Lydia Bright's Latest Vintage Inspired Collection

Today TOWIE's Lydia Bright launches her latest clothing collection taking inspiration from her love of past vintage fashion. I've discussed Lydia's vintage style previously and really want to see how she mixes Essex with Vintage.
Lydia has picked up lots of tips from the recent London and Essex Fashion weeks, as well as jumping into vintage shopping saying "I just love the 50s and I am following what I know is going to be big but keeping my stamp on it with the lace crochet and chiffon".
To me, I see the collection as being a lot more 1920s than 50s although there are a few pieces which I can relate to the Wiggle era. Being a purveyor of affordability, I wouldn't say this line is the most affordable, especially with her young fans, with prices beginning at £65.00. However the pieces do look of a high quality and you should get plenty of wear throughout the party period.

1950s inspired dress

Georgia Dress £75

A modern take on the 1920s Flapper dress

Grace Dress £85

My favourite of all the dresses

Sophia Dress £79

This bat wing top is reminiscent of the 1970s

Olivia Top £65

The classic collared dress

Arabella Dress £68

Another beautifully detailed 1920s inspiration

Ilaria Dress £85

The exclusive collection only includes 10 pieces and is available to buy from www.bellasorella.co.uk and www.lipstickboutique.co.uk from today.

What do you think of the collection? Would you mix Essex fashion with vintage?

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.

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?