few on, or delve into www.myvintage.co.uk for the vast online selection...

Over and out

Em 

x

5 Ways To Wear Our Red Pencil Skirts

Pencil skirts are a great investment, but why always go for black? At My Vintage we have a great range of retro skirts including these gorgeous high waisted stretch pencil skirts in ravishing red.

The cut and fabric make this very flattering and give your a gorgeous smooth line. But wearing a bright red skirt can be a little bit daunting so I have come up 5 different ways to wear ours. No matter what your style you're bound to love one of them!

1. 60s top and cherry necklace...

2. Turtles tee and statement necklace...

3. Leather jacket and gingham scarf...

4. 80s silk shirt and statement necklace...

5. Cherry cardigan and a smile!

At only £25 these gorgeous pencil skirts are a really worthwhile addition to your wardrobe and are great all year round.

For more information, or to buy, click here... http://www.myvintage.co.uk/latest-products/retro-pin-up-style-red-high-waisted-pencil-skirt.html

And don't forget to let me know your favourite!

Em

x

Dungarees. Love 'em or hate 'em they're back!

Yep. You either love them or hate them but there's no denying that good old dungarees are back!

The high street shops are brimming with short denim dungarees for summer. But why not buy a pair of vintage dungarees that will literally last you a lifetime?

Here is a typical pair of vintage denim dungarees from our current range at www.myvintage.co.uk

We think these beauties are adorable. Shop for more here... http://www.myvintage.co.uk/search/for/dungarees/page/1/

Once you have your gorgeous pair of dungers from My Vintage, here are a few ideas on how to style them...

First up, create an edgy look with this ASOS pork pie hat, Kurt Geiger platform sandals and leather crop top from Missguided...

For a cute retro look why not team your My Vintage dungarees with these Beatles Converse from Custom Converse, headscarf (made with original vintage fabric) from the brilliant DeVintage Headscarves and graffiti print crop top from New Look...

Finally, a classic Alexa Chung inspired vintage look with this gorgeous Topshop pocket trim blouse, brown Aldo loafers and cute handbag from The Cambridge Satchel Company...

I hope you like my style selections, let me know what you think by dropping me a comment!

Until next time!

Emma x