Rik Lee and the Nightcall Collection

Australian artist Rik Lee is best known for his tattoo inspired images and has worked with big name clients such as Puma, Nylon and Lee Jeans in the past. Rik has recently launched his own clothing line Nightcall to showcase his designs in a men and womenswear collection.

His 'Hood Girls'

I love anything relating to tattoos and love the images as pieces of their own art; so when Nightcall popped up on my Tumblr page I was blown away by the strong, exotic girl with a leopard on her head. Rik's collection is still growing, but currently consists of a men's line offering printed t-shirts and sweatshirts and a women's line including swimsuits and vests. There's also a number of accessories you can own, with phone cases, skateboards and wrist cuffs for sale. The strong images of women in their war-like attire makes for a stand out outfit, with the bright colours helping to maintain femininity.

Kitty halter swimsuit

This leopard tee grabbed my initial attention

Men's grey Wolfgirl Tee

Iphone cases

I look forward to see what else comes from this brand, as I know Rik is already expanding into new characters and accessories such as bandanna's.

See more here www.nightcallbrand.com

Vintage by Hemingway Wallpaper

I was having a browse of the Vintage Festival website and came across this wonderful vintage inspired wallpaper designs by Hemingway. Each one is reminiscent of a different era and would be the perfect way to recreate a vintage look in your own home. Prices are £30 per roll, but if this is a bit too pricey for you it would look just as good covering one wall and having it as a feature.

The above print echoes the 1930s with it's art deco diamond shapes and would look grogeous in a bedroom or dressing room.

This mustard yellow print is reminiscent of the 1970s capturing everything that was glam about the era.

This design is called 'loopy lines' and captures the 1960s perfectly and as you can see it fits nicely in with genuine furniture from the same period.

Inspired by the mad men period, this geometric design encompasses the 1950s and I think it would also look great in a kitchen.

To view the collection and make a purchase go here

6 Easy Steps to a Vintage Christmas

A month to go, and there’s nothing like rooting out the box of Christmas decorations from the attic and giving your home that touch of holiday sparkle. But where did all these decorative traditions come from? If you’ve had enough of Christmas kitsch, check out this brief history of the holiday season, and try celebrating this year the old-fashioned way!

The time: 13th century

The decoration: Nativity scenes

St. Francis of Assisi is popularly known as the creator of the first nativity: a ‘living’ scene with real people and animals. Now you’re more likely to come across miniature models of the stable scene, but you’ll have to go to the annual Kraków nativity-making contest to see the most elaborate. Try one made of wood for an authentic feel, or get your friends together for a spot of dressing up...

The time: 15th and 16th centuries

The decoration: Festive foliage

Bringing the outside inside has been a major part of Christmas decorating for hundreds of years. In the 15th century the London tradition of using plants - including holly and ivy - was recorded as having religious and superstitious symbolism, and kissing under the mistletoe first appeared in the 16th century. So when it comes to decorating in the spirit of yesteryear, you’d better put away the fairy lights and get out the shears!

The time: 17th century

The decoration: Tinsel

Tinsel isn’t as modern an invention as you might think, although these days it’s a little cheaper. This shiny adornment was invented in Germany in 1610, and the only material that worked was very thin strips of genuine silver. The original may not be suitable for a budget Christmas, so just use modern tinsel and other silver decorations to create a more faithful vintage look.

The time: 18th century

The decoration: Christmas tree

The origins of this peculiar tradition are unclear: it may be linked to Pagan rituals, or it could represent the Tree of Life from Christianity. Forget plastic baubles and fairy lights; historical decorations include edible treats like apples, nuts and candy canes, as well as paper flowers and even real candles! To really do it properly, don’t put the tree up until Christmas Eve, and be sure to take it down before twelfth night.

The time: 19th century

The decoration: Christmas crackers

In 1847 the Christmas cracker was born of a marketing trick. Thomas J. Smith decided to sell his sweets in paper wrappers, and also started including little mottos and then the ‘cracker’ element, to boost sales. His son later added the hat, and replaced the sweet with a gift. So for a really traditional Christmas cracker, just a tin of your favourite sweets will do!

The time: 20th century

The decoration: Advent calendars

Brace yourself: old-fashioned advent calendars didn’t include chocolate. They started out as simple lines of chalk drawn on the front door, then people began to mark the countdown by lighting a candle or hanging up a religious image. Behind the doors of a real retro printed advent calendar are only pictures, but don’t worry, you’re already getting your sugar fix from ‘traditional crackers’.

However you choose to decorate your home this Christmas, DotComGiftShop has lots of lovely things to help you celebrate Christmas day in both modern and retro style.

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.

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



Diana Vicker's Dee V Collection SS/12

Diana Vickers is the latest celeb with their own clothing brand to take inspiration from vintage fashions, with her newly launched spring summer collection for Very launching this week . Stepping away from her previous collection designs which looked towards the 70s this time Vickers has gone for the more classic vintage look gaining inspiration from the 1950s declaring “My inspiration came from the 1950s and early 1960s retro style. I love all those old fashioned vintage shapes: lots of quirky prints and bright colours.”

While some of the chosen prints leave me questioning her style choices slightly, I do really like the ruffled blouse and radish print dress and with prices from £30 to £60 I'm glad she's aiming the range at an affordable market. Below are some of my favourites from the collection, what do you think?

Ruffle Organza Blouse £35.00

Harlequin Printed Shirt £32.00

Smart Cotton Coat £59.00

Radish Print Dress £59.00

Jersey Retro Midi Dress £49.00

Soft Button Through Top £29.00

If you like any of the items or are left wanting more you can purchase the Dee V collection on the Very.co.uk website.