The journey to vintage...

Where to begin?

You all know that I'm a vintage gal at heart, and that I'm a lot more at home in frocks! It has taken me a long time to embrace this passion for vintage fashion, to the point where I can wear it on an every day basis, and not just when events require it! I'm a long way off being a 24/7 vintage fashionista! But, like a lot of you out there, living in a modern world, it can sometimes seem daunting to let go and let the Rita, Vivien or Audrey inside you loose! I know that certain elements of bygone era's appeal to different people, and I'm definitely more a 40's/50's follower. I always thought that the 1950's was my favourite time in history for feminine fashion, but I find that as I explore my inner vixen, that I'm equally drawn to the silhouettes from the 1940's.

Now, if you like the idea of vintage or retro clothing, and don't quite know how to wear it, stick with me, and I'd like to share with you a little of my journey and how it kicked off for me. Let's talk basics first. What exactly is classed as retro, and what is vintage? These words are casually thrown around, and sometimes used to describe fashion items, without paying attention to the real age of the item. Let me just clarify one thing: I am by no means hung up on the use or so-called misuse of the buzz word, 'vintage'. I merely adhere to a rough guide, that would class a fashion item which is older than 25 years (these days even 20), as being vintage. Anything a hundred years or older is antique, or period. So, for all you die-hard 80's fans, that would mean one cannot really refer to any 1980's clothing as vintage! As for the word 'retro', it is used to refer to something that is new, but made in an older style, so perhaps 'vintage looking'.

I, for one, am really fascinated by the history of clothes, single items, and where they've come from. My knowledge is quite limited, but I long to learn more, as history is something that defines certain styles and lends meaning to garments. Although I truly love authentic vintage, it won't stop me from wearing reproductions, or vintage inspired items. I like to take different elements from different era's, and to incorporate them into my existing wardrobe. I do find that I am becoming more confident to wear things that clearly aren't from the High Street, and perhaps considered 'quirky' by some!

My advice to anyone who would like to try out vintage, but don't know where to start, is to experiment with accessories as a starting point. I did just that by starting off wearing brooches, scarfs or shoes...

A few vintage inspired items...scarf (1980's)...shoes, new but reminiscent of vintage styles...

A great place to incorporate vintage style, is hair. I have tried a few things...

A romantic, period updo...(Still practising this one!)

A pin curl setting overnight, then brushed out for soft curls...

I then proceeded to wear some lovely (in my opinion, and that's what matters!) dresses I had found on my thrifting journeys.

A very colourful E-bay find...

This quirky number from Rehab Vintage ...

My latest find...I love the vibrant colours in this little number...(Worn with full petticoat for a 5o's silhouette.)

With sensible shoes for the school run...

...or maybe not...(and minus the petticoat)

The best piece of advice that I can give you? Don't take yourself to seriously! Have fun with it! Remember what it was like when you were little and played dress-up? No one judged you for getting it wrong, and the sky was the limit. Adopt a little of that attitude, and above all else, ALWAYS WEAR A SMILE! Without this, you may as well be naked! And on that note...

...just for laughs!

Happiness to you!

Tania♥