Diary of a Vintage Girl | Vintage Fashion & Lifestyle

Spring out of season

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:20:00 +0000

Ordinarily, I wouldn't be posting another round of sponsor adulation so soon after the last one, but this is a bit of a special case. This dress has traversed the world like a little cloth-based gap year student before landing in my eager mitts after what seemed like an absolute eternity. Oh, but it was worth the wait! Behold the glory of the Jitterbuggin Bybee dress!

If you know me at all, you will know that the words 'Forties' and 'peasant' are like music to my ears. So when Kim from Jitterbuggin got in touch last year and asked if she could sponsor my blog by sending me a Forties peasant dress from her collection, I considered it for approximately 0.237 of a second before shrieking, 'Bally right you can!' (or possibly something similar with an expletive). The dress then arrived in England some time in November, and due to our useless postal system, then found itself flying back across the Atlantic. Or, actually, it must have sailed, or even swum back with a quick party stop in Cancun, because it took weeks to sheepishly reappear. Kim stuck it back in the post, and this time it dropped on my doormat, a few days ago. And because it is SO AMAZING, despite it being pretty darned nippy over here in Blighty, I'm bringing spring back a couple of months early. And why not, indeed?

I put it on yesterday, and did a wee bit of posing with some greenery, English rose-meets 40s Spanish señorita style. But I also had a big mission yesterday (the earlier discussed Ginger-based jaunt to Brighton), and so the frock took a trip to some very different British scenery. To the seaside!

Can I just say it was blooming parky. Cor blimey, the (hair-ruining!) wind! Sheer brass monkeys, coldy freezingness. Most of the rest of the photos from my trip (which will be revealed early next week) were taken with me firmly wrapped up in my winter coat, but the sunshine was so glorious that I could kiiind of pretend to be on a warm, spring trip to the coast. Brrrrr-acing!

These pictures show the exact colours of the dress much better too - deep grass green skirt paired with an amazing feedsack top in cream, scattered with blue, red and leaf green birds and yellow swirls. Click on the picture to see the print in more detail, or go to the Jitterbuggin site for more angles if you so desire.

Now obviously, Jitterbuggin clothing is not at the cheap end of the repro spectrum. But it is astonishingly well-made. I know a lot of vintage ladies who are big fans of her blouses as they're both authentic and durable for daily wear, this dress seems the same. I know you'll see a LOT more of it on here (I may never take it off), and if you want to treat yourself (or better yet, get someone to treat you) to something really, really lovely, then please go to Kim.

But wait! What about a special Fleur discount deal, you cry? Your wish is my command!

If you enter the code 'Vintage Diary' at checkout, you can get 15% off anything and everything in the store. This deal will be on from now until 12th February (anyone else thinking of a certain present-based event around then? Start dropping hints now!) so do use it if you can. Thanks a million to Kim for setting that up.

And if you, like me, are a social networking fiend, please go fan, follow or blog-subscribe to find out about more special offers and new designs and suchlike straight from the source.

http://www.facebook.com/Jitterbuggin
http://jitterbugginworldwide.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/JitterbugginKim

Peasanty smooches to you all,

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

A little sponsor love...

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:46:00 +0000

Sooo... how are we all? I see my last post garnered lots of lovely replies, and I am so glad that it left you all feeling motivated. I'm also really relieved that my inclination to wear lycra and run around hasn't scared you all off in droves. I'll always try to keep my posts on the subject relevant and interesting, I promise.

Anyway, back to the vintage style. I have a full on fashion, history and booze based picture post planned for you in the next couple of days as I set off for a new King's Ginger adventure to a far flung place (er...Brighton), but I wanted to pop in before that and show a bit of love for one of my most loyal and lovely sponsors, 20th Century Foxy. This fab site has long been a supplier of all things slinky and sultry, carrying Stop Staring dresses and Trashy Diva pieces among others. And, as you know, I've been a staunch advocate of authenticity for years and it's led me to eschew bengaline in favour of cotton and full skirts. But 2012 is, I've decided, the year I'm going to bring sexy back (to myself), and thus have accepted a wiggle-tastic Stop Staring frock as part of my sponsorship deal from 20th Century Foxy, which will be making its debut on here in the next few weeks.

But the big news is that in response to the rising prices and atrocious dollar exchange rates that has made importing repro items a little too expensive, owner Clare has just started up her own line which will gradually replace the brands on her site. And as she's been so lovely to me, I volunteered to showcase one of the first items in her collection, the 1940s Swing Trousers, just to say thank you. So here they are!

These trousers are lovely, made from a wool and linen mix tweed in a wearable colour that can only be describes as 'Ginger'. Not an itch to be found either, so no worries there. They're high waisted, but without a waistband, and I'd say quite generously sized on the hips. I'm in a 10, which is purported to be 27.5" waist, 37" hip, but my hips are definitely closer to 39 and they fit beautifully.

Why am I sitting down, you may ask? Well the inside leg appears to be around 32", and me being a lanky git has an inside leg of 33.5". They would be absolutely spot on if I had let down the hem, but I am not keeping these trousers - not because I don't like them, far from it; but because I have approximately 4 million pairs of trousers (give or take), and 20th Century Foxy's own label range is so newly launched, I do not need or want to take gratuitous freebies from it. So I was reluctant to unpick seams for the sake of a photo. I also would buy them, but you know... tax return poverty time. :(

I hope you'll go visit 20th Century Foxy if you find yourself in need of some new clobber, and support this hard-working, homegrown company! I thank you.

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Best Foot Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:19:00 +0000

January. It's such a cliché. Everywhere I look, there's diet food on discount, gym membership leaflets being handed out, blog posts on resolutions and people vowing to take up this, and give up that. It's nothing more than a recipe for failure, for the solution is probably just as cliché - you have to change your whole attitude and approach, but only little by little; because nothing is more doomed to disaster than going cold turkey on the things you enjoy or committing yourself to a huge amount of something you don't.

Nothing wrong with a bit of pie & mash... all in moderation of course!

I'm not immune to the hype, of course. I have made some promises to myself for this year - a combination of personal challenges to push myself further, stand for less nonsense and, most of all, to believe in myself a bit more, and stop putting up with situations, people and things that are in turn stopping me from achieving my dreams. Though really, in my life, the biggest thing that's stopping me from achieving said dreams is myself.

As you all know, I have become something of an evangelist for all things sporty in the last ten months or so. It seems hard to believe that this time last year, I hadn't put foot to tarmac for any reason other than getting from A to B, and not run for any reason apart from catching public transport in well over a decade. It's now one of the most important things in my life, and one of the main things that keeps me sane. Furthermore, it's caused me to meet lots of amazing new people and the most fantastic thing of all, it's even build a better, stronger relationship with my sporty brother. While we've always got on fine, we've never been hugely close, but now we're WhatsApping each other several times a week, planning training sessions, signing up to half-marathons together and we even went on holiday back in November. It's wonderful!

But I am a firm believer in doing things that scare you. Last night, I did something that made me super nervous - I put on my running shoes and long-sleeved lycra and headed into London to meet up for the first time with the Run Dem Crew - a 150-strong collective of creative minds that get together once a week to run London under cover of darkness. I'm so glad I did, as I got to meet Bangs and a Bun, who is a HUGE inspiration to me, both as a blogger and as a woman; as well as lots of other awesome people. I won't bore you all with an account of the run itself (though hot-footing with a group of 30 people it around the areas I know so well through driving and socialising was rather smashing), but the whole experience has filled me with inspiration and motivation - something I would like to pass on to you. I did promise motivational posts for this January, and I will try to make it relevant to all you vintage-minded souls; but the sentiment is universal. The message put out during the rousing speech before last night's session by Run Dem Crew's founder and leader Charlie Dark can be summed up quite simply: 'Be the best you can be'.

This struck a chord with me, because I have always strived to make the best of myself... albeit not in any way that benefits society. I have never been career-minded in the way many others are. I have now made a career out of doing things I love and will hopefully continue to do so for many years to come, but my clients tend to find me, not the other way round. I am not all that good at pushing myself to get work, which is why I've quietly launched my 'Hire Me' section above... I will be plugging it more in the future, of course!

The things I want most for myself have nothing to do with careers or material possessions: a loving, fulfilling relationship, marriage, children... these things are kind of beyond my control, so I can't push for those either. But something that occupies me constantly is the desire I have always had to look my absolute best. That's why I've dedicated my whole adult life to my various looks (vintage being the longest lasting and deepest passion), and the result is that I have become known for how I style myself. It's vain, it doesn't change anyone else's life except mine. But it makes me happy. And, actually, it HAS improved some other people's lives - the emails I receive every day would seem to illustrate that!

The What Katie Did girls gamely pretend to be fascinated... like THEY need any tips! ;)

You could quite rightly say that me taking up running doesn't really benefit others, either. But my enthusiasm HAS infected others - both friends and readers. And the difference being fit and healthy has made to all areas of my life can't be denied. I know I'll never be an Olympic athlete, nor the next Chrissie Wellington, but I have the drive to constantly improve and be the best I can be at that given time. Improving by small increments is better than standing still or sliding backwards. Just getting out there is the key, whether you walk round the block or run a marathon. Charlie Dark put it best last night when he said that he's not impressed by someone who can run a marathon in two and a half hours. Someone who runs one in six however... to be out on the road, striving to succeed for that long... that takes some serious guts. But the rewards of achieving your goals are phenomenal: when you do, no matter how modest said goals are, it makes other aspirations seem well within your reach. You'll be surprised at how this attitude inspires others around you into making their own inroads!

So, set some achievable goals this year, and really start to better yourself. Do things that scare you! Take up a new hobby and meet some new friends (even if there's nothing wrong with your old friends), find an activity that fits in with your life - be it running, cycling, yoga, zumba or swing dancing. Wear that dress you've never felt brave enough to sport in public. Try bright lipstick, a new hair-colour. Start looking for a new job. Ask out that boy or girl; or ditch the one that's making you miserable. Cut down on smoking, eat more vegetables, drink more water! Don't try to change everything in one go, because it's way too hard.

And it is a cliché, but 2012 should be the year that we all try to better ourselves, in small ways or large. Taking on projects that will help others is brilliant, and I applaud and admire altruism in anyone. I aim to do more myself in that vein this year. But we all need to be happy within ourselves first. And I am on my way to achieving that - let's do it together! Share your goals with me here, and we'll revisit this over the course of the year. If we don't prove the Mayans right and get wiped out by a giant asteroid or alien invasion, or whatever.

My goals:

Run faster and stronger.
Cycle more and save up for a road bike.
Eat more protein, and drink more water.
Meet as many new people as possible, from different walks of life.
Do some more acting!
De-clutter my home and donate all the clothes I haven't worn in a year or more to charity. NOT the vintage, I hasten to add!
Go on more dates. Even just with my girlfriends! ;)
And because we need at least one vintage-themed goal: acquire one of those 1940s phone cord handbags in red, yellow, blue, green and white!

That's it for now, but I'm sure it'll grow as the year marches on. And other exciting things are happening soon, too. My new Heyday Fleur dress design will be out this spring, you will LOVE it! I have secret projects in the works, of my own and with the Vintage Mafia. I have races, and possible holidays, and potential acting gigs, and a BIG MOVE TO LONDON, where I'll be living with VM girlies in a massive and awesome VM HQ. Far too much going on to feel glum about the things I *can't* change.

This year will be sweeeet. Thanks to Olivier Rogery for these unused Figaro photos!

It's going to be a good year, I feel it in me bones. Let's make it happen together!

Cheers!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Visiting the past

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:25:00 +0000

I would like to announce that I have failed on the 12 Days of Christmas Outfits. I spent the proceeding three days from my last post, holed up in my flat, wearing little of note and seeing no one to take photos of me, even had I been wearing something nice. Not wishing to subject you to a further three self-taken, cameraphone mirror pictures, I decided to quit while I was behind. I will make it up to you with some future, fancy pictures, promise.

But here's something a little different for you.

I have often posted here about a photographer I've now collaborated with several times, Tobias Key. Toby and I have done several shoots together with some of my very favourite pictures produced as a result. One picture I haven't shared with you is this one.

I'm not sure why I haven't posted this portrait. Taken by a large format camera straight on, I think it is quite uncompromising. But maybe it's just because I'm so thoroughly used to exploiting my 'best angles' and turning to just the right point to look as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

But actually, it's good to show a different type of picture once in a while, and even more so when it's part of a quite exciting project.

Toby has just posted up a blog with his latest portrait in the series, which he's tentatively named 'The Past is a Place I Like to Visit'.

This beautiful lady is called Simone, but she is not nearly so fabulous as my dear friend Miss Cherrylicious (who I haven't seen in ages and this must be rectified soon!), who has also been captured recently by Toby.

The sharpness of the large format camera gives the images a haunting property that works really well with the primness of vintage, and makes such a change from the cheery cheesecake that abounds these days. I hope to do another shoot for this series at some point. And if any vintage ladies and gentlemen (as I believe he wants to include the chaps but has trouble tracking them down, hence needing my help!) want to get involved with Toby's project, please contact him here, and tell him I sent you!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Sieben, Acht, Happy Neu(n) Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:12:00 +0000

And a very happy new year to you all!

England is currently in the throes of the Apocalypse, as I write, rain pelts my window and my parents sit shivering in the cold due to gale-induced power cuts. But all is not lost, for if it is the end of the world, at least the last thing you see will be pictures of my outfits from the last three days. I can't think of a better way to go. Assuming, that is, that checking blogs is on your 'to-do-before-imminent-death' list.

Anyway, enough typing, more visuals. The seventh day of Christmas is a biggie. New Year's Eve. I had been looking forward all week to partying with La Maf (only four of us as geography and germs sadly kept Naomi and Gemma away). We went, as previously mentioned, to Die Freche Muse - a decadent, vintage-themed night that saw the other girls dressed in floor length gowns and furs. Since I didn't have a new gown to wear, and besides which I am already heartily sick of winter, I decided to summer it up completely. I did have one rather snazzy new frock, which came from the amazingly lovely Miss Bamboo, and I wanted to wear it, weather and theme be-damned. So I did.

What I didn't do is remember to stop enjoying myself long enough to pose for a full-length picture. Nor did Hanson take any pictures in colour. I hope the official pics pop up soon, so in the mean time, use your imagination and the link to the Trashy Diva dress to imagine the colours....

Trashy Diva Trixie Sarong in the 'Pearl Harbour' print from Miss Bamboo, bangles in white, blue, green, red, yellow and bamboo to complement, bamboo earrings and white wedges from Remix, topped off with a large helping of gin. And that was NYE.

New Year's Day started with a rather piercing headache, soon assuaged by a delicious burger and viewing of Sherlock Holmes at the Hackney Picturehouse. This is what I wore.

A skirt which I had made for me, years and years ago, by TopRunway, a vintage 40s blouse (eBay), stockings and my winter boots again. Also, the last remaining undrunk booze from New Year's Eve, a delicious bottle of artificially flavoured Pineapple Daquiri. No one fancied it, either on the night or the next day. I wonder why.

Classy!

And finally, yesterday. We're back to phone cam again, and an underwhelming post climax (probably). Because the only 'outfit' I put on yesterday was my newest running gear to go and pound the streets of Surrey and work off some festive pounds.

This is me as a Nike Ninja.Full length leggings and a long sleeve turtleneck. Snug!

I also downloaded some audiobooks to listen to as I run... which turned out to be a great idea as I didn't get at all bored, though I think it made me run slightly slower as I concentrated on listening. Or maybe that was the mince pies and wine.

Anyway, here's hoping 2012 brings you all your hopes and dreams. But you have to be the one that makes it all happen! I'm penning some inspirational, motivational posts which will be coming up soon, to help you be the most kick-arse, high achieving vintage (or modern) girl out there. But until then, look after yourselves.

Tchüss!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

A Festive Ginger Jaunt

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Hullo! This is the fifth in a series of jaunts I've undertaken, by and for The King's Ginger. I stayed close to home this time, to visit and explore a part of London I love, one that King Edward himself would have known well. And this time, I took a fancy pants photographer, too! It's time to take a stroll down to St James's.

All the photos in this post are by the talented Hanson Leatherby.

St James's is one of London's most aristocratic areas. Home to many of the longest established and best-known Gentlemen's Clubs, St James's Street itself boasts an array of shops, some of which have been in place for centuries. While the eventual destination was, of course, Berry Bros. & Rudd itself, home of the King's Ginger, some exploring was definitely on the cards first. I've walked up and down St James's many times, and never had an occasion to enter any of the imposing establishments. But that was all about to change! For Edward himself would have undoubtedly have entered every one of these shops, and as I am on his trail, so must I.

The first shop we entered was James J. Fox, the Cigar Merchant, situated in St James's for over 200 years. Since 1787 to be precise.

King Edward was very much partial to a fine cigar. King Edward brand cigars, named for Bertie himself are still available; but when alive, the King would have only the very finest for himself. The shop is quite remarkably exempt from the smoking ban, and in fact has a smoking lounge, so the smell of tobacco enveloped Hanson and I as we entered. As well as being gracious enough to let us walk around snapping and snooping, it turns out they also have a museum in the basement, packed with historical mementos and ephemera.

This box of cigars actually dates from Edwards last years as the Playboy Prince.

Another famous cigar fan - Winston Churchill - was the subject of much memorabilia in the museum. And a rather regal chair and ashtray that I had to try out... of course.

Anyway, all the fumes from the smoke were making me quite lightheaded, so we headed out for some smelling salts. Well, to the chemist a few doors up.

D.R. Harris has also been in its present location for more than 200 years. It sells a vast array of traditional paraphernalia, from shaving equipment to brushes to gentleman's nail clippers and so on; and a carries a huge range of toiletries. Soaps, scents and unguents, all packaged in sturdy, no-nonsense bottles and tubs. A truly splendid place.

Didn't think much of the delivery chap's outfit. Wellies in town... I mean, really.

While they don't have a museum as such (and actually apologised to us for that!), they do have some wonderful old pieces on display, huge old advertising props for perfume and old glass bottles. Plus the antique pharmacist's cabinet above.

The manager didn't have any Bertie anecdotes for me, but I'm sure he or members of his household would have popped in. been Christmas may be over, but this would be a treasure trove of future gifts for grandads, and dads... and any vintage-appreciating men in your life, quite frankly.

Onwards and indeed upwards, for the next stop on our mystery tour was Lock & Co. Hat makers to Royalty, and found at No. 6 St James's Street for more than 300 years.

The Lock & Co website states that, 'established not later than 1676 to wait upon the Court at St. James's, the business now serves customers from all corners of the earth. Its survival is the consequence of progressive conservatism, of confidence in quality and a demonstration of the effectiveness of persistent personality and individuality in an increasingly mass-minded world.'

Quite true, I would say. Its hats are the best of the best, as demonstrated by the popular radio DJ who was in there buying titfers for his dad and father in law at the same time as us. Hugely fond of dressing well as King Edward was, both before and after he ascended the throne; he would have had his pick of the toppers and felt creations on offer. Lock & Co also made the very first Bowler hat in 1849. A sort of hard hat crossed with a fashion statement, the bowler was a staple in comedy, in banking, and, remarkably, in the Wild West. Presumably due to its practicality when riding... or fighting!

The hat sizes of the Great and Good: Charlie Chaplin, Evelyn Waugh, Laurence Olivier... Lord Lucan even!

The sense of history you get in Lock's is immense. From the antique hats lining the walls to the actual wood of the shop front itself. Three centuries of wear, tear and paint have given it the most amazing texture. You can't help but run your hands over it... quickly in case the shopkeepers spot you! I'm only joking, they were all just as lovely as the others!

Next door to Lock & Co is Lobb the Shoemakers. Another stalwart of the street, Lobb himself was a Cornish farmboy with a limp, who learned the trade and came to London. Such was his skill at his craft that he won all sorts of awards, culminating in the Golden Ticket of the time - a Royal Warrant to make shoes for, of course, Edward, Prince of Wales. Edward's taste for the finer things was truly from head to toe. His patronage ensured the success of the business, as where he went, others followed: 'kings, maharajahs, actors, singers, politicians, business moguls and literati'.

We didn't dare go in, as Hanson and I both have a particular weakness for shoes. It's a truly dangerous place, and if anyone would like to stump up £7,000 so I can have a bespoke pair of snakeskin pumps made, I'd be most grateful.

Last but not least, it was on to visit the home of King's Ginger itself, Berry Bros & Rudd. I don't think I can do justice to its long and interesting history in such a short space, but I will try.

Berry's has also been in its present location, no.3 St James's Street, for over 300 years. The shop front is unchanged and has that same wonderful texture as Lock & Co.

Founded in 1698 by an enterprising widow named Bourne, the first Royal Warrant was awarded in the reign of George III, in the 1700s. They continue to hold it to this day, but not all Royals have had the honour of having libations created specifically for them. I have related the story of the creation of KGL several times on here, so you don't need to hear it again. But, given the season and its reason for creation (protection from the cold), King's Ginger was much in evidence in the window displays.

Inside, it was bustling with businessmen and ladies buying bottles of aged wine for the festive season, but they let me stand around 'modelling' a bottle of the ginger nectar among the warm wood panelling and random iron machinery. The famous weighing scales upon which famous customers used to record their own weight still stand in the centre of the room.

The sense of history stretching back over the centuries as you stand in Berry's is immense. I thoroughly recommend popping in if you pass - there's so much to look at on the walls and shelves.

If you were luck enough to receive a bottle of The King's Ginger for Christmas, or can pick one up today, even; then here's my top two festive and New Year's Eve recipes.

King's Ginger Mulled Wine

750ml red wine
250ml The King's Ginger
50g caster sugar
2 lemons zested (plus flesh of 1 lemon)
1 orange zested
1 stick of cinnamon
A dash of nutmeg
1 star anise

The recipe says to 'simmer over a low heat for 3 hours, then double strain with fine sieve', but I heated it up until it was hot... and that was perfectly fine. It's so warming, and very very strong!

When you're getting ready to party, this is guaranteed to get you in the mood...

The Ginger Royale

35ml The King's Ginger
140ml Champagne

'Pour a generous measure of The King's Ginger into a flute. Add chilled Champagne to taste. Then find some attractive friends with whom to share this delicious and efficacious concoction.' Sounds about right to me!

Last, but no least, let me tell you about my outfit!

I'm wearing a halterneck jumpsuit that actually came from ASOS (amazingly, still available!), after I saw it on Retrochick's blog. I am only wearing it on the bottom half, though - I rolled it down and used the neck ties as a belt! A 1930s style jumper that came from a high street shop is underneath a 1940s jacket that's part of a suit. The A-line beige skirt does absolutely nothing for me, unfortunately; but the shoulder and hip detail of the jacket is exquisite. And the cut fits me like it's bespoke. I'm also wearing my winter sheepskin shoes bought from Miss L Fire. Do excuse the rather unstyled hair! Thanks again to Hanson for snapping me.

Happy New Year to one and all of my amazing readers. I am heading to a vintage event locally, it's called Die Freche Muse and it should be fabulous fun. I just can't decide what to wear!

Have a good one, gang! See you next year.

Lots of love,

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Quatre, Cinq, (iPhone 4S)ix

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Oh dear. I did warn you that the quality of the photographs may be somewhat lacking in this Twelve Days of Christmas Outfits series. And I'm as good at my word! These ones are almost universally atrocious! But something visual is better than nothing, no?... and they are a good example of my 'just knocking about' clothes.

So, on to my first day back in my flat - a day of errands, of shopping, and banking, and cat fussing. I didn't see anyone that day, and didn't have the time while to was still light to put a self-portrait strategy into place. So a snap in my slightly smeary mirror it is. I did dust it before taking this... honest.

Yes, it's another pair of trousers. Someone had a moan at me in the last instalment, but come on gals. Sometimes shaving your legs and putting on stockings is such hard work. And I was only going to my local town. And I have so many pairs of nice, convenient, warm trousers... anyway. French Navy Heyday trews, a cute and vintage-esque cardigan from Zara, white t-shirt, canvas pumps and hair au naturel. No point styling it before running six miles in the cold and dark (with 3 people, all men, all faster than me. KNACKERED)!

So, to yesterday. I hadn't seen my friends for what felt like an eternity, so after spending most of the day wearing unspeakable leisurewear/pyjamas, I put something relatively smart but easy to drive in, and headed up to East London for a friend's birthday drink. Thanks to the councils closing all the important roads, it took me ages, and I was only in the pub for an hour or so. Bethan and I then decamped to Vintage Mafia HQ, where I stayed until I set off for home, remembering at 1am that I needed a photo for the blog. Et voila!

Bet you're sorry I did this challenge now... what an uninspired outfit! It was actually quite good when I was stood next to Bethan, who'd used her VM telepathy to put on a matching outfit to mine with red Heyday trousers and a black angora sweater. She declined to be photographed.

Re lipstick long since gone, I am wearing a black pencil skirt of undetermined origins, a black sweater that's so old it probably does count as vintage, the red tights I bought for the tweed run, a cute red fakelite bird brooch I bought from Acorn & Will, a red cardigan from a well-known UK supermarket that rhymes with Vesco, and my old faithful winter boots, that originated from New Look. No vintage again, but you can instead admire the ephemera that decorates the VM HQ - old photos, mirrors and repro army bags galore. You're welcome!

And finally, it's today, and the outfit photos were meant to be in a lovely location, and from my proper camera. Except when I turned it on... the battery immediately expired. Sigh.

The setting was a winter wonderland (ie wet and drizzly) walk at Wisley Gardens with my mum and auntie. I often do outfit pictures here, but as it looked like it was about to start bucketing down (and what with the camera battery debacle) we had to do some snaps quickly, and thus the backdrop isn't as exciting as it might be.

My skirt is a Bettie Page one from my friend Helen at Pinup Parade. Coat, boots, top from yesterday (it's one of the few plain black tops I own and I only wore it for 3 hours yesterday...), so far, so samey. My otherwise monochrome outfit hid a few pops of colour, though. Another brooch purchased from Acorn & Will as above, pink hoop earrings which you can't see, rose pink lipstick. The accessories are a little bit different today, though!

This pixie hat/scarf was made after I watched this British Pathe video about headscarves. Click the picture to see it...

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It took a few shop visits before I found one wide and thick enough so it had enough to fold back, and so my point stayed firm and erect! ;) So it's appropriate that it came from the menswear section of H&M. The choice of colours was rather low. Men, you are boring! I'm definitely going to make a few brighter ones if I stumble across some more suitable scarves. Last, but not least, it's the final pop of pink...

Not sure these are entirely period correct... OH WELL!

Back tomorrow with a King's Ginger post to see out 2011, and to wish you all a fun and debauched New Year's Eve! Better go charge my camera...

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

One, Two, Christmas T(h)ree

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Oh, hello!

I hope you all had jolly old Christmases. Since I want to spend as little time online as possible between now and the dawn of 2012, I'll spare you the blow-by-blow account and instead just show you the clobber. So, as promised, here's the first instalment of my Twelve Days of Christmas Outfits! I'm going to do them in threes, and so, here goes.

In case there are any purists reading - look away now! None of this is real vintage. I did far too much eating, walking and slobbing to wear anything delicate!

Christmas morning and I'm wearing a comfy and (I think) elegant new jumpsuit from H&M. I got it for the princely sum of £15 last week and I felt its deep green was suitably festive and its adjustable belt suitably practical for overindulging. White vintage plastic rose earrings, and no lipstick, for what's the point when I spent almost every waking second eating and drinking... Not shown - stinky old house slippers I wear at my parents'!

Christmas Day afternoon and it's a woodland walk to get our appetites up for our massive dinner. I'm wearing my old faithful overcoat and a pair of very un-retro boots to brave the mud. It was pointed out that this outfit had a slight Cossack vibe, so a wee bit of silly posing was done.

С Рождеством!

Boxing Day and some sombre news from a friend, plus my Dad came down with a mystery virus in the morning that left him in bed for the whole day. But as it is my familial duty to remain brightly coloured to spread good cheer, I put on some RED.

Red dungarees and peasant top are both from Vivien of Holloway at varying times and not often worn together. They were both given as payment for favours! My old shoes are as before. I went out for another walk later on that day, and though I have no picture, you can use your imagination to envisage an identical 'Cossack' outfit with 6-inches of red leg instead of patterned green!

This rather snazzy brooch was a birthday gift from Miss Minna a few years back. It's evocative of a 1950s B-Movie and thus appeals to both my love of vintage, and my love of sci-fi!

And with that we're on to today and a comfy outfit to drive home. It's been so mild that I really haven't been too cold in light knitwear, and posing outdoors in short sleeves wasn't an issue.

I've already broken my rule of not wearing the same trousers again, but never mind...

The sweater is a hand knit I got from eBay back in my very early days of buying repro. It must be a good 5 years old. The trousers are Heyday as before and my shoes... enough about those! Hair is newly washed and thrown into a loose bun. The same earrings as Christmas day... and FIN.

Next this week - trying to decide what to do for New Year and trying to re-flatten my stomach! Stay tuned.

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Chrimbo felicitations one and all!

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:04:00 +0000

Well hallo there! I promised I would be back before Christmas and by Jove, here I am! Thanks to everyone who commented on my last post - I have got some really wonderful feedback to go into the next year of plans and dreams. Rest assured though, that nothing is really going to change much. Only the layout and hopefully, the frequency of posting.

Anyway, to get back into the swing of it, I am going to do my best to do a '12 Days of Christmas Outfits series', to encourage me to wear something different for each of those days. As opposed to, say, the same trousers for four days' running, just with different tops, as I am often found to do. Nothing wrong with that, of course. Just not what you want on a fashion/lifestyle blog, innit.

I will however, be sticking to my annual Christmas tradition which is known as 'Not Going On The Internet At All For A Full 48 Hours', so I'll do a bumper Christmas Day and Boxing Day post on the 27th. Do be aware that some of these outfits may be snapped on an inferior *cough iPhone* camera. And since I might as well start as I mean to go on, here is my outfit from today!

This is me performing my other yearly Christmas tradition of working in my best friend's shop on Christmas eve - selling almost any gadget you could possibly want for the kitchen. It's called The Kitchen Shop... catchy, eh? I couldn't EVEN be bothered to put on stockings today, so it's Heyday trousers which I have had for literal years, and a very festive jumper (sweater) which was courtesy of Rocket Originals (I modelled it for them back in the summer). My shoes are super oldies that I picked up one year at Rhythm Riot and have been resoled several times.

Holly in the hair, and some red plastic clippy hoops (not bakelite). Now if only Santa could bring me some thicker hair, that would be great, thanks. I also did some Christmas nails last night!

Barry M Instant Nail Effects in Gold Foil on what are, I confess, false nails. Mine are in an atrocious state!

Anyway, I better nip off and load the car with outfits, presents and foods for the next two days. Be good while I'm away, won't you!

Hope you all have absolutely smashing Christmases, eat, drink and be merry, watch crap telly, keep warm (or, if you're in the southern hemisphere, wear plenty of sunscreen!) and enjoy yourselves. Catch you on the flip side!

Festive mistletoe kisses,

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

I, Spy.

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Well how the devil are you all? It's been a while, hasn't it. I wish I could say it's because I've been caught in a whirlwind of excitement, but actually, it's just because I haven't felt like I've got much to say at the moment. So no life-update posts. And the outfits I've been wearing haven't been particularly note-worthy, so no fashion shots. And someone had a moan at me about my blog the other week (which may have been justified and may not... I haven't the strength for a debate!), so I lost my confidence a little bit. Hence a lack of posts.

Is it the weather? You all know I lose my sparkle in the winter, at least as far as outfits go. I'm generally pretty cheerful at the moment, but the end of the year does just seem to bring automatic exhaustion, no matter how long I try to sleep and take it easy; and I will admit that I've been getting more sleep than I have in years.

Next year will bring some changes to this blog, and my life in general. I'm going to redesign this place to have slightly more of a 'site' feel - with tabs for such things as work portfolios and suchlike. I have been surviving as a freelancer for two and a half years now - I'm super proud of myself, but surviving it has been. I haven't earned enough to put anything into savings, rather I've slowly depleted my existing savings so that I'm getting dangerously close to having no emergency cushion should things go wrong. But the big news will be that I am moving into London proper early next year - and will be selling my little flat in the suburbs to become a renter once again. This is as exciting as it is terrifying, and I will have to become more organised and earn a little more money in order to be able to survive in the Big Smoke, I may need to get a part-time job in addition to becoming better at hustling for work as a writer, or a model, or any of the numerous things I have turned my hand to in the last two years.

Next year, I will also be trying to get a book deal, but it will not be a book on 'Vintage', there is already a much better one on the horizon than anything I could do! :) And I'll be trying to make this blog more professional, by which I mean streamlined and businesslike, WITHOUT compromising the personal touch I take pride in. I'm really quite scatterbrained about such things as sponsorship and advertising, slow to respond to PR requests and so forth, and I need to overcome my life-long lack of organisation! But I'd like some feedback from my army of amazing followers as well. I do ask for, and occasionally receive constructive criticism, but it does smart when people are negative about things I have worked hard on, so I want to make sure that my readers are happy. You might not pay to read a blog, but without you, said blog is nothing - just a load of words shouted out into the ether with no audience.

• Do you mind that I post my monthly King's Ginger sponsored articles? I love working for such a friendly, historic and supportive company, and I don't intend to stop until they no longer want to work with me (and I can only hope that day is a long way off!), and I put a lot of hours into each post to ensure that they are not just adverts and actually interesting and fun to read in their own right. But I want to know if they're inspiring such annoyance as to make anyone stop reading, so I can make the necessary adjustments.

• Do you mind that I do outfit posts that feature items I have been sent as gifts? I know this is pretty par for the course in fashion blogs, but I worry that it makes my blog seem like it's just full of ads. The truth is that I only ever accept things I genuinely love, and I can't afford to buy many new things these days. Outfit posts would be way more boring without occasional freebies, and if I can direct new potential customers then I am glad to do so.

• Do you mind that I post the odd blog about my newfound love of sports and active things? Because I will be doing more of that next year as I start training for more half-marathons and triathlons. It is now hugely important to me and thus will be reflected in my posts. But not too much - just enough to be inspiring without being boring and preachy. I hope!

• Finally - what would you all like to see?? A revival of the Vintage Inspired Buys series, where I track down retro stuff online? More outfits? Less outfits? More motivational stuff? I always intend to do more of the latter, but then my good intentions fall by the wayside as I put my other work first. This will change along with my newfound organisational skills. *hopeful face*

I know I've asked this before and haven't necessarily come through with all the goods, but I always do my best, and I really do want to get this blog back on track in 2012. I hope to take you all with me on this journey and attract lots of new readers in the process.

I'll be back again before Christmas, but I hope you're all having lovely weeks and are all set for next weekend. I am most certainly not! And just do it's not just waffle, here are some photos of me as captured by the super Hanson Leatherby - there will be more to come this week!

Being a spy (in a beret) at the New Sheridan Club Christmas Party

The Maf sans poorly Naomi at the same party. Miss Minna was blowing raspberries at us and I was doing a mock-stern face at her! ;)

Jeni and I at the Chap Ball

Dancing with my pal Viv the Spiv. Happy face!

Pip pip for now!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

House Proud

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Yesterday morning, Miss Jeni Yesterday and I were commissioned to do a quick photoshoot in a rather splendid location - the Imperial War Museum. Jeni works for the museum, and they needed a pair of suitable models for a special job...

Cracking!

The Children’s War exhibition has been running fo a while at the IWM, and looks at the home front in Britain and the impact of the Second World War through the eyes of the children who lived through it. The 1940s House is one of the most popular parts - it's a recreation of a house of the time, complete with genuine furniture and props. Given the time of year, it's been dressed up in authentic Christmas decorations - paper chains and crepe tinsel, with cards, presents, and even mince pies in the oven!

But this is its last hurrah, because the exhibition is due to close on the 2nd January 2012. Boo!

Gawd save 'em!

Domestic goddesses, we are.

The whole museum is worth a visit, of course; but the house is especially lovely. Here's some seasonal sales blurb...

Families looking for something different to entertain the kids this holiday season should head down to IWM London for Christmas in the Wartime House family activities. From 17 – 23 & 28 – 31 December at 11.00am – 12.30pm & 2.00pm – 4.00pm, visitors can find out how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War on the British home front. At a time of rationing and shortages and no guarantee that families could be together it was still possible to celebrate. Join the learning team to find out more about a creative Christmas in wartime Britain and take part in a rolling programme of festive activities. Free drop-in activity suitable for all ages with parental supervision.

This is going to be Jeni's and my joint Christmas card - Royal family style.

Oh go on, just a small drop.

Do go along if you're looking for something interesting to do this festive period, once it's gone, it's gone! The shop does contain some truly excellent gifts though, perfect Christmas presents for vintage-loving friends.

Thanks to the IWM for having us, it was an absolute honour to step beyond the ropes and be snapped in the 1940s House!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

PS. Because loads have asked already on Facebook, my dress is from Able Grable a couple of years ago, but it's not available any more... Jeni's is vintage, of course! And my shoes are from Office.

Good Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:28:00 +0000

We're now firmly into that time of year when it's cold, dark and often miserable. Christmas aside (and many don't enjoy that either), there's not much to look forward to as it's such a long time until the days start to get longer and lighter, and I find myself sinking into a fug of uninspired outfits and lethargy! Funnily enough, I always lose weight every winter, even with the comfort foods and lack of movement. I thought it was supposed to be the other way round - hot weather suppressing one's appetite, and the motivation to look better in skimpy clothing and all. But no, as the mercury plummets, so does my desire to eat. But losing weight by not eating much isn't the most healthy of things. Roll on Christmas and multiple feedings by my amazing mum!

But if you've been following my blog this year, you'll know that somewhat unexpectedly, I've got rather into my sports. Since signing up to, training for, and finally doing, my Run to the Beat half-marathon in September, I've refused to do what many (it must be said) are guilty of - running over the finish line and not a single step further. Rather, I have gone completely the other way. Because keeping active is better than any mood-lifters money could buy! Being strong makes me feel alive! And so, back in November I did something that this time last year I would have deemed sheer madness. I went on a sports holiday.

Club La Santa looks like any other sun-holiday resort, with a lagoon pool surrounded by sun loungers, restaurants on site, and comfortable, if basic rooms. But from 8am until sundown, the sound of loud dance music, tapping feet, bouncing balls or Olympic splashing fills the complex as dozens of guests take part in the mind-boggling array of activities on offer.

Me and the bro - him in lycra, me rocking a Matalan playsuit and a TAN. I KNOW!

I went away with my running club, the Elmbridge Road Runners (and my brother), staying in a big self-catering flat together. We would get up around 7.30 (unheard of on holiday), eat porridge (see previous), head to the pool for 'Morning Gymnastics' (or Poncing by the Pool as the guys called it), do a three to five kilometre run... then come back for a shower and second breakfast! I did lots of yoga in the daytimes, swimming, circuit training, Body Combat (I can't recommend this enough!), cycling and, of course, sunbathing. I ate loads, and burned it all off. I refrained from the half marathon that the more experienced club members (and my bro, on a whim) did one morning(!). My goal for next year is to be fit enough that I can just decide on the spot to do a 13.1km run... but the climax of this amazing holiday was the mini triathlon I did on my final day.

Over the course of the stay, I established I could just about swim 400m, and just about bike 15km (on a road bike with a tiny, hard saddle. Not the leather sofa that comes with my Pashley!). And I could run 5km, no problem. But all together in one go, without stopping for a rest? Madness!

But I did it. I didn't have any of the right kit whatsoever, and I came last, but I did it! Only by two minutes as well! The bike section let me down, as did the loo break I had to have before the run (too much nerve-settling tea). But the feeling of sheer delight at crossing the line was immense.

Life affirming stuff! And keeping it kind of vintage with my midriff top ;)

It was the first holiday I've ever come back from in better shape than before I left, and I enjoyed every second of it. It helped that 90% of the men there were toned Adonises as well ;) I'm now hoping to go back to La Santa next year, as well as trying to save up for a road bike, swimming lessons and triathlon club membership. You won't even recognise me in six months time! I may have to give up pinup in favour of fitness modelling though, if my muscle tone continues to build in the same way it has up to now! I'm obviously made to be athletic... and that is fine. We should all be proud of our bodies and I have honestly never been more proud of mine as I am right now.

I don't of course advocate any non-sports fans spending money on such a holiday, but I do strongly encourage those who feel the winter blues to get a little more active - get the blood pumping and the endorphins rushing.You don't have to be out pounding the pavements to mental and physical benefits from exercise. And you don't have to entirely compromise your vintage sensibilities, either. Swimming in a retro swimsuit, aerobics classes indoors in the warm, budget gym memberships (I just took one of these out, at less than half of the cost of a normal gym, it'll be my lifeline over the rest of the winter), brisk walking with pets, loved ones or solo; and, of course, dancing. Anything that raises your heart rate for twenty minutes or more, and raises a bit of a 'glow' on your skin will put more of a spring in your step and a pep in your personality. It also raises your metabolism, so comfort food will have less of an effect, and if you don't change your eating habits (as opposed to using it as an excuse for an extra treat, as I am wont to do) then you'll lose weight, trim down and tone up. Your fabulous vintage clothes will fit better, drape perfectly and look smashing. And if you can inject a bit of style into the running community, then that's a bonus! Luckily sportswear brands are starting to cotton on to the fact that stylish types want a bit of colour, with patterns and bright shades creeping in. I'd do a post about it if I thought there was demand. Any other vintage triathletes out there?

I'm yet to brave wearing red lipstick during a race though... maybe next year. ;)

The Women's League of Health and Beauty would be proud of me!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Pashley Pile-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Last Saturday, four of the Vintage Mafia girls and I had the absolute honour to be invited along as VIP guests at a very special edition of the Tweed Run. Regular readers will know that I've been on the two previous ones, in April '10 and April '11, and had an unbelievably awesome time on both. This time was a little different, because this autumn instalment of the annual ride was sponsored by a big brand. A very big brand.

The Ralph Lauren Rugby Tweed Run was, as its name suggests, designed to create some serious buzz around the RL Rugby brand. They've just opened a shop in Covent Garden, one of the only two outside the US. The brand itself is a seriously premium one - full of lovely tailored and definitely vintage-inspired garments, at aspirational price tags. The shop itself is lovely, and full of very gorgeous assistants, so worth a visit if you're in the area, at least. I will confess to being slightly worried about whether the corporate sponsorship would take some of the fun out of the fun and philanthropic Tweed Run. It's not just a fun jaunt on bicycles in vintage clobber - it actually raises money for a very worthy cause - World Bicycle Relief, which donates bikes to children and adults in developing countries, enabling them to get to school and work.

Anyway, I needn't have worried. Aside from all the extra journalists and photographers, celebrities both major and minor (Erin O'Connor and some Made in Chelsea people), and a slightly more touristy route that meant a bit more stopping-and-starting, the day was as much fun as any previous Runs. Rather smashingly, the girls and I got gifted a RL Rugby jacket each, to form the basis of our outfits. And even better than that, the kind folks at Pashley Bicycles sorted out three splendid steeds for Gemma, Jeni and Naomi to borrow, ensuring we all matched and looked (hopefully), rather spectacular together. Thanks you so much, chaps.

The ride itself was lovely, taking us through Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall (or should have, if we hadn't taken a wrong turn down the Mall and had to cut through Horseguards), through Hyde Park, stopping in Chelsea for tea. Then back over the bridges before ending at Hyde Park Corner for a party at the rather fancy Caledonian Club! Here's a map of the route (and ride home to Bethnal Green), if anyone's interested! It was relatively easy for me and for Bethan, as both of us cycle regularly. Bethan did twenty miles including the journey there and back... but the other girls did suffer from mildly bruised posteriors. My solution to this: more cycling, ladies!

Here we are with our steeds.

Aside from my black velvet RL jacket, I'm in some Tarantula Clothing capris, blouse from H&M,tights from John Lewis, and a hat which has attracted many gasps of admiration, but which I am sorry to say I can't provide much info on, other than it was made by a lady called Cindy, who sells at 1940s reenactment events! You'll just have to go to them all and try to track her down! ;)

I had the pleasure of meeting some lovely people, including Lady Velo who is so amazingly elegant. She looked super in one of the new Vivien of Holloway styles - Runaround Sue.

Picture © Lady Velo (view her Flickr for lots more)

If you'd like to see more photos, there are some great ones over on Susie Bubble's Style Bubble (she and Steve Salter were lovely, and I must apologise for telling a toilet-humour based joke in their presence), and Preposity.com, who has done separate posts on the gentlemen and the ladies of the Tweed Run.

Here are some phone snaps from the day...

And if you'd like to see a bit more of the Run in video form and featuring us several times, then check this rather awesome video out. The song is going to be in my head all day now!

Thanks a million to the ladies and gents of Pencil Agency who invited us along, Rugby Ralph Lauren for having us, the Tweed Run organisers for making it such a brilliant day, the Traditional Cycle Shop for providing the girls Pashleys for the day, and all the many great people we met for just being so dashed well-dressed.

Can't wait for April!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Red, white and Navy

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:27:00 +0000

Ahoy! This is the fourth in a series of adventures I've been sent on, by and for The King's Ginger. Think of it as a history mini-series, accompanied by pictures of me in frocks. This month, I travelled down to Portsmouth to look at boats and eat fish & chips. Sorry, I mean, to take a serious look at King Edward's relationship with the Royal Navy.

Portsmouth is a great place. I took many fondly-remembered school trips there to look around the fascinating museums and ships in the Historic Docks. Unfortunately, nowadays, you can only buy one vastly expensive ticket to enter every single attraction, and because this trip was meant to focus only on things relevant to the life of his Majesty, we didn't think there was much point in forking out. So instead I took a sneaky shot in front of the HMS Warrior.

I simply had to wear patriotic colours, of course! Red, white and blue Fleur dress, currently on sale at Heyday, and still can be worn in the autumn with a wee slip underneath! I got a fab one sent to me recently by Damart. Thanks owed to them for keeping me non-hypothermic.

The Warrior is not as fancy as the HMS Victory, the 18th Century warship that's moored around the corner (and not visible to plebs outside). But what she lacks in glamour, she makes up for in sheer brute strength. Built when Prince Edward was a stripling of 19 in 1861, she was the most heavily armoured warship the world had ever seen. Luckily, Great Britain was going through a peaceful period, and she never saw battle... only to be removed from service a mere ten years later as new technology made her entirely redundant. But she was not abandoned before she had formed part of a naval squadron that escorted the future King and the Royal Yacht on an official visit to Dublin in 1868.

Nice white vans!

Edward was very fond of ships. In 1906, he visited Portsmouth at least twice; once to launch a revolutionary new battleship, and once to undertake a royal Fleet Review. The HMS Dreadnought was completed in February of that year, and later gave its name to an entirely new class of ship, none of which survive to this day, sadly. The BFI has a film of the day which I would love to see, showing Edward all kitted out in the uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet. He must have been in his dapper element!

He returned on the 9th of August of the same year to do one of his five Fleet Reviews - a lot given his short reign (though not compared to his mother Victoria's seventeen!), which says much about his enthusiasm for all things naval. On that day, he stood at the Spithead with Queen Alexandra to gaze upon his Royal fleet. It must have been a fine sight... one I tried to imagine, as I stood in vaguely the right area. Ish.

Still feeling patriotic, with the Union Jack flying in the background!

In the absence of anything fancier than the Isle of Wight ferry in the bay, I was instead gazing upon, not a regally mobilised fleet, but a Victorian pleasure pier.

Southsea Clarence Pier opened in 1861, and was hugely popular with residents and visitors alike. A later addition came in the form of an elegant pavilion, opened by Crown Prince Edward himself back in 1882. One can only imagine its former glory. And one has to, because the sight that greeted me instead of the above, was this.

Concrete, tat and a dilapidated roller coaster. Sigh!

I had to have a little nip of something restorative after that horrid shock! ;)

My rather snazzy engraved leather hip flask was a present from KGL. It comes as part of a giftbox with all sorts of bits and would make a really good present for another ginger lover... available from BBR online here!

Tat aside, Portsmouth is a lovely place (as well as being home to Naomi), the Old Town is particularly gorgeous, with its cobbled streets and Georgian houses. I had a truly delicious plate of fish and chips at the Old Customs House Gunwharf Quay before heading home, with my lungs and hair full of sea breeze, and luckily not seagull poo (though I had a very close call!). I leave you with one final photo montage. One outtake of me jumping down from my vantage point, which rather splendidly makes me look like I can fly... and one of my new boyfriend, (HMS) Vernon. I'm not sure he's a keeper, though; he doesn't have much to say for himself and I couldn't get him at all interested in a shot of King's Ginger!

Until next time, wrap up warm and stay gingery!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

I don't do drab.

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:33:00 +0000

Drab is not me. In fact, I think I am allergic to it. I have quite a few items of winter clothing in blacks, browns, tans, greys and nudes, but in order to wear them and not feel unbearably boring, I have to pair them with something very bright. Whether that's a louder garment or jewellery, hair flowers, or just red lipstick, it all helps me avoid the dreaded beigeness (both the colour and the bland effect!) or blackness that can define winter outfits. Top-to-toe black can be very chic (and indeed I'm not always averse), but let's face it, if I can inject a bit of colour into it, I will.

But all the while we're having this fairly mild autumn, I'm sticking to my jazzy jewel tones and there's nothing you can do to make me change!

I get a lot of mileage out of these (rare as hen's teeth) Vivien of Holloway dungarees. I have them in several colours: these vibrant jade green ones, red as seen on here earlier this year, and cream, which, I'll be honest, make me look like a vintage painter and decorator. It's a look... but not one I've found occasion for to date!

Jade green goes splendidly with yellow, so when I had this cardigan knitted, back in the mists of time, I chose these shades. Luckily my psychic powers enabled me to see that I'd end up with a pair of overalls in almost the exact same shade! I've also got a ton of wear out of this H&M blouse, but I've never really worn it buttoned all the way up until recently. I think I'm going to get some ribbons to use as a sort of bow tie. Pale yellow would work wonders in this outfit, don't you think? My pale yellow plimsolls are incredibly impractical, but finish the outfit off well.

The final thing to show off is my subtle-but-definitely-there Lanzarote tan. And my huge new, 'just came back from a sports holiday' muscles. Well, okay, my arms are still weedy, let's face it. But they certainly feel firmer. I'm not quite Rosie the Riveter, but I managed to a complete a whole *cough*mini*cough* triathlon on the last day of a week of full-throttle exertion! Take that, world!

Here's to keeping some loud colours in your nearly-winter wardrobe!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Malaise et les Francaises

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:44:00 +0000

You know when you come back from a trip away, and everything suddenly seems so dull, so long, so beige, so much dashed EFFORT?

That.

I did, however, have the most wonderful time in Lanzarote and will regale you with tales of my many sports as soon as I have some photos of me completing said activities. And by regale, I mean bore. But I am proud of myself!

But on my return there has been so much to get excited about. I've visited the Ideal Home Show to see my Harveys garden, and am soon to be getting my tweed on for the Saturday's Tweed Run! I'm very excited and this is beating the post-holiday blues as sure as eggs is eggs (and they is indeed eggs). Posts full of glorious technicolour photos of these will follow. But first, here's a bit about me appearing in a French national newspaper! Yippee!

This feature in Le Figaro Magazine has been eagerly awaited by myself and the VM girls since we spent several days back in April being tailed by the lovely Oliviers (Frebourg and Roques Rogery), who snapped and scribbled the entire time. As such, it was a shame to see so many of the thoroughly British scenarios we set up (punting, picnic, pie and mash shop) didn't make it into the final edition... I hope to share pictures some of them soon! But until then, here's the full spread in all its glory!

This image was shot in the What Katie Did London boutique, the girls were such good sports!

That is most definitely not me, there at the bottom; but it is of a fellow Tweed Runner... making me even more excited for Saturday! The top shot is of me hamming it up at the Churchill War Rooms, and I owe massive thanks to Jeni for sorting it out..

More Tweed Run action on the steps of St Paul's, the girls and I in Victoria Park, and me doing some wonderfully stereotypical tourist stuff, which I often do, of course. ;) I have sort of read the article, but Naomi will be translating it all for me. I understand it further grasses me up for having dreadlocks as a teenager and for listening to metal (among other things)... hopefully it portrays me in a good light though!

Hurrah for further European notoriety! I am most chuffed.

Hope you are all doing splendidly! Love,

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Sherry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:09:00 +0000

Hey y'all.

I'm going on holiday tomorrow. But I've spent the last two days doing back-breaking manual labour and getting all grubby in the name of art. If you recall, back in March, I designed a small garden for Harveys Sherry's Ideal Home Show exhibition stand. Well, it's time for the Christmas instalment, and it's much bigger and better than before.

This is me, with absolutely no makeup on at all, standing in front of my handywork.

Would you like to go to the Ideal Home Show Christmas? It's on from the 16th to the 20th November, and I have TEN pairs of tickets to give away. I'm not actually going to be there for the set up, so you can go and investigate my garden yourself!

The tickets will go to the first ten people to email their address to me at fleur@diaryofavintagegirl.com - no time for random draws I'm afraid. I'll have to post your tickets his evening, and I'll let you know by replying to your email.

Good luck, gang, and if I don't speak to you again before, catch you on the flip side!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Edit - tickets all gone! Thanks all, David at Summer Fruit Cup has more, go get em! http://www.summerfruitcup.com/

Seasonal coordination

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:05:00 +0000

We're having a funny old autumn here in the UK. It's been one of the warmest Octobers on record, and the poor old plants really don't know what to think. I went to Wisley gardens today with my mum and aunt, as we often do in the autumn, to look at the amazing colours before they go past their best. But so many of the summer and even the spring plants are out! They think winter has been and gone, so they're all flowering in their planty confusion. It makes me sad that they'll get such a shock when the first frosts come.

Anyway, if ever there was an opportunity for a season-themed outfit and a few photos, this was it!

My autumn colours outfit consisted of a (very old) mustard-coloured cardigan top, and a pair of khaki Heyday trousers*, plus matching bangles and some pale lemon yellow plimsolls. It really has been unseasonably warm... though I was pushing it in short sleeves. I did have a jacket, of course!

This is a 1940s suit jacket with a rather smashing shoulder and hip detail. What do you think of this new paler (for me) lipstick? It's one of Soap & Glory's new Fabulipsticks in Red My Lips. I picked it up at the S&G cosmetics launch, and it's one of my new favourites. It smells lovely and lasts well... but it is very much NOT red, despite what the site and name say!

Here's me in a tree! Well, with a tree. That's all for today - I'll leave you with some more nature porn... isn't it a glorious time of year??

Happy November!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

* Shona is giving away a black Fleur dress on her blog! Go enter and (hopefully) win!

The Jersey Lily

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:59:00 +0000

This is the third in a series of adventures I've been sent on, by and for The King's Ginger. I'm following the life, loves and hobbies of King Edward VII, spinning you all an entertaining yarn or two, and, since this is of course primarily a fashion blog, showing lots of pictures of me in frocks. This month I'm talking about the ladies in his life, well; one in particular... Mrs Langtry.

Lillie Langtry was one of the most celebrated society beauties of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. She thoroughly fascinates me, since, looking at pictures of her today, my modern eye doesn't rate her looks especially highly. But since contemporary reports always mention her sparkling wit and intelligent conversation, I feel that she may have been one of those women who, while definitely of above average looks, is so bewitching and magnetic in person that she caused all who met her to fall under her spell. That or she was actually a witch. Who knows!

Born Emilie Le Breton in Jersey in 1853, Lillie was an intelligent and well-educated young woman. Many suitors were captivated by her violet eyes, but Lillie wouldn't even consider marrying a local, having ideas far above her station. A sensible girl, even then! She married Edward Langtry at the tender age of twenty, for the solvent Langtry had himself a yacht, and together they sailed off to the mainland; and thence to London. Lillie had finally escaped the confines of Jersey! It wasn't long before she made an impact on London Society, but, like so much in life, it was sheer (and rather rotten) luck that brought her to the attention of the elite.

Her young brother Reggie was killed in a riding accident and, while attending a memorial gathering held by Viscount Ranelagh at his home in Lownes Square, Lillie's rather unfashionable, simple black gown and her outspoken views marked her out as something very special indeed. Sketched that very night by society artist Frank Miles, then painted by one of my very favourite Pre-Raphaelite artists, Millais; Lillie's image was soon everywhere, outselling pictures of all the starlets of the time. And with her new-found fame came countless invitations to glittering balls, elegant soirées and sporting events came pouring in. Her rise to celebrity was nothing short of meteoric. It wasn't long before the Crown Prince insisted on an introduction.

Prince Bertie was very fond of the ladies. Very fond indeed. And in those days, of course, taking a mistress was not only accepted, it was expected! And when he heard about Mrs Langtry and saw her picture, he arranged a dinner, ensuring she was seated next to him. And the rest is saucy history. He made her his mistress to the exclusion of all others, and given the Prince's reputation as the Hugh Hefner of his day, this was a testament to her irresistible charms. Only a year after they met, The Red House was built.

You see, Lillie was a canny sort. A business woman to the core, she eschewed gifts of gowns and fripperies, preferring the long-lasting benefits of owning property. Having a private lovenest was evidently something that also appealed greatly to Edward, and so the house that is now Langtry Manor Hotel was built in 1877.

When I discovered this information, I couldn't resist going along and finding out more about the lady of the manor.

I thought it only right to wear something a little slinkier than my usual attire, so on went one of my prized Able Grable dresses, accessorised with a bottle of KGL. The staff were so warm and welcoming, which is always welcome after a long journey. And, as fortune would have it, the King's Room was unoccupied, and I was allowed to have a look around!

The furniture is magnificent, completely befitting of a king. From the elegantly carved chairs, to the plump sofa and the huge, four poster bed. Four posters and I don't get on, as I am incapable of not hitting my knee on them usually (last time, so hard I swear I actually reversed time a few seconds). But I managed to avoid it this time!

I just made myself at home, basically.

The hotel is also home to a small but fascinating Lillie museum, with dozens of photos, prints, playbills, pieces of memorabilia, and even one of her dresses, a magnificent cream silk number. Lillie was the very first ever woman to do a celebrity product endorsement, for Pears Soap! I hope one day I get famous enough to advertise Matey bubbles.

After her affair with Edward ended in 1879 (after, as urban legend had it, she made fun of him at a dinner party, and they fell out), financial problems led her to a hugely successful career as an actress. Edward obviously continued to care for her, as he was known to support her plays and comment positively on her work. Whether she was actually good at acting and not just a beautiful piece of wood, I have no idea. But I was fascinated to see pictures of Lillie in costume and the posters from her shows.

The house is indelibly stamped with Lillie's personality. Not only did she design it, but she had mottoes inscribed all over it: Dulce Domum (Home Sweet Home) on the back and Stet Fortuna Domus (may fortune attend those who dwell here) outside the King's Room. The stained glass windows in the dining room are exquisite, and the little details within, such as the King's Peephole, where he could spy on the dining room guests to see if he wanted to come down and see them, are marvellous.

But while this learning history malarky is interesting, it doesn't half make you peckish. There was only one thing for it... to eat. I made a bee-line for the bar, and found my gingery friend in pride of place. I'm afraid to say I went for something a little weaker though...

Oh, afternoon tea. The best of all the things. The best time of the day, the best drink and the best meal known to man. The tea at Langtry Manor is a fraction of the cost of teas in the smart London Hotels, but it is absolutely heavenly. Home made sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and warm scones, plus fresh smoothie shots and the richest little tarts I've ever tried. I think Lillie would have approved.

But after all that delicious grub, and all that history detective-ing, I was feeling rather stuffed and sleepy. Good thing that ginger is good for the old digestion, eh? There was only one thing left to do, have a lie-down on the King's Bed for forty winks before home!

Langtry Manor is a wonderful place to visit, if you ever find yourself in darkest Dorset. Not only is it fabulous in itself, but owner Tara even runs a rather splendid scheme, The Dorset Local Business Women Awards; something else of which Lillie would also highly approve, I've no doubt.

Until next time, hope you're all having a spooky Halloween... check back tomorrow to see my rather un-terrifying costume effort.

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

(Touch)paper Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:43:00 +0000

This week marks a pretty momentous event in my calendar, for it is now precisely one year since the formation of that most fabulous, most glamorous, most dangerous and most wonderful of the London-based, six-strong, vintage-wearing girl gangs there is. The Vintage Mafia is now one year old! Happy Birthday to La Maf!

I've posted on here before about our origins, and it's been detailed on the site in our Meet the Mafia section, but if you're too laid back to click (and who would blame you), then the story is quite simple. It was the first time we'd all got together, and we went to the Candlelight Club (which was newly launched back then), drank some cocktails and some dreadful cheap wine, kidnapped a dapper chap, and sang Kate Bush songs into the night. You know, as you do. The rest is history.

I met those gals at a time when I needed distraction, entertainment and laughter. Thankfully, and thanks, in fact, to the gals, that time is long behind me, but the friendship and partnership just grows with every passing week.

Friends are great, aren't they? I mean, I have other friends that I love dearly, but to have some that share almost ALL your obsessions (vintage, gin, shoes, Beyonce) is truly special. And if Bethan, whom I'd met only once before, and who had never met the others, hadn't plucked up the courage to come out, then who knows what she would be doing now! Much the same as she is doing... but without us ;)

But seriously, you guys. We've had some mega highs and some mega lows within the group, but we all rally round to support each other. And we've met some amazing new family members along the way. The whole aim of our events Company, if it can so be called, is to bring a new level of social interactions to the vintage-loving, music-digging, silly-fun-having scene of London and beyond. This is why we created our Sunday Sale & Social, with people travelling from miles around to come and hang out. And be photographed by the immensely awesome Hanson Leatherby.

Give this man a medal! Or a commission.

But we're also extremely proud of our Ric Rac Club, the last of which was described by our guests as being like an 'amazing vintage house party', with people dancing everywhere, hanging out, meeting each other and generally having an awesome time. And this one on that most explosive of dates, November the 5th, promises to be even better; with two guest DJs, a live set of Ukelele music (including some modern hits!) by Gemma, free drinks, the Ric Rac Raffle, and tons more. Since we sadly can't all be together this weekend, we'll be celebrating our paper anniversary in style (and in just over a week) with toasts, indoor fireworks, dancing and more fun than you can shake a stick of dynamite at on the next. All this party action and social splendour for a mere £8? Heck yeah!

5th November apparently the hardest night of the year to sell out, but we aren't doing too badly. Still room for lots more revellers before we sell out though! I have to say, so far, male guests are slightly outnumbering female ones! Come on vintage gals of London Town, roll up to the Ric Rac!

Come, come, come! We promise it'll be better than being cold outside with drunken chavs. Come and be warm inside with drunken anachronists instead! You'll see plenty of fireworks next August. ;) If that wasn't enough, you'll be immortalised by the vintage lens of Mr Leatherby while you party.

Extra free drinks are guaranteed for Fireworks night themed costumes! Our Ginger Gunpowder cocktail is made with gunpowder tea and King's Ginger, and we promise it will be delicious. I'm thinking about getting a seasonal Guy Fawkes V mask - V for Vintage? I think a bowlcut and moustache would suit me, non?

I'll stop banging on now, but I'll be back next week with the full list of prizes for the free Ric Rac Raffle. Oh, the excitement! And I will actually have some actual fashion on here soon. Actually promise.

Stay classy, ladies and gents!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Ginger winner

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:43:00 +0000

AaaaaaaarrrghhhI'msobusy!

Sincerest apols for the lack of anything interesting on this blog recently and the extreme lateness of the King's Ginger draw. I did it yesterday and it was thus...

This meant it was the lovely Penny Dreadful who won! I emailed her to get her address and the KGL will be making its spicy way to her soon. Congrats lovely and commiserations to those who didn't win - there will be plenty more opportunities to win and to go to events both on here and on the KGL Twitter and Facebook. Do follow.

Back soon!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Ps and Qs. Mostly Qs

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:16:00 +0000

Manners are very important. I was brought up to be a nice girl and always say please and thank you. And, as this blog grows in popularity and readership, I often get sent things, or invited to things; and so quite a few thank yous have been in the pipeline and it's time I addressed them. I only undertake a small number of actually sponsored posts, and the following things are not sponsored per se - I didn't receive any actual remuneration, and if I didn't think them worth mentioning, I wouldn't. I think they will be either useful or interesting to you lot, though. So here goes nothing!

Firstly, since everyone thinks I only get invited to glamorous soirees, this might seem a bit of an odd choice. But I can be a sensible girl, and so I thought going to the following event was a bloody good idea. Yes, it was a ladies' evening at my local Kwik-Fit.

Upon a quick Google, I just found some rather disdainful blogs from last year, scoffing at the idea of a 'Ladies' Evening' - what, no men's evening? they cried! But as someone who is quite pathetic when it comes to my car (apart from pumping tyres and checking oil and water), I have no such qualms about attending such an event, given that the very first thing I do when I have a problem with my motor is to call my dad. Sorry feminists.

So useless am I with it, that when I did prang a wheel in this January's snowfall, I called him, got very detailed instructions about jacking it up and, feeling all Rosie The Riveter-like was all proud of myself... until the jack slipped and I caused very significant damage to my sill. Turns out I, in fact, can't do it.

I've also been to an (un-named) garage with my dad in tow (for backup) and found they did address him the whole time, even when I was the one asking questions. Irritating! Anyway, I did want to feel a bit less useless so off I popped to the event.

Some of it was very basic and aimed at the totally clueless, but we did learn useful maintenance and guidance on things like changing lightbulbs, replacing spark plugs, doing oil changes, differences between makes and engine sizes and other odds and sods, including products we can use to clean our engines (inside) and improve performance. The chaps were absolutely non-patronising, helpful and sincere, even when asked such girly questions as, 'Is there anything I can use to clean the outside of my engine as it gets awfully dirty?' This wasn't me - I couldn't give a monkeys about the outside of my engine! Anyway, the event was completely free and I'd recommend it to anyone who is a bit useless around cars - it might help you save money on servicing or avoid failing your MOT... and saving money is always a winner.

The next thing is a bit of a strange one. There's a real trend at the moment for immersive theatre, and quite right too - it's ACE. I was recently lucky enough to win tickets to a Punchdrunk production for Playstation's new Resistance 3 game, and spent a terrifying half hour wandering round a post apocalyptic office complex and bravely being the only one in our group to grab a key from a playing-dead-but-clearly-alive (but biding his time) 'body' before running for my life through a warehouse filled with zombies. These things make peoples' true colours shine, I tell you - none of the men being brave enough for the key part, and at one point leaving me at the back where I tripped up and scuffed my new shoe, not to mention being at the mercy of the 'reanimated' body. No one noticed, or helped me! I blame feminism for this, too (kidding). The adrenaline was totally worth it!

These things aren't new, as anyone who ever got fondled by grown men in rubber alien suits at the Aliens thing that used to be in the Trocadero in the 90s will attest. But they have gained in popularity recently. Last week I went to a rather less scary version, Office Party.

That video is kind of nothing like it actually was, but it gives you an idea. Upon arrival, you're sorted into Departments at the fictional Product Solutions - HR, Accounts, Executives, Domestic Services, Creative and Consumer Social Responsibility. I got sorted into Executives, before realising my friends were in CSR, so I swapped, not realising the Executives got taken into some VIP lounge... so I have no idea what happened in there. But everyone then went off with their heads of department for a 'pep talk' before heading into the party proper. Ours was a hippy type - all the heads seemed to be quite well cast. Especially the cleaning lady, Kath. But without spoiling it, it's kind of quite a realistic lame-tastic office party, complete with painfully cheesy disco, 'low-budget' entertainment, skits from the heads and so forth. The authenticity was inadvertently improved further thanks to the people who'd obviously come straight from work and standing about awkwardly in their suits, not talking to anyone. So actually... I wasn't sure I liked it! Was that the point, though?! I didn't *dislike* it, but it wasn't as exhilarating as Punchdrunk or as satisfying as a good play. But it was a real experience and like nothing I've ever been to before. There were some very unexpected and well-acted parts though. It's very hard to explain without spoilers. All I can say is, just go along and see it for yourself... and tell me what you think.

Finally, onto a more standard glamorous shindig. The Vintage Mafia were invited along to the launch party for Soap & Glory's brand new cosmetics range. I had a preview of them (more on this later), but none of the other girls had. Four of us made it along, and not only was it a lovely bash with pink wine and canapes (I love a can-ape, I do), and the products are incredibly good. We all had different favourites, but I will be getting good use from the Show Good Face foundation (for shoots when I'm not using my mineral one), the It's About Prime eyeshadow primer and brown/nude Lid Stuff palette, and the Arch de Triomphe eyebrow duo. Oh, and the Kick Ass Concealer. Seriously, try them out, gals. They're in all good Boots stores now. Here are some photos!

They took some cute polaroids of us as well... have a look on the Soap & Glory Facebook page if you'd like to see them all!

I've actually filmed some videos for them, but whether they'll use them, I'm not sure... stay tuned!

So thank you everyone who has invited me to stuff lately. I'm sure there will be more thanking to come.

Have a good week, gang!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Bright Young Gin

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:40:00 +0000

I don't often write about perfumes on here... in fact, I can't ever remember doing so before. I have never been concerned with 'vintage' scents - I actually quite intensely dislike some of the more famous old names like Shalimar and Chanel no. 5. On myself at any rate - No. 5 smells amazing on Jeni, but terrible on me. I go for rose perfumes on the whole, sometimes fruity ones, and rarely vanilla-based ones. So when I was asked if I'd like to try a sample of a scent inspired by none other than GIN, I was most intrigued.

I am, as you know, a fan of gin. To drink, that is. I have never been especially fond of the smell of it, though, so I hadn't expected to like Penhaligon's Juniper Sling. But it's a very interesting scent, and interesting is my favourite thing. And the deco packaging is lovely.

On to the important part... Well, it does smell an awful lot like gin and tonic, I have to say. At least on first opening of the vial I received. So I half-expected to smell like I'd spilled a glass of said libation down myself... but actually it mellows out to something sweeter. According to the website, the base notes are Brown Sugar, Black Cherry, Vetiver, and Ambrox... not being a perfume aficionado, I have no idea what the last two are; but I like 'em. It's a unisex scent, and was, of course, inspired by the Roaring Twenties and the so-called Bright Young Things. Thus, the Art Deco merchandising of Juniper Sling appeals to me greatly. The window display I saw and snapped outside Penhaligon's of Burlington Arcade is smashing.

And while the waist-less fashions of the 1920s don't suit me at all, they do please me aesthetically. The well-dressed misbehaviour of the Bright Young Things is, of course, something I wholeheartedly agree with! So I'm glad that Penhaligon's have gone for a lighthearted approach to marketing. This tongue-in-cheek promo video is just the ticket.

With the recent return of Boardwalk Empire, I've a feeling that Roaring Twenties parties are going to be all the rage this winter. I was delighted to find out that Leluxe Clothing, a US-based brand I posted about on here years ago, have launched a UK-based site which is run by the amazing Vicky of Vintage Tea Sets! The Leluxe Clothing UK site is still under development, but catalogues can be ordered and enquiries made. The gowns are exceptionally amazing, and without the delicacy and huge expense of genuine 20s articles. My mum is coveting many of these glamorous confections!

Once you've sourced your perfect frock, all you need do is add a bandeau headband or beaded cap and a smoky eye (I love Soap & Glory's new Lid Stuff palettes), and you could give It Girl Clara Bow a good run for her money. If she was still with us, of course.

But because I'm just that wild and crazy that when I go to 1920s themed events (the Candlelight Club for instance), I just go 1940s. As do most of the rest of the Maf. But when we're there we're quite flapper-ish in our behaviour anyway, so never mind, eh.

As seen making waves (or rather faces) at the Candlelight Club.

So anyway. Penhaligon's Juniper Sling. It smells lovely, very much evoking the scent of a fresh G&T but without making you seem like a lush. Not more of one than you already are, anyway. ;) Go and check it out and have a sniff of it at your earliest opportunity.

I leave you with one of my favourite gin cocktails - the Aviation - as described in Hugo Ensslin's Recipes for Mixed Drinks, published in 1916.

1/3 Volume Lemon Juice
2/3 Volume Gin (I favour BBR's No. 3)
2 dashes Maraschino liqueur
2 dashes Creme de Violette
Shake well in a mixing glass with cracked ice, strain and serve.

Cheers!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

PS. This post was indeed sponsored by Penhaligon's, but I only write about awesome, cool and splendid things. Life's far too short to be boring and/or smell bad.

Winsome booze

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Now that the weather has stopped being COMPLETELY MENTAL started giving us an actual excuse to drink strong booze (to keep warm), and I start clinging onto my summer wardrobe by wearing super sexy thermal vests and big pants underneath thin frocks (why yes boys, I AM single), I thought it was about time I did a seasonal giveaway. Not of big pants as I wouldn't wish them on my arch nemesis (which is, in fact, winter... ooh, physics conundrum) but of a warming bottle of strong liqueur.

WIN THIS.

The King's Ginger is guaranteed to ward off cold germs, SAD, evil spirits and chilblains.* And if you haven't tried it yet, then quite simply, you need to rectify this. So I'm offering one lucky reader (in the UK, sorry - import laws and that) a whole bottle of said regally piquant palliative to do with as you please. What you might do with it is entirely up to you. It might even work as a super luxurious version of Deep Heat... don't try it at home though.

If you want to be normal about it, and just drink it, god, then try this month's recommended way to imbibe KGL.

The King's Squeeze

35ml King's Ginger
125ml Bitter Lemon
A generous squeeze of fresh lime

To enter, you simply need to leave me a comment below. It can be anything you like, from 'Comment', to 'I love boooooshe I doesh' (if you've been tippling already), to your favourite joke (best option).

If you would like another entry, you can tweet about the giveaway, mentioning @TheKingsGinger (so we can keep track), but please ensure you leave me a SECOND comment here saying you've done so (I like to make these competitions as simple as possible for my own simple brain.

OBVIOUSLY, you need to be over 18 to enter.

And UNFORTUNATELY you can only reside in the UK as we can't post booze abroad.

But those are the only rules.Winner will be drawn by random number generator so witty comments won't be favoured, but they will be appreciated.

I'll draw the winner on Sunday 16th October. Follow The King's Ginger on Twitter or Facebook to find out the winner first and to be a party to more goodies soon...

Enough from me - over to you!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

*Guaranteed only by my imagination and not by actual scientists.

A little piece of history

noreply@blogger.com (Fleur) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:55:00 +0000

I often like to harp on about the fact that I'm not really a living historian, and mainly just like the clothes of the eras I adore. And the furniture. And the cars. And some of the music... But as my bio over there states, you're really more likely to find me dressed up to the nines doing my shopping, or dancing at an indie night. But though I don't re-enact, I do love thinking about the life of the vintage clothes I wear, and the antiques I own. At heart I'm a bit of a history nerd, really, and investigating the background of places and things can be really interesting. This is why I jumped at the chance of doing a bit of research into the life of King Edward VII for the King's Ginger... and why I have a serious addiction to buying vintage.

History doesn't have to be serious. Luckily.

Some things just fill me with nerdish glee, though - finding an exact twin of a dress I own is one. Discovering the sewing pattern used to make a hand-sewn vintage frock is a big one, finding a drawing of an exact outfit in a catalogue another. The rarest of these rare gems is to find a note or photo of the original item being worn or used. The latter has never actually happened to me, though I've seen others post about such finds on their blogs.

pattern and frock!

Vintage clothing only goes back so far, and I greatly enjoy exploring the background of much more enduring things, things that have been with us for centuries. Museums are the obvious place to start, but sometimes doing your own digging can be so rewarding. Researching just a tiny proportion of the vast backstory of Kew Gardens, Chiswick House and Brooklands recently was fascinating (and there is so much more to come). If only stone, or statues, or trees could talk! But while we can research the known facts of bricks and mortar, it's unlikely that we'll ever know the actual history of the clothes we buy. This is where imagination comes in!

"Always wear ruffles to do a raffle" - me, 2011.

Photo by Hanson Leatherby

Just think... what fancy soireés has your sequinned cocktail dress attended? What decadent balls would your gown have been whisked to... and with whom? Your circle skirt might have jived with the cutest boy in town, or been shown off in an all-night cafe with the latest rocking hits on the jukebox. Was the girl who wore your frock the life and soul of the party, a wallflower, a career girl or a homebody? Might your Forties suit have been worn by a war bride on the happiest day of her life? What chores could your housedress have endured? The funny thing is, if you have a relatively intact one, it probably hasn't seen all that much housework action, for if it had, it would be in nearly such good nick! Since we'll usually never know exactly who wore our vintage, then just imagine the most fabulous person you can, and channel her (or him) every time you wear it. I do just that – from wearing little or no makeup with a 1930s housedress, to putting on a brave burst of colourful and patterned fabric (as well as red lipstick and hair adornments) when I need a confidence-booster. And when you're passing your precious things on in time to come, consider including a photograph of yourself wearing them, dancing or having fun... I guarantee it will fascinate future generations of vintage wearers!

Classy.

Sadly, many of the things I wear on a day-to-day basis won't last more than a few years, let alone a few decades. But my well-made repro frocks, my sturdy jumpers and my lightly-worn party frocks and gowns will. I know through all the adventures, parties, dreams, tears and laughter I've given all these garments some great stories... if only they could tell them!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com