Coquette at Kettner's

It seems to be a regular theme with my blog now but I have to say it again – I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last post! I didn’t think I’d even been that busy.

I was otherwise engaged on Saturday though as I got on the train into London to attend Coquette with 3 wonderful friends. I have to say now that I took some photos but was too distracted by things going on around me. Then, I got home and had a cup of tea promptly dropping my camera into said cup of tea, effectively dunking it. I don’t think it will ever be the same again – in the morning it was taking photos that looked like the horror film The Fog and by afternoon it was making very strange beeping sounds and not doing anything. RIP little camera.

....but I digress. The morning started with me deciding what to wear. I chose my favourite Bettie Page dress as it was a rotten day weather-wise and a flowery summer dress would just look wrong. I wore my Vivien Westwood heels and a fascinator from my handmade collection.

Siobhan and I met at the station and took the train into Kings Cross where, while waiting for the other 2 of our group, I met an old friend I hadn’t seen in such a long time who asked if we were going to Ascot. I think this gives you an idea about how we were dressed! After a little waiting we jumped into a black cab which I find such a treat and really makes a day in London special for me. We pulled up at the gorgeous looking Kettner’s, found our way into the beautiful champagne bar, perched ourselves on a leather stool and had our first cocktails. Looking around the room, I have to admit, was slightly intimidating – there were so many ladies in gorgeous outfits and I felt a bit of an imposter. However, I was with such a lovely group of friends that we didn’t care! After a few sips of champagne the wonderful David Carter announced that Coquette was open. We followed various high heels up a winding staircase which then opened out on the first floor. These are the private rooms of Kettners and are just beautiful, airy, high ceilings, big windows and highly polished wooden floors. We were given a map and a schedule and just by chance wandered up another floor which led to a bar, Nails Inc, and Benefit cosmetics. We treated ourselves to some delightful tiny cakes and a cocktail in a teacup while we waited to get have our nails painted. While we were waiting, canapés and finger sandwiches were proffered as well as glass upon glass of champagne. We then went to the bar area and sat on a large green sofa and chatted, ate cake and drank more champagne. Before we knew it it was time for our first class ‘The Art of Kissing’ with. It was a very interesting talk on the history, perception and psychology of kissing, followed by a demonstration by David.

This was followed on by a wiggle class with the fantastic Ruby Dishabilles. I haven’t had so much fun on a Saturday afternoon as we strutted around and then had a wiggle off! We wiggled our way into the dressing room and tried on various hats from and looked through the clothes rails.

While my other ladies went to get their fortunes told I nipped in to get my hair done by Lipstick and Curl and appeared with the most fantastic up do.

It was a wonderful girly afternoon and we all had a great time. The day was bookended by another cab ride to the station where we investigated our goodie bags which included perfume, seamed stockings from What Katie Did, a garter, Gu goodies and samples from Benefit and Murad.  I think we're going to plan on going again in the new year but if you get the chance do get yourself a ticket to the next Coquette you can - you won't be disappointed.

First signs of summer

Hurrah – summer is here – at least on paper as it’s June and half term for most. So I thought I’d do a vintage style clothing update.  I am just amazed at how much you can how buy in the vintage vein and on the high street too!

I think you may have guessed by now that love Tara Starlet and for summer I don’t think you can get much better for a summer vintage look than a pair of the high waisted shorts. The new summer items on the site now include a lovely selection of Hawaiian playsuits. I love the idea of these and think they look amazing on the right people but I think my legs are far too stumpy for them. Here's my favourite colour:

On the high street a cheaper alternative can be found in Matalan:

I love seeing how the 1950s fashion is influencing things now but I’m seeing some lovely dresses, only to try them on and they come to my mid-thigh. They are lovely fabric, great cut and very authentic looking but for me they are just too short. You can find them everywhere on the high street at the moment from Oasis to H&M.  Enjoy hunting them out!  I was going to add about some lovely 1950 bikinis out there but I can't seem to upload the photos - do check out asos.com, Pistol Panties, Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams and even New Look!

Dressing Room Boutique news

If you follow me on Twitter you would already know that I have some super exciting news. 

There is a beautiful shop in Hitchin called Dressing Room Boutique.  You can find all sorts of lovely things there - things that I would fill my house with if I didn't share a house with Mr P; girly and gorgeous bits of furniture and other vintage pieces to make a house feel like a home.  A mixture of style, vintage,retro,shabby chic and all round girlishness, the owner, Sophie, chooses all the pieces herself.  I am so envious of her job!  So what has this got to do with me and the blog?  Well, not only would I recommend the shop in any case if you were after a unique present for someone (or yourself) but there is another reason why this place is special to me.  This lovely boutique and owner are now supplying a selection of my flowers and purses.  I can't tell you how chuffed I am and how grateful to Sophie for her support.  Thank you Sophie! xx

So details of this treasure trove are http://www.dressingroomboutique.net/  online and in all its gloriness at 10 Churchgate Shopping Centre, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1DN

Go and visit!



Anything look familiar? ;-)



One week to go...

...until the Joy of Vintage fair in Watford.  This time my glamorous assistant will be my mother :-)  I'm really looking forward to the cake, tea and chat.  Sure we'll do some work as well.

The Mister and I did our first fair together at the weekend in Hampstead and now I think he understands how fun, and tiring, it can be.  We had a lovely day and met some amazingly nice people.  I did take my crochet in case there was a dull moment but there was no down time at all in the day.  It was a little bitter sweet as some of my favourite pieces were sold but I'm really happy that they have gone to a good home.  As soon as ladies tried on the fascinators that caught their eye, they wanted them.  Huge compliment for me and I love that they loved them so much but I can't believe they're gone.  This one was one of my favourites, it was so sophisicated on:

I made this one on a lovely sunny day in a girly mood.  The lady who bought it was so sweet and it really suited her.

I better get making!

Mahjong Bracelet Give Away

Yesterday was a lovely day at home and I managed to get everything ready for my stall next week at the Pop Up Vintage Fair in Hampstead.  I can't wait to be in this beautiful building.

Mr P made the suggestion of free gifts so free gifts there will be, with purchases over £20. Also, every person who buys a flower/bag/fascinator will be put in a draw to win this vintage Mahjong Bracelet.

I would love to see anyone who is in the area - please come and say hello as it would be amazing to meet you.


Have a lovely week x

What a weekend!

It was such a sunny day in London on Saturday which was perfect for us.  The main event of the day was a trip to see the show Million Dollar Quartet at the Noel Coward Theatre on St Martins Lane.

Inspired by the actual event, that took place on 4 December 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, this ecstatic and engaging musical is a story of fame, friendship, discovery, professional jealousy and incredible music as four of the music industry's most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, made music together for the first and only time in their careers.

The legendary meeting was masterminded by Sun Records' founder Sam Phillips, who discovered all four of the musicians, and brought Elvis Presley (and his then girlfriend) back to the recording studio that launched him to stardom. Together with Sun Records' fast-rising new superstar Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, who was still chasing his next big hit after writing and recording Blue Suede Shoes, the fourth member of this impromptu "quartet" was Phillips' latest signing, Jerry Lee Lewis.

There are so many songs in the show and with no interval it's just like being at a concert instead of a show.  The actors are so talented and play their own instruments - the Jerry Lee Lewis was phenomenal.  Our Johnny Cash for the show sounded just like the man himself.  it was like going back in time.  I think I was the only person dressed in '50s clothes but no change there then!

We had a wander around Covent Garden which was heaving.  I was very pleased with myself and didn't look in any of the shops.  We did fancy some icecream though and saw a shop that drew us in.  It was pink and black inside, an icecream boutique and the skull on the sign appealed to the lost Goth in me.  how could we not go in with a sign like this:

Anyhoo, it turned out to be the shop where they sold the breastmilk icrecream.  There were other crazy flavours like ginger and chilli (with chilli slices).  Have to say it was an experience - from the man playing rock guitar to the leather capped staff.  We'll  be going back for one of their jaw droppingly named cocktails....you'll have to visit yourself ;-)

A green lawn and a good book – what more does one need? A deck chair to lie back in? In the sunshine there was a lovely little area supported by Penguin books where you could choose a book from the 'Lawn Library' and sit and relax in a deckchair.  It's part of the 'Get Lost in a book' campaign.   I wish there had been room for me!

We finished our day with dinner at Sarastro on Drury Lane.  It's described as the show after the show.  It is the most amazing place with food to match.  We were very lucky and sat in one of the 'opera boxes' for dinner.  This photo doesn't do it justice so check out their wesbite for more of an idea. http://www.sarastro-restaurant.com/

Cat and next fair news

Just wanted to give a quick cat update. The owners came back from holiday and I took the little kitten over to their house to say we’d looked after him for about 3 weeks as we thought he was a stray. The people were pretty grim but I was polite and explained that we had a cat and he didn’t approve of ‘Rocky’ making himself at home. Anyway, we don’t see him in the house anymore (we have a cat flap) I think our cat has seen to that but he does sometimes run up to us when we get home for a cuddle. Breaks my heart but he has a family. We’ll see how it goes but I’m hoping he’ll settle in a bit more to his home as he grows up.

So I’m in the last 2 weeks now until the fair at Hampstead, there’s been loads of interest and publicity including the advert below, on the Finchley Road. I’ve been making some more bags for the event but am slightly nervous about this one as it’s new territory. I will have my darling Mr P with me though and lots of friends are going to pop down so that’s what I’m looking forward to.

The following week on the 4th June is the Joy of Vintage Fair in Watford and I can’t wait for that one as I feel so at home there. The people are lovely and I love the atmosphere. This time I’ll have my lovely mum helping me man the stall so I should get a look around the fair this time. Not sure if that’s a good idea though.

I am slightly distracted at the moment. I have a fashion crush on the new summer colours of the Tara Starlet sailor slacks. I know that I’d wear them all the time with Miss L Fire wedges but should I treat myself??? I am really trying to be good.

In pink....



...and blue

Something else I’d love to treat myself to is a visit to The Powder Room to try the new Paul and Jo range and great new lashes by The Vintage Cosmetics Company.