Lovebirds Vintage

    ABOUT & CONTACT // ADVERTISE & SPONSOR // MODELLING // DISCLOSURE // PRESS
winter vintage outfit via lovebirds vintage

Dress and gloves - vintage
Bag - 1950s vintage | Hat - Asos
 Coat, umbrella and scarf - Primark 

I went briefly into town earlier but I am spending the rest of the day working on my thesis. Nearly there! A couple of people commented on my outfit, which is always nice. I also found an amazing vintage skirt with a fairground ride novelty print in one of the vintage shops in town but due to current lack of funds, I sadly had to walk away from  it. It's such a shame because the shop in question has a lot of newer vintage (of the Doc Martins and ugly sweaters variety) and it's not very often that I find something I really like! 

It's the Crich Easter 1940s weekend tomorrow and Monday, but even though I was really looking forward to it, I might not go. It's still really cold here and Crich is right up on a hill and pretty exposed - I expect it will be even colder because of that! 

winter vintage outfit via lovebirds vintage

winter vintage outfit via lovebirds vintage

This is one of my favourite hats, and it's the first time I've worn it with a hat pin. I still had to hold on to it once or twice though - it's not very windy out today but there were one or two gusts which I didn't trust not to blow the hat right off my head, hat pin be damned. 



Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
12 comments
winter vintage outfit via lovebirds vintage

I was at work today so thankfully didn't have to deal much with the snow you can see in the above picture. It did make a pretty backdrop for a few photos before I left the house this morning, though.

My outfit today was an attempt to be both warm and relatively smart, and was a little inspired by the following still I found from Water For Elephants:

(source)


I haven't seen the film, but all the pictures of it that I have seen set my style senses tingling.  

winter vintage outfit via lovebirds vintage

winter vintage outfit via lovebirds vintage

Everything in this outfit is modern - the trousers and cardigan are Primark, the blouse is Vero Moda via Asos.


I didn't brave the weather for very long - just long enough to grab a few photos which my dad kindly took for me. It was a bit windy, and I did end up with several photos of myself wrestling with my hair and/or scarf. The scarf in question is one of my favourite things - it's hand painted silk and the colours remind me almost of water. 

winter vintage outfit via lovebirds vintage

Last but not least, the title today is a line from 'Snowy Day' by Val Emmich.






Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 comments
I've got a problem with my wardrobe which I've known about for a while but never properly got around to addressing... I am really short of clothes that are appropriate for cold weather.

In fact, the colder the weather gets, the more chance I have of being dressed in completely modern (not even the slightest bit retro) clothing. Of the vintage part of my wardrobe - which is made up of a mixture of true vintage, reproduction and modern vintage-style clothes - I only have a few things which  are appropriate to colder weather, and most of these things are only really suitable for autumn.

The trouble is, we now have snow again... and I'm really struggling to find things in my wardrobe which are both "my style" and will keep me warm in freezing temperatures.

My warmest dresses are two that I have been wearing pretty much in rotation with each other recently. These are the pink and green check dress which I wore in my previous post here, and the yellow 1960s dress which appeared on the blog several months ago in some awful pictures. I took some more pictures which hopefully won't hurt your eyes:


It was freezing (although not snowy) that day, as you can tell by the less-than-impressed face I'm pulling in the picture on the left. I've only now noticed how strange my pose looks in the photo on the right... where did my arm go? We will never know. My feet were so cold in those shoes but I do love how they look with the outfit.


That's neat, that's neat, that's neat, that's neat, I really love your tiger feet. 

Although I have been trying to save my money, I am in the process of updating my "vintage" wardrobe to include more cold weather clothing. In the mean time, what would my ideal cold weather vintage wardrobe look like?


 

Vintage Quilted Circle Skirt via thegypsygoat on Etsy


1950s Velvet Skirt via stutterinmama on Etsy


1940s Wool Skirt via ElizabethJeanVintage on Etsy


Fair isle jumper - pattern from DevonArcadia on Etsy


1940s Wool Dress via dethrosevintage 


1950s/60s fur coat via PattisVintageGalore

I am hoping to expand my wardrobe of warmer (and stylish!) clothes to keep me nice an toasty before the summer arrives. Do you have any other suggestions for suitable clothing? I will happily take suggestions! I hope you are all keeping warm if you have cold weather or snow like we do at the moment. I'm super jealous of everyone who's busy going to the beach and having picnics (Australian bloggers, I'm looking at you!); I hope it warms up soon... 

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
6 comments

Late 40s/early 50s dress - Friendly Fox Vintage
Cardigan - gift | Shoes - Dorothy Perkins

I wore this dress to work yesterday - it's a heavier fabric than a lot of my other dresses so it's perfect for the grey drizzly weather we're having at the moment. It's another of my checked/plaid dresses... I love it so! Obviously this required another chess-based title, following on from my last... 




I'm so looking forward to some better weather... I'm bored of taking photos indoors, it's making me feel like I have no life and just sit at home all day! Although in actual fact, I haven't been going out and doing a lot recently anyway as I'm really busy with uni things.

I'm currently working on finishing my dissertation, which is due in a couple of weeks time, and after that I have one more piece of coursework, a mock job interview, the Viva Voce (oral exam) for my dissertation, and finally a court appearance where I will have to give evidence as an expert witness. The court appearance is going to be the worst - I started losing sleep over it before Christmas...! But, it's only about 10 minutes or so of my life, and then I will have finished my whole degree...



I am looking forward to the Crich 1940s weekend; it's somewhat snuck up on me this time around and I am very unsure what I'm going to wear. Any suggestions would be very welcome (I'm a little short on 40s clothing and I am trying to spend as little money as possible...). If you're going to Crich, I'll maybe see you there - come and say hi :)

I must get going now, see if I can get another few hundred words of my dissertation done during the rest of the day. Here's hoping for some better weather for the rest of the week...!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
6 comments
These are four of the best photos taken of me at Chesterfield. Unfortunately it was really cold that day, and it shows a lot on some of the photos... these are the ones where I look a bit less frozen! 

chesterfield second world war re-enactment via lovebirds vintage

chesterfield second world war re-enactment via lovebirds vintage

Someone on Flikr said this a spy-like feel, "a touch of Harry Lime". Sorry to say that I had to Google it, but it turns out Harry Lime is the main character from the 1949 film 'The Third Man'. I haven't seen The Third Man but it seems like something I would enjoy so I might track down a copy and give it a watch.

chesterfield second world war re-enactment via lovebirds vintage

chesterfield second world war re-enactment via lovebirds vintage

Cap - Dixabilly | Coat - H&M
 Bag - Judy's Vintage Fair 
Skirt - Collectif "Bella"

All photos (c) Tony Fletcher, used with permission. 

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments

During my lovely day out at Chesterfield 1940s, I was lucky enough to have a chat with the beautiful and talented Miss Marina Mae, a singer on the 1940s circuit who performs at many of the reenactment events I like to attend throughout the year.


via Marina's Facebook fan page


We talked about singing, vintage clothes, and the new Collectif Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Marina was very kind, and even agreed to answer some questions for me. Thanks Marina!

1. How did you first get into singing?

- I have been singing ever since I was a little girl in school choirs and in concert parties with my grandfather. I also had private vocal tuition at secondary school and from there I entered various music festivals where I won awards and trophies. I've always loved to sing, dance and act and it's a dream come true to be an entertainer!


at Chesterfield 1940s, 1st-3rd March 2012


2. When did you first start singing the 40s music that you perform at events today?

- My training is in classical music, but at the age of 17 I wanted to try something different so I decided to combine my loves for singing and the 1940's and so Miss Marina Mae was born! That was 4 years ago and now I am so lucky to be singing around the UK nearly every weekend! It does take a lot of hard work and research, but it does pay off!

3. Which is your favourite song to perform and why?


at Rufford Abbey, 2012


- My favourite song to perform is 'A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square'. It was one of the first songs I learnt and now I must have sung it over 200 times but it still feels lovely to perform. I drift off into my own little world now and it now seems so effortless, when really it's quite a challenging song. It's amazing how my version of the song has evolved over the 4 years and that the sentiment behind it still makes me emotional, nearly to the point of tears at some events! I also think the reason I love it so much is that it really is a fan favourite; I'm proud to say that I've brought many people to tears with this song, because it holds so many memories for so many people! I guess you could say it's my trademark song!

5. Do you swing dance at all? 

- With a strong leading partner I am quite good at swing dance; I know the basics but I need someone to push me in the right direction to achieve more complicated moves! I absolutely love to dance; I used to do tap, ballet and jazz at Joyce Mason's School of Dance for about 8 years. I have recently started learning tap again and I've just moved next door to some brilliant swing dance teachers so I'll be forcing my partner along to lessons soon!


at Rufford Abbey, 2012


6. I have seen you perform three times now, you always look gorgeous! What are your top tips for buying vintage clothing and creating a vintage look?

- Thank you very much Helen! It has taken me a lot of years to build up my vintage collection and I'm very proud of it! My advice would be to invest in a good quality original suit first of all. My favourite vintage dealers are Debbie from the Dress Circle and Betty at The 40's Room. Once you have a suit you can build various looks around it by wearing different hats and shoes, wearing the jacket with re-production swing trousers (Vivien of Holloway are my favourite) or wearing the suit skirt with jumpers or blouses. 


via Marina's Facebook fan page


Research is the key and I have many books on vintage style. I look at vintage clothing as an investment; if you buy high quality and look after it, in 20 years time it will be worth much more! I just love owning little pieces of history! Another good place to look for vintage is ebay, but beware, when you type is "40's dress" you get a whole load of horrid 70's dresses with a '40's look (apparently) so you must know what you're looking for! I always search for "original 40's dress" for a more accurate result. Ebay sellers from the US have really great quality clothing at good prices too, but don't forget customs charges on top! A lot of ladies ask me for fashion advice and I'm always happy to help!

7. You recently did some modelling for Collectif, one of my favourite reproduction/rockabilly brands. Do you have a favourite item from their new collection?


via Marina's Facebook fan page


- Collectif have great re-production clothes available in all sizes. My favourite piece of theirs is the Delilah dress in dark green, it's so elegant and flattering. My very favourite re-production brand however is Vivien of Holloway; their new Swagger Jackets are absolutely gorgeous and so are all of the dresses they make. They keep true to the elegant, fitted lines of the 40's and 50's and their fabrics are so authentic and of a beautiful quailty. Everyone looks fab in their dresses, they suit true vintage shapes.

8. As well as 40s and reenactment events, you also perform at private parties. What is your favourite event (or type of event) to perform at, and why? 


via Marina's Facebook fan page


- I love performing to all kinds of people in all kinds of settings, but I have to say my favourite is the event at Rufford Abbey Park near Nottingham (31st Aug - 1st Sept 2013). It is such a lovely setting, with gorgeous gardens and brilliant acoustics to sing with. Also, a lot of my friends come to this one and make me feel so at home and relaxed!

10. Anything else you’d like to add?

- I shall be recording a new album very soon, I have a new website, www.missmarinamae40s.co.uk, and I've recently moved to London, so I'm looking to start performing down here! Exciting times ahead and I'm so grateful to everyone that has supported me so far!

----------

Marina’s next event is Crich Tramway Museum 1940s, Saturday 30th March - Mon 1st April. A full events calendar can be found on her website, under the ‘Gigs’ tab. CDs are also available to purchase in her online shop. You can also keep up with her on Facebook.
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
1950s style dress via lovebirds vintage

The weather today was pretty rubbishy, but I couldn't pass up the chance to wear one of my new dresses from last weekend. This style of dress is my favourite - so easy to wear and I'm a sucker for check patterns besides. 


I tried on several pairs of shoes before I settled on these - they didn't match the best, but were the most sturdy and weather-appropriate.

1950s style dress via lovebirds vintage

1950s style dress via lovebirds vintage

I know I don't get many photos outside at the moment, but at least I found a different part of the house to take photos in.

And finally, a close up of the print because I love it so:

1950s style dress via lovebirds vintage

I hope you are all well and that the weather is better in your part of the world!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 comments
Today when I got home there was a lovely parcel waiting for me. It was full of beautiful hat pins which I won in the Flashback Summer Valentine's giveaway. I have been a very lucky girl recently!


I love getting packages from people who wrap them nicely - it was hard to get it all in one photo, but the writing on the outside reads "...Brown paper packaging tied up with string ... these are a few of my favourite things"




The background on the pictures of the pins is a lovely lace doily that was also part of the prize. I will have to treat myself to some nice new hats to show off all the pins! I love that there is a mixture of practical and more fancy ones. The heart one is cute as a button and the red one with the black swirls is ever so stylish. 



If you don't already read Emileigh's blog, go and check her out: flashbacksummer.blogspot.co.uk. She also has an Etsy shop full of goodies at a very affordable prices. You can read more about it here. 



Many thanks to Emileigh for the great giveaway... I would love to hold one of my own so I will be keeping an eye out for a nice prize when I am doing my shopping!

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 comments
Saturday saw me at Chesterfield 1940s and Vintage Weekend, my first event of this year. It was smaller than some of the other reenactment events that I've been to in the past, as most of it was happening indoors and there wasn't the space to have the army camps etc set up like there have been at outdoor events.

chesterfield 1940s weekend via lovebirds vintage

Chesterfield crooked spire

A little history about the picture above: St Mary and All Saints Church is known for its crooked spire which leans and twists to the side. The spire was added to the tower in the late 1300s. There are many myths and theories about why the spire is twisted: the sensible explanation is that the spire was made from unseasoned wood which, over the years, warped and bent. However there are many folklore explanations that are much more interesting. One story goes that the devil came to land on the spire, not realising that the building below was a church. When he heard the bells, he took off in such a hurry that his tail got caught on the spire and bent it out of shape. Another story is that of a wedding which took place in the church. Legend has it that the spire was so surprised to see a virgin getting married in the church that it bent down to get a closer look and was unable to straighten up again. 

As with all myths and legends, there are many variations on these stories. Wikipedia gives two slightly different versions to my versions above, which I learned in Chesterfield museum. 

chesterfield 1940s weekend via lovebirds vintage

The event took place mainly in the theatre and the museum, which are just across the road from each other. There were a few stalls set up inside the museum with exhibits (food, army gear etc) for people to look at, and outside the museum were some classic cars and a 1940s fire engine.

chesterfield 1940s weekend via lovebirds vintage

chesterfield 1940s weekend via lovebirds vintage

chesterfield 1940s weekend via lovebirds vintage

Inside the theatre there was a vintage fair, 1940s-style cafe and entertainment in the ball room. I wish I'd thought to take some photos inside the fair, as they had lots of nice things, but I did buy two lovely new dresses for the super-bargain price of only £5 each. They need washing before I can wear them, so I'm hoping to get that done today if I get all my coursework finished!

chesterfield 1940s weekend via lovebirds vintage

Sadly I didn't get the name of the seller that I bought them from - if by any chance you're reading this, contact me and I will add your details!

There was lots of singing and dancing happening in the ballroom, which ended up being where I spent quite a lot of the day. There was also a swing dance happening in the evening, which I didn't make it to. One of these days I will get to one of the dances... all I need is a car and a dance partner...

chesterfield 1940s weekend via lovebirds vintage





Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Newer Posts
Older Posts

About me



recent posts

Blog Archive

  • ►  2019 (1)
    • ►  March (1)
  • ►  2018 (19)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  April (2)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (4)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2017 (56)
    • ►  December (4)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (3)
    • ►  July (5)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (7)
    • ►  January (6)
  • ►  2016 (56)
    • ►  December (7)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (5)
    • ►  July (3)
    • ►  June (6)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2015 (96)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (8)
    • ►  October (7)
    • ►  September (6)
    • ►  August (7)
    • ►  July (9)
    • ►  June (6)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (10)
    • ►  March (9)
    • ►  February (10)
    • ►  January (11)
  • ►  2014 (103)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (8)
    • ►  October (8)
    • ►  September (9)
    • ►  August (11)
    • ►  July (8)
    • ►  June (9)
    • ►  May (12)
    • ►  April (6)
    • ►  March (8)
    • ►  February (7)
    • ►  January (8)
  • ▼  2013 (83)
    • ►  December (8)
    • ►  November (7)
    • ►  October (8)
    • ►  September (11)
    • ►  August (9)
    • ►  July (7)
    • ►  June (6)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (7)
    • ▼  March (9)
      • Outfit: Classics
      • Outfit: a sky of white has frozen time
      • Shiver
      • Outfit: I don't play poker, sir. I play chess.
      • The Third Woman
      • Miss Marina Mae
      • Outfit: Checkmate
      • Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
      • Chesterfield 1940s and Vintage Weekend
    • ►  February (4)
    • ►  January (3)
  • ►  2012 (14)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ►  August (6)

Featured Topics

Outfits
Urbex
Steampunk

Popular

  • Outfit: Stepping Out Sailer
    Outfit: Stepping Out Sailer
  • Review: Collectif Clothing
    Review: Collectif Clothing
  • Kedleston at War
    Kedleston at War
  • Outfit: Teddy Girl
    Outfit: Teddy Girl
  • Oxford: University of Oxford Botanic Garden
    Oxford: University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Vintage Queen Number 134




VintageSearch

Created with by BeautyTemplates| Distributed By Gooyaabi Templates