Forget Ebay...Etsy is where its at!

Annoyed with being outbid? Well move over Ebay....let me introduce you to Etsy!

This site is amazing! It not only sells handmade delicious items but also brand new items. From wedding dresses to customised gear stick knobs the site is chock blocked with exciting items.

Here are some of my favourites after a quick trawl for kitchen wear.

Pinup apron... *swoon*

made by the lovely Loveland and Sea. I adore this apron! I love the cowgirl. damn christmas just passed...I want!

Leopard mittens? gggrrrr!!!

Made by Stitchingram. What pinup cant resist some leopard print?!

I adore recipe cards and these are perfect for my kitchen so yes I will be buying! Available from Through The Looking Glass

These utensils are adorable! Not sure i would want to use them in case they got dirty....for show only. Available from Tokyo Rose Accessories.

WOW!

So when you great aunt Mable comes to visit bring out the cakes on this stunning and unique stand. I love it! I really do! Available from My Eroom.

happy hunting! Just be sure to check that the items can be delivered to you. And the best thing is that Etsy convert the money to your local currency too! AWESOME!

Dita's New Lingerie

So our wonderfully delightful Dita Von Teese brings out another lingerie collection. This new collection called Von Follies, is vintage-inspired and includes bras, high-waisted pants, garter belts and corselettes to "give the essence of the sultry Fifties glamour girl," according to the press release. (see here )


I am the first to admit this line doesnt do it for me. Unlike her previous collection which oozed sex appeal with its reds and strong lines this is something I would find on the hangers at high street brand La Senza.  I long for Dita to do something in pale silks, with chemises and playsuits... reminiscent of the old Hollywood glam she exudes.


Sorry to say this collection misses the mark for me though the sizing is an improvement as it is now available in a size 18 but only up to E bra cup. Come on Dita...know the competition. La Senza though not always the best quality is cheaper and in this day and economic climate who isnt going to head there instead?1 I would love to buy Dita's set if not simply because I am a fan and expect superior quality but sadly I wont be buying it to wear...I am a 36F.

Vintage DJs

A small sample of my own collection

With a love for vinyl and djing with it. I decided to see who else is doing is...Sadly my first search threw up those in America and whilst this is great I wanted to focus my search on UK based DJs.
I did find a list of vintage DJs but found the lack of information rather disheartening. Email address are great but lets see websites..so off I hunted. For me a vintage dj isnt someone who shoves on a few cds, its about the whole package from dressing the part, knowing the history of the music and the use of vinyl (though not admittedly entirely is not essential as that is not very practical)

Firstly let me introduce you to the ones that stood out for me...

Shellac Sisters


These darlings describe themselves as:
'The Shellac Sisters are four glamorous retrochics who dress in all things vintage and play 78rpm records on 1920s wind-up gramophones.

We have a vast collection of 78s covering all styles of music from the twenties through to the fifties… Big band swing by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and The Andrews Sisters, classics like Tea for Two and The Lambeth Walk, novelties by Noel Coward and cheeky music hall acts, 1920s flapper favourites, Hollywood movie classics from Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Marlene Dietrich, jumping jive by Cab Calloway and Louis Jordan, 1950s rock'n'roll from Elvis and bombshell hits from Marilyn Monroe, latin exotics by Carmen Miranda and Perez Prado… tea dancing foxtrots, quicksteps, blackbottoms and cockney knees ups!'

I love that they use wind up gramaphones but can also adapt them for  larger space with amps. Perfect plus these beauties dress the part. Their list of clients is very impressive too: Victoria and Albert Museum, London's National Theatre and Abbey Road Studios to name but a few.

Miss Aloha

A dj since 1988, Miss Aloha is vibrant darling of spinning decks playing music from the 1930s to the 1950s. Playing at venues such as Cafe De Paris, Gloria Theatre (Cologne) and Soho Revue Bar.  I adore her sense of style so you know she will not only add music to your show/event but also her style.

Earl Harlem

Now here is a dapper DJ if ever there was one... Promising to arrive in vintage attire he will set up his art deco inspired custom booth

'playing a large selection of hot vintage dance music ranging from 20s Jazz through to 60s soul, including 30s Dance Band, 40s Swing, 40s& 50s R&B, Rock n Roll, Rockabilly and Ska, Earl Harlem will have the joint jumpin! '

Whats more he can even provide dance lessons for you. Perfect!

Dj Lady Kamikaze

I have actually heard this stunner DJ and was impressed immensely. Resident DJ for the Lady Luck and Black Cotton clubs she is a highly sought after DJ. Her website alone is a delight. Beautiful choice of soundtrack as well. Her DJ equipment is a testament to her trade with the use of a bakerlite phone instead of headphones.

Wedding Hell

A lovely and good friend of mine is getting married! WHOOPAH! So excited. Sadly her joy has been short lived  as she has found it near impossible to find a dress she likes. Being a plus size 1950s/rockabilly fanatic means she wants a dress to reflect this. With a tight budget she doesnt want to go down the route of a custom made dress if she can get away with it...seems like I am off to the rescue...

Here is what I found:

I have fallen head over heels for the dresses at Elizabeth Avery. Sadly not many items over a size 14. My favourite of her dresses are these two...

A quick glance on Etsy saw a few items. This one from Ellana Couture is pretty but again only up to a size 14.

Another look on the internet threw up a few other style dresses and in a variety of sizes and all over size 14!

This one is available here!

I realise all the dress above are of the tea length style so I have also been researching longer dresses.

Very old school Hollywood. Not entirely sure on the giant bow but it is beautiful... It can be found here

needless to say you have to look further afield to find plus size vintage inspired dresses...but thats not to say they arent there.

Just a Jump To The Left

Owing to a rather busy last few months or so, save for a few moments on the internet I have had no time to shop. So when my lovely boyfriend decided he was fed up with my sulky face...or uninspired wardrobe he took me out for some retail therapy.

Excited I headed out...I did feel at the end of the day that I would have much rather not gone. Whilst it was a fabulous time spent with the boyfriend, the shops were uninspired and I was miles away from the nearest vintage shop. I did however purchase a beautiful 70s inspired jumpsuit. Not at all my usual style but the boyfriend was right: it looked pretty lovely on. He even selected a star belt and before I knew it we were sipping coffees (soy latte for me and a mocha for him) laughing at all the dodgy hair extensions and soggy Ugg boots scooting past us.

Rocking an attempt at a beehive and my beloved Rockalily lipstick I attempt here not to look like a muppet.

My New Playsuit

I recently took delivery of a new playsuit from my new favourite designer PPQ...

Its a very vintage-esque black velvet playsuit. Plus it doesnt do that whole 'cut me off in the lady parts area' that so many playsuits can and do... vulgar I know but you get what I mean.

I wore it recently to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday...

Fleetville Vintage Emporium and Scally Dog

A recent visit to see a fabulous friend in St Albans (Yes that would be you Sara) ended up with us pootering about in Fleetville Vintage Emporium. Located in an area I wouldnt expect to find such a treasure trove considering the huge supermarket, terrance housing and hardware stores next to it. This emporium is huge! Plus There is another called Scally Dog behind it. Equally as packed to the rafters with everthing from fireplaces to werewolf heads (hee hee).

Whilst not entirely dedicated to one era there is a lot of late 50s, 60s and 70s items. Everything from household goods to stockings is here and so well priced. I fell in love with far too many items that I think my boyfriend was about to drag me out before I bankrupted myself. Damn it.

Whats also wonderful about this place is the cafe...tea and biscuits anyone? Surrounded by kitsch items it felt very homely.

Go see it! Go shopping crazy.


Address:     221A Hatfield Rd
                  St. Albans
                  Hertfordshire
                  AL1 4TB

Cafe...kitsch lust.

Scally Dog find.

hee hee found at Scallydogs

Vintage Diary for London and Greater London

3rd Sep - The Vintage Tea Party at The Boogaloo, North London, N6 5AT. 12 - 5pm. Free Entry. (arts, crafts, jewellery, homeware, clothing, accessories etc)

4th Sep - Penny's Vintage Fair, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 10am - 4pm. (Fashion, furnishings, homeware, jewellery etc)


4th Sep - The Barkway Antiques and Vintage Fair - Barkway Village Hall, Near Royston, SG8 8BS 10am - 4pm.

24th Sep - The Joy Of Vintage - Beecham Grove Baptist Church, Watford, WD17 1JJ. £2 entry 11am - 5pm. (Fashion, furnishings, homeware, jewellery etc)

30th Sep - Vintazia Vintage Fair - Great Barn, Manor Farm Site, Ruislip, HA4 7QL. £2 entry. 5-9pm (Fashion, furnishings, homeware, jewellery etc)

50s Wedding Inspiration

Well I am not getting married but that still doesnt stop me looking at sites for inspiration mainly for costumes.

I came across Fifties Wedding website whilst searching for tiaras for a new act. A quick mooch about on the site was well worth it. They take each part of the wedding, break it down and blog endless articles to help you find just the perfect piece.

I actually ordered a new pair of glasses after reading this post of theres: http://fiftieswedding.com/1950s-eyewear-spectacular-spectacles/


Enjoy!

Local Visitation Rights

Having moved further outside London I am determined to find my niche even out here in the sticks. Ok not quite that remote but hey...its not Central London.

On a recent trip to Wycombe I happened to pop into a shop that even from the outside was very impressive. There was no door mat, simply a Yen-esque tray of stones to step through into this opulently decorated shop. From golden busts to over filling drawers, the eyes were attracted and distracted similtanously. Kitsch Me Kwik was wonderful.

The baby of Juliet Hamilton (BA Hons PGCE no less), this lady's personality is eveident in all that she creates. Having designed/created costumes for the 80s legend Cyndi Lauper I instantly fell in love. Whilst a lot of the clothes have that crazy 80s vibe there is a much more vintage from the 30s onward nestled amongst it all.

The compacts ranged from the late 30s to the early 60s.
Impressively low priced too. Even the Chanel one.

Even her website shows just some of the vintage items she shows. I really liked the compacts. http://kitschmekwik.com/jewellery-20636-c-20636-1.html

High Street Finds

I am a stereotype. I am really am. By this I mean I love shopping. So each time I pop out I find myself taking photos of vintage inspired or simply garments I like from high street stores. I love my original vintage garments but its not always practical.

So from my recent pooters about the shops here are what I have found of late on the high street. Where possible I have included the price and shop.

From Oasis...£55.
very much a 50s bombshell halter dress.

Therapy House of Fraser
On sale from £55 to £35
Very sweetheart 50s pinup.

Coast on sale from £125 to £69
60s style wedding dress perhaps?
Think beehive and Jackie O

Back of Coast dress.

Yumi in House of Fraser. No price found :(
Cutesy pinup dress. 

Mikey £16 in the sale.
LOVE! Perfect for the showgirl

Fashion Fix

Every now and then I like to post pictures of myself on my twitter: http://twitter.com/BlahFashion. As some people have asked me where I get my outfits from I thought from time to time I would post some here occasionally.

Having recently tweeted about how I never find playsuits that fit me due to my 2 inches longer than standard torso (Thanks Lynn for measuring) I always end up with camel toe! Not sexy! Or comfortable. So imagine my surprise when I found one that is both vintage inspired, cheap and doesnt cut my vagina in half! WHOOP!

Playsuit is from Primark,
belt is from Mango,
shoes are an Ebay purchase
 bag is from  Hobo International.

Hair flower is from Miss Sweets Boutique,
faux hair bun is from Annabelles Wigs
pout is all my own with lashing of MAC Russian Red!

Can I also give a huge shout out to the company behind my faux hair bun. Annabelle's Wigs are my go-to people for hair pieces. Perfection in follicles or should I say in faux-licles? Go check them out!

Happy Days Are Here To Stay

Recently I found my weary ass in the shadow of Cardiff castle for the Armed Forces Day celebrations. As the host I was on duty with pinup poise and grace at all times but afterwards my face hurt more than ever; so rewarded myself with a small excursion to the delightful chocolate box town of Cowbridge. I had heard rumours of an Eggs Benedict with my name on it, so with my friend Hayley we headed Cowbridge bound the next morning.

After a thoroughly wonderful face stuffing of eggs, Hayley took me to a shop she knew I would love. We entered the vintage realm of 'Happy Days'. Every pore in my body oozed with vintage lust. Everywhere I looked were trinkets, furniture not to mention music and clothing of the vintage/retro variety. My eyes darted rapidly about the place, mentally placing each and every one of the goodies in my house.

Customised by one of the owners! LOVED IT!

A small selection of the clothing area.

The kitchen set up area...adorable. ALL for sale!

Also in the shop is a tea room which I am reliably informed sells delightful cream teas and cakes. I bought some fudge that lasted me all of 10 secs it was that yummy. Some of the space is rented to like minded vintage inspired artists and creatives so you can find some unique gifts as well. In the back there is even a dress maker! Now how many vintage stores can boast that?

I will be back for sure so if you are in the area I recommend you go. I was so surprised at how low priced all the items were. I saw a mint condition pink 1950s ballgown for sale for £55!!! Now that is good value!

La Perla Ding Dong

Wow! La Perla seem to have swallowed some of Lady Gaga's sense of 'style' and created some glamorous sophisticated takes on it.There are a lot of new arrivals but its the JP Gaultier collection that is by far and away the best. Very much a 40s take on some futurist styled lingerie...makes me think of the that famous film Metropolis. I can see the likes of Katherine Hepburn swanning about her boudoir in some of this snazzy numbers.

Metropolis 

WOW! La Perla. Copyright La Perla

Copyright La Perla

Blah Fashion

I dont want some person to tell me what to wear. I want someone to share with me what they like and allow me to make a decision. I am going to be that person. I will mismatch high street and designer, trash and chic and stomp in my heels about the world. So enjoy my blog posts and my twitter. I feel a revolution in fun fashion is needed, I'll start at the front and push though the mundane and tiresome. FOLLOW ME!