Blogmas 20: A Very Merry Vintage Time Lookbook

Hanukkah, Christmas, winter, holidays...whatever your particular turn of phrase you use for this time of year,  it's a time of year for festivities and feasting and family and friends. Whether you like it or not it tends to lend itself to reflection, Christmas is the pre-drinks to the sobriety of New Year as Advent is the calm before the Christmas storm. 

I suggest it is a time for wearing something special and spending some of the bonus time you have to dress up, do your makeup, spend longer on that bathroom routine, or all of the above. This might also give you time for that reflection that seems to be in at the moment. Considering a change in the new year? Will the new year bells ring in a new look?

If it's a major life change or a simply swapping your go-to lipstick, have a ponder while trying out some new looks with some old inspiration. In the form of looks of vintage Christmas pasts, I give you Cashmere and Cushions merry vintage time lookbook!

A classic little black dress moment with Miss Audrey Hepburn

Go Loretta Young for full-on 1950's glam

Big floppy hat, big oversized coat, overdone red lips and you are ready for anything the season throws your way.

Vintage pinafore

A cute little girl dress or short dungarees in the right material and you're done!

Femme fatale - Belinda Lee

The original bunny girl outfit revisited for Christmas...for those Bridget Jones moments. Just be wise when choosing the day for wearing this one!

For the child (or Shirley Temple) within you, that wishes to conjure up the lore of Christmas Eve

Proving that simple, chic pyjamas can look great at any age.

Season's Greetings for every one of my lovely reader's, whether or not you have stuck with us for nearly 4 years or not!

Carpe Diem xx

Vintage Spring Style: Natalie Wood

Welcome back to blog! I've been going through my wardrobe, making a few purchases and getting inspiration for the spring/summer fashion season from vintage photos. Classic film stars of the 20th century are extremely useful when taking a elegant, vintage style and updating it with a 2014 twist. 

Born Natalia Zacharenko in 1938 San Francisco, the film star died an untimely death in 1981, at the age of 43. Her death is still shrouded in mystery - she was found drowned in deep water - and her star is largely outshone by the likes of Marilyn and Audrey, but her style is timeless. The 5'2 actress has a lot to give in terms of outfit inspiration, so whether its Natalie or other stars of the 40s, 50s, 60s, get out the vintage clobber and work it.

Happy Weekend!

Carpe Diem xx

Fashion Friday: Autumn/Fall and Winter Fashion

The nights are getting longer, yes I said it! Ok, so 'ding-dong-merrily-on-high' may seem a few months away at this time of the year with the sun blazing, but the truth is that autumn/winter stock is already in shops and in a month or so the air will get chilly. So why not peer into the future and see what's on trend? Well, if my style goggles are correct then a splattering of 1960s, tailoring, fur, tartan and black are all in order. Check out Cara Delevigne's look below. I can't wait for the tartan!

Enjoy!

Carpe Diem xx

Fashion Thursday: Impulse Buyer or Savvy Saver?

Are you an impulse shopper? Do you amble around shops waiting for inspiration to hit, knowing that even though you haven't intentionally planned to spend any money, somehow you will spend more than you should? A classic impulse buyer with a bulging wardrobe?

This is a note to all 'organised' wardrobe mistresses. I've often been described as organised in other parts of my life, and so when shopping I am also (usually!). So this post is dedicated to my what I need/want next time I go shopping list, which gets more extensive the poorer I get and the more time that elapses.

What's your style? 

Carpe Diem xx

Fashion Thursday: Statement Fashion Jewellery

Statement jewellery is the perfect way to accessorize an outfit and bring it together. I'll admit I'm the worst at getting in the habit of wearing jewellery every day, but this summer I'm challenging myself to. 

The three sets of bold eighties style earrings (my favourites are the pink roses!) are from Accessorize and the Statement Heart Ring is from Pandora.

Why don't you challenge yourself to be bolder with your jewellery, and wear some statement pieces even when your not going out to a special event or occassion?

Carpe Diem xx

Fashion Thursday: Dungarees and Hippie Hipsters

MOTO Bleach Denim Dungarees, Topshop £38

MOTO 70s Pocket Flare Jeans, Topshop £45

Butterfly Rhinestone Midi Ring Pack, Topshop £7.50

It's 2013 and DUNGAREES are gracing the fashion pages. Took their time didn't they! I know I lived in them as a 90s kid, and had about 3 pairs. So embrace the flower power and let's kick off festival season with some denim magic.

Groovy!

Carpe Diem xx

Fashion Thursday: The Great Gatsby 1925

Limited Edition Embellished Racer Dress, Topshop £225

Suede Fliplock Purse (Taupe), Topshop £18

Straw Cloche Hat, Topshop £20

In honour of the release of The Great Gatsby (2013), starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Toby Maguire and Carey Mulligan, why not try out the flapper trend? Art deco baby! So S/S 2008...

Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: Pale and Interesting Celebs!

In my opinion tans are too often over-rated and over-faked. These celebs illustrate beautifully how you can pull off the 'pale and interesting' look with different fashion and makeup looks.

Kristen Stewart: red carpet chique

Taylor Swift: stunning ballgown

Lily Cole: natural no-makeup makeup

Karen Gillan: everyday vintage glamour

Christina Hendricks: feminine sophistication

Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: The Fashion Tag!

I wasn't tagged to do this but thought it looked interesting!

How would you describe your style?

Classic, tailored and semi-formal, but also quirky and colourful!

What are your wardrobe essentials?

Leather biker jacket, riding boots, either a chunky knit scarf or pashmina, oversized sunglasses....and skinny jeans

Most expensive item in your closet?

Kurt Geiger Carvela black Nordic wedge boots (£90).

Most wanted item?

A Mulberry bayswater handbag - £595!!

Favourite designer?

Since his death I became particularly interested in what he had designed. Being part Scottish I love the way he encorporated his heritage into his work by using tartan and tweed. I also love Vivienne Westwood's quirky, original designs.

How much do you spend on clothes?

Never more than £50 a month probably. I buy sporadically!

What are your favourite places to shop?

H&M and Topshop, and also Next recently........

Favourite fragrance?

Dior J'adore Dior.

What's your favourite way to do your hair?

My hair's getting pretty long so I like to have it down but clips the sides off my face.

What is the most prized possession in your wardrobe?

Actually an accessory - my Vivienne Westwood silver drop-pearl pendant necklace.

What's your go-to outfit for when you don't know what to wear?

Skinny jeans, tank top, waterfall cardigan and scarf :)

Who are your style icons?
Classy and feminine looks from Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff, and the old Olsen twins style.

Hilary Duff styling: http://cupcakesandcosmeticsbyclare.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/style-confidential-how-to-dress-like.html
Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: Marilyn Monroe Casual

I've always been a little bit obsessed with all things Monroe ever since I was young, and I think these surprisingly modern 1950s and 60s casual fashion shots of Marilyn are inspirational.

Carpe diem xx

Petite Style: How to Dress Taller

Source: http://www.fabsugar.com/Teen-Choice-Awards-America-Ferrera-568923

(America Ferrera, 5'1")

Some people are short, get over it! So if your petite, style yourself in a way that will lengthen your body and make you feel great, rather than trying to change for a taller world. Here are my top tips:

1) Posture - stand tall

2) High heels - wear comfortable high heels, instantly reducing your BMI

3) Monochrome - wear one colour that continues through your outfit, lengthening your body

4) V-necks - V-neck cut dresses, tops and cardigans draw the eye down

5) Small patterns - choose clothes with small patterns rather than big patterns or wide stripes

6) Vertical lines - vertical stripes are lengthening and much more flattering than horizontal stripes

7) Fitted clothes - wear fitted clothes rather than baggy or oversized clothes, instantly bringing you into proportion and accentuating your figure

Best High Street Shops for Petites: Next, Debenhams, Topshop

Best High Street Shops for Wide-fit Shoes: Next, Clarks, Marks and Spencer

Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: How to Dress Like Hilary Duff

Source: http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20314826_20694570,00.html

'All In Black' Outfit No. 1: hoop earrings, light brown tassel scarf, black top, long black cardigan, black leggings, oversized black sequin bag, bracelets, black high heels, mobile phone

Source: http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20314826_20694570,00.html#20694579

'Casual Shopper' Outfit No. 2: oversized thick-rim glasses, white V-neck top, long light grey cardigan, dark wash skinny jeans, large black tote bag, mobile phone

Source: http://girlstalkinsmack.com/hilary-duff-departing-from-l-a-x/

'Parisien Travel Chic' Outfit No. 3: oversized thick-rim glasses, light grey scarf, long white jersey top, black leather jacket, dark wash bootcut jeans, high heels, tote bag

For me Hilary Erhard Duff is the perfect example of a stylish petite hourglass. She has honed her own personal style, taking classic looks and pieces and giving them her own twist. These three outfits are great examples of her put-together look.

Accessories: big bags, big glasses/sunglasses, scarves, big earrings, hoop earrings, clutch, waist belt

Clothes: skinny jeans, leggings, bootcut jeans, leather jacket, blazer

Shoes: high heels, black boots, cowboy boots

Make up: pink lipgloss, mascara

Carpe diem xx

Style Confidential: How to get The Abercrombie and Fitch model look (women)

Carpe diem xx