WHAT MOLLY WORE: Crochet Poncho

WHAT MOLLY WORE:

WHITE TOP > H&M

SILVER CAT SHOES > H&M

SKINNY JEANS > MATALAN
PONCHO > MADE BY ME
 

Just wanted to share a little crochet project I just finished the other week. I made little Mo a bright pink poncho as she had outgrown her last one. I was given an old 70s pattern a little while ago and this is what inspired me to make this little poncho for Molly. Unfortunately I have a tendency to start a project, get distracted and don't touch it for awhile. So, on returning to finish the poncho I had forgotten about the pattern and had to make the rest up (way to not setting a good example on how to do things, yeah?). 

I'm quite pleased with the results and most importantly Molly loves it! She's been eagerly watching me make it and even helped me pick the colours. Of course, every poncho for a little girl has to have pink in it! I think she will get a lot of wear out of it over the Summer.

Over the next week, I will try to put together a pattern for anyone who would like to make it. Send me a message if you're interested!

Big love,

ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING!

THANK YOU

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?

ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND TAKEN BY GABRIELLE HINTON

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING!

THANK YOU :)

WHAT I WORE: Black on black with Body Frock

WHAT I WORE

LEATHER SKIRT > BODY FROCK

FAUX GILLET > BEYOND RETRO

CROP TOP > AMERICAN APPAREL

SHEER DUSTER > CHARITY SHOP FIND

PORK PIE HAT > BEYOND RETRO

BODY FROCKS' creative director and designer, Melanie Davis, wanted to design dresses that made women feel great. Holly Wiloughby, Kim Lomax, Emma Bunton and Kimberly Walsh are all massive fans of the brand and it's all because Body Frocks have an 'inner secret'. A body-control inner slip helps to sculpt and smooth out lumps and bumps, allowing women to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. The slips are detachable and individually contoured and designed to complement the shape and cut of the outer dress.

Body Frocks' Spring/Summer 2015 collection is full of beautiful dresses in sherbet colours and lace and filigree textures. I opted for versatility and chose a black jersey skirt with a real leather panel down the front. I adore it's high waist and the longer length give a flattering and classic shape. Remember, ladies; choosing high waisted garments is a great way to hide that muffin top! The quality of the garment was of a very high standard, made from good quality materials, making it  a reasonable spend with it's £170 price tag. I accessorised with a pair of artisan earrings I picked up in  Morocco, my trusty black pork-pie hat and added layering with a black crop top, sheer duster and faux-fur gillet. Perfect for a girls night out or a date with Mr. D!

So ditch those Bridget Jones pants girls as date night has just got a lot more sexier! Would you wear a body control dress?

Big love,

ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND TAKEN BY GABRIELLE HINTON

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING!

THANK YOU

WHAT I WORE: American Apparel basics

WHAT I WORE:

DUNGAREES > BEYOND RETRO

CROP TOP > AMERICAN APPAREL

SHOES > NEW LOOK

SUNGLASSES > URBAN OUTFITTERS

HAT > BEYOND RETRO

It's always good to have a few staple, basic tees to complement your wardrobe and one of my favourite places to go for these is American Apparel. Their basic range of jerseys and tees are great. They have very flattering cuts but I do find their prices can be a bit steep. 

So, here's a little secret I'm going to share with you all. But shhhhhh .  .  . you mustn't tell a soul!

Recently, I discovered an online shop that have started to stock American Apparel basics. Not only that but their prices are phenomenal. They're called buytshirtsonline.co.uk and also provide a printing service. So not only can you get cheap and good quality basics but also have a dabble in t-shirt printing too. Their delivery service was extremely quick and, once I had ordered, the top arrived promptly the very next day.

This crop top is £26 in the American Apparel stores but on buytshirtsonline.co.uk they're only £14.71 (incl p&p). That's saving you a whopping £11.29! That gets a big thumbs up from me! Plus, look at how many wonderful outfits I will get from just one top!

Happy shopping!

ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND TAKEN BY SARAH HARRIS

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING

THANK YOU!

DIY: Fresh Princess of Bell Sleeves

If you follow me on Instagram you'll noticed I've been working on altering a dress for Brighton blogger, Sarah Harris (aka English Rose).  Whilst Sarah was thrift shopping in Hove, she bought a dress for £4. She fell in love with the fun geometric print but wasn't too keen on the sleeves and the length of the dress. Knowing that I'm pretty handy with a sewing machine, she asked me if I could work some magic and turn it into her dream dress. Liking a challenge, I couldn't refuse!

Here's a pic of the dress beforehand. As you can see it's quite long and by taking the hem up I was left with a lot of excess fabric. It involved a lot of unpicking but it was worth it, as it gave me an extra 2" to play with. Then with a bit of rouching, sewing and hemming, I had bell sleeves! It completely transformed the style from being quite 90s into a beautiful swinging 60s dress. This is a perfect example of why you shouldn't be put off buying vintage just because the shape or cut of the dress isn't for you. If you find a pattern you love, the dress can always be altered.

I'm so pleased with the results. It's very rewarding knowing I have given this dress a new lease of life and that Sarah is going to get so much pleasure from wearing it. The only problem is that it's given me the bell sleeves bug. I want to add bell sleeves to everything!

So, when you're out shopping and you see something you like and it's not quite right, don't be too hasty putting it back. Have a closer look. It could be transformed into something wonderful! I do this a lot with my thrifty finds (you might remember me transforming a dress I found in Beyond Retro in this previous post) and it's definitely worth asking yourself the following questions...

1. Can it be taken up?  

Changing the length of a dress or trousers can give amazing results. Plus you might be able to use the excess fabric for something else

2. How much seam allowance is there?  

Be careful with thrift items as they don't always have the standard seam allowance that new garments have. Also if something is 2 sizes too small there won't be enough fabric to make it to the desired size.

3. How much will it cost to alter?  

Certain alterations can be quite expensive (especially if there's a lining). Taking up a hem or changing a zip can cost between £10-12. Whilst taking in sides or tapering trouser legs can cost between £15-£20 (these costs are for items without a lining)

4. Are there any holes that aren't on the seam?  

Holes not on the seam are very difficult to cover up, unless you plan to use a patch or applique motif. This might not necessary suit the style of the garment though

Hope this post has inspired you to have a bit more fun with your thrift hunting. If you have any questions or anything you'd like to alter I would love to help. I charge cheap rates :) Simply send me your enquiry to vintageowl@me.com for more info.

Biig love!

ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING

THANK YOU!

WHAT I WORE: on Christmas Day!

 WHAT I WORE: 

Velvet Dress > La Redoute

Christmas Tree Glasses > George

Tights > H&M

Leather Fringed Jacket > Beyond Retro

Merry Christmas everyone!! Hope you all had a wonderful day yesterday and managed to spend it with loved ones whilst noshing down some yummy festive food. I'm spending the Christmas period with Mr. Ds family in Dunstable and its just been wonderful. There were 11 of us in total sitting round the Christmas table and even though it was a squash and a squeeze the Christmas cheer was immense. 

We're now recovering from yesterday's activities by having a well deserved pajama day and catching up on any Christmas specials we missed and I thought I would take the opportunity to quickly show you my Christmas outfit. 

I decided not to wear a Christmas jumper this year and opted for some silly Christmas Tree glasses instead. Paired with a pretty velvet shift dress from La Redoute and some gold polka dot tights I found at H&M. Just perfect for party season! 

Mr. D's mum has a talent for decorating Christmas trees. Every year she changes the theme and the results are just dazzling. It always ends up looking like something you would see on display in a shop and this years theme was pastels. I love the delicate roses and ornaments she has chosen to complement the soft pink and silver hues. Isn't it pretty?

So happy and grateful with all my pressies. Mr. D was very sneaky and bought me a beautiful 70s maxi dress and an amazing 70s duster. I had my eye on them for a while so was very pleased when I unwrapped them.

What was your Christmas outfit this year? Did you wear a Christmas jumper? Send me your pics. I would love to see! I hope your're all having a wonderful time and once again.... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 

Big love,

ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING

THANK YOU