Frock on a Friday - cheongsam

Hilariously, while I was away I found out I'd been shortlisted for a BiB award. I don't quite know how this happened, as it wasn't in the 'Mildly humorous Drivel' category, but 'Fashion'. Supposedly once you're nominated someone on the panel takes a look at your blog, so I'm not really sure how no-one twigged I'm not a fashion blogger. I mean, I love clothes and all, but hate having my photo taken, so it's not really a match made in heaven. And if you look back through my archive, there's only a handful of posts featuring me [although I have stopped cutting my head off. And my profile picture is now me. That's progress, people!]. Anyway, I didn't bother confirming my blog and getting a badge because it just seemed a bit weird and frankly made me think less of their selection process anyway. It would make about as much sense as Rihanna being voted Miss Modesty. However, I did figure it was time for another awkward outfit post.

So, on to the dress. I found it in a charity shop for £4. It looks hardly worn. And it's purple! Yay! I had a cheongsam years ago but it met with an accident so I'm really pleased to finally find a replacement. [It only took a couple of decades]. Possibly it needs removal of another rib/5lbs to be completely flattering - shiny satin not being the worlds most photograph friendly material, but  I swear that is just wrinkles in the fabric, not flab. Mostly. Possibly it would look better inside, in the gloom. [Gosh,I'm really working this fashion blogger angle].

Breathe in! Grin! Stick your elbow out in an unnatural fashion

I got the straighteners out - big hair wasn't working

Cheongsams are possibly the world's most impractical clothing - you can't really sit down, or eat, or um, breathe - but hey, respiration is overrated!

And finally, here's my contribution to the 'chronic Bitchface' archives:

Yup, nailed it.

Lakota x

Linking up to Magpie Monday over at Liz's

Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair

I made a quick escape from the kids this Sunday and went to Frock Me! on the King's Road. This vintage fashion fair is one of my favourite places to shop and is a gorgeous way to spend a few hours (and pounds).

The Town Hall where it is held is stunning inside - we are in Chelsea after all - look at the friezes and chandeliers:

but though it's a perfect setting the real stars of the show are stall after stall of gorgeous clothes and accessories. Here are a few things which caught my eye.

 1950s Roses Dress



 Immaculate beaded cardigan

Vibrant Christian Lacroix (sweetie) mini  

Of course, some of the items are pricier than others. Sadly my budget doesn't stretch to Ossie Clark or Hardy Amies (though at £100, the gorgeous evening dress I saw was probably cheaper than something similar in Whistles down the road), but there was plenty at the £15 - £25 mark. Ok, that's not car boot sale prices - but all these clothes have been handpicked by dealers who really know their stuff. Also, all the stall holders are friendly and happy to let you take things to the ladies and try them on in front of the big mirrors in there. In the end I came home with two dresses:

The red 50s party dress is just slightly too big, but can be taken in down the side seams. It was priced at £35, but the lovely stall holder Janet knocked £10 off when I wavered over the fit. My local dry-cleaners has altered things for me before, but I could possibly even attempt this myself - doesn't look like the seams will even need opening, just pinning and restitching by a half centimetre. I'm not sure if it shows in the picture, but the trim around the hem is fringing - I love a bit of tassel!

The blue cotton day-dress is 1950s too, and in amazing condition considering its age and the fact that it would have been worn more regularly than the fancier frock. Against a Summer dress from say, Topshop, there's just no comparison. The fabric has a proper weight to it, and just hangs better (and isn't see-through). The hem is turned up a good few inches as well - no way you'd get that with modern clothes unless they're a designer label. 

Here's some more eye candy:



Stunning handbags on Deborah Bouain's stall.

The only vintage trader appearing at London Fashion Weekend

                                                                                                        

Look at this incredible telephone bag from the 70s - it comes with a jack to plug into a land-line socket. Isn't it gorgeous? This one had never been used and still had the original tags. Eat your heart out Lady Gaga.

Various pretties to satisfy the magpie instinct. I bought the snowdrop brooch above left for my Gran. Being 'vintage' herself I hope she'll like it! We'd had a phone conversation the day before about snowdrops and how she wished she had some in her garden.



Jewellery from Pru's stall


As I only had a couple of hours to browse  (had to get back to accompany the boys to a party) I didn't have a chance to take a break, but if you have time then definitely take the weight off your feet at the vintage tearoom. I usually like to compare purchases and eat cake from pretty china whilst the gramophone warbles away in the background.

The next London Frock Me! is on April 10th, and in Brighton on 6th March. Go - I defy you not to be tempted by something!

A new vintage buy

Wow. I guess I don't need to point out that the collar on this sundress is at maximum 70s. I love it on though.

The problem with clothing from the 1970s is that you can look like you're on your way to a fancy dress party. On the hanger I agree that this dress by Kati looks a little OTT, but it has a lot going for it. The cotton fabric (not polyester - whoohoo!) is cool and swishy, and the colours are fairly muted. I think my orange leather wedges from Faith will be the perfect partner and keep the 70s vibe going. Best of all, there is a teeny-tiny hole in the skirt. Yes, a blim burn. (as I believe they call it. ahem). This dress has seen some happy hippy afternoons in the park.

The dress cost £15 in the sale at Vien Vintage on Church Rd, Crystal Palace. The owner Vivienne has some great stock, and if you don't see the era you're after, ask. She may well have the perfect thing out the back.