J'adore Dior

Recently a lovely friend gave me a book on one of my favourite designers, Christian Dior and its has taught me a lot that i didn't know; not only about the man behind the clothes but about the real and lasting influence he has had on the fashion world.

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Now Dior is responsible for (in my opinion) the single most influential fashion collection after the war; the New Look line. Us vintage ladies who are interested in the 40's and 50's are very taken with the silhouette of a tiny waist and huge flared skirt that Dior's line created and the complete contrast that posed to the sensible and streamlined garments of the war years.

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It was images of these dresses that made my love of vintage fashion what it is and i would love nothing more than to be able to own a piece like these but alas i haven't won the lottery yet or magically dropped a fair few inches on my waistline to be able to actually wear something like this but a girl can dream right?
In fact, Dior himself called his models mannequins so you know i shan't feel too bad about it haha

Dior himself was a plain and elegant man who shied away from the attention his New Look line gave him. The line launched in 1947 and he became an immediate celebrity and struggled to cope with his new found fame; so much so that he would take leave and travel abroad to gain inspiration for his new collections; away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and the media. Dior was in his 40's when he made his entrance into the fashion world and unfortunately had only 10 years to make his mark until his death.

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There are certain designers that i cherish and look to for inspiration in my own designs and Christian Dior is and will always remain one of those designers. His use of structure and detailing can still be seen today not only in the modern Dior collections but throughout the fashion world. It's interesting to learn about the life of this man and how he managed to change the face of fashion and reinstate Paris as the fashion capital.

Let me know if you enjoyed this little venture into the New Look line and if you guys would be interested in a series looking at his other legendary designs.

Hugs and Kisses

Ana

xxx

Have you heard?

Ladies have i got news for you! I have discovered a wonderful company that sells vintage reproduction patterns based in the UK and i wanted to share it with you my dear friends.

I am a lover of vintage patterns, in fact i am a bit of an addict and love nothing more than traipsing through online sites looking for bargain patterns. Although i love vintage patterns, they can be hard work to adjust and due to our shapes changing over the years, they can be a little difficult to handle. That's why i get super excited when i discover a company like Eliza M Vintage Sewing that sell wonderful vintage reproduction patterns.

Eliza offers a wonderful selection of patterns on her site from dresses that the stars of the silver screen old would be happy to wear to Swing trousers that the hardest of jivers would dance in to their hearts content. 

I was interested to learn a bit more about Eliza and her company and she was kind enough to answer everything i wanted to know.

Where has your love of Vintage sparked from?

I have been intrigued with vintage style since I was a young girl.My grandma used

to take me jiving and my uncle used to always wear his hair in a quiff 

and dress like a rockabilly and drive us all around in his vintage bench 

seat fifties car! So my interest in the forties and fifties really 

stemmed from their early influence.

Is vintage dress something you do yourself and if so do you do it on a daily basis or just for special occasions?





Obviously I make the majority of my own clothes using my dress patterns 

so I wear vintage style all the time,I don't wear genuine vintage as I 






have









way too many of my own design clothes in my wardrobe to ever go out and 

buy anymore!

What, in your opinion are 3 things a vintage girl cannot be without?

hairpins,

red lipstick

a full swing dress










        

What is your favorite old movie?

This is a difficult one for me as I love so many of them but anything 

at all with Doris Day, though Barbara Streisand in the Way We Were is a 

favourite too.

I tend to rewind and rewind to study the costumes in old movies, oh I 

love the Prince and the Showgirl too!






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Who is your style icon and why?

My style icons are varied, but really how can you not be impressed with 

Jackie Onassis and Greta Garbo!



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 How did Eliza M sewing company get started?

I started sewing relatively late in life as I was fed up with never 

finding anything I liked or anything that really fitted me and flattered 

me in places I wanted to be flattered! I started with vintage sewing 

patterns but found them too difficult as i am self taught and the 

beginning phases were challenging to say the least. I absolutely knew I 

wanted to sew vintage though so I found a pattern cutter who cut me a 

simple pattern in vintage style that was easy for me to make. After that 

there was no stopping me! I thought that maybe there were other women 

who might benefit from the patterns I had had made for my own use, and 

so Eliza M was born!

Where do you get your inspiration for your patterns from?

This comes from style icons,for example the Jackie suit pattern was 

inspired by the beautiful Jackie Onassis



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 and 

the Grace dress was inspired by another stunning style icon Grace Kelly.



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Which are your Favorite patterns you have made and why?

My favourite pattern is the Betty pattern, she is so flattering and 

fun, and so easy to make and you can really think about using different 

fabric combinations for the collar and bodice. I have made her a few 

times now and still have so many ideas for her.I don't think I will ever 

get bored of her.

 Do you have any tips for the budding vintage entrepreneur on getting yourself and your business out there?

Do something you love. Do your homework and research. Work with only 

the best people you can find. Be patient. Work hard. Get a good website!

My favourite patterns on the site include of course the Betty dress as pictured above,

The Peggy Dress

And don't even get me started on the patterns for this blouse and swing trousers. They are a must have!

Needless to say i am more than delighted that i came across these patterns and i will be adding several of these patterns into my collection! Her patterns are very reasonably priced and as little bonus for all you Ladies and Gents outside the UK, she ships internationally!!

My experience talking to Eliza was a delight so please check out her site by clicking here and you can also find her on Twitter and give her a like on Facebook  too.

Hugs and Kisses

Ana

xxx

New beginnings!

Lovelies! How i have missed you all. With Christmas and New Year i have been super busy and have hardly had time to sit and have a cuppa let alone do anything else. But as everything settles down to the norm, there is more time for the fun things in life.

So how did you all enjoy the festivities? I for one had a great time and i have come up with so many wonderful ideas for the old blog i just cant wait to share them with you all!

Lets start with the exciting business of Christmas. Where to begin i received such amazing and thoughtful gifts. To be honest with you all, i didn't really expect to get any vintage prezzies as i know that if you are not interested in that kind of thing it can be hard to know what someone might like never mind where to get it from but...How about this then ladies:

A vintage fur stole! When i opened this i was gobsmacked. My mum is such a love she really knows me through and through. I think it's so stylish and a little more subtle than say a fox stole, it's right up my street. I will surely be doing an outfit post featuring this beauty soon.

I received this great retro 40's radio that will look super in my sewing room and will certainly come in  handy with all the new sewing projects i have up my sleeve for this coming year (hint, hint)

My fellas lovely mum included in my present this pattern that i have been lusting over since it came out. It is this pattern by Butterick in collaboration with the gorgeous Gertie. I have to save a little more money for the right wool for my coat as it takes quiet a bit but its going to be one of those pieces that will be timeless.

Last but not least the love of my life who, despite my constant chatter of vintage this and vintage that picked up on my love for this particular magazine and bought me a subscription which i couldn't be happier with! You can find Vintage Life Magazine online at www.vintagelifemagazine.com If you haven't checked it out yet Go Do It!! I love it!

Not only that but he came home with these awesome shoes by irregular choice! He thought they were "so me" (Isn't he a love haha) and you know what... he was spot on. I have been wanting a pair of irregular choice shoes for a while and i have no doubt these will be the first of a fair few.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and new year and i would love to hear what Santa bought you.

Hugs and Kisses 

Ana

xxx

Car booty.

In some unusual circumstances i was up at 6am on Sunday morning. So what better thing to do when your awake several hours before you need to be getting ready for work than go to a good old car boot sale. There is a local boot sale that is on here every Sunday, rain or shine. Last time i was able to go i went a little late and found it pretty lame however this time i was there bright and early with a keen eye for a vintage treasure. Needless to say i picked up a few beauties including my Christmas day dress; so i thought i would share them with you guys.

I picked up this gorgeous 60's dress with a peter pan collar.

It's a great fit and i just love the colours.


I also picked up this great leather bag. I think its 70's and although out of the eras that i tend to stick in i love it and couldn't resist picking it up.

I picked up this lovely cable knit jumper. It's a modern piece but with the right styling i think it will look fab. Plus it's super warm and it has been chilly here in the UK.

Last but by no means least i picked up this great green dress with matching belt. This is definitely going to be my Christmas outfit. Not what i had in mind to begin with but its so lovely. I love it

I hope you liked my little thrifted haul, I'm sure there will be some outfit posts coming soon.
I would love to know what treasures you guys have found recently.

 Hugs and Kisses

Ana

xxx

A Lovely Surprise

Guess what guys??? The lovely ladies over at Brentwood Lane Vivian, Viola and Vera surprised me with the Liebster Blog award!!! I was so excited i did a little dance around my room haha

I just love reading the answers to the questions they were asked and it's so nice of them to spread the love and share some blogs that they like to read too.

So on with their questions for me:

1. Why did you decide to create a blog?

I decided to start my blog because i wanted to share my sewing creations and other vintage passions. I am a big fan of YouTube but i love writing so much that i thought the blog was the way to go. I found so many wonderful other bloggers who are interested in the same things that i am so i thought why not create something that others will want to read and that i enjoy writing.

2. Do you have any friends who share the same passion for vintage?

I have one friend in particular that i can say truly shares my passion for vintage. She like to trail the vintage shops for bargains just as much as i do and likes so chat on about hair, makeup and clothes over a cuppa served in a cute china cup haha. People are always curious about the clothes i wear or the hairstyles i use asking how did you manage that? etc. The town i live in does have a vintage community but i have yet to meet anyone.

3. What decade first drew you into dressing vintage?

I have always had an interest in vintage but never fully embraced purchasing and wearing vintage until a few years ago. I am a lover of the 40's and 50's most definitely. The silhouette that the clothes from these eras makes really accentuates a womans curves in all the right places. For me, 40's and 50's suit my shape the best and make me feel great when i'm wearing it.

4. Before you embraced vintage what was your style?

Before i embraced vintage style i dabbled in all sorts. I never really was one to follow trend and i was always a little bit of a surfer/rocker chick. I still like a bit of the music now and again to reminisce but you could usually find me in jeans or a little tartan skirt and a band t-shirt but never really got into the scene fully, i guess there was that vintage glamour puss just trying to get out haha.

5. Besides wearing vintage styled clothes do you also watch old movies and listen to vintage music? If so what is your favorite movie and artist/genre?

I do! I love nothing more than to cuddle up under a duvet and put on an old movie. I have so many films i love to watch again and again. hmmm...lets see... I love everything with Audrey Hepburn in. She is the quintessential vintage icon but i have had a love affair with her films for a long time. I really couldn't pick a favorite but at a push i would have to say either My fair lady or Roman holiday. She is just a dream to watch. 

In terms of  my musical taste, lets just say it eclectic. I do love vintage music again mainly from the 40's and 50's although i do listen to jazz from time to time. My favorite vintage music is swing. I wish i could swing dance but i haven't found a class i can go to in my home town yet. 

6. What is the oddest vintage recipe you've tried, want to try, or seen someone else try?

I suppose the oddest recipes are the wartime ones. With a waste nothing attitude that everyone adopted during the war, recipes emerged that used all parts of an animal. So i think if i were to try something it would be a stew or hotpot of some sort. Although just thinking about eating brains or tripe sends my stomach flipping haha.

7. What is your favorite place to shop for vintage inspired or authentic vintage clothes?

I love to shop for vintage inspired clothing online. There aren't many places outside of London where you can purchase reproduction clothing. I find a lot of inspiration for items i want to have a go at making on these websites as i haven't got the budget for anything at the moment. For true vintage items i love nothing better than going into local thrift shops or vintage shops. I love trawling through everything to hopefully find that key item that missing from my wardrobe at just the right price! 

8. What has been your most exciting find?

My most exciting finds have got to be my vintage sewing patterns. I love every single one whether bought online or stumbled across in a shop i love them all. Working with vintage patterns allows me to get the right look in the style and fabric that i want without being aware that i have to be careful what i am doing as i'm wearing vintage. Plus i get the added enjoyment of working on a project and having a beautiful, one of a kind piece to add to my wardrobe and when people ask me about it i can say i made it!

9. What is your favorite vintage hair style? (Either describe it or insert a picture).

My favorite vintage hairstyle has got to be a curled shiny set of locks, it is simple but effective. You can dress it up with a flower, a dazzling diamante clip or you can pop a vintage hat on and look like a glamour puss. Or wear it day to day with the right styling and makeup you can look vintage fabulous in no time. 

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10. If your life was adapted into a vintage movie, what actor would you want to play you?

I think i would either Elizabeth Taylor or of course miss Hepburn (as if i could resist haha) As a brunette I will stick to the dark and lovely ladies.

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11. Do you use vintage terminology and/or slang?

I say oh gosh! quite a lot and i call people darling quite a bit but that's about it i think haha 

I would like to nominate:

Polka Polish

Lady Jardin

Fifties Darling

Princess Prudence Diaries

Stitch in Time and Space

If you are given the award:

1. Link and follow the blogger who awarded you.

2. Blog about the award.

3. Give the award to 5 other bloggers, preferably with less than 200 followers.

4. Answer the 11 questions we ask and give 11 of your own to the bloggers you award

Here are my questions for you all:

1. Do you share your passion for vintage with anyone you know? (friend or relative etc)
2. What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe whether handmade or bought?
3. What decade inspires you most and why?
4. Do you wear vintage daily or for special occasions?
5. Do you prefer vintage, retro reproduction or a mix of the two?
6. If you could invite any 3 people dead or alive to your tea party who would it be?
7. What is your all time favorite vintage movie?
8. If you could play a character from any old movie who would you be?
9. If you could only have 5 key pieces in your wardrobe what would they be?
10. What are your 5 vintage styling must haves? (Can be hair, makeup or clothing and accessories)
11. have you been to any vintage festivals, Goodwood revival, Viva rockabilly weekender etc. If you have what was your experience of them; if you haven't are there any you would like to go to in the future?

It's just afternoon tea darling

Baking is something I have never been much good at but lately I have found myself wanting to master it. Today's adventure was scones, the quintessential British accompaniment to a classic afternoon tea. I am a great lover of these tastes treats so what more reason would I need to make them haha.

My lovely mum handed down some recipes to me and i would like to share one of those with you guys. Trust me my mums recipes have never failed me yet, not even at baking!!!!!

So for this recipe you will need:

• 225g Self raising flour
• 55g butter, softened
• 25g caster sugar
• 100g milk
• pinch of salt

1. Preheat your oven to 220 o C and grease a baking sheet.
2. In a bowl mix together the flour and salt. Add the butter and rub together with your hands so that it looks like bread crumbs. This is why it is important to use softened butter at room temperature as it makes it easier to mix.
3. Add the sugar and milk. Stir together until it makes a soft dough.
4. Turn onto a floured surface and knead very lightly.
5. Pat the dough out into a round about 2cm thick.
6. Use a cutter to stamp out your scones (if you have one, if not i found a glass works just fine). Place on your baking sheet.
7. Brush the tops with either a little butter or milk for a nice glaze on the top. Your scones should look little like this:
8. Bake for about 12-15 minutes untill golden brown and well risen.

I added a few sultanas to mine. There are loads of variations i will try now that these turned out so yummy!! I  think i will try the cheese ones!

Let me know if you try this recipe out for yourselves and how your scones turned out. Also whats your favorite addition to add to this recipe to make your favorite type of scones.

Hugs and Kisses

Ana

xxx

That's just how i roll.

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Victory rolls is one of those styles that any vintage gal must have in her repertoire, however they can be tricky to achieve sometimes. There are loads of tutorials on the old YouTube that offer some great tips on achieving the look from traditional 40's style to all out Rockabilly fabulousness.
As lean more to the traditional styling of victory rolls i wear mine on the smaller side. If your feeling adventurous feel free to backcomb those bad boys haha.

Here is my step by step guide to how i do my victory rolls. You will need the following:

First things first i find that this style works best (for most people) on second day hair, however my hair is thick and will hold at any time. If you have freshly washed hair pop a bit of hairspray on and brush through it to add some substance to the hair. So to tame my curly locks i have washed, blow dried and curled my hair with a curling iron and pinned it up to cool.

An alternative would be to leave your hair overnight like i have done here:

Once completely cooled, take out the pins and shake the curls loose. I prefer to have a side parting as i find it suits me better but if you like a center parting feel free to do so.

Separate a section from the top of your head to behind your ear on both sides and clip the rest of your hair at the back. These will be the sections that we will form our rolls.

Take one side and brush through the hair and add a little pomade or styling product, i use either good old brill cream or a wax based product for a little shine and hold. Starting at the bottom take two fingers and  begin to roll the ends of the hair around to form a loop.

Remove your fingers and continue to roll the hair upwards towards the scalp. Make sure you are pulling the hair taught as you roll so that the side doesn't sag down.

This tends to be the most tricky part of the style and what  has taken practice to get right. Don't give up on it if your struggling, roll the hair back down and start again and you will get it!!

Once you have the roll in place as you like it pin into place with a bobby pin through the center of the roll. I try to hide the bobby pins as best as i can as i think it makes for a more polished look. I usually use a couple of bobby pins to make sure the roll is secure and i feel confident it will stay in place when i go about my day.

Give it a good old spray with hairspray and smooth any fly aways.

Now do the same on the other side. Try to make the rolls about the same size and in the same position on the top of your head.

Hopefully the end result will look something like mine.

Now comes the fun part...the accessories!!! I love hair flowers and this hairstyle is made for them. You could go for a subtle, pinup style on the side by your ear

Or if your feeling adventurous and want to make a statement (lets face it, why wouldn't you?) add a full on bouquet haha.

I would love to know how your rolls turned out.

Hugs and Kisses

Ana

xxx