With a Cherry on Top!

Cherries are a rockabilly staple, and one of my favourite prints in reproduction 1950's clothing. Cherries are a big measure of cute and kitsch and here are some of my favourite cherry pieces currently available at www.myvintage.co.uk...

Retro Cherry Stem Print Pencil Dress - £45

Retro Cherry Print Blouse - £28

Kitsch Cherry Necklace - £6

Retro Cherry Print Tea Dress - £50

Cherry Embroidered 50s Style Swing Skirt - £30

Team some of these super gorgeous pieces up or just wear one cherry item as a statement piece with block colours. Either way, I think every girl should have a few cherries in her wardrobe, don't you?

Em

xx

Vintage Turbans - Yes or No?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! I LOVE vintage turbans...

There is something so chic and glamorous about them, I really do find them fascinating.

Here are some of my favourite famous turban wearers...

Hedy Lamarr

Billie Holiday

Joan Crawford

Carrie Bradshaw

Elizabeth Taylor

Kate Moss

We have some gorgeous original vintage turbans in stock at the moment. If you fancy channelling that chic Hollywood starlet look then here's your chance! Click on any of the images below for more information...

1970s Red Stretch Velvet Vintage Turban Hat with Jewels £24

1960s Vintage Bronze Turban Style Hat £26

1970s Burgundy Stretch Velvet Vintage Turban Hat with Jewels £22

1950s Ladies Vintage Brown Net Turban Hat £36

If you have any pics of you rocking a vintage turban, don't forget to send them over to me via Facebook or Twitter...

Em

xx

Dotty for Dots!

Without a doubt, one of the most popular prints at My Vintage is polka dots. Whether on dresses, scarves, handbags, skirts, tops, jewellery or even crockery – we've got it all and our customers love it!

The polka dot pattern is thought to have been named as such during the huge popularity of the polka dance and music that started in the 1840s. The marketing experts of the time made sure to cash in on this craze by adding the “polka” label to anything and everything they could. This included polka hats, polka curtains, polka puddings, polka shoes and polka vests. Whilst most of these have since died out, the polka dot is still very much here to stay.

But it wasn't until the 20^th Century that polka dots made a permanent stamp in fashion. In 1928 the wonderful Minnie Mouse was born at Walt Disney Studios, complete with her polka dot skirt. During the 1940's and 1950's polka dots became even more glamorous and desirable when the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor wore them regularly. The final seal of approval for the humble spots was when they were used by both Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in some of their iconic designs.

Here are some of my current favourite polka dot pretties from our massive range...

1960s Vintage Red Polka Dot Fitted Mod Dress Size 8/10

Made by Miss Marilyn of Dallas in the sixties, this kitsch polka dot dress has just the right amount of mod appeal. High collared neck and fixed waistband with four red buttons. Long sleeves and pin-tuck top skirt with Navy trim. Unusual zip front design. Slight stretch silky fabric fits snugly for the sixties chic look. Just add big hair and you're ready to go!

Retro Black Flock Polka Dot Pencil Skirt

Add a little bit of pin up charm to your smart outfit with this polka dot flock skirt! This high waisted pencil skirt that is both flattering and smart. It features a waistband and two darts on the front panel for an ultra-flattering fit.

Retro Handmade Cotton Headscarf - Pink and Green Polka Dot

Our superb range of handmade vintage inspired headscarves are perfect to complete any vintage outfit or add a splash of retro to your everyday wardrobe. Hand crafted in the UK, these headscarves are long cotton double sided bands with tapered ends for the perfect finish. One plain side and one patterned side so you can wear them in many different ways. Simply tie round your head when your hair is up or down for pin-up perfection.

Retro Black Polka Dot Circle Skirt with Braces

Absolutely perfect for lindy hopping and swirling around, team with a petticoat for the perfect 1950s look!  Cute little decorative bows on the waistline and adjustable detatchable braces.

 

Designer Vintage 1940s Susan Small Coffee & Cream Polka Dot Day Dress Size 12

Susan Small was a highly respected designer for a number of decades, this forties piece is one of her earlier designs and is just stunning to look at and to wear. A rich coffee and cream polka dot slinky material with nautical style sailor collar and cropped sleeves. Buttoned front and bow, nipped waist and matching belt included. Hangs beautifully on the body and is great for any skin tone or hair colour.

 Vintage 1980s Laura Ashley Mini Polka Dot Prom Dress Size 8 

 

Super cute prom dress from Laura Ashley, perfect for any party. This dress was originally longer with shoulder straps, but was customised before it arrived with us. Black dress with cream polka dots makes this kitsch little dress a real winner. Non stretch cotton material, sweetheart neckline and back zip fastening. 

xxx

Whether it's a delicate headscarf, pair of earrings, pair of killer heels or a full dazzling dress, you definitely need polka dots in your wardrobe! We always have lots in stock so come and see us or visit the website to browse the virtual rails www.myvintage.co.uk

I'd love you to show me your favourite vintage polka dot pieces... let me know in the comments below or post to Twitter, Facebook or Google+

Em xx

Welcome to 2014 - Vintage books and a fresh start!

Well I must start by wishing each and every one of you a very Happy New Year and I hope you had a lovely Christmas break in some way or another...

2013 was a crazy year for me. Business was busy and I have still been learning and getting used to life as a shopkeeper. Every day has new challenges to throw at me and I am thoroughly loving every minute of it...

On a personal level, 2013 was quite a tough one, with my Mum having some major health problems and a few other family crises. All things said and done, my blog took a bit of a back seat towards the end of the year so I haven't been paying you lovely readers half as much attention as I should have! Fear not though, I am back with a bang in 2014 and have a master plan tucked firmly up my sleeve...

This year you will be hearing a lot more from me, as well and seeing My Vintage continue to grow and expand, with a few lovely surprises along the way. Again I thank each one of you for your support. Every blog comment, Facebook share, tweet, YouTube thumbs up, review and so on, helps to keep bringing the wonder of My Vintage to more people so please keep up the good work!

To kick things off for the new year, I just have to share with you some of the wonderful books I was lucky enough to receive this Christmas. I've said if before but I really do have a fantastic group of family and friends around me who know me so well, and these books are testament to that - I adore them!

First up is "Fifty Dresses That Changed The World" from the Design Museum.

This is a gorgeous book that takes you through a chronological journey from the 1915 Delphos Pleated dress to Hussein Chalayan's LED dress of 2007. It's a must have for any fashion lover like me and a would make an ideal coffee table/bathroom book.

Next we have this fabulous book from The Press Association - "The 1960s-Britain in Pictures"

As soon as I saw the Beatlemania front cover I knew I'd love this book. The 1960's is my favourite vintage era and this book takes you through a journey of the whole decade. Telling a story in pictures, the book features music, celebrity, sport, industry, politics, culture and every day life. It's a real gem for any 60s fan.

My lovely Mum in law gave me all the other books, but this next one was a gift from my very special friends Julia and Laura (from www.darwendeli.co.uk). Not only did they get me this gorgeous book but they also treated me to a manicure and pedicure, I felt very spoilt! This is Minxy Vintage by Kelly Doust.

This is such a beautiful book with gorgeous artwork and images. Kelly shows you lots of ingenious ways to repair, revamp, customise, rework and recycle tired or damaged vintage clothing. She also shows you how to make beautiful headdresses, hairbands, clutch bags and other cute accessories.

I haven't had chance to read the other books yet but they all look fantastic..

I think there is a Sunday afternoon curled up on the sofa with the fire on and a large mug of tea just waiting for me and my new books!

I'd love to know if you got anything vintage related for Christmas? Let me know in the comments below...

Bye for now
Emma
x

Catch-up post... What's been happening at My Vintage?

Well it's been another busy few weeks in My Vintage land. It all started a few weeks ago when we went on a big buying trip, finding lots of lovely vintage stock for the start of winter. Lots of party dresses for the Christmas season, some gorgeous embellished knitwear for the chilly weather, cute vintage skirts including some great tartan pieces, chunky cardigans, vintage coats, vintage shoes, some stunning silk scarves and very cute vintage hats.

Here are a few of my favourites...

We also had some new arrivals from Hell Bunny and Collectif into our retro range - these included dresses, skirts, tops, coats and petticoats - all up to size 22/24.

If, like me, you like statement jewellery then you will also love some of the necklaces that have come into stock recently... They are FABULOUS!

I've also been busily beavering away planning the upcoming pre-Christmas events. On Wednesday the 20th November we are holding one of our very popular Ladies Nights at the shop where we will have complimentary cocktails and cupcakes for everyone PLUS discounted shopping, special deals and exclusive brand new stock arriving just for the night! Myself and my fabulous helpers Katie and Lucy will be on hand to offer style advice to anyone and everyone who wants it too! I'm really looking forward to the night, it's going to be great!

The other exciting event is a Fashion Show that we are holding at Avondale School in Darwen on the 10th of December. Tickets are £5 and available from school or from My Vintage. It's going to be a great night, showcasing lots of different vintage fashion, having a glass of wine and browsing through some of the stalls that will be there on the night. As always, I am here to help with any style guidance you might need.

I'll be bringing you more news on the fashion show in he coming weeks, to keep your eyes peeled!

Bye for now
Em
x