How to style vintage into a modern wardrobe

I am a bit of a throwback to the past. I adore anything vintage or old fashioned but I struggle to dress head to toe. I can't seem to pull off vintage clothes without looking a little bit frumpy so instead I buy retro inspired clothes to get the same look. However, I have learnt along the years how to work with vintage acessories to help enhance my wardrobe. Here are a few tips on how to get the look without going the whole hog.

Brooches

I have an obsession with brooches - to the point where I struggle to leave pretty ones behind. I find they are so great for helping to jazz up a coat or a jumper. They're such a talking point and gives your outfit a little old fashioned charm without being too fuddy duddy, Colourful ones are brilliant for all black or monochrome outfits and pearl ones can help you embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn. You can pick them up for hardly anything from charity shops and bootsales.

Vintage scarfs
A scarf is by far the most simple way to jazz out an outfit. You can have an all-black outfit and pick a snazzy printed scarf and voila it changed the whole vibe. Opt for a long sweeping scarf to wear around your neck with a faux fur coat or choose a shorted multi-coloured scarf to tie around a vintage-style hairstyle.

Old fashioned bags
I'm also a collector - sense a theme here? - of what I like to describe as Kelly bags. Structured leather handbags - usually from the 1950's or the 1960's - are pretty easy to pick up from charity shops and car boots. They look so classy and can really give an outfit a vintage kick especially if you pair them with a midi skirt or shift dress. They're also a great size which is perfect if you like to carry a lot of junk around like me.

Pearls
My favourite stone is by far a pearl - i'm not sure Cameos count as a stone? - and i've built up quite a collection over the years. A string of vintage pearls immediately make an outfit ten times classier in my opinion. You can also go for pearl stud earrings if you want to push the boat out. I'm hardly ever seen with a pair of pearl studs.

How do you incorporate vintage in to your modern wardrobe? 

Read more

Wake me up when it's all over.

Outfit:
Midi beige trench coat: Zara (Similar)
Quilted mint green floral midi skirt: ASOS (Similar)
Suede pointed Chelsea boots: Topshop
Black Cat eye glasses: c/o London Retro via Glasses Direct

Over the past year i've realised i'm a complete sucker for a cat eye so when Glasses Direct got in touch and offered me a snazzy new pair of London Retro glasses, that's obviously what I went for. I love the retro vibe of the specs and how they're something a little different from the norm. I was drawn to the leopard print on the arms. No point in blending in if you're a glasses wearer!

Glasses Direct actually offer a special service where they send you four of your favourite frames at no charge to try out at home. Once you decided on which beauties will grace your face, you can order the winners online. Then you return them free of charge within seven days. If nothing tickled your fancy, you can start the whole process all over again. Genius! They've also introduced a new boutique range which feature some amazing brands such as Ray-Ban, Superdry and Tommy Hilfiger.

What's your favourite style of glasses?

Read more

Laura Ashley S/S '15

 

A few days ago I was invited along to have a little mooch around at what Laura Ashley will have to offer next season. It's always such a joy to have a sneak peak.

Their handbag game was immense. They're not a brand that I associate with handbags but I fell in love with every one they had on offer. I adored the gorgeous pastel colours and many reminded me of Michael Kors in the shape. The stunning pink envelope bag would be ideal for a summer wedding - it's big enough to still fit all your junk in!

They really went to town with their patterns for this season. The nautical themed rail was amazing - loved the adorable seagull print. You really can't beat a good thick cotton dress when the weather starts to heat up and the boat print one ticked all the right boxes. The cute buttons on the strap at the back was a lovely detail. My personal favourite has to be the midi white embroidery anglaise dress. It was such a perfect length and the material felt so luxe. Definitely a piece I'm going to look out for!

I was particularly impressed with their range of kitchenware. I'm a sucker for some china and loved the pretty patterns they had on offer. The cake knife would be perfect if you were throwing a family garden party and wanted to impress whilst cutting a yummy Victoria sponge. Who can resist the cute Tobias the dog lamp? Such a handsome chap!

Has anything caught your eye?

Read more