December Vintage

Advert Shoot

2010-08-07T19:51:00.004+01:00

Today we had a photoshoot for our first ever December Vintage advert. It's going to be a real live print advert, which is very exciting, but I'll talk about that more when it's out.

Here are some of the behind the scenes photos from the shoot. Using clothes from the 50s, 60s and 80s, we got a whole load of great shots to use- it's going to be hard to choose!

Make up being applied by yours truly!

The finished look. 80s-tastic!

I can't wait to see the final photos. When I get them, you will be the first guys to see them!

The model is the gorgeous Marie Gordon who you may recognise as the Bus Stop Beauty from a few weeks back.

Photographer is Tom Saunders.

All clothes are, of course, available at www.decembervintage.co.uk

Friday Update!

2010-07-30T13:38:00.006+01:00

It's been quite quiet on the December Vintage front the past couple of weeks. But something extraordinary is about to happen!

I have the most beautiful 1950s dress available and it will be listed very soon. What's that? You want a sneak peek? Oh, go on then you cheeky people!

Isn't she beautiful? I wish she fit me- this is pretty much my dream wedding dress. But such is the nature of vintage clothes. On the bright side, my loss is your gain!

In other news, we have a photoshoot lined up to make a real advert which will be going to print in September. Very exciting! Once the shoot is done, I'll be bringing you some behind-the-scenes photos and gossip to keep you posted.

Oh, and snood-lovers: They are so nearly finished, I can almost taste them. Well, if I knew what snood tasted like, that is.

Marie

2010-07-19T17:16:00.004+01:00

Marie, our bus stop beauty, shakes up her 50s-inspired outfit with a modern denim jacket, creating an edgy mix of new and old. Her espadrilles compliment the red and white polkadots well but she takes colour co-ordination one step further than most; just look at that matching purse. That's dedication for you!

Marie's vintage reworked style has evolved from her tomboy roots, having grown up with 2 brothers. Once never seen out of a pair of Etnie's, she now lives in high heels but retains that grit from her teenage years. This goes for her whole wardrobe too, where slinky dresses fit for a bombshell hang next to funky denim skirts and leggings.

Marie's style icon is her Grandma (aaw!) who was a seamstress and made a beautiful wedding dress for her daughter (Marie's mum). Unfortunately she died before Marie was born but what a lovely way to keep her memory alive.

Cosmopolitan Blog Awards

2010-07-16T13:35:00.004+01:00

Well, it's been a pretty crazy week all round! I'm working on getting my next girl featured as we speak so it shouldn't be too long now.

In the meantime, do pardon my cheek in suggesting you nominate December Vintage blog for a Cosmopolitan Blog Award.

Just click on the link below, type in the URL of the blog (http://www.decembervintage.blogspot.com) and give a reason why you love me :)

Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the snoods- they are on their way!

Saturday Update!

2010-07-03T19:03:00.005+01:00

Our Friday update has turned into a Saturday update this week. I was super busy yesterday (well, sitting on Brighton beach with my friend slowly burning). So, slightly later than normal, here are this weeks new items.

First things first, in line with my last post, I am excited to tell you all I've ordered some repro 1940s crochet snoods! They are being specially made to order, so I will be able to get some in any colour under the sun if you have a particular preference. They are being used with this 1942 pattern, amusingly called a "perky snood":

Isn't it just adorable? They'll be priced at £10 each, with free postage to the UK as always, and will be available in red, black, white and hopefully blue too. Be warned though- they are going to be extremely limited supply so you'll have to move fast.

Ok, on to our new items for this week:

This 1950s broderie anglais blouse is ideal for this hot weather.

If you like to look further ahead, this 1960s green and black checkerboard top is perfect for autumn evenings:

Finally, I know the last thing on your mind right now is a winter coat but we do have a couple of gorgeous jackets, both in bright blue- bound to liven up a grey day! This one has a fur stole to keep super snuggly and a funny stitched-on face. I'd imagine this was the budget-friendly alternative to a full fox stole!

If any of these take your fancy they can, as ever, be found on http://www.decembervintage.co.uk. I'll be updated lots more over next week- most from the 1950s. Keep your eyes peeled for 1950s lace-covered wiggle dresses, 1950s floral skirts and some very lovely handbags (1950s and 1970s).

Snoods!

2010-07-01T18:08:00.002+01:00

Hello lovely followers!

I would like to start selling 1940s repro snoods on my website but I'm not sure what colours would be most popular. If you could take a look at the poll on the right of your screen here and vote for me I would be very grateful.

Thanks ever so!

Annie

2010-07-01T10:52:00.002+01:00

Teen Annie proves that there are no age restrictions on rocking vintage style. She keeps her look simple with a crisp patterned blouse and olive cardigan, paired with high waisted 1940s repro jeans. Accessorised with blue plimsolls and a simple white bag, this outfit is the ultimate in practical pretty. Do I even need to mention that her hair and make up is beyond perfect?

I can attest to the fact that Annie is adorable, but if you don't believe me have a read of her very lovely blog, Annie Pancake and the Time Machine.

Brittany

2010-06-25T20:56:00.003+01:00

This bathing beauty is Brittany- and doesn't she look incredible? In a stunning black vintage swimsuit peppered with red Bakelite jewellery, she certainly knows how to make this look her own, and look amazing at the same time.

Better yet- she certainly knows how to find a bargain. This 1950s swimsuit (which I am insanely jealous of!) was given to her by a friend and cost an eye popping $2. Brittany says she feels glamorous and beautiful in it and I'm sure we all agree about that!

What is your very favourite outfit?
"My very favorite outfit is a dress I bought 2 weeks ago for $5. It was a gray and red 1940's dress and when I bought it, it was a rag! It had panels of red fabric that were so moth eaten, they looked like Swiss cheese. The zipper had missing teeth...it was a disaster. I brought it home and replaced the zipper, red panels and made a few other repairs and now, it's the most beautiful dress I own. To me, wearing vintage fashions is like being a walking fashion museum. I rescue small shreds of history, preserve and repair them and breathe life back into the garment. I just love that!"

How would you describe your style?
"A mix of 40's and 50's fashions. On a daily basis, I try to go for comfortable and practical items since I'm a housewife and mommy. When I go out, I dress it up a bit more with pencil skirts, heels and one of my vintage hats. I find myself drawn to darker colors like blue, green, brown and gray. I try to be as authentic as possible with my clothes, hair and makeup."

Which era is your favourite for fashion and why?
"My favorite fashion era is the 1940's. I find the the cut and lines of 40's fashions to be very elegant and flattering to my figure. I have a deep admiration for fashionable ladies of the WWII era. With their men at war and fabrics being rationed, they made the best of what life gave them and it turned out to be one of the most glamorous eras in fashion history."

You can find out more about Brittany- and see lots more gorgeous photos of this ensemble- at her blog Va Voom Vintage.

Friday Update

2010-06-25T18:07:00.004+01:00

Every Friday I will be adding a little update as to what has been happening this week at December Vintage Towers.

This has been our first week and what an exciting week it's been. We've had our first sales which is brilliant and listed many more items, examples of which are below.

We're also excited to announce our World Cup special offer. We're offering 20% off every red or white item for as long as England or America are in the World Cup. Use the discount code England1 or USA1 at checkout and you will be discounted. The USA are playing their next game tomorrow and England's next match is on Sunday up against Germany, no less. So best be quick! (As much as I would love England to win, I suspect Germany will just beat us).

Onto our new listings. I have just listed this sharp 1980s suit:

Perfect for chanelling Joan Collins in the workplace. Power dressing is where it's at!

Sticking with the 80s, if you believe that working hard means partying hard then take a peek at this stunning rara dress:
With a ruched bodice, two-tiered concertina-pleated purple skirt and an outrageous oversized sequinned bow, this is the ideal Little Black Dress with a difference.

Finally, if you are more of a Mod chick going for the fresh-out-of-Carnaby-Street style, then check out this mini dress:
In a summery yellow with a floral print, this is ideal for looking hot while keeping cool.

All these items and loads more-including this season's essential playsuit- are available at www.decembervintage.co.uk

xx

Kate

2010-06-21T00:29:00.004+01:00

Kate, who describes her style as "a home front lass with dreams of becoming a Hollywood starlet", looks stunning in her Swirl dress. The opaque tights and Oxford shoes add a stylish practicality to her outfit. Inspired by Grace Kelly and WWII style, Kate aspires to always look polished and ladylike. I'd say she has certainly achieved that here!

Kate answered my questions to such a degree that it would be a shame not to post them here.

• Who is your style icon?
Almost definitely Grace Kelly, which is completely lacking in originality, but I can't really pinpoint anyone else. Although the women of the home front circa 1943 are a huge inspiration for everyday vintage style, Grace Kelly always looked polished and ladylike, which is what I aspire to be.

• How have you evolved your style?
When I was 16 I decided I wanted to be a punk, and swiftly shaved the right side of my head. A few months later, the regrowth formed part of an a-symmetrical bob and the mod look took over. I sort of kept to the sixties look, until my 3rd year of university, when I spent a long time studying the propaganda of WW2, especially documentaries from the home front. Since then, I've gradually been building up a 1930s and 40s inspired wardrobe, although at times some 50s swing dresses creep in there.

• What is your very favourite outfit?
My Able Grable emerald green Ann Darrow frock, black faux fur capelet, seamed stockings and black strappy wedges.

• How would you describe your style?
Home Front lass with dreams of being a Hollywood starlet.

• Which era is your favourite for fashion and why?
Probably 1939-45, because of clothes rationing. It's fascinating to see how women coped with limits on materials and supplies, and how they made themselves stand out nonetheless. In particular, the emphasis on spectacular hair to draw attention away from single-pleated skirts and frill-less blouses always inspires me.

If you just can't get enough of Kate's forties style then you can follow her very lovely blog here: Kiss Me Kate.

Sonja

2010-06-16T19:58:00.005+01:00

Sonja, a librarian from Nottinghamshire, flaunts her killer curves in a sexy slim fitted gingham dress from Vivien of Holloway (www.vivienofholloway.co.uk). The black belt nips in her waist and the bolero is a chic way to keep snug. Her large sunglasses for Hollywood style and the bright red heels add pop to the whole outfit.