Christmas Hats, Anyone

I would be very Happy not to celebrate Christmas but look at what Topsyturvy Design did, Hats for Christmas, beat that felt Santa hat.
Prices range from $99-$139 so Santa would have to have alot of love to get you one of these.




Just dropped in

My last parcel came and no customs to pay, I can just fit into it, but it doesn't give me any joy, why? I think I have fallen out of love with 40s dress and now want the fun of the 50's.
That and the fact the wanker I posted about in November, decided to get all friendly like it never happened, he genuinely had no clue, that was he did was mean and that made me very,very angry that he denied any wrong doing. His contact ruined what had been a good week, but it made me realise that when I leave my home town, once the house sold their isn't a single person I will miss as friendship ain't what it used to be, I have meet strangers that have treated me better, then the dogs I have met since returning from University.

Recommended Seller- Dollchops

I cant believe I have not posted about the amazing Dollchops Clothing range, available through eBay, they are one of the best handmade clothing makers still using eBay, so you better grab a piece.
I own three pieces, the red Dita skirt a bitch to iron if you dint have a good steam iron, Corpse Bride jacket which has puffed shoulders and is fastened at the neck with a bow clip (pictured wearing both in a previous post)and the Memphis Belle (black skirt) which I didn't try on for ages, and is very small in fit, possibly I was sent the wrong size. It now fits but is definitely has good stretching properties!
The red skirt was a little big at the back so I had to take it in at the bow as a result I don't get that cut out look which is pictured, other then that its a quality made skirt which doesn't ride up. I find that alot the skirts I buy in the shops, ride up no matter the size, possibly its the cheap fabrics they are using and the lack of lining?

What I am lusting up next is the letherette version of the Corpse Bride jacket so look for yourself.

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/bitaspice

Day Dreaming Again

I'm tired of reading about precious children (Tavi) and their accomplishments it isn't anything new, if the Internet had been popular when we were growing up we could all be stars too. I do feel that people born in my year in the UK where the test generation we got all the problems and none of the rewards! All the rules changed and the trouble was our parents were unprepared and didnt tell us.
It's werid a diffrerence a year makes if I had been born a year later their would be hundreds of things I would have been able to do, but denied becuase the govenement wasnt offering it to me. The irony is all these free things is slowly killing the economy and creating a lazy generation. Kids get free travel, and get on the bus for two stops, and most of them could do with the exercise.
Rant over, why couldn't I have been born 10 years later my life would be so much sweeter and easier as would be my mother's less struggling more handouts? Now rant is over.
This is what happens when you turn 25 years old, your just barely in the category where your opinion matters and you are considered "young", from next year I will not matter.



Whats daytime Fetish?

I'm going to the alternative fetish market on Sunday, which ruined my plan to go to the Affordable Vintage Fair on today, but if you are going to make new friends it helps to keep seeing then.
My first thought was to wear my TOPrunway dress as it comfortable and smart at the same time, but the venue also has a club which starts after 6pm, so I need an outfit that can take me from day to night. I also have a red pencil skirt with huge bow at the back, paired with a either a rock and roll cardigan or skeleton cropped jacket.

In the end I went with the dollychops ensemble, which has been dying for another wear, had my picture taken but was so cold, I kept my coat on so none saw how cute my outfit really was.

New Year Anyone?

Miss Fleur De Guerre is holding a New Years Party at the Fox in Shoreditch I presume its in London. I don't now about you, but my New Years Eve usually consists of freezing my ass of in London, watching the fireworks, but if you are looking for something different try this New Years Party.

Blerb from the website
Take a trip back in time to the Golden Era, in Las Vegas. OK, Shoreditch. It was a time when the dames were dangerously well-dressed and the men knew how to handle them... the Rat Pack were setting hearts and playing cards a-flutter and James Bond was the newest literary hero. We're turning the Fox into a casino this time, with free blackjack and roulette tables to gamble your way into the new decade.

Each guest will receive a free cocktail and canapes on arrival. Our incredibly band The Rat Pastilles will be performing big band swing hits all night, and our three ravishing burlesque broads Miss Kiki Kaboom, Sophia St Villier and Tallulah Tempest will be adding a bit of good, old-fashioned striptease to the evening's festivities.

So, dust off your best furs and your fedoras, polish your diamonds and your lucky dice, slip into something distinctly decadent... and help us roll in 2010 in style!


Want to win tickets post a comment at Diary of a Vintage Girl
http://www.diaryofavintagegirl.com/2009/12/new-years-eve-stravaganza.html#links

http://thefoxpresents.com/thefoxpresents.htm

In the Post

Two vintage dresses came today



The black crepe number which fits like a dream, the beige number was too small, well I could wear it with the buttons undone, that what you get when you grieve shop, I could sell it on eBay for £35 and get back what I paid, but eBay UK is very weird, things that should sell for a lot often don't, and basic vintage items sell for alot. Now just waiting on my other Christmas number, I suspect their will be a custom fee to pay, after all I did not pay anything for the last three items and its probably why, Im still waiting for it to arrive.


My favourite dress is the blue dress, it matches my walls, but I have a dilemma, its very full skirt, so if I shorten it I ruin the line, but its not wearable if I don't.

Christmas Wishlist

What I asked for this Christmas.

As a child I was always conscious of money, and as its a recession I even provided the websites were my family can get the items for less, so if any deviates I will be upset.

Dita Von Teese Striptease (now that I have seen it, I'm actual disappointed the pictures are way to small for it to be of any interest, she would of been better of producing a diary with some pictures, and some titbit's.)
Bram Stoker Dracula (normal edition)
Hammer Glamour
Barbie: All dolled up ( I developed an interest in barbie when i hit 16, I was depraved, it was probably due to the cost, you cant just have the doll you have to have the accessories as well)
Tights
White malteasers

Wished I had asked for Vintage Dita and itunes voucher.

The Ultimate Night Out

I had an awesome night on Friday, and while going to a club by myself filled me with dread, I had been their before and noticed they seem to have a friendly and close knit clientale. I also advertised on the club forum that I would be going along, and for people to say Hi, also being an usherette helped.
One of the people I meet online organised a stragglers meet up, and we had fun talking and dancing I was well looked after by 3 gentleman, who would of thought going to a club would be more fun without the friends? Over course now my friend wants to come because I had such a good time, but I would prefer to go without them.


Missed Post
Isn't anything sacred anymore? Postman delivery on a Sunday, I missed my parcel as I was listening to music, going to have to walk to the parcel depot, only 35 minutes away.
I also have official stopped shopping for Beswick Circus for this year.

I bought two of these.

Inventive

I really want a good night out and I don't mean the club in my local town, while I have some money I don't have lots so I want to keep my costs down. One way to do this is to become an usherette at a club night, which is what I will be doing this Friday, this is a role now that has less perks, now that the recession has hit, you are paid in free entrance and maybe a few free drinks if you are lucky, rather then in money.
So what did I do? Present my planned outfit to get the gig.


Outfit and hat before makeover

My outfit
Primark Vivienne Westwood style tulip dress AUT 08, I was going to sew the skirt in so it has a pencil shape, and is more timeless, but I'm glad I didn't,
Corset I purchased three years ago, to help me get into my tiny waist vintage dresses. Skirt from Erotica, is my main clubbing staple, shoes bought at a reduced price Aut 08, broach is borrowed from a fake fur stole, belt with watch, taken from a Halloween costume.


My hat
A antique top hat which I have draped hat netting round it to hide the damaged (already had). Black ribbed ribbon (bought) diamante buckle and ostrich feather (salvage).

I found a leather glove while walking todays so I plan to modify it to a fingerless glove and, maybe trim with some cream ruffle trim I have in my sewing bag.
Still to sew up my coin purse, but I did use my scraps of gold leather and cut out gear shapes to glue onto it.

In the post

Cant wait for my other deliveries.


What to do with two unripe bananas?

I am always going on about how resourceful/inventive I am, so here's more proof I have two bananas that don't seem to want to ripen, ideally I want to make something sweet, but all the recipes require at least a slightly ripe banana, but there are lots of recipes on making banana chips.

What you need
banana unripe
oil
seasoning to taste

I cut the banana into thin fries, very important they are thin, think very slim french fries, heat oil to heat in a wok and cooked for 5-8 mins.
The end result, was surprising they taste like potato (to do with the starch concentration) with only a hint of banana flavouring and when you add flavouring you cant taste it all. Revolutional! And healthier then potato to boot.

My 2nd last buy

This is the credit card worthy dress from Cheap Thrills Vintage and I won it for a responsible price of £36. And a plate I actual forget I bidded on, luckily it didnt go for much, I think I will sell it on once I get it. Im so over it.

Sad Mad Life

Their nothing sadder then an epiphany that everything is a lie, and all it does is hold you back. So what have I been doing to fight the blues, shopping on credit!
I have just bought this pretty number for £30.

And look at all these lovely dresses, you can spend your money, not buying just browsing.

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/bustownmodern/


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260511988091&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170411151790&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Downpour

Yesterday, I had the shock of my life, the person I thought I was trying to form a relationship with annnounced through facebook he was seeing someone else. Obvious I am furious, because I suspect my other friend knew this (he told me they were best friends and told each other everything), but decided to side with her other friend, which shows me were I am in the pecking order of friendship. Another reason im upset is he was whooing her at the same time as me, thirdly I hate time wasters who only became friendly with you to use you, he has not contacted me since he got what he wanted twice over, creep, so I have deleted them from the facebook, removed them from my phone. TTYN peeps.
On a sad day like this I would but on a vintage dress, but I have worn everything I have, so have bought this for £22. Goodbye Beswick you wont dry my tears.

The story of The Four That dont Fit

The first is a navy blue evening dress with knife pleating hem, I dieted especially to wear it as it was a little snug and haven't worn it since. I also made the mistake of washing it not realising that the knife pleats were pressed in, and now I would have to painstakingly put them back in, 3 years on I have not. I keep it to mainly marvel of the slimness of my frame to be able to fit but its possible that it actual has shrunk.
The other dress is a 60s chiffon red dress, that I had been adoring form Dorothy Closet, when they still traded on eBay. It was original a very high price, and I picked up when it had been reduced. Its in almost perfect condition, and I keep it mainly because I will give it my future daughter for her prom.


The other dress is I couldn't resist it was from my favourite vintage shop, and I wanted it not to have been a wasted journey so bought it. I over paid its not in the best condition and petticoat was stiffened with sugar and this has crumbled, but I will lose the stone needed to fit into it in the next 6months.

I have four dresses, that don't fit
The last dress I bought from eBay again was too small 34inch bust, but it was deadstock and has the cutest horse and carriage print, I have tried to sell it twice at a starting price of £19.99 but now I going to hold onto it.


And the wardrobe that keeps on giving

I have four dresses, that don't fit

I definitely need a Job

I definitely need a job or to get back into making, but I plan to be creative this week and make a leather purse bag for my steampunk costume, and other leather accessories. Do some restoration work, on a vintage item which, basically means to me sewing bits if material onto a dress to hide tears.
I cant remember the time I last attempted to make something, I made a hat in the autumn which wasn't what I hoped for and regrettable left my overlocker at my aunts, si I cant make up any jersey tops. I have hot fingers, which is why I seem to be posting about ebay alot.

Credit Card Worthy
Iv been looking at this two piece from capriconvintage since last week, I like this two piece, the top would fit but the skirt would be too small, but its unusually, and sizing hasn't stopped me before. But just in case I'm tempted I will blog about instead, that will jinx it.

Sunday's a Washout

Its raining heavy and not what better time to wear something nice, this is an vintage dress, I got from my favourite shop. I'm not sure of the date, its looks 30's but the seam stitch is zig zag, and the seller wasn't sure so I got it for £22, paired with the hardest working cardigan and a waist belt from Primark.


I have been sorting through my vintage stuff, as eventually I will be moving out, and storing my vintage is going to be a problem. This cute little silk bag is from a vintage shop in Nottingham, inside is a little mirror, I can only think of one occasion when I would use such a bag is on my wedding day, but since I don't believe in Marriage, that's unlikely to happen. Should it stay or should it go?

Saturday Sharing

I thought I would share, my two picks from these twiceuponatyme unfortunately the seller only ships to USA, however I want the pink one, do you think it would be naughty of me to bid. I need to move to the USA.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250531452386&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

Isn't this lovely, silk collar detail from fiddybee, unfortunately the shipping cost is too high for me to put in a bid and there's a reserve as well.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200408596992&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

The ultimate party dress from vogue_vintage, another one with a high posting price, but I'm sure is worth it, if you have an occasion to wear it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320451870016&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Evening Dreaming

I thought I would show these little gems, introduced to me by, http://living-vintage.blogspot.com/ and http://www.diaryofavintagegirl.com.
You know me I love a reason to pretend shop.


Nicole Katherine Designs
I'm really loving this skirt and the dress is nice too but I really need a job!
http://www.bettybuccaneer.com/index-home.htm

Natalie Bailie
This online vintage website is a treasure trove and the blog is cool ais well she lives in my favourite town Brighton.
I'm in love with this two piece, this is credit card worthy, I've always wanted more
50's stuff , I just need to wait a week. Too late it's sold at £75.00, so upset more pizza please.

http://www.natashabailie.com

Tidy Friday

I decided to try on a few more pieces of my vintage, this was last years eBay buy, it looks early 40s, the inverted pleats look very 30s. it was listed at a higher starting price, so as a result no one bidded, apart from me, I probably paid something like £43 including postage and packaging. It has incredibley tassel detail which, won my heart, I didn't wear it at christmas, I will do this year.
Today I'm going to wear it to do the cleaning, only hoovering, mop day is tomorrow.





I was orginally gonna wear this but, Im not quite their, my arms are still fat, but by looking at photos they always were a little, so today I have used up the last of the baking supplies so everything will be back to normal.
This dress was the must expensive vintage dress I have ever bought, it came from a london shop called Cloud Cuckoo Nine, it cost £90, think I had to put it on the credit card at the time, but it sure is nice.

Didn't Want to Jinx it

This isn't the item that, I was prepared to put on the credit card, but I thought it was nice, and since its all faded, I thought it would go for a low price, but that's now unlikely, how comes vintage on eBay goes for so much in USA, but my stuff goes for peanuts? Yes its all nice stuff, I buy it from America.
I was going to stay up to bid for it, but its not worth it, so I'm going to watch the repeat of Enid on BBC Four instead.



Update it went for a ridiculous price of £68.00

I really like this dress being auctioned by linengirls, but the fake ebidder's has striked again, why else would an item go up 3 times its orginal price over a period of half an hour when theirs still two days to go?

Hooray for 50

50th post and finally, I have won something, even if I didn't expect to, I bidded half heartly. It's a 1940s evening dress with white beading I wont be wearing it as an evening dress it's too subtle. Anyway I pledged in this blog, I would wear more vintage in my daily wardrobe, so the length will be shortened to make it a day dress, and the reminder material used to do a belt and maybe a matching hair accesories. I have some sewing ability it will easy to create a fabric belt, but what about a snood?
It cost £27 and p&p was £15, but to be honest UK eBay is not a patch on the America site when it comes to vintage. Most of the vintage clothing listed on UK ebay is not vintage at all its vingate style/reproduction, the small majority is often sold through business traders, so there is little compettion so the prices are high. While prices are cheaper up north in the UK, 40s clothing tends to go for less then 50's, their are no bargain coach fares prices, so I can't make the annual visit to my favourite vintage shop. Hope customs dont screw me over with a £15.99 charge to check the item.
I have another two item I want, one Im prepared to put on the credit card to have, the other Im sure will go close to £100 and that too much, but Im not gonna post a picture might just jinx it, but rest assured they are very christmas, black, sequins and cool ruffle detail. When i get in person I will post more detailed pictures.



All the best stuff comes up at Christmas, now that I have bidded on my pale blue number, two more, dress I would like better have come up.


Dress on the left flashbackonline http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290371713548&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT


Both buy it now, I like the dress on the left, but would haggle to have $10.00 of it, and its quite big. Update someone haggled to $15 less.
marie92001
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300361424037&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Bombshellshocked
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390115442275&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Mystery

I'm desperate to bid for something, I didn't get the sweet little millstreet vintage dress I was after, but Ive found 5 other dresses, I like just as much, but more then likely will go for more then they are worth as it's christmas.
To get away from the need to buy something, from eBay, I baked my brownies again, which turned out great, even though I didn't follow the recipe, exactly, I reduced the amount to produce less brownies, used a different sugar, caster rather then golden caster sugar. Added more lines to my short story on vintage clothing. Its has always been a thing of my to record the circumstances of my vintage collection for the future generation. My mother has my grandfather's top hat, it was made by new bond street tailors in London, it was made to measure, during its day it would of been an expensive purchase. It also creates questions when my family settled into the UK the hat dates early then the 50s, which is when my family was left to believe was when we migrated to the UK? Also why would my Great Grandfather need such a grand hat?
Its also very hard to trace my family history, as the majority of the family are deceased, the rest went to Atlanta in the 50's, and my maternal grandmother was adopted so her true family name is unknown.

picture from flickr.com -old pictures of black people group

Inventive

I am always being told how, inventive I am, if only I could make a career out of this quirky aspect of my character, i would be laughing. My inventive nature was born out of the fact, that growing up I had no cash and was an only child. So being inventive was born out of sheer frustration. When I was at primary school I sold bookmarks for 50p, I even created a catalogue so that, the kids could choose their design. At secondary school I sold paper tissue picture frames, which actually were quite well made, the one I made for my mother lasted 5 years. I also made my own Christmas and birthday cards, took out books on origami. By the age of 14 I had stopped making picture frames, selling my school dinner ticket, so that I could pocket the cash to go to the cinema with my friends. I would dye secondhand clothes to make them look newer, so that I could wear them. When I was 16 my inventiveness stopped, I had got a job so I was now earning. When I was 18 I went to Uni and the inventiveness came back, sewing cheap bits of Lycra to make bandeau tops to wear for nights out. Turning light knitted tops into bandeau tops, you twist the arms and wrap over the bust and tie at the back. Walking everywhere to save money and save having to go to the gym. Going to the market at the end of the day, do get the best deals on the fruit veg. I still do some of this inventiveness, I try to walk everywhere within reason, as I permanently have a swollen ankle. I do turn my tops into bandeau tops, when I want to look as though I have bought something new. And I still visit the bargain shelf at the supermarket, and get my veg from the market at the end of the day.

Fearless

I had my other interview yesterday, and all even through it went well, by the nature of questions asked I felt they wanted the excuse to give it to someone younger or had been out of work a long time, so that they could pay a low wage. Many people would disagree with my leaving my job, but I felt while I have put up with a lot things in my life, the worst thing in the world is to work with people who dismiss you or ignore you, no amount of work will change these kind of people minds. I didn't want these women to smear my good reputation, who had hardly made an effect to welcome or talk, over the 3 months I was there. In a way it was good to leave, as my personal circumstances changed not that much later and would involve me permanently tied to a job I have always hated, through financial commitment.
However I always had the ability to turn nothing into something and at heart I am a grafter, I have no fear of the future.

The Dilemma

Now that I sold my Jakob Bengel necklace at half its purchasing, ouch! Don't feel too bad for me I didn't over pay, plus I didn't really like it, their were two necklaces, usually I would buy both, but I choose the wrong one. I have 5 other bengel necklaces, which I wont ever sell as I love them, even the unfinished one, yes I bought unfinished jewellery, I am the ultimate collector.
So with my funds I was planning to buy a dress from millstreet vintage, and another dress Im watching, but now lots of Beswick has gone on sell. Clothes or rare pottery?
These are my top three choices, I wont be buying all three, just one, as I still want the millstreet vintage Dress.

I sent an email to my Uncle to think about being this for me for christmas!

This butter dish is better then the other but would I bid up to £30, probably not.

It says that this it meant to be a sugar, bowl, but mine has a lid.

My Favourite Seller- La Belle Vintage

I have only recently discovered this seller on ebay, but everything I have bidded on exceeds my budget, including the dress below. I predict that this will go for close to £100.


La Belle Vintage

Sundays Washday

This dress was too cute, to miss, the seller described it as having discoluration on the lower part, my plan was to cut it off and make it as a top, but I couldn't bear to. Then I thought I can I hide the disclouration some applique? Still havn't a clue, inside wear only.

Saturday Shopping

I needed some new underwear, since leaving the gym and being thrifty with the food shop, I have gone back to my 2007 size, I needed new bras, and where did I go, my trusty TK Maxx.
I got my Lepel bra for £4.99, now when I buy bras I must have matching underwear, I think it a bit scuzzy if you dont, it also looks silly if you have to undress in front of someone. They didnt have the matching brief, as it was the last of the stock, so I looked for something that could match, the cream pair matched perfectly and it was part of a set of two with red pair, which has cream flowers so its like mix and match for £3.99. The black satin pair is from the same brand loving moments and has cute lace back. Not bad for £10.87 minus the VAT reduction, time to toss some knickers.

Ugly

This week I feel angry, I blame hormones, and fake eBay bidders, pushing up the prices! I want to smash things, and be rude, so today I thought I should wear something nice and eat bread. I thought I would channel the Ugly Betty look, as the character is looking really fashionable, and now the actress is thinner she can pull of a puffa coat! Its probably a Marc Jacobs, but still, a puffa coat! The cardigan is from the 90s a charity shop buy from my Gran. Ten years ago my Gran went to a charity and picked up two vintage sequin cardigans, and gave them to her two youngest daughters, one was a vintage enthusiast the other a city girl. I was terribly jealous, I wanted one! So my Granny promised to buy me one if she ever found one again.
The dress was from eBay, America I got it for a good price as it didn't picture well, but was a beauty.
I wear about 20% of my wardrobe, 50% is vintage, out of that 25% of it is dressy, 10% doesn't fit. I don't wear my vintage much as I think its under appreciated by most of my friends, and I also worry about keeping it clean. The other 21% of wardrobe is stuff I like to keep nice, so I don't wear it as much, I don't buy things because they are fashionable, I don't have a fashionable shape, I like to buy things because they are classic and will last and to be honest you will never know when things will change and you have to cut back. And that 9% well its the summer wear, which could still come out if I add cardigans and 60 denier tights.
Update: I give up selling on eBay, the fees are too much, if you only sell on off, and then paypal takes it cut, and then the postage and packaging is only enough just cover that, and for some things you cant even charge for that!No wonder eBay seems to be full of it buy it now, that's the only way to recuperate your costs. Rubbish, going to Etsy.