I saw this shirt dress in a recent weekend magazine supplement and just had to go online to investigate further. It’s from the Banana Republic Mad Men Collection and encompasses both women’s & men’s fashion. Much of the line has already sold out – but cheer up – a brand new series of Mad Men starts tomorrow!
Crosley Tan Keepsake Turntable £160.00 | Black Record Stand £60.00 – Urban Outfitters
What do you think of this 21st century, new & improved version of the Dansette? Not only does the Crosley turntable play your cherished vinyl records, it can convert them to MP3 files so you can enjoy your tunes on your smartphone or computer – a smart bit of kit! And it looks great with this great retro mid-century modern wire stand; available in black, white or turquoise.
I have Draw Pilgrim! to thank for this week’s Wednesday Wish. She blogged recently about Bonnie & Buttermilk who sell ladies and children’s fashion on DaWanda.
Bonnie & Buttermilk is a Berlin-based design duo. They’re inspired by modern, urban and a passion for retro design. They design their own patterns & fabrics used in their collection. I love all colours & patterns they use and all the contrasting brights… totally my taste!
And the way they style their photo shoots… with vintage homewares, handbags and those contrasting tights! I just can’t decide which outfit is my fave – which one’s yours?
A vintage campervan has been on our wish list for a very long time.
Whilst we enjoy staying in a holiday cottage as much as the next person, we often dream of hitting the road for an overnight stay or long weekend on the spur of the moment… whenever the mood takes us or the weather looks too good to waste.
We live only an hour or two’s drive from all kinds of lovely places – the Lake District, North Wales, Cheshire, the East & West coasts spring to mind for starters. Then there’s the rest of the UK to visit for slightly longer trips… and then Europe after that!
It would make travelling with Fudge a lot easier too as he’d always have that secure home away from home to put him at ease. Plus, there’s all the fun of kitting it out of course. We already have a campervan ‘bottom drawer’ where blankets, picnic boxes and melamine are steadily accumulating.
Reading My Cool Campervan (by Jane Field-Lewis & Chris Haddon) has really persuaded us to get our finances in order and hunt one down – it’s totally inspirational and we’ve a renewed focus all of a sudden.
Each chapter of the book is dedicated to an actual vintage campervan – the authors & photographer travelled far & wide to visit them.
For each vehicle there’s a little introduction to its make & model, a brief history of its life to date and a chat with the current owners… where they found it, work carried out, how they use it etc. There are also ‘style notes’ where we are given a sneak peak at how they’ve decked out their pride & joy.
Everyone’s love and enthusiasm really shines through. Lots of the owners have given their vans names and there’s also many a tale of reluctant sales.
One seller even tried to buy back the campervan he sold a week after parting with it – offering more than it was sold for!!
Tina Hillier‘s photos are tremendous too – they make you just want to pack a picnic and get out there!
So, this book gets a ‘highly recommended’ award from us – whether you’re already a campervan owner, hanker after one like us or are just fans of the vintage scene generally. We absolutely loved it!
As usual, My Cool Campervan is available on both our UK & US Amazon A-stores.
For caravan lovers, the authors have previously published My Cool Caravan – click on the link to look inside!
[Many thanks to Anova Books for supplying this review copy]
We’re taking a look at the vintage and hand-crafted scene in Manchester, concentrating on the Northern Quarter area situated in the city centre.
The area has a nice collection of shops & stalls to tempt the vintage and hand-crafted enthusiast.
Let’s start with Manchester Craft & Design Centre. It’s a wonderful old building – a Victorian former fish & poultry market.
Spread over 2 floors, it houses a number of fabulous designer/makers, each with their own workspace cum retail outlet.
There are lots of gorgeous jewellery, clothing, home furnishings and accessories on sale.
Special mention must go to Calico Angel at Holm, owned by Susan Kane & Clinton Pilkington.
Not only are their products beautiful but the display was really imaginative – it’s an inspiring space.
There’s also a lovely little coffee shop, Café Aromat, on the premises. On a recent trip we had the best homemade muffins we’ve ever tasted!
Sticking with the hand-crafted theme, we move to Manchester Fashion Market
It’s held on Saturdays at the Piccadilly end of Tib Street.
It’s a group of about 10 outdoor stalls which sell clothing, bags, accessories and homewares – many using recycled fabric and materials.
Continuing on with vintage…
…there’s a great selection of vintage and retro shops in the area.
We love Pop Boutique on Oldham Street.
It always has a few tempting things in the window.
Once inside, you’ll find retro fashion upstairs and vintage homewares downstairs – along with a bustling café.
Across the road is Den Furniture…
…which has a mixture of contemporary & period vintage furniture including reupholstered pieces given a new lease of life.
Next door is Ryan Vintage – a real rummager’s paradise – both mens’ & womens’ fashion and very popular with Manchester’s student population.
Also on Oldham Street is Oxfam Originals…
… a great selection of clothes, bags, shoes and ties… and of course, the money goes to charity!
A short walk around the corner – back on Tib Street – is Rags to Bitches…
…it stocks a discerning selection of vintage clothes & accessories.
They also run lots of fashion-related talks & events in their shop.
Then there’s Cup on Thomas Street – homemade cakes & vintage crockery – what could be better?
Close by on Church Street, is Affleck’s Palace, something of a Manchester institution.
Three floors of fashion, vintage and alternative culture.
Also in the area and worth a visit are American Graffitti, Bluerinse Vintage and Retro Rehab – and some good art & craft supply shops like Fred Auldous and Abakan Fabrics, Hobby & Home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our little tour and get the chance to visit!
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