With Friends Like This . . . Eclectic Chair

This Chaise was a commission for Manchester photographer Jan Gamble (0161 448 8073). She supplied the faded khaki green velvet. Heather gave the stool a sexy, deep button and Jan chose white satin for the covering fabric.

It’s so nice to have friends and even nicer if  they have a wonderful creative flare like my lovely friend Heather.   Not content with being manager of one of the finest restaurants in Manchester, The Lime Tree, (a stones throw away from my own abode), Heather took herself off to Ceregidion in Wales to learn the fine art of traditional upholstery.  Since then her creative talents have gone from strength to strength.

Heather has worked on projects for friends and family and has also made cushions, headboards and lots of upholstery projects for Staying Cool, a hip urban company responsible for servicing trendy apartments in Manchester, Birmingham and Barcelona.

Heather now has her very own website, Eclectic Chair and I’m so happy to share this news with you.  Now everyone can purchase her fabulous soft furnishings and sample some of the amazing work she has created using vintage fabrics sourced from flea markets, junk shops and vintage fairs.

Here are some of my favourite pieces but get yourself along to Eclectic Chair and see for yourself.  If you love furnishing your home with unique soft furnishings, you’d do well to have a friend like this . . . . . .

I wish Heather every success with her business venture.  Three cheers for good friends!

Maud Cushion £18.00

This daybed had loads of potential but was in terrible condition. Staying Cool chose grey felt from Danish fabric house Kvadrat. The wood was stripped and varnished giving it a new lease of life.

This dining chair was a commission for Staying Cool. The woodwork was stripped and repainted with a Fired Earth red. The fabric chosen is a damask pattern, screen printed onto hessian by Timourous Beasties. Photo courtesy of Nick Smith www.nicksmithphotography.com

The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping

I’ve just ordered myself a copy of a wonderful book entitled The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping and thought I’d share it with you.  It’s now available to buy online (credit cards only) and it’s a ‘must-read’ for any budding vintage fashionista!  It’s been written by Melody Fortier, a fellow member of the Vintage Fashion Guild (VFG) and published by Quirk Books.  The book is such a steal at $18.95 with shipping from the US to the UK only $6 USD!  Incredible value at only £15 GBP including shipping to the UK!  (conversion rate calculated on 15th August 2009).

The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier

Here’s some information from Melody about some of the contents you’ll find within:

“Read all you need to know on how to shop for vintage clothing AND accessories with confidence and ease. You will learn where to buy it and what the value is. The ins and outs of sizing and fit… a bit about the eras and their signature styles. You will find out what the pitfalls are and how to spot the treasures. We will give you great advice for shopping online and we even have a list of nice vintage shops across the globe. Our book doesn’t stop at how to buy vintage fashion, it  also teaches you how to care for your purchases including cleaning and repairs PLUS we have a chapter on creative ways to wear vintage or even re-purpose those damaged pieces. I have included some wonderful tips from other experts in the field AND aside from all that  it’s fun to read!”

So, what are you waiting for?  Not only will this be a great read for yourself but will make a fantastic gift for someone special this Christmas, or for birthdays, or . . . . . !

The Fashion Birdcage – for Fashionistas and Vintage Lovers!

New online magazine, The Fashion Birdcage

I’m so delighted to report that the very first edition of The Fashion Birdcage was published yesterday.  Entitled ‘The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum’ – it’s a ‘must-read’ for any fashionista.   With over 250 pages, I’ve got a feeling the editor will be having a bit of a lie-down!  There’s a lot to read . . . . .

The Fashion Birdcage is the brainchild of Enkha Balazik, editor of the wonderful fashion blog, Fashion Birdcage.  This new online magazine format is full of amazing photography, editorials and of course yours truly!

Yes, you can find my introduction on page 10 and read my interview with the lovely Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing on pages 114-119.

Nicole’s book, Love Vintage, is due to be published this October so if you’ve ever wondered about vintage fabrics and the construction of vintage clothing, you’ve just got to get your name down at the publishers for a copy!  Trust me, this book will be an excellent read and a wonderful resource for those with a love of vintage fashion.  I’m counting the days before I can get my hands on a copy!

Vintage 50’s Silk Brocade Wedding Gown by Endres of London

I just had to post details of this beautiful, vintage 50’s wedding gown by Endres of London.  It’s just been listed in my Etsy boutique so please follow the link to find out more about it.

Late 1950's Wedding Gown by Endres of London

I’ve also listed some rather gorgeous evening gowns, perfect for A-list parties or any occasion you want to stand out in the crowd.  Here’s a taster:

Late 1960's Red Ruffle Hostess Dress by Susan Small

Vintage 1980's Black Sequin Cocktail Dress - Rina Z

Vintage 60's/70's Lilac Lurex Maxi Dress

If you prefer a more retro look, I’ve got lots of cute retro shirts and blouses and most are around $12 usd (£7 GBP)  so pick yourself up a few from the selection available.  Combined shipping discounts apply!  Let me know if you’ve any questions about the items available from either my website or from Etsy.

Spreading the love for vintage!

Vintage Clothing and Costume Jewellery Coming Soon!

I’ve had the best fun these last couple of days.  And why exactly?  Well, because I’ve purchased the most amazing selection of vintage clothing and costume jewellery which I’ll be listing on my website and Etsy very soon.  I’ve become a little more discerning with my purchasing lately so I hope you’ll agree these pieces are quite beautiful.  I just can’t wait to list them.   Here’s a little taster of things to come!

A selection of costume jewellery dating from 1900

The costume jewellery includes:

Early 1900’s lavalier amethyst and pearl pendant on 15 inch chain
Large vintage metal pin.
Sterling silver earrings and bracelets (they will be cleaned before listing)!
Vintage 30’s celluloid necklace with leaves.
Vintage pink collar with sterling clasp and Lady Ellen pearls in excellent/unworn condition.
Three vintage dress/scarf clips.

A selection of vintage hats dating 1930's to 1960's

Lots of pretty hats above (not all shown).  Made from a synthetic rayon, polished yarn (straw-like).  This type of yarn was widely used from the 1930’s.

A selection of vintage frocks from the 1950's to 1980's

Ooohhh, the frocks!  They include:

White rayon and lace over organza cocktail dress with rhinestones on lace.
60’s deep green velvet cocktail dress with aqua satin ruched waist (the rouche trend is BIG news for 2009/10)!
60’s Psychedelic silk shift dress.
80’s Silk dress by Geoffrey Beene.

Late 1950's Silk Brocade Wedding Gown

And last, but certainly not least, an exquisite late 1950’s wedding gown by Endres of London.  Made from satin/silk brocade with lots of detailing on the back including bound buttons, a structured waist with petal skirt and long, raglan sleeves.  Just divine!

I will be posting more information on my purchases as they come in so stay tuned vintage lovers!