So I'm a graduate...where do I go from here?

After three long years of university, I finally graduated on the 10th July with a 2nd class upper divison in Fashion Promotion. I had been looking forward to that day since first year and I can't believe it went in the blink of an eye.

I trundled along to Chatham for what I hoped would be the last time and met up with my parents. I found it so strange being back there after just a month of being in London, what had been my home for three years just seemed like an unfamiliar town.

Many people I know had trouble deciding what to wear for graduation itself whereas I had decided months ago,  a vintage 50s yellow lace pencil dress I've had in my wardrobe for I can't remember how long, I've always longed to wear it but after trying my luck at jiving in it several years ago and ripping it I decided to keep it hidden away until I was able to wear it at a 'sensible' event.

I styled my hair all nice for it to get messed up wearing my mortar board but I didn't mind too much  because I was quite proud that I got to wear a mortar board and gown.
When I got there everything seemed to go so quickly, after waiting for what seemed like hours for the ceremony to start it was over and done with before I knew it and there I was with a degree, three years for an hour ceremony, what a waste some people might think, but not for me, it was the first time I'd ever felt truly proud of myself and I don't think it's something I'll forget.

My folks and me

My girl Vanessa looking rather ravishing in her little polka dot number

My girls!

And me after the ceremony looking a bit windswept.

But what now?? I'm currently living in London working part time in a pub trying to figure out what to do with my life. At the moment I feel I've completely let go of everything I was passionate about, including my blog. I'm not really sure why this has happened because I have plenty of opportunity to be doing what I love at the moment but everything seems to have slipped on by. I've had some good news, the New Vintage Look fashion show I co-organised in April with my friend Sarah, looks to be repeated next year at a great rockabilly weekend I shall keep nameless for now, but it's something to look forward to never the less.

 I feel as though I've got two pathways I could go down and it's frustrating to not have an idea of where I want to end up. My first pathway is to try more events managing, I figured that if I got asked to organise another show then surely I must be doing something right, so why not give that a go?
But then there's my second pathway, to go into wardrobe styling for teleivison dramas and movies, when I left my internship at Surgery PR, I had my heart set on this, but over the past few months I've found it is literally impossible to get into unless I have some kind of costume background, which for me is disheartening because I don't want to design, I want to source, dig out and put together outfits for television characters, because someone has to do it right? 

So for me this is confusing to say the least, but I've come to a conclusion that it's not going to happen over night, I'm going to keep pushing and see how far I get, or if I have any brainwaves and eventually I'll get to where I'm meant to be, where ever that is. Whenever I think about it like that, it makes me excited and not so scared about whats next in line for me.

I know one thing though
I love having purple hair! 

Until Next Time

Toodle Pip

xxx

The New Vintage Look... A thing of the past

So it looked like I had given up on my blog for quite some time now, but I've actually got my backside in gear and managed to write a post, hoping it'll relight the spark I had for writing... here's hoping! I am proud to say that I have completed my university degree and I shall be graduating in a few weeks with a 2.1 Ba Honours in fashion promotion. I managed to get this overall grade by co- organising a vintage inspired fashion evening with my friend Sarah for our final major project, you probably read about it in my last post... three months ago (eek)


I had this idea of holding a vintage fashion show in my head for so long so I turned the dream into reality by asking Sarah to come on board with me as front of house manager. We put our heads together and put blood,sweat and tears into what seemed like a never ending couple of months and managed to pull off the first ever New Vintage Look, a vintage inspired fashion evening showcasing the best of 1940s and 50s faux vintage companies, there was a fashion show, 
live music, burlesque and cabaret with all money going to the Royal Brompton and Harefield Charitable fund. I wanted the money to go here because the Brompton hospital in London had helped my brother when he was a baby and I thought it would be a great way to repay them for all they did.

After many months of organising the show came round on 10th April, Sarah and I trundled on down to London on the train with a few of our friends carrying copious amounts of bags and 

suitcases and we got our chosen venue which 

Part of our small team on the day

 was Proud Cabaret, a fabulously unique venue in the heart of centeral London that suited our
venue perfectly.



We got underway in early afternoon with models turninng up and having their hair and make up done by Amanda at Lipstick and Curls, Verity and Gemma of the Vanity Box and Betty Flowers 
who all created fantasticly vintage hair styles but extravagant make up that gave the show the contemporary twist we were looking for. 

We had hiccups along the way with a couple of acts cancelling, however our compere, the ravishing Coco Du Bois saved the day by stepping in with a couple of songs where the acts should have performed. I was very suprised I didn't have a nervous breakdown at this point but I held it together rather well I think. I felt that I was running round like a headless chicken pretty much the majority of the day, however I think this was due to the adreniline. Everything didn't exactly going to according to plan, but with it being our first event I knew it wouldn't because we organised it as much as we possibly could and a lot of things that happened were out of our control but I remained calm for the majority of it... in my opinion anyway. 

A lot to sort out in such a short amount of time

The hours went by and before we knew it, it was 7pm and doors were opening and the first guests were arriving, I was surprised to see so many people there, it made me so happy and proud of what we'd managed to achieve in such a short amount of time. It was nice to see family, friends and unfamilar faces in the crowd, all our promotion had pulled off and people were sitting dressed up to the nines snapping away with their cameras. 

Just some of our lovely audience

As well as Coco Du Bois giving us a few songs and keeping the crowds entertained, we had the internationally renowned burlesque performer, Tempest Rose perform her La Revue en Rose act which had the crowd wooping and cheering. To end the night we had live music from Knocksville, three great guys performing a mix of rockabilly,psychobilly punk and blues, perfect for the crowd that had their dancing shoes on.




We were so happy to announce we raised £1000 for the hospital through ticket sales and our charity auction that had some great bits for sale from companies such as Tara Stalet, the Vintage cosmetic company and Shanty tramp jewellery as well as many others. I still look back on it and find it hard to believe that we managed to organise such a professional show, especially as a university project, but I had many people saying what a fantastic night it was so we obviously did something right, it's even made me consider a future in events management but I won't be going over that for quite some time. Look out for new posts from me (all being well)


Until Next Time
Toodle Pip xxx

Photography: Sheradon Dublin
                       Tigz Rice 

The New Vintage Look at Proud Cabaret

Once again I apologise for lack of posting, I have been ridiculously busy organising something rather exciting! So I hope you will all let me off when you see the reasons why!

Between my friend Sarah and myself, we've been putting together what we hope will be the start of something a little bit amazing.
The New Vintage look! A vintage inspired charity evening full of fashion, fun and frightfully good music and burlesque! Tuesday 10th April at the renowned Proud Cabaret in the heart of London.

Personally I've wanted to do this show for a good couple of years now and finally the time has come.
The New Vintage look is a fashion evening showcasing some of the best 1940s and 50s reproduction clothing companies from the UK, Sweden, and USA, these include the amazing Bernie Dexter, Vintage suits by Mary, Collectif, Heyday vintage, Miss Fortune, Lady K Loves,Playful Promises, Outerlimitz, Stockings and Romance, the Pretty dress company, Miss Bamboo,Miss Candy floss, Oh Sew Vintage, Boo boo Kitty Couture and Scarlett's Vintage attire, wowee what a selection we have for all you lovely ladies out there!
These fabulous companies will be showcased in a catwalk where the gorgeous models will also be wearing Bow and Crossbones jewellery and Razorblaid Mermade jewellery!

As well as the show, there will be burlesque from the outstanding Tempest Rose, cabaret from Alex the Mind reader and Daisy Bourne - hoop artiste

To finish the night off we will have one of the UK's top bands on the Rockin Scene - Knocksville, who have toured with Imelda May and also recently played in Europe, so remember to bring your dancing shoes because these guys will have you on your feet!

If you fancy grabbing yourself a bargain then we'll have something right up your street, a charity auction! Lots of companies have given us great prizes including two pairs of Miss L fire shoes, a dress from Tara Starlet, a hair and make up voucher from The Vanity Box, a manicure voucher from Minnie Moons as well a whole lot more, so we're hoping you'll all dig deep and help raise lots more money!

All money raised is going to the Royal Brompton and Harefield Charity to help fund a neonatal incubator to treat seriously ill babies with heart and lung defects. This charity is a very personal one to me for close members of my family have been treated there and we want to say thank you for all their support! 

Tickets are £12 and are available from

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/159146  

When you buy a ticket you will be entered into a competition to win a pinup photo shoot worth over £250! 

So what are you waiting for, please show your support with us on Tuesday 10th April and make it a night to remember!

Check our website www.thenewvintagelook.co.uk
facebook.com/thenewvintagelook
twitter: @newvintagelook
Until Next Time

Toodle Pip

xxx

Dreamboats and Lindyhop

So there I was, single and valentines day was approaching, how would I ever get through I thought, well if I'm entirely honest I thought where can I go get intoxicated with friends and have a good night!?  I had been pondering about going out for sometime as I was completely skint at the time, so there I was thinking I was going to have to have a quiet night in all on my lonesome, until my friends Shona of Adventures in Vintage and Kessie of Lady K loves managed to twist my arm into going to It's a wonderful Vintage Love boat ball, to be honest it didn't take a lot of convincing as I was already contemplating going as you probably saw a couple of posts back.
The second of 'It's a wonderful' events and a second sell out, Olivia of Moon on a stick PR definitely done herself proud again with a fantastic night of live music and dancing.
After much hunting high and low for the Battersea barge (which seemed like a never ending maze) I arrived at the venue early to help set up with Verity of the Vanity Box and Kessie, my gosh I have never seen so many balloons!
I've got to be honest I wasn't convinced with the venue when I first arrived but once the decorations were up and the sun had gone down, there was definitely a romantic vibe to the boat and I was without a doubt feeling more chirpy then I was after my massive trek to find the place.

I put my glad rags on and brushed my curls out and I was ready to party,  I decided to wear my Bernie Dexter, 'Bettina' dress as it was red and hourglass galore! I'm certainly glad I did because I don't think I've ever had so many compliments in one night! Lets just say I know to wear that dress out again.

Caught getting ready before people arrived, phone in hand? Nothing changes!

The place soon filled up and everyone was soon on the floor (or should it be deck?) dancing the night away, a few people even got me on the floor, I kept insisting that I was a jive only girl but after several asked me to dance I found myself picking up some Lindy Hop moves so now I will feel less silly if anyone else ever asks me! 

There was a fabulous new burlesque act which broke up the music of the evening, miss Folly Gosh and her seaside striptease, definitely something quirky to add to the evenings events.

Some of us from the night, all immacutaly dressed if I do say so, me and Shona both wearing Bernie Dexter designs!

Up on the outside deck a few of us had to recreate the famous 'I'm flying Jack!' pose from titanic, and when you're a little  bit intoxicated it isn't always the safest idea to lean off the front of a boat that's half in the Thames, which leads me on to my other point, dancing on a half moving boat after a few vodkas does tend to make  you feel a bit seasick, lesson truly learnt! 

But an interesting fun night out overall catching up with some of my lovely ladies, also met a few new people which is always nice! And as for the men dressing in their sailor attire, well what can I say I would let them save me if I fell overboard any day!

Can't you tell I was merry?!

Verity of the Vanity Box and Shona of Adventures in vintage

Of what I could see everyone who went had a fantastic time, there wasn't a moment when the dance floor wasn't full, I'm not a converted 40s enthusiast yet but I am starting to enjoy it all a whole lot more, maybe I'm becoming more open minded in my old age!

Don't forget to buy your tickets for It's a wonderful Vintage Jubilee Jamboree which is happening in May, I've been asked to model so I suppose I'll just have to go! Oh what a hard life one leads! 
For more info check out the It's a wonderful vintage special events page: www.facebook.com/ItsaWonderfulVintageSpecailEvents
Until Next Time

Toodle Pip

                                                                               xxx

A quick snippet of Spring/Summer 2012 Couture

As a fashion promotion student, I am meant to know what's going on where and when and who's going to it... or so they say! Part of this includes looking at all the catwalks of every fashion week from every country going... BORING! Obviously I'm a great lover of fashion, I wouldn't have spent the last five years studying it if that wasn't the case, but I like to check out what’s happening, who's doing what, in my own time.

Like last week, I decided to have a look on style.com as I hadn't in so long and realised it was Couture week in Paris, woops, totally forgot about that one (bad fashion student!) I love couture collections because I find it's a way for the designers to go all out in individual pieces. So I started looking through and noticed a lot of the collections had a definite vintage feel to them... I always like looking at collections like this because it makes me feel nostalgic and all warm and fuzzy because they're creating pieces that look like they've stepped out of my favourite eras, if a designer can do that than they've got my vote!

I know I tend to write more about vintage and pin up stuff but I see if contemporary designers are creating retro inspired bits then it needs to be celebrated, so here are a few of my favourite outfits from the Spring/summer couture shows.

First we have my favourite designer of all time, Christian Dior, after all the controversy that happened with John Galliano at Dior, Bill Gaytten has currently took the reins for his second couture show at Dior, and this one showed the New Look from a different angle, using extravagant sheer fabrics and heavily constructed garments that gave it a retro, lady like feel but still made it look very edgy.

I love this outfit, it is something that could easily be worn out for dinner, the red and white dog tooth gives it that vintage feel; however the sheer cross over jacket with the bow on the side makes it look distinctive yet chic.

This dress just reminded me of Betty Draper from Mad Men, such a simple pencil dress but the detailing in the fabric is phenomenal, I love the gradient from black to white, so classic, I love that it is kept simple with just a necklace for accessories.

The finale pieces are always amazing, I must admit I did think at first these girls looked a bit like toilet roll holders but I still adore the detailing of the skirts. Bill Gaytten has dramatised the new look and made the focus of the hourglass very powerful but yet it is still elegant.

It makes me wonder how much fabric goes into pieces such as this one because look at all that net!! This piece is kept retro with the polka dot print on the bodice of the dress and the giant bow on the models waist, how cute! Once again I love the different shades in the skirt; it brings the garment to life!

Next designer is Alexis Mabille, now I'm going to be honest I hadn't really heard of this designer before but their collection really stood out to me, I think it was more from a styling point of view rather than the designs themselves. Here's a few that caught my eye.

 The style of this dress was so eye catching to me, I wouldn't completely say it's got that vintage style to it but it's a great pencil dress and they look good on anyone! I love the lace detailing on the sides so it creates an hourglass shape which every lady wants of course!

 This, I thought was just beautiful, the embroidery and the detailing, not forgetting the gorgeous aqua shade of the dress itself, if it was just a tad longer it would be the perfect evening dress to a vintage ball!

Ahh I love this one, so elegant and I love the layering of the skirt, it looks like a lace petticoat, so pretty and the colour is so calm and classic. What I love about this whole collection is the giant flowers on the models head and the matching coloured faces, it made quite a simple and classic collection have that wow factor, and this is why I love styling! 

Finally we have Elie Saab, I just wanted to try on every single dress in this collection, oh it was so glamorous, the colour palette was truly beautiful and every dress looked like it could have been something Grace Kelly would have worn! 

Pastel greens and pinks were the colour palette for this collection, you can see how much thought went into each dress because of all the detailing in the print and the embellishment, The bottom left picture reminds me of something Grace Kelly wore once I think to an award ceremony, the high neckline is so flattering and feminine, it just oozes forties glamour. The one on the right I love it has such a strong hour glass shape to it and I love the round neckline, this style was quite popular in the fifties and sixties and it just suits the style of this dress so much, I want it in my life!! I think I am partial to a bit of pastel colouring at the moment, which is never a bad thing!!

So there we have a snippet of the spring/ summer couture collections I love

Until Next Time

Toodle Pip

Xxx