I just wanted to write a couple of lines to thank the folk who have put me on the list for the "one lovely blog" awards thing that's going round. I try not to get involved in things that require you to renominate, I'd like to say I have a good reason for this but its just that the requirement to renominate makes me feel a little awkward and I don't want to spread the awkward on. That and I'm MASSIVELY lazy.
Anyway, its been really lovely to see my blog pop up on more than five of those lists now, wowzers! Thank you all, it is just what I needed to give me some motivation to keep going with this. You are all lovely.
Basically, if I'm bothering to follow you and/or read your blog then that means I love ya. :-)
Night peoples and sweet dreams to all.
xxx
vintage lifestyle blog: clothing, crafts, hair, make-up and movies - reviews, recommendations and general blather.
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Monday, 25 October 2010
Vintage knitting finds and shopping on the darkside.
Well hello there!
I had a fabulous Saturday! Despite a crashing hangover from too many grape juices with a pal the night before I managed to hoist my feeble frame out of bed and to the local charity shop. My local shop isn't a big chain like Oxfam, instead its a hospice shop. I tend to find these are much better for a bit of vintage luck, both because they don't have "experts" on hand to price things up and because grateful people leave their worldly goods to these shops so you find all sorts of interesting bits and bobs that elderly folk have hoarded away.
In particular, this place is a gold mine for knitting supplies and lo and behold, what did I find on Saturday morning but three skeins each of some beautifully coloured vintage wool, one being Paton's, a brand I have seen listed in several 40's patterns.
I also found three vintage knitting patterns. There were more but I really only wanted these three. The red 50's cardigan is knit in one large piece, so no seaming (yay!) and the little evening number is just beautiful. I'd really like to post the full patterns up but I can't work out how to get scanned images onto my blog...any tips welcome.
The whole haul only cost me £3.50, unfortunately not enough to remove the stain on my soul for following this up with a quick trip to Primark, where I picked up a leopard print brolly, leopard print socks, a peacock feather fascinator and some leather gloves and a belt. The belt, being plaited, is pretty 70's looking, but I'm sure I can work this into a more 30's look with a hand knitted jumper, my new pleated skirt and the right hair.
I also bought some incredible (read incredibly bad) jeggings as a joke gift for my friend Fleur de Guerre which I gave to her that night, as we attended the inaugural Candlelight Club. It was a fabulous night that I've only just recovered from. I'd like to blog about it but I didn't take any photos so hopefully someone else will post something soon. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend, even yesterday's long slow recovery.
I hope you all had a fab time yourselves.
I had a fabulous Saturday! Despite a crashing hangover from too many grape juices with a pal the night before I managed to hoist my feeble frame out of bed and to the local charity shop. My local shop isn't a big chain like Oxfam, instead its a hospice shop. I tend to find these are much better for a bit of vintage luck, both because they don't have "experts" on hand to price things up and because grateful people leave their worldly goods to these shops so you find all sorts of interesting bits and bobs that elderly folk have hoarded away.
In particular, this place is a gold mine for knitting supplies and lo and behold, what did I find on Saturday morning but three skeins each of some beautifully coloured vintage wool, one being Paton's, a brand I have seen listed in several 40's patterns.
I also found three vintage knitting patterns. There were more but I really only wanted these three. The red 50's cardigan is knit in one large piece, so no seaming (yay!) and the little evening number is just beautiful. I'd really like to post the full patterns up but I can't work out how to get scanned images onto my blog...any tips welcome.
The whole haul only cost me £3.50, unfortunately not enough to remove the stain on my soul for following this up with a quick trip to Primark, where I picked up a leopard print brolly, leopard print socks, a peacock feather fascinator and some leather gloves and a belt. The belt, being plaited, is pretty 70's looking, but I'm sure I can work this into a more 30's look with a hand knitted jumper, my new pleated skirt and the right hair.
I also bought some incredible (read incredibly bad) jeggings as a joke gift for my friend Fleur de Guerre which I gave to her that night, as we attended the inaugural Candlelight Club. It was a fabulous night that I've only just recovered from. I'd like to blog about it but I didn't take any photos so hopefully someone else will post something soon. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend, even yesterday's long slow recovery.
I hope you all had a fab time yourselves.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
30's hair - Mervin wave'o'matics and pincurls - first attempt.
Well, I'm simple thrilled, I've been trying to get my hands on some Mervin wavers for so long. They only come up on eBay occasionally and go for silly amounts of money, but I've finally got my sweaty little paws on some, mwahahahahaaaa!
My recent acquisitions are thanks to the lovely proprietor of my favorite vintage hair accessory site, Taste-T Vintage. I have often looked longingly at this fabulous site but have never bought anything before, but this time I decided to bite the bullet. The item I really wanted was sold but I emailed them and they went out of their way to dig out two wavers for me which were unlisted on the site, sent them promptly and included a full copy of the instructions. I'll definitely be buying from them again. I have to say I have rarely experienced such efficient and plain wonderful customer service.
I had the package delivered to work and my colleagues were stunned at the contents, I think they thought I'd bought some sort of kinky torture device!
It took me a few weeks to gather up the guts to try these out but I finally did it.
These things need to be used on very wet hair, so the ideal time is after you have washed it. I simply side parted my hair and set a clip in each side, and pin curled the ends and back towards my face in quite small curls. Please excuse the tired and sleep-bloated face, these pics were taken the morning after sleeping on these beasts!
So, what was the result of my slightly awkward nights sleep! Well, I'm very pleased with the first attempt. The waves didn't take quite as strongly as I'd hoped but I hadn't used setting lotion so I'm confident that things can only improve.
I took the pin curls out first and brushed out gently and then took out the clips and brushed over the waves even more gently. I shaped some curls around my face using my Hold-Bob curling tool. and sprayed into place with Tresemme Freeze Hold hairspray. I didn't sort the flyaways, I was running late for work and had to sprint out the door.
I also exaggerated the 30's look with elongated brows.
I've found the waves last a few days if you simply clip them back in at night, on dry hair, with some of these:
Do you have some wave clips? How do you use them? What do you think of my new do?
My recent acquisitions are thanks to the lovely proprietor of my favorite vintage hair accessory site, Taste-T Vintage. I have often looked longingly at this fabulous site but have never bought anything before, but this time I decided to bite the bullet. The item I really wanted was sold but I emailed them and they went out of their way to dig out two wavers for me which were unlisted on the site, sent them promptly and included a full copy of the instructions. I'll definitely be buying from them again. I have to say I have rarely experienced such efficient and plain wonderful customer service.
I had the package delivered to work and my colleagues were stunned at the contents, I think they thought I'd bought some sort of kinky torture device!
It took me a few weeks to gather up the guts to try these out but I finally did it.
These things need to be used on very wet hair, so the ideal time is after you have washed it. I simply side parted my hair and set a clip in each side, and pin curled the ends and back towards my face in quite small curls. Please excuse the tired and sleep-bloated face, these pics were taken the morning after sleeping on these beasts!
So, what was the result of my slightly awkward nights sleep! Well, I'm very pleased with the first attempt. The waves didn't take quite as strongly as I'd hoped but I hadn't used setting lotion so I'm confident that things can only improve.
I took the pin curls out first and brushed out gently and then took out the clips and brushed over the waves even more gently. I shaped some curls around my face using my Hold-Bob curling tool. and sprayed into place with Tresemme Freeze Hold hairspray. I didn't sort the flyaways, I was running late for work and had to sprint out the door.
I also exaggerated the 30's look with elongated brows.
I've found the waves last a few days if you simply clip them back in at night, on dry hair, with some of these:
Do you have some wave clips? How do you use them? What do you think of my new do?
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Revlon Emerald City matte polish review
So, I finally got round to trying this baby, and I have to say I'm thrilled so far.
I applied the hole reinforcers for my half moons and then applied a basecoat, and then painted on two coats of the Revlon "Emerald City" polish. It went on very smoothly and the brush is the perfect width for an easy paint.
I used my usual Leighton Denny Miracle Drops to dry the polish but I have to say, it dried quicker than other polishes do with that so I'm fairly sure its a quick drying polish.
The matte effect is really unusual, especially a matte with sparkle, its almost suede-like and because of that I decided not to use a top coat - it would be a shame to waste that unusual finish.
I've worn it for a day now and though there is some light fade at the tips there is no chipping so far depite two baths and some washing up.
I've had a lot of comments on it today, so its certainly an attention grabber. All in all, I'm very happy with this polish despite the slight sparkle which I thought I'd find off putting.
Here is a pic, pardon my bad moonicure, I did a bit of a rush job as I had a guest and two playful kittens present at the time!
Has anyone else tried this? What did you think? i'm definitely buying the red colour in this line next!
I applied the hole reinforcers for my half moons and then applied a basecoat, and then painted on two coats of the Revlon "Emerald City" polish. It went on very smoothly and the brush is the perfect width for an easy paint.
I used my usual Leighton Denny Miracle Drops to dry the polish but I have to say, it dried quicker than other polishes do with that so I'm fairly sure its a quick drying polish.
The matte effect is really unusual, especially a matte with sparkle, its almost suede-like and because of that I decided not to use a top coat - it would be a shame to waste that unusual finish.
I've worn it for a day now and though there is some light fade at the tips there is no chipping so far depite two baths and some washing up.
I've had a lot of comments on it today, so its certainly an attention grabber. All in all, I'm very happy with this polish despite the slight sparkle which I thought I'd find off putting.
Here is a pic, pardon my bad moonicure, I did a bit of a rush job as I had a guest and two playful kittens present at the time!
Has anyone else tried this? What did you think? i'm definitely buying the red colour in this line next!
Monday, 18 October 2010
A very lovely giveaway
Now, I don't make a habit of publicising other peoples giveaways because I'm usually too lazy or self obsessed to be bothered, but this one got to me. Why? Well I've been wondering about hair adornments lately, its too cold here for my hair flowers - they look wrong on a wintry day and when worn with knitwear. I need something more...substantial.
...and lo and behold what did I stumble upon this evening but Vintage Belles - Belle Blossoms blog giveaway. Just look at these beautiful treasures:
Pop over there and take a peek!
I'd love to try making my own too, I'm sure I have a crochet pattern around for some cherries and I could go and gather real conkers and acorns...naaah, it'll never happen!
...and lo and behold what did I stumble upon this evening but Vintage Belles - Belle Blossoms blog giveaway. Just look at these beautiful treasures:
Pop over there and take a peek!
I'd love to try making my own too, I'm sure I have a crochet pattern around for some cherries and I could go and gather real conkers and acorns...naaah, it'll never happen!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Oops, I did it again - more shopping!
After a fitful night's sleep following the consumption of an entire bottle of red wine and shouting from the estate opposite that went on until 6am, I really didn't fancy going to the car boot sale this morning, but thanks to a winning combination of Ibuprofen and my avaricious nature I managed to rally enough to get there for 11am.
My local car boot really is wonderful - several stalls specialise in vintage and you can find everything from 40's clothing and 30's crockery to weird and wonderful 80's eveningwear.
The first thing I spotted was a Carlton Ware biscuit barrel in the shape of a house, but sadly the seller wouldn't budge from his £10 asking price and as it had a few cracks I decided to leave it be. I don't understand why people who want that sort of price for their item and / or do not wish to lower their prices bother with car boots, the whole point is that things are cheap and you have a bit of a haggle. Grrrr.
Things looked up as I wandered around and found a couple of vintage / inspired items that will be perfect for work. The first is a pretty wool tweed skirt, Marks and Spencer, probably 80's, but the perfect length and with an interesting front pleat and ruching at the waist. The second a George cardigan, I know, hardly a special item - but the colour will go with todays and yesterdays skirt purchases and I think it will look very vintage fastened with a brooch.
I also picked up this darling little deco picture frame for on top of the TV cabinet - it is walnut stained and so matches the decor perfectly (agh - look at the cat claw marks on my furniture....weep)
I'm not sure what I'll put in it, not having a loved on. A picture of a 40's movie star perhaps, the cats...all suggestions welcome.
I then wandered up to Mare Street to buy some curtains and popped into ShoeZone - a VERY cheap shoe shop, and what should I spot? These lovely leopard print plimsolls for a bargainous £1.99. Not strictly vintage looking, though plimsolls were around in the 30's and 40's, but much more in keeping than my current gold trainers (bought in my bling phase - don't ask - really...)
I also popped into a sewing shop in Stoke Newington on my travels (forgive me for the lack of link, I can't find the place online anywhere) and bought pretty vintage looking buttons for my knitting projects and, wonder of wonders, a retractable measuring tape on a lanyard. I always carry a tape measure when vintage and thrift shopping, where you can't always try things on, and this one can be hung around the neck and so will make it all the easier. I'm in love.
Plus, I did buy some curtains, so I'll be able to walk around the flat naked without the creepy neighbour staring in at me. Hurrah! A successful day all round.
My local car boot really is wonderful - several stalls specialise in vintage and you can find everything from 40's clothing and 30's crockery to weird and wonderful 80's eveningwear.
The first thing I spotted was a Carlton Ware biscuit barrel in the shape of a house, but sadly the seller wouldn't budge from his £10 asking price and as it had a few cracks I decided to leave it be. I don't understand why people who want that sort of price for their item and / or do not wish to lower their prices bother with car boots, the whole point is that things are cheap and you have a bit of a haggle. Grrrr.
Things looked up as I wandered around and found a couple of vintage / inspired items that will be perfect for work. The first is a pretty wool tweed skirt, Marks and Spencer, probably 80's, but the perfect length and with an interesting front pleat and ruching at the waist. The second a George cardigan, I know, hardly a special item - but the colour will go with todays and yesterdays skirt purchases and I think it will look very vintage fastened with a brooch.
I also picked up this darling little deco picture frame for on top of the TV cabinet - it is walnut stained and so matches the decor perfectly (agh - look at the cat claw marks on my furniture....weep)
I'm not sure what I'll put in it, not having a loved on. A picture of a 40's movie star perhaps, the cats...all suggestions welcome.
I then wandered up to Mare Street to buy some curtains and popped into ShoeZone - a VERY cheap shoe shop, and what should I spot? These lovely leopard print plimsolls for a bargainous £1.99. Not strictly vintage looking, though plimsolls were around in the 30's and 40's, but much more in keeping than my current gold trainers (bought in my bling phase - don't ask - really...)
I also popped into a sewing shop in Stoke Newington on my travels (forgive me for the lack of link, I can't find the place online anywhere) and bought pretty vintage looking buttons for my knitting projects and, wonder of wonders, a retractable measuring tape on a lanyard. I always carry a tape measure when vintage and thrift shopping, where you can't always try things on, and this one can be hung around the neck and so will make it all the easier. I'm in love.
Plus, I did buy some curtains, so I'll be able to walk around the flat naked without the creepy neighbour staring in at me. Hurrah! A successful day all round.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
New old purchases
First off, I feel crapola for not having blogged for ages - there is so much I want to write about but I've just not been in the right frame of mind over the past weeks; the combination of a sick kitten, a sick self, a Mad Men addiction and a house guest haven't helped urge me on either, so this is just a small post to ease me back in.
My guest and I went charity shopping today, taking the bus from sunny Crackney all the way to...North London. Golly, I'd forgotten what the wilds of Seven Sisters Road were like, and it was a football match day so all the beer drinking and loudly swearing burly blokes ended up giving me quite the headache after a couple of hours.
Anyway - I had some shopping success and managed to purchase for myself a really beautiful biscuit barrel which I shall use to keep my teabags in (I know I should use leaf tea, and I do have some, but I prefer PG Tips and from a pyramid bag by jove!). It really is a pretty little thing, off white with a gold floral design and wicker handle, with the original lid, and only £2! I'm very happy with it, as is Marlon:
Egad! In that first picture you can see my chipped nail polish. I'll have to fix that this evening!
The barrel is made by Sadler, a UK based teapot manufacturer. The company started in 1882 and is still making its famous "Brown Betty" teapots to this day. The mark on this piece dates it to the late 40's. Hurrah!
There was another lovely pair of biscuit barrels which I considered buying too, but they were £17 for the pair and while lovely I resent paying that much when thrifting and left them behind. I am slightly regretting it now though as I'd like one for sugar and one for coffee (not that I drink the muck but still, its good to have it in for guests and the like).
In another shop on our trek back eastwards I found a lovely wool tweed skirt - probably 80's I'd say but it looks incredibly 40's on. Its a brown check with dark red, mustard and blue accents, mid calf length with large wide top-stitched pleats. It is from Kinloch Anderson and, having looked at their website, my £3.50 was a bargain. I'm at a bit of a loss at what I've got to pair with it - might knit something. Any ideas welcome.
My guest and I went charity shopping today, taking the bus from sunny Crackney all the way to...North London. Golly, I'd forgotten what the wilds of Seven Sisters Road were like, and it was a football match day so all the beer drinking and loudly swearing burly blokes ended up giving me quite the headache after a couple of hours.
Anyway - I had some shopping success and managed to purchase for myself a really beautiful biscuit barrel which I shall use to keep my teabags in (I know I should use leaf tea, and I do have some, but I prefer PG Tips and from a pyramid bag by jove!). It really is a pretty little thing, off white with a gold floral design and wicker handle, with the original lid, and only £2! I'm very happy with it, as is Marlon:
Egad! In that first picture you can see my chipped nail polish. I'll have to fix that this evening!
The barrel is made by Sadler, a UK based teapot manufacturer. The company started in 1882 and is still making its famous "Brown Betty" teapots to this day. The mark on this piece dates it to the late 40's. Hurrah!
There was another lovely pair of biscuit barrels which I considered buying too, but they were £17 for the pair and while lovely I resent paying that much when thrifting and left them behind. I am slightly regretting it now though as I'd like one for sugar and one for coffee (not that I drink the muck but still, its good to have it in for guests and the like).
In another shop on our trek back eastwards I found a lovely wool tweed skirt - probably 80's I'd say but it looks incredibly 40's on. Its a brown check with dark red, mustard and blue accents, mid calf length with large wide top-stitched pleats. It is from Kinloch Anderson and, having looked at their website, my £3.50 was a bargain. I'm at a bit of a loss at what I've got to pair with it - might knit something. Any ideas welcome.
Finally, this wasn't a purchase today but I'm just thrilled with it A knitting bag. Its huge and so contains all three current (and neglected) projects.
I do so love shopping.
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