Vintage Hair Accessories

On my travels around vintage fairs, I'm often lucky enough to come across a gorgeous vintage hat and accessory stall at each one. Historically hats have been used to represent social status within a community, as  well as a means for protection and simply a fashion statement. From the 16th century on wards, hats became increasingly worn by women and overtime became more flamboyant and extravagant; the term 'milliner' derived from the city Milan, where the best hatmakers in the world were situated. By the 19th century the bonnet dominated women's hat fashion, becoming larger and greater decorated throughout the century and giving rise to alternative styles of hat. During this time both men and women would strive never to been seen in public not wearing a hat as it was used as an indicator of class and wealth; many believed not wearing a hat or shoes indicated a persons poverty.

An example of a Victorian ladies hat

By the 1920s with women feeling more liberated after the World War and gaining the right to vote, many cut their hair short and the style of hat became much smaller and more closely fitted to head, mimicking a helmet. By the 1950s after the Second World War, hats became less practical for the modern day lady who was often now a working woman and fashion was not as much an extravagance as it had been in previous eras. During the 1960s the hat was almost all but wiped out in women's fashion with big hair and wigs becoming the dominant style, with the 1970s reverting back to a natural look the hat didn't really fit into this look. In the 1980s and 2000s there has been a revival in the wearing of hats, but nowhere near as dominant an item of clothing as it was seen historically. 

A typical hat from the 1920s

I still think it is lovely to dress an outfit up with a hat once in a while, and especially at special events such as weddings or watching the horses! My personal favourite style of hat is the pillbox, which I feel compliments most and can be personalised in a variety of ways, other than that I love the over the top Victorian ladies hats. Below are some great milliners, some who I have been lucky enough to meet at various vintage fairs.

Zara Carpenter - Chatham Girl

www.etsy.com/shop/zaracarpenter

Dawn Wilson @ Vintage Hart

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Fairheads Headwear

www.fairheadsheadwear.com

1960s Fashion: Then and Now

  

Roksanda at London Fashion Week A/W 2012

Sixties fashion has hit our catwalks with a bang this winter and is appearing all over the high street, featuring styles from mod to monochrome and not forgetting the classic shift dress. If you are like us and want to find unique one off pieces, current sixties trends and authentic vintage designs then check out ASOS Marketplace. Their sellers are individual boutiques who specialise in vintage designs and for those thrifty shoppers among us you can find some great bargains. We’ve picked out some of this season’s best sixties trends that appeared on the catwalk.

The Mod Look
Mod has derived from the word modernist and was seen as a fashion obsessed cult. Their fashion influence came from Italian and French styles. A stereotypical mod girl would have short haircuts and often wear men’s shirts and trousers. Another look created was the miniskirt and a turtle neck top or a top with a Peter Pan like collar. This look was made popular by a young Twiggy.
This season we are seeing tailored trousers everywhere! These are usually straight legged and perfect for wearing to work or a fancy lunch. Pair this up with a tailored coat or blazer and a plain top the perfect mod effect.

Miniskirts were a major trend in the mod world and it’s no different this season. Pair a tweed A-line skirt or shift dress with some light coloured tights for the day and dark coloured tight for the evening (unless you are brave enough to bare your legs in the cold). Choose pastel blue tights to go with colours such as orange or pink and darker colour such as black with red’s, blues, blacks and white. A turtle neck top and an A-line coat will give off an authentic mod look.

Coats
The 1960’s brought faux fur, Peter Pan collars, tartan designs, double breasted jackets and maxi coats to the fashion scene. They knew how to keep warm back then!
Faux fur collars and the Peter Pan collar have been incorporated into today’s trend by the likes of ASOS, D&G and Jasper Conrad. Faux fur looks great with a tartan pattern if you want to incorporate the full sixties trend.
Tartan was the material to wear in the sixties and was incorporated into every design and style. Why not try a tartan cape coat as it’s right on trend today and was a popular choice in the sixties. Tartan is a bold pattern, so if you’re a first time wearer, start with something more subtle such as a short jacket.
Double breasted coats and jackets will keep you snug and warm this winter so this is a recommended trend to follow. In the sixties it was popular to wear bright colours such as green and yellow with large white buttons. A double breasted front looks great with a round collar coat.
Maxi and midi coats became popular in the late sixties and it is still a trend we use today. Why not try a military design coat which gives off a more tailored look. If you are going for a wide coat that is more shapeless, match it up with a waist belt.

The 1960’s is a popular era for reason, the fashion! Whether you take inspiration from Jackie O, Twiggy or Brigitte Bardot you can find genuine 1960s pieces as well as the above outfits from the independent vintage boutiques on ASOS Marketplace.

A Vintage Halloween

We're in the midst of Autumn now, and one of the first celebrations we have is Halloween. Originally begun as All Hallows' Eve to remember those who had passed away and to celebrate the Saints, today we celebrate by dressing up in scary costumes, trick or treating and apple bobbing.
The famous carved pumpkins or jack o'lanterns would have traditionally been a carved turnip in Britain, with North American migrants choosing to use the more commonplace pumpkin.
Here we have some perfect vintage ways to spend your Halloween night on the 31st.

Why not watch a classic horror film from the age of Golden Hollywood

 like Dracula, Frankenstein or The Wolf Man

  Dress these fabulous outfits up from Vivien of Holloway with a spooky twist

             Book yourself in for a Horror Hottie Pamper Day with the ladies from The Pamper Box

Make some Halloween goodies with these 1950s recipes here

 Halloween themed buntng from The Vintage Halloween store

Try customising a vintage sewing pattern for your costume

These eyelashes from the Online Fancy Dress store create a mysterious feel

A cute handmade vintage trick or treat bag from Sewn from the heart 4 u

Dowton's Lady Mary Steps Forward to the Sixties

Michelle Dockery is more used to donning a long 1920s gown with overly made-up hair, when playing Downton Abbey's Lady Mary. But I think she looks fantastic in these 60s style shots for Interview Magazine and I can honestly say it would have taken me a while to work out who it was, if it didn't say her name. This just goes to show the magic of hair, make-up and clothing and how they can completely transform a person's style and character.

Which vintage era do you prefer to see Michelle Dockery in 1960s or 1920s?

V&A Hollywood Costume Expo

From the 20th October to 27th January, the Victoria and Albert museum opens its Hollywood costume display to the public. Some of the most iconic costumes worn in Hollywood over the past century will be displayed at the museum. Pieces featured at the exhibition include the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film Wizard of Oz and her gingham pinafore, being displayed in the UK for the first time ever.
The white dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the film The Seven Year Itch, in the infamous scene which sees it blown up over an air vent will also be featured. A recreated Edwardian suit worn by Kate Winslet in Titanic will also be displayed.
Costume plays a key role in portraying a period accurately within films, and can help to bring a character to life. All the below will star in the exhibition.

Ruby 'glass' slippers from the Wizard of Oz

Kiera Knightley's outfit from Atonement

Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch

Audrey Hepburn's dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's

John Travolta and his white suit in Saturday Night Fever

Dress designed by Deborah L. Scott in Titanic

Marlene Dietrich in costume for Morocco

Tickets for the exhibition begin at £9.00 and on Friday evenings is open until 10pm. View more here

New Brand Vinnie & D - Designed and made in Britain

Here at Mish Mash Vintage, we are staunch supporters of British produce and talent. Vinnie & D have just launched their British designed and made online store. They are a team dedicated to bringing new and creative British design to the forefront, whilst promoting individualism, stepping away from the mundane shops we see everyday on the high street. The designers who sell on Vinnie & D's site are a select few, only selling their wares in a handful of individual boutiques nationwide; Vinnie & D aim to showcase them to a wider audience on the net who truly appreciate the high quality of British designers.

Their range includes quirky and unusual pieces for the home, you and your children aiming to provide that little bit of extra unique glamour to the home.

Here are some of our favourite pieces from their collection below. We wish the team at Vinnie & D the best of luck on their new venture!

Dandy deer tea towel £9 by Scottish printmakers Orwell and Goode 

The perfect cup of tea £35 from East London tea company Rosy Lee Tea London

Handmade on The Isle of Wight Cupcake Cake cards £8 for set by AV Designs

5 metre Floral bunting £12 by Clare's Cotton Company 

Fresh & floral side table £175 by reclaimed & recylcled furniture designer Recover me Sarah G

To find more please visit the Vinnie & D website here

Winter Collection by Collectif

I've spoken about my love for vintage repoduction store Collectif before, with their huge range of vintage style clothing from trousers and skirts to wonderful flared dresses. Collectif already comes in a range of sizes, so I'm able to find something that fits perfectly for my petite frame; and even more sizes have been added more recently!
The staff are lovely and very helpful in the stores I've been into in Covent Garden and Spitalfields, always willing to help and provide you with styling tips.
The autumn/winter collection to me, is a lovely mix of land girl meets 50s glamour and the high quality means you'll be able to wear your purchase for many winters to come.

Some of my favourites from the latest collection are:

The Argarva Skirt £37.50

This has quickly become my favourite colour recently

The Foxy Cardigan £45.00

This also has a cute Mr Fox print on the reverse

Burgundy Jenny Dress £60.00

Diana Pastel Houndstooth Suit £90.00

This looks very cute with stockings and a cute bag to match

Mariella Leopard Long Coat £150.00

Mushroom Capris £40.00

With a cute toadstool motif on the side pocket

There's also a great sale on with old stock dresses from £15.00. To view more go to www.collectif.co.uk



The humble pencil skirt

Recently I've fallen in love with pencil skirts. I really like how they can be dressed down for work, as well as dressed up for a night out. I also love the fact that they can be worn with so many different kinds of tops too. 

In the past few months I've purchased at least 5 including a leopard print, one with stripes and a lovely wine coloured one which I've worn the most. I think the pencil skirt is definitely a wardrobe staple which will always stay in fashion depending on the way you accessorise it.

Take a look at some of these examples below to see exactly what I mean.

£18 Asos

Probably out of most of our price ranges, but this print is gorgeous!

£599 StyleBop

£60.50 Overstock

£25 Jane Norman

£12 Asos

£22 Miss Selfridge