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 Peplum - Modern Trend or Old School Style?

You'd be forgiven for thinking that peplum dresses, skirts, and tops were a new trend, springing up in high street collections over the last few years. But like many current trends, the peplum frill is actually a lot older than you think and features quite heavily in vintage fashion...


Originating in Ancient Greece, the peplum was originally worn by both men and women. Greeks wore lose fitting peplums, like short skirts, tied over their tunics and made from wool.


Fast forward to the Renaissance and once again peplums were reinvented , only this time round they were more structured and extended from the hips, in contrast to the draping style adopted by the Greeks. They were still worn by both genders.


The peplum as we know it in 2015, stems from the 1940’s. Ladies would wear both tops and dresses that featured peplums. This shape and style was popular as it created a nipped in waist and more curvy hips. This gave the wearer that coveted hourglass figure that we all still aspire to today.

Having been off the radar during the androgynous 60s and the hippy 70s, a brand new peplum became on trend fashion again in the 1980s. It was the decade of excess of course, and peplums would often have many layers, fold or pleats for even MORE fun! More variations were seen, including some dresses where the seam at the waist would taper down to a V, contrasting to the traditional straight across waist of the 1940’s peplum

Like many trends, this disappeared and and went through another re-branding and renovation in 2012 and there are many ways to wear a modern or a vintage peplum today.
If you want to wear a modern trend the unique vintage way, have a look for a gorgeous vintage peplum dress or top at My Vintage.

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The Oscars 2015 - My Favourite Frocks...

Oooooh, it's that time of year again where the red carpets are flooded with silk and sequins and oh how I love to ooooh and ahhhh over the array of designer frocks on show.

Here are my favourite dresses from the night of the year in all their glory...

Emma Stone looking amazing in Elie Saab

This gorgeous Givenchy gown has a real vintage flavour. Full marks Jessica Chastain!

I loved this green Jenny Packham dress on America Ferrera.

Anna Faris glittered and sparkled in champagne.

Ravishing red lace for Rosamund Pike - stunning!

 

 

Thakoon custom made this peach gown for Anna Kendrick - lucky girl!

Jennifer Hudson was sleek and chic in understated lemon.

And finally, the lovely Dakota Johnson wowed in red Saint Laurent.

As always, there were so many gorgeous dresses and amazing pieces of jewellery at this year's Oscars that I struggling to pick out only a few. I hope you like my choices and I would love to see and hear your favourites too! Let me know in the comments below or drop me a tweet or Facebook post...

Bye for now,
Em x

Top 5 Vintage Christmas Party Dresses

Jack Frost has been visiting and there is that festive jingle in the air - the Christmas season is most definitely underway!

Whether with work, family or friends, there is no doubt you will have a few functions to attend over the Christmas and New Year period and of course you need a killer dress to party in!

Imagine agonising over the perfect party dress, trawling every website and high street shop until you find something that makes you feel good. Handing over your hard earned cash and glamming yourself up on the night to then arrive and see someone else in the very same dress! It's a stomach dropping feeling that no-one wants to experience (trust me, I've been there!)

So how can you guarantee that you will be the only one wearing THAT dress? Go vintage of course! At My Vintage we have an unrivaled selection of vintage dresses that will always look glamorous and stylish whilst being totally unique! And with prices from as little as £30 they won't break the bank either!

Here are my top 5 picks from our current collection, spanning various styles and sizes so there is certain to be one you love...

1. 1970's Vintage Blue Betty Barclay Evening Dress - approx UK Size 8/10
A gorgeous cobalt blue evening maxi dress with pleats, caped sleeves and a dainty silver belt.

For more information or to buy, click here: http://www.myvintage.co.uk/dresses/vintage-1970s-betty-barclay-royal-blue-evening-maxi-dress-size-810.html

2. 1950's Vintage Green Boned Evening Dress - approx UK Size 12/14
Beautiful, elegant and head-turning. Emerald green with boning and brocade.

For more information or to buy, click here: http://www.myvintage.co.uk/dresses/vintage-1950s-green-black-boned-evening-gown-1214.html

3. 1950's Vintage Blue Chiffon Prom Dress - approx UK Size 8/10
Full, frivolous and fabulous! This is a truly stunning dress for any occasion.

For more information or to buy, click here: http://www.myvintage.co.uk/dresses/1950s-vintage-blue-chiffon-swing-prom-dress-size-810.html

4. 1980's Black and Gold Sequin Cocktail Dress - approx UK Size 14
Sparkly and striking, this is the perfect Christmas little black party dress.

For more information or to buy, click here: http://www.myvintage.co.uk/uk-size-14/80s-vintage-black-and-gold-sequin-cocktail-dress-size-14.html

5. Vintage 1980's Velvet and Taffeta Prom Dress - approx UK Size 10
We love this twist on a classic black occasion dress. Velvet bodice and full 50's inspired skirt.

For more information or to buy, click here: http://www.myvintage.co.uk/dresses/1980s-vintage-black-taffeta-prom-dress-size-10.html

Don't forget to let me know in the comments which of these is your favourite and if you fancy one of them for your Christmas party, snap it up before it disappears!

Over and out!
Em
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Vintage Clothing: 1960s Vintage Designers and Styles

The 1960s are one of the favorite decades for vintage clothing fanciers, and no wonder. The Swinging Sixties were a turning point for so many facets of society, and it was all reflected in the fashions of the day. +Paul Phipps, an expert in vintage clothing of all kinds, refers to the ‘60s fashion as “bi-polar,” pointing out that the early 1960s were conservative, restrained and classic, before the psychedelic design aesthetic figuratively exploded with all the subtlety of a Peter Max poster. In fact, you can divide ‘60s vintage fashion into three distinct segments: the Jackie Kennedy suburban look of the early 1960s; the Mod look of the mid-60s; and the anything-goes anti-designer ethic of the late 1960s. Today, retro designers tend to emulate the two earlier vintage fashion periods, but there’s a lot to be said for all three vintage style tropes.

Early 1960s Vintage Dresses and Suits

The early 60s were characterized by the matchy-matchy syndrome. Fashion designers took the “complete look” to its ultimate conclusion, creating entire ensembles that matched, from chapeau to shoe. It was the era of the perfectly coifed suburban housewife in her pillbox hat, boxy jacket and straight skirt, accessorized with matching gloves, shoes, belt and purse. The major exception was Hubert Givenchy, whose designs for #Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) introduced the little waif look that was to become so popular and exaggerated later in the decade.  The wide, swingy skirts and dirndl designs of 1950s dresses was passé – sophistication, as characterized by slim silhouettes, tweeds and leather were all the rage.

Mid-1960s Vintage Style Fashion

Of course, fashion could only stand that kind of restriction for a few years before revolution would necessarily break out. By 1964, the fashion industry insisted that women were demanding a return to the “feminine,” and designers were happy to provide it. The swingy skirts of fifties dresses were back, though they featured both less fabric and less swing. As hemlines climbed to the knee and above, textured stockings became more and more popular. And in an effort to give femininity a real workout, Coco Chanel brought back the hair bow and the perfect outfit topper.

The fashion pendulum swung back and forth several times between 1964 and 1968. The ruffles and lace of ’64 swung to the pared-down poor boy look of ’65. Balenciaga, he of the fabulous fifties dresses for formal occasions, created a ball gown with one bare shoulder which lit up runways like wildfire. It was in 1966, though, that the real fashion revolution happened as the London Mod designers took over the pages of the fashion magazines. Miniskirts, mod tights, Carnaby jackets and fishnet stockings all characterize ‘60s vintage fashion more than any other style of the long decade.

Late 1960s Vintage Clothing

In 1968, fashion icon Twiggy hit the scene and the world would never be the same. Mary Quant took the Holly Golightly look, shortened it, brightened it and added hardware to turn the whole fashion world on its head. If London designers had declared a revolution against traditional fashion in ’65, though, consumers declared their independence of fashion designers as the decade came to a close. When it came to style, it was all about self-expression.  Men and women alike mixed and matched fabrics, patterns, colors and designers with abandon. They dug into Grandma’s attic and pulled out mom’s poodle skirts and 1950s dresses as inspiration, and created their own individual style.

Fifties Favourites

What vintage loving girl DOESN'T love a fabulous fifties frock? Delightfully feminine and always flattering, what's not to like?

Here are some of my current favourite 1950's vintage dresses from My Vintage...

1950s Vintage Quirky Horse & Carriage Scene Print Dress Size 10

1950s Vintage Stunning Alice Edwards Bold Print Dress Size 6/8

White, Blue & Black 1950s Vintage Swing Dress Size 14

1950s Vintage Oyster Pink Carnegie Dress Size 12/14

1950s Deep Pink Satin Vintage Cocktail Dress Size 8/10

Vintage 1950s St Michael White & Blue Striped Cotton Dress Size 10

So if you want to feel retro-glam, there's no time like the present to invest in an original flattering fifties frock and feel feminine and fabulous!

Alliteration overload, I need to go and have a lie down!

Em x

Vintage Dress of the Week! 1950s Velvet!

This week's Vintage Dress of the Week is this STUNNING original 1950s beauty...

Made from a green and deep pink smudge print velvet, this is one of these dream dresses that really doesn't come around often.

A UK Size 8 with a super cinched waist, this is a dress that even the Mad Men ladies would lust after...

Click here to go straight to the item page online...

http://www.myvintage.co.uk/latest-products/vintage-inspired-1950s-style-black-cherry-swing-dress.html

Over and out
Em

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Vintage Wedding Bells...

It's been a super busy few days in my world, with some lovely birthday celebrations in the family. And if that wasn't enough excitement, it's also my best friend's wedding next week!

I do love wedding season, it's great getting all dressed up in a pretty dress and hat and celebrating such a lovely day with someone special. But at a big family wedding there is always the chance of that same-dress-disaster... Can you imagine the horror of arriving at the church or hotel in the same dress as that cousin you can't stand??

One of the only ways to guarantee that no-one else will have the same dress as you, is to buy vintage. I have selected some of my favourite wedding guest outfits from the vast selection at www.myvintage.co.uk - let me know which one if your favourite...

This 1950s Vintage Dress from Blanes is exquisite! The intricate pink lace looks like a separate top and skirt and this colour is striking yet still just subtle enough for any venue. Perfect! (Size 14)

 

Another gorgeous bit of lace, this vintage dress and jacket from Carnegie are perfect for any wedding guest - even the mother of the bride would look stunning in this combo. (Size 18)

 And finally, for something a little bit more fun, this original 1950s vintage dress is printed with garden florals and cute little strawberries. Pick out one of the many highlight colours for shoes and a hat and you have instant quirky chic!

So there are my favourites, how about yours? Choose one of these or pop onto www.myvintage.co.uk and choose your own entry and post it here...

Until next time

Em x

Top Celebrity Summer Looks - the My Vintage way!

I've rounded up my favourite celebrity looks from the past few weeks and found you some fantastic one of a kind vintage pieces to recreate these style staples this summer!

All items are available at www.myvintage.co.uk just click the image for more details...

First up, Vanessa from The Saturdays rocked this printed jumpsuit...

We've got some great vintage jumpsuits at My Vintage, this paisley print is one of the best...

Like many of our best dressed celebs, Kelly Bensimon really rocked this 60s style mini dress.

At My Vintage we have lots of 1960s dresses including this gorgeous coral coloured number...

Just like Jessica Alba, an easy way to perk up your jeans on a bright but breezy day is with a bright vintage jumper and some colourful retro sunglasses...

 

This cute 60s feature collar jumper is perfect!

 Rachel Zoe showed us that monochrome bold stripes were still very much on trend...

Work this trend in style with this designer vintage Oscar de la Renta dress from My Vintage...

And finally, RiRi flaunted some gorgeous Chanel at the Couture Catwalk...

At My Vintage you can pick up these amazing vintage Chanel shoes now!

Let me know your favourite pieces from all my selections and happy shopping!

Until next time...

Em x

A Video Tour of our Vintage Shop in Darwen, Lancashire

Ever wanted a nosey round our shop? Not sure what kind of things we have? Well there's lots to see so to give you a tempting taste, here I am with a virtual video tour of My Vintage...

I'd love to know what you think, drop me a comment below and share this with your friends and followers if you can! 

Emma x

What a waist...

The gorgeous Kirsten Dunst was spotted out and about in LA this week in this cute navy 1940s vintage style shirt dress...

 

Perfect for spring and summer, the vintage shirt dress (or shirtwaister dress) is one of those essential wardrobe staples. Often referred to as a tea dress, this button front dress with a-line skirt is great for days out, dates, shopping, lunching, holidays and more. And in the chillier months, just add opaque tights and boots et voila!

My Vintage offer a vast selection of vintage shirt dresses from every decade and here are a few of my favourites...

Vintage 1980s Forest Green Faux Silk Day Dress Size 10

Vintage 1960s Apple Green Waffled Day Dress Size 10

1980s Vintage Jaeger Navy & White Floral Dress Size 14/16

Vintage 1980s Kitsch Jungle Print Cotton Shirtwaister Dress 12/14

I'd love to know your favourite? Drop me a comment below.

Em 

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