While I'm away... the festive party season

It's getting to that time of year when the party invitations start piling up. I believe I currently have an invitation to something fabulous every weekend from now until January! Of course, I can't make all of them, which makes me rather sad, but my loss is your gain and I thought I'd let you all know my pick of the vintage events in London to be seen at this season.

Firstly, the Chap Magazine's Grand Anarcho Dandyist Ball:



The Chap has now achieved an incredible ten years in print and is throwing this splendid bash to celebrate. It's featuring acts like Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, Atters' Chaporgasmic Terrors, The Zen Hussies and the irrespresible Mr. Flay, escapologist and bullet-catcher. Mr B. is a particular favourite of mine, and I have not yet seen him life so I am really looking forward to it!



The dress code is anarcho-dandyists; tweed revolutionaries; immaculately-trousered philanthropists; foppish maoists; and debonair dissidents. One can, of course, wear black or white tie, and ladies can wear pretty much whatever they please. I will be in a special long frock that will be unveiled very soon!

It takes place on the 5th of December and tickets can be purchased from Ticketweb.

The New Sheridan Club Christmas Party is on the 21st November, and is one I am devastated not to be able to attend as I will be at Rhythm Riot. They've called it 'Yes we Can-Can' and costs a paltry £5 to get in. As the site says, "Come and relive the giddy splendour of the Moulin Rouge of Toulouse-Lautrec, an absinthe and Champagne-fuelled orgy of high kicks and low moral standards, and all things French—from the noble resistance fighters of the Second World War to the belligerent port-blockading farmers of today. Vive l’Entente Cordiale!"



Dress: Fin de siecle decadence, absintheurs and absintheuses, Jacobins and sans-culottes, resistance fighters, vignerons and onion sellers, Foreign Legionnaires… The NSC always have an absolutely amazing array of prizes and a brilliant night is guaranteed.

There is of course, my own forthcoming next event, which is taking place on the 28th November. It's a 40s/50s Hawaiian party, which we've called (continuing the dreadful pun theme) 'The Fox Presents... Chocks Hawaii'!



The dress code includes anything from hula girls and beachwear to WWII (Allied please!) sailors or airmen (because the event takes place only a week before the anniversary of the awful events at Pearl Harbour) but anything stylish and vintage will do nicely. We'll have decked the pub out like a tropical beach this time, with swaying palms, sand and fruity cocktails! The Sax Pastilles, our house bad, will be returning, and we'll have several more beautiful burlesque girls to entertain you. More information on this very soon, but do buy in advance if you want to come, because we sold out our Halloween do and were turning people away in droves!

Last but definitely not least, the November Tart event has completely sold out, and the January one is getting close to full. But the good news is that there are still places available on our 12th December event, and it promises to be the ideal precursor to a Christmas night on the tiles... or perhaps a well-earned break from all that partying!



Have a look at the article on Queens of Vintage to find out more!

That's me done again... for now!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

While I'm away... Jive 4 Life

A couple of weekends ago, I attended a marvellous bash down in East Grinstead. Jive 4 Life was a charity tea dance, in honour of a very worth cause: St Catherine's Hospice in Crawley and tirelessly promoted by Brian Sims, the organiser. Brian goes to classes run by my swing dance teacher Nick Kirby and so there was a jolly good turnout of people who dance in the same style as me, which is always nice.

Another regular of my class, David Webb aka Fourteen Fifths, came along in his official capacity to take some photographs of the event, and as the token Pinup Girl, I was asked to pose by some of the vintage cars, so I did!



This one is on a 1942 Jeep. I wore my earliest Swirl dress, which I actually had taken in so it fitted me. "Oh, the desecration!" you might say... but you know it is in safe hands with me!



Shh... there's a very un-vintage football goal in the background!



My beat friend Gemma and I - silly girl always refuses to have her photo taken as she claims she is unphotogenic; but when she is persuaded then beautiful results like this happen! She is a stunning girl, non?

And a couple of dancing ones for good measure:


I took this one, which is why it's rather unremarkable next to the others!



I'm doing a stroll, but I'm not sure which one... the New York Stroll maybe?

Thank you again David for the photos. That's all for now!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

PS. 'While I'm away...' is a series of posts lined up before my long-awaited holiday. I appreciate all your comments, but I won't be able to reply as I am out of the 'office' for a wee while! Please do forgive the lack of creative collaging too. ;)

While I'm away... vintage jewellery storage

I recently struck upon a rather splendid way to display my jewellery collection, on a vintage cakestand! Well actually this is a modern cakestand I made from vintage plates. And actually... when I say made, I mean I got my Dad to drill some holes in some vintage plates, and I simply screwed it together. (On a side note, I think I needed a gold centre for it, and it shall be replaced thus!)

But what about some pictures?



The top tier holds my bakelite bangles as well as a silver one of my mum's from the 1960s. Bangles are by far my favourite type of bracelet, and indeed the only type I wear, except for my mah-jong tile bracelets.

The middle tier has clip-on and screw-back earrings of all types, rhinestone, AB and Juliana-style ones, metal and shall ones; and plastic, faux pearl and bakelite ones. I have more, but I wanted to take a nice, non-crowded photo.

The bottom layer has some beautiful hairflowers by Rascal Kosher - a pair of orchid combs and a blue rose clip. I haven't had a chance to model them for her, but I will soon! You can just see the tip of a pair of 50s Bartex sunglasses which were a gift from Katherine Higgins of Antiques Roadshow fame, as a thank you for modelling for her at Goodwood!



Earrings a-plenty! The fruity Carmen Miranda style ones are probably my favourites. Sadly the little 'apples' are cracking all over and showing the white underneath - any ideas for restoration?

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com


PS. 'While I'm away...' is a series of posts lined up before my long-awaited holiday. I appreciate all your comments, but I won't be able to reply as I am out of the 'office' for a wee while! Please do forgive the lack of creative collaging too. ;)

Fleur de Coiffure!

So, you've all seen me do some my hairdos on myself via my tutorials, but I've recently been let loose on others! I've been styling some pinup girls for my chum Tony Nylons, and I thought I'd share some of the results with you all, and pass on a bit of news relating to it all!

First up is the first shoot I did for Tony. The model was Sinderella Rockerfella, and we shot at a Hot Rod garage in the depths of Bedfordshire.



Then I styled my lovely friend Miss Mink, the Pinup Poet!



These shots were taken for Nylon Flash Magazine, the periodical for those who appreciate a well-turned leg in a pair of fully-fashioned stockings. The current issue also happens to feature pictures of yours truly!

Then we have the gorgeous Miss FanTeasy, burlesque star and owner of some seriously luxuriant tresses!



I have even been known to throw together some victory rolls, as seen on my fabulous friend Naomi of Vintage Secret, shown here at the Chap Olympiad...



And also on Swedish model Tea, who appears on the front of Tony's and What Katie Did's Lingerie book (out now, and also featuring photos of me!):



Anyway, apart from me showing off a bit, the point of this post is to reveal to you that I will be helping Tony do pinup makeover photoshoots at Rhythm Riot this year! You'll have your hair styled by me, your makeup done by the super talented Nicola, who manages the What Katie Did boutique and is a professional makeup artist; and photos of your experience to keep as a fantastic souvenir.

Please note, that these are pinup *makeover* sessions - the hair and makeup is part of the experience. If you would rather do it yourself, and there are plenty of gorgeous girls out there who can, we're not offended, but that's not the idea of these particular sessions. But please do feel free to book a session with Tony at another time!

Visit The Casting Couch if you'd like to book a session for while you're there.

Bye for now!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

PS. As of today, I am officially On Holiday for the first time in a year. Hurrah! I have lined up some colourful and hopefully entertaining posts to go up during my absence, but where I am going is entirely without internet so I won't be able to thank my readers for their lovely comments (which, let's face it, I'm quite bad at doing anyway... so on second thoughts, perhaps n one will notice I'm away!) but please do leave them if you would like to - I look forward to reading them when I get back. :)

The Enchant-Ed Wood

Another flying blog post, because I am frantically trying to finish things off and get myself organised for my holiday.

But I just wanted to say what a fantastic event the Enchant-Ed Wood was - amazing turnout, amazing attendees, and, though I say so myself, amazing decoration! We really outdid ourselves on the decor.

Some photos:






So many beautiful people!

Emerald performed with a snake, which was truly amazing:


(Image By Mr Hartley)

Please ignore my paltry offerings and go and see many fantastic more photos by Mr Hartley, and Fourteen Fifths, this one is so perfect!

We've already set the date for our next do - it's the 28th November and we've called it 'Chocks Hawaii'. Please visit the Fox Presents site for more info.

I'm officially off duty now, but do stand by for some interim posts.

Pip pip!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Party-Ween

Well I've been up and about for an hour thanks to the kind soul who thought 8am was a good time to get the chainsaw out in his garden (which backs on to mine), but I can't get too cross as I have tons to do before the party tonight. And on that note:


Taken by the lovely Sean Kelly, aka O'Malley, at the very end of our shoot on Wednesday!

I hope that whatever you do, you have a spooktacular time, free from teenaged ruffians knocking on your door and demanding money, then throwing eggs at your house and car if you don't give it to them (welcome to Hallowe'en in the UK)! This is why I say 'Bah Humbug' (or the Halloween equivalent) and go out on this day every year.

The great news is that the party has sold out, so we have a full house and a very exciting event lined up. Can't wait to show you all the photos!

Lots of love,

Old Witch McFleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Vintage Hallowe'en

Just a quick one as I battle valiantly through the piles of work threatening to engulf me. I have so, so much to do before the party on Saturday and before I go away on holiday next Tuesday to Antigua... did I mention I am going to Antigua? I can't wait!!

But speaking of the party, I'm absolutely delighted to say that it's on the verge of selling out! We might have to remove the Paypal button on the site before Saturday. But there are a handful of places available still, so either book your tickets now or email me if you want to pay on the night. But hurry!

I've caught wind of some really splendid costumes, which are being put together especially for the occasion. Mine is a little bit half-hearted, in that I haven't bought anything new for it; but to keep in with the spirit and the Ed Wood theme, I am going to go as Vampira from Plan 9!



I am making the top out of the black American Apparel poloneck I wore for the Chap Magazine diamond thief shoot, and pairing it with a black pencil skirt (sadly I have nothing I could fashion a floor-length one out of) and a wide belt, with What Katie Did Morticia corset (how apt!) underneath! The hair and the eyebrows shouldn't be too hard... finished with a pair of black seamed tights and black shoes... and voila! I just need a bit of a boost in the cleavage department, but unless Wonderbra decide to sponsor me, that won't happen before Saturday.

I'm going to be hard at work on Friday collecting our Enchanted Wood scenery and baking some 'pumpkin bark' (a Hallowe'en version of my chocolate swirl) and Emerald is whipping up some bite-sized absinthe candy-apples. So make sure you arrive early, in order to partake of these special Hallowe'en comestibles.

Right, back to the grindstone for now!

Vampira xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

PS. If you were wondering what I wore last year - here's the post, and here's my costume! Quite different, I'm sure you'll agree! Tee hee

Sponsor Spotlight - Notorious Kitsch

I'm so delighted to be doing one of these for the first time! My very first blog sponsor is an all-round lovely person with the most fantastic website that's sure to tempt you all into treating yourself or your loved ones to something special. Please welcome Notorious Kitsch to my blog!

*applause*



I actually met the lovely Fiona in person not too long ago, when we both attended an event at Betty Blythe Fine Food Pantry in Shepherd's Bush. We'd communicated online because I'd posted about a fabulous atomic style coat rack I'd discovered on her site before, and because she only had one left, she insisted on sending it to me as a thank you, and it now has pride of place in my kitchen. We've chatted online via Twitter since and become friends. But there are literally dozens more amazing items on NK that would look simply smashing in my home (and yours!). Here are some of my favourites.


L-R, top row: Vintage Skater Christmas Card, Cherry Tile Tea Towel and Dinner set (with tablecloth and napkins, how cute?!)
Middle row: Black Cat shopping bag (last one so hurry!), Happiness card holder and fabulous Chrome Pyramid-style phone
Bottom row: Gorgeous Art Deco Odeon Clock, Art Deco Hot and Flashy Soap (I also love the Tray)and Deco Flying Scotsman Hip Flask

Those are just a small selection of the things I love on NK, so if anyone is stuck for something to buy me for Christmas, you know where to go! ;)

In all seriousness, the fact that someone so lovely and with such a fantastic business wanted to sponsor my blog just gives me the warm and fuzzies - I am proud to endorse Notorious Kitsch and I will certainly be doing some of my own Christmas shopping there. Make sure you do peruse the wonderous wares at your earliest convenience.

Pip pip!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Autumn Colours

Today I escaped from my desk and went for a walk with my lovely mum at the RHS Gardens at Wisley. This is our absolute favourite time of year, because all the trees are turning and there are some absolutely stunning sights to behold. It was actually quite warm - enough so to be removing our jackets halfway through the stroll. But despite the lack of chill in the air, I thought I would dress for the season in some darker shades than those I've shown on here recently. Of course, I co-erced my mum into taking some shots for me - the backdrops were too lovely to waste, and in a few weeks the spectacle will be over for another year. So here I am!



I know I am a walking advertisement for them, but yet again, my outfit is from Heyday! I paired the late 30s-style Olivia blouse (named after Ms de Havilland of course) with dark green trousers, which were the second ever pair I bought from Shona back in early 2007! Still going strong, as you can see! My jacket is another repro and it's from a UK company called La Riviera, who don't have a site and sadly won't be getting one any time soon, if at all. I am looking forward to browsing their stall at Rhythm Riot though (where I bought it last year), and I think I will get a new one of these jackets. I might try a larger size next time, in the (vain) hope that the neck-waist length is longer - it's not hugely flattering when it's too high. I also bought the shoes at last year's Riot, and they're also on their last legs!



Our favourite tree is the one in the background on the left. It's HUGE and turns vivid red from the tip to the ground. The acer on the right is one of the more beautiful ones, too (I have to confess, I am a budding plant nerd, but with only the tiniest fraction of my mum's vast knowledge!). I did my hair in victory rolls with a flower and the back thrown up into a dark green snood, faux-pearl clip on earrings and my old faithful Mah Jong bracelet on my arm.



I love the bonsai garden, and this time of year the miniature acers look so beautiful. The white pine is so graceful all year round! I gave my mum one for Christmas two years ago, but hers is only about 7 years old and the one above is more like 70, so it has a long way, and probably several human lifetimes to go! The red bush was one I just couldn't resist capturing as I passed.

Hope you enjoyed my autumnal outfit - have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

V.I Buys - the Absolute Limit...z

I haven't done one of these in absolutely ages, so I thought it was about blooming time! Although we were friends on Myspace already, I only recently had a really good look at the fabulous wares offered by Outer Limitz Clothing. I browsed through to their site after working with the incredibly cute Emmie a couple of weeks ago; and after dribbling with desire at some of the outfits on offer, I noticed that they were going to be selling at Hemsby. So, as I mentioned in my Hemsby review post, I went and said hello to Di while I was there. I wish I'd had time to try one some of their gorgeous creations, but sadly it was not to be. Still, I hope to catch their stall again at a weekender soon. I know I am a 40s girl, really, but sometimes my inner pin-up just begs for a bit of exposure and Outer Limitz Clothing simply screams 'pin-up'!



The beautiful Emmie is modelling the red polka dot number, which has separate little high waisted knickers underneath. OL also do a fab array of one- and two-piece playsuits. I'm dying for some new playsuits, but, let's face it, I have little opportunity to wear on in Blighty!

But they also do a marvellous selection of dresses:



I particularly like the Shaheen-alike Hawaiian sarongs and the gypsy wiggle dresses... but the aptly named Wanda would have its namesake in fringed rockabilly heaven!

Do have a browse on the Outer Limitz site if you fancy a closer look, most of their wares are handmade in the UK, so you know you're getting something made with love and care.

That's all from me for now, see you all again soon!

Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com