That's Nuts!

Haha, this is so adorable! I couldn't help but smile when I saw it. A little suitcase bag - ideal for those overnight stays. Check out those cheeky squirrels! I would have treasured this as a kid. And, if I had £50, I would treasure it now too. It looks so vintage doesn't it? But it's from River Island. 

I know! 

Actually, to be fair, RI have been creeping up in my estimation over the past year. Yes, they still sell some hideous clothes - you know the ones that would be 'okay' if they didn't have something bizarre written on them/weren't defaced with diamante/both?  BUT, with the advent of the newly launched vintage inspired Chelsea Girl things seem to be looking up.

More on my mini Chelsea Girl collection later!

Fascinating!

    Autumnal headband handmade by BoutiqueDeBandeaux on Etsy

Yes, autumn is here in ol' Blighty, but y'know, this does mean that copper colours are springing up everywhere, which I adore! 

I spotted this oh-so-autumnal headband/fascinator on Etsy, it's made by BoutiqueDeBandeaux and costs $45.00. It's so dramatic but beautifully delicate and feminine at the same time. It's made up of floral clusters, and wild feather petals and beads which extend outwards. Great for vintage lovers, and bohemian types alike. I want it.

Chanel of BoutiqueDeBandeaux is an actress from New York and handcrafts fascinators and headbands for girls with thick hair. You can check out the rest of her pretty creations here.

Something Old, Something New

 

Whether you have a wedding coming up or not you must check out eco designer Minna's new collection of vintage style wedding dresses.

They've been made using recycled and locally sourced materials, and are truly stunning. You can see my feature here, on StyleWillSaveUs.com.

Hello, You!

Today, whilst searching my wardrobe for things to sell on eBay I found a long-forgotten gem. Though how I could have let this one slip my mind I'm not entirely sure.

Meet my Mysuelly:

We're off out to get reacquainted...

Vogue 1917

How beautiful is this Vogue cover? 

I have a passion for deco design, particularly in the home, so when I saw it I had to make it mine. This one appeared on Vogue Magazine's November 15, 1917 issue. This is the 'Vanity Number' cover poster. 

I found it on Etsy.com (I love that site!), TwoEunices currently has some posters for sale in her store which come from a vintage book published in the 1970s. They are poster reproductions of early 1900s era Vogue cover artwork. 

This was in perfect condition. Now to find a good frame and the perfect spot for it!

It's My Birthday!

And to celebrate, I just bought myself this:

Faux Fur Collar Boyfriend Coat - £100

She's overpriced, but wonderful!

I'm a sucker for vintage-inspired cuts. Anyone who followed my previous blog, Doo Wop Dolly, will know I have a real passion for 40s, 50s and 60s styles, and that's why I am so drawn to this. I found it on the website, and hesitated at first (hefty price tag for what it is, don't you think?)... Then it seemed to disappear for a day or two which sent me into a bit of a panic. So, there. I knew I wanted it. I checked again today and there it was. Oh Topshop, you do play with my emotions so!

Click, click, click, and it was mine! Sorry bank balance, I'll try and make it up to you somehow...

You know, that glamourous faux fur collar is detachable too, so I can whip it off and throw on my own vintage collars and shawls. Versatile! I'm thinking cream, leopard print, beige...  not only so it matches any given outfit, but just in case I bump into too many Topshop lovers in the same coat. There's always a downside to such pretty high street finds, right? Haha.

Yes, she and I are going to become well acquainted this autumn.

Et voila- that marks yet another Topshop item for my wardrobe!

Some Like It Hot

I know I do.

I've just come back from the South of France, and I already miss it.

I stayed in a gorgeous villa in Provence with my best friend and her family. It was stunning.

How's that for a view?

When we left England it was damn cold. When I arrived in Avignon train station it was very, very hot. And I was still in my wooly tights.  I know, hideous. I almost melted right there on the platform! I consider myself to be a reasonably bright woman, so why I didn't think to change out of them at any point on the journey is beyond me! Well, as they say, 'we live and learn'.

I spent my time eating, resting, going to markets, exploring the mountainsides, eating more food, resting some more... yes, it was beautiful!

 

One night there was an incredible storm- we could see it coming from the distance - big, black clouds charging towards us, it was wild. We had to batten down the hatches and keep ourselves locked away. It was quite exciting and romantic, and reminded me of an angry English winter!

So, here are a few of my outfits from the week... it's a bit of a mix of vintage, designer, and high street.

Who goes on holiday without a kaftan?! Not me. This one is from River Island.

My purchase from Marche de Carpentras. Tasty!

This is a late 1940s, early 1950s bathing suit... definitely for poolside posing only. It is still in amazing condition, it's one of my real treasures. It has a novelty beach scene all over, boned bodice and petal bustline with a bow - cute, huh?

A particularly windswept walk along Avignon river... there was a jet ski contest that day, so at the time this was snapped it sounded like there was a swarm of very loud, angry bees in the distance. This dress is by Shakuhachi and was a present from a friend, it is perfect for summery days, not so perfect for blustery days - more than a few caught an eyeful :-/

Yes, I'm in a French supermarket. Yes, I'm a tourist. What gave it away?

That floral headband made several appearances on this holiday. And that floral playsuit was a Godsend in the heat. I picked it up a couple of years ago from a small boutique in Stoke Newington, North London. I really liked that sunflower, as you can tell.

This was taken on one of our evening walks... I'm wearing a full length cotton crochet dress from Zara. Yes, I've eaten my words about that place - this dress is a dream come true. I bought it for £20 instead of the original £100 too. Bargain.

Oh, and there was a firework display (with cage dancers!)... even though I am a little scared of them (the fireworks, that is) I managed to sit through it all - well worth it!

And that was my last night by the pool.

Ahh... until next time.