Gwendoline Curl

My pick of the current 60's resurgence

2010-12-18T18:24:00.001Z

It appears at the moment that both halves of the 1960s have inspired the high street. The early 60's have been picked over due to the popularity of Mad Men, and of course that's no bad thing. Seeing kitten heels and knee length wiggle dresses in the shops is a welcome diversion from the recent 90's revivalism! And while Topshop may be cooing over the new length - the 'midi'- that any vintage collector will have been rocking for years already, the 'mini' needs no new introduction to the high street shopper.

It's this latter staple of later 1960's style that I'd like to focus on today. Original 60's mini dresses are becoming harder to find and more expensive. They also come with the drawbacks of the boom for synthetics at the time i.e. the dreaded polyester that will make sweat a constant companion! So the current trend for 60's inspired shifts and minis is welcome in my book and I'd like to show you my pick of the best around.

First up this purple shift from Oasis, currently in their sale. I really like the pan style collar and little bows at the waist, also it's not too 'mini'! Find it here

Second, this fab jewelled peter pan collar mini dress from Warehouse. This would be a great party dress with opaque tights. Find it here

And to give a source of comparison, how about this original 1960s dress with sheer sleeves?

I found this dress on etsy (here), it's actually quite a bargain and perhaps the sheer sleeves would solve the synthetic sweat issues?!

'Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful....'

2010-12-13T10:59:00.000Z

I've re-launched the blog with a bit of a makeover! This past year has been so hectic with studying for my Masters, I just didn't have time to devote to the blog. Hopefully, now I've just handed in my thesis, I will have some more time to post (as well as do some much needed job-hunting!).

Anyway the topic of this post is winter boots! Each year the search for warm shoes or boots that actually fit with my wardrobe mostly ends in disaster or resorting to freezing feet and ankles...

This year I invested in these from Office:

I chose them because they reminded me a bit of 1950s galoshes like these from Etsy:

Or these (also from Etsy):

I've never been tempted to buy galoshes partly because all my shoes have different heels and I'm not sure if they'd actually fit over any of them!

Other boot styles I thought would fit well with mid length dresses are these (from Office but sold out online except for size 3!):

I like the crepe sole, which has been around more this season, it gives the boots more of a 'retro' feel.

Lastly these from Clarks which have been out of stock for ages but are now back in!

I think they'd go really nicely with 1940s and 50s styles and they also have a crepe sole.

That's it for now! More post to come soon...

Current Desire: A Fabulous Turban!

2009-10-31T14:23:00.000Z

(Pics from Google images)

Earlier this year I went to a place called Lewes which is just outside of Brighton. Like Brighton it has quite a bohemian feel and as such had a rather lovely antique and second hand market.

At one of the stalls I tried on a fabulous turban, I fawned over it but in a moment of stupidity didn't buy it! (I was trying to be sensible, I wasn't sure where one would wear a turban...)

A few months ago I watched The Red Shoes and saw a turban on one of the characters; her black hair flowing out from under it (in my head you had to put all your hair in the turban but I've seen quite a few pictures with the hair outside).

And again recently while pouring over vintage Vogues in the library I've seen yet more and now I'm determined to get one!

I've also found that on etsy you can buy patterns for knitting your own turbans, see here , you can knit a matching muff as well!

(pic from etsy listing)

Back Very Soon!

2009-10-21T22:07:00.000+01:00

I have proper internet in my new home as of today so blogging should start again imminently!

I got my hair done at Nina's hair parlour last week, I shall have to engineer some photos of my new do, still getting to grips with curling devices though!

Goodbye for now!

2009-09-17T10:45:00.000+01:00

I'm moving tomorrow and likely to be without internet for quite a while as we need to reconnect the phone line, sob!

So this blog will be on a little hiatus, however I thought I'd just squeeze in yet more shoes I've discovered...

These Office shoes are very gorgeous. I just saw them in the shop window of my local store, they look even better in real life! They are rather high though so not sure if they're that practical...
Get them here for £65

I realise this blog is always full of shoes, I'm not sure how I became such a footwear fanatic :-S

Apologies again and black suede shoes!

2009-08-31T15:15:00.000+01:00

Again I apologise for the lack in postings and unfortunately they will become a lot more sporadic as I am relocating in a week and starting my MA so I will be very busy and most likely without internet for quite a while! Not sure how I will cope!

Anyway I started this post a while ago so figured I would quickly post it, I'm on the hunt for black suede shoes....

These Chie Mihara shoes are absolutely amazing, 40's ish but with a modern touch, why do her shoes have to be so expensive though! (Well I know they're not Louboutin prices but they're still very much out of my price range)You can find them at here at ASOS, they're £235.

I like these Melissa shoes as well, these ones are still made out of rubber but they've got a flocked/suede like outer. Melissa are great if you're vegan/don't wear leather as well!

Not a great image but for a better look go to here, to Topshop where you can buy these for £75.

I'm also hankering after a cropped swing style jacket (these are the only kind that suit me, anything that hits my hips is very unflattering) but I can't quite find a picture of what I'm after, once autumn hits I'll start the search in earnest I think...

Winter Suits!

2009-08-20T09:36:00.000+01:00

First of all, apologies for the lack of posts!

I've been starting to wish for winter to kick in, I know, terrible isn't it?! I just detest being hot and like winter clothes far more than revealing flesh in the summer!

This autumn/winter I've been thinking about a suit. This is an impractical thought for many reasons, firstly I can't really afford one, secondly I'm likely only to have a part time job this coming year so not sure if I'd get much wear out of it and thirdly I'm not actually sure I could pull one off!

Nevertheless I keep looking at them!
Behold these examples, all active on Ebay UK at the moment...

Link here buy it now for £65 (love this, although the short sleeves might be impractical)

Link here (this one looks beautifully cut!)

Link here (Love the pleats!)

That's all for now! Happy suit hunting!

Hair Inspiration: Bangs but no Bettie Page!:

2009-08-10T18:35:00.001+01:00

Paulette Goddard, above, looking insanely beautiful with bangs styled in a variety of ways

Barbara Stanwyck, again impossibly beautiful! I really need see Double Indemnity!

I have bangs (or a fringe as we in the UK know it!) and I don't want to grow it out. A lot of 1940's and 50's styles are bang-less so I wanted to showcase some lovely styles that did include bangs! The obvious example is Bettie Page but I think her look is over done somewhat, I like how soft and adaptable these styles are. I desperately need a hair cut, I trim my fringe myself and always do a bit of a botch job! I'm planning on going to Nina's Hair Parlour as soon as I move to London!

The dress no one wanted...

2009-08-05T11:50:00.000+01:00

I was becoming a bit desperate for money and decided I was going to part with one of my 1940's evening dresses. I dutifully photographed it and up it went on ebay. However it appeared that no one wanted it...well one person wanted it and put in an offer of £18....cheeky or what!

I'm keeping it now, I tried it on again (I didn't want to before in case it made me want to keep it!) It fit's perfectly so I'm glad to keep it although I could use the cash!

Here's the ebay pic, it looks big there but it's actually a 12 on my tiny half manikin (I'm not so good at pinning it seems)

It has the most beautiful buttons and sash, I just need to go out more so I can actually wear it!

That most joyful yet depressing of things: The Wish List! (Part 2!)

2009-08-02T11:00:00.000+01:00

Shoes!
I'd really like most of the remix vintage shoes site personally delivered to me...

They're not cheap unfortunately but one day.....

Actual vintage clothing: I'd rather like some 1940's cardigans but can't really find any! I'm contemplating asking my nan to knit me one although I'm not sure she likes knitting that much nowadays :-S

These are all from this site where you can buy patterns. The models in those pictures are so tiny!

Dresses: I'd like some cotton 40's dresses for everday, some spectacular 30's dresses (not sure where I'd wear them though...)

30's dress, perhaps something like this
40's dress, perhaps not for everday but wow!

I think I've had enough of torturing myself now...

That most joyful yet depressing of things: The Wish List! (Part 1)

2009-07-29T17:19:00.000+01:00

At the moment I am unemployed and very poor. Hopefully this will be relatively temporary. But I'm planning to do a full time MA in September so don't think I'll be swimming in money...

Whenever I'm without something I can't stop thinking about it, one example is missing out on a pair of shoes I really wanted and being haunted each time I get dressed imagining them looking lovely with my outfits... Actually to deviate slightly if anyone has these Office shoes in a size 6 or 7 I would be happy to take them off your hands ha ha

Anyway to get back on topic, the reason for this post is to show my current wish list whether I'd be able to purchase these items or not they're going on the list... and while I carry on thinking about my chronic lack of funds this wish list will serve to feed my obsession even more! I doubt this is a good thing but never mind!

OK to start with: Underwear/Hosiery!

All images and products from What Katie Did Lingerie

The bra and stockings are from the CC09 range. The stockings are much higher denier than normal stockings and are therefore much more wearable for everyday. I do like stockings but I ladder everything so I'd be willing to try these.

The corselette and girdle are from the Glamour shapewear range. I would perhaps get the corselette in black but the peach is seducing me at the moment!

Right onto Reproduction Dresses!
I almost sold my only stop staring dress the other day but changed my mind and ended up wearing it to my graduation!

These are all from Bettie Page Clothing This one is from Stop Staring

This is just a small selection, there are many from both these companies that I covet!

Ok that's part 1. Part 2 to follow soon... (most likely actual vintage dresses and shoes)

More shoes... 1950's style this time!

2009-07-24T20:40:00.000+01:00

top to bottom: Ethel Noble , Yarra Lace and Yarra Valley all priced at £59.

These shoes are all from the Clarks Originals range where they plunder their extensive archive and make shoes based on old designs! These ones are all 1950's inspired, I really like the crepe sole and slight platform, they really do lend a vintage edge!

These could be a good alternative to purchasing actual vintage shoes which are v hard to come by in decent sizes! Rocket Originals also do some great styles which I'd really like to invest in soon, There isn't much on the site at the moment but I know they are introducing a new Wedge style very soon, exciting!

That's all for now. I really need to stop looking at online shops as I have absolutely no money :-(

Related to that, please check out the items I have on ebay at the moment: see here

Decades of fashion: the 1930's

2009-07-16T11:52:00.001+01:00

I've been thinking over the past few days how I seem to become enamoured with a particular decade and then switch to another seemingly on a whim! I have been dedicated to 1950's clothes for quite a while now, particularly for the summer as breezy 50's cotton dresses are relatively easy to wear! However I seem to be drifting backwards again first falling for 1940's summer/house dresses which I find very charming for some reason...

Now I've been tempted back even further to the 1930's, this has been prompted by my seeing the film Public Enemies last night (well worth a watch for a big Hollywood film, and not just for the clothes!)

I like the cut of these clothes and the lovely portrait collars, the hem length also is appealing to me. In the summer I think long hems are harder to wear than in the winter but that still hasn't stopped me thinking about trying to wear more 1930's styles.

So this leads to the issue on where to find 1930's gems. Looking on US ebay led to a few possibilities but prices are high and condition understandably not perfect. However I then remembered a dear old internet friend, Revamp Vintage . This site makes reproduction clothing from many decades, here are some of the 1930's designs

from the top: Hope, Pepper and Daisy dresses. These are all around the $150 -200 mark :-( Pricey but fantastic. I think they'd be worth saving for!

I'll keep checking ebay to see if I can come across any bargains though....

Vintage style shoes on the High Street...

2009-06-14T21:14:00.001+01:00

Right, to get down to business, this summer I have been mostly obsessed with footwear. In particular getting good 1950's style shoes to wear with my dresses. Previous summers have seen me wear 1950's style bobby socks with my shoes, be them flat brogues or t bar shoes. This way of wearing my winter shoes through out the year has served me pretty well, but inevitably I'm tiring of this and want to get some proper sandal style shoes, or perhaps in particular peep toe shoes preferably with wedges which were popular in the 40's and 50's.

If money were no object I would look away from the high street and to this lovely site: Remix Shoes.

This site is literally dripping with gorgeous shoes, all vintage reproductions, here's a few pics of my faves...

Well it's unlikely I'll ever get my hands on any of these so I look to more modest means of getting a vintage look..... Clarks! ha

Perhaps I'm going nuts but I could really go for some of these...

Slightly grannyish but quite authentic: see here

Bit more 1960's but I still like: see here

More 1940's formal (perhaps would be better without strap but I need straps or else shoes like this tend to fall off!) see here
And these are quite nice and chunky and come in a variety of colours: see here

So there's my selection from Clarks. I've found myself in lots of less 'trendy' stores in my hunt for this kind of shoe, M&S and places like BHS also had some cheaper but less appealing (to me) options.

However I'm sad to say that my shoe splurge actually happened at the rather trendy Office a while ago after having a summer shoe panic. I purchased these two pairs which are both going strong so far...

Link here

They're not massively authentic but they do have nice little vintage details. They were very expensive but I got a discount as I bought the 2 pairs together.

I think I may go to Clarks and have a look at some of the above in the flesh, and if the summer weather continues perhaps buy yet more shoes...!

Resuscitation...

2009-06-09T18:33:00.000+01:00

Finishing up my degree has meant this blog has become very quiet!

I aim to amp things up again with lots more posts very soon!

I've haven't given up my constant perusal of fashion sites and therefore do have lots of ideas for posts just need to get back into the swing of things again....

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-14T13:35:00.000+01:00

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I came across this competition to win this lovely dress!

Click on the link to find out more!

SO...

2009-05-08T15:51:00.000+01:00

I am sick of drawing. I have just over a week till my degree is basically over eek which is terrifying but at the moment all I am about is drawing and it is killing me.

SO as a brief respite I thought i'd post some things/people/items I've been 'digging' (mostly found through the internet as I have no life obviously....)

1. Rihanna suddenly dressing way amazing:

Seriously loving the sleeves....

2. Gaga's lips
I really want to get a nude lipstick and try to recreate this (yes I am that stupid)3. These shoes which I now own, they're like Bettie Boop or Minnie Mouse shoes - Amazing!
That's all for now as I have to get back to the drawing board!

Recreating Luella....

2009-04-07T14:40:00.000+01:00

I've noticed that if there's one designer the high street have really latched onto it's Luella. Perhaps it's because it's easy for the high street to create a recognisable homage, all they need is pastel colours and netted bows. This is no bad thing as most of us will never be able to afford our own Luella dress. Here's a quick Polyvore set I made of some key pieces for a Luella style look....

luella style edit by Gwendoline Curl on Polyvore.com

French Connection seem to lead the way, they also have some rick-rack detailed dresses which echo Luella's last season (the ones Alexa Chung was always seen wearing). The navy dress with the tiered skirt and one shoulder seems to be a direct lift of a dress I've seen Zooey Deschanel in (I hear she's engaged to Ben Gibbard from deathcab lol).

I also had a go at designing my own Luella tribute frocks on Styleshake...Attach a bow to your hair and maybe a Chanel-esque short jacket and you're off....well kinda.

I also looked into a more vintage inspired take on the trend for sacharine colours...

This lovely Vivien of Holloway Pink Gingham halter (£59) fits the bill nicely (I really want a VofH dress)

Or this cute Bettie Page Clothing 'Peggy' Dress (£60) (UK stockist here, fab shop!)

So there you have it, I expect to see Luella clones stalking the streets in a matter of minutes...ha ha.

Short Ebay Post!

2009-04-06T15:17:00.000+01:00

I am going to do another post after this but thought I'd separate them out as this is a bit of advertising!

I'm selling some bits on ebay to earn some much needed cash!
This is the link to all of my items

Some photos of the goods...

So there's a selection of authentic vintage dresses, plus some vintage inspired ones, a vintage longline bra, a girdle and some H&M Trend dresses plus other bits! Have a Look!

Thanks!

Looking ahead to summer

2009-03-29T17:07:00.000+01:00

Ok I handed in a big chunk of my degree work on friday so have a little more time to blog, at least for a while before things get hectic again.

Each year I ponder swimsuits, So I thought I'd present my research so far on vintage style suits...

What Katie Did skirted suit £59.50 Toast Polka Dot Bather £65

Toast Magenta Bather £65

BHS large spot swimsuit from £22
Jasmine Guiness for Oli ruched suit £29.36
Jasmine Guiness for Oli heart suit £30 Oli Polka Dot suit in red and black £30

So a decent selection so far. The budget options, the Oli and BHS suits are pretty nice designs if a little too much with the polka dots however I think summer makes polka dots more acceptable... The more expensive options are unfortunately my favourite ones, I do have a Toast high waisted bikini but it is a bit big :-( plus I think my stomach needs to be covered! I like the magenta bather best but £65 is quite a lot when my only swimming options are Brighton beach. The what katie did one looks gorgeous too and looks to be a flattering fit, again it's rather expensive, but a swimsuit is a bit of an investment if you take care of it.

Of course it would be great to get an actual vintage swimsuit but I always seem to be a bit unlucky with them, they're always too big or too small. I will start searching on ebay in the coming months but there are also issues with how sellers measure suits and how much stretch a suit has considering it's age.

I realise this post is a little premature but I figured I'd end up forgetting about the suits I'd found when it actually comes round to the time of buying one!

I know I'm a bit late but

2009-03-05T22:09:00.000Z

I was just on the Guardian website and got very excited by a glimpse of the Moschino show at Milan FW. I hopped over to style.com to see more....

(all images from style.com)

I sincerely hope some of this show gets ripped off by the high street! I had a quick look around Topshop and H&M the other day and both were pretty pitiful. The high street just doesn't really engage me at the moment. However, high street shoes are still good but prices have gone up which is no good at all for me as I am always broke!

Sooo Busy

2009-02-27T17:01:00.000Z

Wish I could post more but university work is snowing me under!

New York Fashion week and 'Cutesy' fashion

2009-02-18T10:40:00.000Z

It's hard to escape all the 'hubbub' around New York fashion week. I've been idly checking out style.com and other sites to look at pictures of the shows. As I've mentioned before I like to look to more affordable sources of clothing than the catwalk as I know I'll never be able to afford the pieces I see on it. But that never stops me from looking really, I guess it is daydreaming to look at such items and daydreams are always a guilty pleasure.

This leads me onto the main issue of this post. 'Cutesy fashion'. I know a lot of the catwalk shows I like are never going to be those considered as groundbreaking or innovative, I'm never likely to be seen drooling over Balmain or Rodarte. I guess thats just how taste goes, or perhaps it's more to do with following fashion which is something I don't really do. I like the clothes that I like regardless of whether it's in fashion or not.

Right, on to the show in question which was Erin Fetherston, see now I remember her collection for the American store Target and being rather annoyed that a British store hadn't done a collaboration. I even watched some of the items on US ebay but never bid. So I've been aware of her work for a while especially with celebrity wearers such as Zooey Deschanel flying the flag for her work. It was no surprise for me then, when I was quite enamoured with the show and liked the fact that she'd pushed her aesthetic into being a little more daring.

All images from Style.com

I love the hats and the structured skirts and I'm really liking the EGL styling with the platform mary janes and 'sexy' tights (EGL - elegant gothic lolita, I know these pieces aren't typical but I just feel there are echoes of it in the collection). Basically this collection feeds a lot of my tastes - peter pan collars - check, structured skater skirts - check, bows- check, white/sheer tights - check and mary janes and patent....yep -check!

But part of me always feel slightly a bit ashamed when I'm drooling over these kinds of clothes, possibly because I know they're looked down upon by more discerning fashion fans and perhaps because they're quite easy and relatively safe for me to wear. A flared skirt and a peter pan blouse are safe ground for me, but wet look leggings and structural heels are terrifying (perhaps for good reason, I don't think I should ever be seen in such things!). I'm also aware of how girlish these clothes are, they're not very womanly or grown up. I worry sometimes that I am retreating from the grown up world by wearing more whimsical childish clothes. After seeing the Fetherston show I can see that these kind of clothese can still be quite womanly, even sexy and I think some good heels are something I'm going to be investing in!

I don't think it's wrong to like 'cutesy' fashion and I know i'm by no means in the minority but I guess seeing all the other shows with their 'fierce' (I wish I could use that word, but it's just not me ha) pieces does just make me feel like an over grown child sometimes!

p.s. honourable mention to the Karen Walker show, it wasn't cutesy! I've always liked her work and she seems to be going from strength to strength

Valentines Outfit

2009-02-15T14:08:00.001Z

I know Valentines day is a bit lame, but I guess it's an excuse to dress nice and go and have something good to eat (Mexican = quite good, not amazing but oh well). This is my first proper outfit post. I feel rather unsure about posting pictures of one's self posing on the internet. It feels slightly narcissistic but I want to show the clothes so it will have to be done!

I am wearing my Styleshake dress! I have two now and I'm really pleased with them. I should possibly have it smaller at the waist but I don't like things too tight fitting and would rather wear a belt to cinch them in. I also have on a New Look bow hairband, Topshop heart bag and Marks and Spencers seamed tights (they're 40 denier with a kind of knitted seam). The shoes are cheap mary janes from Peacocks.

That is all for now!

Men, Women and Clothes: Sense and Nonsense

2009-02-09T23:28:00.000Z

I just watched this programme, 'Men, Women and Clothes: Sense and Nonsense' on bbc iplayer. It was recorded in the 1950's and is an astute and slightly scathing appraisal of the fashions of the last few centuries up to the present day (1950's). It's only 20 minutes long as has some great pieces in it (I liked the edwardian dress where you can only shuffle along!) and Doris Langley Moore, the presenter is awesome!

link here but hurry, it's only available until thursday night!

Sonia Rykiel

2009-02-06T13:43:00.000Z

My usual routine of checking online clothes shops nearly every morning rarely inspires me much. I always check Asos even though I've been told their quality is bad but if I do see a nice dress or skirt I know it will be ridiculously short! (sort it out Asos, I don't really like flashing my bum to everyone even though i'm sure it must happen on occasion...)

After being rather depressed at the acid wash and sacharine florals of Topshop and Miss Selfridge, I did my usual jump to Asos. This time I decided to look at the 'new in' designers and was rather surprised to see that they've just begun stocking Sonia by Sonia Rykiel. I've always been a casual admirer but after swooning over items in various Parisian department stores last year I became a bit more of a fan, her coats in particular looked gorgeous!

So after looking at what Asos had stocked I was a little deflated, none of it was really 'must have'. I decided to go to the mothership, soniarykiel.com where I found many more delights in the Sonia by Sonia Rykiel range. They'd been styled much better as well, Asos had a go but it wasn't quite down.

Here are some screengrabs from the Sonia Rykiel website (spring/summer 2009)

Muuuch better! I found the lace trimmed shift dress (above) at Matches, here. It's £268 :-(

Perhaps it's a little early to be thinking about Sunglasses but s/s09 ones on the Rykiel website are gorgeous! (couldn't find any stockist for these online, I'm sure they're pricey though!)

Bow shaped!

Pearl Rimmed!

Frilled!

All screen grabbed from the Sonia site.

If you want to have a look at what Asos are stocking, click here!

Dior Couture s/s 09

2009-01-29T15:13:00.001Z

(photos from catwalk queen)

I watched a programme on Couture on BBC4 the other week. It was really interesting, it focused mainly on trying to discover who exactly these people were who were able to buy these insanely expensive clothes. Hardly any of them agreed to appear on camera except the relative newcomers who were mostly American. It seems like such a cliquey world, but I understand that such a specialised traditional way of producing clothes needs this exclusivity to survive - it's exclusivity and uniqueness is it's selling point. The rich want one-off art pieces it seems!

Anyhow I digress, basically i'm not really one for couture fashion. I like my clothes to be relatively within reach price wise. Although I do admire designer clothes I get more of a buzz about discovering a great item that's within my price range, be it high street or vintage.

I've looked at photos from the recent couture shows and the Dior one did strike a chord. It seemed the most wearable but most attractive to me was the structuring which was rather 1950's in style. I love the way the skirts are made to stick out at angles or fall in curves, it's rather akin to the full petticoats of the 50's period but more dramatic.

Joan Holloway (Mad Men)

2009-01-26T17:07:00.001Z

I watched the first three episodes of Mad Men at the weekend, I had actually seen them some time ago but we have the whole of season 1 to get through so we thought it best to start from the beginning.

This show is like dress porn for me, I am literally drooling while watching it (probably quite annoying for the people I watch it with but nevermind!)

I'm slightly obsessed with the character of Joan Holloway and the actress who plays her (Christina Hendricks). Joan is a complete bitch and a bit of a maneater. Hendricks has the most amazing hourglass figure and auburn hair, she suits the character so well.

So above are a selection of images to prove my point....

See?

The pick of Office's new season...

2009-01-25T15:18:00.000Z

The first pair at not really my style but I thought they were an interesting design and would look really nice in a maybe 1950's way with ankle length rolled up trousers and a red short sleeved sweater (I tried to recreate this on Polyvore but could find no decent trousers!). They're pricey at £65, I think Office have realised they can hike up their prices and people will still keep buying as they still don't have a real competitor :-(

The second are quite typically my style, they seem to have taken a template from a pair I already own, the only difference being that they have replace the perspex bow detail with a t bar strap. I think they're very cute but I am known to stray into quite childish (?) styles and these do remind me of children's shoes! I think they're actually called something like 'tiny tots' which makes the matter worse! These ones also come in pink and gold, I have a strange magpie like attraction to gold shoes but feel I would look a little ridiculous in these (although that's never stoppped me before ha)

The third pair I think are perfect for vintage dresses, particularly 1940's ones. The colour is really versatile and I like the slightly moc croc effect on the leather. I'm very tempted by these....again they're £65 though!

And last but most definitely not least this bowtastic pair, again I have an unexplained fascination with bows and bow decorated items so this pair seem like they have been made with me in mind. I only like them in black though, the other colours are a bit OTT (considering the 3 bow detail is a bit OTT in itself!)

So again, Office make me want to spend obscene amounts of money. Oh Dear.

(Beauty Inspiration) Gene Tierney

2009-01-22T21:20:00.000Z

'Leave Her to Heaven' was on Channel 4 today, I've seen it before on the same matinee slot but I ended up watching most of it again mostly because of Gene Tierney. Tierney stars as a unhinged possessive wife who resorts to murder. It's a typical noir and Tierney was nominated for an Oscar for her role. I'm blogging about her today as I just couldn't get over her face, she has such a clean beauty. I obviously really like the makeup and hair of the 1940's as well as the fashions and in this film her hair and makeup are gorgeous, I'd love to learn how to get 1940's waves in my hair!

The photos I have posted don't really get across how beautiful she is, I'd recommend the film to see her at her best and also obviously it's a good movie!

(photos from google)

Also on a 1940's theme, BBC4 has a whole season of fashion programming at the moment, I recommend the 1940's episode of 'style on trial' for some original 1940's footage and lots of info (see here, bbc iplayer)

Cardigans

2009-01-14T19:24:00.001Z

Have a look at the above (I admit badly done) collage... I've been after a cardigan in this style for quite a while but have yet to settle on one, mostly due to reasons of price and fitting. Searching on ebay usually turns up a couple but a lot of the original 1950's ones go for rather a lot, maybe £50 or so.

I've never been flush enough to splurge on one of the originals but find myself tempted by the two Topshop copies above (I'm guessing you'll know straight away which ones are the Topshop ones even though they're very in keeping with style!). I'm not sure why this is, perhaps its the security of knowing their sizes and knowing I can return it with ease or perhaps it's knowing that I'll have washing instructions so won't ruin it or spend loads on dry cleaning. Nevertheless I don't think I'll be buying. Why? Well they're just not as good as the originals! I'll have to hold out for one....

top left: here top right: here
bottom left: here bottom right: here

edit: I've just found what I presume to be a 1980's (doing 1950's) black cardigan on ebay and bought it for the total of a tenner, it's a risk but I'll see what it's like and if its bad I'll sell it on, I guess thats one bonus of ebay!

Recent Purchases and Gifts

2009-01-04T15:28:00.000Z

Whew a bit of a break from blogging but I have been busy erm well doing typical holiday things i.e. being rather lazy!

Here are some things that have come my way recently....

Johnny Loves Rosie oversized bow headband!

(present from my sister)

Ivana Helsinki for Topshop cardigan (reduced to £30 from £50)

Topshop 2 tone heart bag

Topshop Prom Dress but in BLACK (reduced to £25)

1950's shirtwaister dress from Ebay (haven't received yet)

New Look Courts (needed some basic black shoes!)
(ordered, hopefully on their way soon but New Look delivery seems to be slightly chaotic!)

Ah quite a haul, and that's not even all of it , oh dear. I am craving more vintage but ebay seems rather quiet, I snapped up the shirt waister dress on buy it now as I was watching it a while ago but couldnt afford it and then happily it was relisted! I've seen a few things on etsy that have caught my fancy but haven't caved yet! I also invested in some tights from Tabio, they are by far the best tights I've come across in terms of comfort and variety of colours.

So yes the festive period has prompted a lot of spending - I need to reign it in again!

More Style Shake....

2008-12-17T20:53:00.000Z

Ok so here are some better images of my Style Shake designs (screen grabbing is the solution!). I'm now completely addicted to designing dresses (and the odd skirt)! I've done so many, have a look here. I decided to purchase one (below), I'm just so curious to see the results! Hopefully I will get it in time for new years. Of course I will report on it once it's here!
The dress cost £39 plus postage (a bit hefty at £7), but still the whole thing seems very well priced which obviously makes me suspicious as to the quality but we shall see!

Style Shake Fun

2008-12-16T22:11:00.001Z

style shake designs by Gwendoline Curl

I actually did read about this site awhile ago but somehow didn't investigate it, but today I saw it featured on Catwalk Queen and gave it a better look! It's so much fun to design your own dresses, especially as you can add bows and peter pan collars to all of them! I'm very tempted to order one of my designs; the prices are very reasonable. I cannot decide which though! There are limited colours at the moment but they are bringing in more on a most votes basis, I voted for navy and teal as a navy dress would be so lovely (I do have quite a few but not designed by myself!)

Lusted for Sweater

2008-12-12T14:59:00.000Z

whistles sweater by Gwendoline Curl

I love this Whistles jumper! As I blogged earlier, Whistles' collection this season is ticking all my boxes and as predicted many items are now reduced (not much of a prediction considering my inbox is full of emails from clothings stores proclaiming sales or discount days!). The prices are still a little out of my league but maybe they will sink further. The Sweater is now £47.47 and the skirt is now £85.47. The shoes are Miu Miu, the gloves Mulberry and the bag of course is Chanel, all far far too pricey for my budget but Polyvore inspires me to go a bit crazy!

This would probably be my dream Christmas day outfit, but I imagine I'll probably be in something comfy as I'll have car journeys and massive meals to contend with!

A great flickr for vintage fans

2008-12-11T21:37:00.001Z

Vogue 1939
Originally uploaded by myvintagevogue

'My Vintage Vogue' is an awesome collection of fashion photographs ranging from the 20's to early 60's. There are so many inspirational photos, this one is particularly amazing and from 1939 which is odd as it looks typical 50's!

Check it out! (click on the photo to go to the flickr site!)

Time -where does it go

2008-11-13T00:19:00.000Z

I am in the middle of writing a draft of my dissertation so blogging has become rather neglected as you can see. I keep seeing things I want to write about and am mentally making a note of them but at the moment my head is too full of theory!

As I have a little time now I must say I'm very impressed with Whistles revamp of late. They've got some quite vintage looking pieces.
Of course they're all a bit out of my price range, however at the moment they're having a sale and the reductions are good so maybe january sales will be a good time to explore Whistles again!

Ivana Helsinki at Topshop

2008-10-15T19:08:00.000+01:00

Ivana Helsinki at Topshop1 (Vogue.com UK) by Gwendoline Curl

I really love all the items I've seen online, I want all of them! Practically the cardigan would be a wise investment as I really really need a better black cardigan, my current one is not even that black anymore and very boring!

I'm sure they're going to sell out so quickly so I need to make a decision soonish!!

Grumpy

2008-10-13T17:19:00.001+01:00

You know what I'm reeeeeaaallly tired of ?
This bloody skirt...

Hiked up and secured with a vintage looking plaited belt + long cardigan and plimsolls.....YAWN. People are so content to look like each other, like men and their stupid plaid shirts.

Sorry but I am just really bored of this look. I go to Art school and live in Brighton so it's practically impossible for me to go through a day without seeing this type of thing.

I will make a positive post soon as an antidote to this with new items that i'm actually excited about but I just keep getting more depressed as I can't buy anything.

Busy Busy....

2008-10-09T17:44:00.000+01:00

I've been back at Uni for just under 2 weeks and the work is already piling on. I'm in my final year so I can already feel the stress levels rising!

I haven't had time to read or look at fashion sites/magazines etc so I'm feeling pretty uninspired. Plus I am very poor as I'm on my budget so looking at clothes is a little painful!

Hopefully things will change soon!

A tale of two Dresses!

2008-10-02T15:51:00.001+01:00

My planned day of immense amounts of drawing has all been disrupted....by a dress!

Yes, the coveted Oasis dress arrived this morning and I tried it on a few times and was generally quite happy with it. I then settled down to work.....but I thought it was only right that I double check the dress was perfect before putting it in my wardrobe...

This is where the problem started. The Zip. It just kept getting stuck! It had been a bit tricky this morning but now it just refused to budge. I took it off and tried it, it did up fine as long as it was pulled at the right angle, however the angle with which I needed to pull it to do it up just made the zip get completely stuck with or without me in it!

So I debated, I could get a nice sturdy zip put in it but that would cost quite a bit and I was only buying this because I was getting it at a bargain price. I realised maybe it just wasn't right for me. I very very rarely wear strapless dresses and I did feel a bit WAGed up in it, it was short and left my shoulders and back bare.

In the end the dress was returned. I am closing the book on this bloody dress!

However all is not lost. I trotted up to Topshop and bought the Miu Miu-esque dress. I tried it on again, (again the zip was a little sticky but nowhere near as bad as the oasis one and I unzipped and zipped it about 10 times to check it was ok!) and thought it was still great, short yes but the high neckline and collar make it demure. I also think I could wear this dress in the day as well as for evenings out.

I'm going to try and keep the dress stored in my wardrobe until the rush has died down on it, then I will bring it out in its full glory!

P.S High street sizing charts are useless, the size of the dress was significantly smaller than their size chart states it should be, was ok for me as I thought the dress would be a bit too big, but anyway. No more on the dress. Ever.

Purchasing and Lusting

2008-09-30T16:00:00.000+01:00

(from left to right, Oasis dress, dress and jacket, both Topshop)

I finally got the Oasis dress I had blogged about previously, it was reduced to £35!!! I ummed and aahed over it for hours, do I need it? can I afford it? The answer to both is probably no but I couldn't resist. I have promised myself that if it is not perfect once i've tried it on then I will return it! I may end up getting it altered as I am between sizes but a thin belt may remedy this.

Yesterday I also tried on the MiuMiu-tastic dress from Topshop, it is divine but £50 and rather short (nothing that some opaque tights couldn't cope with though!). I may still get my hands on it but I fear it will sell out as its such a catwalk copy; which is not something I'm particularly a fan of but I really admired the Miu Miu dresses of last season and would never be able to afford the original.

The jacket is something I actually need, it would be better with full length sleeves! It's not in my local store so I can't try it on, it looks like it would be a flattering fit though.

I was going to make a post about some ebay finds but pickings are so slim, last night when I was debating the Oasis dress I went on both UK and US ebay to see if I could find anything vintage that I would rather have but there really wasn't a lot. Maybe my taste is changing but I am struggling to find exceptional dresses...maybe they've all been bought!

Clara Bow

2008-09-24T15:11:00.000+01:00

My idol and definitely my favourite (in aesthetic terms) silent film actress. I am still trying to get my hair into the perfect Clara Bow fuzz!

Watch 'It' for a perfect example of her charms, its light fluffy stuff in cinematic terms but still very cute and funny, and the fashion is to die for.

More Polyvore Dreaming...

2008-09-23T09:31:00.000+01:00

All Topshop :-S

Ever since I started this blog I've found myself looking at 'new' clothes more and more. I still love vintage but I think I have less inspiration as I haven't been buying or seeing any great vintage pieces. I used to rely on Ebay to deliver me with vintage gems but there seems to be a dearth of quality items on there at the moment.

Bows, Bows and more Bows

2008-09-22T23:05:00.000+01:00

Moschino dress
Topshop shoes
Rodarte sunglasses
Topshop hairband
Pamela Mann stockings
Valentino Bag

Even I'm making myself sick of them now.... I would still like to possess every item here though...

This was my first experiment on Polyvore hence it looking a bit clunky. I can see myself getting slightly addicted to it though!

Drawings

2008-09-16T12:10:00.000+01:00

I am doing them. Slowly getting back into things ready for the term to start again. I am tight on money so have tried not to think about my increasing desire to kit myself out in a new wardrobe!

(Photograph: Alastair Grant/AP) from The Guardian

However a small nod to London Fashion Week. I'm almost ashamed to say that I liked the PPQ show as it does seem to be the domain of Peaches Geldof and Daisy Lowe. But it was lovely and girly!

Today

2008-09-10T11:39:00.000+01:00

Is a day to enjoy Physics and not think about clothes!

I'm catching all the news from Cern at BBC Radio 4's website!

Bettie Page Clothing

2008-09-04T19:28:00.000+01:00

A kind of recent discovery. I've always been aware of Stop Staring clothes but have only just started looking at Bettie Page Clothing. Their dresses are similar in style and are made of the same stretch bengaline fabric.

I have a Stop Staring dress with a sailor collar and full skirt. I really like it and if these kind of clothes weren't so expensive I'd definitely invest in more. You can get a better deal by searching on Ebay US and avoid custom charges too!

I am very lucky...

2008-08-30T01:25:00.000+01:00

As my mum bought me these today.

They go so well with my 1940's dresses!

Bloomer Update

2008-08-27T14:06:00.000+01:00

Alas my Bloomers came today but they are not quite right :-( They're far too baggy at the stomach in a quite unflattering fashion. So unfortunately they will be sent back today, perhaps it is for the best as I can't really justify spending 17.50 on knickers! I will have to stick to my Dorothy gingham ones for now!

In other news I really want to buy new shoes.

I wish....

2008-08-26T16:34:00.000+01:00

H&M did online shopping. Not only so I could buy their clothes without leaving the house but because on the rare occasion I do splurge in there I could blog easily what I have bought!

Anyway I recently did break my self imposed shopping ban and did splurge in H&M oops. I feel a little guilty as I am trying to be good and buy second hand plus I shouldn't be spending money. However I really needed to er 'update my look' however ridiculous that sounds but I was just getting sick of my vintage dresses (god forbid but unfortunately it has happened!)

I will have to take some pictures the next time I wear my purchases out as posing in my house just doesn't cut it and I feel ridiculous!!

Basically I bought 2 items which are rather short. A lot shorter than I would normally wear and I was at risk of flashing my derriere to all and sundry. My solution to this was to wear some splendid what katie did gingham knickers, pictured below. They have great bum coverage and looked pretty with my pink skirt! I wore white tights underneath in a kind of superman style ha ha! This set is currently in the sale at the site!

These bloomers would have been even better and I am still very tempted by them however in the end I have purchased the black satin version (the last picture) as I think these will be more versatile to wear under my new short items! What Katie Did is a great vintage reproduction lingerie site, I've bought bullet bras and other bits from there and the quality is very good.
These bloomers should be with me soon so I'll have to try out their suitability and report back. I know a lot of people wear hotpants under short things but I'm not really that sort of girl plus I really like big pants! They are also good for wearing over a suspender belt which I think is what has been done in the photo, I think it looks really nice and would definitely make me get more use out of my suspender belt.

I'd gotten out of the habit of looking at underwear sites but suddenly I find myself creeping back...dear me.

Things

2008-08-19T20:55:00.000+01:00

I am back after an extended holiday. I am now unemployed after my current work decided they didn't need us lowly temps anymore. Ah well.

Anyway on to more exciting things.....Ireland (my holiday destination)

(photo courtesy of my friend Eleanor )

That is me in a 1950's dress, white tights and vintage brogues. The area we visited was beautiful and I got to look after three cats for a week (I am a cat obsessive but cannot have my own!)

(all my photos)

It was a lovely break but the real world has returned with vengeance. Clothing myself has had to take a back seat due to financial worries about my last year of uni. I am going to be job free for the rest of the holidays so I can concentrate on reading for my dissertation and illustration work. This situation does not leave me with much in the way of surplus funds unfortunately. But we shall see.... I am selling clothes on ebay to make some cash and if this goes well I shall perhaps treat myself to something!

Office has some lovely offerings this coming season which have already been tempting me terribly!

This is just a selection of the pairs I am lusting after....perhaps if I buy one pair a month for the next few months.....hmm.

Holiday...

2008-07-31T11:56:00.000+01:00

Lots to follow in a week...

oh god why...

2008-07-22T20:14:00.000+01:00

I shouldn't be looking. I saw it on Gok Wan's show a few weeks ago and have been waiting for it to be in stores.....and today....I found it.

There are 2 obstacles to me possessing this dress
1. It's 70 quid
2. Oasis sizes really don't suit me it seems. I've tried on the purple version of this dress and my size was really tight but the next size up was too big so I would either have to get it taken in or perhaps wear a belt....

Oh I want it so much.

I don't how clothes can have such an effect on me :-S

Budgeting

2008-07-16T17:34:00.000+01:00

Okay, I am really trying to save money before going back for my last year of uni. This means my purchases will be few and far between. However I still aim to make 1 decent purchase per month!

However this does all mean that my online clothing trawls have become something akin to torture. Ah well, I am a glutton for punishment it seems....

wish list - shoes

2008-07-09T19:54:00.000+01:00

The top two are Topshop and the bottom two are both Office. I really like the above pair from Office, they have an odd vintage feel to them as well as being modern, shame there isn't a wedge heel as this would make them more 1950's...

I'm in Love...

2008-07-09T18:16:00.000+01:00

Chanel autumn/winter 2008-9

I have caved.....

2008-07-06T20:10:00.000+01:00

I bought this today. I got my first pay packet from my temp job on friday and although I am on a shopping ban (imposed by my boyfriend and kind of by me) I was in a crappy mood today and just thought I have to go and have a poke around the shops. I hadn't been near any in weeks and weeks! H&M have this lovely 50's style floral skirt with a elastic waist, it had 2 different tops to go with, it really was rather pretty but I couldn't afford to buy both parts so I let it be. Maybe in a few weeks....

Anyway back to my skirt. This photo really does not do it justice. It's a really stiff fabric, fitting high waist and poofs out in a skater skirt style. I've been looking for a good navy skirt for ages. I think I may have finally found it. I'm planning on wearing it with an 1940's cream blouse I got from a vintage fair a while back. I need to try the combo together, if it's not right I may have to forsake the skirt but I'm hoping it will be a great match. The skirt seems really long in the Topshop image but it's quite short on me. I'll feel confident in tights with it but a little scared if I go bare legged!

I have to say there is a little guilt that I bought brand new but I find vintage skirts quite tricky to find so the high street has to come to my rescue....

The dark side....

2008-07-03T19:53:00.000+01:00

I would say that at least 90% of my purchases these days are vintage/second hand. I like that I am in effect, recycling by wearing second hand clothes and that I am also breaking free of the habit of buying cheap unethically produced clothes only to wear them once then set them aside. For that reason I avoid Primark as I know at first glance something might look lovely but after one wash and a few wears its lost its condition and appeal.

So well done me. Ha. I wish I could congratulate myself but really I mostly buy vintage because I love 1940's/50's fashion and love owning something unique. The fact that I am being more ethical/green is a happy by product...it's a start though.

But...and this is perhaps a large but, I still trawl sites like Topshop, Warehouse and Oasis as sometimes these shops will produce some vintage inspired gems and just generally lust worthy items. It's not often I do buy clothes from the high street but if I do I will make sure it's a quality item that I know I can get a lot of wears out of. Avoid cheap materials and badly cut clothes as a little tip...

So onto what has brought out the above musings...the newest offerings from Warehouse
This is the 'Twist Knot Dress' from Warehouse, priced at £45. See now in a lot of ways this isn't quite me but something about its simplicity is really alluring. I can imagine wearing it with my loafers and ankles socks for a relaxed day look.....

I also really like the strapless party dresses Oasis are offering at the moment. This burnt orange one has caught my eye.....

This is £65..... Oh not to be broke!

The dress I wore on a sunny beach day....

2008-07-02T21:54:00.000+01:00

Such satisfying colours. I have tried in vain to avoid checks after an avalanche of plaid shirts has covered the UK. I started to feel a faint rage welling up in me as I traipsed the Brighton streets in my usual haste and repeatedly found myself staring in to the back of yet another of those bloody shirts.

Anyway, I deviate. I will still allow myself my fill of checks and when in such autumnal hues I could hardly resist. A peter pan collar, almost 3/4 length sleeves and in breezy cotton. Perfect. I only wish the waist were a litte larger as it is quite snug however I am working on trimming my waist so hopefully it will be a perfect fit soon.

Although the dress looks like a perfect example of 1950's daywear, I can't help thinking it's actually of a later age. The condition is just too pristine and the colours very bright. It could in fact be 1970's/80's but I just cannot be sure. I'm usually very good at ageing vintage clothes but this dress confuses me a little. Either way its a beauty.

2008-07-02T18:11:00.000+01:00

Hello, this is an outlet away from Death Stares where I can indulge my materialistic urges. I try to get the better of them but I just cannot....

In this photo: Bow, custom made from Lou Lou Loves You