Monday 29 April 2013

My Baby Buys Good Dresses

It's not my birthday for a few weeks yet, but I decided to host an early celebration, in the form of a bbq.  As the day approached, there was a rumour of *sunshine* heading towards South Wales.  I kept my fingers crossed, and lo and behold, Saturday was perfect bbq weather, and a perfect day thanks to all of my lovely friends.

I wore a dress, one of the many beautiful dresses I have been given as presents by my baby.  Doesn't he have good taste?

 Halterneck cherry print dress: Gift
Shrug: Ebay
Hairband: Primark

Friday 26 April 2013

Book Review: Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell

Another book that I've read as part of the Vintage Book Club, this one was a real treat!



Here's the outline:

Having grown up on the quiet island of Guernsey, Betty Dean can't wait to start her new life in London. On a mission to find Clara Pickle - the mysterious beneficiary in her grandmother's will - she arrives in grungy, 1990s Soho, ready for whatever life has to throw at her. Or so she thinks...

In 1920s bohemian London, Arlette - Betty's grandmother - is starting her new life in a time of post-war change. Beautiful and charismatic, Arlette is soon drawn into the hedonistic world of the Bright Young People. But less than two years later, tragedy strikes and she flees back to Guernsey for the rest of her life.

As Betty searches for Clara, she is taken on a journey through Arlette's extraordinary time in London, uncovering a tale of love, loss and heartbreak. Will the secrets of Arlette's past help Betty on her path to happiness?



I never would have chosen this book based on the cover, with its muted colours it looks like it's going to be one of those sagas where there's no happy ending, perhaps everyone dying of typhoid at the end, but I was hooked within the first couple of chapters.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Vote For Me! Lindybop Dress Design Contest

I love a competition.  Last year I went through a phase of entering hundreds of the things, and although I missed out on the big prizes of holidays, cash prizes, expensive jewellery and flash cars, I did win a pair of knickers and a piece of Greek pottery.

My latest attempt is to win my own dress design made into a real life dress by Lindybop Clothing, which offers a very affordable vintage style range.  I own a Lindybop dress already in purple with a shawl collar, and love it.

If you want to vote for my designs, (or someone else's, I won't be too offended), please visit the competition album on their Facebook page here, and 'like' the one you want most to win!




If this has inspired you to have a go at designing your own competition entry, here are the details you need.  Competition closes May 11th, so there's still time!


Sunday 21 April 2013

For Sale: Vintage & Retro Style Clearout!

More?  How can I possibly have MORE clothes to sell?!  I have been a hoarder for years and it's time to stop!  Clothes are vac-packed under my bed.  Spilling out of my wardrobe.  And the second wardrobe on the landing.  Boxes and suitcases in the store-room are fit to bursting.

Help me to de-clutter, raise more money for that house deposit, and save me from an appearance on Channel 4's OCD hoarders programme.

All items have a 99p starting price, listed on my Ebay account here.  Some of it ends tea-time today, the rest next Sunday.




Friday 19 April 2013

Inspiration: Emily Rose Vintage

Meet Liz, owner of Emily Rose Vintage.  Full of community spirit, vintage passion and business determination, Liz has injected some much-needed glamour into old Cwmbran.  Teaming up with friend Nicola, the pair brought a derelict former railway cafe back to life by transforming the premises into a base for their two business - Nicola's 'Creative Cakes', and Liz's 'Emily Rose Vintage'.


Emily Rose Vintage stocks a collection of hand made vintage inspired dresses, hand-picked original vintage clothing, gifts, jewellery, shoes, and bags. Vintage china and wedding decor is available to hire, and a mobile vintage tea party service is offered!


As part of my series of posts highlighting inspirational members of the vintage community, as well as drawing your attention to where you can shop for vintage in South Wales, I met up with Liz to hear how she got her business of the ground, and what her plans for the future are.

How did your love of vintage begin?
In 2005, I went to Shoreditch Vintage Fashion Fair with a friend.  It was something I’d never really experienced before, in that people were quite creative in what they were wearing and had the confidence to express themselves.  I also fell in love with the nostalgia of the dresses.  I just started wearing vintage scarves, buying my own vintage items for myself, and fell in love with other clothing that wasn’t quite my size and bought it anyway, because I had to have it! 


Is that how Emily Rose began?
Yes, rather than hoarding, it’s nice to share it with other people and for other people to get some enjoyment out of it.  There are other people out there that do love vintage but don’t necessarily know where to source it, other than online.  In Emily Rose Vintage, they can try things on, and if I’ve got a story about that outfit, I can share it with them.  Sometimes I’ll look at an item and wonder if somebody wore it to their first dance.  Once I bought an old stocking box filled with silk scarves, and in the bottom was a wedding hymn sheet from 1952, it’s those personal histories that I love.

  
What have been the high and low points so far?
Opening the physical shop has been the high point, not just for me, but for Nicola too with her cake shop. The low point was the time and effort it has taken to get to that point - our planning was opposed and rather than open with a bang, we had to be quite low key because of the feeling.

  
Do you have any advice for someone starting a vintage business?
I’ve been very lucky, I’ve started small, I’ve got plans and as money comes in, it’s investing time and money.  You’ve got to have the passion, the drive, and be prepared for late nights and to go out and source things.  At the same time, I’m a mum, a wife and everything else.  Making sure you’ve got time for all of that is important.  Finally, I’d say not letting anybody faze you – I had someone come in and say, “Do people actually wear this?  Is it fancy dress?”, and I thought, “Well, I’d wear it!”.  There are people in the Cwmbran area who love vintage, like me.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I want my own brand, to see my own Emily Rose clothing range.  I also plan to upskill so that I can do bespoke tailoring, offer that service to people who come in with perhaps just a pattern.  We're also offering workshops and other events to get the community involved.

Below: the start of the Emily Rose Vintage clothing range - pencil skirt in pin-up fabric

  ___________

Emily Rose Vintage is at 3 Ventnor Road, Old Cwmbran, South Wales, NP44 3JY.
OPENING TIMES: Weds 10 - 4.30, Thurs 10 -4.30, Fri 10 - 4.30, Sat 10- 2

For enquiries/purchases, please visit the Facebook page here.  A brand new website will be launched in May.


As part of Liz's drive for her business to be part of the community, Emily Rose Vintage is running a vintage hairstyling workshop on Wednesday 24th April from 5.30-8pm.  Tickets are £3.50 and available by contacting the shop through the Facebook page here.

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Vintage Dublin: Cocktails, Tea & Cake

Here we go, part two of my Vintage Dublin report focuses on edibles and most importantly, drinkables!  If you missed part one, you can find it here.

Cocktail Establishments
Please go to the Vintage Cocktail Club (Crown Alley, Temple Bar).  You will no doubt  need to make a reservation if you are arriving after 9pm.  Located behind an inconspicuous dark doorway, you have to know it's there - press the doorbell and you will be admitted, assuming you are dressed appropriately.  The main lounge is arranged with little clusters of seating, perfect for intimate conversations discussing assignations and so forth.  If you run out of conversation, there's plenty to look at - a metallic ceiling that's quite spectacular, charming nude photos from a time when women were Rubenesque, and on the top floor the roof slides back for you to marvel at the stars.  A little complimentary prosecco is served to you while you peruse the menu - that might take a while, as there's a fantastic choice of cocktails (11 Euros approx), and the majority are ones you've never heard of before.  Staff were charming, and we ordered a watermelon, fig and goat's cheese salad that was simply superb.  Our bill came to 35 Euros each, for the salad, fries, 2 cocktails each, and a tip.  Absolutely worth every cent.

vintage cocktail club dublin

vintage cocktail club dublin
  vintage cocktail club dublin

vintage cocktail club dublin


Another good option for decent cocktails that I didn't get around to visiting, but that looked marvellous from the website, was The Exchange bar at The Westin Hotel, specialising in gin and 1930's cocktails (26 brands of gin, numerous brands of tonic!).  I might have to go back to Dublin purely to work my way through the gin menu, I hope my friend remains living in Ireland for some years so that I have the excuse to visit.

Finally, I'd like to warn you off The Clarence Hotel, which was a huge disappointment.  The Art Deco exterior had me tingling with anticipation, but the interior was marred by really awful pop music blaring, and an obvious target market of cheap not chic, as evidenced by the 'Happy Hour'.  In a 5 star hotel?!

My martini was too warm, and I had to ask for a cocktail stick to retrieve the substandard olives from the bottom of the glass.

clarence review dublin

Clarence review dublin

Clarence review Dublin


Tea & Cake
Wandering away from the hustle-bustle of the main shopping streets of Dublin, South-West of St Stephen's Green, is the Cake Cafe (Pleasants Place, Dublin 2).  At first I wondered if I had the address right, as it was just an empty alley, slightly dodgy looking with bins and a few naughty smokers.  Once through the back gate you find yourself in a delightful little courtyard, and you know you're in the right place.

It was a cold day but the sun came out and I was wrapped up warm, so chose a table outside.  I ordered a pot of tea and the plum spelt cake, and was pleased to see mismatched crockery and a proper cup and saucer.  The bill came to 5.90 Euros.

The Cake Cafe prides itself on being environmentally responsible, something I back wholeheartedly - they use rainwater to flush their loos, among other things!

Cake Cafe Dublin

Cake Cafe Dublin

Cake Cafe Dublin

If you're after something a bit more decadent and a place to wear your fanciest clothes, there are lots of good hotels in Dublin serving afternoon tea.  I particularly liked the look of the offering at The Westin - served in the impressive Atrium Lounge, guests are offered the choice of a traditional, or a 'most peculiar' afternoon tea (24 Euros).

Other suggestions include The Shelbourne (29.95 Euros) and The Westbury (30 Euros).  Needless to say, I wouldn't recommend The Clarence after my previous review, but it is cheap at just 14.50 Euros.

There you go, folks.  I hope now that if you are planning a visit to Dublin, you are armed with enough information to take in some free sights, buy a vintage frock, eat some good cake and have a stiff drink!

Monday 15 April 2013

Vintage Dublin: Sightseeing & Shopping

I've had quite the adventure the other weekend, with my first trip to Dublin, Ireland.  My dear friend Linda has moved there from London, to start a new chapter of her life and have some more adventures.  I loved the city, and found it had quite a lot to interest the vintage-obsessed.  Here's my little guide to where to shop, and what sights to see!  I'll follow it up with a guide of where to drink cocktails and eat cake.

Vintage Sights
Just wandering around the streets of Dublin is a treat - I hadn't realised that large parts of the city have Georgian architecture.  There are also lots of pockets of Art Nouveau, a smattering of Art Deco, Victorian suburbs and a very old medieval area.  If it's a dry day, you can happily spend a good few hours taking it all in.







If it's a rainy day (highly likely) then another good free option is to go to National Museum of Ireland.  The Decorative Arts & History building is a little stroll along the Liffey from the central shopping area, and has exhibitions that might interest the vintage-minded such as a costume section and reconstructed rooms showcasing furniture over four centuries.

My final sightseeing suggestion (also free, there's a theme here!) is to go to the wonderful National Botanic Gardens.  North of the city centre, you'll either need to get the bus or be prepared for a good half an hour walk.  We got a bit lost, so it turned into more of a 45 minute walk, including a detour around a large cemetery and a 1930s housing estate.  Still, we certainly got to see more of Dublin's suburbs!

The Victorian glass houses are spectacular, and the large grounds include a walled garden, bluebell filled woodland, and large lawned areas.










Vintage Shopping
For vintage repro, there's one place to go: Retro, in St George's Street Arcade.  The staff were lovely, and it's filled to the rafters with Miss Candyfloss, Stop Staring, Bettie Page, Pinup Couture and more.  The best part was that there's a sale rail, with all dresses 50 Euros!  My friend found a fab Bettie Page dress to wear to an upcoming wedding.  Alas, there were very few size Mediums left on the rail - lots of other sizes though, so if you're in the area I recommend you go and have a rummage.  The staff were super nice.




Charity shops, mostly connected to churches, are all over the place.  If you go down from Retro on South St George's Street, it goes into Wexford Street and I spotted a couple there.



For high class, true vintage, it has to be: Jenny Vander, Drury Street.  It's a real treat, especially if you're into vintage jewellery, as there's a vast, sparkly collection!  I spotted a gorgeous red raw silk 1950's cocoon coat for 400 Euros, and a 1930's coffee lace dress for 190 Euros.  Not cheap, but free to window shop!





Phew, after all that sightseeing and shopping, you could do with a cup of tea or maybe a cocktail.  Lucky, then, that the next part of my Vintage Dublin guide will focus on Cocktails and Tea & Cake!

Friday 12 April 2013

Coming Soon, Vintage Guide to Mystery City!


Next week I'm doing a few vintage city guide posts from a recent trip - can you guess which city from the picture above?!

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Review: Bedtime Stories At Forty Winks

Everybody raves about it, and I've wanted to go for ages, and so a couple of weeks ago myself and a cynical friend attended a Bedtime Stories night at Forty Winks boutique hotel.  Priced at £30 per person, the evening includes drinks, nibbles, and tales on a theme.

I am a very critical person (of myself the most) and so you won't perhaps find my review as gushing as other's.  There aren't any photos other than this first one secretly snapped in the basement kitchen, because cameras are not allowed.  There are a lot of other things not allowed.


Stories 5/5
The evening was worth it alone for the discovery of the fabulous national storytelling laureate, Katrice Horsley.  What an incredible, captivating, spell-binding storyteller she is!

Drinks 3/5
I was served two helpings of a gin concoction with mango - it was rather lovely, and served in teacups.  But it was really hot in the hotel and quite a long evening and I left feeling thirsty.  Would have been nice to have had at least another helping.

Nibbles 2/5
Blimey, you had to move fast to get any of these!  By the time I discovered there were any nibbles, there were few left and it was time to be shepherded upstairs.  I tried to munch some quickly, but was told 'there'll be more food later'.  There wasn't, as again by the time I got to the nibbles table, it had all gone, except a solitary jelly baby.  Which doesn't really count as 'food'.

Atmosphere 3/5
I was disappointed that there was a large crowd, which detracted from what could have been an intimate experience.  We were herded from one room to another and conditions were cramped.

Music 3/5
'Tiger's Bride' was very whimsical, and it was a first for me seeing someone play the saw, but she absolutely murdered an Abba song at the end.

Overall 3/5
I'm docking two points for the lack of intimacy and herding from room to room.  I left with the feeling that we were all children on our best behaviour, and that the host was an anxious parent, very, very worried over his decor, carpets and lighting.  'Mind the light!', 'No eating in the hallway!', 'Settle down!'.  My delicate derriere really suffered by the end of the night from sitting on hard floors, and it was very hot. Maybe I should have worn the babydoll after all.

It was worth having gone to discover the incredible Katrice, but I wouldn't go again.  I was expecting an intimate evening and it was far from it.

Monday 8 April 2013

Book Review: The Vintage Teacup Club

This is the first book I read as part of the Vintage Book Group on Goodreads.  All of the books have either a vintage theme (teacups, vintage fashion etc) or are indeed books from vintage times, such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, or The Great Gatsby.

the vintage teacup club book review

The Vintage Teacup Club is a modern tale by Vanessa Greene, and is described as follows:

"At a car boot sale in Sussex, three very different women meet and fall for the same vintage teaset. They decide to share it - and form a friendship that changes their lives.

Jenny can't wait to marry Dan. Then, after years of silence, she hears from the woman who could shatter her dreams.

Maggie has put her broken heart behind her and is gearing up for the biggest event of her career - until she's forced to confront the past once more.

Alison seems to have it all: married to her childhood sweetheart, with two gorgeous daughters. But as tensions mount, she is pushed to breaking point.

Dealing with friendship and families, relationships and careers, highs and lows, The Vintage Teacup Club is heart-warming storytelling at its very best."

I'm afraid that the storytelling didn't live up to the expectations from the synopsis!  Here's what I though of it:

Friday 5 April 2013

A Friday Night In

For me, Good Friday last week consisted of a fish tagine, good Rioja and a Veronica Lake film.  Heaven.


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