alex drake vintage | purveyor of quality vintage goods

Christmas Charity Shop Swap

2011-12-23T10:16:00.001Z

Happy Friday!
How's everyone? Now that it's only a couple of days before Christmas, I now have the luxury to stop working and be a little be more sociable. I miss you all!

This post is to share what my partner Loll, from Toadstool Vintage, sent me for the Christmas Charity Shop Swap, organised by Lakota. I love all her items!

After all the frenzy of ebaying, this little parcel, addressed to me, got delivered yesterday when I wasn't expecting anything to arrive. Yay!

Thanks to Loll, I now have a sweet little sewing box. This one is vintage (obviously), from the 1970s and it's in perfect condition!

I'm also now the proud owner of two pretty 1960s red bell baubles, one christmas tin which can be used for coin/notes storage, one little notepad made from recycled materials and one 1950s/1960s green apron.

Thanks so much, Loll....Hmm....I better start cooking.

Have a great Christmas, my lovelies!
Keep warm, be safe, wherever you may be and may your holidays be filled with love, light and peace.

Joy x

❤❤❤

Diary of a Vintage Trader: When Online Buyers Misbehave

2011-11-27T16:44:00.001Z

Image by Alex Drake Vintage

Happy weekend, my cupcakes!
I hope you've all been well. I've spent a lot of time deliberating on what to do next with my new website. But because it's less than a month before Christmas, I am absolutely sure I will not be able to achieve what I'd like. Hence, I've been spending my spare time "working" as an eBay trader to earn some dosh. For the past month, I have encountered a range of buyers: a stalker buyer, friend-of-a-celebrity buyer, commendable buyer, fellow Soundclouder buyer , and a couple of tyre-kickers; i.e. time-wasters.

I thought I'd share some tips for other vintage retailers on eBay and if you happen to be a buyer, I hope you can understand why I wrote this post.

Image via nashvillefashionblog.blogspot.com

The Good Seller
1. Accurate description is the core of your trade.
Make sure every single fault is mentioned if there are any. Do not be frugal when it comes to photos. I know eBay charges sellers for this but the photos will be your ultimate evidence to further support the narrative in your description. There are other internet tools you can use like Photobucket, GaragaSale, etc which displays extra large images. This will save you a few pennies from being charged by eBay for super-sized photos.

Image via Christies.com, Andy Warhol, Diamond Dust Shoes

2. Create a Fair Return Policy
I'm usually a trusting, Pollyanna kind of person. At first I thought this policy is only made by meticulous sellers. I was proved wrong!
Being an eBay Business Seller, at the start of trading, I've stated a "Returns Accepted within 7 Days" as per "Distance Selling Regulations". This entitles the buyer to return the item. But what do you do if the item was used within the said 7 days? If you're the seller, will you still accept returns? In the past when I had a retail shop, I've witnessed one girl trying to return a 1950s dress just because she changed her mind. On immediate inspection, the dress smelt of cigarette smoke and had a tiny lipstick smear. It was a Monday and she bought the dress on a Friday, just before closing time. Very convenient as it was the weekend and the dress could have been worn at a party. Well, that was just my theory but one doesn't have to be a forensic expert to confirm that. Bottom line is that the dress was not in the original condition as when purchased. That incident made me think there really are people who live in a bubble, even online shoppers —that it's OK to buy and pay and return because "the customer is always right".

For eBay traders, have no fear. eBay will back you up if you decide not to accept returns even if you've stated "Returns Accepted". Their customer support is available via live chat and in the UK, you can call them now on 0800 358 6551. I say that's a great leap for eBay and I'm very grateful to find out that sellers are also protected.

Image via dreamstime.com

3. Refund your buyer if you haven't described accurately and/or as per eBay's decision.
Life's going to be more complicated if you protest, especially if the buyer has blatantly won the case against you.
Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow. Selling is a business and losses should be factored in. You can always relist the item or you can claim any loss against your tax. It's not the end of the world.

4. Be vigilant.
Report any suspicious emails or offers you get from other traders especially if they have special requests like splitting your job lots or asking to change your delivery service from a Recorded Signed For to No Signature required. What, one would think, is the buyer aiming for an unsecured, untrackable item? Scary, dodgy stuff, indeed! At the end of the day, trust your instincts. Sometimes odd requests you get can be from honest traders too.

Image from Alex Drake Vintage eBay Shop

The Good Buyer

I believe in humanity's intrinsic goodness but we're all different.
1. If you're the type who likes to hunt for sellers offering a "No Quibbles Return Policy" so that you can wear items for an event only to return them thereafter, please think again. This is a distilled form of theft. You simply have wasted a seller's precious trading hours. Do you know it takes a few hours to list items on eBay? Once an item is sold or ended, eBay takes off commission and listing fees, etc. Engaging in an activity like this is taking the concept of shopping experience to a new level: the crass level. Remember: this is a form of dishonesty and sooner or later Karma will catch up. Believe me.
Independent shops and sellers depend on every sale to make a living. What makes me livid is the notion that just because one has a shop means one is "well-off".

2. If you discover your eBay purchase is not right, damaged, etc, take a few Zen breaths. I've been on that side and it's generally upsetting to receive something different from what you've paid for. Next, photograph and document the item, and promptly send your seller a calm eBay message informing them of the situation. Do not wait another day as the sooner you do this, the better the chances are that you'll be refunded. You do not want your seller to concoct some theory against your favour as to why it's taken you a few days to report the problem.
If you don't hear from the seller within 24 hours (unless they've specifically indicated they're on holidays/vacation), by all means contact customer support through a live chat or in the UK call 0800 358 6551 for advice. If it makes you feel better, open a case in the Resolution Centre but be sure to message your seller and state that you're opening a case against him/her. This is one thing that eBay customer support looks at. Possibly something to do with point system if they have to decide on who should win the case.

Image via alyiafarzana.blogspot.com

3. If you think your seller deserves a negative/neutral feedback, then do so. Do not be surprised though if eBay customer support remove your feedback. This is only for proven cases of Feedback Extortion. eBay now investigates negative/neutral feedback threats. If you've been telling your seller you will leave negative feedback unless seller gives you what you want, e.g. a refund, full/partial, you may find yourself in an utterly disappointing and confusing place.
There are of course dishonest sellers and it's very distressing to come across them. Try and be calm at all times and when you open a case against them, make sure your messages are quite intelligible, polite, and at all costs do not be hysterical. Again, eBay customer support has evolved immensely and if you have the correct evidence (photos and narrative) and you've kept it together, they will turn the case in your favour and a refund will be given.

I can't stress enough that earning a living through internet selling is truly challenging. Unlike being in a physical store where people can touch and feel and smell your items, your online buyers will need to be able to trust that what they're buying are exactly what they have in mind. A seller must be able to provide accurate information for buyers to purchase in your online shop.

Will I stop doing it? At this point, I'm still thinking of giving up nursing practice for good. I've only just started selling regularly on eBay and already have a 'tick list' on improvement for customer-satisfaction experience. There have been teething problems but nothing that a passionate vintage trader like myself can't sort out.

Best thing to remember is that no matter how careful you are in trading, there will always be negative people who will always find something wrong with everything. If you get a negative feedback and you've done everything right, do not despair. It's just the way it goes. Tomorrow is another day.

What are your experiences on eBay? Is Etsy a good site for vintage traders? Do you think it's right to return goods bought after a few days, with or without faults? Do you support independent traders?

Until then my dear friends.
Special thanks to my eBay buyers who are now my readers. Your custom has kept me off the streets :)

Ciao! Ciao!
Joy x

❤❤❤

Hoot-hoot Hooray!

2011-11-05T21:54:00.000Z

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

Sounds like you've all been busy. Me too. Sadly, not in our beloved blogosphere.

Just created a little den for my pooch to help him cope with fireworks noise tonight.

I'm also working on the website. Still.

Throw in a few household jobs and I can never seem to be on top of things.

I'm sure you're all having fun whatever you may be doing.

The other day as I was opening more surplus shop stock from our storage, bagfuls of costume jewelleries spilt onto the floor and out came this little owl brooch from my 1950s collection, leading to this little post.

Alex Drake Vintage Shop, 1950s Original Owl Brooch

Large pearl, diamante, emerald and gold — they're what every stylish girl wants. Or not. It certainly looks fab on anyone's clothes.

Image from thebutterflypapers.blogspot.com

1920s flapper-influenced costume. I bet this is great in the flesh! Roll on Christmas parties.

Image from lookbook.nu/Pax I.

I love Pax's ensemble and this owl bag certainly completes her look.

Image via I'mfeelingnail-venturous.blogspot.com

This little blue owl money bank looks so cute I could eat it up. Look at those googly eyes!
('You talkin' to me?)

Image via Etsy/Black Baroque Shop

Retails at $10 on Etsy via Black Baroque. I say, what a snip! Perfect little Christmas present, don't you think?

Image via textisles.com

Look at the sweater closely. Can you see the buttons? What a lovely way to complete knitted owl details. When I came across this photo my broody tendencies suddenly resurfaced. Beautiful baby. Beautiful sweater. Hmmm...maybe another baby next year? We shall see. This knitwear is called Owlet and pattern available for purchase from Textisles.com. They also have an adult version. Get knitting!

River Island Vest

Buy stuff when you want and you can. This tasty little number is not available online anymore. I doubt if they're still in the shops. I could be wrong.

Image via Interactive 2010 Journalism/vintage owl pendants

“Costume is a wonderful alternative because
you can get the same look without the investment.

After all, jewelry should be about enjoyment – not about being preoccupied.”

These are the words of vintage jewellery dealer H. Deirdre Geary of De Jewels (at the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show) quoted from a post called Vintage Voyage on Interactive Journalism 2010. Wise words, indeed.

Image via Topshop

Fringe is still in, vintage still trendy and figural costume jewellery is still on the rise. Get thriftin' peeps. There are so many variations that are available for less in your favourite charity shops, flea markets and jumble sales.

Image via Lisa Jones Studio

Take a tiny step towards caring for our planet.
This tea towel is one ethical product. It's printed on 100% organic fair trade cotton. What gorgeous graphics too!

A nice little item to end this post. What a gorgeous brolly holder. I want one.

How about you? Any feathered friends in your home?

Have a great weekend my lovelies.
Ciao! Ciao!

Joy x

❤❤❤

IFB Weekly Round-up October 27th

2011-10-30T16:48:00.000Z

Happy Sunday, my darlings!
I hope you're all having a restful weekend.
Please read the other 19 blogs as chosen by the lovely Fajr of Stylish Thought (thanks so much for including me, Fajr!).

Ciao! Ciao!
Joy x

Still Evolving

Edited by: Fajr Muhammad of Stylish Thought

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: OCTOBER 27TH

I love how multi-faceted fashion blogging has become. In the beginning it was mostly celebrity style driven but has evolved to include everything from personal style, social commentary, fun fashion trends and high fashion! While blogging is becoming a staple of our everyday world, fashion blogging is continuing to push the envelope.
Fashion is converging into lifestyle and we are defining the medium and what it means to be a fashion blogger. Check out the diverse links this week that our pushing our craft to new places.

Alex Drake Vintage: Vintage Photography Inspiration
Being Zhenya: Friday DIY
Beyond Fabric: Urban Menswear Myth #3
Brunette Blogging: The Blogger and the Brand
Cadence and Clementine: A Cut Above the Rest
Consider Me Lovely: Defying Expectations
Consumerism Killed My Soul: Arguing for Barbie
Ethical Fashion Blog: Ethical Fashion Conundrums
Fashion Dynamite: Soft Dressing
Fashion Tales: Game Art
Love at First Blush: In Her Closet- Print Designer
Oranges and Apples: Workwear, Women & Aging
Practically Spoiled: Closet Challenge- Lace and Lines
Shrimp Salad Circus: How to Day- Piano Clutch
Simply Frabulous: Spend or Save- Low Price High Style
Snapshot Fashion: Fashion Icons We Grew Up with
Style. Love. Repeat: The Printed Blouse
Stylish Thought: 33 Tips on Finding your Passion Today
The Chic Sheet: The New Geometrics
What 2 Wear Where: Day of the Dead Hulaween

SPONSOR:
New Jackets at Shopbop: Opening Ceremony, Add Down, RED Valentino, RLX Ralph Lauren, Mackage, Jen Kao, Vena Cava, Doma, Winter Kate, Halston Heritage, Veda, Gryphon, & Ella Moss.
PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

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Vintage Photography: Inspirations for an Online Boutique

2011-10-20T14:02:00.002+01:00

Image via Alex Beadon Photography

This post is part of IFB's Links à la Mode: Weekly Round-up

Happy Thursday, my darlings!
As I've been trying to organise my vintage clothing site, I've been looking at some vintage photographs created by some wonderful and talented people I've come across on the net.

Please enjoy them....

I hope to reveal the revitalised website soon.

Joy xx

Image via David Long/Flickr

Look at Anita's shoes! Fierce or what?!

Image via Alex Beadon Photography

I love this shot and the dress. There may be a few dresses on my studio rail that certainly look like this. I'm really excited to share my collection with you...sharpish!

Image via Jessica D/Chictopia

This clever photograph is oozing with patriotic cool — if there's such a term. Check out Jessica's fab blog on Lullablog.net. You won't be disappointed!

Image via Andrea Rose/Flickr

This photo is just soothing to look at. Andrea's friend Racheal is a beautiful subject and that lovely mustard coat is just divine!
Travel in style. Have an old suitcase. And yes, don't forget your cuddly friend to warm up your lap.

Image from Lena Hoschek Postcard collections

Austrian label Lena Hoschek has been busy with showing at Berlin Fashion Week and selling online goodies. Check out her collections.

And that's it my lovelies. I hope you're all having fun.
I promise to post regularly.

Ciao! Ciao!

❤❤❤

Links à La Mode: 20 Best Posts of the Week

2011-10-09T17:52:00.000+01:00

Hey lovelies! Hope you're having a great weekend.

Please take a moment to read the other posts from 19 other excellent Independent Fashion Bloggers. They are quality posts and I'm lucky to be chosen for the second time this year, just when I wasn't expecting it. Special thanks to Taylor Davies of Shutupilovethat for including me in the round-up.

Enjoy...

International Intrigue

Edited by Taylor Davies

This weeks selections for Links a la Mode take us all around the globe and back again. From vintage shopping in Paris and Istanbul to picking the best from fashion weeks abroad, our community is buzzing with news and thoughts from overseas.
Of course we couldn't leave out some more local stories entirely, so we've sprinkled in a selection of fall inspirations from som American bloggers; from menswear to DIY projects to some ethical debates in advertising and journalism.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: OCTOBER 6TH

Alex Drake Vintage: Autumn 2011
Aqui: DIY Fabric Necklace
Being Zhenya: Thrifting for Treasure
Beyond Fabric: On Head wear
Cadence & Clementine: Contradicting Collaborations
Can Ya Heel Me?: Ethics in Blogging: A Philadelphia Fashion Week Controversy
Cosmolawlitan: Reebok’s Toning Shoes Do Not Tone As Advertised
Dress Code: High Fashion: Louis Vuitton Exhibition at La Trienalle, Milano
Little Miss Make-up: Best Mascara 2011
Midwest Mayhem: Sweater Girls
Miss Viki: 25 Hours Hotel: Vienna is a Circus
My Fashion Lust List: Budapest Design Week
Naked Glory: Guide to Vintage Shopping in Paris
Oranges & Apples: How to Pack for a Long Trip in a Hot Country
Overseeing Fashion: Shopping in Istanbul
Pretty Innovative: ASOS Ramps Up Global Fashion Marketing
Simply Frabulous: Milano Fashion Week: Time For Elegance
Susu Paris Chic: Lady Shapes
Tomorrow At Dawn: Schoolgirl Style
The Red Dot: Paris Fashion Week Street Style Part 1

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

SPONSOR:
New Boots at Shopbop: Jill Sander, Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, KORS, Ash,Costume National, Hunter Boots, Sorels, Frye, Kelsi Dagger, Juicy Couture, Minnetonka, NDC, Coclico, Vera Wang, & Joie.

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Charity Shop Swap

2011-10-04T18:13:00.003+01:00

This post is four months late due to logistical limitations. I sincerely apologise to Lakota who organised this wonderful swap that you always see on my sidebar since the summer, and to my swap partner Jo of Vintage Loving Librarian in 6 inch Heels, for coming up with this just now.

My items were waiting for me in England whilst I was living in Italy. And now that we're back, I finally have this post.

So here you go, ladies and gents.

I received a lovely 1960s tea set, a knitted tea cosy, a pair of vintage pearl clip earrings, a 1960s apron, a very useful 1960s sugar shaker and a CD of my now-favourite singer from The Netherlands, Caro Emerald.

Since then, here's what I've done with them so far:

Top photo of Hotel Tatin via frogmom.com; Secret to a good tarte tatin: Cast iron skillet

❤ Thanks to my new apron, our kitchen's been busier with moi creating stuff. My favourite dessert is a speciality from the famous Tatin Sisters of Sologne, France called Tarte Tatin (Upside down apple tart).

Here's the recipe from France, The Beautiful Cookbook:

3 0z (90g) soft butter

1/3 cup (3 oz/90g) sugar

3 lb (1.5 kg) Golden Delicious or pippin apples or pears if you fancy

1 roll puff pastry (this is my replacement for 250g sweet pastry)

❶ Preheat oven to 425 F (215 C). Grease a 9-in (24cm) cake pan, or in my case, a cast iron skillet, with 2/3 of the butter, then sprinkle over 2/3 of the sugar.

Cut the apples (or pears) in two, peel and core them, and arrange halves upright, tightly packed in the pan or cast iron skillet. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and the butter which has been cut into small pieces.

Place the pan/skillet over medium heat and cook for 20 minutes until a light caramel forms on the bottom.

❷ Transfer the pan/skillet to the oven and bake for 5 minutes to cook the top surface. Remove from oven.

❸ Roll out the puff pastry. Place over the pan/skillet and pass rolling pin around the edge to remove overhanging pastry. The dough will sink down the sides of the pan/skillet onto the top of the apples.

❹ Put pan/skillet back into the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until pastry is well browned.

❺ Invert tart onto a serving plate and serve at once. Caution: there will be liquid in the pan so be very careful you don't get burnt.

Eat and think of me as I love this tarte!

❤ Caro Emerald CD

My fingers are quite calloused now from strumming my poor, old guitar since listening to Caro Emerald's music. I've been trawling Youtube to look at some of her videos and it's highly satisfying to see incredibly talented musicians like her. Her band has it all — vintage wardrobe, great voice, excellent double-bass player, wonderful guitar player, a DJ, and other sessionists like trumpet, sax and clarinet players. I am her newest fan and I shall be for quite a long time. I hope you agree. You'd have heard her voice on Martini adverts in Europe for those of you who think she's familiar.

I love this acoustic version of her Back it Up.

❤ Sugar shaker, tea cosy and tea set are being used.
❤ Pearl earrings reserved for a special occasion.

So, thanks so much to Jo once again.
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Have a great day whatever it is you're doing today.

Baci,
Joy x

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Autumn 2011

2011-09-29T14:41:00.001+01:00

This post is part of Links à Mode: IFB Weekly Round-up

Happy Thursday, dear friends!

Everyone enjoying the 'heat wave' in good, old Blighty?

It's been a few marvellous days and I must say it's been great setting up home and tidying up the garden considering it's October in two days!

I've been reorganising my vintage clothing site and I hope to share it with you soon. Apart from that, I've been looking at photographs of Milan Fashion Week SS12 and it's been a fun-themed show. And as you probably already know, vintage is still on trend. I'll talk about it soon.

In the meantime, hope you like my inspirations.

Have a great weekend.

Baci,

Joy x

Image from footluxe.com

Love Burberry Prorsum's hues for Autumn 2011. As most of you will know, I can't bear monochrome palettes. I believe bright colours make the world a cheerful place. But that's just me.

Image via digitalartistdaily.com

Oh wait...I think Pantone agrees.

Image via frenchicandshabby.com

I couldn't resist including this photo. It should be a spring photo but there's no stopping anyone to use these lovely lanterns in the garden whilst catching the last warm days of autumn － especially this week in Britain. The lanterns seem to have Pantone's colours too.


Image via deardesigner.co.uk

Lay your softest rug on the front room floor. Put the fire on if you have one. Snuggle up on the sofa with your favourite blanket; reach out for your warm apple and cider drink on your side table whilst you read a book...

Life is good.

Image via sublackwell.co.uk

This book sculpture by Su Blackwell reminds me of a clear autumn night when you're just about to go inside a country house.

I love Su's art. She's the most prolific and leading paper sculptor in Britain and last year collaborated with Nicole Fahri. See the link here. For my friends in the US, you'd have seen her work on the Beringer 'Vineyard' advert in 2007.

Image via weheartit.com

Remember the fireflies in your back garden when you were young? For those who haven't seen them at all, fairy lights carefully placed inside a glass jar or old demijohn is close enough to the real thing. Prepare to be mesmerised...

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Is London Fashion Week Poor?

2011-09-20T14:46:00.000+01:00

LFW SS12 From L-R: 1&2 Matthew Williamson; 3&4 Julien Macdonald; Photos via London Fashion Week

Hello my darlings! How's everybody?
Apologies for the 2-week silence. Now that we've moved back to England and that the Internet is back just 5-minutes ago, we're back to business. Thanks to all your messages of concern. Nothing untoward has happened. Just moved house 1,200 miles away and waited for Internet connection for a few days. I am really touched by your kindness.

Today is the last day of Women's Wear at the London Fashion Week (LFW) SS12 and there has been wonderful shows. As most of you would’ve seen live presentation or live streams, I won’t be talking about them.
I did receive an invite for Day 1’s Orla Kiely show but due to domestic constraints, I couldn’t come. So where’s this post leading to?
The other day, I happened to read a week-old article in the Guardian which talked about top models avoiding the London show due to poor pay. Worse, this morning, there is another related piece on the Telegraph (both articles below). Let me share what I think of it.

As most of you will know, I've only been fashion blogging since May this year. I love the process of gaining new knowledge on just about anything interesting. I'm just beginning to understand stuff about the fashion industry.

So let me continue.
A couple of months ago, when the unconfirmed details of designers showing at LFW were released, I had a quick look and made me ask "where are the well-known luxury brands?". Then I tried reading some more to find out if it's in fact traditional for bigger brands not to show in London.

There are two things I've recently found out: One, that LFW is known for its distinctively creative shows and new designers come to showcase. Two, big brands still prefer to show in Paris, New York and Milan. This begs another question: What's wrong with London? If top models are unhappy with their pay and the logistics of getting to London whilst trying to get cast for Milan (Milan show starts soon after London show ends), then it means something’s not right.

Some observers pointed out that if companies like Topshop and Tesco are major sponsors, then LFW gives off an impression that the event is not haute fashion. But then someone needs to sponsor a big event like this.

Mary Katrantzou SS12 at LFW today via Glam.co.uk

I don't personally know anyone working in the British Fashion Council (BFC) but I do know the organisation exists as an advocate of new and established British designers. I trust that they are diligently fulfilling their duties. It’s not an easy job and as British supporters we should also do our part to promote and spread the word about LFW’s unique, unconventional and fresh home-grown designers. Maybe then we’ll be at par with Paris, New York, and Milan. Then again, maybe we do not need to be at par with anyone. Maybe we just need to be different, to be truly great at what we do. It's comforting to know that several well-known designers have all studied in the UK's Central St. Martins College. Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, Jenny Packham, Katherine Hamnett, Matthew Williamson, Bruce Oldfield, Riccardo Tisci, Mary Katrantzou are among a few of these big names.

How about you? What do you think of London Fashion Week? Do you agree that LFW is better or worse than Paris, New York and Milan shows? Is London being 'bullied' by the other three shows?

Read the Guardian article here and quite a controversial piece from Fashion Telegraph here.

Hope you're all well.

It's great to be back!

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Model of the month: Ros Georgiou for Gorgeous

2011-08-25T16:08:00.000+01:00

Meet 17 year-old Rosanna 'Ros' Georgiou.

She started modelling in October 2010 and got a few 'double-takes' in Paris Fashion Week 2011.

“Quando l’arte diventa vita la vita diventa poesia!”

When art becomes life, life becomes poetry.

— Gabriel Caruana, Italian artist

She is simply stunning. A true representation of poetry in motion. Blessed with an unusual facial structure and an adorable freckled skin, she's already been 'judged' by people who know models and modelling. They say she's not versatile, but not boring, and some seemingly have a clear idea already of who she is and what she can do.

I say she's young and with a mother who is also a model, her natural abilities are in her genes so all we have to do is watch her cruise to stardom. I believe she will be a top model soon. Her looks are reminiscent of '90s Guess and Calvin Klein campaigns. I think she pulls-off the 'hipster/rock chick look' and haute fashion. But that's just my personal view.

Here are some photos I found for you....Hope you like them.

So what do you think of our newcomer?

Bacissimi,

Joy x

Photo credits:

Vogue Italia

Fashion Spot

Supermodels.nl

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Why music is important for runways... and some free tracks

2011-08-23T22:38:00.001+01:00

Tsumori Chisato Fall 2011, Paris FW, Image via busk.com

Hi everybody!
Is it just me or is everyone brimming with excitement each day for the London Fashion Week and the London IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) conference?

In the meantime, I've been tripping on Soundcloud and found these tunes for all you fans of the runway.

Music is an indispensable part of any collection during a fashion show. If clothes are the heart of any collection, then music is the soul. When the models are released on the catwalk wearing the designer's creations, the music accompanying their movements is critical. It can swing the collection either way － it can boost the desirability of the collection, or kill it and relegate it to the concept bin.

I hope you like my hand-picked selection. The artists that I've chosen are absolutely talented, and if you like music, put your dancing shoes on right this minute. It all begins with a shimmy....

Enjoy...

PS. Let me know what your favourite runway tunes are. I'd like to think there are lots of you who can't live a day without listening to music.

Joy xx

Issey Miyake, Fall 2011, Paris fashion week, Image via busk.com

For maximum pleasure, I recommend leaving this page on (if you're working or browsing) so you can carry on listening to these delightful tunes.

❤ Laurent Garnier

Laurent Garnier - Wake Up by laurent garnier

❤ Adam Beyer
Adam Beyer - Simple Maze by Drumcode

❤ John Tejada
John Tejada "Subdivided" (from the new album "Parabolas") by Kompakt

❤ Röyksopp
Röyksopp - This Space by grayleaves

❤ Scottie B uk
Scottie B - Drama by ScottieBuk

❤ Drum & Bass World Records
Drum and Bass - DETAIL - Living In Liquid Harmony by Drum & Bass World Records

❤ Oni Ayhun
Oni Ayhun - OAR003-B by electralina

❤ Killing Joke's Asteroid (track by Scott D Thompson)
Try and listen to Killing Joke here to feel the full effect of 'an army of drummers'
Dave Grohl did the post-production drums for this phenomenal band!
Scott D Thompson Asteroid by Scott D Thompson

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10 Things I like about the 1990s

2011-08-18T22:40:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone!
Hope your week's going great so far.
This week, I'm back to the world of blogging and today I'm continuing my '10 Things I like' series.

The '90s feel like only yesterday, yet they began twenty-one interesting years ago. For fashion, this fascinating decade seems never to have ended.

Kate Moss & Johnny Depp in the '90s, Image via fashiongrunge.com

1. Fashion (con)fusion
After the garish fashion trends of the '80s and the residual glamorous, seductress look, there was an urge to tone things down. This resulted in the first wave of eclectic trends. Retro, grunge, preppy, goth and everything else in between seemed to be going off all at the same time in the early '90s. Clearly, consumers started to use their own styling skills rather than wait for the next fashion trend. We saw a lot of 'reverse influence' – when street style appeared in high fashion collections. The book Fashion Since 1900 states that Dolce & Gabbana showed Hippie, Karl Lagerfield for Chanel used B-Boy and Surf, Rifat Ozbek had Rasta, while Jean-Paul Gautier focused on ethnic-subcultural styles.

Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista for Anna Sui, 1994; Image from blogs.sun-sentinel.com

Dominant colourways of the early '90s were coral, hot pink, and turquoise. Later on, The Gap and Banana Republic popularised black, white and khaki. Flannels were in and jeans were a staple of most wardrobes. Come 1998 to 1999, fashion houses used ultra-luxurious materials like super-fine suede, leather, fur, tweeds, exotic feathers and hand-felted wool.

In my previous post Soleful Monday, my shoe designer friend explained that the economic recession of the '80s resulted in higher heels — a projection of denial from financial worries. Historically, heels were associated with wealth and rank; in modern times shoes with higher heels have remained a signifier of wealth, although this is decreasingly true nowadays.
A major feature of the 1990s was financial recovery in the developed world. High-income countries were enjoying affluence, and fashion seemed to relax – becoming more casual and eclectic. Ladies were happy to wear flats and chunky boots.

Image via Felipe Gcomweb40.com

2. Doc Martens and the fat, chunky ones
DMs, trekking boots, and any kind of boots were favourite footwear. Women paired them with floral dresses, jeans or shorts, to go galavanting with friends or on dates.

Lulu Guinness 2011, Image via Retrotogo.com

3. The rise of handbags

Towards the end of the decade, accessories gained momentum and fashion houses focused on the all-important and lucrative handbag as the ultimate accessory. Handbag designers like American Judith Leiber and British Lulu Guinness hit a roll. As glitteratis were photographed everywhere clutching handbags, demand skyrocketed.

4. TV series
Right. This is a bit tricky as I like most of the '90s television serials. My best four are as follows:

❤ Friends became the most popular sitcom because it was funny and everyone can relate to the intimacy of friendship as a universal language. Jennifer Aniston also started the "The Rachel" hair phenomenon. Girls would copy her hair style. This solidified Aniston as an icon of 1990s sitcom and she hasn't left the pages of celebrity magazines since.

❤ Dawson's Creek was the first teen drama which highlighted music as an integral part of the show. I remember waiting, wondering what song will be featured at the end of each episode. The singer or band were also usually up-and-coming artists, which made me admire the series more.

❤ The original Beverly Hills 90210 aired first in October 1990. It featured beautiful, wealthy, troubled teenagers living their lives in a fictional upscale community. All viewers had a crush on most of the beautiful characters and people loved the idea of spying on how residents of Beverly Hills 'live their lives'.

❤ Northern Exposure was my all-time favourite. With its unique combination of poetic comedy and drama, clever story lines and great actors, it was indeed an intelligent TV show. I'll never forget the day I first saw John Corbett and the way he played his part — an unassuming gorgeous DJ in the deepest, coldest Cicely, Alaska. I'm surprised the place didn't melt.

Image from movieposter.com

5. Nirvana

Every decade has its distinctive sound as fashion has its distinctive look.
To say that Nirvana, a band from Seattle, was the last best band of the 20th century is an understatement. Regardless of the controversy that it copied the opening riff of "Come as You Are" from UK's Killing Joke, which, in turn, is said to have copied from The Damned, Nirvana successfully became the premier ambassador of grunge music and fashion. Listening to its Nevermind album opened several layers of delicious tunes for me.

Grunge fashion was further supported by Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs.

Image from nypost.com

6. Alexander McQueen

Dubbed as "l'enfant terrible" of British fashion due to his unconventional designs and theatrical runways, he was awarded British Designer in 1996 and 1997. His designs were easily recognisable because they broke the mould. Lisa Armstrong of the Times Online summed it up perfectly — "It was not just the props and the models that provided the frisson...showers of live moths; amputees; walking on water; a woman reclining in a vast glass box, almost swallowed up by her rolls of fat and naked apart from her elaborate breathing apparatus; the model Shalmom Harlow being spray-painted by a machine in Jackson Pollock style".

He was credited for the return of low-rise jeans or "bumsters". He never stopped concocting new designs until his death in 2010.

Keanu Reeves, The Matrix (1999); Image via fanpop.com

7. The Matrix
The film that changed movies forever. The action sequence of Keanu Reeves bending backwards to dodge bullets in slow-motion and characters floating and walking on walls, since then, have been the standard of achievement of many good movies in the 21st century. One of the highlights for me was hearing Massive Attack's "Dissolved Girl" quietly playing in Keanu's headphones whilst he was asleep on his desk.

Image from kingygraphicdesignhistory.blogspot.com

8. Nokia phones

We can thank the Finnish company Nokia, for revolutionising phones and digital communication. I remember going through three different mobile phones, trying to have something 'cool' – settling with the 3210. It was the first handset which looked streamlined, thanks to its hidden antenna; it had a bigger screen for text messaging, and a composer function, where you could create your own tunes. I remember creating the X-Men animation's theme tune and thought it was a pretty cool phone.

Without Nokia, there won't be iPhones.

Image from Retail-Guru.com

9. Ebay

The world's first-ever internet marketplace reinforced globalisation — anywhere in the world, one could suddenly purchase commodities locally or internationally. It may have caused auction houses to lose business but it gave untold opportunities to work at home and sell on-line. It also paved the way for on-line shopping.
Without Ebay, there won't be Etsy.

Image from Wikipedia.org

10. Google

Microsoft's Hotmail may have rocked the world in 1996 as the first free web-based email service, but Google, which officially launched in 1998 as a result of a research project two years before, became 'dot.com's' search engine authority.

Remember the thrill of 'googling' your crush on the internet? Year after year, it has gone from strength to strength and so we're currently enjoying the maturation of the digital age. These days, there is little that we don't Google.

So what are your memories of the 1990s? Was it a good decade for you? Are you a '90s fan? What don't you like about the decade?

Thanks for reading.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

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Source:

Wikipedia.org

More to read:

"10 Things I like about the 1980s"
"10 Things I like about the 1970s"
"10 Things I love about the 1960s"
"10 Things I like about the 1950s"

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I love You with My Beating Heart

2011-08-15T14:38:00.000+01:00

Image via noupe.com

How are my lovely friends doing?

Hope you all had a great weekend. It's great to be back after last week's unrest in our English cities. The future is always uncertain but life goes on.

So here are my Monday inspirations.

Hope you like them.

Image via favim.com

When my daughter was three, I said: "May you find true love. That is my greatest wish."

Yesterday, I asked her: "what's my greatest wish for you, Olivia?"

She said: "true love".

Image by Nymphont via deviantart.com

Love is multi-dimensional.

Image by Jeffrey via deviantart.com

Love and lust intertwined.

Image via vickyautumn on weheartit.com

My husband brings me coffee on my sidetable every morning

from the first day we shared our love nest.

Tomorrow, I'll make coffee and bring this toast to him.

Paper Illustration by Yulia Brodskaya via illusion.scene360.com

Paper art is one of the most difficult medium in art and design.

It requires the steady hand of a surgeon.

Marian Bantjes for Saks Fifth Avenue; (I found my name inside this heart!)

Another stunning art from Canadian Marian Bantjes.

Did you find all the words?

Visit her site. You won't be disappointed.

Image via sayingimages.com

Today is Italy's Ferragosto － a national holiday to celebrate the end of hard labour in the fields.

Last night, we watched their impressive fireworks from the marina.

Since my camera was playing up, I found this photo instead.

Paper Illustration by Yulia Brodskaya via illusion.scene360.com

Love is a magical feeling.

Sans toi, les émotions d'aujourd'hui ne seraient que la peau

morte des émotions d'autrefois.

Without you, today's emotions would be the scurf of yesterday's.

－Hipolito (Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, 2001)

Image via someprints.com

Love's infinity is a mystery that will never be solved.

Why would anyone want to?

Image via With Love & Such/tumblr

True love leads to eternal happiness.

Life is short but always sweeter when lived in love.

I hope that everyone's still in love.

For those seeking: "don't give up until you drink from the silver cup".

All my love,

Joy x

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A black arm band for London Riots

2011-08-09T17:40:00.001+01:00

Do not forget the lives lost of those who fought so that peace may be restored.

Our lives begin to end
the minute we become silent
about things that matter.
- Martin Luther King

My dear friends, as much as I'd like to carry on with my life, a few thousand miles away from the place I call home, England is currently in deep trouble.

The London Riots which started as a peaceful protest for a man shot by the police a couple of days ago are now simply full-blown. Utter chaos and random looting are sweeping across cities of Britain. And whilst the mobs destroy innocent lives and buildings, police, fire and emergency services are working overtime to contain this nonsense violence. I've just watched a video of a young man nursing a nose-bleed when another man approached him, purportedly to help, then opened the injured's rucksack and helped himself with the contents. Absolutely disgusting.

I'm all for demonstrations and all that (I was young once) but I prefer peaceful ones and to set fire on other people's small businesses and steal their properties in these economically hard times is a complete disrespect for human rights. End of.

Having a retail shop doesn't mean the owner is rich.

It's disappointing to realise that Britain and the Commonwealth's triumph during the two World Wars has now gone to waste. We're supposed to be acknowledging courageous efforts of both surviving and fallen civilians and soldiers when they fought to stop tyranny so that the future generations may have democracy, peace and wealth. And now, we're in complete decline.

As much as I'd like to pretend everything is OK, I can't ignore this unrest. As my protest against the senseless riots, I'm taking a few days off blogging and I'm hoping that this horrendous situation that's gripping the country will soon be resolved.

Keep safe, everyone.

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Photo: Flickr by Michele Catania

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Eye Scandi

2011-08-06T12:00:00.002+01:00

Art + Design = Scandi sweetness

Happy Saturday, everyone!

For quite sometime I used to buy and sell mid-20th century furniture. About four years ago, I realised vintage design has finally gone viral. I knew then it was truly thriving and will do so for a long time. I hope.

Amongst my collection, Scandinavian pieces are always popular, just after Americana. I believe it's because they are organic, useful, and radiates unparalleled elegance and simplicity.

Kathryn Tyler's kitchen

❤ Furniture

Last week, I sent an email to Kathryn Tyler, a young interior designer whose Falmouth home was featured a year ago on Channel 4's Grand Designs. Originally, I was going to ask her a few questions as part of my blog Q & A. She replied to my email immediately but politely declined because she's been constantly subjected to similar things, presumably as an aftermath of her TV appearance. Nonetheless, she was happy for me to have her home photos shown here.

Kathryn's Corkellis House

Kathryn's house — which she designed herself and project-managed — exudes magnificent sense of space, fluidity, and freshness. Thanks to her understated aesthetic ideals and her choice of Scandinavian furniture.

Sweden's Acne Resort Collection 2012 via blogg.flingly.com

❤ Clothing

When it comes to fashion, Scandinavian designs are now getting more noticed. With their history of producing high-quality textiles, it's no surprise that the next logical step is to create clothing designs that are well-researched, well-constructed as influenced by their love of architecture, and are affordable.


Finnish brand Marimekko SS11 via 2pintaa.com

Marimekko has been one of the leading textile companies since the 1950s in Europe and now that vintage is back, they're stronger than ever. Spots, stripes, and big flowery pot prints are their trademark and they've never stopped re-inventing them.

Image from Vogue.it, Black Noir, Henrik Vibskov, Moonspoon Saloon, Peter Jensen, Vilsbøl de Arce, Wood Wood

From furniture to clothes, Scandinavian design is true to its roots － minimalistic yet sophisticated, luxurious yet functional, and ethical (as in not a 'rip-off' like most fashion brands we see globally).

I personally would wear any Scandinavian clothing, anytime.

How about you, any thoughts on Scandinavian designs? Are you a proud owner of their clothing lines or using their furniture in your lovely home? I'd love to hear from you.

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Credit:

Jobingco.com for Kathryn Tyler's house

Linea-Studio.co.uk Kathryn's design studio

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Summer 2011: Why Nautical is Here to Stay

2011-07-29T23:51:00.001+01:00

YSL Resort 2012, Image from Clothingbrands24.com

Ahoy there, my hearties!
Hope your Friday is smooth-sailing.

A good friend recently asked if I still sell nautical-themed items. She said she remembered the sailor shift dresses and red anchor cushions in my Leeds and Harrogate shops. It triggered happy memories for they were my best-selling stock in 2008- 2009. This reminiscence prompted her to ask why the nautical/sailor theme is still going.

Research yielded the following reasons:

❤ Support for the Royal Navy

The Victorians and Edwardians were heartily supportive of the Royal Navy, which would travel to new undiscovered nations to extend the Empire.
In 1846, 5-year-old Prince Albert (who would later become Edward VII) wore a custom-made sailor suit for use aboard the Royal yacht. He looked adorable and so started an unprecedented trend for the children of the middle and upper classes. The Edwardian era — also called 'The Age of Opulence' — was emblematised by the leisurely pastimes of affluent people. These included yachting, bathing and promenading. Railway, tram and bus services developed, many of which aimed at transporting the masses to seaside resorts. There was even a charitable organisation in London which organised trips to the beach for the poor. The sailor look never left the fashion scene.

Image from Wkipedia of Prince Albert

❤ Coco Chanel

In 1917, Coco Chanel took inspiration from Breton fishermen wearing stripy shirts. She was visiting Brittany at the time. Her relationship with the Duke of Westminster from the 1920s to 1930 brought her into frequent contact with the yachting fraternity. Since then, the loose trousers and stripy shirt has become Chanel's trademark look.

Kenzo 2006 Nautical Collection

❤ YSL, Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood & Adam Ant

Yves Saint Laurent introduced a naval collar and reefer jacket in his catwalk show of 1962.
Later, Paris-based Kenzo adapted the reefer jacket in the late 1970s and in 2006, Kenzo's catwalk under Antonio Marra made a sensational comeback. In 1980s England, Vivienne Westwood created the pirate look and English musician Adam Ant wore naval-inspired costumes.


Adam Ant via adam-ant.net

❤ That breezy, care-free feeling

The nautical look never came from high fashion. Its roots were adapted by fashion houses simply because of the assured calm and lightness that it evokes. And from a business of point of view, translating it to daily wear for ordinary folks like us has never been easier because there's not much to modify. People simply love the nautical look because it projects the ambience of relaxing seaside holidays. And who doesn't want to be on the beach?

Summer 2011 Photoshop by yours truly. View my Spring 2011 here.

How about you? Are you feeling sea-sick that nautical is still on trend?

Love it? Loathe it? I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for reading!

Vintage Dress (sold), Ms Zinski on Etsy

Scarf, scarfworld.com

Bedroom, squidoo.com

Chanel bag, littlekyan.blogspot.com

Red aviators, 10dollarmall.com

Shoe, shoeperwoman.com

Cushions, homesandbargains.co.uk

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References:
Wikipedia.co.uk
edwardianpromenade.com
dailymail.co.uk

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Hot Stuff

2011-07-27T01:52:00.005+01:00

Hello my lovelies!

I hope everyone's enjoying the heat. Time flies and soon it will be autumn so I'm hoping you're all having fun.

This post is for IFB Project no. 6.

I hope you like it.

With apologies to surfer and artist John Van Hamersveld, the original creator of The Endless Summer movie poster

❤ No surf? No problem.

All the resorts are packed with tourists wanting to bake themselves tan. Bars and cafés are full. So, I was on the cycle path with my daughter — she documenting our little escapade with an old digicam, I yelling "go! go! go!" — praising her elegant balance on her board and her remarkable fearlessness.

Eyewear Headworx, Board Sector 9, Bambi Shirt ASOS, Denim Alex Drake Vintage, Canvas Shoes Alex Drake Vintage

Photos by Olivia, 6 years old

❤ Dawn swim? Well, not quite.

Getting ready to get in the water before the throng of grockles arrive.

You wont be in anybody's way, and you can practice your solo synchronised swimming techniques (yes apparently there is such a thing as solo synchronised swimming).

❤ Gelato: The ultimate refreshment

We have a few more weeks before we go back to our beloved old Blighty so I'm mostly soaking up the heat.

How about you? How's your summer going so far? Any stunning photos to share?
Thanks for reading and do keep in touch!

Joy x

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Photo credits:

The Creative Path Blog

Unforgettable Visual Treats

2011-07-22T18:51:00.001+01:00

How's it going, my creative readers?

Here are some astounding adverts and typography I've come across whilst waiting for some inspiration to zap my brain into writing mode.
Enjoy...

Snail mail, anyone? I miss that familiar thrill of surprise and anticipation that comes with everything in the post. Remember IYS (International Youth Service)? Happy memories.

Do it for yourself, not for anybody else. Need I say more?

I'd like to think it's nice to have both, especially if you're a guy.

Speed kills, indeed.

For those considering a degree.

How clever is this?

My favorite typography so far.

For that fruitful weekend.

Nurture our one and only planet.

And don't we know it.

Blogging is a tool to share one's creativity and unique voice

in order to help create a more interesting world.

Stop that "my-fashion-blog-is-better-than-yours-so-I-won't-follow-you" already.

Now is the time to communicate, collaborate and celebrate

21st century media.

Won't you join me?

Thanks for reading.

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Photo credits:

hongkiat.com

noupe.com

In the Hood

2011-07-19T14:08:00.030+01:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  

This is my contribution for the IFB Project no. 5 - finding inspiration in one's neighbourhood, which is now included in the round-up. Thanks for all your wonderful feedback.

“Your next-door neighbour is not a man; he is an environment. He is the barking of a dog; he is the noise of a pianola; he is a dispute about a party wall; he is drains that are worse than yours, or roses that are better than yours.”

- GK Chesterton

The beach beckons... let go of everything. Quietude, repose — all in the balmy breeze. Breathe in...

This is where dreams are made... believe and they'll come true.

We are all surrounded with good things.

Happiness is evident everywhere... even in little things.

Spread the word... let's all link in and share the love.
Keep in touch.

These are our exceptional neighbours Ippocampo and La Bussola. Once, my husband broke our only bottle of wine for dinner. Shops were shut in the night, so I headed down to Ippocampo and came out with an unopened Vino Frizzante. Last week, we ran out of milk, again, in the night. I went to La Bussola and having told them of our problem, the owner sent me home with a carton of milk. Both neighbours refused to take my payment. Perhaps to get rid of me. Nevertheless, I feel I've integrated into the usually insular Italian community where we're currently based. Being friendly usually helps. I guess they like that I try so hard to converse, even in my broken Italian.

Hope you're all having a nice day.

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The Misunderstood World of Kitsch

2011-07-13T00:59:00.002+01:00

Image Alex Drake Vintage

Last week I was fortunate enough to be a part of the IFB Links à La Mode Weekly Round-up, where one of the bloggers, the lovely Kimmie of KPfusion, pondered about whether or not fashion is subjective. My personal answer was: "everything in life is subjective".

Today I've been attempting to rationalise the anarchy of my desk. Unsuccessfully. But during the attempt I came across some old photos of my previous furniture shop in the UK. At first glance the photos scream "Kitsch!". I gave them a second look, however, and an inner voice protested: "It's not kitsch, it's colourful and cool!".

Image Alex Drake Vintage, Shop stock 2006

As a vintage goods trader, I've never really put my foot down and 'educated' clients who would make a point of saying "Hey your things are Kitsch". It's not my style – I don't usually like to impose. And the absolute pared-down truth is, if I make a sale, especially to the person insisting on it, then I'd be a fool to challenge them. I'm in business. I'm not a crowd of demonstrators trying to put the world to rights.

❤ What exactly is Kitsch?
I'm guessing you've heard and read the word 'kitsch' at some point. In my case, I often hear it. Worse, people have pointed at my stuff and openly verbalised the word, with a palpable mockery in their tone. Often, I have the last laugh when they buy the item in question.
On Wikipedia, kitsch is dissected and analysed by artists, academics and theorists. For all its worth my understanding is that it's just a word made up by the upper classes in late 1800s, to taunt the 'newly moneyed bourgeois' and label the latter's taste as 'crass, cheap, worthless' imitation of high art. It was deemed as a 'threat to culture' and was 'evil'. It was also a willful forgetting that the old money of 1800s Western Europe was the new money of 100 years before.

Ducks via carters.com.au; clock & Tretchikoff Alex Drake Vintage; tv boat lamp CDianneZweig

❤ Avante-Garde vs. Kitsch
American essayist and art critic Clement Greenberg is known for his 1939 essay 'Avante-Garde and Kitsch'. Wikipedia states that he believed "Avante-Garde was the product of Enlightenment's revolution of critical thinking...while Kitsch on the other hand was the product of industrialization and urbanization of the working class...a populace hungry for culture, but without the education to enjoy cutting edge avant-garde culture".

Exactly a week ago, the American artist Cy Twombly - cited by the BBC as the 'original graffiti artist' - died in Rome, his home since the late 50's. I couldn't help but notice the echoes of the great divide between High Art and Kitsch and Cy Twombly vs. Banksy (I like all four by the way). For your reading pleasure, check out the controversial article from the Guardian cited at the end of this post.

Image via Cy Twombly Info

❤ Revenge of the Kitsch
In the 1950s, Kitsch wasn't just in paintings anymore. It established itself, more than ever, by occupying homes in the form of ceramic flying ducks, Vladimir Tretchikoff's green lady prints, starburst clocks, etc. Although Tretchikoff's work has always been blackballed by art critics - something that caused him huge distress - a month ago he had his first major retrospective (four years after his death in Capetown, South Africa). In 2008, one of his paintings sold for a record $559,000. And yes, his artworks are now on coasters, fabrics and wallpaper, gracing self-consciously chic homes all over the world.

Image via Retro-Luxe Blog

❤ What it means to me
If I were to ask you right now "What is art?", we could well start a discussion that rages for decades. As with everything else, it all comes down to personal preferences. For me, Kitsch is art - a product of creative energy and intention, whatever one thinks of the end-product. I can't draw or paint but I react to visually stimulating images. Art is art. No amount of scholastic interpretation can or will persuade me to like something which I don't understand, which doesn't trigger my pupils to dilate in awe. I believe artists and designers today are very fortunate, as we live in a highly tolerant, bohemian world. Where art and style are concerned nowadays, it's anything goes. I believe that therein lies the secret to contentment, satisfaction, and maybe even self-actualization. Life is relatively short – if Kitsch is your thing, enjoy it. I do.

Image via fashioneditorials.com

Happy Tuesday everyone!

How about you? Does the word Kitsch offend you? Do you believe that Kitsch has killed high art? Do you own a Kitsch item?
Looking forward to hearing from you.

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Sources:
Wikipedia
www.csmt.uchicago.edu
www.guardian.co.uk - Cy Twombly is the thinking person's Banksy
www.bbc.co.uk

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Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

2011-07-07T20:05:00.005+01:00

Ask and you shall receive

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

This blogging thing...it's been around a while now, and many are realizing what a rewarding endeavor it is, on a sartorial and psychological level. One thing I love about blogging is the opportunity to ask a question, ponder a theory—and have others share their thoughts and opinions as well. In this week's roundup, several bloggers reflect on the positive influence blogging has had on their lives and self-esteem. (Superb! Yay for blogging!) Others ruminated on everything from whether style is really subjective, to whether fashion as an exhibit is a trend. Or not.

Stumped for post ideas? Want more engagement with your readers? Been contemplating the style-related proclivities of society? Ask, lovelies. Everyone has an opinion, and most are chomping at the bit to share. But the most wonderful aspect of this kind of engagement is not more comments. Those are nice, yes. It's through discussion that personalities are revealed and relationships are forged. Your readers aren't just a little avatar and some words. They are vibrant individuals—and your biggest fans!

Links à la Mode: June 30th

Alex Drake Vintage: 10 Things I Like About the 1980s

Angela Osborn: 6 Lessons Learned from Coco Chanel

Any Second Now: Heartfelt lessons and thanks in this first year of blogging.

Beautifully Invisible: We Are Women. We Are Beautiful. We Are Real.

Beyond Fabric: On personal style and individuality—because redundant is the last thing you want to be.

Blah Blah Becky: Proof that it's always worth trying a trend: cropped tops without muffin top.

Boheme Noir: Fashion Show Coverage: Roberto Cavalli S/S 12 Menswear

Bubbling with Elegance and Grace: Fashion Designer Exhibitions: Is this the new trend?

By Anika: Closet check: Do your clothes make you feel good about your self?

College-Style: #Trending in Milan: Using Twitter to keep up with girls' and guys' fashion #trends

Divergent Musings: Five ways that blogging has improved my life (it can improve yours too)!

Grit & Glamour: Worker V:2.0 (Ode to the Pencil Skirt)

Hippie Lace: You Cast Your Spell On Me: Spell & The Gypsy Collective

Idee Fixe: Kindness: A Tale of Kindness, Generosity, and a Vintage Coat

KP Fusion: In the business of blogging, is style really subjective?

My Orange Stilettos: Just because you're short doesn't mean you can't wear a midi.

Oranges and Apples: On "going out" clothes and sexual attractiveness.

Seamstress Stories: Boundaries on body confidence and a culture of bonding through body bashing.

Style Sizzle: 10 fashion lessons learned from living in the desert.

The Stylish Butterfly: The advantages of being the worst dressed—it works for Helena Bonham Carter!

SPONSOR:
Day Dress Sale at Shopbop: Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, DKNY, Lela Rose, Daftbird, Tibi, Red Valentino, Rebecca Taylor, Lucy in Disguise, Shoshanna, & DVF Wrap Dresses
PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

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Going Solo

2011-07-05T19:39:00.003+01:00

This post was featured on IFB Project no.3

on July 6, 2011

IFB Project 3 involves finding an item that represents independence - usually from one's wardrobe - then sharing it to the world.

Well my entry is a little bit bigger than the items in my wardrobe. My strong suspicion is that the rest will have clothes, shoes and accessories featured here. So I'm just going to go slightly off mark.

As some of you already know, I've featured this bicycle on my facebook page previously. This is my little ride to the ipermercato, to Saturday markets and to the end of the north beach to check out little swells in our one and only surfspot in this side of the Adriatic.

Around here, driving a car for short distances, and on teeny-weeny roads are not optimal. Thus, a bicycle is the transport of choice - the get-away vehicle - for most of the residents here.

These wheels are made for riding

To all my friends in the USA, I hope you all had a fantastic Independence Day.

Image from Cake America

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Lovely Blog Award

2011-07-05T11:47:00.006+01:00

Thanks so much to the lovely Shannon of Shannon.Sometimes for handing me the One Lovely Blog Award. As with the Stylish Blogger Award, I have to let you know 7 facts about me.

1. I take two sugars in my hot drinks (except hot cocoa)
2. I'm usually in my PJs after a long day at work
3. I love RomComs and every other slapstick movie
4. My favourite photographic effect is Cross Process
5. The longest time I've slept for was 20 hours after working 7 nights in a row
6. My favourite French red is Rasteau
7. I dream of playing at the National Sudoku Championships in London. Maybe one day.

Thanks my lovelies for reading.

Here are 7 more lovely blogs that are worth reading (in random order).
Hope you like them as much I as do.

Cheers,

Joy xx

1. 40s Modern Hepcat
2. 55th Street
3. Cherryrediana
4. Giasaysthat
5. Miss Pepper Vintage
6. The Citizens' Closet
7. Carrie Hamm

Have a great week, everyone!

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10 Things I like about the 1980s

2011-07-01T01:01:00.004+01:00

This post is part of Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

and I'm grateful to V of Grit and Glamour for including me.

I got an email from a friend who asked if I'm continuing my series of 'Ten things I like..' As you may have noticed, I have been distracted with other things. But it’s time to continue.

Before the vintage purists among you flinch and wail "Oooo no. Eighties!", this is my take on this decade of madness. I'm proud to say I grew up in the '80s and I have many fond memories of them. The words 'tacky', 'bad music', 'bad hair', and 'bad clothes' are usually associated with the 1980s, and with perfect justification. But it was a decade of tumultuous change, and the world would be a big, boring place had we not had it.

So I hope you'll give me a chance.


Image from sburke.eu

1. Rubik's Cube
Hands up those who grew up in the '80s without handling one? I didn't think so.

Originally created by Ernő Rubik in the early '70s to teach his students in Budapest the concept of 3D objects, it was finally introduced in February 1980 at toy fairs in London, Paris, Nuremberg, and New York.

I never completed the puzzle, but always gave it a good go. One day I peeled off the stickers, interchanged them and convinced my older brothers that I've done it. I felt a little guilty, later.

This has got to be my favourite '80s icon. It's also the best-selling toy in the world according to some reports. The good news is, you can now watch online tutorials showing how to solve the puzzle. Yay!

Image from Omis.m

2. MTV
August 1, 1981 was a phenomenal day. MTV aired its first show and the era of musical videography began. The idea that you could watch your favourite artists sing for you all day long was mind-blowing. It also created a new media role – that of the VJ, who linked the videos with dialogue.
I particularly liked Thriller by Michael Jackson. To me it was kinda like a horror film, but one in which the characters were singing and dancing. Hey, nothing's cheesy when you're a child.
I come from a musical family. We used to have MTV playing in the front room and soaking up the bands' visual aesthetic and of course fashion trends, blissfully unaware of their powerful influence on young people.

Image from Lovesceneonline.com

3. Colour Blocking
It's been around since the 1930s. From Piet Mondrian's 'Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow', to YSL's 1960s 'Mondrian Day Dress'. In the 1980s it was present in many of the clothes we wore. But back then nobody pointed it out as a particular fashion trend. It was simply how bright clothes were put together.

Image from Liketotally80s.com

4. Madonna
The reigning Queen of Pop
Whatever your take on Madonna, nobody can deny her iconic status. She burst onto the pop music scene in the early ’80s, and pretty much shaped its future.

Before becoming a megastar she was an A student and was in a scholarship program. Did you know that? I didn't. Her voice might not be spectacular but she has a perfect pitch and can play the guitar and drums, apart from being flexible and all that. To me she’s a heroine for constantly embracing new knowledge and techniques, and surviving in the world of business. Talk about going with the flow.

Image from Profilebrand.com

5. Boombox
Simply known as radio cassette player, it was great for taking around your friend's place to hang out, listen to FM radio stations, make and play cassette tapes, and even record vocal inputs. Remember the band sessions you had in your parents' garage or spare room, trying to record your own music, i.e. playing covers?

The boombox, which also went by several names which simply couldn’t be used nowadays, appeared in the '70s but was popularised in the '80s. Breakdancing and hip-hop wouldn't be the same without it.

Image from My Retrospace

6. Jane Fonda Workout
Leotards, check. Leg warmers, check. VCR, check.
Jane Fonda and her aerobics videos pioneered the fitness craze for the baby boomers of the '80s. Nothing wrong with a bit of exercise, I say.

Image from Wikipedia

7. IBM PC
As a vintage collector, I've come across some later models and I can't contain the 'geek within'. I'd run my fingers on its monitor, CPU, floppy disk portal, down to its clunky keyboard. With a prominent industrial look, I am in awe as always, as without this first 'home/office computer', there won't be advancement in the Internet, worldwide web, gaming, software development, facebook, twitter, eBay, and, let’s face it, blogging.

Image from Collider.com

8. '80s TV
Primetime soaps became ever more popular and detective series such as Magnum PI, Miami Vice, 21 Jump Street, and action adventure series like The A-Team shaped the imaginations of my friends and I.
Whatever tickled your fancy, you were bound to be following a series.

Image from Flashingblade.net

9. Pacman
C'mon. You've got to like this little yellow, open-mouthed button trying to gobble up dots, whilst avoiding the jelly ghosts named Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde. When Google used it as an interactive doodle to commemorate its 30th anniversary last year, I tried playing it for hours and still could never win.

Pacman became the marker in the history of arcade gaming. Its success is due to brand awareness. The creation of Pacman merchandise helped a lot. For me, I guess it's because it was played by both boys and girls. Also, everybody likes the concept of a maze, getting rewarded a lot of points, gaining life back, and being able to run away as fast as you can from the enemy. What great fun!

Image from Quotednews

10. Bloodless Revolution of 1986
With all the political unrest in the news lately, I am reminded of my first-hand experience of the first-ever peaceful revolution in human history - the 1986 Philippine revolution that saw the end of Ferdinand Marcos' regime and the creation of democracy. I wish the current troubled countries could pull off what my fellow countrymen did.

In February 1986, two to three million people came out to call for Marcos' resignation and install the people's elected president, Corazon Aquino, who was also the country's first female president. (Time magazine awarded her the title 'Icon of Democracy').

It's been said that this event inspired the Fall of Berlin Wall in 1989. Something like this isn't easily done and perhaps we were lucky as a nation. But there's nothing stopping anyone to emulate this little miracle.

So, there you are my friends.
I hope this justifies my fondness for the '80s.

What was it like growing up in the '80s for you? Do you subscribe to the notion that the '80s was the worst decade ever? Or are you loving the cheese, bright colours and seismic changes?

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Source:
Wikipedia.com
Eightiesclubtripod.com

The Trouble with 1950s Dresses

2011-06-28T19:34:00.002+01:00

It's been nine days since the Chiswick Vintage Wedding Fair, and I still am answering your queries and requests my dear friends. Keep them coming. I'm not complaining.

Image Alex Drake Vintage

First off, thanks to all who came to my stall for a chat, tried my tiny lace American 1950s dresses on, and told me about your upcoming weddings. As you all know by now, I'm a hopeless romantic and it's great to share common interest with you ladies, - vintage and happy fairy-tale endings are the stuff of life, methinks.

Here are the most prominent questions you asked me:

❤ Why 1950s dresses wont fit me
The average measurements of women in the 1950s USA were: 36 bust , 24 waist , 35 hips. Unfortunately, most of my dresses at the fair were made in the USA.

Image from Listal.com, Marilyn's waist fluctuated from 22-24 inches

❤ Why were women so small in the 1950s
Girdles and corselettes were worn to achieve the most glamorous look of all - the hourglass figure. Women's busts and hips were accentuated and waists were pushed in.

In the 1950s, the sudden need to enjoy affluence – following years of austerity during and after World War 2 – manifested in several ways, including an improvement in ladies' wardrobes. This was mainly because of the possibilities opened up by new textiles and manufacturing techniques. Women began to indulge in the ultimate "me-time" – pleasurable hours spent applying make-up and doing their hair, then dressing up in layers - foundation garments (such as girdles, corselettes, suspender belts), petticoats, a main dress and perhaps a coat, then shoes.

Image from Jumpingfrog.com

❤ I desperately want a 1950s dress. Where can I get one?
If your patience has ran out after trawling the Internet, flea markets, thrift shops to no avail:
1. Get patterns and find a good seamstress. You'll be guaranteed a perfect fit. For a touch of authenticity, try and find an original 1950s fabric.
2. Use your styling skills and mix and match a top with a 1950s skirt, etc, etc. Nowadays, anything is possible.

Image from Sensibility.com

I hope this helps.

Finally, thanks to Tinkerbelles for the lovely mention of my stall.

I leave you with this wonderful stop motion animation from the creators of Tinkerbelles who also run Manasi Kashyap Photography.

Ciao! Ciao!

Music by A Fine Frenzy (I love Alison!!)

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Poetry in Fashion

2011-06-27T15:32:00.002+01:00

This post was featured on IFB Project no. 2

on June 29, 2011

Happy Monday, everyone!

This week, IFB is asking for haiku contributions and I'm obviously thrilled to pitch in.
Hope you like what I've come up with.

My daughter and I resting from dancing at a wedding

"From pink sparkly shoes
Someday I will be like you

Walking tall on heels"

My wedding earrings

Old things, shiny things
surround me, cheering me up
Life is beautiful

In my 1950s dress, photo by MJ Clarkson

Judge me by my ways
Not by my wardrobe or shoes

Come, let's have coffee

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Stylish Blog Award Pt. 2

2011-06-21T11:51:00.000+01:00

Happy Summer Solstice everyone!!
Just had to break the rules and give out the Stylish Blogger Award for the second time in a month.

All the blogs that I follow are just wonderful and it's not right to pick and choose.
So I have the next list of the 7 great blogs that I read.

In random order...

1. Fashioned by Love
2. Lazy Saturdays
3. Adenorah
4. My Blonde Gal
5. Nothing Like Fashion
6. Sneak + Peak
7. Pink Flowers

Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine...

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The Vow Factor

2011-06-13T14:27:00.003+01:00

With six more days to go before the highly anticipated Vintage Wedding Fair in Chiswick, London, I am feeling the pressure. Trying to organise your stall in London when you're currently in Southern Europe is just a little bit over-ambitious. But, I have a few days to run around and chase my tail.

Image from Quelelcardpos

I'll be taking mostly short lace dresses from the 1950s, and Maxis from the 1960s and 1970s. The best part is knowing that 2011 is the return of lace. So for the brides-to-be who are after some examples of this style, look no further. Please come and see us at our stall. There will be over 30 exhibitors, including an on-site alterations stall run by Unique Dress , hair and make-up, vintage live music and vintage cars.

Image from Morninglace Blogspot

The two unforgettable brides of early 2011

1. Duchess of Cambridge
I particlularly like the stunning wedding gown that the Duchess chose to wear. I know you've seen this a million times but I keep on coming back to this one. I love the way she looked back, and whilst doing so showed the back part of her dress. The Royal wedding was a momentous, happy occasion, not just for Great Britain, but for all the romantics of the world!

Image from My Celebrities Blogspot

2. Lily Allen
One of our friends recently came back from his god-daughter's wedding. Lily looked absolutely gorgeous in lace! Congratulations to Lily and Sam! (And baby bump).

Image from Elnosticioso via Telegraph

So my lovely friends and fellow vintage enthusiasts, save the date!
See you on Sunday!
Don't forget:
1. Wear your vintage outfit
2. Bring your business cards if you have them. Say hello and get 15% off any item worth £50 and over.
3. Get ready for some vintage snapshots

Chiswick Vintage Wedding Fair (Organised by Discover Vintage)
Chiswick Town Hall
Heathfield Terrace
London W4 4JN

June 19th 11am - 4pm
Entry £5

Click here for the map

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Thanks a Bunch

2011-06-09T20:38:00.005+01:00

Hello my darlings! Hope you're all having a great day.

I've been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award. Yipee!Yay!

Many thanks to Carice of Clever Little Buttons, who gave me this award. I love that I've never met Carice but I feel we've bonded since I started this blog nearly two months ago. Thanks to genuine bloggers like her, this is really what it's all about - connection, communication and collaboration. Carice writes from the heart and has nothing bad to say about anyone. For me, that's simply refreshing in this usually crazy world of Fashion blogging.

Apparently this award requires me to share 7 unknown facts about me.
So here goes:

1. I'm a nocturnal person. I love the lights at night, and the way the streets look different when the sun is gone. I love it when the moon is up and I also love night shifts

2. Coffee is my vitamin
3. I love the sound of rain, especially when inside a tin-roofed building. I sleep well when this happens

4. I love the smell of laundry that's been out in the sun. I can smell "sunlight" on the clothes
5. I used to be a competitive rockclimber
6. If I start reading a book, I can't put it down until I've reached the ending, much to my husband's annoyance
7. I dip kiwis and mangoes in salt

Image Alex Drake Vintage

So now it's time to send this award to 7 blogs I like most, in random order.
Check them out. They wont disappoint.

1. Lace & Berries
2. Fashion Bucket
3. Illustration by Katie
4. Lights so Bright
5. This Lady Behaves Vintage Look
6. Hippiebohoreloaded
7. If you can't be a work of Art, Wear one

Seven-fold blessings to one and all.

Joy x

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Why wedges are better than high-heeled shoes

2011-06-06T14:55:00.002+01:00

Apologies dear friends for the silence.
I've been traveling, a trip which took in a friend's wedding. This was a wonderful day, which set me thinking about the wonderful world of wedges.

Image from Hervelegerfall.com

❤ Versatile footwear
Wedges go perfectly with a huge variety of outfits, including dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans and in fact, almost any trouser.

❤ Instant chic
Can't decide what to wear at a friend's party or another's wedding? Since wedges have been all the rage for a good three years now, it's safe to say you'll have no trouble putting together a fabulous outfit. Nipping out for a quick lunch date? Wear wedges and walk tall, oozing confidence.

❤ Easier to use
With its unified heel, it's easier to balance yourself on wedges. They're comfier than high heels because of the better support from the sole mass.

Image from Sfpnn.com

❤ Eco warrior

Wedges have been said to last forever. Admittedly, it’s not an everyday occurrence, but a high-heeled shoe is vulnerable. Heels sink into soft ground and disappear into urban grates, at which point they can easily snap. Wedges don’t. Unless you’re contemplating a spot of mountaineering, the wedge is a go-anywhere option.

Angeline Tournier Wedge, Image from Shoeperwoman

❤ Happy feet
It's official - wedges are safer to use than high heels. They are less likely to cause you to trip, twist your ankle, sustain nasty skin formations such as corns, calluses and bunions (yuk, I hear you say), and develop back pain.
*Wink* Take it from me who often see to patients with ankle injuries in the emergency room.


Rachel Sparrow for Cinque, as worn by yours truly

And so, back you to ladies...
What's your favourite pair amongst your collection?

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La Dolce Vita

2011-05-20T20:25:00.001+01:00

Image by Alex Drake Vintage

Happy Friday, everyone!

Have you ever found your life is so hectic you hardly ever notice you're surrounded by little treasures and blessings? My post today is about a snippet of life in Italy. It's not as sweet and lovely as anyone thinks since we're finishing a house project for a friend. The stressful encounters with Italian builders, the race to the supermarket to get provisions before that daily four-hour lunch break, the scary incidents at the local hospital... these things are reasons enough to make you forget you're in a special place.

And so my lovelies, I believe it's time to remind myself why the concept of Italian life lured me into saying "Yes" to the farm house project.

These are my Italian inspirations.

Hope you like them too.

Image from Couture Zappos

Sergio Rossi
Besides Manolo Blahnik, and my good friend Rachel Sparrow, Signor Rossi is my other favourite shoe designer. His natural talent and hard work propelled him to international fame. I love that he instigated an environmental first for the shoe industry by launching the biodegradable Eco Pump shoes in 2009. Part of the sales would go to GoodPlanet.org. To me, that's commendable. I imagine his humble beginnings instilled in him an extraordinary work ethic and respect for people - a trait difficult to find in the industry these days.

I also love that the first shop to bear his name is only 20 kilometers away from where I live.

Image from Fashion Collective

Gelato

Nothing's more soothing than having a nice pastel gelato on a hot and sunny afternoon.
It has lower fat content and is packed with natural fruit or nut flavours. Ladies, if you ever come for a visit, I'd happily treat you to an afternoon of gelato experience at our local gelateria.

Image by Alex Drake Vintage

Vintage bicycles
If the Italians are not in a racing competition (the great Giro d'Italia which, by the way, is still on) they can be seen on their bikes, rickety or not, on the way to the market or to the beach. Now that's a healthy lifestyle! The sight of a 70-year old person cycling around is not uncommon.


Costanza Pascolato of Vogue Brazil, Image from Into The Gloss

Stylish Mamas
It's refreshing to see that fashion is not just for young people around here. Senior Italian women are simply admirable in saying no to 'BB (Beige Brigade)'. They dress up just like Costanza Pascolato everyday without fail, especially for the traditional afternoon Passeggiata, or stroll, which starts after 4pm.

Fur coat... check. Scarf...check. Sunnies...check. Immaculate coiffure...check. Leather handbag...check. Heeled shoes...check!

Even in southern Italy, they continue to be fashion inspirations to us all.

Image Alex Drake Vintage

Rural life
Believe it or not, despite the exclusivity of Milan Fashion shows, Italy is made up of two parts: one, the highly industrial north where everyone's awash with style and indifference, and two, the rustic south, where people are friendly and feed you their Mama's food until your belly hurts.
More vino, anyone?

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How to be a Vintage Fashion Trader

2011-05-17T19:52:00.001+01:00

Image from Time Out London

There comes a time when your vintage clothing and accessories collection goes feral and you need to whittle down. You can either impose discipline on yourself, or start to sell things in order to make space for and fund new acquisitions. Behind most vintage traders is an out-of-control collection. If this strikes a chord with you, you've come to the right place.

Being a vintage trader is not all fun and glamour. As with any self-employment, it requires a good business head and more often than not, fortitude.

Requirements:

❤ Passion
You're truly in love with vintage clothing and lifestyle. You're not doing it because it's 'all the rage'. If you're in it for fast money, forget about it. The first few months will be hard work and you'll need to deal with issues along the way. You need to be enthusiastic about your items, and focusing solely on profit will distract you from your main goal – enjoying one of the best jobs in the world, when done right.

❤ An eye for detail
Your collection or stock must be in good order. It needs to be clean, free from damage, and true vintage – i.e. not recent and vintage-style. In time, you'll know you've become an expert if, with one glance at the item, you know its age and origins. If you sell online, the items must be well-photographed. Make sure your packaging is sturdy and reflects the postage fee you charge your clients. If you're in a shop or at a fair, your items should be well-displayed to attract buyers.

❤ An enterprising mind
A proven business method is to source an item for as little as possible, and sell for the highest possible profit. Self-discipline will save you from financial ruin. Always buy with your head rather than with your heart. If there is no profit in an item, simply don't buy it. Be aware that your prices should reflect the current market situation. Any potential client will be put off when they that see your items are too expensive. Factor this into the prices you buy at.

If you're successful you will run out of stock frequently. You'll need sources locally, nationally, and internationally. This aspect can be difficult for some traders as it involves long hours of research and networking.

If you have regular customers, contact them when you see something they might be interested in. Remember, you must be able to move your stock as quickly as you can. This allows you to change your display in a shop or on-line store constantly, to maintain interest.

❤ Social networking skills
The digital age has peaked. Businesses with professional-looking websites and blogs perform better than those without. Use Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking outlets, for maximum exposure.

❤ A thirst for knowledge
Never stop learning. If you're passionate about vintage you should enjoy researching your subject area. Knowledge is power.

❤ People skills
Whether you sell online or in a shop, you need good communication skills. Any problems encountered must be sorted fast. Clients expect personable and professional service, as well as quality merchandise. However, there will be frankly painful clients who will bring you down. Don't let them – it's just part of the job.

Ultimately, if you operate with integrity you will gain a good reputation. You'll build a repeat-customer base, which will recommend you. This is essential to a successful business venture.

❤ A versatile handbag
Standard kit for the vintage trader: tape measure, camera, notepad, pen/pencil, scissors, emergency sewing kit, cheque book.

It's useful if you can sew. This is handy for last-minute alterations, should a client need something urgently – which can clinch a sale.

Image from myshutterstocks Flickr

What to do next:

❤ Sell in a shop
Cooperatives in some countries, and in the UK vintage or antique centres, are always looking for new traders. Chat with the owners and the other traders to 'get a feel' of the place. The shop should be located in a place with good customer traffic. It should be clean and well-maintained, and the monthly rent must be reasonable.

If you're thinking of running your own shop, be aware of what it involves. The expenses involved are diffuse and frightening – rent, insurance, music tariff , card machine rentals, utility bills and marketing costs. If there is free business advice available for start-ups in your area, get it.

❤ Sell on Etsy or Ebay
Online selling has never been easier, especially on these two leading sites. You need to register and there are fees to pay, but they are much lower than the costs of a shop. Your postage fees should be reasonable. Clients do consider these before making a purchase. If someone charges disproportionately high postage or shipping fees they appear greedy. Simple.

You may also want to sell from your website, but you'll need to work hard to market it.

❤ Sell at fairs
Most organisers will take on-line payment of your stall fee. You must then select a good representation of your stock, wrapping materials, business cards and any props you need for display (tip: a screen and mirror to create a changing room is a huge friend to clothing dealers). Make up sandwiches and a flask. If you can, convince a friend or a family member to help you, bring a credit card machine if you have one or a laptop or iPad to access your Paypal (this will guarantee sales especially since non-trade customers don't always bring a wad of cash to fairs).

❤ Sell at auctions
Highly recommended when your items are quite valuable. The leading clothing and textile auction house in the UK is Kerry Taylor Auctions, based in West Dulwich, London. Fees apply whether you're buying or selling.

Finally, enjoy the experience and the people you meet (you will meet a multitude). It's a once-in-a-lifetime, special experience which I'd recommend to anyone.

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10 Things I Like about the 1970s

2011-05-13T19:22:00.005+01:00


Original Ossie Clark Maxi, Image from c20th Vintage Fashion

Alex Drake Vintage Collection, 1970s Maxi with Bolero jacket

1. Maxi Dress
Floaty maxis are back. You're probably rolling your eyes by now and saying "yes, we know!" but I just had to post this.
I still maintain that the style's premier exponent, Ossie Clark contributed so much to the fashion world in the '70s. Although the end of his life saw him in poverty and abandonment, his creations will always stay with and inspire us.
Only three years ago, Avsh Alom Gur tried to re-launch the brand, but failed. How satisfying it is to see that maxis are in season this year!
Pity the fashion buyers who failed to spot the timelessness of Ossie's trademark free-flowing, carefree chiffon and crepe dresses. Hopefully they're now kicking themselves for not buying.

Alex Drake Vintage Collection, ASOS with Sergio Rossi Heel

2. Wedges
Thanks to the efforts of Salvatore Ferragamo during the 1930s, the humble clog evolved into the wedge. I personally like wedges because they are more practical than high-heeled shoes (pair them with anything, darling), yet oh-so glamorous.
It has since enjoyed a revival in the '70s and again in the '90s. But because I remember my big sister's '70s wooden wedges when I was in pre-school, I've always associated them as being an all-time hit in the '70s. Everybody had a pair.

Image from Vintage Shoes by Caroline Cox

3. Hot pants
They're short and versatile, come in cotton, denim, leather and PVC. You can pair them with wedges, heels, pumps, etc. You can run, walk, jump and climb as fast as you can without snagging your clothes on anything. They look incredibly sexy, too.

Image from Skateboarding Magazine

4. Skateboards and Skateboarding
OK, so Farrah Fawcett had a stunt double on Charlie's Angels. But she really did inspire me to get on a skateboard. The invention of polyurethane wheels around 1973, produced a smooth ride and decent turning ability. There's something about the free-flowing, dance-like, trance-like fluid movement as you direct your skateboard forwards, side-to-side, feeling air across your face. You're at peace, but aware of speed, seeing the distorted images of people and things that you pass...
For me skateboarding is as close as I can get to the high of surfing, out of water.

Image from Trekbbs

5. Pan-Am
There was a time when air travel equated to a glamorous lifestyle. If you were a stewardess, then you were truly beautiful, well-dressed, and all women would want to be in your shoes.
In 1970, the first Pan-Am Boeing 747 landed in Heathrow. The era of mass global travel had begun.

Image from Productioncars.com

6. Datsun 240Z
Sleek, fast for a classic car, and oh-so gorgeous. It is the 1970s, rendered in metal.

If I ever make money from blogging, shall have one for myself!

Image from Modern Design Interior

7. Boby Trolley
Just 226 miles north from where we live, in Padua, a highly talented Italian designer called Joe Colombo created a versatile, portable, vertical storage unit. Nowadays it is a stylish presence in art and design studios, hairdressers and even homes.

Image from Coolpicking

8. Punk
The then anti-fashion, anti-establishment movement whose name lend itself to Punk music was in every way revolutionary. Fashion and music became the look and sound of a significant social shift. Britain in the Seventies has been considered the crucible of societal change.

Image from Digicam History

9. Walkman
This made possible the revolutionary idea of being able to listen to music anywhere and everywhere, without disturbing other people.
It seems obvious now, but without the Walkman, there would be no iPod.

Image Alex Drake Vintage

10. Reggae
As the '70s was a period of revolution, people found themselves wanting to reach out more, happy to declare their views. Art, music and fashion evolved into something new.
From the '60s Jamaican beginnings of Reggae, it became popular in Britain, and the world, largely through the output of Bob Marley and The Wailers.
The off-beat rhythm was a platform for declaring spiritual, ecological and political views, and a soundtrack to the growing voice of multicultural Britain. It's been said that Reggae has influenced Punk music.

References:
wikipedia.org
nickelinthemachine.com
news.bbc.co.uk

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10 things I love about the 1960s

2011-05-06T11:22:00.003+01:00


Image by FC Gundlach

1. Mini

Not the car - though I'm quite fond of it - I'm in fact talking about the Mini dress.

Young people in the '60s suddenly found themselves wanting to wear non-conforming clothes.

Different and radical was the theme of fashion.

Mary Quant may have popularised the Mini dress,

but the real 'inventor' was John Bates, best known for 'the smallest dress in the world',

bikini dress, pvc clothing, and embroidered empire line evening dresses.

Image of Nancy Kwan via americanparlor.blogspot.com

2. Vidal Sassoon haircut

The iconic Vidal Sassoon produced geometric yet organic haircuts.

Best known for the revival of the bob haircut, Vidal Sassoon helped

'shape' the definitive women's hairstyle of the '60s.

Image via artnhustle.com

3. Jackie Kennedy

The First Lady who set new standards regarding dress,

elegance, good manners and strength in the face of adversity.

Image Alex Drake Vintage

4. Op Art

The mesmerizing, mathematically-based, three-dimensional visual treat

that Optical Art offered in paintings, tv adverts, textiles and clothing,

and even on album covers, had so much novelty that it was popular for several years.

Image from Vintage Handbags by Marnie Fogg

5. Bags, bags, and bags

The pastel coloured, patent bags of this period

are just so yummy you could almost taste them.

Image via sohopeople.co.uk

6. Boutiques of London

From Carnaby Street to King's Road, these places housed

new and enterprising small shops, eager to bring fresh fashion and style

to an urban youth wanting and needing instant gratification and radical change.

Image Alex Drake Vintage

7. The original Biba

With Barbara Hulanicki's vision, wonderful taste for an eclectic shop interiors,

plus attention to clothing details, Biba, which started in Kensington,

became a huge London brand, famous across the globe.

People loved Biba's simple ethos of providing affordable, beautiful clothing,

in a socially conducive environment - it had a rooftop for parties, and

some people even ended up getting married after courtships held

in that magnificent place.

It also was the first brand to offer free 'make-up trial before purchase'.

Image via intretrostore.com

8. Space Age

With the Space race on between the U.S.S.R. and the USA

(who would put the first man on the moon?), the world of fashion, art, film, furniture,

and home electronics turned to science fact and fiction for influence and inspiration.

The above photo is a Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio, produced in 1966.

Dubbed as 'a room within a room', it was meant to provide

privacy within a delightful cosy space. From its debut in 1966,

its architectural and functional qualities make it a furniture classic.

Image from Decorative Art '60s, by C&P Fiell, Taschen

9. Habitat

With designer Terence Conran at its helm, Habitat in the ’60s

displayed goods in a minimalist way

as inspired by Scandinavian shops.

Its stock was affordable, tasteful and truly useful.

Image from Sixties Design by P. Garner, Taschen
Photo by Peter Max

10. Cosmic ’60s Art

This print by Peter Max was popular in American dorm rooms.

Thanks to his four-colour reproduction printing technique,

he created countless colourful prints cheering people up.

Looking at his work, I've always considered him as

a grandfather of contemporary graphic design.

'Love' is a powerful word, and one that I love.

I'm saying it again...Spread the love.

References:
fashionmodeldirectory.com
oparthistory.com
bibacollection.co.uk
Decorative Art '60s by C&P Fiell
Sixties Design by Philippe Garner
Vintage Handbags by Marnie Fogg

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10 Things I Like About the 1950s

2011-04-25T21:41:00.005+01:00

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

1. 1950s Full-skirt Dresses

Bejewelled Blue Dress is by Lilli Diamond of California

Image Vintage Shoes, by Caroline Cox

2. Group of 'New Look' styled low-heeled pumps.

These shoes are wonderful all-rounders.

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

3. 1950s American Swimsuit

Get splashin' in style!


Image Styleme.com

4. Cat eyewear.

When I was in high school, my friends

would tease me and say, 'hey you look like a 40-year old'.

Now they're the trend for 2011. How fabulous!

Hand-stripped by Alex Drake Vintage for 7 days!

5. Ercol sofa

Its classic, streamlined look will always be its strength.

6. Colourful fabrics

Bright is beautiful.

Image Wikipedia

7. Eames Lounge Chair

No home should be without one.

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

8. Tiki Bars

Get one now for the summer.

And don't forget to stock-up on martini glasses.

Alex Drake Vintage Collection

9. Piquot Ware Tea & Coffee Set

I love its industrial look.

Image hooplanow.com

10. Rock and Roll

It was influential in shaping other music forms,

dance styles, and even fashion.

The heroes of rock and roll created trends through the images

of them that appeared in print and the then-nascent medium of television.

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Soleful Monday

2011-04-18T22:29:00.001+01:00

Happy Monday, everyone!

In my attempt to start the day right, I thought getting glammed up is the best way to prepare oneself in thinking up some great ideas for this week's blog.

My bright, red shoes were winking at me, so how could I resist?

And then it hit me. Why not talk about shoes? We currently live with our shoe designer friend, Rachel, in Italy's shoe-making capital, Civitanova Marche. Sorted!

I've always been fascinated with Rachel and her natural creativity. She once came to visit our house in Britain two years ago, then having sat on our vintage leather sofa, started doodling. She was on holiday by the way. Apparently the buttons on the sofa were inspiring her. She left brandishing sketches of what would become part of her winter collection. That in my book, is talent. I suppose that's why she was asked to design the shoes included in an Oscars goodie bag in 2003.

Now, why might an outdoor, 'wash-and-wear' girl like me be interested in shoes?

When I was 13 I had the opportunity to visit the old residential palace of Imelda Marcos in Manila, two years after they were evicted by the Filipino people during the first Bloodless Revolution of the twentieth century. The tour in the palace was part of our history class, and all I could remember was my friend telling me to shut my mouth, as apparently I was nearly dribbling, in constant awe at Imelda's notorious shoe collection, at the sight of Salvatore Ferragamos, and the multitude of massive vats of perfume. I thought: 'so that's where the government money went!'.

This morning, I took a photo of this two year-old shoe. It's a revival of the typical killer heels of the mid '80s. The heel is so high it's half-way impossible to walk on.
In a decade where women were taking on powerful, successful roles in the workplace, these heels were perfect for projecting an image of 'metropolitan chic meets dominatrix', according to a book called Vintage Shoes, by Caroline Cox.

Rachel says that the recent global economic downturn is similar to the economic recession in the '80s. Shoe psychology is echoing that period, and the worse things become financially the higher heels become. I personally think this statement makes sense.

Nevertheless, shoes will always be a vital part of living, and will continue to be objects of art and functionality.

If you're ever in need of a boost, put your favourite garment on and pair it with your favourite shoes. Chances are, if they are colourful they'll make you feel better. Trust me, it works wonders for me, every time.

Oh, and don't forget your handbag.

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Roman Holiday

2011-04-16T22:10:00.001+01:00

Ciao a tutti!

Got back from our farmhouse project at 3pm today. And what better way to spend the rest of saturday afternoon than watch our favourite vintage actor, Audrey Hepburn, in Roman Holiday?

The girls needed crisps, apparently to complete the viewing experience. This is virtually impossible in Italy, as local shops are shut from 12 noon to around 4pm. Some kind of Eureka force urged me to head down to a local bar and – che miracolo! – emerge with five packets of crisps. With the contents and a glass of our favourite vino frizzante, we re-entered Audrey's magical world of Rome, 1953.
Oh, the dresses. And the tresses!

So much so that after the film, I got so inspired to raid the clothes rail, and found this ensemble of a late '50s to early '60s Jacquard fabric dress, outer skirt, and hat, purchased from a lovely American trader. Add a layered underskirt and this will look fabulous on anyone with a petite waist.

Interestingly, six years after Christian Dior's 'New Look' was introduced, the dresses worn by the women in the film still reek of that style. I have to say, this is my favourite of all vintage looks.

Ultimately, I think Roman Holiday is a wonderful representation of our desires and aspirations, and the quest for true love and adventure. In the end, we can only work on trying to achieve them. For me, vintage dealing is being passionate about the history of things, and experiencing that warm, fuzzy, happy feeling that goes with acquiring – and selling – them. This film quietly reminded me that the old days were indeed another place. People were well-dressed and polite, something we need to work to maintain today.

So here's to life and love! Cin! Cin!

photo credits: Vacanze Romane (trovacinema.repubblica.it), Dior Sketch (Dior by Marie-France Pochna book)

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Vintage Fashion is Here to Stay

2011-04-14T13:56:00.002+01:00

Hello, Vintage lovers!

Apologies for the silence. I've been sorting wardrobe for a few days now. In the process I came across this pretty little 1980s red housedress from Germany by C&A (Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer).

Little is known about C&A, but it was a major high street brand in the UK for about 75 years, and only left the UK market in 2001 due to fierce competition from other dominating brands. They are still around and have an on-line presence.

Going back to the dress, this one is quite special as it brings together design elements typical of several periods. Fashion styles evolved progressively from the 1900s to 2000. But, as with anything, certain styles or 'look' are inevitably referred back to.

From afar, the pattern and colours of the fabric are from the 1950s, reminiscent of Lucienne Day and Marion Mahler.
The stitching pattern across the chest and upper back is reminiscent of a cowboy shirt from the same era.

Then one notices the collar, which is from a polo shirt, popularised by the tennis champion René Lacoste in 1926.

The sleeve detail is of civilian clothing from the Second World War. Shoulder pads and puffed sleeves were typical of the era. Since everything was rationed including clothing materials, women's wear had to be simpler and practical as they had to take over men's labourious jobs. This dress is a Utility Wear revival.

Even though designers come up with mould-breaking concepts every day, good design ideas will stand the test of time and keep coming back. This is why vintage is here to stay, because good design is good design, whatever, wherever, whenever.

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How to be a Vintage Trader whilst Keeping Your Sanity

2011-04-06T20:27:00.007+01:00

If at some point you find that your collecting or hoarding have gone feral, there's a chance you'll start to consider whittling down.   

A few years trading in the vintage and antiques scene led me to acquire some know-how on this matter. Not that I claim to be an expert but I have a few ideas which, hopefully, will help guide or inspire you.
I don't have the foggiest when I started. I was working full-time, and began to pick up the odd thing I liked. I was blessed at this point to meet genuine, honest people in the antiques trade who helped shape my ideas and ideals to this day. In return, I would like to pass on what I learned from them.  

Know your passion. Whether it's furniture, clothing, design, or collectables, it's imperative you stick to one area of interest, at least in the first few months. This will help you build your expertise on the subject. You can always move on later to another period or area. In fact, you probably will as one particular passion tends to lead to another.  

Read & Research. Never stop learning. It took me a good year to know what I was looking for and what I was buying. Information technology has reached its zenith. With a click of a mouse, you can find what you need to know. Alternatively, you can always pop down to your local library. Don't forget that British TV is known for its trademark antiques programmes. Don't just shun them because they are shown relentlessly – they're still a valuable source.  

Buy what you love. You'll find it easier to sell because you're passionate about it. Behind most dealers is a passion for collection gone horribly wrong. If you fail to sell an item, you'll be able to take great pleasure in having it at home with you.

  Sell in an Antique Centre or Vintage Shop.  Partly because of recent hard economic times, and partly because of vintage and retro's growing popularity, Antique Centres are increasingly making stalls available to Vintage traders. Happily, this is a good business model for a trader.
You can start a business by taking a space in an existing centre or vintage shop. This means you only pay rent for this, rather than a whole shop. Your overheads are reduced to one simple monthly outgoing, and you don't have to come in daily to man your stall. Staffing is a major cost for most retail ventures. Your main priority is to stock a good selection of items to interest potential buyers. You must however, keep your stall tidy. Ultimately, you are contributing to the main shop or centre's collective image.  

Look at the lay-out of the shop/centre. Can you get your things, e.g. big furniture, in and out easily? Is there a lot of traffic from passers-by? Does the venue have good vehicular access and parking? This has a major influence on how much passing trade a shop or centre gets.

How secure are your items? Is it a clean place? There's no excuse for having a dusty shop just because you sell old things.

Choose the ground floor if possible. It is a known fact amongst shop keepers that people will spend more time on the ground floor than trekking up to the next floor.   
Have a chat with the shop owner or manager. Are they friendly, and do they give good eye contact? Are the other traders interested in chatting with you? Do they greet people who are coming into the shop? Atmosphere is everything in retail, something which many antique centres and shops neglect to note. 

Remember, for your business to succeed, you need to have honest, dependable and personable people running the stall for you when you're not there. These are the people who will turn a miserable and negative customer into a happy one on your behalf. And trust me, there will be miserable, negative clients, no matter how wonderful your unit is.   Visit other shops or centres in nearby areas. You might find somewhere more suitable for you.  Additionally, put yourself on the waiting list of several potential venues. This will help you secure a stall sooner rather than later.  

Sell at Fairs.  Okay, you might find this intimidating, as you'll be constantly on your feet and interacting with potential buyers. But fairs are a great place to hone your communication skills and learn your subject. What you must project is that you're knowledgeable about your goods, that you enjoy what you do, and that although some discount is available you know where to draw the line. You are a business, not a charity.  

The easiest bit is booking a stall, and paying the organiser. Most will accept payments via the internet.  The hard part is organising your items, wrapping them securely, and transporting them. If you're a stamp dealer, then you're laughing. If you sell furniture, you need muscles. And a van. Be prepared to drive at dawn as you need time to set up your stall before the fair opens to the public. Some fairs open very early in the morning. 

Haggling is part of the whole experience, and something that many people loathe. Keep in mind though that this is a game, and it's a part of trading. If someone tries to be cheeky, keep your cool and stick to your price. You have to decide if you're prepared to let your item go. If not, then someone else is meant to have it at some point. There will always be another customer.  

Below are some sites in my little red book and they're not meant to be definitive.

For general antiques, crafts, and decorative interiors: 
www.iacf.co.uk for fairs in Newark, Swinderby, Ardingly, Shepton Mallet, Newbury, Redbourn  www.antiquefairs.co.uk for Art Deco & Art Nouveau
www.decorativefair.com for Decorative Interiors
www.kemptonantiques.com for General Antiques, Vintage and Collectables
www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk for High End Antiques, Vintage, and Collectables

For vintage furniture, clothing & accessories, crafts, textiles:
www.vintagefair.co.uk
www.vintagefashionfairs.com 
www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk  

Sell on the Net. Ebay is where Internet trading started. It had a significant dampening effect on auction house revenues a few years back. For other sites, check out
www.ebay-alternatives.co.uk. 
You'll have to be disciplined with time-management though, as you could find that you spend more time with your computer than your friends or family. Running your own business is supposed to be liberating, not ruin your life.

Sell at Auction Houses. If you have valuable items, get them looked at by your local auctioneer. Or go to the bigger places like Christie's, Sotheby's and Bonhams. Again, if you do your research you'll sell your item at the right auction house, and with a bit of luck, the right bidders will be there to fight for it. Selling fees and VAT will be applied on your final sale amount.

The one and only clothing & textile auction house that I know of is Kerry Taylor Auctions in West Dulwich www.kerrytaylorauctions.com. Kerry is an experienced clothing & textile auctioneer. She's very down-to-earth and you'll certainly sell your items well with her now that vintage is on the up.

Display well. This is make or break in trading, whether in a shop or at the fairs. In my case, I'm fortunate that my better half is talented when it comes to space organisation. But I did learn through time and by doing it on my own.  

Many moons ago, I was in my unit, when a family who was just about to step in stopped and said "Is this a flat? We're so sorry to barge in!". I had to explain that it was still part of the main shop, as evidenced by the price tickets on every item.

One of my 'claim to fame' celebrity visits came from Mr. Jools Holland. I'll never forget his words – "You have an exquisite shop!" I kept my cool for a second before descending into giggly fan mode. I don't know what I had on display that time. It was fairly generic vintage, but laid out nicely.  You don't need to create a display for Buckingham Palace, but it should be something cohesive that will be pleasant to look at. Clean and dust once a week, and rearrange things regularly. It's surprising how many people pop in week after week to check out your place.

Finally... 

Enjoy dealing!  Trading is not just about profit. It's about discovering the item's provenance, knowing who you sold it to, where it's currently housed, and enjoying the friends you've made along the way, whether they're clients or fellow traders. And keep on smiling. There's nothing more disappointing than seeing a trader looking forlorn, unenthusiastic, and unapproachable.            

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Spring 2011

2011-04-05T16:09:00.002+01:00

It's currently 17-degrees and sunny on the Adriatic Coast. The lovely view in front of our flat does nothing but inspire me to sort my clothes collection, organising them for my wedding Vintage Fair in London in two months. For now, please enjoy this little collage, inspired by the colour palette from Pantone.
1.Panton Flower Pot Lamps (estilointeiors.com) 2.Yellow Panton Chair (designguide.cz) 3.Brown 60s Bowling bag (alexdrake vintage) 4.Yellow 60s Dress (alexdrake vintage) 5.Pantone Spring 2011 Palette (idesignlove.com) 6.Yellow 70s Panasonic R-70 "Panapet" Radio (alexdrake vintage) 7.Brown 60s Heeled Sandals (alexdrake vintage)

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Pink is the new black

2011-04-02T09:04:00.001+01:00

1950s Dining Set which is getting rare to get hold of now a days. It's fab to remember happy clients who acquire nice things for their household. This set went to a lovely couple in Leeds who were 1950s exclusive collectors.

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Spring

2011-04-02T00:05:00.003+01:00

Found this photo from my first-ever shop stock archive.
Always casually reminds me of breezy Spring. Cleaning and gardening tools at the ready.

First Blog

2011-04-01T21:54:00.001+01:00

Before my vintage clothes collecting frenzy commenced, I began buying mid-20th Century furniture and collectables while I was pregnant with my daughter. When she turned six-months old, my loving husband reminded me that our house was becoming a warehouse. I countered that it was his doing, since I was influenced by his sporadic collection of antique furniture and ephemera, and the classic car he was doing up in the garage. This point didn't have the impact I hoped, unfortunately.

I decided that in order to justify my collecting, I would start a Vintage Shop. That way I could buy new items once I had sold something. This is rather habit-forming, unfortunately. And buying often runs ahead of selling. This, I discovered, is where storage units come into their own.

This is one of countless Kitchen Larders that I've bought and sold over the years. I've always believed that a home is no home without a good kitchen, and a good kitchen has functional wares that look cool.

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