Porcelina's World

Sale Treat!

2012-01-24T09:54:00.000Z

Naughty but nice!

Lots of Kiss Me Deadly sale items around at the moment on Hepburn and Leigh, or Joanna's Wardrobe. I have purchased the DeVille longline bra, and the blue Alouette plunge bra is on it's way.

I've also made a Heyday purchase but you'll have to wait to see that one.

Is it nearly pay day yet?!

Lippy Trial

2012-01-14T17:19:00.000Z

A sneaky post on one of my now very, very precious days off!!
This is 'Carmine' from Besame. I normally steer clear of orangey reds, but I tried this one out just for fun and loved it! It was one of six included in my red lips set in a What Katie Did goodybag, so expect five more lipstick trial posts...

Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

Miss P xx

Vintage Inspired Review: Tara Starlet Pedal Pushers

2012-01-07T09:18:00.000Z

I have a spare ten minutes so can squeeze in a quick post! The 'Pedal Pushers' trousers from Tara Starlet are available in leopard, black, or orange and white stripe. I purchased the black along with the 'Victory' skirt that I posted about before Christmas. I was trying to channel the look of Christina Hendricks in Mad Men or Christina Ricci in Pan Am - both have worn black pedal pushers and they looked fabulous on both kinds of figures.

Price and Delivery - 3/5
£59 I thought wasn't too bad for trousers. Delivery was next day, costing £5.

Sizing - 1/5
Awful. I am normally a Tara Starlet size 12 (in both their 'Peggy' dress and their 'Dancing' skirt). But with these trousers the sizing was way, way off - the size 12 was ridiculously small. I sent it back and got the size 14, which I could just about zip up if I breathed in really hard, but it was honestly still about an inch too small on the waist to be comfortable to wear. Would I seriously be a size 16 in these trousers when I'm a size 12 in one of their dresses?! At the price I'd paid I didn't feel comfortable having a go at making some adjustments myself, and the attentions of a professional seamstress would have been an extra £20. I nearly cried, because otherwise I loved these trousers!

Fit - 2/5
Great fit on the legs, bum - but as mentioned above, the sizing on the waist and upper hips was ridiculously small for a size 14, especially when I'm a 12 in their other garments and my measurements are well within what's on their size guidlines. Nice length on the leg. These pics below are of the size 12 just to illustrate the huge difference in sizing between this and the size 12 Peggy dress, which fits me perfectly!

Fabric and Quality - 5/5
Lovely fabric with a nice stretch. The quality looks perfectly good, no issues there at all.

Online Description - 1/5
If a garment runs small, it would be really, really helpful to mailorder customers for this to be mentioned. It would also be nice to see more images of the trousers on a real person, from different angles. They are also longer than on the model pictured on the website, which was strange because I am 5'9'" with a 33" inside leg, so unless the model is super tall, the trousers have been rolled up for the photograph.

Postage Costs - 1/5
To return an item you have to send the parcel back by recorded delivery. I sent the first trousers back by Special Delivery, which cost me £7, but I wanted the insurance, as the parcel with the skirt and trousers was worth over £120, and recorded delivery only covers you up to £40 ish. The refund they must have forgotten about, because I had to email them some weeks later to remind them, and then it went through. The second lot of trousers then I returned by recorded delivery, it was a couple of quid, so all in all I've lost just over £20 in this escapade!

Customer Service - 4/5
Although my initial refund was delayed, the moment I contacted them I received an apology and the refund went straight through then.

Overall Score = 2/5
I'll be grieving over these trousers for a while.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-02T15:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

Did you all have a good festive break? Christmas for me was a very relaxed, quiet affair. We ate enough to sink a battleship, and I am still using up leftover Stilton, cranberries and such like. For me, the highlight had to be that I am the proud recipient of the coveted Golden Spoon, as I won the family baking competition with my yule log masterpiece! Having said that, none of us want to see a yule log ever again, as they are time-consuming to make and we had six of them to eat!

Here's a little pictorial summary: Me as an elf at a party; Christmas wreath; Present opening on the big day; The Yule Log entries; Golden Spoon Winner.

I'm afraid that this will be my only blog post for January - I start a new job tomorrow, and so for this month only will have a total of three jobs on the go. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Wishing you all a good start to 2012 - good luck with all of your resolutions!

Miss P xx

Giveaway: Heyday Voucher!

2011-12-14T10:30:00.000Z

A Christmas competition? Count me in! Over at the Heyday blog, Shona is giving away a £25 voucher to one lucky festive winner.

I'm currently eyeing a pair of black swing trousers (waiting for them to restock in my size), and the lovely Dynamite Mary dress (also out of stock!).

Puppini Sisters!

2011-12-09T11:15:00.000Z

Earlier this week my other half took me on a date to see the Puppini Sisters! I got to wear the new Vivienne Westwood for Melissa shoes (off Ebay, you don't think I paid £130 do you?!), and I took a tip from Lipstick and Curls and just used a handful of hot sticks rather then the whole lot. I was really pleased with the results, what do you think? The lippy is a sheer red by Poppy King for Boots No.7, I haven't had time to try out the Besame reds yet, but will report back when I have!

The Puppini Sisters were fantastic, it was their first in a series of Christmas shows, and we left feeling very, very festive. I didn't know they were so funny as well as vocally talented, we had a good chuckle.

Their first outfit involved a corset, cropped jackets, and some very nice black trousers that made me want to ask them where they got them from, given my trouble with trousers recently! (That's probably another story, for another time) Then they wore some sarong-style dresses, I'm guessing they were custom-made?

Hope you're all starting to feel festive - I've been ill this week but am determined to finish my Christmas shopping today!

London Adventures: The Third Grand Anarcho-Dandyist Ball & More!

2011-12-06T13:23:00.000Z

My trip to London was really wonderful, with the highlight being the Chap Ball in Camden Town Hall. I wore a long dark red dress with a little black and white cape, black shoes and clutch bag, plus a big deco-style sunburst hair slide and an original deco pin on my dress. I felt more like Babooshka on the way there, wrapped up against the very cold evening, but once unwrapped and the flats swapped for heels, I did feel quite elegant.

My own photos are pretty terrible. Other people's are much nicer. There are photo albums of the ball here:
http://www.philrussellphotos.co.uk/ClientGallery11/Client_gallery_11.html

And here:
http://thechap.net/content/section_news/?p=879

By the end of the evening I wasn't looking so ladylike - the cape was off, a gin cocktail spilt down the front (the perils of drinking next to energetic jive dancers), the skirt was hitched up, the curls had mostly dropped out and were plastered to my face with sweat as I danced like a complete loon for hours on end. I had a bag of haribo stashed in my clutch to keep the energy levels up, and I only had a few drinks as I was more interested in dancing and exploring than getting drunk. It was the best night out I've had in a very, very long time.

Lots of faces from the vintage blogging scene were there - Fleur, Yesterday Girl, Gemma to name but a few - but I was far too shy to go and say hello to any of them, particularly in my sweaty state when they were all looking so composed!!

My favourite bit was the speakeasy bar - a little hatch that opened when the bell was rung to reveal white-gloved hands handing you a card telling you to put the money on the counter and keep your mouth shut! A gin cocktail in a teacup appeared and the hatch slammed shut afterwards.

On Sunday, I headed to the What Katie Did boutique for their 'Glamour and Seduction' workshop, which was a lot of fun. I got some great tips from Amanda from Lipstick & Curls (did you know if you're short of time you can just use 6 or so hot sticks in big sections of your hair rather than using the whole lot??), and then met the lovely Polly Rae, who gave us all a reminder on posture, faking confidence, and giving ourselves a bit more attention. Lovely cocktails in teacups again (the theme of the weekend I think!) and the most amazing little chocolate cupcakes.

The goodybag was a treat too - I now have a set of all 6 Besame reds to try out at home! I can't wait to wear one of them tonight, as I'm off to see the Puppini Sisters. It's definitely the party season!

Miss P xx

Vintage Inspired Review: Tara Starlet 'Victory' Skirt

2011-11-30T11:57:00.000Z

The 'Victory' skirt from Tara Starlet is available in plain green, black and white gingham, and red and white houndstooth. I purchased the green. I also bought the pedal pusher trousers in black, but that's a tale for another post!

Price and Delivery - 3/5£65 is pricey. Delivery was next day, costing £5.

Sizing - 2/5
I am normally a Tara Starlet size 12 (in both their 'Peggy' dress and their 'Dancing' skirt). But with this skirt the sizing was off - I could do up the back zipper, but couldn't button the 2 little buttons above it. There is room to move the buttons across a bit.

Fit - 2/5
The main issue with this skirt on me is that there is too much fabric between hip and thigh, resulting in the skirt bunching up unattractively. Rather than a smooth silhouette I have ripples!

Fabric and Quality - 4/5
I think the colour is wonderful, and the fabric is nice, but I'm taking off a point because it's non-stretch, which is pretty essential in a fitted skirt if you want to be able to manoeuvre with any degree of grace. The quality looks perfectly good, no issues there at all.

Online Description - 2/5
It doesn't mention on the website what the fabric is, and whether it stretches or not. It only shows pictures from the front, but I would have liked to have seen a back view. It also doesn't mention that the 2 buttons at the back on the bottle green skirt are a bright, primary red (much brighter than the picture below shows). I got a bit of a shock when I opened the parcel.

Customer Service - 4/5
To return an item you have to send the parcel back by recorded delivery. I sent it back by Special Delivery, which cost me £7, but I wanted the insurance, as the parcel with the skirt and trousers was worth over £120, and recorded delivery only covers you up to £40 ish. The returns arrived with them on Monday, I had an email yesterday confirming my refund, and am just waiting for it to show up on my card.

I lose the original postage of £7, so I'm £14 down in total from returning the skirt and trousers.

Overall Score = 3/5
Would be a lovely skirt - on someone else!

Who's Going to the Anarcho-Dandyist Ball?

2011-11-26T09:44:00.000Z

And more importantly, what will you be wearing?

I am going for a 1930s look with a long gown and a little cape, but my hair won't remotely look like it's from that era, as all my practice attempts recently have failed miserably!

x

Tara Starlet Launch Lingerie Range!

2011-11-25T16:35:00.000Z

Has anyone else seen Tara Starlet's new lingerie range?

From top to bottom:
Full slip, £59
Camisole, £45
Half slip, £35
French knickers, £32

All are available in black and nude, though they don't specify what kind of fabric is used.

Erratic Clothing Purchasing

2011-11-24T11:52:00.000Z

I spend a great deal of time, energy and effort trawling ebay, charity shops and car boot sales so I can save money on clothes. I avoid high-end vintage boutiques, I refuse to pay over £100 for a Stop Staring dress and wait patiently for a year until it comes up on Ebay at less than half the price. I've learnt to sew, so that I don't have to waste money having clothes altered.

So why, oh why, have I just clicked and spent an obscene sum at Tara Starlet?!!

I have ordered the Pedal Pushers in black, and the Victory Skirt in green...

http://www.tarastarlet.com/Bottoms/c4/p205/Pedal+Pushers/product_info.html

http://www.tarastarlet.com/Skirts/c2/p225/Victory+Skirt/product_info.html

I can't even blame PMT this time.

Will put up pics and reviews as soon as they arrive!

Stop Staring!

2011-11-18T09:58:00.000Z

Terrible photos, I know, my camera is awful in low-light, but I wanted to share the fabulousness of the Stop Staring dress I wore to a recent London wedding reception. Bought off Ebay for £40!

Where's Porcelina?

2011-11-16T08:41:00.000Z

I have been a tad quiet over the last few months, which I am sorry about because I've missed the regular blogging, but I've been busier than ever, it's a bit of a whirlwhind!! Here are my reasons:
1) Job hunting! My main, bread-winning role finishes by the end of the year, so I am steadily working on lengthy applications to stave off unemployment. This month, 5 submitted applications, 2 rejections so far and still waiting on the other 3... I am glad that applications are electronic - much easier to correct these days than having them typewritten, like Gypsy Rose Lee in the photo above. Although she's probably not applying for a job and is just instructing a dressmaker or something.

2) Baking! I've made my Christmas cakes, apple chutney, and even attempted Mary Berry's chocolate roulade and Delia Smith's bechamel sauce. Great success all round.

3) Getting fit! So many people have taken up this running malarky that I thought it was high time to join this club, so I have embarked on a 'learn to run' training programme. I'm only up to running for 3 minutes at a time in between walks, but I'm optimistic to be running for a good 20 minutes at a time by the end of the year.

4) Catching up with friends! If you don't start catching up now, you'll never fit everyone in before Christmas. There are more social events at this time of year too.

A lot of my excuses have the word 'Christmas' in. Anyway, I do have some posts to catch up with, including a few pics of my fabulous Stop Staring dress, and a bit of a rant about orangey eyebrow pencils.

I do hope you're all having a good week, and I for those of you also job-hunting, that you get something good soon!

Miss P xx

Shoe Lust vs Ceiling Price Guilt

2011-11-06T21:46:00.000Z

Is £150 too much for a pair of shoes?

"They're not leather", my other half complains.

"But they're Vivienne Westwood, for Melissa."

"Mm." (then changes subject)

Paloma Faith for La Senza

2011-11-03T14:56:00.001Z

I read in a magazine some time ago that Paloma Faith was putting her name to some retro style underwear in British chain La Senza, and it seems to have hit the stores. There are only 3 pieces, so I'm disappointed there's not more choice, but I do like the look of the bra and the teddy. Not so sure about the French Knickers as they are cut quite high on the leg when a classic knicker should have a bit more swish to it.

Bras are £30 (black/green), knickers are £16 (black/green) and the teddy is £30 (green only).

What do you think? Gorgeous colour, the Emerald Green. But the models are so bland, really would have loved to have seen Paloma herself modelling these items!

In For a Penny...

2011-11-01T11:17:00.000Z

I've just entered the Fleur dress competition over at Shona from Heyday's blog, and I thought I might as well repost about the comp to bag myself an extra entry!

I'm still bitter about the custom made wrap dress I won but never received because it got lost in the post (not sure if the US or Royal Mail was to blame), so I am hoping the fates realise that I'm worthy of a replacement...

Photo from Shona's blog, of course.

I've got the builders in today trying to repair our leaky roof, they're like the Chuckle Brothers getting the ladders through the house!

Vintage London in December

2011-10-27T08:51:00.000+01:00

Hello dearies, I hope this dark, moody weather isn't affecting your internal sunshine!
I'm making plans, looking forward to Christmas already, and am trying to pull together a London trip for the first weekend in December. So far, this is my itinerary:

Friday 2nd December
Probably shopping for underwear

Saturday 3rd December
Probably eating cake

Sunday 4th December

Afternoon workshop at What Katie Did.
Vintage furniture flea, Bethnal Green.

Does anyone know of any other vintagey events that are happening that weekend? I was disappointed there isn't a Candlelight Club running, no Ric Rac club, or likewise. Do let me know if there's something exciting happening!!

I leave you with this still from Brief Encounter - I got to see this yesterday for the first time, and loved it!

Vintage Events This Weekend in Wales!

2011-10-21T14:37:00.000+01:00

No plans for the weekend? Need an update to your vintage Autumn wardrobe? Then head to one, or both of the following events!

Saturday 22nd October - Cardiff
Big Girl's Blouse, vintage and retro clothing and accessories specialist is moving from the courtyard off Wellfield Road in Roath to brand spanking new larger premises on Crwys Road, Cathays. The new shop will be just over the bridge, next to the antiques shop. From midday tomorrow, the new store will be launched with a live band, tea and cake, and the chance to peruse their offerings. I had a rummage today and they have lots of great vintage dresses from the 1940s and 1950s, plus vintage slips and girdles, bags, shoes, What Katie Did lingerie, Outer Limitz clothing, and a selection of corsets. I am saddened by the fact I shall be in work and will miss this event.

Sunday 23rd October - Swansea
Blind Lemon Vintage offers another opportunity for South Wales folk to attend a vintage fair. Being held on Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm at George Hall, Brangwyn Hall, The Guildhall, Guildhall Rd South, Swansea. Get your tickets on the door for £4, or save yourself £2 by booking in advance online at http://www.blindlemonvintage.com/

Have fun whatever you end up doing,
Miss P x

Dita's Coat

2011-10-14T08:32:00.000+01:00

I've decided that my new winter coat purchase this year needs to have a collar like the one on this fabulous creation Dita's wearing! It's called a shawl-collar, isn't it?

Photo from Tom and Lorenzo, who have more of said coat.

Sparks Flying

2011-10-13T08:23:00.000+01:00

I'm back from my travels to The Netherlands, Germany and Greece, but not yet ready to come back into Blogger world as I have a heap of work and other such stuff to sort out, so pictures will come when I have time to breathe!

Here's a sweet song for an otherwise gloomy Thursday, Christopher Rees with 'Sparks Flying'

Have a good week everyone!

Beautiful West Wales

2011-09-16T15:28:00.000+01:00

Absolutely stunning, you really should visit the West coast of my homeland Wales!

The weather was just too cold and wet for any glamorous outfits, but I have a lovely pic of me in my waterproofs for you instead.

I'm off on some more adventures for a couple of weeks - The Netherlands, followed by Kefalonia in Greece, so I'll report back in October! I expect it will well and truly be colder and darker when I get back, so the Autumn wardrobe will have to be unpacked. I can't even remember what's in there so there may be a few nice surprises.

Have a good few weeks everyone!

Miss P xx

Early '60s Mad Men Dress!

2011-09-12T08:59:00.000+01:00

I'm back from my West Wales adventure - photos to follow of some of the most beautiful places in the British Isles I've ever visited!

I also want to share with you a car-boot sale find, it's an early 1960s linen shift dress in true Mad Men style. I love how the label states that it's 'Styled for Miss Executive'.

It's not really my colour, so I may well end up selling it on, but I am tempted to wear it first!

Blogger's Holiday

2011-09-03T08:50:00.000+01:00

I'm off to West Wales for a week, where I shall be enjoying country and sea air, pub food and red wine.

Hope you all have a good week - September is my favourite month!

Miss P xx

Grey Skies Over Wales

2011-09-02T09:23:00.001+01:00

This weekend was a little gloomy, I was hoping for a more spectacular finish to August but alas, we spent the Bank Holiday sat in my car by the sea, drinking hot tea out of a flask like pensioners! It was windy and chilly and so outdoor activity was reduced to a brief stroll to the lighthouse.

Those are my Bernie Dexter jeans, they're amazing! I will try and get some better pics and team them with something more glamorous than my 10 year old trainers next time.

If the Dress Fits...

2011-08-29T11:23:00.000+01:00

I'm so happy! Now I just need the other half to take me somewhere I can wear it...

Hope all you Brits are having a good Bank Holiday - I'm off to the seaside in a bit!

xx

Stop Staring! Purchase

2011-08-26T17:26:00.000+01:00

I accidentally bought a Stop Staring dress off Ebay last night. I say accidentally, as in yes, I was aware I was bidding, but the prices always sky-rocket so I was very surprised when I 'won'!

It's this model, the '30s bombshell. I've decided that my Autumn wardrobe will be less of the swooshy full skirts with petticoats, and more dresses with a wiggle.

I'm slightly panicked by the prospect that it might not fit, as although I checked my measurements against Stop Staring's sizes, I've heard that the dresses can run small sometimes.

All I can do is wait with fingers crossed and perhaps lay off the pastries...

Wardrobe Clearout

2011-08-25T08:53:00.000+01:00

A mainly non-vintage selection of clothing is listed here on Ebay.

Joules, French Connection, Topshop, Next

My New Favourite Moisturiser: Kimberly Sayer

2011-08-23T18:50:00.000+01:00

Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Organic Facial Moisturiser, £25.80 for 150ml

A new product tested - quite thoroughly over a month or so - and here's my report. This time I tried out an everyday moisturiser with SPF25. It's so important to have a fairly high SPF, especially when we're after a pale-skinned vintage look! Despite this, I am aware that I have actually tanned slightly over the last few months. Bronzelina again rather than Porcelina! But the word to note here is tanned, (as in I have a very slight tint that self-tan addicts wouldn't even acknowledge as a tan) not burnt! I haven't burnt! The SPF has held up well, because I've been exercising outdoors almost daily and it hasn't sweated off, or clogged my pores.

The Moisturiser Itself - 5/5
Love, love, love this! The consistency is perfect - easily absorbed, doesn't clog your pores. It does leave you with a slight sheen, it isn't a completely matte finish, but I can live with this, particularly as the citrus fragrance is so utterly gorgeous. I allow my partner to sniff my face after I've put it on. As another bonus, a little goes a long, long way. A maximum of two little drops does your whole face.

Packaging - 4/5
It's all very well me hankering after little alabaster pots with gilt-rimmed lids and fancy lettering, they do glam-up one's dressing table, but on a practical note, this functional cylinder does the job perfectly. Throw it in your overnight bag, leave the lid off, it won't hurt, as it has a pump action which dispenses nearly enough for your whole face with just one press. So while it doesn't have the glamour factor and I would prefer to see it in something Deco inspired, I can't really argue that the packaging isn't functional.

Value for money - 5/5
Facial sunscreen is expensive. Face cream that doesn't block your pores is hard to come by. Face cream that only comes in very tiny pots ends up being very expensive. Therefore, the fact that this product means you a) don't have to buy facial sunscreen, b) will last ages and c) you don't have to pay for other products to sort out the blocked pores you would have had from other products, works out overall as being very pocket-friendly I feel!

Overall - 5/5
The best moisturiser with sunscreen that I've ever tried.

I personally think you should order it from Love Lula, who provide a great service and also free *samples* of their products so that you can try that £30 potion before you buy. Bless them for that. Courtesy of them, I've also been trying out the Kimberly Sayer Tangerine and Calendula Light Healing Night Cream, which again has a lovely, easily absorbed texture, but I'm less keen on the fragrance, which isn't very tangerine-smelling.

Rightio, I have my evening exercise to do, I'm facing a bikini-body countdown...

My Red Blue-Jeans

2011-08-17T09:20:00.000+01:00

A new purchase! From the sale rack at Phase Eight I spied these decidedly '50s looking red cropped jeans. They fit like a dream too.

Now I can feel authentic when I sing along to Be-Bop a Lula

The British Summer

2011-08-06T08:33:00.000+01:00

This week I bought a ballet-wrap style cosy cardigan and some socks. These shouldn't be summer purchases!!

Here's hoping the weather is warmer and drier wherever you are...

My Sunglasses

2011-08-05T09:35:00.002+01:00

These are amazing, and my Beloved picked them up at a car boot sale for me. It seems all the hours of vintage brainwashing have paid off, he knows what he's looking for!

Outfit Post: Hollywood Dress

2011-08-03T20:49:00.000+01:00

Purchase Teaser: Oh Yes I did!

2011-08-02T09:01:00.003+01:00

Back, With a New Look!

2011-07-27T08:36:00.003+01:00

I thought it was time for a little refresh of the blog, I hope it looks a bit cleaner and simpler now.

The looming unemployment crisis of the real world has been delayed - a contract extension of a few more months - so I can relax a little with the job hunting and finally have some more time to devote to baking, hunting for bargains, and watching some old movies!

I picked up these three films for just 99p each at the local B&M Bargains (think this might be a South Wales store only?) - a good find! That's also a 99p pot of Bonne Maman Raspberry Jelly you can see at the top of the picture... I watched Lady of Burlesque (with Barbara Stanwyck, who apparently my Grandmother looked like) and My Man Godfrey (Carole Lombard) already, but have yet to see Mr Imperium (Lana Turner). I'll post some film reviews soon.

New Wardrobe Addition!

2011-07-26T17:05:00.004+01:00

I'm just dippy about dresses!

Lost in a '50s Reverie

2011-07-15T15:08:00.001+01:00

The Bad Blogger

2011-07-14T13:22:00.003+01:00

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It's been 8 days since my last confession, I mean post!

The real world has me flat out - my two paid jobs and one voluntary one have been keeping me incredibly busy, and as the main day job is ending soon, I'm also job hunting (lengthy job applications, urgh!). There has also been a new housemate, much painting-decorating with coming-and-going of tradesmen, a car windscreen to be replaced, trips to see long-lost friends, conferences and I've also been stepping up the personal fitness.

So, here's what upcoming blog posts I have stored up:
- More dress alterations and sewing projects
- Bernie Dexter jeans review
- My vintage hat collection
- Vintage inspired on the high street
- Lots more Poirot!

Normal service shall be resumed soon...

Miss P xx

Dress Lust of the Week

2011-07-06T21:17:00.002+01:00

Laura Ashley 'archive print cotton sundress', £85 down from £125

Also available with a pink rose print with pink ribbon trim, or a bluebell print with blue trim.

Adorable!

Make do & Mend Project 3 and a Blog Award!

2011-07-01T07:20:00.002+01:00

Another simple one - so simple, there's no before photo! A charity shop dress that was too big around the waist (have been wearing it with snug little cardigans over the top or a belt, to pull the waist in). A quick whizz through the sewing machine and it fits properly.

Hurrah!

Also, a Liebster blog award from Nabby, have you seen her incredible sewing creations? I'm blow away!

Weekend Viewing: Art Deco Icons

2011-06-25T08:59:00.004+01:00

For those of you looking for some visual entertainment on this rainy weekend here in the UK, you can have a peek at Art Deco Icons, a series exploring British architecture of the period.

It's available here on the BBC iplayer, and the first episode looks at Claridge's Hotel in London.

Between watching this, and the episode of Kirstie's Homemade Home where she looks at Burgh Island Hotel, I have decided my future fantasy home will contain an art-deco bathroom.

1950s' Cake Plate

2011-06-23T15:29:00.001+01:00

Another car-boot sale purchase from last summer. I think it was 50p, I bought it for the tea-party I had for my birthday, and further investigation of the mark on the back shows that it probably dates from the mid 1950s. It's the perfect size for a cheesecake, and I've used it quite a few times over the past year.

What a rainy day here in Wales! I've been so busy lately with a) work, b) looking for work, and c) working around the workmen doing their work, that I haven't done much sewing, or visiting of charity shops, or watching of old films. I'm hoping to rectify the bargain-shopping tomorrow when I visit a friend, so I'll get back to you soon with any purchases!

If you're off to Glastonbury like my other half is, make sure you take your wellies!!

Poirot Fashion Special: Peril at End House

2011-06-20T15:16:00.010+01:00

This feature-length episode is a real treat, in terms of locations as well as costumes! The art-deco 'hotel' above is actually an apartment block in Torquay, Devon. People actually live there.

Now on to the clothes. First up, Miss Lemon, looking divine in this grey-sleeved number. Love the hat too.

I think this next picture is one of the few times we ever see Miss Lemon in evening wear. A pity there's no full-length shot.

Daywear....

Even the extras and minor players in this episode are super stylish! I love the hotel receptionist, and the hotel guest in the green print beach pyjamas.

Now let's have a look at the two main female characters in this story. That's Nick on the left, we're supposed to find her charming, vulnerable and beautiful. Freddie is the red-head in the middle, she's supposed to have a more acidic exterior. Out of the two wardrobes, I have to say I like Freddie's best! Which do you prefer?

Nick's wardrobe:

Freddie's wardrobe:

Did this give you some inspiration? I'd really like a little black '30s hat like Miss Lemon's, a pair of tropical print beach pyjamas, and a little fur cape for evening. What's your fantasy Poirot fashion shopping list?

Miss P xx

Make Do and Mend Project 2

2011-06-16T07:53:00.000+01:00

A speedy makeover for my second project - a charity shop dress in a beige colour wasn't getting much wear. I used Dylon's machine dye, in dark green. It's hard to capture the colour on camera but it's a really lovely, deep, jewel like colour. I love it!

Apologies for not being as active on the blogosphere lately - it's a combination of the lasting effects of the kitchen ceiling leak and the subsequent building work, plus I am snowed under at work in the real world as my job nears the end of its contract. So that means lots of job-hunting too - job angels hear my cry!

I'll be back after the weekend with some more Poirot to make up for it.

Hope you're all having a good week!

Miss P xx

Secret Sewing: First Make Do & Mend Project

2011-06-11T20:29:00.004+01:00

So here is the first project I've tackled as part of Make Do & Mend. The dress had originally been mint green, but I dyed it a deep red some time ago. It still wasn't quite right though and has been languishing in a store-room. I felt the length was a little too long and the front kept slipping down and exposing my bra.

So, I shortened the skirt (had to separate the skirt and bodice for this, as the hem is scalloped and embroidered, which I didn't want to lose). Next step was to tackle those too-long straps - I decided to go for a pinafore style and add buttons at the same time as shortening them.

It's much more wearable now - I'm very pleased! This length works better for me as I wear a lot of knee high boots, and it looks better to have a little bit of leg in between the boots and the skirt!

I have to confess also that the buttons weren't already in my stash, but they were a present from my other half who found them at a car boot sale, so I didn't spend any money. He's amazing at finding things. Just give him a list and a couple of hours and he will return victorious!

Project 2 is also completed, and 3, 4, and 5 are on the way - watch this space for more updates soon!

Make Do and Mend!

2011-06-10T09:55:00.003+01:00

I'm planning on some serious sewing this weekend - I have 3 days off, and a stash of clothes that don't fit properly, or need mending. So I am going to work my way through as part of Make Do and Mend 2011.

Sorry for being quiet recently - with regards to the ceiling leak and boiler crisis, we finally have a new boiler, and hot water and heating again (this is important even in June in Wales, it's really not very warm at all!) but I still can't move back into my bedroom for another week or so, just waiting on the carpet now. It's been an open house for tradesmen of all descriptions for the last ten days, I can't wait for it to all be over!

Voting Help Needed!

2011-06-07T07:28:00.001+01:00

Hello lovely readers!

My other half has very excitedly been nominated for the Mojo music magazine 'New Voice' award!!!

I have a personal favour to ask - I need your help to place a vote for him! All it needs is a visit to a website, and a click - are you up for the task? Here are the details:

Christopher Rees has been shortlisted for a MOJO Honours List 'New Voice' Award. The shortlist of 10 will trimmed down to 5 by public vote. The five artists to receive the most votes will then go through to the final round of judging in front of a MOJO-approved music industry panel.

Click here to vote! Or visit http://www.mojo4music.co.uk/ and follow the link for the 'New Voice' competition.

Many thanks - I've been having an awful week with plumbers in and out on the house sorting out a leak in my kitchen ceiling! But hopefully it's nearly sorted and normal service will soon be resumed!!

Outfit Post: Weekday Wardrobe

2011-06-03T17:53:00.002+01:00

Here's what I wore the other week when the weather was a bit colder again, and a bit rainy too!
NO vintage - I had a week off!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend - my week has been stressful to say the least, a leak in our kitchen ceiling has led to all kinds of chaos, so I'm intending to relax for the next few days and have a go at a bit of make do and mend.

Working from home outfit - blouse: H&M. Skirt: Warehouse. Black t-bars: M&S

Working out in the community outfit - shirt: Tesco. Jeans: New Look. Shoes: Monsoon.

Lunch with my other half's parents outfit: Topshop dress: charity shop. Cardi: car boot sale. Shoes: Primark. Bag: car boot sale.

Out and about on errands outfit - Skirt & belt: New Look. Top: M&S, charity shop. Boots: Jones the Bootmaker.

'Need to look professional' outfit for more community-based work - Dorothy Perkins dress: charity shop. Shoes: Primark. Cardi: Asda.

Van Dal Shoes: 1957 Shoes Relaunched!

2011-05-31T13:05:00.004+01:00

Van Dal shoes, known for their comfy shoes for a slightly older audience, have relaunched some shoes from their 1957 range. Called 'Van Dal Vintage', there are three shoes directly reproduced from the 1950s, and two styles that are just vintage inspired.

Here are the three styles that were available in 1957:

You can also view their vintage catalogue from 1957 here.

Secret Sewing: First Item From a Pattern - Scallop Skirt

2011-05-30T14:52:00.001+01:00

As it's been such a rainy Bank Holiday weekend I decided to bite the bullet and attempt to sew something from scratch, from a proper pattern and everything! I chose the Scallop Skirt featured over at Grosgrain for their free pattern month. I had some very cheap fabric from a charity shop (£1 per metre) to practice on, so I plunged straight in.

Things didn't quite go according to plan. I estimate that overall, my skirt took me about 7 hours. This includes the time taken to adjust the pattern to make it longer, and to unpick all my mistakes, such as inserting completely the wrong kind of zipper. Doh!

I've learnt an awful lot from this attempt. My very first mistake was cutting out the patterns on the inside lines, meaning that none of the pieces lined up properly for starters! Then I cut out the interfacing a bit haphazardly and this affected the shape of the scallops, also affected by my inability to sew on a curve (or on a straight line for that matter!). The zip isn't quite right. It's sitting too low, and I didn't sew it inbetween the waistband pieces so it's not neatly concealed. And the hem I messed up to be honest, I didn't know what 'topstitching' was and so skipped that bit and now realise that's how you hide the rough edge of the hem. So, the final result is pretty imperfect! But a valuable experience.

I think maybe attempting scallops was a bit ambitious for a beginner, but I love the half-circle shape of the skirt so may remake it with a plain, straight waistband.

I'm exhausted now! But already wondering what to sew next...

Vintage Inspired Review: Lady K Loves 'Hello Sailor' Trousers

2011-05-27T17:47:00.000+01:00

My trigger-happy fingers bought these 'Hello Sailor' trousers last week!

Lady K Loves is a rockabilly clothing brand that I only heard of recently, and as they'd sold out of the jeans that I was after over at 20th Century Foxy (see Jeans Woe), I thought I would try out their trousers as an alternative.

Price and Delivery - 4/5

I don't think £45 is that bad for vintage repro. It's comparable with Heyday and cheaper than Tara Starlet. Delivery was fast, and reasonably priced (£3.50). Again, cheaper than Tara Starlet, which charges £5 delivery.

Sizing - 3/5
I am a 30" waist, and 40" hips so I ordered their size Large, which according to their size charts should accommodate a 31" waist and 39" hips. I didn't go for the Medium as that was for a 29" waist and 37" waist and I thought it could be a little bit too much of a tight fit on the hips. Their size charts are different to other vintage repro brands that work on 'even' bust and hip measurements, not odd, so this could be a tad confusing!

Fit - 3/5
Alas, I could easily have gone for the size Medium, as you can see from these photos! (Also, please note lovely followers that I haven't exposed my midriff in public for many years, and am only doing so in these photos so that you can see how the trousers fit. The things I do for you!)

So, they proved too big around the waist, which would easily be corrected by getting a size down. However, I feel that the length's not quite right. From the photo on the website I thought that they were 3/4 length but I think they're supposed to be long, which on my long 33" inside legs doesn't look right. Finally, although they're higher-waisted than normal, they still don't reach my natural waist. In the photos because the trousers are a little big they sink to below my navel, but when hoisted up they only just reach it. So, if I bought my correct size they would fit wonderfully, but still not be high-waisted or long-legged enough for me personally.

Fabric and Quality - 4/5
I think they're really nice - a lovely lightweight sateen finish cotton, which makes them a nice weight for Spring/Summer. The quality looks perfectly good, no issues there at all.

Customer Service - 5/5
To return an item you have to email them - they replied within 1 working day. I posted the trousers back to them on Tuesday, they received them on Wednesday and my refund went through on Friday, along with a cheery message.

It cost me £2.20 to return the trousers, and I don't lose the original postage of £3.50, so that's just the £2.20 I've lost overall in trying out these trousers.

What a shame, my hunt for some smart jeans/trousers continues! I think Freddies of Pinewood are too casual, Tara Starlet are overpriced, and the Bernie Dexter jeans I like are currently unavailable at 20th Century Foxy. They're hoping to restock in a few weeks though, so I think those will be my next purchase!

Birthday Treats: Picnics, Teacups & Gin

2011-05-26T08:53:00.002+01:00

It's a little late, but here are some of the treats that I got for my birthday! Top row: 'The Perfect Picnic' book; glamorous lady card; vintage Wedgewood teacup and saucer. Bottom row: cupcake card; tomato plant; 'drink more gin' card.

I can't wait to read the book - it was first published in 1936 and gives a selection of picnic menus. The dedication reads, "This little book was inspired by a picnic near Itchenor, given in the summer of 1935 by the owner of a white Peke to the owner of white Alsatian."

The tomato plant is doing well.

Secret Sewing: 'Triangle at Rhodes' Style Dress Find!

2011-05-23T18:25:00.004+01:00

I found a great linen dress, by French Connection, in a local charity shop. Don't you just love the buttons?

I think the dress brings to mind that Poirot episode, 'Triangle at Rhodes' that I did an earlier post on.

It was a smidge too tight on the bust so I let out some seams, and I also had to do a bit of work on the sleeves. WHY do they insist on making sleeves for twiglet-sized arms?! I have land-girl muscles from gardening and general lugging-of-stuff, and need a bit more room, does anyone else have this problem?

There was a button closure, that I couldn't fasten. So I whipped the sleeve cuffs off with my seam-ripper, and turned them the other way, making a feature hole on each sleeve and leaving a gap under the arms that I did a zig-zag stitch on to effectively 'hem' and stop unravelling.

Photo above is of not quite finished process, just to give you an idea - I did tidy this up!

Dress is now wearable, hurrah! Bish bash bosh.

Vintage Inspired Boudoir Wear - Value for Money

2011-05-19T08:19:00.006+01:00

Take a look at these two pictures.

The first is a robe by faux-vintage lingerie retailers What Katie Did.

The second is a robe from good old Marks and Spencers 2011 collection.

Which would you choose?

Now I'll give you some more information. The one from What Katie Did retails at £70 and is made of polyester. The one from M&S retails at £60 and is made from pure silk.

My point is that sometimes us vintage enthusiasts get a bit dazzled by the fact that garments are proper 'vintage repro' and if we're not careful we end up getting something that's not actually good vale for money.

Check your labels ladies!

Make-up Review: Besame's 1930's Mascara

2011-05-17T18:51:00.003+01:00

The allure of Besame's gold and red packaging was too much, and I finally gave in and purchased a mascara, as a treat to me on my birthday. Here's what I think of it.

Mascara Formula - 5/5 (for everyday), 3/5 (for evening)
If only every mascara unleashed such a wonderful scent, that for a moment transported you to a different time and place, where Madam's car was waiting and one just had to put on one's hat and gloves. It's the essential oils (Is it sandalwood? I can't quite place it) that give the formula such a wonderful fragrance. The formula itself is just perfect for daytime - it gives a soft, natural look, going on cleanly and with more of a matte finish that most of the other mascaras in my make-up box. Not enough pow for evening.

Brush - 5/5
The brush is perfect for my lashes. It separates them and lovingly coats each one with just the right amount of the mascara.

Price - 2/5
Herein lies the problem. An everyday masacara costing £20 is very extravagant! I bought mine as a birthday treat to myself, but could never justify buying this mascara again, when it will only last me a couple of months with everyday use.

Overall Rating:
5/5 for daytime & rich me
3/5 for evening & poor me

Mascaras in general are tricky, aren't they? I have fine, sparse lashes and find a lot of mascaras try and do too much to them, clumping them together or coating them in a formula that's ridiculously sticky. Here are the mascaras I've tried recently:

Hate:
Clinique High Lengths - weird, bendy little 'brush' that actually has no bristles, just bumps, which was never going to work on my lashes. Makes my eyelashes look like the legs of spiders, crushed underfoot.

Rimmel Glam Eyes Lash Flirt - another bad brush, coupled with a formula that feels quite heavy, unlike the 'feather soft' one promised. I tried using the brush from a No.7 mascara to see if that made a difference, and it did improve things, but I'm still not happy with it.

Love:
Boots No.7 Extreme Lengths - has a brush that really works with my lashes, gives good coverage without getting into clumpy territory. Reasonably priced if you take advantage of Boots 3 for 2 or free gift offers.

Collection 2000 Vinyl Lash - cheap, incredibly cheap, and gives glossy, blacker than black lashes for a strong evening look. I think they've stopped making it, but it's available through cosmetic outlet sites such as Direct Cosmetics.

Outing: My Birthday Cornwall Adventure Part 3

2011-05-16T17:33:00.002+01:00

A trip to the Eden Project on our last day in Cornwall!

For those of you who've not heard of it, the Eden Project has been transformed from a quarry into a garden and artspace, with the pinnacle being the huge 'biomes', which house plants from all over the world. I thought I was going to pass out in South America, dressing in layers is recommended for a visit so you can strip off as you get closer to the equator!

This is more a pictorial post today, the pictures say more than words could!

Outing: My Birthday Cornwall Adventure Part 2

2011-05-12T17:03:00.000+01:00

Saturday morning started off misty, but the sun came out soon enough. It was still fairly chilly in the wind, so our trip to the beach was just for a little stroll, neither of us wanted to brave the waters!

Afternoon tea on the terrace followed, and I was pleased the cottage kitchen was properly equipped with a big teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl! The owners obviously understand tea-drinking.

Later on the weather changed yet again (very Cornish, it's a lot like Wales!) and we went to the town of Looe up the coast for a wander around. There's a small vintage and vintage-inspired shop there called 'The March Hare' and as it was my birthday weekend I treated myself to a Besame mascara. We were also keen to try out a proper Cornish pasty and went to Sarah's Pasty Shop over the street, which the owner of the vintage shop assured us was the best place to buy a pasty! We weren't disappointed, and now I can never go back to a Ginsters.

Back to our lovely cottage for the evening, and after a swim in the indoor pool we spent the night drinking red wine and taking in the views. It turned chilly and started raining (again!) so my Beloved got the wood burner going to make it cosy, and we even went and sat in the hot tub in the rain for a bit!

Another lovely Cornish day!

Jeans Woe

2011-05-11T19:47:00.002+01:00

I've been saving up, gradually, slowly, and as a special Happy-Birthday-to-me treat, I was ready to make a purchase today over at 20th Century Foxy.

What did I find?

SOLD OUT in my size.

Gutted.

Cardiff Event: Retro Sounds @ Chapter

2011-05-10T08:26:00.004+01:00

For those of you in South Wales who like a retro-feel to your music as well as to your wardrobe, there's a gig this Friday at Chapter arts centre that might tickle your fancy!

Christopher Rees is launching his old-school soul album Heart On Fire, with support from local Rockabilly guitarist John Lewis. There will be a horn section and band and it promises to be a great night! Here's some more blurb, and if you want to have a listen click here to go to the website.

Venue : Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, South Wales
Date : Fri 13 May : 8pm
Price: £7 adv / £8 door

Buy advance tickets from Chapter Box Office or book online at www.chapter.org
http://www.chapter.org/22856.html

"I love this record. I think it's absolutely terrific". (Bob Harris - BBC Radio 2)

After recording 'Heart On Fire' in Austin, Texas with The South Austin Horns, acclaimed Welsh singer song writer Christopher Rees returns to Chapter Arts Centre to launch his fifth album. Praised by MOJO, UNCUT and the legendary Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2, Heart on Fire draws from his love of vintage Stax recordings with a collection of songs that recall beloved Southern Soul song writers Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham. It might sound like a change of direction for an artist recently seen plucking a banjo and stamping his feet on tour with Americana greats like Steve Earle, Kristin Hersh, The Sadies, The Handsome Family and Chuck Prophet but take MOJO Editor Phil Alexander's word for it, Rees has always been, “Full of simmering soul”. Rees will be joined by his full band and horn section for this special album launch performance.

Support comes courtesy of international rockabilly hero John Lewis.

www.christopherrees.co.uk
www.therealjohnlewis.com
www.chapter.org
http://www.chapter.org/22856.html

“Fine old-school country soul...The South Austin Horns provide shades of Muscle Shoals”. (UNCUT)

“A soul-drenched album that smacks of the vintage Stax”. (Maverick)

Outing: My Birthday Cornwall Adventure Part 1

2011-05-09T14:16:00.004+01:00

First of all thank you for the birthday well-wishing! I've had a lovely trip but am shattered now and taking it easy today before going back to work tomorrow. There's a thunderstorm outside my window so I'm indoors drinking tea, enjoying listening to it.

First stop on our weekend adventure was the village of Padstow on the north coast - it's nicknamed 'Padstein' because TV chef Rick Stein has several eateries, shops and a cooking school there. I tried out some of his fish and chips, and have to say that while the chips were nothing special, the fish goujons were fantastic!

Onwards then to the south coast. We stayed in a picture-perfect cottage on a small complex, and it was absolute heaven. Three bathrooms (!!), a hot-tub, a pool, and stunning countryside views sprawling down to the sea a few miles away.

We'd bought some monkfish at Stein's deli, and spent Friday evening in the cottage cooking up a restaurant-standard (if I do say so myself!) meal, drinking champagne, and sitting in front of the wood-burner. A dip in the hot-tub at night just had to be done too!

A pretty perfect day!

Outfit Post: Seaside Larks

2011-05-03T21:51:00.001+01:00

I just can't get enough of the seaside this Spring!

Doesn't Llanelli look lovely in the sunshine? Normally on this beach I'm wrapped in layer upon layer to keep out the wind, but all was still on this once-in-a-blue-moon warm Llanelli day!

Dress: Vivien of Holloway

Brogues: ShuCrazy on Ebay

Bag & cardigan: Tesco

The New Grace Kelly

2011-04-29T23:03:00.004+01:00

Congratulations to the happy couple! I got quite caught up in the romance of the day, how about the rest of you? I caught up witha long lost friend, with tea, cake, and strawberries and cream. Oh, and the plastic tiaras!!

One thing I really found remarkable was Catherine's composure. Bowing of the head each time William saluted. Not showing too much emotion, even though I bet she was bursting at the seams. This generation's 'ice-berg', as Grace Kelly was dubbed?

Worst bit of the day: the solemnity of the service. Repeating 3 times the 'fear of God' did nothing to inspire romance in me. It just scared me, especially in the voice of the Dark Lord...

What to Buy? Royal Wedding Souvenirs

2011-04-28T08:24:00.011+01:00

Everyone's trying to cash in aren't they? What particularly annoyed me was when I found this site, which is totally not official but is trying to make out it is! 'The London Mint Office' doesn't exist!!

Asda has commissioned a mug that looks a bit more modern than most of the Royal china that gets done. I'm not sure if that's a good thing? I quite like the old-fashioned look with tiny pictures of the Royals and lots of pattern around the outside. Still, it's just £5 if it floats your boat!

Good old M&S have an entire section of their website dedicated to Royal Wedding inspired wares, from socks to umbrellas. My favourite item is their copy of the engagement ring, I know you can buy copies on the high-street from just £5 at the moment, but theirs is platinum-plated and still only £18.

How about a 'Kate & Will Always' t-shirt, from New Look? Just £8.99, or 2 for £12

Finally, as a 'joke' souvenir, you could buy a mug...with HARRY and Kate on it! It's been all over the news about the mistake someone made with this item, hilarious!

Available at Guandong Enterprises

Do let me know if you end up buying any tat to mark tomorrow's occasion!

The Dress, the Dress, Oh What Will It Be?!

2011-04-27T22:31:00.002+01:00

Lady Cherry has prompted me thinking about the dress for Friday's Royal celebrations. I think she's right that it will be covered-up on top. Hooray, because I'm BORED to death of strapless gowns. Yawn. So, I found the above two gowns - the first is Princess Margaret, the second is Gene Tierney in The Razor's Edge, and I thought both of those top halves would be suitable.

So, here's my prediction:

- white, not off-white

- a matte fabric, nothing shiny!

- all white flowers

- a chapel length train (needs a bit of oomph for the telly but doesn't need to be ridiculous)

- covered-up on top

- slim-fitting

I shall be watching proceedings drinking tea, eating cake, and possibly wearing a plastic tiara.

Vintage Inspired: 1923 Range at Wallis

2011-04-26T19:58:00.003+01:00

First, I must tell you that this range has nothing to do with the 1920s - that's just when British High Street store Wallis was launched. The collection that they have brought out is 1950s, from patterns in their archive. There are just 5 dresses, retailing at around £70 each. Let's have a look at them.

One of the dresses, a yellow-print sundress, no longer seems to be on the website - sold out already perhaps? Please excuse the lack of a picture!

My favourite is the green one, and I saw someone wearing the orange poppy one yesterday on an outing, it really was rather lovely and bright, really stood out from what everyone else was wearing.

What do you all think? £70 is a bit steep perhaps?

Poirot Fashion Special: The King of Clubs

2011-04-24T12:44:00.003+01:00

Happy Easter to you! And welcome to another Poirot delight. Well, it's a small delight this week as The King of Clubs is an episode devoid of any real wardrobe changes - Niamh Cusack is the female lead but alas, the story is set over quite a short span of time and therefore she doesn't get many outfits in! First of all, Niamh is in a desert-scene in the film studio, and is wearing your typical desert-safari garb. The Arabian Prince on the left gets a better outfit deal in this scene for sure!

I don't mean to be unkind, but I'm not sure if the secretary in this next scene is actually a woman - she's really tall and quite masculine, is that actually a man in drag?! There's something about the hair that doesn't sit quite right. Love the bow, is that classed as a 'jabot'?

In contrast, Niamh looks feminine in this odd garment - is it a dress with a tunic jacket over it? It's so unusual, has anybody seen anything like this before? On looking through the accompanying Poirot Magazine to this episode, it's listed as a 'Mink day shawl'.

Later she changes into a lovely polkadot dress with matching hat, with a white fur coat over the top. Again the use of white fur shows just how much money she's making! I just love that the bow on the hat matches the one on the dress. For a very similar dress, you could try this one from Puttin' On the Ritz. The red dress the lady is wearing in the background is also nice but there isn't a clear shot of it.

The older lady on the phone has a brown blouse with white and orange print on it - or is it a dress?
Later, Niamh's in a white nightie as she recuperates from her little trauma of the night before.
Browns and dark reds again for the other ladies in the house, makes them seem quite drab in contrast, particularly as they don't have lipstick on! Still, I like the suit on the right.

We'll finish with a couple of shots of the gentlemen, just because I think they look quite dapper in these screen grabs!

I love the ostentatious look of this last shot, with the crazy blue swirling wallpaper and the gold everywhere - proper old Hollywood in feel.

That's all folks, it was indeed a short one this time!

Outfit Post: Tea by the Sea

2011-04-20T22:04:00.003+01:00

Top and skirt (with belt): New Look

Neck Scarf: can't remember!

Deck shoes: Asda

Well, tea does always taste better out of a proper cup and saucer! Sorry for the poor quality of my photos recently - my camera has been repaired and they've promised I'll have it back soon, so normal service will be resumed shortly!

Also, has anyone else gone all healthy recently? I actually felt the urge to go for a run the other day, most unlike me I assure you!! The warm weather is having a tonic-like effect!

1938 Master Hair Stylist in Action

2011-04-19T15:59:00.001+01:00

1938 Archive video from Scotland! Tune in from about 6 minutes for a video clip of a master hairstylist in action... Click here as I couldn't embed the video on this page. It's worth a click, I promise!

I found the video when I was researching Saxone regarding those mysterious boots, there's a little segment showing the factory in full swing too, and also a clip about dogs.

Enjoy!

Outfit Post: Spring Skirt

2011-04-18T13:16:00.001+01:00

Skirt: Matalan

Shoes: Bronx

Pussybow Top: Next

Bag: Asda!

Mysterious Boots - Mystery Solved!

2011-04-16T14:46:00.000+01:00

A little news - my other half contacted the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, home of the biggest shoe collection *in the world* (why haven't I been there?!)

One of their staff sent him a very helpful reply:

"I can quite definitively say they are ice skate boots. We have a very similar pair in the collection by Lilley & Skinner. They are almost the same colour of leather and have that very distinctive seam down the vamp (toe). When you look at the holes in the soles they are exactly the shape of skates. In fact you can clearly see the shape of the skate attachment. The area is very clean and has a faint black line. Outside of this area it is much more grubby and black. Saxone were a very large company producing many shoes over their manufacturing life. They made men's, women's and children's and this included boots for ice skates. Our Lilley & Skinner pair date to the 1920s. Yours could easily date to post First World War to 1920s."

So - that's quite a 'final answer' on this topic! They were indeed ice-skates. Thanks again to all of you lovely ladies who spent so much time looking at pictures and investigating boots for other sports!

Woman On the Scales: The BEST Answer!

2011-04-15T09:47:00.007+01:00

My Beloved hopped on the scales this morning, and once again I was left wondering why I am heavier than him, even though we're about the same height and build.

"Well, it's probably my bust", I reasoned.

"Hmm..", my Beloved said, eyeing my small bust.

"Or maybe it's my bum?" I wondered.

"That's more like it, still..."

"What else could it be?"

"I know!"

"What?"

"Well, your brain obviously weighs more than mine!"

GENIUS answer. Has made my morning!!!

Ebay: Accessorize Bag and a Cashmere Summer Sweater!

2011-04-14T16:53:00.003+01:00

I've had another clearout - anyone want a brand new with tags Accessorize bag, or a cashmere short-sleeved jumper? 99p starting bids on both... Click here for the link to my Ebay store. Sorry for the shameless self-promotion of my wares (not even vintage ones) but I'm only £10 away from having enough money in my paypal account for a pair of vintage repro jeans, and I'm desperate to get the last tenner in soon!!

Day Trip: Bath Wedding Exhibition & Afternoon Tea!

2011-04-12T22:01:00.009+01:00

I've been on a small adventure today! A trip to Bath to see my friend Victoria, and her friend Jan. We are all vintage-obsessed, so a trip to the Fashion Museum was a must. The exhibition currently running is 'What will she wear?', a special collection of wedding dresses spanning well over a century. My Beloved did raise an eyebrow when I said I was going to look at wedding dresses until I explained that it was purely for Victoria and Jan to get inspiration for their creative works, and for me to do a little blog post. It's a great exhibition, some really interesting dresses. They're not presented in chronological order, so it was really noticeable when a modern 'bad taste' dress was nestled next to a vintage beauty - I'm citing the dress in the bottom right of my little photo montage as a prime example of this. Who would want buttock cleavage at their wedding?!

Dress ages, from left to right,

Top row: early 1900's; early 1960's; 1928

Middle row: 1940s; 1934; 1959

Bottom row: 1989; 1878; 1992

After all that walking around the fashion museum, it was most certainly time for tea, so we headed to The Pump Room. It's tourist season in Bath now, and will remain so right through to the Autumn, so if you do want to go and eat in such a tourist hot-spot, I strongly suggest you book a table! It's really the place to have afternoon tea in Bath - the backdrop of the grand Georgian hall, the soft tinkle of a pianist, the view from the windows out over the green bubbling waters of the Roman spa. What more could you want?

The spread didn't disappoint. £17.50 buys you the 'set afternoon tea', consisting of a pot of tea, scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sandwiches, and pastries. The sandwiches were melt in the mouth perfect. Crusts removed, cucumber skin removed, daintly little triangles. The salmon were our favourite. The scones were really good too - some plain, some with fruit. And generous helpings of cream and jam. Already beginning to show signs of slowing, we valiantly went for the top tier of our cake-stand and scoffed the eclairs, mini-battenberg, mini-syllabub, and frangipan tarts. One lonely eclair was left untouched, so we had it wrapped up in a silver-foil makeshift bag to take away.

A very full, sugar-high me! (Top and skirt: New Look, Brogues: Ebay, Bag: car boot sale)

Flats or wedges are a must for traipsing around Bath - the streets are cobbled! In case you're still not sure you should make the trip, let me entice you with one final photo, of the green waters of the old, Roman part of the baths.

What a fun day, but I'm utterly exhausted now!

Vintage Inspired: Electric Gypsy

2011-04-11T19:31:00.000+01:00

I came across the brand Electric Gypsy a little while ago, as they stock it in Cardiff's Looby Loo's boutique. It's a brand that has vintage-inspired dresses from across the decades, as well as stocking vintage dresses from the 1960s and 1970s. Based in Devon, they are a brand to consider if you're trying to buy British! The vintage-inspired collection is based on real vintage patterns, but they promise they've adjusted the patterns to suit modern figures. Here are my top picks from their current selection, but they welcome customisation of the dresses with your own choice of fabrics so this isn't definitive.

1930's Cape Collar Dress, £65

1930's Esther Dress, £67.00

1940's Tea Dress, £68.00 1940's Make Do Dress, £68.00 1950's Bow Dress, £56.00 1950's Sweetheart Dress, £51.00 1960's British Bulldog Scooter Shift Dress, £42.00

1960's Kimono Dress, £45.00

My own personal favourite is the first dress in red - alas, I tried it on in Looby Loo's and it appears I'm too tall for it! The bust didn't sit in the right place on me, but then I am 5'9" and used to this problem. My other criticism would be that ideally that dress would be in some sort of drapey fabric, like a crepe or a silk (or just a synthetic version to keep the price down!). However, it's done in a stiff cotton, and it just doesn't do it for me. Still, I think the stiff cotton works well for some of the other dresses, such as the 1950s styles.

Have a look at their website ladies, and report back if you make any purchases!

Outfit Post: My 'Peggy' Dress

2011-04-08T11:12:00.000+01:00

Dress: Tara Starlet

Gloves: Vintage - Looby Loo's Boutique, Cardiff

Shoes: Office

The Affair of the Mysterious Boots Continues!

2011-04-07T12:24:00.002+01:00

It sounds like a Poirot novel, doesn't it?! Thank you all so much again for your responses to my post requesting help in identifying these mysterious boots. We've also been in touch with a curator at an auction house and while he couldn't help with the identification he said that interest in golf memoribilia (if they are indeed golf boots!) has dropped so that selling them at auction isn't recommended. I think my beloved has decided to sell them on ebay because he really has no use for them and neither of us has space at the moment for such artefacts! Maybe in the future when we have a big house we could have a car-boot treasure room, but that's some distance away. I'll let you all know anyway if he decides to sell them. In the meantime, here are some more photos for you to have a look at. Thanks again, I really was impressed by the level of knowledge you readers have! Porcelina xz

Mysterious Vintage Boots

2011-04-04T19:25:00.005+01:00

Vintage shoe experts, step forward! I have already asked folks over at The Fedora Lounge about these boots but haven't had any confident responses so it's over to you readers to solve this mystery!

My other half found an interesting pair of boots in the car boot sale on Sunday morning and we'd really appreciate some help in identifying a) what kind of boots they are and b) how old they are. They're supersoft brown leather, with leather soles and eyelet lacing up the front. The aglets at the ends of the laces are metal. Stamped inside with 'Saxone' in gold, and some numbers. Soles are stamped with 640 N (N for narrow? They're barely 2 inches wide at the arch of the foot!) Length of the boots is 10 and a half inches approx. They have a small, wide flat heel.

My other half is convinced they're womens' because of the small width but I'm not sure at all. The other odd thing is that the soles haven't got any real wear and are dotted with holes indicating that maybe something was attached - ice skates perhaps? However, there is no ankle-support whatsoever, it's soft, floppy leather, and the laces don't come far enough down the boots as is normal on skates.

My research so far has shown that the Saxone Shoe Co. Ltd was founded in 1901 and they had a factory in Kilmarnock, Scotland. I think they even had two factories there at one point when business was obviously booming! They made both men and women's shoes, but I have no idea if they did indeed make ice-skates. They made military style boots in the 1915-1918 period as I've seen a couple of old newspaper ads on the web for that sort of thing - click here for an example.

I'd be interested to hear your views - pics are below to help stimulate your little grey cells!

Loopy for Lamé

2011-04-03T12:12:00.019+01:00

After that show-stopper of a dress that appeared in the 'Incredible Theft' episode of Poirot, I thought I would do a little feature on the fabric lamé.

The fabric gets its beautiful metallic sheen from actual metal - fine threads of it woven in amongst another material. I believe it first gained popularity in the 1920s, and went on to be used throughout the 1930s and 1940s - please tell me if anyone's come across the fabric earlier than the '20s! Sometimes it has a slightly 'rough' finish, looking a bit like gold-leaf has been applied to fabric, but sometimes it has that amazing liquid-look, truly stunning!

Isis kindly pointed out that New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art has a 1930s' lamé dress on display - I researched, and found quite a few! Both the below are by Madeleine Vionnet, follow the link here for more details. Aren't they just gorgeous?

Other lamé dresses at the Metropolitan include the below, by American designer Jessie Franklin Turner. It's also from the 1930s.

Moving forward a few decades, I am in love with this 1960's gown that's featured on the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery, it's a really stunning piece.

So, what kind of a woman would wear lamé?

Marlene, of course!

Photo from www.dailymail.co.uk

Next up is Irene Dunne in Roberta (1935) - thank you to the Baroness for pointing this one out! Please follow this link to Tanith's flickr stream to view the pics, I didn't want to reproduce her photos without permission. My jaw dropped when I saw this outfit. It's absolutely incredible! It actually reminds me of a very similar liquid-look outfit that appears in the opening on-stage sequence of On the Avenue - I don't have a screenshot but you can keep an eye out for it when you watch it! Here's a pic of the star, Madeleine Carroll wearing liquid-look fabric that has to be lamé, surely?

Photo from Ann Lauren's blog here.

And finally, what focus on lamé would be complete without a look at Elvis's famous gold suit, tailored by Manuel of Nashville?

Photo from All Plaidout here.

If you're after a bit of lamé in your life but can't stretch to the price of a museum price, here are a couple of reasonable options:

1. 1970s lamé evening clutch, on Artfire

2. 1960s' evening dress, on Ebay

Chasing Spring

2011-04-01T08:49:00.002+01:00

A good friend of mine has embarked on a crazy adventure - following the path of Spring up the length of the UK. By bicycle!! Izzy and her co-cyclist, Matt, are creating a documentary, and you can follow their progress on their website. They both have diaries too charting their progress - read Izzy's here.

They're up in the Midlands at the moment, two weeks in I think so that's great progress!

Vintage Market Let Down

2011-03-30T15:32:00.004+01:00

Hello there dearies! And what has happened to the Spring? It's rainy, cold and dreary here in Wales and I feel like all the joy has been sucked out of me. It was only this weekend that I was enjoying a Spring walk with not a care in the world, and now I'm back to Earth with a bump and can't stop dwelling on negative things, like my day-job ending in July. Also, I have to report that the promised 'real vintage' market as part of Vintage Generation in Cardiff was a damp squib. Attached is a photo - it was in a gloomy little garage off a lane, and there were only 3 or 4 stallholders. I found one 1950's dress; most items were '70s, '80s or '90s. Nothing exciting, though I did like the hand-crafted cake-stands that used inverted little glasses as stems between the plates. It was too dark to take photos in there, so this one of the outside is all I've got!

Right, let's have some positivity:

- My Beloved is back from his Texas trip!

- I have a long weekend to look forward to.

- There's always cake.

If you're having a gloomy day too then I challenge you to find three positives in it!

Auntie P xx

Poirot Fashion Special: The Incredible Theft

2011-03-28T08:00:00.001+01:00

Because it's a Monday, we all need a little treat. This time in Poirot world we have some reserved English ladies up against an outlandish American, vyeing to beat Miss Lemon and her perfectly executed wardrobe. First up: Mrs Vandelyn, with German sympathies. She's evil. She probably killed and skinned those foxes herself.

Her evening dress is a showstopper. Is it the fabric called lamé? I've never seen a dress that shiny, not even on Lady Gaga!

This next photo isn't from Poirot, it's a friend who I think looks a lot like Mrs Vanderlyn in the above picture. What do you think? She's probably going to tell me off for putting a picture of her on my blog.

In contrast to the American, a more subtle, but still sparkly, approach to evening wear by the older lady of the party.

Just before she changed for dinner she was wearing a beautiful navy suit with white stripe detail. One of my favourite colour combinations.

Now let's have a look at the lady of the house, Mrs Mayfield. A very sumptuous brocade material for her cape and gown.

In the daytime she has a simple blouse and cardi outfit for being in the house, but when she heads out she really does put the effort in!

Look at the hat with its unusual side decoration, I've never seen anything quite like that before. They use this same hat design in a later episode.

And finally, because no episode of Poirot is complete without her, it's Miss Lemon. Only one outfit in this episode, beautiful ruffle detail on the neck of this dress. And look at those tiny curls on her forehead (are they spit curls? I hate the name!).

Au revoir for now, Poirot-fans!

Spring Sale - 10% Off Porcelina's Precious Things on Etsy

2011-03-27T11:07:00.005+01:00

Good morning all!

Is anyone else confused by the hour change today? I woke up at 7am and then realised it was an hour later so it wasn't too ridiculously early to get up. I've got a load of washing on and I'm contemplating today's sewing projects.

As we're springing forward today I'm offering 10% off anything in my Etsy shop for my blog readers - just enter the coupon code SPRING10 at the checkout. See the link on the right of this page to my shop. The code is valid until midnight on the last day of March.

Don't forget that all my items are from a personal wardrobe clearout - I'm not selling to make a profit, just to recoup what I paid for items that have been sitting unworn in my wardrobe! The house-robe and wrap dress in particular and gorgeous items, please someone love them!!

Will also consider a trade if anyone's also having a Spring clean??

Enjoy your Sundays everyone! Miss P xx

Ooo to Trans-Atlantic Vintage Purchases!

2011-03-25T22:20:00.005Z

Photos courtesy of Apple Potter on Etsy

I squealed at the package Mr Postman left me this morning! Two dresses I bought on impulse a few weeks back from Apple Potter on Etsy. I think the red one might be a bit warm now that the weather's so Spring-like, and I might have to wait a bit for proper heat to wear the other, but I'm delighted anyhow. So much for not buying dresses this month...

Dress Buyers Anonymous: Purchases Update

2011-03-25T15:27:00.000Z

Last month I was very, very naughty. In fact, my shopping was akin to a SPREE, here's what I clocked up in February:

Space hood for my hairdryer
Brogue shoes
Peacock's 50's style dress
Peacocks' hat
Peacock's belt
Stockings (wool, and plain)
Blusher
Swimsuit
M&S silk dress
Tara Starlet dress
Tesco black dress and Tesco Barbarella mini-dress
Mac eyeshadow brush
Box of 32 pincurl clips
3 boxes curl rollers

My Beloved also reminded me...ahem... that he bought me a dress too last month, which means I had no less than six new dresses last month. Six!!

Is there a Dress Buyers Anonymous I could join please?

So I'm on a bit more of a restrained budget this month. That hasn't stopped me charity-shop shopping or visiting the outlet stores though! Thank heavens for Marks and Spencers Outlet. So far this month my naughty purchases have included:

Merino wool black faux-fur trim sweater
Ava Gardner Biography
White '80s blouse
3 stripey tops (you can never have enough nautical items...)
Stockings
Tights
Sparkly angora socks
Silk lingerie set
Plaid '50s-look skirt

I'm particularly pleased with the skirt, £15 from Next Outlet, it is flannel with patch pockets and a belt and is a great substitute for this Bernie Dexter skirt that I've been hankering after for a while:

I might sew some buttons on to the front and pockets to make it even better.

Rightio, back to the mammoth Spring Clean which so far has resulted in 12 black bags and 8 recycling bags, and a massive bruise and scrape to my thigh.

London Trip: Yohji Yamamoto Exhibition

2011-03-24T17:45:00.005Z

My trip to London this weekend wasn't filled with the adventures I'd hoped. I'm not much of a drinker these days, and after being plied with a substantial quantity of pink fizz, vodka jellies and even a Jaeger bomb (my first ever!), I have to confess that Sunday was a complete hangover day and we didn't make it out of Brixton. The only time we left the house was to go to the local round the corner for a big Sunday dinner. Being a Welsh contingent we then lazed the afternoon away and watched Twin Town followed by series one of Gavin & Stacey, eating a constant supply of chocolates, Indian snacks, and a take-away. I also read about ten fashion magazines. It was the first day I can remember in a long, long time that I was that lazy. It was bliss!

The next day I planned on plenty of adventures to make up for this, but alas I picked up a stomach bug plus had an allergic reaction to an eye-cream (red panda eyes!!) and really didn't have the energy for much. Instead, I went to the V&A to look at the Yohji Yamamoto fashion exhibition. (Click on the banner below for more details.)

I wasn't that familiar with Yamamoto's designs, and being contemporary it didn't tick the vintage interest box, but I have to say that now that I've started learning to sew it was incredibly interesting seeing the collection from the point of view of 'how do you construct that?'. Some really odd choices of fastenings to wonder over, such as a beautiful evening dress fastening up the back with giant poppers. I had to have a sit down afterwards (that's my feet in the pic above of the V&A courtyard!).

I had a quick strut up Oxford Street later, but you can tell I wasn't feeling 100% as I really wasn't in the shopping mood!

How awful that I didn't even get to a single vintage shop, or have any afternoon tea. I'll just have to plan another trip soon...

A Brucey Bonus!

2011-03-23T20:55:00.003Z

Good evening all!

On this day of sad news regarding Elizabeth Taylor it was nice to have a little ray of sunshine in the form of a lovely little blog award from Bruce over at Eclectic Ephemera. It's the Liebster Blog Award, which is for blogs of 300 followers or less. That's me! A little corner of the blogosphere I call my own.

Thank you very much Bruce! And I love the post on Captain Hastings, Man About Town - it compliments my own little Poirot fashion mission delightfully.

Today in real life has been quite tiring, so after my Crunchy Nut Cornflakes it's time for some yoga to quieten the mind and relax the body so that I can retire to my boudoir. You need extra sleep when you get to my age.

Night night,

Auntie Porcelina xx

Cardiff Events: Vintage Generation

2011-03-22T16:31:00.004Z

Hello there dearies!

Auntie Porcelina's back from her trip to London, and has news for Cardiff folks about a vintage-themed extravaganza of a week. That's what's promised anyhow from the people at Milgi and Cardiff Art's Institute.

Tonight there's Lindy Hop and Jive at the CAI. Other than that, the most interesting event is this weekend - they're running a vintage market in Northcote Lane (behind Milgi, in Roath) on both Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend. I'll pop along and check it out for you all on Saturday.

Click on the image below, and zoom in to read all the details! (or click HERE if that writing is still too tiny to read!)

London was great, but tiring, and I never did get that afternoon tea. Will post more about my adventures (or lack of!) soon.

Review: Abergavenny Vintage Fayre

2011-03-19T12:50:00.003Z

I really enjoyed this fair! Much, much better than others I have visited recently.

As you know, it was hosted by Vintage Vision, a social enterprise and vintage shop in Abergavenny.

There was a variety - clothing, books, furniture, crafts - and they had a little area set up with tables for tea and cake, served on proper china. As for entertainment, they had live music and then they had a fashion show too, with a bee-hived group of college students wearing some of the items for sale.

It was a small event, but had such a great atmosphere and there were some lovely dresses at reasonable prices. (e.g. A flawless 1940's green striped sundress with big patch pocket, £55. A 1940's silk tea-dress, immaculate, for £40) And lots of bargains from the later decades, it really did not suffer from inflated prices syndrome! I would say only ONE of the stallholders let down the quality (obviously had pets at home, obviously allowed said pets to rampage through the clothes leaving their hair all over them!!)

Aside from Vintage Vision's stalls, there were wares on offer from a range of craft, vintage, food and book sellers.

Peach Blossom Designs
Retrobelle
Tea, Cake & Vintage
Dippy Hippy
Deli Delicious

I tried on a few dresses but ended up buying NOTHING for myself!! Well, a copy of 'Cloth' magazine, which doesn't count. Otherwise I bought a cute bells and hearts bracelet as a birthday present for a friend, and some edible rose petals, which will be used for a project very soon.

As my camera is now off for repair, I didn't take any photos, so I hope that Vintage Vision upload some soon to their website and blog. There was talk on the day on whether future vintage sales would take place in the market hall - I personally hope they continue.

And Spring was in full force - I borrowed a camera later in the day to take a few pics of the blue skies and bountiful blooms!

I'm off on a London adventure now, so will be back online Tuesday with tales of afternoon tea... Have a good weekend all!!

Miss P xx

Vintage Inspired: River Island SS11

2011-03-16T15:36:00.001Z

A seriously impressive collection of 1950's style dresses and some lovely mid-length skirts from River Island. The best 1950's inspired on the high street I've seen in a while. I've tried to put a link for each one, but as a rough guide the dresses range from £24.99 to £59.99, and the skirts are about £24.99 to £34.99.

First up, a very Horrockses looking number! For just £25 too.

I tried this next dress on, really lovely light cotton perfect for holidays and has a semi-open back.

This one comes with a jacket. (or 'shacket' as they put, I think they mean a shrug/jacket!!)

The Western influence!

I love, love, love this pineapple print!

Another sipping-a-cocktail-by-the-sea dress

Too cute!

And now for some skirts - it's always hard to judge length from the websites, so I can't vouch that these are actually mid length, or just a bit longer than usual!

Lovely lace, also available in cream.

I need a pink skirt.
I also need a beige one.

Or maybe red?

I couldn't find most of these in my local store - you might have to order online. Don't forget Asos doesn't charge for delivery, so you can order some items through them rather than through the River Island site itself to save yourself a few quid.

Outfit Post: Yay or Nay to the Seventies Look?

2011-03-15T16:00:00.000Z

We can't seem to escape from the 1970's influence at the moment - it's absolutely everywhere on the high-streets, catwalks and in every magazine I open.

Being more of a '30s to '50s girl, I've been a bit dubious about the 1970s. The sweat-inducing fabrics. The frizzy hair. The Austrian look. But I have to say that recently I have started to warm to some of it, and I'm debating now whether to embrace this look. I like pussy-bow blouses. I like the Western influence. Could I be a secret '70s fashion lover?!

Rummaging in my wardrobe, this is the closest thing to a '70s look I could pull together.

If you feel it's time for an intervention, speak now or forever hold your peace! I'm off to look at flares.

...Several hours later....

I was obviously in a state of PMT-induced delirium when I posted the above. Me, in flares?! I tried some on in Next, gasped in horror at the reflection, and scrapped that idea straight away. I looked at pretty pussybow blouses, but they're all Polyester, just like in the sweaty Seventies.

Back down to earth with a bump. Still got the urge to shop but I'll have to hold it in for now!

A Good Read: Mildred Pierce

2011-03-14T08:52:00.004Z

This is the first novel by James M Cain that I've ever read, and I can't believe that I've never read any of the books by this superb American author before. I've been missing out!

Written in 1941, Mildred Pierce follows the life and times of the title character through the depression of the 1930s in California. This sounds, well, depressing, but don't be put off - it's interesting, observational and written in such a way that I raced through it, eager to find out what happened to this frankly ordinary woman. It's the characters that she's surrounded by, particular her daughter Veda, that shape the story as their pull and push on Mildred forces her life in different directions that she wouldn't have taken on her own. Mildred's main motivation is to prove herself to her daughter, it's not about self-improvement or self-empowerment. So maybe that's hard for us to empathise with as modern women, but I still found myself on Mildred's side.

I know that a film version is being done with Kate Winslet in the title role, so I look forward to seeing that, but my parents said that an earlier version was made, starring Joan Crawford. I've looked it up and indeed, the 1945 film version is now available on DVD (you can get it here on Amazon). Joan Crawford as Mildred Pierce (photo from dvdbeaver.com)

Did you know that James M Cain also wrote Double Indemnity, which was made in to a fabulous Film Noir with Barbara Stanwyck? (I mentioned it here). Other films from his books include the Postman Always Rings Twice, which I confess I've never seen.

Isn't it great to discover a really good author? I've been battling through the first few chapters of Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake for the third time, in the view that it's a book that I should read, but I've given up, again, as it's just too hard going and I've not enjoyed it.

There are too many GOOD books to read, to bother struggling through ones you don't enjoy!

This Weekend in Wales: Vintage Fayre @ Abergavenny

2011-03-11T15:35:00.001Z

For all you South Wales residents, the social enterprise behind my sewing classes is hosting a little Vintage Fayre in Abergavenny's market hall this Sunday!

If you go to Vintage Vision's webpage there's also a competition to win some vouchers to spend at the fair.

Hope you all have a good weekend, I've been rummaging through the charity shops today but my camera is out of action so you'll have to wait a while for pics of my haul!

Outfit Post: The Peggy Dress

2011-03-10T16:42:00.002Z

I'm exhausted after a day's photoshoot - the pic above is just a sneak preview really as the Peggy dress is one of the dresses I wore on the shoot. A really fun day, but I need to put my feet up now! Photos will be up in a week's time.

In My Drawers

2011-03-09T21:46:00.001Z

I can't cope with messy undercracker drawers! I have compartmentalised mine. If you're in a rush of a morning, it makes it much easier to find what you're looking for.

First, tights. I know a lot of vintage lovers spurn these, but I do wear a lot of 1960s and 1970s inspired mini-dresses, and so stockings aren't an option. You may suggest bare legs. In Wales?!

Next: stockings. I cut out bits of the packaging or write on pieces of card to identify the different types. This comes in handy when you want to make sure you've picked plain rather than seamed, and vice versa.

Knickers galore!

And finally, bras. Which must be lined up neatly, never thrown in a jumble.

I am not sure if organising one's foundation garments in this very rigid way is akin to organising CDs in alphabetical order? At least I don't organise my crockery in height order, the way Poirot does...

I'm sad tonight - my camera is broken. Sob sob! BUT on an exciting note I've had enough of the hideous photos my parents have all over their house of me, and tomorrow I'm off to get some professional shots, wooo!

Car Boot Sale Treasure!

2011-03-07T17:01:00.004Z

Thank you all for your lovely comments on my 1930's dress project! You're all too kind and I'm inspired to have a go again at revamping something, so watch this space for future sewing endeavours!

This is just a quick post to show you a couple of bits of loot from local sales. First up in the 'treasure' department is this set of 1940's frog-closure fasteners still on their original card, so beautiful I couldn't leave them there even though I have no use for them - so you're in luck, I've just added them to my Etsy shop!

The next car-boot sale find was a present from my Beloved, a 1956 novel by James Hadly Chase, This Way for a Shroud, with a scary looking vampy lady on the cover. I've started reading it and the body count is already at seven, despite me being only at Chapter 4.

As well as the usual car-boot sale, I attended a Vintage Sale at Llandaff Cathedral, in aid of their organ fund. It was quite a scrum, with lots of furs, hats from the '80s, and nice branded clothing from the '90s. AND they had some 'real' vintage. Early 1960s, a teeny bit of 1950s, and the odd item from earlier. There were some pretty fabulous wedding dresses - a lace floor-length 1940's number, and a 1960's pristine dress complete with the original shoes.

Things I left on the racks included a 1950's Carnegie blue silk dress in a size 8 (sob sob!), an absolute steal for £20, and some 'mod' style dresses, not really my style.

BUT I did come away with a late 1950's hat, velvet and netting, for just £4! And it comes with a story - the lady who sold it to me said that her mother wore it for her second wedding in 1964. I like a story! I have one small repair to make to it before I model it, but I promise to post a pic in due course.

That's all for now, though I should add to these shopping confessions that I bought another skirt, a Louis-Vuitton inspired one on sale in Tesco. They don't seem to have it on their website so I'll post a pic soon. Come to think of it, it may look good with my new hat!

Hope your Mondays haven't been too painful, I managed to get out for a walk in the sunshine at lunchtime so that's been a good start to the week.

Miss P xx

Secret Sewer: 1930's Dress Project

2011-03-06T12:57:00.000Z

I think I've mentioned before about my lack of sewing ability - while quite able to embroider, do cross-stitch and sew on buttons etc, I have never made anything from a pattern and the only machine I'd used was my mother's 100 year old Singer with a handle to wind manually!

To rectify this gaping chasm in my repertoire of housewifely skills, I have secretly been going to sewing classes! I bought an electric sewing machine, a Janome brand one, and made the most of the opportunity to attend free classes at Vintage Vision in Abergavenny. It's a social enterprise aimed at getting women skilled up.

The major achievement of my sewing classes was this dress transformation - a very dirty, 1930's evening dress that I bought off ebay and was committed to 'rescue' and turn it into something wearable.

I cleaned it thoroughly (a good soak in Oxiclean removed most of the stains) and hand repaired the beading around the neck where it had come loose, and painstakingly repaired some of the holes in the lace. I unstitched the really awful job someone had made of hemming it shorter. I also unstitched where someone had sewn up the side closure. I removed the lace sleeves, which were beyond repair. The dress needed sleeves for the shape to work, so I then cut the hem to get enough fabric to make sleeves. I made my own pattern for the sleeves and made a mock-up sleeve out of an old shirt to check the length and style. Then once I was happy with it, I used the pattern to make two new sleeves, ta da! The hardest bit was hemming the dress. The fabric is gorgeous crepe satin, (I think that's the correct term, it's satin on the back and a crepe on the front) but very springy, and it drove me nearly mad as it kept popping out from under the machine needle. The dress had closed at the side with hooks and eyes but these weren't good at staying closed so I inserted an invisible zip to help keep the smooth silhouette.

So, I am pretty pleased with myself! And it's much more wearable now - as a long dress it was still not long enough for tall me, so I'm happy with it being on the knee.

And aren't my silver disco shoes fabulous? From Matalan, many years ago!

Poirot Fashion Special: Problem at Sea

2011-03-04T11:53:00.002Z

I'm a little gloomy today (waiting to hear about an important job, and a good friend has just announced she's moving far away!). Let's have a look at some Poirot fashion to brighten the mood.

Poirot is on his hols, again, this time cruising the Mediterranean.

First up, in the evening wear category, batty older ladies in questionable garments. Their prerogative.

The young ladies in this shot look almost Edwardian with those big poufy dresses, what's going on?! And their hair left loose, I'm pretty sure that wasn't fashionable back then. Or is it just because they're so young?

Again we see one of the young ladies in a poufy-sleeved garment with her hair loose.

I was disappointed with the evening wear. Let's move on to day wear, much more exciting!

Now that's what I call a dress.

The costume department have recycled the pattern for the polkadot beach pyjamas seen on Marjorie in the last episode, Triangle at Rhodes. These have a contrast colour collar that's a different shape, but otherwise very similar.

That hat is really unflattering and makes the young lady look like a chef.

But redeems herself with that clutch - just look at the three little sailboats on it! And I love those 'gauntlet' style gloves.

See, visors aren't just from the 1980s...

Finally, let's have a look at the victim's wardrobe. I love this dressing gown she's wearing, it looks like devoré.

Not sure about this day outfit on her, I think the colour of it washes her out a bit.

Poirot looks dapper though as always!

Tiaras are a bit Gypsy wedding in my mind, but she makes it look more regal.

All in all, not overly bowled over by the fashion in this episode. I'm not too fussed on the long floral, floaty dresses popular as evening wear in the 1930s, just because I personally wouldn't suit them, and probably an association with older ladies occasion wear in department stores.

Where's Miss Lemon when you need her?

Outfit Post: In Trousers At Last!

2011-03-03T16:53:00.004Z

I only own 1 pair of trousers.

A pair of Heyday grey '40s style ones, that I've had in my wardrobe since last year, but have hardly worn because I didn't have the right shoes. Now that I have my new grey and white brogues, I thought I should give the trousers an outing!

Trousers: Heyday

Shoes: Ebay, Shucrazy

Jumper: Dorothy Perkins

Socks: stolen from my sister

New Shoes

2011-03-02T10:37:00.001Z

Happy St David's Day from Wales!

2011-03-01T09:19:00.005Z

Today is St David's Day!

We celebrate here in Wales by wearing daffodils or leeks.

Photo: photoeverywhere.co.uk

By dressing our children up as coal miners and traditional Welsh housewives.

Photo: dailymail.co.uk

And by eating Welsh cakes. If you've never had one, you've missed out.

Photo: welshgriddles.co.uk

Dydd Gwŷl Dewi Sant hapus!

Hair Experiment: A Wet Set

2011-02-27T20:06:00.001Z

On my day off on Friday, I finally got around to trying out a wet set!

Here's what equipment I used:

21 'medium' curl rollers and pins (I bought mine from Superdrug, £1.40ish for a pack of 7).
A space-silver hairdryer hood (Ebay, £7ish including delivery)
Setting lotion (Superdrug, only a few quid)
Spray bottle to decant the setting lotion into (Superdrug)
Boar bristle brush (TK Maxx for a £12 bargain, looks just like a Mason Pearson and is of the same quality, from some Italian brush company since 1890)

With my hair wet from the shower I started rolling up the hair, spritzing each section with setting lotion and combing through before hand. It was very, very tricky. I did a line going back from my temple to my back hairline, as advised in the 'Marilyn' set in the Belinda Hay book, 'Style Me Vintage'. Normally I can't manage this and go down the sides instead. It took ages, and was very fiddly!

I couldn't leave my hair to dry naturally - I've tried before leaving rollers in overnight, and the hair is still wet in the morning, 12 hours later! So I tried the space hood! (Someone mentioned they'd bought one on their blog recently, forgive me as I can't remember who). The trouble is, my hairdryer is too powerful, so I could only do it in 10-20 second bursts as I otherwise would have burnt my head. I must find an old, less powerful hairdryer. I left the rollers in for about an hour and a half, intermittently using the hood.

The curls were very tight when I took the rollers out.

After much brushing out with the boar-bristle brush I had some BIG hair. The curls were well-defined and not too frizzy, the setting lotion really does help smooth and tame. I ended up putting in a scarf to keep it off my face a little.

All in all, I think this would work great if my hair was shorter and had more layers. For the moment, because I have so much hair and it's quite long, I will stick to using the hot rollers and brushing it out to get a much softer, Veronica Lake type wave. Next time I get my hair cut I'll get more layers put back in and try out the wet-set again.

Many hours and a few G&Ts later, the hair still had a lot of curl and body, despite being crushed under the hood of my rainmac also! (I got to wear the new Peacock's dress too)

My hair was still quite curly the next day, even after having slept on it.

I think the main thing to bear in mind when experimenting with vintage hairstyling is that everyone's hair reacts differently to various methods. I have learnt that I can't use mousse (hair tangles), that I can't do a wet-set overnight (hair doesn't dry by morning), and that I can't use Velcro or sponge rollers or those foam bendy ones (they slip out of my hair). I also can't do rollers in a 'halo' keeping the top part smooth, because then the weight of my hair causes the curl to drop out too much. I can roll right up to the scalp, and when I brush it out I will still get a smooth top section like vintage styles require, as my hair is heavy.

Trial and error, ladies.