Hey guys,

Last week we the Amour Girls held our first beginners millinery workshop for Cancer Research UK at the Railway Tavern in Clapham. And boy oh boy was it fun! We had cocktails flying about the place (well not flying as that would be dangerous hehe).

Everyone finished their fab cocktail hats and were still yearning for more - if you dont believe me take a look at our photos here.

Thanks to Charlotte - our millinery teacher who helped our girls produce such beautiful cocktail hats! If you want some more information about future millinery workshops please contact us at vintage (_) amours (@) hotmail (.) fr

xxxAmour Girlsxxx

   

This year, I’m wearing only second-hand clothes for a year – well, buying them.

From charity shops, vintage markets and eBay. I’ll be spending less on clothes, making less impulse purchases, wearing more unusual things, accessorising better, giving more money to charity and generally not giving money to sweatshop factories via the high street.

I’m doing this throughout 2011 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, although other charities directly benefit whenever I shop at their stores.

Why, you ask? My Dad and his, both had cancer. Dad began his eternal sleep on 7th January this year. I originally began Prelovedreloved.co.uk as a focus for my family, to fundraise and help keep us strong in the dark times. Now I continue to fundraise in Dad’s memory, to raise awareness of cancer and other conditions, to promote the plight of selfless fundraisers and brave individuals who overcome the near-impossible. Not only is this about sickness, but also about promoting ethical fashion. It’s about learning to save money, changing my shopping habits, meeting new people and most of all having fun on this journey.

And it’s not as easy as it sounds! I’m really finding it hard to find some new summer pieces, so am starting to buy items to alter and amend. I am starting to amass a collection of vintage buttons to update some of my current wardrobe items, and intend to invest in a few pairs of vintage shoes to completely change my look from day to day. My favourite vintage period is the 1950s - luckily this is quite a popular era so there’s plenty to choose from and it’s very easy to wear - especially to the office.

I’ve flirted with second-hand accessories and tops (my local Cancer Research UK store on Ealing Broadway is a treasure trove) including brands such as Monsoon and River Island. I also have quite a large wardrobe, but I love new garments (new to me, anyway) so although I won’t struggle to dress myself, I will be updating my outfits as the seasons come and go.

One of my favourite items ever in my wardrobe was my first vintage piece. I can’t tell you where it’s from as the label has long-since faded. Why is it my favourite? My Mum gave it to me. Actually, that could be a lie – I may have pinched it from her during my second-year at University after an impromptu visit home and having nothing glam to wear. Thanks Mum.

You can follow my blog, complete with outfit posts and video blogs, at www.prelovedreloved.co.uk - I look forward to seeing you!

 

Babushkas Clothing is a new online ladies’ vintage boutique launched in March 2010, selling a variety of delightfully handpicked quality vintage clothing, accessories and footwear from the early 1900s to the 1980s in one wonderful virtual treasure chest. The term ‘Babushka’ is derived from the eastern European languages and translates as ‘an old wise lady’ and/or ‘grandmother’. The inspiration for the business and its name comes from the creator’s beloved Ukrainian grandmother, who always had elegance, grace and charm with every outfit she wore, for every occasion.

Babushkas believes that buying and wearing vintage clothing is a fabulous way to recycle and re-use some of the most beautiful items from exciting past times. Teamed with fashion from the present, vintage garments can make an outfit more special and unique, which is the essence of Babushkas Clothing whom believes that dressing-up should be an adventure and never a chore.

Shopping with Babushkas could not be easier, by following the three easy steps… ‘love me, click me, adopt me’. Simply browse the easy-to-navigate web pages under the different clothing categories or alternatively, search for an item or particular size using the virtual search function. New items are uploaded on a weekly basis and visit Babushkas homepage for the top vintage picks of the week. Babushka even likes to give her ladies a little fashion tip for every item listed on the site.

All Babushkas UK orders include free postage and lovingly hand tied packaging, which means there are no hidden extra costs at the checkout, just a beautiful handpicked new vintage item ready to be cherished and worn for years to come.

Babushkas says…Wear Vintage, be Fabulous ! xoxo

Check out Babushkas online now … www.babushkasclothing.com

Erm… Excuse my poor excuse at attempting to be cool. Or somewhat witty. Profuse apologies! Merry Christmas everyone! Almost 2011 already. This truly scares me that soon, I shall be a baby toting woman with a nine - to - five job. *insert Macaulay Culkin’s face in Home Alone where he slaps himself with aftershave*

Well, to the matter at hand. From the title, it is obvious that this post is very late at reaching the blog, seeing as the event aforementioned took place a GOOD two weeks before I am reporting back with the exciting details! So further apologies are extended! Technological problems with my laptop and myself (considering I am the world’s worst technological - handler person), prevented me from being able to indulge in a non-stop gush fest of how totally smarmazing the show was! (I occasionally add the ‘sm’ prefix to words when I am uber excited; A la Audrey & Fred: “Swonderful… Smarvell…” Okay. You get the picture right?) Good company, good vintage, good setting, just good all round. I wanted to stay there forever, it was that good.

The evening almost started horrendously; with me suddenly getting what felt like an alien invasion of my immune system. Okay, i’m just being overtly dramatic, it was simply the beginning of what turned into a very ugly flu. The sacrifices one makes all in the name of fashion eh? Well, I got dressed, dragged my housemate along, and off we went! It was a definite plus that we got on the bus to Baker Street for free! The bus driver must have had a dose of Christmas Spirit tea… or something of the sort!

*All the pictures were taken using my BlackBerry, which attests to the shoddy quality. Sorry again! I am yet to purchase a swanky camera like those cool bloggers. So the Berry will have to do for now*

Anyhow, as it is obviously certain that I am not entirely all ‘there’ in the head, as is my companion aka said housemate, what better thing to do than to traipse around Burger King in Marylebone Station pretending to be Americans whilst ordering our meal and complaining about the size of their burgers? 

Yes. We are very normal, NORMAL university students I tell you. Such is the way of life these days!

So we get there, and Maria, who I dragged along, seeing as she is up for ‘adventures’ as she put it, is dumbfounded at how smantas… fantastic it all is! She’s all… “Oh my gosh Seyi, you are so cool, I totally love you”… Okay. Maybe she wasn’t. She just really got educated about vintage and loved what she saw, and then told me that I’d gone down a notch on her crazy scale for liking such cool things. Yaaay to the vintage convert!

How darling is this little bag? I wanted to be able to afford it! Or, to run away with it… But, hello? Student? The owners of the stall were so nice, and approachable, letting us take pictures of their unique couture and teaching us a thing or two about vintage pieces! 

 

 

Keeping out the Chill in Style

by The Greedy Seagull

Every winter, I am faced with a tough decision when I step out the door:  do I put on a huge oversize parka to stay warm and look like a miserable penguin, or do I put on a cute outfit and suffer?  I am originally from sunny southern California where I never needed more than a sweater, and sandals were a perfectly viable option all year long.  It’s taken me years to get the hang of it,  but I finally feel confident enough about my winter dressing skills to share some tips with you on how to stay cute and not freeze your buns off.  Check out my Etsy shop for fabulous winter finds,  and visit my friends too!

Cashmere is a must for me.  I stock up on vintage cashmere whenever I find it;  the new stuff can get way too expensive!  

For those of us that wear it, fur really is the best thing for cold weather.  I am really into mongolian lamb and fox this season. Wear a heavy weight vest over your layers for crazy warmth, or a dramatic fox fur hat.




Capes are a godsend to me.  The look so stylish layered over skinny pants or tights and are perfect to travel in.  Try pairing them with elbow length gloves!




Accessories are going to make all the difference in the cold.  I am a big fan of thick hand knit shawls and faux fur lined booties.  


I hope these suggestions give you some great ideas!  Stay warm and happy.  
xoxox
GianaThe Greedy Seagull

It’s Vintage Darling is a UK based online boutique, containing a wide selection of the most unique and best vintage finds around from the 1900’s to the 1980’s.

Created in August 2006; they aim to bring a diverse and eclectic range of vintage handbags, dresses, shoes and belts to you online. They source our products on a global scale and do our very best to ensure that each one is as special as the next.

Their website is designed to enable you a hassle free shopping experience, as not everyone has the time and convenience of being able to go shopping around to seek out the best vintage finds.

Their dedicated vintage darling’s mission is to provide you with the most unusual, eye-catching vintage items certain to turn heads.

Every item has been especially hand-picked for quality, condition, style and individuality meaning that you’ll never have to worry about someone else wearing the same as you.

Personal shopping service…

Looking for the perfect vintage handbag or dress for that special occasion?… just email or call It’s Vintage Darling with a description of what you are looking for, and they’ll do their very best to find something for you that fits the bill.

They do say that you allow them up to 3 weeks in order to find you that perfect item.

Email them with you enquiry and they will send you a form to fill in.

E-mail: info@itsvintagedarling.com

My vintage fashion manifesto…..

I love finding a dress that doesn’t involve any effort, you just put it on, team it with some great shoes and then you are out the door! Fashion shouldn’t be complicated, it should just be fun! Vintage clothing is the best option for any major event. How many times have you been out and seen a girl in the same dress as another party goer? To me, its fashion suicide and a total no go!

I travel all over the world to bring my customers the very best vintage clothing. My trips have taken me from Paris, Milan, Florence, LA, New York, Hong Kong and Singapore to name but a few. I love to travel the globe and find unique vintage pieces that you can’t get anywhere else. I have travelled through the rain, snow and sun to seek out the best vintage finds and I absolutely love it. It’s my obsession.

Be individual, take that step, even if you are not sure its your thing, try it out. You never know, you might love it. Owning a vintage handbag, dress or shoes is a permanent staple to any wardrobe that can quickly become a conversation piece, and will instantly add a personal signature to any outfit. Not only are vintage items beautiful, they are historical, timeless pieces of art and quality pieces of craftsmanship”.

It’s Vintage Darling :-)

www.vintagedarling.com

www.vintage-amours.com

The Top 10 Ways to Retain the Value of Vintage Clothing

1. Never clean it yourself, unless you KNOW how to do it!
Vintage fabric care takes knowledge. The oldest dry cleaner in town is your best friend when it comes to cleaning vintage clothing! There are several good books out with tips on cleaning, such as “Second Hand Chic  by Christina Weil…I love this book. Also, try a product called “Orvis”, found at hardware stores. It works!
2. Provenance ..who previously owned it..is valuable, especially on early  garments.
Anything that has photos or proof of original ownership adds to the value. Collectors who just love the sentimental, nostalgic aspect of collecting vintage clothing especially desire it.
3. Never store in heat, such as an uninsulated attic
The fastest way to throw your investment down the drain is store items in intense heat. While that may kill certain critters, it also kills your cloths, especially fur.
4. Do not store in plastic bags…ever!
How many times have I found a beautiful suit from the 1940s in someone’s attic, only to have the plastic bag melded to the buttons? Aaacck! Case closed!
5. Cedar smells better than mothballs, but they both work equally as
well.
Cedar is such a lovely smell, especially compared to mothballs! No contest, in my book!
6. Fold sweaters and delicate lace items carefully for storage… do not use hangers
Ever put on a sweater and find that you have 4 shoulders? Or a lace dress from the 20s that no longer HAS any shoulders? Fold, do not hang, these items.
7. Hats can be stuff with acid free paper, and stored in trunks or boxes
Hats hold up quite well, and using acid free paper to stuff and loosely wrap will keep them nice for another 100 years. Store in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, displaying them in an area where the sun won’t hit them is also acceptable.

8. Fur coats should be dressed every few years and stored in a cedar closet or cool dry place.. not the attic or the basement!
Fur needs a cool environment. Check with a furrier for frequency of dressing to keep your fur in tip-top shape.
9. Never iron velvet… steam from the inside and brush as you go.
Velvet has a thick nap that can be ruined by pressing with an iron. Dry Cleaner is my first choice. If you must do it yourself, follow instructions as above.
10. Always steam rayon on the inside„,otherwise shiny spots will appear.

Rayon is another tricky fabric. You, again, should let a dry cleaner do it. But if you insist on doing it yourself, steaming from the inside while pulling fabric slightly taut will give it a flawless finish.

Miss Kitty will offer other tips and tricks in subsequent guides.

contributed by  www.catspajamas.com

It’s that time of the year again. Somehow, amidst the (sometimes) scorching sun and brightness of our short-lived summers over here, I manage to forget how brutally cold winter is; like Hitler is the weather, and I am a Jew under scrutiny (Sorry for the really lame analogy, but it describes how I feel … okay. Maybe just a tad bit exaggerated). And it’s not like I live in an obscenely cold country like Canada, or Norway for that matter. But everyone would agree that, Norway or not, the winter months should be more for snoozing under masses and masses of duvet covers, or if not sleeping, cosying with a cup of tea in a dimly lit room, watching 1980s ridiculous movies such as Pretty in Pink (Yes… this is what I do. I wish the whole world went into standstill during winter you know, like how squirrels hibernate THE WHOLE WINTER! I envy them so much).

 

 

Any avid vintage lovers/obsessed/’passionistas’ would love Pretty in Pink. Not so much for the story line (it does have some interesting parts, regardless), but for the sheer beauty of the clothing throughout the movie. There was never a scene where the clothes on every character (Yes, the boys inclusive) were not the object of my intense envy. The music, the scenery, the decor. Everything fit perfectly.

What is most amazing about it is it’s vintage on vintage mind play; Andie (the amazingly individually clad main character) channels a very 60’s floralsy, semi - classic, borderline 50’s vibe (I salute whoever understood my rant here… well done.) which makes me automatically class her as a cool kid. Only because rendering her cool means I am cool also *giggles*.

 

This Andie kid has definitely won me over with her bold experimenting spirit, her quick eye for vintage, and just overall creativity. I would definitely have fun perusing her wardrobe, no doubt!

Keep the love for the clothes of yesteryear alive people!

Toodles,

Submitted by xxxAmour Girl Seyixxx