Back down to Earth

Well, I’m back from a blissful honeymoon in Andalucía (photos coming soon – my new husband cleverly chose each hotel with a vintagey theme in mind). I will post up the official wedding pictures as soon as the photographer sends them through, but in the meantime here’s one of my favourites – taken with the best man’s I Phone Hipstamatic app:

Vintage Bride turns Vintage Wife

I must apologise for my absence over the last few days but I was somewhat caught up in a wedding whirlwind! Our day was the happiest of our lives and beyond any of my expectations. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by all our friends and family - seeing them enjoying every minute and supporting us with so much love.

I’ve still got lots of blogging to do – and of course, I will post up pictures of the day and all the vintage details – but for now, I will leave you with a snapshot of my vintage honeymoon wardrobe (inspired by the Horrockses exhibition). See you in a couple of weeks!

Straw Hat, Beyond Retro

50s swimsuit, Camden Passage antiques market

Vintage-style dress, Joules

Polka dot playsuit, Tara Starlet

Vintage dress, Spitalfields Thursday antiques market 

Vintage top, Camden Passage antiques market; Shorts, Beyond Retro

Horrockses vintage fashion exhibition

The latest exhibition at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum put me in a honeymoon mood – showcasing some fabulous 40s and 50s cotton summer frocks, swimsuits and beach attire from the archives of British design house Horrockses Fashions.

Set out in a seaside-themed display are perfectly preserved outfits plus original prints and sketches, alongside anecdotes behind a dress and when it was worn. The graphic print and colour looks so modern, it makes me wonder why they don’t re-launch the brand for today?

The museum is also running a programme of vintage-themed events to run in parallel with the exhibition, including make-do-and-mend sessions for reviving tired clothes.

My very own Betty Draper

I’m a huge (and slightly obsessive) fan of Mad Men – the US series about late 50s New York ad men and their gals, with a particular fondness for Betty’s wardrobe (fit-and-flare dresses, marabou-trimmed house coats, corseted underwear and the occasional Capri pant).

So my colleagues struck gold yesterday by presenting me with none other than a Betty Draper doll as a wedding present! They had some how managed to convince the lovely people at Mattel to send one over even before they hit the shops in the US and UK. The floral dress is absolutely beautiful with a huge bow at the back, she’s wearing fish-nets and has her own little clutch bag, complete with make-up compact! From the expression on her face, I think she may have had one too many martinis though. I can’t quite bring myself to remove her from the box as she looks so perfectly Betty in there!

Vintage pampering at TART

The inimitable David Carter – hotelier, interior designer and dandy extraordinaire – hosts a range of imaginative events in his beautiful 40 Winks mini-hotel in Mile End. There are Bedtime Story Nights (pyjama-clad guests are entertained by storytellers, while feasting on Godiva chocolates and cocktails), life drawing classes (accompanied by more cocktails) - and then there’s TART, a whole afternoon of pampering, vintage-style – with cucumber sandwiches, cakes and bubbly; vintage hair and make-up sessions; a 50s dressing-up box and massages for when it all gets too much. Set in this gorgeous Georgian townhouse bedecked in all things eclectic, quirky and surreal, it would make a fantastical hen do for a vintage loving bride.

The Vintage Emporium

I love this fantastic vintage space that recently opened just off Brick Lane – it really does live up to its name, with an upstairs café decked-out like an old fashioned tea parlour and a basement beautifully stocked with handpicked vintage wares that range from the Victorian Era to the 50s/60s. There are plenty of Mad Men-style dresses, some great party shoes and accessories and pretty lingerie, all handpicked for their quality (so no sifting through horrible overpriced 90s gear then).

Run by Ollie and Jess, who have spent years trawling markets around the UK and France, it also hosts regular events – life drawing, Victorian bingo, drama classes and knitting nights. The Vintage Emporium is a truly inspiring destination!