Vintage Essentials No.10: An Embellished 1950s Cardigan

Cardigan is vintage, pencil skirt from Vivien of Holloway, handbag from Top Vintage, shoes from New Look

One of the most wearable, not to mention adorable, additions to your vintage wardrobe is an embellished 1950s cardigan. They come sequinned, rhinestoned, beaded, embroidered, lace-trimmed and (pause for breath) appliquéd. Although originally worn with cocktail dresses, eye-catching knitwear is perfect for everyday glamour, lending old-fashioned pizzazz to the most basic of outfits. Look for luxury linings and ornate details for added vintage charm.

I find cropped cardis are best for emphasising your waist. Unless you’re channeling Marilyn at the beach, you want your mid century knitwear to hug your curves like it’s in love with you.

I found my fantasy beaded cardi at a vintage fair. These fashion Meccas are one of my favourite ways to shop – like visiting a giant department store filled with vintage goodies. You can flit between different shops at leisure and, because all the stalls are under one roof, you don’t have to walk as far in your heels. Find your nearest one here.

If you simply MUST SHOP NOW, here are some visions of loveliness I found online to get you started.

Rokit, BloomStreetVintage, CapsuleVintage, Posh Girl Vintage

A Floral Pencil Skirt For Spring

Pencil skirt from BHS, cardigan from Krisp, bag by Lulu Guinness via Ebay, shoes from Aldo, jewellery from Accessorize

This is a typical daytime outfit for me. I think a floral pencil skirt is cheerful for spring and perfect for a dose of daytime glamour. Here are some I’ve found and fallen for.

Damsel in a Dress, Pinup Couture, Vintage, Joy

I usually wear my pencil skirts with cardigans. Like the 1950s sweater girls, I prefer my knitwear tight-fitting. The problem is that cardis gape, especially when faced with the challenge of a great big pair of boobs. I’ve sewn this one shut between the buttons to reduce the risk of accidental flashing.

This was the first outing for my new bag. I’ve been lusting after this Lulu Guinness handbag for some time and I was overjoyed to find one on bargain-bay for a fraction of the usual extortinate price. I love that it’s roomy enough to hold all the essential junk I cart around but it’s shaped like a chic 1940s purse. The clasp symbolises my love of red lipstick.