To complete the look you’re going to need a very large bag.  It’s an absolute necessity for carrying all your essentials to granny’s house and of course you can use it to fend off the big bad woolf, should you happen to come across one on your travels!

Little Red Riding Hood with a modern twist.

Image care of Looklet.com

Don’t fancy shopping in the miserable rain?  Fed up with the hustle and bustle on the high street?  Well don’t worry.  There’s still plenty of time to purchase all your Christmas gifts online.   Armchair shopping has got to be the least stressful method of shopping, so go on – pour yourself a ‘hot toddy‘ and relax in front of your computer.  Feeling better now?

I’ve purchased all my Christmas gifts online this year and most have been the ‘vintage‘ variety.  If you want to give a unique gift this year, buy vintage!  It’s all the rage darling!

Love Vintage - A Christmas gift from my husband!

I’ve bought a range of goodies including vintage scarves, cuff links, jewellery and a couple of special treats for myself.  My husband has bought me the book, Love Vintage, by fellow Vintage Fashion Guild member Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing.  Nicole’s based in Melbourne but I secured myself a copy of this spectacular book online, and so can you!  Just click here for information on how to buy.

Why not join my Facebook Page?  Fans hear first about promotions and special offers.  Order from my Etsy boutique BEFORE the last day of posting for Christmas and receive FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING.  You must be a facebook fan to qualify.  Please contact me via my Etsy boutique and confirm which items you’d like to purchase.  I’ll reserve them for you and remove the shipping charge.  Simple!

Below I’ve shown a handful of party attire now available from my Etsy boutique.  There’s nothing like black and gold to make a dramatic statement and get you in the festive mood!

For anyone that’s not used Etsy before, signing up is free and very simple.  Non UK residents must pay Catwalk Creative Vintage by PayPal.  You don’t need a PayPal account to pay by this method but you do need a valid debit or credit card.  It’s fast, safe and secure.   Click here for information on how to pay on Etsy.

1970's Brocade Jacket by Vera Mont and Black Cocktail Dress by Melbray of London

1980's Sequin Dress by Rina Z and 1970's Gold Satin Brocade Dress with Rhinestone Buttons

THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF TIME TO SHOP ONLINE FOR CHRISTMAS 2009!!!

Last Posting Dates for International Airmail from the UK:

Friday 4th December: South America, New Zealand and Australia.
Thursday 10th December: Japan, USA, Canada and Eastern Europe.
Friday 11th December: Western Europe.

UK Last Posting Dates:

Second Class: Friday 18th December 2009.
First Class: Monday 21st December 2009.
Special Delivery: Wednesday 23rd December 2009

The Vintage Edition

I’m delighted to announce that you can now find The Vintage Edition of The Fashion Birdcage.  Just click on the picture and you’ll find my interview with Amy Mayberry of Viva Vintage Clothing.  There’s also a whole section dedicated to genuine vintage clothing and accessories and read my article entitled ‘Learning to be a Vintage Clothing Connoisseur‘.

I really hope you enjoy the read.

Spread the love for vintage!

Photograph courtesy of Listit Cafe.

One of my proudest moments was being accepted as a trade member of the Vintage Fashion Guild (VFG).    For anyone that doesn’t know about the VFG, it’s an international organisation set up in 2002 for vintage fashion professionals with members in America, Canada, Australia and the UK.  Just to quote directly from the website, their mission is to:

1. Protect the interests of vintage fashion vendors and encourage professional practices.

2. Promote, establish, and encourage among our members ethical behaviour and professional standards of expertise about vintage fashion, in order to reinforce the buyers’ and collectors’ confidence that the age, style, details and condition of the items are accurately represented.

3. Raise awareness of vintage fashion and provide a forum to bring together buyers and sellers.

4. Establish a central educational resource available to both buyers and sellers.

5. Create a positive environment for and enhance the image of vintage clothing.

6. Encourage the conservation and wearing of vintage fashion to preserve the history, availability and survival of vintage clothing in future years.  The VFG discourages the habitual practice of modifying or altering existing vintage to suit the current trend.

7. Position vintage clothing as a viable, attractive and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fashion.

Please visit the Vintage Fashion Guild website to find out more.

Just to ‘wet your appetite‘, here’s a small selection of vintage merchandise currently available from my learned friends at the VFG.  You’ll find links to each item at the end of this piece.

1. 1940's Rhinestone Dress Clips (Bonton Vintage), 2. Vogue Pattern Book (Pinky-a-GoGo), 3. 1940's Ceramic Earrings (The Spectrum)

4. 1970's Clutch Purse (Viva Vintage Clothing), 5. 1950's ONS Paisley Sheath Dress (Shygarden), 6. 1950's Lowy & Mund Clutch and Coin Purse (BC Treasure Trove)

7. 50's Taffeta Dress (Vintage Devotion), 8. 70's Grey Suede Mules (Vintage Chic Spa Boutique), 9. 70's Peacock Blue Jacket (Morning Glorious)

10. 80's Puff Sleeve Party Frock (Catwalk Creative Vintage), 11. 1950's Opalescent Sweater (Vintage Devotion), 12. 1950's Party Dress (Mags Rags)

I implore anyone with an interest in the history of fashion to take a look at the Vintage Fashion Guild website.  There’s so much available, from the wonderful Label Resource department to the History of Women’s Hats.  Click on the VFG Members logo link (top right-hand corner) to find more.  But beware!  You could be there for some time!

Click on the links below to get your vintage fashion fix!

1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34288045

2. http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Vogue-Pattern-Book-1948-1949-Peplum-Suit-Dress_W0QQitemZ120491172604

3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34192269

4. http://www.vivavintageclothing.com/blacksnakeskin1970sclutchpurse/#3

5. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290369261523

6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34163705

7. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FULL-SKIRT-LUCY-Vintage-50s-TAFFETA-HOLIDAY-DRESS-L_W0QQitemZ300365550390

8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34059563

9. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27556819

10. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34199608

11. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RHINESTONES-OPALESCENT-CABACHONS-Vintage-50s-SWEATER_W0QQitemZ300365094229

12. http://magsrags.myshopify.com/products/vintage-50s-sheer-rockabilly-full-skirt-party-dress-s

I’m one of those people that LOVES Christmas.  I can’t help it!   I was brought up in a family of Christmas lovers so it’s tradition to plan the festivities well in advance.   This year I’m buying all vintage and recycled for my loved ones and with Christmas not too far away, it’s been so very tempting to buy everything in sight.   There’s so many adorable goodies available and shopping online is now so much easier and safer than in past years.

The Butterflies Tote Bag

One of the things I like to do is buy a small gift for my guests to open after Christmas dinner.  My daughter loves to hand these out and it’s just a lovely way to end to the meal.   Let’s hope my Christmas day guests aren’t reading this otherwise the surprise is over!

So I decided on these sweet butterfly tote bags, available at From Rags to Bags.  They’re made from 100%  unbleached cotton and such amazing value at only £6 each.  In addition From Rags to Bags is offering free worldwide shipping throughout November.

Cute Catnip Toys!

I also bought three adorable catnip toys (one each for my own cats and one for my sister-in-law’s cat).  I couldn’t possibly leave anyone out!  Alison tells me they’re jam-packed full of catnip so we should be in for some after dinner fun once the cats have ripped the paper off and done a couple of turns!  Alison makes these using recycled fabrics and they come in floral, plain or checked.   I can definitely recommend From Rags to Bags.  I guarantee you’ll receive the best in customer service and a super-quick dispatch too.

There’s lots of other vintage and recycled merchandise available.  Alison has a lovely selection of vintage evening bags which will take you through the party season and beyond!  Here are a few of my personal favourites but be quick, this shipping offer won’t last forever!  Get yourself over to From Rags to Bags right now and bag yourself a bargain or three!

Go on! Treat yourself! A selection of goodies available at From Rags to Bags

BTW! There’s even more to choose from at From Rags to Bags on Etsy .  Please note: the shipping offer applies ONLY to purchases made directly from the website of From Rags to Bags at http://fromragstobags.com

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Purchase Gift Certificates from $25 to $75

Know someone who loves vintage fashion?  Give them the gift of recycled vintage this year!  They’re perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas.

Catwalk Creative Vintage gift certificates can be:

* Sent via email to you or the recipient of your choice.
* Sent by snail mail! Free worldwide shipping if you prefer a nice card to be sent in the post.

This certificate is good for one year from the date of purchase.  It is not redeemable for cash nor may it apply to previous purchases.  It is not replaceable if lost.

Full details can be found in my Etsy boutique but if you have any questions, or would like a different amount, please contact me via Etsy.

If you love to fill your home with beautiful retro pieces, look no further than retropolitan.   It’s one of my all time favourite online destinations!   You’ll find lots of newly listed items including a wonderful selection of goodies from their ‘vintage vacations‘ section.  This moves slightly away from the home with a range of vintage picnic and outdoor ware, luggage, toys and accessories.  I promise you’ll have so much fun looking around this marvellous collection of retro loveliness!

Red Barn pottery vases by Bob Dawe

Amongst many of the other amazing pieces available, I particularly love the Red Barn pottery vases by Bob Dawe at £26 and £34 each.  A stylish and unique gift for yourself or someone special this Christmas.

Stylish 1960's Murano dish

And, if you’re looking for the ultimate in chic glassware, what about this gorgeous 1960’s Murano glass dish?  It’s an absolute steal at only £65!

I guarantee you’ll receive the very best in customer service. If you have any questions, please email Lesley enquiries@retropolitan.co.uk

Happy retro shopping!

It was only a few days ago that I discovered the wonderful Missy moo moo and sam website.  My previous blog post was indeed dedicated to that very same site.  Read it here.  I had my eye on a couple of  pieces and so these are my earliest Christmas purchases.  A girl can’t help it!

I bought a gorgeous little cupcake apron for my daughter and the sweetest little PJ case for my friend’s daughter.  Gail, the owner of Missy moo moo and sam, is not joking when she says that she uses only the best quality fabrics.  I’m so delighted with my purchases and both are made to an exceptionally high standard.  What you can’t see on the website are the yummy labelled tags and the fine stitching detail.  Just divine!

In addition, I love it when my parcels arrive beautifully wrapped.  I certainly wasn’t disappointed.  Here’s a selection of photos, including one of the wrapping!  Thank you very much Gail for shipping these items so quickly and for providing an exceptional service.  I’ll be back!

Darling Pyjama Case

Cupcake Apron (up to age 7)

Wrapped with yummy candy-coloured ribbon.

Quality fabrics and lovely labels!

I just love the personal touch provided at Missy moo moo and sam

Contact Gail for a custom made order or go directly to the website.

Don’t you just love it when you find a fabulous new website?  Just thought I’d share my most recent fab find with you.  It’s the wonderfully named Missy moo moo and sam (great name don’t you think)?   This business is run by the industrious and multi-talented Gail who’s a Manchester gal, just like myself.  I say industrious and multi-talented because Gail designs and makes all the wonderful items on her website.  Gasp!!

You’ll find everything from cute school bags and vintage styled aprons to kitsch purses and funky make-up bags – all available at extremely reasonable prices!  These make perfect gifts for friends and family and with Christmas not too far way, it would be rude not to!  Almost forgot, Gail designs and makes Christmas sacks.  Anyone with a little one, will know that you’ve just got to have one of those for Santa!

If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, contact Gail for a custom order.  She’s a super-talented lady!

Here’s just a few of my favourite pieces from Missy moo moo and sam.

Cupcake Childs Apron (fits up to age 7)

Funky Make-Up Bag

Too cute! Personalised Bedroom Cushion

Pucci-esque Purse

You can view all Gail’s merchandise at www.missymoomooandsam.co.uk or purchase from Gail’s Etsy store by clicking here.

Don’t forget to contact Gail if you’ve got a specific design idea or question about the merchandise for sale.  Just complete the contact form.  Happy shopping!

I’m delighted to report that the sparkly new website from Some Like it Vintage is now live!  Yay!  It was fabulous before but now you can purchase home accessories in addition to all the wonderful vintage fashion for ladies and gents.

Furnish your home with gorgeous retro pieces from bud vases and decanter sets to napkins and vanity cases. These fabulous items make the most unique gifts for friends and family so I insist you take a look and complete the contact form if you have any  questions about the merchandise or if you’re looking for something in particular that you can’t find on the website.

The owner and creator of Some Like it Vintage is quite a lady.  I met Veronica online through our mutual involvement with Etsy and was delighted to find that she’s a fellow member of the Vintage Fashion Guild (VFG).  I contacted Veronica to see if she’d agree to me using some of her wonderful vintage garments for a blog piece I was writing.  Veronica kindly agreed to my request and we’ve been firm online friends ever since.  Because Veronica lives in Toronto, we’ve yet to meet – but one day I hope we do.  She’s an incredible person and a real inspiration.  If you read Veronica’s story, you’ll understand exactly why.

Ok, without further ado, here are some of my favourite pieces from Some Like it Vintage.

50's Taffeta Evening Gown, 50's Red Feathered Turban and 60's Jerry Marsch For Mardi Gras Dress in yellow chiffon

1939 Wool Gabardine Split Tails, 60's Averarado Bessi Silk Jersey Dress and 60's Suede & Faux Fur Coat

And last but not least, if you love reading about vintage fashion you’re going to love Veronica’s fabulous blog.  It really is one of the best vintage blogs around.  I always look forward to reading it.  Her latest entry is entitled, Is that a Bird on your Head?  No, it’s an Audobonnet!

Some Like it Vintage merchandise can be purchased from the following destinations:

Website: http://www.somelikeitvintage.com

Please note: 10% of sales from Some Like it Vintage are donated to help victims of domestic violence.

Etsy

Email: office@somelikeitvintage.com