My first ever vintage-inspired dress came from Vivien of Holloway. I remember the first time that I tried it on, all black with white polka dots and a red petticoat underneath, carefully walking down the stairs to show Chris, unable to see my own feet as I walked because my skirt was enormous. I was hooked. I twirled and twirled and it was a given from that moment that I would be wearing all things retro-looking from that point on.
I had bought the dress for my 26th Birthday party. Look how young I was!
With my lovely friend Janie, who has a Birthday of her own next week… Happy Birthday, gorgeous!
Wow, I have just realised that this means I bought this frock 10 years ago this Summer! That’s 10 years now of dressing like I just wandered off the MGM lot… I’m a bit better at doing my hair and make up now but, aside from that, I’ve not changed much.
On Christmas Day, I eagerly unwrapped several beautifully chosen items for my wardrobe from Chris. One of my favourites was the Jenny Cardigan from Vivien of Holloway in Teal.
Jenny Cardigan from Vivien of Holloway (RRP £45.00)
Separates is a new concept on me; I love that separate tops, skirts, trousers, and knitwear can be used to create any number of outfits. This is made even more wonderful by these colder days in which I need to wrap up warmly outside before immediately throwing layers off inside toasty rooms.
Jenny is toasty warm and I adore the length, which sits so perfectly at the waist so that definition need not be sacrificed to practicality.
And, happily for my wardrobe but sadly for my bank balance, the Jenny cardigan comes in many many colours. Damn it, Vivien! Next on my wishlist is the Rosewood (the most perfect burgundy shade) and the Petrol green and maybe a scarlet red one too. Click here to peruse the full range and drool.
Jenny Cardigan from Vivien of Holloway (click for full details)
I’ve paired my Jenny cardigan with an appropriately named bottom today… the Jenny Skirt in Burlesque Performer print by Pin Up Girl Clothing.
This skirt in this pattern could be a tricky find; I picked up mine from the wonderful Campbell Crafts Vintage a few years ago. The skirt itself is an American import with a design drawn by Micheline Pitt. I love twirling in the reams of fabric and watching the burlesque performer peal away her own layers of clothing around my skirt. I’m not averse to a little novelty!
Beneath my Jenny cardigan, I have layered up with a Von Teese Top by Voodoo Vixen in Burgundy and layered beneath my Jenny skirt are a pair of Claret Contrast Seam Stockings from What Katie Did. Layer upon layer upon layer…
Jenny Cardigan by Vivien of Holloway
I am also wearing the most perfect almond toe court shoes in Oxblood by Collection at M&S. These shoes come in at £25 and are released in new colours each season. I cannot recommend them enough.
Stay gorgeous!
Cxx
