A crafty lady named Messy Jesse
October 16, 2010
In the Eco Office, it would seem we’re a bit of a creative bunch. Between us, we have photographers, writers, bloggers, musicians and even a gymnast! The most common pastime, however, would appear to be that good old fashioned skill – sewing.
One of our in-house seamstresses is Messy Jesse, a lovely bubbly little lady who’s addicted to vintage-inspired prints and fabrics. She devotes a good part of her spare time (and a whole room in her house) to her beloved hobby, where she makes everything from purses and knitting needle organisers to the adorable chick print purse below which she’s just given me as the sweetest little gift.
Possibly the impromptu generosity was inspired after I had given Miss Jessie a heap of brand new printed fabric, which had been sitting waiting in my house for such a long time, desperate for a use. Needless to say Jessie was overjoyed at the bundle of patterns bestowed upon her, and has already made some delightful little coasters which you can buy in her Etsy shop, along with some other great ideas that are perfect for getting a head start on your Christmas shopping.
For those of you not quite on the hunt for gifts just quite yet, but still with a craving for crafts, you can check out little miss Jessie’s pretty and ultra-practical tip-filled blog here.
Downpours and inventions at Vintage Goodwood
August 18, 2010
On Friday afternoon, after a few back seat beers and cheesy poofs, we arrived at Vintage Goodwood just in time for the heavens to open, as if on command and right as we began to pitch our tents. Thankfully, the boys became men (momentarily at least) and allowed us ladies to saunter off in the rain in search of yesteryear’s treasures.
With a bit of careful footing through the mud, we reached the main event where everyone from The Body Shop to Oxfam had created pop-up shops on the festivals retro ‘high-street’. In Oxfam we discovered rails set out by decade which were home to everything from 70s chic chiffon maxi dresses to 50s rockabilly skirts. The prices may have been a little high, but still affordable should you have fallen head over heels with one of the many special pieces.
After the outburst of “There’s hundred’s of vintage stalls over there!” from one of the boys upon their return, we naturally made an instinctual diversion from the high-street like lions chasing gazelle. While his numbers may have been somewhat overstated, we certainly did find some amazing stands where we promptly lost a good few hours and emptied our already well-worn wallets.
One-of-a-kind fashion aside, we played on the vintage cars and scooters like both children and pin-ups (see below). We were also lucky enough to get backstage dressing room passes and got to check out where rock legends Faces got ready for their first performance together in 25 years. As Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones, Ian McLagan, Mick Hucknall and Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock walked past us, heading towards the stage, we traced their footsteps. However, on arrival at the rear of the main stage, we were quick to decide that for us, it was right in the thick of the crowd that was the only place to be.
Just before laying our heads to rest after a jolly good day, my fellow tent sharer, upon expressing how he could never find anything in his jacket exclaimed; “Wouldn’t it be good if you just had one really big pocket?” To which I responded; “Yeah, with a strap?” His reply; “What, like a bag?!” Had it not been for the fact that we had been long been beaten to it with such an invention (and the copious amounts of vodka, whisky and beer consumed) I could have sworn we were onto something…
Crowd pleasers - vintage fashionistas spotted at Goodwood
Polka dots and pin-ups
Smoking smock
Where fairytales are made
Wayne Hemmingway, promising sunshine from 5.30pm onwards
From the farm
shaggin' wagon?
Original up-dos
One true diva
A stitch in time
Treasured chest
July 29, 2010
A collection of ever-sentimental, dearly cherished jewels passed from Grandmother to Grandchild.
Love Thy Vintage
May 29, 2010
A few of the lovely ladies in The Fashion Office often comment on how many vintage dresses I own which made me realise quite how much of a retro hoarder i am.
So as I’d previously decided to do a bit of a bank holiday wardrobe de-clutter, I thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you while i do it. Enjoy.
‘And Mary’ Launch Beautiful Boutique Jewellery Site
December 17, 2009
A few months ago, my lovely friend Alison left the big smoke and headed back to the fair land of Scotland. Bidding adieu to her job as a Buyer for fashion chain Joy, she took up a role as an agent for a bounty of cool and original brands.
Since then, not only has she cranked up the sales but also managed to inject her quirky personality and a lot of extremely hard work into launching the And Mary website; a collection of really individual, beautiful pieces of jewellery and accessories.
I’ve already placed an order for a gift, which just in case the receiver is reading, I won’t reveal exactly what for. Have a look yourself and you won’t be disappointed. From pony and poodle necklaces to teapot, cup and saucer vintage style charm bracelets, there’s something special for everyone. Best of all, you’ll receive complementary delivery and each item arrives wrapped in a delicate organza gift bag so no need to wrap. Just the ticket or Christmas!
For more information or to place an order, visit www.andmary.com or email Alison Pratt on ajagencies@hotmail.com.
It’s official: my dad is the coolest
June 21, 2009
Check him out – this is one cool dude. He’s suave, he’s uber fashionable (or at least he was in the 70s) and best of all, he’s my Dad.
Last week, i asked him what was the most rock and roll thing he had ever done, to which he replied; “some things parents don’t tell their children.” Despite the reluctance to share, I’m pretty confident that my Pa has had his fair share late nights, too much booze and plenty of everything else that goes with it. He lived the 70s. That in itself, is rock and roll enough for me.
My lovely daddy turns 60 this year. It’s a big year for both of us with only two weeks separating us from being exactly thirty years apart. So, with only a couple of months until we celebrate our birthday’s and it being the one other day in the year that’s all about dads, i thought i’d let him take a bit of the spotlight.
Happy Father’s Day Papa x
Milly Rose; vintage furniture with personality
November 21, 2008
A good friend of mine has just introduced me to Milly Rose; a brand new company that specialises in adding a contemporary, designer twist to vintage furniture. As a vintage enthusiast, I’m only too happy to discover somewhere new to feed my ever-growing addiction (as is my bank manager).
Everyone fancies Jeremy
Milly Rose is the brainchild of mother of two; Alison Parmer who scours the UK for well loved vintage furniture and then re-upholsters them in beautiful, statement designer silks, cottons and linens. Re-upholstered in MissoniHome, Kenzo, ROMO and Harlequin Harris fabrics, Parmer’s range compromises of one-of chaise longue’s and vintage chairs that are packed full of personality. Each item is lovingly personified with a name; from Susannah, Anushka to Holly and Amarante. Without a doubt, my eyes are firmly fixed on Jeremy. A 1950’s wooden chair complete with charmingly aged wood, Jeremy has been brought fashionably up to date with MissoniHome silk and cotton. With his extrovert colours and years of experience ‘everyone fancies this one’ meaning this bachelor’s unlikely to be on the market for long.
Having only launched in October this year, Milly Rose is still very much a fledgling company. However, with its niche quirkiness and Finders Seekers service where for a nominal sum Parmer will hunt down iconic pieces of furniture from the past, the brand is set to become a huge success. And with unquestionably beautiful products, a Milly Rose purchase may not come cheap (prices start from £450) but will guarantee a chic investment for years to come.
Get your vintage fix at Nastygal.com
October 23, 2008
From oversized lumber jack shirts (just add wet look leggings) to 80s sequinned dresses and signature eco cotton totes; Nasty Gal ‘for the discerning fashionista’ is currently my virtual second home.
A relatively new company, Sophia Amoruso founded Nasty Gal in 2006 and is lucky enough to be based in the vintage goldmine that is San Francisco. A rather talented little lady, Amoruso is also the owner of Sophia Amoruso photography.
Not only has the slick, simplistic and very contemporary design of Nasty Gal’s website caught my fickle eye but the amazing calibre of hand selected vintage items has left me close to drooling. With such a fantastic range – everything from original 80s fabulously cut drape dresses to must-have ‘Cosby sweaters’ and the most covetable of leather jackets; a shop in the UK would simply tear up the London vintage market.
Check out the Nasty Gal blog and unusually (and refreshingly) you wont see a lot of wordy posts but a snapshot of all of the phenomenally styled upcoming garms and accessories winging their way to the site. With a lookbook on its way too, things are looking ever optimistic for this growing and hugely successful site as a firm vintage favourite. And let’s face it, with not much competition out there excluding vintage mecca’s Absolute Vintage, candy says and Beyond Retro (whose website incidentally has had an amazing re-design); Nasty Gal are hot footing it to success with a fully transactional website.
Which leads me into delivery. The great news – Nasty Gal ship, not too costly, worldwide and offer free delivery on orders over $150 (approx £92). The downside – it would appear that this offer is only available to US customers and with vintage items being non-returnable, make sure you heed their advice on checking your measurements match theirs. Thankfully, they’ve been kind enough to post a pretty comprehensive fit guide too.
The perfect destination to get your fix of super cool vintage or new clothing, accessories and sunglasses a la American Apparel, Nasty Gal may not be the cheapest at ranging from $18 to $295 – but you definitely get what you pay for. It’s clear to see that this range really has been hand selected, cutting hours off your Portobello and Camden market rummaging and putting an end to ‘I saw it first’ cat-fights.
Don’t forget to sign up to the e-newsletter – you’ll be hot on the pulse of new arrivals before anyone else and trust me, they go…fast!
