WHAT I WORE: Sunshiny yellow

WHAT I WORE:

1960s SUEDE CARDIGAN > BEYOND RETRO

TOTE BAG > BEYOND RETRO

FLARES > 18th AMENDMENT

1960s CREAM KNIT TOP > WAS MY MOTHERS

SILVER EARRINGS > FROM A SOUK IN MOROCCO 

Now that the warmer months have come upon us it's a perfect opportunity to put those winter coats into storage and start to wear spring jackets and knits. I got this 1970s suede cardigan from Beyond Retro recently and think it's one of my best buys so far this year. The suede panels down the front is incredibly soft and I love the cheerful mustard yellow. Its a great addition to wear with flares or a suede skirt, just perfect for the 70s trend at the moment.

As you can tell, I'm quite obsessed with the 70s at the moment, so there will be quite a few boho outfits coming up soon. Watch this space! Will you be embracing the 70s trend this Summer and what has been your favourite buy so far this year?

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WHAT I WORE: Goodbye Summer, hello Autumn!

So, who's looking forward to embracing Autumn?

I have to say... I've been denying Summer is ending, but soon realised that I just need to come to terms with it, as it's happening if I like it or not ;) That said... have you seen what exciting fashion trends we have to look forward to this AW14? I'm in heaven! Say 'hello' to...

With ALL four of these trends you can incorporate vintage items quite easily and that is something I like to look for when I look at fashion trends. I've been embracing the 70s all summer so it will be nice to continue my bohemian look with the Almost Famous trend and maybe even add a bit of 70s disco to Empire Strikes Back ;)

WHAT I WORE  TOP > FROM SOUK IN MOROCCO,  FLARES > 18TH AMENDMENT,  BAG > THRIFT-OLA

Whilst out for a walk recently, Mr D, was in a snappy mood (the photography kind) and he created these beauiful shots!  I just LOVE how they turned out. To get the dreamy hazy effect, he used Hipstamatic, which I think works perfectly with the boho look I'm rocking. For those who don't know... Hipstamatic is a photography app you can download onto your smart phone, giving you analogue results. If your into lomography, this is a great app to check out!

Which trend will you be rocking this A/W14? 

Big love!

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WHAT TO WEAR: Glastonbury Festival

Blue Boho Dress £18

Mexican maxi skirt £150

It's that time of year again and Glastonbury is about to kick-start festival season into full swing! Not sure what to wear? Here are some great outfits to get you inspired. Perfect for that 70s Woodstock look!

They are all available to buy on my online shop, Vintage Owl Boutique, and what's more, if you sign-up to become a member you can start collecting reward points on items you buy. BONUS!!

My star buy would have to be the Mexican skirt. I've come across many beautiful Mexican circle skirts whilst hunting for vintage but I've never seen a maxi skirt before. The applique detail is AMAZING and is sure to turn heads!

What will you be wearing to festivals this year?

Big love,

1970s Kimono Jacket £18

1970s Maxi Skirt £28

Navajo Waistcoat £15

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WHAT I WORE: Finding the perfect dress

I had a bit of a shopping haul at Beyond Retro last month. I bought a green maxi dress (which needed some work to it) and a 70s brown velvet jacket. As you can see from my pictures, the length of the dress was quite long and unflattering but there were little design features I just fell in love with when I saw it hanging on the rail.  Especially the über cute velvet peter pan collar! I just knew if it was shorter it would be perfect. So, with a little bit of DIY know how, I set about customising the dress.

It didn't take long to-do once I'd decided how long I wanted it. I carefully removed the excess and then re-hemmed the skirt using a sewing machine. It was done in under an hour and, voila, I had a dress I loved and adored. Don't you think it looks SUPER cute shorter? Plus it now goes perfectly with my new 70s jacket! LOVE IT! 

So, the moral of this post is; don't be too hasty if you find a garment that isn't perfect when your thrifting. With a little thought and skill you can make changes and customisations that will turn it into something you'll love forever. It's certainly a cheap and easy option to keep your wardrobe up to-date. If your not particularly brilliant with a sewing machine, getting alterations done for you are not too expensive these days. I highly recommend Alma's Alterations in Brighton. Only costs from £12-£20 (depends if there is a lining) to shorten a dress and she also offers a dressmaking service if you want something made from scratch.

Do you like to customise garments you've thrifted?

Big love,

P.S I got a curling wand for Christmas (thank you Mr D!) so I've been having fun making my hair curly. You can see the results in my 'after' photos. Best pressie ever! Tutorial coming soon :)

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New bits & bobs at Department

1970s Maxi dress... fresh on shop floor.
Only £20!

Mr D and I made a little visit to Department with two big bags of stock and a couple of other nik naks today. It was a beautiful morning with Sunday browsers out at full force. 

The stall was in need of a spruce so Mr D got his duster out and made everything looked loved again. New on the rails are some lovely vintage maxi dresses and skirts (including this 1970s maxi dress!). Also, you can find some beautiful vintage fabrics and an old Singer sewing machine for sale. It has become a sewing enthusiasts dream down at the Basement at Department Flea Market!

We were in need of some new shelving so I turned  two vintage wooden crates into a shoe rack. These wooden crates came from an old apple farm, and not only are they great for storing things in but can be easily turned into unique and rustic shelving if stacked on top of each other. Our vintage shoes certainly look pretty in their new home.  

So, pop on down to Department Flea Market in Hove! It is a great little haven with some amazing sellers selling beautiful vintage treasures. Even Molly left with a little something today. A gorgeous Noddy toy from Hello! Vintage Kids. Her eyes turned into huge saucers when she saw him and I knew I had to get him for her. It's hard to turn down a bargain when it only costs £6!

So, ta ta for now!

Big love,

Molly cuddling Noddy. Thank you Hello! Vintage Kids!

Freshly stocked rail at Department Flea Market
 with items from £5 - £120

Old Singer sewing machine with original wooden case, £25

Suitcase full of gorgeous vintage fabrics and other bits and bobs

Fashion! Turn to the left. Fashion! Turn to the right.....

The long awaited photo shoot was last Saturday and it couldn't have gone more perfectly. Even though there was rain, the weather still seemed to be on our side. We were a team of six that clicked really well and the location was also a pleasure to work with.  Having consumed lots of coffee we were all buzzing and there was no stress to be seen. Perfect! The clothes worked better than I could have imagined. It was almost as if they were made for our models, so hardly any pinning or tucking needed to be done.

Any ho, here are some photos from the day. They are only ones I took on my phone... but it will give you a little sneaky preview on some of the outfits and location! Enjoy :)

Front of Shoreham Airport

Airport Reception

Michelle waiting in between shots

Last outfits of the day! Girls waiting to go outside

Cassie and J on hand with props and reflector

Yippie! Rain has stopped!

Emer at work

Images taken by Jennie Davies

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 ready to wear collection...

Marc Jacobs has definitely been inspired by the Seventies and the East in his Spring RTW 2011 collection. He has chosen beautiful bright colours and fabulous prints. I especially love the mixture of silk and satin and his ode to Missoni's zig-zag knitwear. I will definitely be getting myself a wide-brimmed straw hat this summer. I think they are fabulous and will look great with your summer wardrobe,  plus they really remind me of Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver! This collection has definitely got me excited about Summer!

(Images courtesy of Style.com)