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

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

My April Lust List

I love this time of the season, when Spring/Summer fashion is getting brighter and breezier by the day. I have, of course, been perusing some of my favourite online shopping destinations to bring you my April Lust List... all the goodies that I kind of need in my life this month...

From a fashion point of view I am a 5ft 10 pear shape with a wide size 8 foot. My wardrobe ranges from a UK22 - UK32 depending where I shop and what style the clothes are. I even have a rather fabulous Primark kimono jacket in an 18 what fits really well - bonkers!

My choices are tailored to my tastes and what suits me best, so if you are similar in stature, size or shape to me then I'm sure you'll be wanting some of these beauties too...

1. ASOS CURVE Exclusive Brushed Wool Cape - £70

I know it's a wool cape so you're thinking NOT for summer but LOOK AT IT! I adore this and with a light outfit underneath it's ideal for Spring. Kind of English Heritage meets NYC fashionista. Love it.

2. YOURS CLOTHING Navy And Red Floral Stripe Print Midi Dress - £35

I love the retro flavour of this cute dress. Navy and red is one of my favorite combinations too! I'd personally wear it with blue jeggings and red flats. I might have to do just that actually...

Now, you may not be surprised to learn that one of my favourite shopping destinations is actually www.myvintage.co.uk! Funny that isn't it? Well my absolute must haves this month are as follows...

3. MY VINTAGE Vintage Style Black Cherry Belt - £10

Well as soon as I put this belt on, Lucy immediately ripped it off me (no, calm down let me finish) ripped the tag off and shouted YOURS, I'll buy it for you! So from there on in, I owned it! It's such a great versatile belt that can be worn on the waist or at the empire line, and who doesn't need cherry print in their life?

4. MY VINTAGE - Black Tropical Floral Print Audrey Dress - £35

There's not a lot I can say about this dress, other than I NEED IT! The colours are sooo good on me and for someone who has a smaller top half and larger bottom half, the fit is ideal and very flattering.

5. MY VINTAGE Designer Vintage Bright Silk Moschino Scarf -£120

As we already know, I do love a scarf, and I do love my bright colours. This amazing original vintage scarf from Moschino is one of my absolute favourites and is a great way to inject some colour into your everyday wardrobe. And like any piece of original vintage, it's only ever going to increase in value. It's a winner!

6. EVANS Ivory Art Print Shirt - £35

I NEEEEED this shirt in my life. It's just the right thing to throw over black leggings and a top when I'm in a rush but still want that retro edge. I do love how Evans clothing is really shaped properly for larger proportions too, rather than a size 8 sample just being made bigger (you know what I'm talking about)

7. EVANS Scarlett and Jo Black Mesh Insert Dress - £65

This dress is just too cute and has several elements that I love. A stretchy short sleeved top with cheeky mesh insert and real 1950's flavour, plus bold jewel colours - faaaaabulous!

8. NEW LOOK Wide Fit Pink Leather Caged Shoes - £27.99

I wear flats 99% of the time. Mainly because I'm just not great in heels these days but also because when you're as tall as I am, you don't really want or need to be any taller! As much as I love my ballet pumps, sandals and Converse, I am always thrilled when I find cute new flats in a different style than I already wear. These New Look wide fit shoes are just adorable and will go with so many different outfits. They also come in white, but I think this pale pink will be much better on my pale skin and more wearable too. Need!

9. RIVER ISLAND White Slogan iPhone 5 Case - £8.00

Anyone who knows me, know that this is one of my absolute favourite things to say. And who doesn't love a hashtag? It's a dream come true in a phone case. I may have already ordered it...

10. TOPSHOP - Pineapple Straw Tote Bag - £28

Another vintage/retro icon is of course the pineapple, so this Topshop tote bag is brilliant for the beach or those days when your normal handbag just won't cut the mustard. Ewwwww, mustard and pineapple. Queasy, much?!

I hope you loved my round-up for this month my lovelies, let me know your favourites!

Em x

10 Ways to Wear a Vintage Headscarf

As many of you know, at My Vintage we have a beautiful and exclusive range of handmade vintage style headscarves. These colourful cotton bands are available in a wide range of patterns from polka dots to florals and even quirky prints like foxes, Scottie dogs and campervans!

I wear headscarves quite often, as you can see here!

They are a really easy way to tackle a bad hair day, or just to give a more vintage feel to your normal updo. But I do hear many women say they don't know how to wear them or that they feel they don't suit them.

Well fear not, I can guarantee that there is at least one way you can wear one of these brilliant headscarves that you will love! Whether you're still not convinced, or you are just looking for more ways to wear your existing scarves, you've come to the right place!

Here are my Top Ten Ways to Wear a Vintage Headscarf...

Before we begin, please note that the vintage headscarves I am talking about are not squares, they are approximately this shape...

1. The Classic Tied
The most common and simplest way to wear these headscarves. simply tie round your head with the knot at the top. This can be done with hair up or hair down. If you prefer a thinner band then you can fold the headscarf in half lengthways before tying it.

2. The Neckerchief
It's really easy and effective to wear these headscarves as neckerchiefs too. Perfect for 1950's outfits and keep your neck surprisingly warm too!

3. The Back Bow
This is super cute! Simply tie the hair in a low ponytail, split in half at nape of neck and bring the ponytail through the hole, fixing a bow to finish nicely.

4.The Wide Headband
Similar to the classic tie, but upside down! Having the headscarf at full width gives you this cute boho look and shows the full pattern too!

5. The Rosette
This is another simple yet effective design. Simply tie a knot in the headscarf then thread each opposite end through the knot and tighten. Then tie at the bottom of the neck as per the wide band.

6. The Messy Bun
Gather the hair in a low inverted ponytail, wrapping it around a few times and tying in a bow underneath. Then taking one side of the hair and pinnng it to your head with kirby grips, then the other side. Practical but also cute.

7. The Boho Band
A real Woodstock inspired look. Just simply tie around head with hair down and in loose waves. Make sure hair is long otherwise this can look a little too Rambo!

8. The Front Roll
A really effective style. Take a front section of hair (1"-2" wide) and roll around your first two fingers, pinning to the head with kirby grips. Then tie the headscarf just being this roll. A really great look with your 1950's style dresses.

9. The Twenties Tuck
This gorgeous hairstyle is inspired by the glamour of the flapper girls, with a cute twist! Part your hair in the middle and tie the headscarf on your head OVER the top of all your hair. Then take a section of hair at a time, bring it up and over the fabric and tuck in. Repeat this all the way round until all hair is tucked it. Cute and practical - we love it!

10. The Pudsey Bear
I couldn't resist this one! Make like Pudsey Bear with this cute polka dot scarf eye patch!

So there we have it! My top ten ways to wear our fabulous handmade vintage scarves! We sell these in lots of different colours and prints for £6 each or 3 for £15. They are pretty, practical and also make great gifts.

Don't forget to let me know your favourite of the 10 styles and send me pics of your recreations via Facebook and Twitter!

Over and out!
Em
x

The Vintage Glossary from My Vintage - your one stop guide to vintage clothing, retro clothing and rockabilly fashion.

The Vintage Glossary from My Vintage - your one stop guide to vintage clothing, retro clothing and rockabilly fashion.

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...

Oscar de la Renta: A Tribute

There are hundreds of collectable labels when it comes to vintage fashion, but there are only a handful that really make my heart sing. One of those has got to be Oscar de la Renta, who sadly passed away this week.

In 1932 this future fashion legend was born in the Dominican Republic, moving to Spain in his late teens to follow his love of art. It wasn't long before this passion for art was focused on fashion and he undertook an apprenticeship with Spain's infamous Balenciaga.

De La Renta dressed the remarkable Jackie Kennedy in the early 60s, which undoubtedly launched his name into the stratosphere, leading to him creating his own label several years later.

Throughout his career, he dressed a long line of first ladies, including Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush and most recently, Michelle Obama.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and passed away on 20th October 2014, aged 82. He will always be one of my favourite designers and I wanted to take this opportunity to pay homage to some of his amazing creations. Here are some of my favourites from the past few decades...

We have some gorgeous vintage Oscar de la Renta pieces at My Vintage, and here are my top picks...

Designer Vintage Oscar De La Renta Silk Floral Skirt Suit 10/12

Designer Vintage 1960s Oscar De La Renta Mod Dress Size 8/10

1980s Vintage Designer Oscar De La Renta Paisley Print Scarf

We've lost a real fashion legend, but I am so glad that I have some of his amazing timeless pieces in my collection. If you have a favourite Oscar de la Renta piece, why not show me on Twitter or via the comments below :)

Over and out!
Em x