Dress with White Collar

Bought this 1940s dress on eBay a few weeks ago, I love it! It fits perfectly and has a really lovely collar (which is detachable with poppers!), and buttons at the front.


Dress: vintage, eBay / Shoes: Office / Earrings: Topshop

I still haven't mastered the trick of getting good and flattering photos of myself yet! My sister took these as I was about to go out so we had hardly any time, I have some weird facial expressions going on!

Also, I'm selling lots of 50s style clothes on eBay here.

Stripes in Fashion

I've been in a stripey mood lately, here's a collection of my favourite striped vintage images and clothes:




Click for sources or larger versions (some have unknown sources)

Fantail Skirt

I've used an old pencil skirt pattern that has been altered so much and so many times it doesn't resemble the original! I added the fantail to the pattern myself. I bought the black cotton twill from Maculloch and Wallis – it has a bit of stretch in it so it's perfect for a tight-fitting skirt. I have already worn this skirt a few times and it's really comfortable and becoming a wardrobe staple. Here's the outfit I wore it with to a party yesterday and a detail of the fantail at the back:

Top: Topshop / Shoes: Topshop on eBay
Apologies for the blurry quality of the photos, it was evening so it's down to bad lighting! I will try and get another picture of the top (which I am loving) soon.

Retro Swimwear

Now that my exams are over, I can look forward to a summer holiday and sorting out a holiday wardrobe. Bikinis first (click pictures for sources):



When it comes to vintage-inspired swimwear, and in particular high-waisted bikinis, there really isn't that much out there! These are what I've found so far, though I want bust support so I'll probably get an underwired bikini top and mix and match with the La Senza bottoms. If anyone can suggest any others it would be really helpful!



1 What Katie Did
2 Urban Outfitters
3 Modcloth
4 Miss Fancypants
5 La Senza
6 Jitterbuggin on Etsy

Spring Fabrics

Bought these fabrics in John Lewis yesterday:



This floral print is a lightweight cotton, only £5 a metre! Got myself some pink ric rac to match and love the yellow of these buttons I had lying around so will try and get some more. I will use this pattern, I love the asymmetrical buttons and pleats. I was going through my mum's collection of buttons, she has so many! These were my favourites I was considering for the floral fabric.


The spot design is from the Antique Treasures range of fabrics which are very vintage, I will have to get some more! I want to make a blouse with this, but haven't found a pattern yet.


The blue is for a gathered skirt I'll make for my sister, with gold nautical-themed buttons down the front.

I'm currently working on a straight fantail skirt, will get some pictures when it's done!

Colour for Summer

I've decided my wardrobe is not nearly as colourful as I'd like it to be! I will aim to include more red, yellow, and bright greens and blues. Some pictures that inspire me to be more colourful:




1. Mademoiselle Magazine 1944
2. Vintage buttons
3. 40s pattern
4. Reproduction blouse
5. 1934 summer outfit
6. 1941 fashion shoot
7. Vintage bakelite bangles
8. 30s beach look

Cakes and dresses

Have been experimenting with my new book Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery and practicing my swirly icing technique.

Chocolate cupcakes with peppermint buttercream

And of course had to try out their basic vanilla recipe, delicious!

Just a quick outfit:

Navy polka dot dress: Tara Starlet / Shoes: Office

Shoe Obsession

I am definitely a little bit obsessed with shoes. I think it's because I buy less and less clothes because I always aim to sew, but obviously, shoes I can't make myself, so I just go a bit overboard! I'm only 5'2" so love anything that can make me taller, but have quite long feet for my height which means I can never find a vintage shoes that go up to my size! I do still manage to lust after many a repro or retro pair though. These are my favourite pairs:


1. Office mock-crock lace-ups
2. Topshop heels from eBay
3. My Office wedges, I love these so much I also have them in black
4. Topshop wedges

And these are some pairs I am coveting (but can't quite afford):


1. Vagabond Palma heels £59.99
2. Keds wedges (I have been lusting after these since I saw them on Fleur de Guerre) on eBay, I've just bought these since they were only £19
3. Remix Briarcliff wedges, I couldn't even choose a colour! $148
4. Aris Allen Rug-cutters $74.95

Can you tell I especially love red shoes?

Vintage Bikes

As Spring is now here (although freezing today), I am looking forward to more weekend bike rides. Here are some vintage bike images that inspire me to do more stylish cycling!






I am totally in love with the outfits in the first picture, love the turbans! And I love the wedges in the last picture, I always cycle wearing completely inappropriate footwear.

I will have to post a picture of me and my bike (a 70s navy dutch bike) at some point.
(Not sure where most of these images came from, so apologies if they're yours.)