Birthday Treats!

A few weeks ago it was my birthday! And I got all kinds of treats, so here's a catch up in (bad) photos... The 'loot' I acquired, including the Collectif western skirt, Angel Adoree Tea Party book, amazing peach-fragranced green tea 'Angel Peach' from Tea Palace, Hendrick's Gin (my first bottle, can't wait to try it!), and a *coughs* Prada Handbag from my eldest sister who lives in Dubai.

As it's my other half's birthday within 6 days of mine we had a joint-birthday bash to celebrate, which invoved bowling and lots and lots of Elvis-themed cocktails, including 'Graceland Garden Punch', 'Presley Pink Cadillac' and 'Priscilla'! The food was Elvis-themed too, including mini trifles which I served in little teacups.

I was the master of cocktails, and they might have got a tad stronger as I got a tad merrier. I wore my Bernie Dexter jeans, which I love.

The next day, without a hangover (hurrah!) we went to the new tea rooms in Cardiff, Pettigrew Tearooms which have opened up in the enviable position of the lodge at the entrance to Bute Park. Time for more Angel Peach tea, and some scones too.

On my actual birthday then it was a mini-break to the Cotswolds, where we stayed in a quaint converted old mill. The food was rubbish though, and I'm awaiting a reply to my complaint letter.

Well, summer seems to have landed in the UK - quick, grab the bbq and get your legs out!!!

Wardrobe Lurkers

They're there. Hiding at the back of the wardrobe. Perhaps still in their carrier bags, with the receipt. Clothes we've NEVER worn. Then there's the dress you swore you'd wear a hundred times, and you've worn it...well, just the once.

I just finished reading 'Mini Shopaholic' by Sophie Kinsella (don't judge me - we all need something easy to read after a brain-draining day at work!) and in the story, the shopaholic's husband imposes a shopping ban, until Mrs Shopaholic has worn every item in her wardrobe at least 3 times. So, there's my challenge - no buying new clothes until I've worn everything at least 3 times. And if it doesn't get worn, it has to go to a charity shop or up on Ebay. I'm making it slightly easier on myself and doing the challenge by item, i.e. I can't buy more shoes until I've worn each pair I own 3 times, I can't buy more dresses until I've worn the existing ones 3 times. My reasoning is that there are certain items, such as evening dresses, that you may only wear once a year, so that would mean waiting 3 years before buying new items! I'm not that strong. What's lurking in your wardrobe? Wish me luck...

Imelda May in Cardiff

Very pregnant, but still rockin' - how did she manage to last the set in those uber high gold heels?!

She was phenomenal, and we got to hear just how beautiful and tender her voice can be, not just how powerful. There are a couple of UK dates left to catch her - tomorrow (Sunday 6th) in Cheltenham, and in Ireland on Wednesday and then at the end of the month. See her website here.

Titanic Fashion

Today, 14th April, is the 100th year anniversary of the fateful day Titanic struck an iceberg.

There have been lots of programmes, dramas and radio documentaries this week to commemorate the sinking and the loss of 1500 lives, but amongst the poignant tales is one full of humour. Fashion Journalist Edith Russell recalls in a BBC interview how her unsuitable attire, including velvet evening slippers, made boarding a lifeboat precarious. In the end it was her toy pig that motivated her to safety.

The link to the BBC archive recording of her interview is here and well worth a listen.

Photo credits, from top: Andrew Wilson; Encyclopedia Titanica; Royal Museums Greenwich; Royal Museums Greenwich;

Rolls & Besame Red

I've been encouraged by your kind comments on my last hair attempt, so I gave rolls another go. My hair is just so heavy, and slippery too, it's very difficult getting updos! Here's another attempt dutifully documented!

Oh, and that's Besame's 'red hot red' I'm wearing. Marilyn's fave apparently. I had to stop wearing red lipstick a few weeks back because I put henna on my hair, and the red lips and hair clashed horribly and made me look quite ill. Finally I think the henna's faded enough to go back to reds, hurrah!

Miss P xx

Rainy Day Ebay Selling

It's such a miserable day here in Wales, so I have made use of being indoors and listed some items up on Ebay.

The items include dresses from the '50s, vintage nightwear, and a few other bits and bobs.

Please take a look here.

Victory Roll Floral Updo

I just discovered a new vintage blogger - Bright Young Twins - and here's my attempt at their 'Victory Roll Floral Updo'.

I'm pretty pleased for a first attempt, but when I try it again I think I'll pull less hair over to one side as I'm not sure such an assymetric look suits my face-shape.

Please excuse the lack of make-up, it was a long day in work and I just tried this hairdo out while I was sat in my PJs waiting for my tea to cook!!

Has anyone else tried out this hair tutorial? I'd love to see photos of your efforts!

Miss P xx

Vintage Repro Shopping: Spring Update

New in for Spring, here's what's caught my eye recently...

Heyday! have released another version of the popular 'Fleur' Swirl-style dress, in gingham and florals (£85). Available in either pink or blue, if it was plain gingham I would have snapped one up, but I don't do florals! This is probably strange for a vintage fashion enthusiast, but I'm sticking by it.

I only discovered this brand recently, but I can't wait for Collectif's Spring items to be in stock - not only are they lovely with lots of vintage style, but they actually fit in really well with current 2012 trends.

From Tara Starlet, some new bodices have come in (£40). All in florals again, and there are alternative tops with sleeves, and shorts too. Quite pricey when there are very similar items on the high street at the moment for about half the price.

Due in stock this month over at Pin-up Parade is this gorgeous green 'Secretary' dress from Bettie Page Clothing (£95). I know it has sleeves and doesn't look too Spring-like, but please remember that the week or so of sun we've just had in the UK is now gone, and we need to go back to wearing our normal 11-months-of-the-year wardrobe that covers as much as possible.

Finally on my list of reproduction items is something more Summery again - new Capri pants from Lady K Loves (£42).

Has anybody seen any more new Spring repro clothing recently? Do let me know!

Miss P xx

Outfit Post: Sailor Girl

Sale jumper (with angora, lovely and soft!) from Topshop, £15

Vintage Wedding Fair This Weekend!

Enjoy if you do end up going! I am not going. I'm not getting married. This morning I asked my other half what he would say if I made him a Leap Year proposal. His reply? "of course, dear". That's the kind of response I'd expect to nagging questions, such as "are you taking out the rubbish?" or "don't forget to buy the milk", not a marriage proposal!!