Make a Jacket Part of Your Signature Look

Dear Reader, welcome to Gloriously Vintage today. In the UK we are enjoying a great September, with the summery temperatures continuing into the month from August.  There is an autumnal nip in the early morning air and the evenings are cooler. We are moving into the time of year where a cool morning can give way to a warm afternoon.

 

Twice a year I do my Big Seasonal Changeover. I am not quite ready to do it as autumn officially starts on 22nd September.  It feels like an Indian Summer this year, which is lovely.  Once August is over I have a self imposed curfew on white shoes and handbags. I will still wear cream shoes and accessories but the adored white shoes of high summer are the first to be put away.  They are still in my wardrobe but very soon the largest white handbag will be exchanged for a large black patent one in the wardrobe space.  The shoes will have to wait now until next spring to be worn again.

 

Do you have a favourite garment you love to wear? Are you a dress or separates lover?

 

Well dear Reader, I love separates and suits.  Do chat in the comments about your best jackets!

It all stems from childhood as my “best outfits” when not in school uniform were suits.  My mother dressed me in matching skirt and jacket sets from about 5 -13 years old.  I had party dresses too, but the love of separates was rooted early on!

 

If pressed to choose I must say it is the jacket that is my all time favourite garment.

 

In this photograph I am wearing my Gina Jacket.  It is a terracotta colour and was about £6 from Oxfam on line in the sale, about 3 years ago.  My dressmaker shortened the sleeves for me.  Here I am wearing it with a black pencil skirt, a lovely splashy bright scarf and pearls.

 

Why? Oh, dear Reader, jackets are versatile, can add texture and interest, work hard in the wardrobe and can take you from day to night with a change of accessories and jewellery.

 

You will see from my summer styling posts that it is not wearing a coat or a jacket that marks out the summer for me.  So once we hit September there is that glorious “in between seasons” time roughly mid September to mid October when the jacket comes into its own.

As cooler temperatures advance a Winter Coat can cover a jacket making snug layers. However when the suit or separates can be worn in all their glory – on view and accessorised perfectly – that is a golden point in the year.

 

If you really know your body shape, you can know the jacket style that works for you. Couple that with an awareness of cut and fit for different eras and you have an almost magic formula for elegance.

Why is a jacket so important? What makes it stand out?  How to wear it? How do you know when you have found the right one?  I will try you answer these questions using my personal style as an example.

 

Why is a jacket so important?

Here are some thoughts in answer to this question in no particular order or priority!

• It can make or break an outfit
• It must fit well and do what you want it to do
• It will take a skirt/top combination up a number of gears
• It will be a backdrop to display wonderful jewellery and scarves
• Fur collars can change a jacket in A/W as no other accessory can.
• If you can make it work as hard – match 3 or 4 skirts at least. I choose not to wear trousers for a dressed up look so I expect each jacket to match a minimum of 2 skirts and more if the choice has been expertly made!

What makes a jacket stand out?

To answer this question I have identified some key points to bear in mind when choosing one.

Cut and Fit

How long should the jacket be to suit your body shape? Does it nip in at the waist?  How long are the sleeves? For me, dear Reader, shorter lengths work well – about 24″ nape to hem.  I can wear 26″ and 22.5″ but; longer that 26″ is not so good on me.  Length makes all the difference to the outfit because of the proportion.

This is a new purchase from Oxfam on line.  It is a Hobbs tailored jacket .  It is 68% wool and 32% Acrylic.  I loved the cut  immediately and the hounds tooth fabric.  It can be dressed up with different collars for the A/W – I am looing forward to making this jacket work hard in my wardrobe!

 

 

 

The nipped in waist looks good with a straight skirt, but will also go with a pleated or fuller one.

 

The shoulder fit is vital.

The shoulder looks good on this jacket.

Brush your hand down the opposite upper arm from the edge of the shoulder.  The shoulder of the jacket should be in line with your shoulder.  If it is too short then your shoulder fit is all wrong.  Equally, if the shoulder comes out too far past your natural body line the fit is not good.

 

Length

If I find a wonderful jacket in a great fabric that is too big I look and see if it can be refitted and shortened by my dressmaker. It is worth it as the finished jacket with be unique and of great quality. New jackets that are expertly tailored are beyond my budget.  I also hate to see other people in “my” jacket as can easily happen with new clothes.  So 23″ -24″ is a good length for me.

This Eastex jacket was inherited from my mother in law.  My dressmaker took 4 inches off the length to remodel the jacket and give it a new lease of life!

 

 

When you are shopping for vintage it is so important to know your measurements and to be sure about the length that looks best on you.

 

Colour and Fabric

I love wool mixtures for in between seasons. Man made fabrics like polyester are great too but will have no warmth in them when the wind blows!  My man made jackets go away in early autumn.  The one or two I keep out for evenings are the first ones to go under a winter coat as the season progresses.  Colour and texture are the key to the success of the jacket.  Can you match tweed to jewellery?  Does the colour/texture compliment many of your scarves?  How does it sit with the skirt of your choice?  I love plain jacket/ patterned skirt combinations.  Plain jacket/skirt combinations take jewellery so well and complimentary patterns can work too.

 

This is one of my “in between seasons” jackets.  I love the texture and colours in it.  In this photograph I am wearing it with a S/S look.  In the coming weeks I will be wearing it with a navy blue pencil skirt and navy court shoes and handbag.

 

If you look critically at the colour and texture of the fabric you can see the possibilities of the jacket working hard with pieces that are already in your wardrobe.

 

Collar

If you know the length that suits you, chances are you are very sure about the best style of collar. I love shawl collars.  They are soft and feminine and take scarves well.  Notched or revered collars are so smart.  It is very important to really understand whether one or two buttons and a deep V or a higher buttoning jacket suits you.  This depends on the fullness of the bust.  I am aiming at an hour glass figure and suit one or two buttons.  I have found some higher buttoning jackets to work too.

 

Buttons

Does the jacket have great buttons?

This is another new purchase from Oxfam on line.  I have been watching this jacket on line for some time before buying it!   It is polyester, so now belongs in my S/S wardrobe.  I wanted a cream jacket to compliment most of my Summer skirts on cooler days.  The buttons are mother of pearl and have a slightly greenish tone in certain light.  The skirt in the photograph above looks great with this jacket because of the buttons.

 

It is possible to build up a collection of vintage buttons.  This is something I am doing now.   I try and buy some vintage buttons so can change then on jackets quite often to upgrade a look or to give faithful jacket a new look.  Buttons can be very tying.  A suit I bought in a charity shop had cream buttons on it.  I had them changed to a smoky grey and immediately the suit went with a lot of other tops and shoe /handbag combinations.

I buy jackets in charity shops for the buttons. The jacket will probably be too big or too long for me but will sport great buttons.  It can be cheaper to acquire buttons this way.  New buttons are expensive now and the quality does not compare to vintage buttons.

 

How to wear it?

Dear Reader the three ways I like to wear jacket are:

1. Buttoned up
2. Open
3. Slung around the shoulders, like a cape.

Buttoned Up

Buttoned up is always more formal and smart.

This jacket has an unusual style.  It almost has a peplum – you can see the split on the hip.  I like the way it adds interest to the side view, showing the skirt through the split.

If you make the jacket and skirt appear as “one” and treat it like a “dress” you can use accessories to powerful effect.  I love to wear at least one brooch or a group of smaller ones.  If I am going to a meeting and want to feel confident I choose a jacket that fits well on the shoulder and I wear it buttoned up.  The vital “first impression “is of elegance and power and can be very useful in some contexts.

I attend many meetings to do with the planning and organisation of Care for my elderly mother. It is always my objective to have the sartorial advantage, which silently reinforces the message that I mean business and will not settle for poor service or standards!

Open

An open jacket is more relaxed and can show off a lovely top underneath. It can work beautifully with brooches and scarves too.  Always try on the jacket open and look at the back view.  Some jackets look too baggy open.  Do think of this when you try on your outfit.  My grandmother always used to say to me that the back view was just as important as the front!

 

Around the Shoulders

Around the shoulders works well as long as it does not fall off! I use this way of wearing a jacket if I expect to take it off.  So going down to breakfast at an hotel, or going to the theatre for example.  Last A/W this was a popular way to wear coats and jackets loved by Victoria Beckham particularly.

I am wearing this jacket round my shoulders, over my scarf and top.  A good fit on the shoulder helps the jacket to stay in place!

 

It is not so warm and is great for in between seasons. In winter I drape my winter coat around the shoulders if I have a light wool jacket and am getting into the car, for example.  It is fun to experiment and do some styling or trying on at home in front of a full length mirror.  Always check the back view.

Dear Reader, I use my landing as a dressing room at home with a full length mirror and hooks to prepare outfits I am going to wear and to air outfits before they are returned to the wardrobe.

 

How do you know when you have found the right one?

The answer to this question is dear Reader, the feeling of absolute delight when you put on a jacket that fits well on the shoulder, is the best length and just looks amazing on!

 

It is that moment when you say to yourself “Yes!  This works”! 

 

I plan my outfits for the whole of the Christmas period about 12 or more outfits – this involves going for as many “YES” moments as I possibly can.

 

 

The jacket that works hard in your wardrobe can be a powerful part of your signature look. Dear Reader, for me a plain black skirt can come into its own with a contrasting jacket and look different each time because of the accessories!  I think it is an easy way to extend the scope of the pieces in my wardrobe and I just adore adding fur collars or scarves, brooches of varying sizes and seeing the effect with various shoes and handbags.

 

Sometimes I have a styling session that is one skirt and jacket to see how adding different accessorises can push the outfit in many directions and find looks for different occasions! A styling session like this can confirm the jacket as part of your signature look.

 

Thank you to Glenn for taking the photographs of me in this post.

Can A/W 2016 Trends “do” Vintage?

Hello and a big welcome to Gloriously Vintage. I hope you will enjoy a quick round up of the A/W 2016 Fashion Trends and start thinking about how they could work with your wardrobe.

 

The red Schreiner demi parure

 

 

I love to wear vintage style and always mix in a few new pieces as well. My favourite Era is the 1950’s and I love influences from the 1930’s and early 1960’s too.  Looking at the seasonal fashion trends is a big part of my interest in styling outfits and it always exerts some influence on my wardrobe  – even if the influence is very small.  That is the freedom of wearing vintage style – you are outside or above high fashion – but a “nod” to it adds piquancy to wardrobe choices.

 

Twice a year I do “The Big Seasonal Changeover” – S/S and A/W. Around that time I check out the fashion trends and have a long look at my wardrobe, accessories, and jewellery and shoes to see which trends will suit me and what I have in my wardrobe.  This enables me to ring the changes a little and enjoy a “nod” to what fashionistas are doing!

 

So where do I find the A/W 2016 trends?

Well dear Reader, I make sure I have bought the August copies of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and then certainly buy the copies of the key month of September. Fashion Magazines are always a month ahead.  The previews in the August issue acts as a taster for the full reveal in the big September issue.

I have been following this pattern for some years now and find it to work well and be fun at the same time.

If I am searching out a few new pieces for my wardrobe on Oxfam on line for example I may as well choose current colours or shapes that will fit in beautifully and allow me to be creative.  Also when I am in charity shops or at vintage fairs I have a clear idea of what I am looking for.  If none of the trends suit me – well dear Reader I just happily do my own thing and rejoice in my individuality!

 

I have two maxims about style:

Nothing is smart unless it suits

And

Always dress up because others will wish they had!

The first maxim is essential and came from my Grandmother who was a professional dressmaker. The second one came from a style book years ago.  It has stood me in good stead over my life and has helped to increase my confidence to dress how I want to and enjoy it immensely.

 

So dear Reader here is a quick round up of the A/W2016 Trends. I have specified which publication they are from as the two magazines have highlighted some different trends this season.  Sometimes there is a great overlap in what they present as you would expect.  However this year it is a little different because the trends have been interpreted differently.

TRENDS (Vogue)

Mini Trends

1. Winter sandals
2. Long gloves for evening
3. Heavy metal handbags
4. Shearing – worn curly side out
5. Red boots, shoes and handbag- pop of scarlet
6. White 1980’s style shoes
7. Adorned sweaters
8. Buttons down the back – reversing tops and jackets
9. Statement belt
10. Matchy matchy accessories

TRENDS (Vogue)

1. Modern British – heritage tweed and clashing tartans
2. Silk – Boudoir dressing continues from S/S 16
3. Mood indigo – Denim
4. Velvet
5. Coat check – leather and Vinyl and THE CAPE
6. Duvet coats and jackets
7. Shearling
8. Military
9. Boots
10. Glasses with embellished frames

THE 7 BIG TRENDS (Vogue)

1. Extremely large totes
2. Soft military
3. Polished Punk – a strong 1980’s influence here
4. Tweed Redux – mixing heirloom tweeds and prince of Wales checks with stylist separates or just add white accessories
5. Tweed with Vinyl
6. Badass Florals – clashing prints
7. Chokers
8. Embellished velvet and rich brocade.

TRENDS (HARPER’S BAZAAR)

10 LIKES NOW

1. Shoulder barring top – this trend caries on from S/S 16
2. The cape
3. Heritage handbag – either top handle or chain handle
4. the roll neck sweater
5. Hiking boots – chunky boots
6. Corset belt – worn over a winter coat to cinch the waist
7. Re-worked trench – leather
8. Oversize trousers
9. Velvet puffa coat both luxe and street style
10. Ski Pants

TRENDS (HARPER’S BAZAAR)

1. Scotland the Brave – tartans and tweeds
2. Victorian Luxe – black lace, ruffles and pearls
3. Great outdoors – classic autumn colours
4. Rich velvet
5. Contrasting prints
6. The nomad – free spirit with inspiration from around the world.
7. Embellishment
8. Brocade

TRENDS (HARPER’S BAZAAR)

10 LIKES NOW

1. Shoulder barring top – this trend caries on from S/S 16
2. The cape
3. Heritage handbag – either top handle or chain handle
4. the roll neck sweater
5. Hiking boots – chunky boots
6. Corset belt – worn over a winter coat to cinch the waist
7. Re-worked trench – leather
8. Oversize trousers
9. Velvet puffa coat both luxe and street style
10. Ski Pants

 

TRENDS (HARPER’S BAZAAR)

1. Scotland the brave – tartans and tweeds
2. Victorian Luxe – black lace, ruffles and pearls
3. Great outdoors – classic autumn colours
4. Rich velvet
5. Contrasting prints
6. The nomad – free spirit with inspiration from around the world.
7. Embellishment
8. Brocade

 

Style Guide A/W TRENDS (HARPER’S BAZAAR)

TAILORING

1. Monochrome chick
2. Long and loose trouser suits – double breasted with exaggerated slouch
3. Evening Detail – shoes adorned with jewels
4. New waist the paper bag waist.
5. The Ageless icon – jacket with extended lapels over a pleated silk corset = Timeless glamour
6. Cinched and Sleek – wide belts
7. Modern and playful
8. Cape – The investment piece this year
9. Embellishment – The finishing touch
10. Pearl adorned Trousers for evening

 

ACCESSORIES (HARPER’S BAZAAR)

1. Heart’s Desire – Pinks, golds, rosebuds and diamonds
2. Forbidden forest – dark jewel colours- teal, emerald , black velvet embellishes bags
3. Folktale
4. Moonlight magic – black velvet with night stars embellishment

 

Sumptuous jewel colours and all shades of pink into lavender are the strong colour influences this season.

 

 

Here are the trends. Can they “do” vintage?

If you take a very purist view that vintage is separate completely, then the answer to this question must be a resounding “NO!”

I think there are certain trends here that can do vintage. The companies producing reproduction vintage fashions do produce collections for each season and therefore must take their influences from somewhere.  If like me you are putting your look together from vintage, vintage appropriate and new pieces the trends are open to interpretation.

 

What will I be following this A/W2016?

I will be looking at shades of pink, from blush and nude to deeper tones, to work them into my wardrobe. Rich berry tones are always wonderful as the autumn unfolds.

The jewel colours offer a lot of scope with jewellery and accessories.  I will also be trying to work in some lavender as well.  Dear Reader I will be using my Style Book to see what worked last year and it will help me to tweak some outfits to give them the “on trend twist” that is both fun to do and a bit of a challenge!

SCOTLAND THE BRAVE/TWEED

I love British Heritage fabrics checks and tweed and Scottish influenced plaids so these will feature greatly in my choices. The pieces I own will come out really on trend.  Tweeds are so versatile depending on what they are paired with.

This trend can certainly “do” vintage and look good whatever eras you prefer. Mixing tweed and plain fabrics always works and I may add nude courts instead of darker coloured shoes too.

VELVET

I plan to work this trend into my wardrobe with evening bags and separates.

I have my eye on a number of items on the internet and have some velvet items I would like to rework with my dressmaker.

A black devore full skirt I have will come into its own this year for the Christmas season.

THE CAPE

I do not own a cape currently, but have some large wraps that ore flowing like a cape. They go over a suit or jacket and skirt adding warmth and a bit of drama to the finished look.  The silhouette is the important shape here.  Also dear reader wraps bridge the gap before really warm coats are needed as the season progresses.

SHEARLING

My heart is always glad when this is on trend as have two wonderful coats – both with the curly side out as luck would have it.

EMBELLISHMENT

Dear Reader, do check out this post from earlier this year to see how you can create your own embellishment with vintage brooches. I will be looking at ways to embellish outfits this way.  Grouping brooches is the way to add flair to many different outfits.  It is possible to emphasis eth waist, they can go on pockets and on sleeves – you can be really creative here.

 

BROCADE

A fabric that is more for the evening, but one that brings immediate glamour and luxury to your outfit.

 

I will be wearing this jacket as my “nod” to this trend. I wore it at Christmas last year and also for my 60th Birthday Party in February.  Brocade is quite difficult because you do not want to look as though you are decked out in upholstery fabric or curtains!  (It was OK for Scarlet O’Hara, and the Von Trapp Children!)

Mini TRENDS can “do” Vintage too!

Handbags

Handbags with a top handle or chain handle are the bags to have this A/W2016. These can certainly be found in the vintage bags of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  They can be worked into vintage style outfits easily.  I have a Laura Ashley handbag with a chain strap that I am thinking of bringing out this season.

 

Matchy Matchy Accessories

Dear Reader, I am so delighted about this mini trend because I have loved matching accessories since I was a teenager. There is nothing quite like them to really pull together the look of matching shoes and handbag.

Yes, dear Reader, I do miss-matched very happily as it enables me to use bags that it would be impossible to match the shoes.

If the handbag and shoes do not actually match – I make sure the colours are very close. Browns can vary a lot and I often get round this by wearing black shoes with a tan or brown handbag to avoid a really glaring mismatch.

Red Shoes and Handbags

This is a favourite combination that I love t wear. My personal choice is to wear them with grey, but I do pair them with blue and black too.  Reds can be very tricky to match.  What do you think? I go to where the natural light is best in my home and have a good look at the tones!

They always give a lovely shot of colour and there is something about red shoes … The Dorothy effect, I think!

 

Jewellery

HB features jewellery each season which I find interesting and helpful. I will be bringing into my outfits rich jewel colours – emerald, sapphire blue, ruby red and rich berry tones with gold.  These are lovely autumn hues that bring luxurious colour in to an outfit.

The red Schreiner demi parure

Silk

I will be working this mini trend with silk scarves and silky camisoles worn under tailored jackets. The boudoir dressing wit chemises dresses from the S/S is continuing into the autumn.

Pearls

Of course, dear Reader, I could never ignore the trend for pearls – I will be choosing pearl brooches to embellish bags and jackets and wearing pearls as much as possible.

Pearl embellishment is very to the fore this season.   I will be sporting pearls at every opportunity and feeling very happy in them.  Will you wear pearls this A/W?

 

Well I hope dear Reader you have enjoyed this quick round up and can get on with planning marvellous outfits for the coming A/W2016 season

 

I will cover beauty trends on another post soon. Certainly this post has helped me to feel rather excited about A/W2016.  Yes dear reader it is sad to say goodbye to lovely summery outfits.  However, it will be fun to wear vintage and be able to “nod to high fashion too!

 

There is very little faux fur this year. I do wear Vintage fur and faux fur collars and also leopard print is not prevalent at all. I will still wear leopard print with red and black and taupe, because I like it.  I also think of Marilyn, Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blonds” and Wendy Hiller in “I know where I’m going”- 2 of my all time favourite films.  How about you dear Reader? 

Do share your thoughts in the comments!

 

 

A big thank you to Glenn for taking the photographs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Styling – Jade Green and Taupe to Celebrate a Special Birthday

 

Hello!  Welcome to Gloriously Vintage, I hope you are, like me, making the most of the remaining weeks of the summer!  It a season that is all too brief and passes by so quickly in the UK.  One of the best things about it for me is not needing a jacket or a coat.  I adore jackets and coats and love to wear them, but it is a luxury to be in temperatures where they are not needed.

 

What do you think?  Do you feel like this about the summertime?

 

It feels great to just be ready to go out in a dress or separates.  Scarves really come into their own as they can add so much to the finished look.  Wearing lighter fabrics and brighter colours make Summer Styling completely different to the A/W styling.  As we move towards September and the evenings are getting a little shorter I am starting to feel that I must make as many opportunities as possible to enjoy my summer wardrobe.  It is in September, rather driven by the weather  – but usually mid September that I work on the Big Seasonal Changeover again, only this time it is white shoes that are sadly going to be put away, rather than as before, brought out with such anticipation.

 

I want to share with you the outfit I wore for my Mothers 92nd Birthday Family party which was held at our favourite hotel The Stratford, in Stratford upon Avon.

 

This was a very happy occasion and called for a bit of sparkle!  I particularly like to wear Aurora borealis jewellery when I am going out in the evening for a dinner party like this.

My mother has lived a long life and I personally feel that every birthday after 90 years old is a great achievement and should be treated as a special celebration.

 

Mummy enjoyed opening her presents, here she is with her perfume,  Kenzo, Flower

I was delighted when she said that she had enjoyed this year’s Birthday as much as her 90th, for which she had a bigger party for family and friends.

 

My two children joined us for this Birthday meal and getting together with them is always very special for her.

 

Styling the Outfit

Scarf

To begin with I was not sure what to wear for this occasion.  I checked in my Style Book to see what I wore last year and did not want to appear in the same outfit again.  When you keep your clothes for s long time this can happen sometimes – though the style book is a great help here!

I wanted to have my anniversary scarf somewhere in the outfit – last year it was a main feature – it is lovely to wear in August.  So I decided to tie it onto my everything bag.

Dear Reader this worked very well with this scarf.  The scarf is a large square and is very fine silk.  I used a bias fold leaving the scarf quite wide for a floppy bow.  Pulling the loops of the bow out helped to stop the silk from slipping and falling off.

The bow came out into a good shape first go which was a great help!  Sometimes four or five attempts are required to get the finished bow that I am happy with.  The colours in the scarf are so summery.

 

Jewellery

My next thought was the jewellery that I wanted to wear.  I wore the turquoise “set” last year so settled on the Aurora borealis set for 2016.  I have a number of earings in the set

The ones I chose were the little flower shaped ones because I love them with the brooch.  The shape of the stones complements each other even if they do not match.

Some vintage clip earings are definitely “handed” and are better when worn in a particular way.  These are not strictly handed but I always wear them this way round.

Having tried them on both ways I settled on the small stone at the top of the design pointing towards my face.  This looks best on me.  Do you have earings that have to be sorted out like this?  Simple round and oval designs do not matter which way round you style them.

Trying them on the two ways is the answer – the way that suits you best will be very clear.  You will know straight away!

 

This 2 row necklace is a comfortable length.  It sits well in this V – neck and compliments the brooch on the shoulder.

This is one of my favourite bracelets because it is part of the set I have chosen.

 

Separates and Shoes

Out of all my summer skirts the taupe one is my favourite.  I have had it for 17 years and it goes with everything.  So I opted for that one and then puzzled over the top to wear.  I have tops that will take a brooch pinned on and others that are unsuitable to have holes made in them.  That narrowed the choice a little.

The deciding factor was the shoes.

I refer to the shoes in this outfit as my party shoes as they have been to some amazing events and made me feel wonderful every time.  I feel a close association with the lovely times that I feel so strongly when they are on my feet!

Not bad for a pair of shoes to give so much?  Do tell me about your favourite shoes!

 

This top is jade/emerald green depending n the other elements of the outfit.  Here it is more jade coloured.  In the A/W it can look more emerald worn with emerald green tones.

 

Handbag

I actually had two handbags.  You know I love my bags and often have a clutch and an everything bag.  My everything bag that I bought last year from Oxfam for the family wedding I went to last August has been a most useful bag.  It cost £6 and is actually a giveaway bag from Lancôme.  The cream sparkly bag with gold handles has been my go-to summer everything bag especially when I style a clutch bag with my outfit.

The bag I chose for this outfit is my “Malta clutch”.  It has this name because Glenn bought it for me in Malta about four years ago.

Here is my “Malta Clutch” bag – worn in this photograph with the taupe skirt and a cream top

It came from Accessorize.  I had felt sad before that holiday as that bag had sold out on the UK website and I had missed the chance to buy it.  Visiting Valetta there is an Accessorize there.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw it.  Originally it has a large tassel attached that rather tied it to a specific colour.

My jeweller kindly removed it and fitted a lobster clasp to make it an optional extra.  They also put lobster clasps on either end of the chain handle – again making it easier to use.

This bag is a delight because it goes with so many colours –

Pink

Coral

Jade green

Cream

I always take this bag on holiday to use in the evenings.  It matches many items from my summer wardrobe.

 

Dear Reader, it does feel good when you find a bag that goes with a lot of outfits.  I am sure you have bags that do this.  They are such a good find.

My bag is forever my “Malta clutch” and is lovely reminder of that holiday and being on holiday.  A feeling that greatly adds to the pleasure of wearing it.

You may be thinking –

What does she put in the everything bag?

Well it is a mixture of useful things.  ~in the summer months I carry a cream lace fan to cool myself in hot moments.  The camera is usually in there too.  I carry tissues and hand wipes and napchains and damask napkins in a small zipped pouch, our sunglasses and a pair of ballet flats to change into if there is any walking to do and my heels are too high!  I also can put my wrap into it until I want to use it.  All this would never fit into a small clutch and I am not Mary Poppins with a bottomless bag that holds all manner of things!

 

Napchains

We have a family tradition that makes us all laugh – we use napchains to keep our napkins covering the front and the lap.

What is a napchain I hear you say, dear Reader!  It is a chain with a small clip on each end.  You can attach it to a napkin either along a straight side or on a corner.  The chain goes over your head and keeps the napkin in place.

Here I am waiting for my dinner wearing my napchain and napkin!

I originally got these for the 5 of us to use for Christmas 2012 to protect my mother’s clothes from spills as she is partially sighted.

 

Rather than single her out with one I decided we would all have one.  However, I found it so helpful as I often wear scarves that now Glenn and I always use then when eating out and take our own damask napkins too.  Sometimes I am asked where I got them from! (I bought them on Amazon)

 

They are now always used when the family gets together for Birthdays and Christmas and have become a tradition.  A celebration meal is incomplete without napchains!

 

Outfit Details

 

 Jade green and gold peep toe platform heels   Dorothy Perkins a few years ago

Viyella taupe pleated skirt    Bought at a Dress Agency in 1999 (no longer trading)

V neck top with bracelet length sleeves   Marks and Spencer

Fabric clutch from Accessorize in Malta!

Cream and gold bag    Oxfam on Line

Large square silk scarf from Accessorize tied onto bag

Cream wrap   Marks and Spencer some years ago

American 1950’s Aurora borealis brooch

2 Row necklace of Aurora borealis beads

1950’s Aurora borealis clip on Earings

Pearl and Aurora borealis spiral Bracelet

 

Lipstick Blend

 

Bobbi Brown Red Lip Pencil + Revlon Red + MAC Lady Danger + Revlon HD Lipstick in Poppy

 

 

 Thank you for joining me today on Gloriously Vintage.  I hope I will be as spry as my mother when I am 92 years old!  Do get in touch –  it is great to hear from you – say hello in the comments!

A big thank you to Glenn for taking all the photographs.

 

 

Summer Styling – Coral, Cream and Turquoise

Whew!  We have had the hottest day, well over 32C, in July ever in the UK in the last week.  Summer has finally got going.  The temperatures have dropped back to more comfortable levels this weekend, 25C, which has been great.  Hello , dear Reader, I hope you are having a good Summer.

 

Welcome today to this post on Summer Styling – Coral , Cream and Turquoise.  It has been a wonderful weekend with great treasure hunting at Antiques for Everyone at the NEC.  It was a very exciting day.  I will be posting about the treasures next week but wanted to share the outfit I wore last Saturday.

 

Wearing my scarf in the “Elizabeth Drape”!

I am really thrilled with this outfit because I have created a new pairing and it has worked well and received many compliments at Antiques for Everyone!

 

I started the styling for Saturday with the scarf.  This is a graphic print, large whisper fine silk scarf from Accessorize.  I call it my “Anniversary Scarf” because Glenn bought it for me in Stratford upon Avon last year for our 14th Wedding Anniversary.  The scarf has many lovely colours including coral, cream and turquoise.

 

 

I wore it last summer with my taupe skirt and a cream jumper to highlight the lovely colours in the scarf.  Cream or jade peep toe shoes which made the greens pop out in the scarf worked well.  The turquoise jewellery “set” complimented the colours too – so that was the outfit I recorded in my Style Book that took me to a number of events last year.  It is one of my favourites from my S/S collection.

 

 

This is the beautiful scarf that adorned my handbag for the Summer Family Wedding I attended almost a year ago in August 2015.

The main problem I had with my styling was the shoes I usually wore are not for walking any distance in!  So I had the scarf and the turquoise jewellery set planned for Saturday.

A decision had to be made about a skirt.

 

The handbag needed to be a framed one, not a clutch, which would be easier to carry round all the wonderful exhibits on show.

 

 

The next problem was the Celtic knot bracelet which is brass, needed cleaning and I did not have time to clean it for Saturday as last week was very busy and hot!  I usually clean it with a lemon juice and salt paste, gently rinsed off and polished with a soft cotton cloth – which brings the brass up to a shine!

 

 

I decided to wear one of my recent treasures, a lovely Trifari bracelet with textured leaves that went with the textured gold on the brooch.

 

The coral skirt has finer pleats than some of my S/S skirts and is Glenn’s favourite, so I decided to pair the scarf with it.  The cream V-neck top will take a brooch and matches the cream handbag.  To walk around the Antiques Fair I wore cream flats but put on some heels for these photographs!

You are seeing the “Emie” pink court shoes a lot this summer.  When I bought them I did not expect them to go with so many combinations.  They have proved to be a versatile colour that I am often wearing instead of cream to go with the handbag featured in this outfit.

 

The glass stones on the brooch are called “baby teeth” as the

shape does resemble baby’s teeth!

This brooch can be converted into a pendant.  Do you wear turquoise?  It is a colour that always makes me feel happy and uplifted and puts a spring in my step!

 

The turquoise earings were bought with the brooch from Sutton Vintage and Arts Fair.  I usually wear them together.

 

 

Outfit Details

 

“Emie” Pointed Court Shoes   Dorothy Perkins

Viyella Pleated Skirt   Charity Shop

V-Necked Top   Marks and Spencers

Cream 1950’s Framed Handbag   Sutton Vintage and Arts Fair

Large Graphic Printed Silk Scarf   Accessorize

Turquoise Brooch

2 rows of Lotus Pearls

Turquoise Clip Earings

Trifari Bracelet

Napier Twist Pearl Bracelet

Ted Baker Sunglasses

 

 

 

Lipstick  Blend

 

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Red + Revlon Red + Bourjois 10 Rouge Buzz + Revlon HD Lipstick in Poppy

I wanted a warm coral lip that was redder than pure coral to go with this outfit.  When blending I check the tone as I blot the application, then go on layering until the shade I want is achieved.  This warm coral stayed on well during the afternoon.

 

Have you found a good coral lipstick?

 

A favourite is “Kiss Me Coral ” by Revlon which is sadly discontinued.  I have a little of mine left and use it sparingly!

 

 

 

I am having great fun preparing my next post on Gloriously Vintage regarding the wonderful Treasures found last Saturday and about the Exhibitors who are so interesting to visit.  There is always something to learn.

 

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Thank you for visiting Gloriously Vintage today.  Do chat in the comments and have a look at my new Books Page.  It is possible to leave a comment there too!  I am so looking forward to the next post – as I found a truly wonderful brooch!

 

A big thank you to Glenn for taking the photgraphs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock that Signature Scarf

Hello!  Welcome to Gloriously Vintage, dear Reader, it is a great pleasure to be writing more thoughts about wearing a signature scarf.

I took the plunge last Sunday and went out in a lovely soft yellow skirt and actually wore 2 scarves as I wanted to rock that signature scarf and show you these two very different scarves with this summery outfit.  It was warm enough to not need a jacket, but not very sunny!  At least I have worn my soft yellow skirt once this summer.

Collecting and wearing scarves, especially silk ones is a great passion for me.   In this post I want to share more thoughts about how a scarf can lift what you are wearing to express your personality and individual style.

 

Wearing vintage style allows for so much variation and scope to be very creative.

 

It has been a rather grey and dreary week weather-wise here in the UK- I am still waiting for the warm summer days and evenings!  We are promised some warmth next week, well dear Reader, the rest of July could be glorious!

 

 

Outfit Details

 

White pointed court shoes   Next

1950’s White framed handbag   Diane Ashman

Viyella Soft Yellow Pleated skirt   Oxfam on Line

Soft White Square Necked Top   Kettlewell Colours

Large Square Silk Graphic Print scarf   Accessorize

Square Polyester Scarf (like heavy chiffon)   Sutton Vintage and Arts Fair, last year

2 Stretch Pearl Cuffs   Dorothy Perkins

2 Rows Lotus Pearls

Large Pearl Stud Earings

 

 

Lipstick Blend:

Bobbi Brown Red lip Pencil + Revlon Red + Revlon HD Lipstick in Poppy

This bright scarf has yellow and white in the pattern.  I originally bought it to go with this skirt as a first foray into wearing yellow and is part of my S/S scarf collection.  It is made of polyester and is like heavy chiffon.  It is un-named and has a machined hem.  The mix of colours attracted me.

The texture of this scarf makes it cling to the top and stay in place well, once positioned.  It is tied in my signature style, which I will call the Elizabeth Drape as it appears regularly here.

 

 

This is a large, whisper fine graphic print silk scarf from Accessorize.  The yellow in the pattern attracted me as it would go well with my soft yellow skirt.

I am delighted to find that my post from April this year is the most read on Gloriously Vintage.  It is Make Wearing a Silk Scarf Your Signature.  What a marvellous feeling to come to the computer and find a comment from one of my Readers!  It is especially marvellous when they feel encouraged to wear scarves more and try out their own collection.

Dear Reader, you see me adding to my collection all the time as scarves are easy to store and give so much to each wearing.

 

Looking back to my April post I made this comment:

“They can finish an outfit better than other accessories”

The three reasons I think scarves can do this are:

1. Expression of personality/individuality

2. Quality and lift to an outfit

3. Pleasure and confidence

What do you think?  I expect a scarf to meet these three reasons and more!

 

 

I have referred to my particular style with a square scarf as the Elizabeth Drape because I have not found that way of tying a scarf in any books or on any websites.

 

A very important point when choosing the scarf to complete the outfit and to strengthen the signature look is to pick a top or jacket that either tones or is a contrast.

 

 

You have seen me wearing a scarf on a plain jacket, but in some of the S/S outfits having a top that tones can make a lot of difference.

 

 

In the chiffon style scarf there is white and yellow – the two key colours in the outfit.  In the large silk square scarf yellow is one of the colours and the background is white so the soft white top was a safe bet!

 

Matching the colour of the top is just as important as how the scarf looks with a jacket.  I love S/S styling because often I do not need a jacket so I am only matching a top!  Here I am wearing a soft peach top to compliment the scarf.

The soft peach also worked well with this Christian Dior scarf.  It does look great if you can remove your jacket and the scarf then looks amazing over the top you have chosen.  My trick if it cannot is to take off the jacket and the scarf and possibly tie the scarf to my handbag.  I have a couple of tops that are ruched at the front.  They are lovely tops but they just do not work with a scarf.

The two scarves featured with today’s summer outfit give very different looks.

 

 

I love the darker scarf, but feel that the large square silk one is dressier.

 

 

This is because of the quality silk brings to the total look and the size of it makes a more dramatic statement.

Silk can slip.  You can see from the photographs that the knot has moved.

 

 

I tied and placed the second scarf without a mirror, just by “feel”.  I will adjust the scarf if I know it is one that slips and am prepared to put up with it because of the overall look.

 

On a jacket a silk scarf can stay in place because of the texture of the fabric – often true of A/W styling or in between season styling.

Do you have any tips for this?

 

My tip for a flat knot that slips out too loosely is to cross the ends and do one extra over in the first part of the tie.  I used to do this with my children’s shoelaces when they were small to stop the tie slipping undone.  I do this with a fine silk scarf and then go on to finish tying the flat knot as usual.  It stays tied securely and there is no need to worry about losing a scarf that is precious.

 

New Season Trend for A/W 2016 – Scarf handles for Handbags.

 

There is a new trend on its way for A/W16 that I read about in the August Edition of Vogue UK –  scarf handles for handbags.  This does not mean the handles wrapped with a scarf, it actually means the grab or shoulder strap is a scarf.

 

Dear Reader, I love a challenge and am now busy thinking hard about how I can adapt clutch bags with an optional chain handle to take a handle fashioned out of one or two scarves.  I may have mentioned that my jeweller had fitted lobster clasps to the chain handles to enable me to remove them, to take the bags on holiday with the heavy handles in my coat pocket – not in the case adding weight!

I am going to find out if rings can be fitted with lobster clasps so that a scarf may be tied on each side of the bag to the ring.  Watch this space for the results of this quest!  There is plenty of time from now until mid September when I want to wear this trend.  I will keep you up to date with my progress.

 

I love the whole idea of another way to rock that signature scarf!

Thank you for joining me on Gloriously Vintage – do chat in the comments and make my day .  In the last photograph I am sitting on “our ” bench in the walled garden – it is where we shared our first kiss, so is very special.

 

A big thank you to Glenn for taking the photographs for this post at Baddesley Clinton, a moated manor house run by the National Trust.

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Trifari Treasures and a Gorgeous Red Hat

 

Last Sunday dear Reader, we went to the Sutton Vintage and Arts Fair.  It was great fun and I found some vintage treasures to add to my collections.  I hope you have had a great week.  Here in the UK the rain kept off on Sunday and the day was warmer as the wind had dropped.  It was a relief as we have had so much rain last week.  When it rains I have to choose shoes that can take getting wet.

 

My choice of shoes often influences the whole outfit, do you find this too?

 

It is always a nostalgic experience going to this particular vintage fair because I am constantly seeing items that I remember from my childhood that were “new” then and are “vintage “now.

 

I think I could describe myself as gloriously vintage!

 

The treasures found were lovely, especially the Trifari Treasures.  As you know dear Reader, I love Trifari jewellery and collect it.  Finding new pieces is marvellous fun.  If I can find a piece to compliment a “set” that is good.  Occasionally I have found something that matches some pieces in the collection.

I do enjoy this Fair because I go regularly and am getting to know some of the vintage sellers and am always excited to meet new ones.  Parked outside Sutton Town Hall were these fabulous cars from Kiss Rides.

 

Here is the ultimate in styling – a car to match my outfit!

 

This mini is so sweet – I was a child when the first minis appeared.

 

This made me think of a lovely picnic!  I would take a much bigger hamper!

 

 

The other main attraction last Saturday was the performance of one of my favourite girl groups

 

“The Glamophones”.

 

 

They sing in the style of the Andrews Sisters and more recently The Puppini Sisters and I just love to watch them perform.

Live music is wonderful as it surrounds and involves you so much.  My feet were tapping and I so wanted to dance!  However British reserve and a lack of space stopped me!  It is my desire to have a party where the Glamophones entertain us.  A dream I want to make come true in this 60th decade.

There was a chance to buy a CD with some of The Glamophones songs and I bought a calendar of their photographs for the rest of the year.  They signed it for me! I have put it to good use recording my posts on Gloriously Vintage.  There was time between their sets to talk to the girls.

 

 

They wore black dresses with white polka dots and black and white petticoats underneath.  The 1940’s-1950’s style was set off with victory rolls in their hair and lovely red lipstick.

It was marvellous.

 

 

I went straight to Rob Caldwell to see if he had any Trifari jewellery.  I have bought from him before and have greatly enjoyed the pieces I have.  Sure enough I found two delightful bracelets a brooch and a demi parure I just fell in love with.

 

 

The pearl and diamante brooch is an early Trifari possibly from the 1940’s.

When I see the jewellery in my mind’s eye I am working out how to wear each piece and thinking about the collection I have it will add to and what outfits it will go with.  Really this outfit planning is what I love to do.

 

This 1930’s bracelet needs some TLC as the safety chain is broken but will match another “set” I have with the same pink stone.

 

 

I bought this aqua clutch bag which is 1980’s does 1950’s.

 

 

It has a detachable shoulder strap and is a great match with the skirt from Summer Styling.

 

 

I will wear this bag with contrasting shoes and also where it can be matched to the colours in a scarf.  Accessories like this give a feature colour or a pop of brightness to a plainer outfit.

 

I could not resist this red handbag.

 

 

 

I had this bag in taupe leather in the 1980’s and loved the simple shape.  Rounded bags are good because they add softer lines to a tailored suit or jacket.  This is a mix I love to experiment with.  Details like shape, curves, colour and size can make an enormous difference to the finished outfit.

Yes dear Reader, I found a scarf!

 

 

It is silk and I will wear it in the A/W and enjoy the rich tones.

Let me show you the outfit I wore.

 

 

Outfit Details

 

Red Court Shoes   Dorothy Perkins

Red Viyella Pleated Skirt   Charity shop

Cream V Neck jumper   Marks and Spencer

White 1950’s Handbag   Diane Ashman

Silk Square Scarf   Diane Ashman

Gloves   Charity shop

Pearl cuffs    Dorothy Perkins

3 Rows of Lotus Pearls

Red Demi Parure   Chronically Vintage Etsy Shop

 

 

Lipstick Blend:

Red Bobbi Brown Pencil + Revlon Red+ Dior 999

 

 

I love this demi parure from Jessica at the Chronically Vintage Etsy Shop.

It is the first time I have worn this jewellery and I am thrilled the earings were really comfortable and did not pinch!

 

 

I love to match the shoes to the skirt in the summer particularly, but in the A/W too with grey, navy and black shoes.  Here I have red shoes that are a good match with the skirt.  I have tied the scarf onto the bag with a square knot.  The pearl cuffs extend the short gloves.  These heels are comfortable to walk around in.  Many of my beloved heels are “short walk” shoes!

 

Having seen Jessica on chronically vintage so often wearing amazing hats, I am bringing hats into my outfits more and love the way they pull an outfit together.  I am rather traditional in my style as I love sinamay or straw in the S/S and felt in the A/W.  This comes from many years of wearing a hat everyday as part of my school uniform.  We had large hats with a swept back, upturned brim in brown felt for the winter terms and the same shape in cream straw for the summer term.  These hats were worn on the back of the head and were referred to as “halos” as they produced a halo effect around the face.  They were very flattering and set a pattern of personal preference that has lasted all my life!

 

May I introduce you to the gorgeous red hat?

 

Last Sunday I met Alice Mary Ball the designer and maker of this wonderful hat.  Do look at this link and see her work.  I was tempted to try on some of her hats.  They were mostly tilts and perchers to be worn on the front of the head.

 

 

The felt ones were all lovely, but I chose this gorgeous red straw hat because I do not have that many S/S hats.  Yes dear Reader, it is an occasion hat, and I am going to enjoy it creating a number of glamorous outfits!

 

I love the arrow turkey feather!

 

 

 

After a busy week, working hard, it is bliss to go to a Vintage Fair and revel in looking at the many varied items for sale and picking out some new treasures.

 

 

 Thank you for visiting Gloriously Vintage, do chat in the comments about your special finds, I would love to know about them!

 

Photographs taken by Glenn, thank you for all your help with this post.

 

Stylish to the End – Use it or Loose it!

Welcome dear Reader to Gloriously Vintage today, in the UK it has been wet and cool and now July is here we are ready for summer to warm up, please. 

I am excited to show you one of the things I purchased with my 60th Birthday money.  It is a turn of the century silver topped walking cane.  I bought it from the Antiques Fair at Chateaux Impney from The Ambulist, Christopher Galloway.

The Fair was a wonderful place for treasure hunting and when I saw all the amazing walking sticks this exhibitor had on display my eyes lit up and my heart skipped a beat, so to speak.  Why?  Well, let me explain.

 

The cane can be carried like this.

 

For a number of years I have wanted a silver topped cane to have by me as a trusty companion for the future.  I looked very carefully at all the sticks displayed.  Having discussed the height of a walking stick with Mr Galloway, I picked out this one.  Sometimes when you are shopping the first dress or pair of shoes is the one and it does not matter how many are tried afterwards the first one is THE ONE.

So, having picked it out, I trusted my instinct and eye for quality and tried the cane.  Dear Reader it just felt right.  It was a comfortable height and balance.  I felt very elegant with it and it was comfortable to carry and to walk with.  The price was within my budget, so I invested in it.  Once it was mine I walked around the Fair stopping to look at all manner of lovely items leaning on my cane and feeling so delighted and in harmony with it.  The ferule is steel and for now, will be fine for me.

When I am much older a rubber ferule will probably be safer as it will be less likely to slip in the rain!

 

The cane can be leant on, like this.

 

You may think it a little eccentric to be so thrilled with a silver top walking cane!  Well you see it is part of my life plan to enjoy my clothes, personal style and hair and makeup right to the end of life.  And why not?

 

A very large part of making clothes sit well on the body, therefore making an outfit look really wonderful is summed up in one word – Posture.

 

I am sure dear Reader, you have read in magazines advice about standing up straight to look thinner and to enable your figure to look its best.

My cane will enable me to practice good posture when walking, particularly when walking starts to be more of a challenge.  I will take it out now for the sheer enjoyment of having it with me.  I know the time will come when it will be my constant companion.

 

  “Use it or loose it” is a saying that rings true of many things.

 

Skills not used can fall away, forgotten.  As time passes and age gathers momentum it is essential to know what you want to keep and use it so you do not loose it.  The joy of walking is one of those essential skills to keep.

Dear Reader what do you think about the saying “use it or loose it”?

 

One of my maxims for life is:

“Invest in your future”

 

Since my late 30’s and 40’s I have been doing just that with regards to my skin, figure and posture.  The maxim has been such a help as now I am 60 years old I can see the results of the disciplined care I have taken and I am determined to redouble my efforts for the next 30 years ahead.

 

Do you look after yourself?  Would you be able to do a bit more now, so you are investing in your future life?  It only takes a small shift in the everyday things you do to achieve this investment – and it will pay dividends as time goes by.  You are never too young to start.  Generally speaking, we are all expecting to live a lot longer than our three score years and ten!

 

When you are young, thinking about old age seems so far off that it does not get much time or thought or planning.  I woke up to this when I was coming up to 40 and I could observe close hand, the aging process in my parents.  In my 50’s there was an even sharper awakening as they were getting older still.  My mother is aware of the use it or loose it rule for practically everything she does!

At almost 92 years old, she still puts on makeup each day, has her hair done often and takes great interest in her clothes, always looking beautifully turned out.  I have organised her care and support to enable this to happen.  The one area where she “could have done better “is with her posture, working on it sooner to keep it for longer.

You only have to look at HM The Queen to see her remarkable walking, without a stick.  Her ability to stand so well.  I believe she practises The Alexander Technique and has done for many years.

As a child, Nanny lived with us and died when I was 12 years old, in the 1960’s.  She lived to be 79 years old.  She always dressed well, wore suits and costumes, a dress and jacket.  She wore a hat with most of her outfits and gloves too.  With the understanding of a child I knew she was older and wiser than anyone else I knew.  I miss her still.

“Pride commeth before a fall “is so true!  It can also be the biggest reason why people stagger along holding onto furniture and people, practicing terribly bent over posture because their pride stops them using a cane or stick.  I have watched this play out in my mother’s late life and her resistance to a cane or walking stick has contributed to poor posture at the end stage of her life.

So dear Reader, my silver toped cane is a delight to own, shining in my umbrella stand in the hallway.

 

The silver top just stood out for me, from all the other great canes on display.

 

I love the engraved pattern too.

It also promises to save me from making my mothers’ mistake – leaving it too late to use a cane and practise good posture for as long as is physically possible.

I went to a small private girl’s school where we were made to walk with our heads up, shoulders back and a straight back.  We were marked on our deportment by watchful members of staff.  Good posture was encouraged at all times as you did not know when these points were being awarded!  I have done my fair share of rebellious slouching, believe me!  However, now more than ever I am remembering these old lessons and bringing them to bear, as I wear my vintage style with great pride and the best posture I can .

 

 

Mmm…I love this cane!

 

Outfit Details

 

Emie blush pointed court shoes   Dorothy Perkins

Silver topped cane    bought from The Ambulistat Chateaux impney Antiques Fair

Viyella taupe pleated shirt    Bought at a Dress Agency in 1999

Soft peach top    Kettlewell Colours

Vintage silk square scarf   Bought at Chateaux impney Antiques Fair

1950’s Cream framed handbag   bought at a Vintage Fair

Trifari Pearl and gold bracelet

Napier pearl twist bracelet

2 rows of Lotus pearls

Large pearl studs

 

 

Lipstick Blend – Bobbi Brown Red + Revlon Red + Bobbi Brown Parisian Red

 

A closer look at the scarf.

 

Just a quick word about the scarf – it is a first outing for this outfit and the scarf was the basis for all these individual pieces coming together.  The background colour matched the handbag which is actually a bit too cream coloured for the taupe skirt.

 

 

The coral tone in the scarf looked best on the soft peach top having tried it with 3 other cream tops.  The blush court shoes toned as I wanted to wear a closed toe court , rather than the peep toe cream shoes I often wear with that handbag.

 

Dear Reader, it has been great to share with you these thoughts about my new cane and show you another summer outfit brought together by a signature scarf.  If you have any tips on “Investing in your future” or responses to the “use it or loose it” rule, do chat in the comments.

 

Thank you to Glenn for taking the photographs in this post.

Summer Styling – Why not start with a pair of White Shoes?

Welcome to Gloriously Vintage today, dear Reader, I hope you are well and excited about the summer which is getting nearer.

 

As you know from the Big Seasonal changeover, I have only just brought out my white shoes and accessories to begin my summer styling. So dear Reader, I was certain that I was wearing the white shoes, white handbag and gloves last Saturday, but had not got much further with styling the rest of the outfit!

My white shoes are stilettos and make me feel wonderful when I wear them.  I adore heels and these give a summery lift to whatever I wear with them.

White shoes seem to be coming back into fashion after some years being decidedly out of fashion, for about 10 years, due to the “Essex Girl” effect of fake tan legs and white stilettos!  I take no notice of all this and wear what I want to!  For me, white shoes are a major part of the summer months, and always have been.

 

What do you think?  Are you a fan of white shoes?

Do you have a favourite pair?

 

This is a new outfit from my summer wardrobe for this year, wearing colours that are a change for me, as I spend a lot of time in red, coral and neutrals.  Last Saturday I was going to my Hairdresser to work on my summer hair colour and styled this outfit. The lipstick is a blend:

 

Bobbi Brown lip pencil Red + Revlon Red + Bobbi Brown Parisian Red

 

Using the white shoes and handbag as an “Outline”; I filled in the colour with this skirt and jacket.  I bought the skirt from Oxfam earlier in the year in anticipation of S/S.

The skirt is by Country Casuals and is fine summer weight and has sheen on the fabric that makes it dressier.  It moves well and is navy blue with green polka dots all over.

This blue jacket is by Eastex.  It was bought new for Glenn’s mother to wear with a pretty dress for our wedding in 2001.  It was much longer then, about 4 inches in fact.  I have inherited it and worn it with a navy blue and white polka dot dress for a few years.  Sadly, there is more of me now and I do not fit into the dress and the jacket was too long to go with any of my other separates.

 

Last year dear Reader, I decided to go and see my dressmaker to have the blue jacket made shorter to give it a new lease of life.

 

It is polyester, so is S/S but because if the colour and style it goes with my in-between season clothes too.  She shortened it by about four inches.  This worked because of the button spacing.  The shorter jacket can now work with a number of outfits.  I am so pleased with the result.  Have you had any alteration successes?  There will be more of this blue jacket in future posts.

I decided to go with more contrast with the white shoes and accessories for this outfit, but it would look good with navy blue shoes and handbag as well, although more formal, I think.

I then picked out this lovely silk scarf.  It is a super large square with some great colours on a near white background.  I bought it at an Antiques Fair held at the Chateaux Impney Hotel in Worcestershire.

 

When I go to the hairdressers I always take off my jewellery and put it into my handbag until the hair is finished, to protect it from all the styling products.  So I chose jewellery that would be entirely manageable there.

 

You can see the lovely round Monet brooch on the shoulder.  I love this brooch and wear it a lot because it is set with pearls and a small diamante.  The earrings are unmarked and are gold tone and pearl clips.  The shape of the earings really goes with the brooch so they make a “set” for me.

 

You can see here, the pearl cuffs.  They are stretchy and take off quickly.  I often go to the hairdressers in them because I can take them off so easily.  Dear Reader, do you do this, take off jewellery at the hairdressers?  I started doing it when I was wearing a more vintage style, really to save the jewellery from harm.

This dear white bag came from Diane Ashman at Antiques for Everyone a couple of years ago.  It is one of my favourite bags because of the size and the balance.  It just feels very comfortable on my arm.

 

These gloves are off white and match well, much as I like to wear gloves; I also like to carry them with my bag!  Do you do this?

 

I am excited about this hair colour as I am going lighter for the summer.  My blond is more ash blond here and I have extended my blond highlights down the back of the hair to the nape, making the shade look much lighter overall.  I have a new hair product that is a rinse to add to the permanent colour that lasts for 3 shampoos.  There are two colours I am using an ash blond and a more golden blond.  This means I can boost my colour either way through the 10 weeks until my next appointment.

 

What I do with my hair is just as important to me as my big Seasonal Changeover.  Do you change your hair a little for the summer?

My husband took me out to dinner in the evening and I wanted to look a little more dressed up so I wore these earings and put the brooch on the shoulder of my top, so that when I took the jacket off the demi parure could work its magic!

The colours of the jewellery toned with the scarf very well!  So that is recorded in the Style Book so that I do not forget the pairing!

 

I would love to hear about your favourite outfits with white shoes.  Do chat in the comments or on my Facebook page.  I am looking forward to the next weekend as it is Glenn’s Birthday and Father’s Day – am busy planning some more outfits and having a great time with the styling!  I am looking forward to showing them to you soon on Gloriously Vintage!

Thank you to Glenn for taking these photographs.

A Really Big Adventure – Visiting the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow at Historic Baddesley Clinton

One of my favourite television programmes is “The Antiques Roadshow” made by the BBC.

Have you seen it?  It is possible to go and take precious items of all sizes to be valued by antiques experts.  Earlier in the year, before my Birthday and writing posts on Gloriously Vintage, I checked out their website and saw to my delight they were coming to film a programme at Baddesley Clinton, a beautiful old moated manor house not too far from my home.

 

“I would love to go”, was my first thought and “what could I take” was my second.

 

Welcome dear Reader to this post about a really big adventure for us – going to the Antiques Roadshow with some of my Corde Handbag collection and also some lovely named 1950’s costume jewellery.

 

History of the Antiques Roadshow

I am not sure if you have seen the show where you are, dear Reader, but in the UK the Programme is rather an institution!  It started in 1979 and has developed, with different presenters over the years into the very entertaining show we enjoy today.  It is usually shown on a Sunday evening at about 7.30 pm – 8.00 pm and is on for an hour.

I watch regularly and am often amazed by the wonderful items and stories they feature.  Indeed I have been a fan almost half of my life!  The idea is a collection of antiques experts gather together and members of the public take items to be valued.  Occasionally stories come up of finds from a car boot sale of an item bought for 50p, that turns out to be made by Faberge and worth thousands of pounds!

The venues have gradually become more adventurous and interesting as the programme has moved from inside places to outside often visiting historic houses.  Programmes are often hosted by properties belonging to the National Trust in the UK.  So there is an opportunity to see a lovely location and the interesting programme together.  It adds up to a very successful format that is popular and always stimulating.

 

The Current Presenter

Fiona Bruce is the current presenter.  Do have a look at this link to see her and find out more about her.  She is always very professional and looks as though she is having a marvellous time!  Her natural enthusiasm for the antiques and the whole ethos of the show is a big part of its success, I think.

We saw her – not too close up -and were totally charmed.

Fiona Bruce has her back to us and is wearing very clean, new looking trainers!

 

Do you see those wooden banded trunks?  I used to keep my dressing up clothes in one like that in our Third Bedroom, when I was a child.

 

The Experts

This link will tell you about the experts that participate in the programme.  As it is a very big team it is just luck who is there on the day.  All the experts are familiar as they are beamed into our homes regularly over so many years.  New experts are added to the team, but some have been like old friends, on the programme for many, many years.

 

Decision To Go

We did some juggling with our work commitments to be free on Wednesday 8th June.  Once we had made a firm decision it was a case of getting organized and sorting out a picnic too.  We took the precaution of buying a second large umbrella so there would be one each, should the weather be inclement.

 

I decided to take 7 of my Corde Handbags and some 1950’s named jewellery for valuation and advice.

 

I contacted the programme and submitted my story of the first Corde Handbag and said what I wanted to bring, on line.  A phone call to the production team confirmed my application had gone in.  Sadly, they did not select me to be filmed and on television, but I was able to see an expert who gave me some excellent advice to help me in my future collecting.  As it is necessary to queue I wanted to present my handbags and if possible to present the 1950’s jewellery as well but only if we did not have to join a second long queue!

Have you ever been to the Antiques Roadshow somewhere?  Do tell me in the comments.

 

What to Wear?

Well dear Reader, you can imagine my third thought was

“WHAT am I going to WEAR?”

 

I did a lot of thinking and styling in my head as I narrowed down just what to wear on the day.  Comfortable shoes were a must that would be fine walking on grass.  I wanted to use my cream handbag and Fox’s Umbrella too.

 

This is the outfit I styled.

Outfit Details

Cream twist front flat shoes   New Look

Light Green Viyella Pleated Skirt   Oxfam on Line

Soft Peach Square neck top    Kettlewell Colours

Christian Dior Scarf with green and peach in the pattern   Bought recently at an Antiques Fair (The hand rolled edge is on the top, CD and Hermes do this, I have learnt)

1950’s Cream framed Handbag   Bought at a Vintage Fair

Cream and gold “everything” Bag   Oxfam on Line (a bargain as it was £6!)

Fox’s Umbrella/Parasol (used here as a parasol)

3 Rows of pearls

Trifari Pearl and gold earings

Trifari pearl and gold bracelet

Napier twist bracelet

Ted Baker Sunglasses

 

 

The Experience

Dear Reader, it was a great experience!  Firstly it is very rare for us to have a Wednesday off together, so that made it special to start with.  The sun was out; it was warm so I did not take a jacket.

 

Here I am, at my dressing table putting the finishing touches to my Lipstick blend:

Bobbi Brown lip pencil Red + Revlon Red + Bobbi Brown Parisian Red

 

 

Baddesley Clinton is approached from the road by a long drive.  We made our way slowly and were waved into the overflow carpark by a NT Steward wearing a high visablility jacket.  Another steward then waved us to a parking space.  We had arrived.

 

 

I am standing at the entrance to Baddesley Clinton, by the gateway into a courtyard where the Tea Rooms are, the shop and also an area where there are plants for sale.  The three people in front had come from Australia to be there.

 

 

The queue very slowly progressed through this courtyard, passing this sculpture that was for sale for £150.  I like it and thought it would look interesting in our garden!

 

So glad to have to use my parasol!

The queue moved on to the grassy area just in front of the house.  That is a BBC van behind me.

 

There were a lot of BBC vehicles and equipment of all sizes around.

 

 

This 1930’s bus was something to go and see.  The camera on the long arm was impressive and the two men had to man handle it around the gardens filming the back ground shots.  We may be in some of them.  Have a look at the fence.  This fence is a good example of the fencing that was used to surround an estate in the past.  It has weathered to a silvery grey and blends into the fields beyond very well.

 

 

Can you see the red chairs? They are antiques Roadshow chairs.  There were small groups of these chairs all over the gardens.  A welcome opportunity to sit down!

 

At the Reception desk we were given a blue ticket, for Miscallaneous Objects and directed to the Walled Garden to queue again!

I am smiling for both of us!

Still waiting, dear Reader, in the Walled Garden.

 

The Comment and Advice from Lisa Lloyd

The expert we were able to see was Lisa Lloyd who specialises in all things vintage including jewellery.

She praised my collection and valued them on average at £100 each.  Her advice was to always buy in tip top condition and to go on collecting them!  You can read the story of finding my first Corde handbag here.

I love these bags and use them – especially for dinner dates and special occasions.  It was marvellous to talk to Lisa about these darling handbags.

 

 

As we had waited a long time to see her she looked at my jewellery too!  So we only queued once.  I took my Pennino jewellery and the Schreiner demi parure, a 1930’s unmarked brooch and earings I wear as a “Set” and a bird brooch that is rather a mystery.

 

My brooch is marked Sphinx but I have found on the internet the same bird brooch by Marcel Boucher with different stones marked Boucher.  Lisa confirmed that Sphinx did not make for Boucher but it is a copy of the bird design, maybe made from the same mould.  She also told me my brooch was almost too good to be by Sphinx as it is a higher quality than a lot of their pieces.

 

Lisa is looking at the Pennino jewellery here and I am holding the Hobe Bracelet that I had for my 60th Birthday from Glenn.  These pieces are so precious to me.

 

It was wonderful to have this time with Lisa who confirmed I had pieces in good condition and that I had not paid too much for them!

 

I now have a Gloriously Vintage You Tube Channel.  This is our first video – they will get better!

 

Lisa told me about Alfies in Marylebone , London and encouraged me to go and see what I could find there.  Oh yes, dear Reader, another adventure …?

 

 

Joining the National Trust

We have rejoined the National Trust at Baddesley Clinton and are so happy about this.  We had been members for many years up to 2009 when we just did not have time to visit any properties due to work commitments and new responsibilities following the death of my father.

I am looking forward to sharing with you dear Reader, some wonderful places near my home through the summer months!

 

Picnic

The day ended with a tasty picnic beside our car, before setting off for home.  Dear Reader, do you agree that food tastes much nicer when eaten out of doors?  I do not know why, but it does!  The raindrops started as we were eating our fruit, so we packed everything away and left, both agreeing it had been a great day.

 

Go Again!

In September The Antiques Roadshow is in Cornwall at a lovely NT House called Trelissick.  It would be lovely to go again.  Cornwall is a very beautiful part of England in the South West. That would be another adventure to look forward to.

 

This passion for collecting is making life so sweet dear Reader, and sharing these wonderful times with you on Gloriously Vintage is making being 60 years old an exciting decade, so far with so much to learn.  Thank you for coming by today, do drop me a word or two in the comments.

 

As always a big thank you to Glenn for coming with me and taking the photographs.

Tales from the Dressing Table – Blending Lipsticks

Hello and welcome to Gloriously Vintage, today dear Reader, I am sharing with you one of my pleasures in wearing makeup – Blending Lipsticks.

 

 

What do I mean by Blending Lipsticks?

There are a number of ways to blend lipsticks.  Here are three ways; some are more successful than others!

You can actually mix lipsticks together, thus creating a new colour, in a small pot.  I have tried this with the last bit of a couple of lipsticks, in the past.  It is hard to get a good colour because the outcome is practically unknown.  There is a risk you will end up with a sludgy mess!  It was not successful.  I do not do this now.

You can actually mix colours on the lips using a lip brush.  This can be very successful and allows for very interesting effects.  Using darker shades at the outer edges and outline, blending to lighter shades on the centre on the bottom and top lip, it is possible to make lips look fuller and really gorgeous.  It takes time and practice and is often referred to as advanced lipstick application in beauty books.  I do this for very special evening events.

 

 

In this post, I am sharing with you dear Reader, blending lipsticks by layering lip colour from lip pencil and lipsticks to create new colours that come very close to matching elements of your outfit.

 

I love to do this to find a match with a scarf, handbag or a piece of jewellery.

 

The principles work with all shades of lipstick.

 

I will be illustrating them here with shades of red and coral.

 

 

In the photograph above I am wearing a lipstick blend.  It is made up of:

Lip Pencil + Base Colour +Additional Colours =  NEW (Desired) SHADE

Bobbi Brown Sangria lip pencil + Revlon Red + Max Factor Chilli + Revlon Candy Apple =

A colour that matches the colours in the scarf very well.

 

 

Why Blend Lipsticks?

Well my answer to that question is twofold.  Firstly it is fun to blend two or more lipstick colours together to create new shades that are unique.  Blending lipsticks together extends the range of the single colours and the results are extremely satisfying because of how they look and wear.  Secondly, dear Reader, if you have a colour or tone in a scarf, handbag or outfit it is fun to blend lipsticks together to get as near a match as you possibly can.  This gives a level of elegance that is not difficult to achieve.  You can then get the blusher, nail varnish and the rest of your makeup to be perfectly in tune with the total look you are creating.

Matching lip colour to tones in accessories is something we see sometimes on the Red carpet at the BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards or the Oscars.  I particularly remember Angelina Jolie Pitt wearing an elegant full length gown that was very simple, carrying a red clutch bag matched perfectly to her lipstick.  This was very striking and memorable.

 

My husband often says to me, “Your lipstick looks amazing”.  I usually reply, “It’s a blend!”

 

 In this photograph you saw on my last post I am wearing a lipstick blend.  It is made up of:

Bobbi Brown sangria lip pencil + Revlon Red +Max Factor Mulberry =

A lipstick that complimented my party dress and would be unique at the event

Looking very happy on my 60th Birthday, wearing a blend to match the Schreiner Demi Parure!

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil Red + Revlon Red +Dior 999 =  A very bright, warm red that tones well with the jewellery and the scarf I am wearing.

 

 

If you are wearing vintage style clothes why not go a step further and really work on the lipstick to complete your look?

Sometimes it is possible to blend a red lipstick that is just the right shade, texture and finish so that your finished look is simply incredible.  The blending principles I am discussing here can be used with all colours to get the tone required.  I am illustrating this post with shades of red because love lipstick, especially red tones.  Blending is what I do most days. In A/W my reds are a warm red/wine base colour and moving to berry and purple, mauve tones.  I also love to blend russet, chilli tones into my red in the A/W.  At the time of writing it is May and S/S is here!  So dear Reader, let’s take a look at reds and corals to be ready for S/S!

 

 

What do you need to get started?

You need:

1. Two or more lipsticks that you like and really know the colour. Think – is it bright, flat, pinky, bluey, does it suit me?  Does it make me happy to wear it?

2. Lip pencils in a number of tones. When you are young lip pencils just sort out the outline of your lips, over 40 years old I think it is important to outline and full in the lips to give an excellent base to then fill in with lipstick.

3. Good Quality quilted toilet paper for blotting. I have tried tissues, cotton handkerchiefs, blotting papers; you name it and have found this to be the best.  The quilted toilet paper sheets will take 3 or 4 blots and do not separate on the lips.

4. A good moisturizing routine to keep your lips and the skin around your mouth well moisturized.

5. A face flannel for exfoliating the lips regularly. I use a clean face flannel everyday to wash my face in the morning.  Then I like to use cleanser, toner and moisturiser at night with cotton makeup remover pads.  If your lips are kept well moisturised and you are following a good routine, they will look great.

 

It is worth following a disciplined skin care routine for life.  If you do not do this – start now.  I have cared for my skin religiously over my life and am keeping deep wrinkles at bay, for the moment!

 

How to get a great result

Here is my step by step guide to a great blend:

1. Preparation of the lips is vital. Moisturise lips and then wipe away the moisturiser.

2. I like to put a thin layer of foundation onto my lips to start.

3. Follow this with a little powder to create a matte surface

4. Outline lips with your chosen coloured lip pencil

5. Fill in the outline with lip pencil.

6. Apply the base colour.

7. Blot on quilted toilet paper, 3 times. You will see the strong colour in the first blotting.

8. Apply again and blot 3 times

9. Apply another colour that will take the base colour up or down in brightness or toward coral or red. Blot again at least twice.

10. Go on layering colours until the desired match is achieved. Blot each application at least once or twice.  Four layers, each blotted should stay on well.

11. Use the blotting on the sheet to match with the outfit , scarf or even jewellery.

12. Try on the finished outfit with your blend; enjoy the result – a truly individual look that is specific to that outfit. The perfect finishing touch!

Your new shades

When you practice the above is possible to create formulas or codes to enable you to collect blends that really work for you.

 

Lip Pencil + Base Colour+ Additional Colour(s) =

NEW SHADE

When blending it is very important choose a base colour.  This is the colour you apply first.

It can be a favourite you know looks great on its own, mine is Revlon Red.  It is a staple colour and has been available for many years.  It is a red with warm tones.

Find out if you suit reds with a blue tone or a more tomato tone.  I suit the warmer reds.  Bluey ones do nothing for me at all.  Search and try out testers in shops – go outside and look at the colours in natural light.

 

Texture and Finish

It interests me greatly how the texture of lipstick goes in and out of fashion.  Now I am older I follow the beauty pages of both Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.  I love to see how the lipstick textures are going to play out each season.  Sometimes it is matte or satin finish and of course glossy lips dip in and out of fashion.  These fashions can determine what colours and types of lipstick are available to buy.  Dita Von Teese advocates stocking up on your favourites.  The most annoying thing is when marvellous colours are discontinued and are unavailable.

Last year I bought 2 Revlon HD lipsticks in Poppy and Gladiolus.  I wore them in blends all summer and had great fun with them.  Thankfully they and still available and I am just now buying them again for this year!

 

Season by Season

Once you master this blending principle, there is nothing to stop you making many, many tones from your lipstick collection.  Why should you restrict yourself?  Blotting and layering the colour makes lipstick stay on to eat and drink and to just last well through the day.

I wear a uniform to work.  So every day I practice my blends when I do not have to match anything in particular.  I try out blends and assess how they have stayed on during the morning or afternoon.  I am using that work time to prepare great lipstick looks for the outfits I am planning to wear at the weekend or to attend a special party or event.

Some Lipsticks stay on better than others due to the amount of pigment in them.  Max Factor are excellent, L’Oreal Reds are lovely , I like Blake’s and Eva’s.

This summer I am also using Dior 999 and Bobbi Brown Parisian Red.  I will enjoy them on their own but will also be experimenting with some amazing blends!

 

Here are some examples of my favourite blends:

If I want a good warm coral I turn to:

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Red + Revlon Red + Bourjois 10 Rouge Buzz

 

This is one of my absolute favourite summer blends!  I wear this many times because it is bright, strong and a warm summer red that stands out well with a lot of my clothes.

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil Red + Revlon Red + Revlon  HD Gladiolus

 

For a bright summer blend that comes out slightly more red than the one above I use:

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil Red + Revlon Red + Bourjois 13 Jet Set

 

 

Inspiration

You can find inspiration for your look in many places. Dear Reader, please talk to me and share some of your inspiration in the comments.  As I love lipstick and wearing it, mine starts with the classic Hollywood film stars.  I look at Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, June Alyson, Rita Hayworth, Doris Day, Cyd Charrise and Lauren Bacall to name a few.  They all looked so glamorous and beautiful.  On Facebook there are groups who share wonderful photos of these film stars.

Images in magazines are helpful as you can find looks you like.  It is possible to emulate this style and put your own personal twist on it.  When I was in my early 20’s I read the beauty pages of Vogue magazine avidly and copied some of the makeup looks, learning all the time what worked and certainly what definitely did not!.

I also find inspiration now in my jewellery and scarf collections.  Can I blend a lipstick to match or to tone really well?  I am also inspired by the colour of handbags.  I have a bright tomato red modern handbag that I always wear with a specific blend.  I have to say I feel marvellous when I wear it!

Here I have used:

Bobbi Brown lip pencil in red + Revlon Red +MAC Lady Danger +Revlon HD Poppy = A good match to this handbag

 

 

Matching tones to a scarf will always produce a very “finished” and polished look.  If the scarf is near your face, it makes perfect sense to blend a lipstick to go with it.

Here I have used:

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Red + MAC Lady Danger + Revlon HD lipstick Poppy = A lovely bright colour to wear with my scarf!

To go with this lovely silk scarf I blend:

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Sangria + Revlon Red + Max Factor Mulberry =

A more purple tone that works for S/S because the Revlon Red base colour stops the Mulberry coming out too dark.  The Mulberry shade has little gold sparkles in it which adds an interesting finish.

 

 

A big thank you to Glenn for taking these photographs.

I hope you are thinking now about having a go at blending and creating your own blends to match your outfits.  Summer is ahead of us with plenty of opportunities to be out and about looking very glamourous. 

 

It’s been great to get together on Gloriously Vintage – drop by again soon!