Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I had my beautifully wrapped brown paper parcel tightly in my hands, ready to post to my sister.  My route to the Post Office involves passing by a number of charity shops. After posting the pretty parcel (I tied a cute white bow to finish) I had completed my tasks for the day, so of course I popped into a few charity shops.

After strutting in a pair of vintage blue high heels, squeezing into a cute dress and fighting to open a man’s old briefcase, I settled for a beautiful mirror for £7.99. The double bevel edged mirror is enclosed in a pastel floral frame in shades of blue, pink and green. A perfect match for my lovely lamps (I'm a little obsessed with floral vintage lampshades).  Although I was not specifically looking for a mirror (as my wardrobe already has two full-sized ones) I couldn’t resist this bargain buy. So my mirror accompanied me on my return journey from Oxfam (up a very steep hill may I add). Dedication!

I have chosen to hang the mirror above my fireplace unless my housemate disagrees (as she is yet to find out about my impulse purchase). Oops, she does now! I am sure you will just love it.

I locate a lot of my furniture in charity shops, it’s a great approach to discover hidden treasures for any room in your house. It’s an inexpensive and creative way to find quirky, individual items and, of course, is a way of donating to charities. I love returning home and being surrounded by furniture that no one else owns- only me. Taking the time to build up a collection of unique furniture adds a personal touch to the interior of any room you are decorating. It has taken me years to find the perfect items that I love. It gives a great sense of accomplishment! I’m sure I will find lots more on my travels!

Surprise Yourself,

Vintage Amy xx

Vintage Magpie

A few weekends ago, I took a trip back to my hometown in the North West. Catching up with my good friend who co-founded a vintage label called Vintage Magpie was planned for the Sunday evening. Last Christmas I received a gift from Vintage Magpie of four pairs of stud earrings and a cute heart bracelet, which I haven’t stopped wearing since. On my request, she brought along a selection of earrings for me to rummage through. I felt so special to be able to have first pickings of her newly made jewellery.

I settled for another four pairs, although it was very hard to choose. The first pair are white and round with a silver bow engraved in the middle (pictured below). The next two are lovely flowers, one burgundy and the other cream with a brown centre. The final pair are again a white circle with a lemon and green floral pattern. Each pair is perfect for my colour palette and style, I will be definitely be shopping for more very soon. Also, the dainty size of the stud earrings are ideal as when I wear my hair up, I prefer not to wear large oversized studs.

 

 

Vintage Magpie has everything I like in a vintage label. I love the feminine, cute and ditsy feel to the brand. The pastel palette and floral design gives a pretty and sweet touch. Each item is handmade making every piece special and unique. The prices are affordable allowing everyone to own a piece of Vintage Magpie. For example, my earrings were £3.50 per pair. Wow!!!

Vintage Magpie love to discover and source vintage treasures along their travels, adjusting them to give a more modern and contemporary feel, by maybe shortening a skirt or altering a dress. Attending many vintage fairs up North is just one way of selling their vintage handmade goods. Don’t worry, I will keep you updated with the details of their next fair or alternatively click Here to own a beautiful Vintage Magpie treasure.

To showcase their clothing collection Vintage Magpie have recently organised a photoshoot. The English country park location captures the charming and traditional feel of the brand. Using stunning models Coco Fierce, Suzie Sequin and Strawberry Venom, make up artist Jen Hunter and  creative photographer Elen Looms the shoot was a great success!! Check out some of their pictures below!

  

Until next time,

Vintage Amy xx

Mango Summer Sale

My perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon (or day off) is rummaging through charity shops and vintage fairs to find a new dress or skirt. However, high-street stores also stock items that are vintage inspired and a perfect addition to my wardrobe. 

So, a couple of Fridays ago I decided to hit the shops for a dedicated Summer Sale shopping spree. It seemed every high-street store was launching their Sale within a couple of days of each other. This was sending me into a frenzy imagining all the bargains I could be missing each time my inbox flashed red announcing a new sale.

Mango has become a firm favourite of mine recently so I was pleasantly surprised when the whole store was in Sale. I spotted a vintage inspired floral dress for £16.99. The simple silhouette of the dress enhanced the bright summer coral colour and floral pattern. The high neckline at the front of the dress gradually lowers into a rounded scooped neckline at the back giving the dress a more eveningwear appeal.

Back View

Front View

Make sure you make a stop at Mango when on your own Sale shopping spree as I am sure you will find some treats with a vintage feel. To add to the celebration there are two in Cabot Circus Bristol. A stand alone store and a concession in House of Fraser. What are you waiting for???

Take a visit to your nearest Mango,

Vintage Amy x

Perfect Playsuits

Playsuits can be worn in many ways and are the perfect partner for the curvy figures especially those neat hourglass shapes. We've spotted our favourites from the House of Fraser sale for when the sun comes out to play. But when it doesn't, just throw on a pair of tights, a cropped blazer and a few accessories for a smart, chic layered look. 

The House of Fraser sale won't be there forever, so grab the sale bargains now. Summers not over yet! 

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

One Stitch at a Time!

My interest in vintage fashion includes sourcing fabrics and materials from various charity shops and fairs. Over the last year I have dedicated my time to learn the new skill of knitting. I wanted a hobby that I could carry around with me to fulfil my creativity everyday. I knit on the train, my lunch break or in front of the television.

My Creative Knits book is my knitting bible. The majority of my knowledge on the craft has come from this book (and my mum). Luckily, I found it for £2 in a charity shop a couple of years ago when I decided that I was going to learn to knit. The book was published in 1989, which gives the style of stitches and patterns a vintage touch.

Creative Knits book

My goal is to start from the beginning learning the basic stitches and gradually being able to master the more complicated ones. I practise each stitch by making a long scarf so my technique becomes flawless (well, after a few mistakes that is). Towards the back of the book there is a section dedicated to sweaters. My aim is to be able to follow a pattern and knit a cute jumper. I am determined to get there!

Lattice Stitch

Finished scarf complete with tassels.

I plan to crazily knit through the Summer and have lots ready to sell in Winter. I already have 8 in storage and I am working on my next one. Don't worry I will remind everybody when the days become colder and of course you will need a Vintage Amy scarf : ) I hope so anyways! I can knit hats to co-ordinate too!

Why not take up a creative hobby yourself, whether this is knitting, crotchet or cross stitch. It is great to have a craft that can result in unique presents for family or friends or something you can wear yourself with pride. I'm amazed how quickly I have developed. Go on why not give it a go??

Be creative,

Vintage Amy xx