Translating Summer 2016 into vintage and retro styles.

I love this bucolic/ pastoral theme as it makes me think of the rare sunny days we get here in England. It brings back looks from history and inspiration can be found in literature and costume dramas. Imagine roaming the green hills and wild flower meadows.

Flowers in my hair and natural curls. Although I love the perfectly done look of the Fifties, I’ll always include some costume drama! It’s amazing how even vintage eras cross over, and the teddy girls of the Fifties and the costume films of the Sixties give a good mix of old and new.

Embroidered daisy headband – a gift

Black ribbon choker  home-made

Mini dress worn as blouse – George at Asda

Gingham skirt – home-made (film reference The Assassination Bureau)

Buckle sandals – La Redoute

This dress is wonderful to wear, and is a typical Thirties style (watch Katherine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby). From the label I think this is a Seventies dress in the popular original Laura Ashley style.

Dress – eBay

Mini straw boater – check out my post on The Assassination Bureau

Parasol – Irish craft shop

Vintage earrings, and grosgrin ribbon tied at waist. All clothes La Redoute.

Red checked blouse made from a vintage pattern, and gingham skirt as before. Red gingham tie from another dress.

Embroidered cream waistcoat – H&M

Lace and pintuck detail skirt – Primark (altered to fit at waist and panel added along bottom to get length.)

Knitted waistcoat – from my childhood

Blue floral and crochet detail blouse – Dorothy Perkins

One of my favourite summer outfits, but not the most practical, being all white. Phantom of the Opera is one the references here. Blouse, skirt and Turkish slippers all La Redoute. Broderie Anglaise corset top from New Look.

I changed the plain buttons on the back of the blouse for some painted buttons. The printed fabric has been embroidered over in matching thread. I think it was from New Look. My Mum made the skirt. It’s cut double the width of the front, so it gathers into a bustle. Platforms from Matalan.

Broderie Anglaise blouse and coral peep toe heels from La Redoute

Dress and socks – Matalan

Blouse – La Redoute

Belt – vintage

Skirt – made using an old skirt as a pattern

Wedges – Clarks

Lemon bag – Avon

Red cropped top – vintage

Gingham cropped trousers – made from vintage pattern in the style of Marilyn Monroe.

 

Which outfit do you like best?