The Dig for Victory Show

More adventures?  Yes!  That's what summer's all about: heading off in the car to meet other people in a field all dressed up.  The other weekend we headed off into the countryside not far from Bristol, to visit the 1940s themed weekend event Dig for Victory.  There were lots of WWII re-enactors, swing dancers, families on a day out, and people who just like any excuse to dress up.

Above: Sticky Toffee Jazz - she was excellent

These swing dancers turned out to be members of the 1940s/1950s most marvellous meetups group on Facebook.

Above: The Spitfire overhead was a real treat

My outfit really can't compare to Cate's, but in case you want the details the dress is Seamstress of Bloomsbury, hat is '80s from a charity shop, shoes are Clarks, bag was charity shop, as was the cardigan.

One of the highlights though was getting to meet the lovely Cate who blogs over at Vintage Gal.  She was wearing the prettiest yellow frock, made by her own fair hands.  The detail and care she put into it is really evident close up.  It's always strange meeting people in real life that you've only met online, but we had a lovely chat (possibly helped along by some prosecco on Cate's side!) and found time for a photo.  Isn't her outfit wonderful?  I'm feeling quite inspired to try out a bit of sewing, and later on at the show had a good chat with a seller who gave me lots of tips on getting started.  I have bought the pattern paper, tidied my sewing box, cleared the dining room table and need to order some fabric next.

I went to the show with cash, intent on buying a bit of vintage.  Cate introduced me to two fabulous sellers at the show.  Their offering was amazing - lots of 1930s, lots in my size(!), and more importantly their prices were incredibly reasonable (about half the price of some sellers elsewhere on site, who didn't have as good stuff!).  It was really hot in the main tent though, and I was actually loathe to try anything on in such heat.  I got a bit dazzled and overwhelmed by their stall and didn't buy anything at all!  Gah!  I feel I should message them about a few things they had and see if they're still available to buy via mail order instead.  I bumped into Cate again at their stall, and she was in the process of trying on the most gorgeous blouse, which she did buy.

I'll leave you with some photographs of my husband's outfit.  I had planned what to wear in advance, minus a shoe change due to the weather forecast, but he pulled this together the night before from his existing wardrobe, and I think he outdid me!  Especially when you look at that total outfit cost of under £15.  I spent more than that on my shoes alone.

Leather jacket: Back-belted 1940s leather motorcycle jacket, thrifted in California for $5

Hat: Vintage green wool flat cap, Christy's, via car boot sale for £2

Shoes: Vintage oxford brogues, car boot sale for £6

Trousers: Vintage, via junk shop for £2

Shirt and braces: Modern, from charity shop, £1 and 50p respectively

The dates for next year's Dig for Victory are already set - pop on over to their website and take a look at this year's gallery to see if it tempts you!