New 2013 Calendar!!!

Well what a year!
It really has been a roller coaster ride of twists and turns from start to finish! I hope to be able to keep you all a little more up to date in 2013!!!
For now why not grab yourself an early xmas prezzie…!!!

HELLO!!!

My first fab piece of info I can share with you all in 2012…
Some of you may remember my post from back in November regarding the photo shoot I did for the Style Me Vintage Clothes book.

Well….HERE IT IS!

 

 

 

Written by the beautiful and talented, Naomi Thompson (Vintage Secret), this book is gorgeous in every way – it even feels nice!

 

 

 

 

From start to finish it will keep you turning the pages uncovering valuable

hints, tips and information on every aspect of your vintage wardrobe.

From ageing your vintage finds to developing your own style, getting the look of your era of choice, down to a glossary of recommended reading and where to shop.

I love the way that this book is written. Friendly and very  informative, it confirms exactly why Naomi is known as The High Priestess of Vintage!

I would have love to have owned this book when I first started collecting and wearing vintage items. May people can feel daunted and many (myself for sure) can often look back on photos in years to come and ask – ‘did I actually think that I looked good?!

Well not with this book! I do believe that this will become many a girls wardrobe bible.

Yes its me...in 70's gear! I ADORE that jump suit!

Though this book is ‘A guide to sourcing and creating retro looks’ I would recommend it to even the most  seasoned vintage lover, exclaiming myself on occasion ‘well I never knew that’.

 

Packed with photographs of vintage and retro clothing and accessories from 1920 – 1980, it details a brief history of the fashion and the main shapes, looks and influences of each era.

 

 

 

With suggestions for both daytime, evening, formal and informal wear your head will be full of ideas on how to re create your ideal look.

 

 

The detail on vintage underwear, swimwear and even the maintenance of  treasured pieces are references that I will come back to time and again.

 
I really cannot tell you how much more there is to this book!
I suggest you pre-order your copy today here and see for yourself!

I feel privileged to have worked with Naomi and to have modelled for such a lovely project.

Conclusion…

If this book was a vintage dress it would have  intricate buttons, a full pleated sash and beautiful seed pearl detail!

Look out 2012!

My goodness!!!

Dearest Ruthie and I at the first dance of 2012

What a year already and we are just over 2 weeks into 2012!

There are so many wonderful things in the pipe line for me and I cant wait to tell you all about them! From new performances to lots of photo shoots, exciting publications to brand new materials – 2012 will be simply spiffing!!!

I also have a number of products that I have recently reviewed including one of the best red nail varnishes on the market – check back soon for the dedicated post!

Well off to rehearsals this afternoon for my performance with the Redcross – pics coming soon!

Tally Ho!

Love as always

Annie x

 

 

 

 

The AVL Vintage Dance Sessions

Hello!

Well what a Christmas I had!

Some of you know that I was really busy over the festive period but will bring you all up to speed soon.

For now though I thought you may be interested to see this…

Yours truly will be teaching the strolls – Rather!

Hope to see you there ;)

Thank you for all of your good wishes over the holidays – they were all lovely!

Wishing you all a very happy 2012…

Love as always

Annie xxx

Snap Shots for Sweethearts

What a wonderfully spiffing day I had last Saturday!

Wearing an original 1940’s suit skirt and a cream blouse, hair dressed just so, I put on my coat and gloves, picked up my little 30’s suit case, stepped out into the cold, windy but beautiful morning and headed to London.

I was meeting a rather wonderful and not to mention glamorous photographer by the name of Mai Britt Møller for a rather special photo shoot.

After realising it was just two weeks until Christmas Eve, I decided against battling the traffic and then barrage of Christmas shoppers  all looking for a car parking space.

I always love watching people on public transport especially the look on their faces when they realise I am not dressed quite the same as your average ‘girl on a train’.

Reaching my final destination, Victoria Park, I stepped over to the park map to work out exactly which direction I needed to go in order to reach the Pavillion Cafe, for there, waiting for me were four rather dashing RAF chaps – one of whom would be my ‘fiancée’ for the day!

To my surprise a lady who had been jogging came running over to me and asked to take my picture
‘I am a fashion editor and can’t believe I have found someone in the park looking so elegant and classic!’

Well – a good morning so far! What what!?

As I walked the perimeter of the lake, the sun was in my eyes and I could barely see the impeccably dress vintage group sitting at a table with a cuppa.

 

 

 

 

Once we had said our usual hellos, how do  you do’s  it was time to get on with the business of the day –
an RAF Style engagement shoot.

It was a challenge looking for the perfect location in order to get the perfect engagement shots especially as the park was under a lot of renovation!

 

 

Mai has a wonderful way of working – very friendly, relaxed and open to all ideas and well as directing the shoot to obtain the correct shots.

While snapping away, Mai made a new friend. A lovely old dog had come over to see what was going on!

It was decided that the dog would be used in some of the Lads shots  as the perfect RAF mascot – especially as the dogs name was SKY!!!

After warming up with a rather nice cup of English cha, we had a quick look at the snaps.
Jolly good show was though by all!

There was just enough time to grab some pics by the lake.
Rather spiffing I hope you agree.

Several ladies enjoying a spot of lunch seemed to think so.
One of them asked Dicky and I what we were doing and why.
She then proceeded to tell her version of events to her friends…

‘These are vintage freaks who go all over the world wearing their granddad’s uniforms taking pictures!’
Never heard re enactment described like that before! Rather!

   

Soon it was time for us to part.

While walking with the lads and my ‘fiance’ to the station we came across a London Blue plaque ( I have an obsession with these and try to spot as many as possible! )
This one was particularly apt….

     

It had been a day of firsts for me…

The first engagement shoot I had done.

The first time I had met dearest Mai…

The first shoot I’d done with Dashing Dicky…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first time id worked with the lads…

 

 

…and the very first time I’d had to stop off at Westfields on the way home (quite unintentionally!), two weeks before Christmas, while it was rammed to the rafters with shoppers! Everyone was dressed in their Uggs and designer denim and then there was me! I stood out like a sore thumb – and loved it!

I really hope it is not the last time I do any of these things – well other than the latter!

It was great fun working with Mai – a real pleasure. She is such a good sport – great company and a wonderful photographer as the shots prove!

A wonderful time was had by all and I shall certainly write home about it!

Pip pip!

Whether you are swell sweethearts, newly engaged or looking for someone to photograph the moment you say ‘I do’, Mai is available to capture the essence of your special day.You can view more of Mai’s work by visiting her site www.darhling.com

Style Me Vintage – Shoot for the next book!

Back in July this year I had a rather lovely modeling job come up.

I had met and spoken with Naomi Thompson a number of times previously and knowing what a wonderfully knowledgeable person she was I knew that this project would be a good one.

Naomi – AKA The High Priestess of Vintage – was in the process of writing a new book on Vintage Style and I would be modeling for it along with a number of other girls.

The book will look at vintage fashion from the 1920’s through to the 1980’s.

‘Whether you are looking to completely overhaul your look, go for complete vintage glam, or just introduce a few key vintage pieces into your day-to-day wardrobe, this book shows you how.’

 

Originally I had agreed to model for the 70’s section of the book – a period I had never modeled for before – I was rather excite.
Then when Naomi asked me if I would mind doing a vintage underwear shoot too – I was ecstatic!

Making my way down to a rather lovely studio in Shoreditch I couldn’t wait to find out what was in store for my very first professional underwear shoot.

As I climbed the rather wonderful spiral stair case to my surprise I saw Natasha from Lipstick and Curls ready and waiting to start work on the hair and make up for the day.

It was decided that we get to work on the underwear first.

Tasha used her magic to transform me into a 40’s screen siren. My hair was simply but elegantly beautiful. Perfect to show of the garments I would be modeling.

The first of the outfits was a gorgeous peach Glamour Corset. The second was  a black four piece ensemble which included a gorgeous waist clincher! I am very lucky to have a 24” waist but with this on – it was tiny! Girls you have to get one! From where I hear you ask? We all of the underwear came from What Katie Did – specialists in vintage underwear!

  

The photographer, Christina Wilson was great and I really enjoyed working with all the girls on the shoot.

When it came to the 70’s wear I tried on various outfits. The one I ended up modeling was the most amazing 70’s black jumpsuit with bright pink flowers over it. STUNNING!

The shoes – well there is a story for another time…they were a well love pair of black 1970’s platforms – WOW.

My hair was huge and my make up fab.
I felt really comfortable playing around with poses in a huge floppy hat – very Jerry Hall!

I saw some of the photos as we were going along and they are absolutely gorgeous!!!
I cannot wait to see some of them in print and hopefully show some of them off to you.

The photos on this post are a few sneaky ones that were taken by one of the makeup girls (who was supporting Natasha) while I was working. I had to get special permission to share these…

You can keep up to date with Naomi on her website, Vintage Secret here.
It is well worth following her and her antics with the Vintage Mafia!

The book, part of the ‘Style me Vintage’ range will be out in february 2012.
You can pre-order your copy now on amazon – click here.

Why not pre- order a copy as a christmas prezzie??? If not for your nearest and dearest friend then for yourself! ;)

I have :) x

Pubs, Platforms and Pot Noodles!

Sorry for the delay in this post – been writing articles, working with the designer on my Calendar which is now on sale and all sorts of exciting things!

Pickering was the last big re enactment weekend of the season and it was simply spiffing! It seems like years ago now and it was only a few weeks ago!

Based on the North Yorkshire Moor Railway, every October the entire small market town of Pickering is transformed back to 1943 for a whole weekend. With shops, restaurants, pubs and residence entering into the wartime spirit, it is very much like stepping back in time.

The whole town hangs bunting in red white and blue and windows are taped in nostalgic anti blast crosses. Everywhere you look are beautiful suits, freshly pressed uniforms, wonderful hats, in fact any form of original vintage regalia you can think of. Young mothers even dress their children in war time attire while their babies ride in beautiful, authentic prams.

Thursday we arrived at Keld Head Farm Cottages which are located just a 10 minute walk from the town centre.

We were made to feel very welcome by Julian and Penny. The cottages themselves are beautiful and once we had unpacked the car and put the kettle

on we realised that there was Lemon Drissel cake waiting for us! What a lovely welcome after a long drive!

Although many of our friends had already arrived and were in the pub – we decided that beauty sleep was the best way forward.  After pin curling our hair and ensuring there were no creases in our suits for the morning it was off to bed!

Friday was all about suits and shopping!

 

This is Ruthie and I in our Friday shopping outfits. My outfit was entirely original.
With the general public descending on the town of Pickering over the weekend it was the best day to locate the bargains and shop till you drop – literally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday night – we went along to a 40’s dance held at the local school and then had a few drinks in the pub with friends.

While I was there, I met a number of people who know me through social networking but that I have never met – it was quite bazaar but lovely all the same.

Great to finally see people in the flesh!

Saturday saw the parade through the street and thousands of people congregated at on of the UK’s biggest 40’s events.

We had gorgeous weather as you can see – if not a little chilly!

This was a day of posing and positioning as to be at the right place at the right time is crucial for those on the Re enactment scene wanting to be noticed!

This place is a haven for photographers – they are everywhere wanting to capture a snapshot of the past.

Beware of the charms of the dashing young service men ladies…oh and not to mention the spivs!

There were so many re enactors some of which had brought their children who are also dressed head to toe in vintage clothing. The young lad above was busking for ‘Platoon Funds’ – he was FANTASTIC!!!!!

I did have a favorite from the entire weekend though…

This little lamb was the most adorable thing at Pickering this year!
Archie (I believe)
We saw him and his mum on the platform waiting for the air raid to be over.  They were definitely the best re enactors there – they really did look the part.

Saturday night was great.  Dancing with friends  – again!

We met with a crowd of the younger re enactors and went on a bit of a 40’s pub

crawl starting off at the top of the high street and working our way down – though im not sure all of the dancing was entirely 40’s!
No 40’s night in Pickering is complete without the traditional cuppa and pot noodle!!!
Yes, this is one of the only times that eating pot noodle at 4am is ok!

Sunday was relaxed and quieter than Saturday.

It was nice to take  a stroll.

I had a photo shoot in the afternoon with some fab photographers. Thank you to Trevor for the following…

Then a visit to the annual tea dance at the WRVS hall. This would not have been complete without Steve the spiv! He enticed the local land army into some black market stockings and even I had my eye on some french knickers!

It was time to wave the train good-bye as the last day of this epic weekend drew to a close…

Or that’s what we thought!!!

We went for a lovely meal to round things off before venturing once more to the pub along with LOTS of others – Fantastic night – rounded off with yes, you guested it a pot noodle and a nice brew!

The next day the town went back to normal and it was like the trip back to 1943 never happened.

All bunting and decoration was put back into storage till next year and we started the long journey home, back to 2011.

Now we begin to shop again – can’t wait for Pickering 2012!

Annie xxx

FYI – Find out more about The Pickering War Weekend here.

The longest memory…

I was in the middle of writing a different post when my darling sister sent this very touching article to me – I just had to share it with you all…

It became the symbol of remembrance, the vivid red flower found growing on the battlefields of France and Belgium.

When Private Cecil Roughton, 17, took the flower during a bloody battle in Arras, France, in 1916, and posted it home, his family treasured it in a notebook.

Now it has been revealed as the oldest poppy in Britain and has lovingly been restored after being donated to the Royal British Legion last year.

It was sent with a handwritten note above it which read: ‘Souvenir from a front line trench near arras May 1916. C. Roughton 1923’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2055743/Remembrance-Day-2011-UKs-oldest-Poppy-95-yrs-picked.html#ixzz1cjSYttRP

Wear your poppy with pride…

My first Pin-up Calendar!

As some of you are aware my first pin-up calendar went on sale on Friday evening!
You can order your copy here on my website for £8.95 +P&P.

I will donate £1 from each calendar sale to the Royal British Legion – a charity that is very close to my heart.

The 2012 calendar is A3 in size and features a different picture for each month – some of which are not available anywhere else!

I am soooo excited about the release of this calendar and really couldn’t have done it with out a lot of help….!

Thank you to…

Kay at 2K Media
http://www.2kmedia.co.uk

 

 

The team at A Vintage Life
http://www.avintagelife.com

 

 

All of the photographers…
John Michael Coats
Trevor Ebdon
Rocco Rolls – http://www.roccorolls.com
Ian Young – http://www.militarymachinesintl.com
Paul Sephton – http://www.cannonikon@hotmail.com

Special thanks to Nick Halling – http://www.nickhalling.com
Nick is a fantastic photographer and I have learnt so much from him this year.
Cant wait to shoot with you again, Nick.

Thank you also to Tony Brazao – my husband!
He was the wonderful photographer that captured the month of April.

For you girlies wanting to know the details…

All hair flowers by Dawn Norman

January – Hat by Cindy Moir

March and June – Amazing hair and make up by the girls of Lipstick and curls – www.lipstickandcurls.co.uk

March – Shoes from Rockit Original – www.rocketoriginals.co.uk

April and September – Suspender belt and stockings by What Katie Did – www.whatkatiedid.com

October – Jumpsuit by Morelloes – www.morelloes.co.uk

Thank you for everyone who will be buying a copy of this calendar and supporting me and my chosen charity!

Pretty Parcels for Pretty Things!

My Postie has been a very busy man recently.
With autumn upon us and Pickering a mere 24hrs away I think I have been keeping Royal Mail in business!

I love getting parcels in the post and it makes it even better when they are beautifully packaged.

Conscientious Ebay sellers are wonderful – always have the od quirky post card added signed with a note of thanks and perhaps your parcel will be wrapped in darling tissue paper, but I have to say what a pleasure it is receiving a parcel from vintage underwear experts, What Katie Did.

Obviously the garments inside are always scrummy but the packaging really makes me smile – its sooooo sweet!
I feel special and like im the only person they do this for – if only I was that special!

However you don’t just feel special wearing these kind of undies, well I don’t anyway. I feel amazing! I adore vintage style underwear. So beautiful, elegant and even powerful. It gives women confidence to know that she is just that –

A WOMAN.

Never mind how to look goo naked…Ladies this is how to look and feel good no matter what you are wearing!

Girls if you don’t have this type of underwear – get some! Trust me you will feel FAB even on a bad hair day.

Want to see more – log onto their website at www.whatkatiedid.com
Alternatively go see them in Portobello Road London or in their new boutique in LA.

This leads me nicely onto the wonderful underwear shoot I did back in the summer, using WKD garments of course – more to come later…

Try it.
Wear your WKD’s to work and when things are not going your way be it with your boss or a customer – remember what you are wearing underneath the usual day-to-day get up and smile…coz you know you look good!

Annie

xxx