The New Year’s Resolutions I Actually Want To Keep

I’ve decided there’s no point making resolutions to lose weight/gain self-control/give up smoking. That last one is particularly pointless as I don’t currently smoke. Instead, I have come up with five New Year’s reso-woohoo-tions that make me feel excited rather than doomed. My hope is that this will make them easier to keep, resulting in feelings of achievement and elation rather than the usual sensations I associate with New Year’s resolutions – low self-worth and a burning desire to eat a whole tube of Pringles in one brief sitting. Obviously with these resolutions I have aimed high and tackled the issues in my life that really matter.

1. Wear more trousers

I can be found in skirts and dresses nearly every day but in 2014 I intend to wear vintage style jeans without crying and to romp about in capri pants, even if I do horrify strangers with my brazen cankle exposure. I will never abandon frocks as I am not a turncoat (turnfrock?) but this year I will sometimes embrace having two legs.

2. Make the beehive my bitch

Are these resolutions too superficial and self-involved? Excellent, that’s exactly what I’m going for. It’s going to be a vain year. I covet voluminous hair piled high in the manner of a sixties sex kitten and I think that backcombing it myself will be empowering. I’m aiming for Brigitte Bardot meets Gizzi Erskine. On my head. And they look fabulous.

3. Show you how I burlesque

Regrettably neither of these goddesses are me, but they do illustrate the kind of fun and frolics I will enjoy once I master the art of the tease. Watch out people with a nervous disposition, tassel twirling is about to become my new party trick. I’ll try not to take your eye out.

4. Explore vintage London

This city I call home is rammed with exciting vintagey goings-on and I hereby vow to get out there and have more glorious, lace-trimmed adventures and document them smugly on Instaglam.

5. Learn to cocktail

I thought about learning to cook but decided that was too sensible and unrealistic. Cocktails are less effort, less calories and more fun than proper meals. Plus there’s less washing up involved.

What are your New Year’s resolutions, vintage lovers? xx

My Pink Coat Obsession

Coat from ASOS, tea dress by Pearl Lowe via eBay, hat from Very, handbag is vintage, shoes from Dorothy Perkins

Your coat is one of the most important items in your winter wardrobe. You’ll wear it all the time and unless you have an enormous coat collection bought with your enormous bank balance, you’re likely to only have a few in rotation.

Medically speaking, a cheerful pink coat helps combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. What else can make you feel excited when faced with plummeting temperatures, miserable mornings and a sea of grumpy commuters bundled up in black and grey? From a Health & Safety perspective, your increased visibility due to the brightness of your ensemble means you’re less likely to get run over. Heck, pink coats are so good for your health, they should be available on the NHS. I prescribe one for everyone!

I like to buy my coats in the smallest size possible – this dolly coat is a UK 8. I also like to show off on the internet when I own an item of clothing in a size 8. Some women look sensational in oversized jackets but I just look like a gardener. Ok, so I can’t fit many layers underneath, but I will always prioritise a neat silhouette over insulation. Which is why I often have a cold.

Here are some more gloriously girly coats for you to make an entrance in.

Modcloth, Sugarcookielady on Etsy, Tara Starlet, RoseleinRarities on Etsy, Boutique by Jaeger, Marks & Spencer via eBay

And remember, Funny Face…

Get Your Baubles Out In A Vintage Style Christmas Party Dress

Dress from Pin Up Girl Clothing, handbag, earrings and brooch are vintage, shoes from Office via eBay

Party season has arrived, providing us all with an excuse to dress up in our most sophisticated eveningwear and get drunk until we’re sick on ourselves. I’m joking of course; I care far too much about my dresses to ever be sick on them. I’ll aim for the taxi floor or the nearest badly dressed person instead.

I like a red dress for Christmas (and for the other 364 days of the year), preferably in satin or lace. This one’s from Pin Up Girl Clothing and has a mystifying wraparound sash. If you buy the dress and can’t fathom the sash, don’t feel stupid for being outfoxed by a frock. It’s so confusing, the manufacturer has made a video tutorial just to show you how to do the pesky thing up.

Elizabeth Taylor is my vintage jewellery icon. In her words…

Yes, we do, Liz. Especially at Christmas. No-one wants to be upstaged by a fairy light. And sparkly things don’t just look pretty, they make you look pretty too by sneakily illuminating your face. Wearing a big pair of bejewelled earrings is like carrying around your own personal lighting director. When Elizabeth heard this news, she got a bit overexcited.

Here are some more showstopping frocks to get you in the party mood. Remember ladies, keep it classy to get the vintage look. Don’t dress like a ho ho ho. Unless you’re into that, in which case, all power to you – Merry Grindmas!

Gerry Roxby, 20th Century Foxy, MagsRagsVintage on Etsy, Collectif, Trashy Diva, Circa Vintage