Burberry Bliss

Burberry is undeniably Britain's first and foremost premier luxury label, and you'd be hard pushed to find something more iconic in the fashion world than one of Burberry's signature trench coats. The history of the trench coat is quite fascinating, given it's ground-breaking fabric technology and the brand's phenomenal resurgence over recent years after the disaster that can be only be referred to as "chav-gate", but more on that later. We were beyond excited when we sourced some original 1980's Burberry trench coats; it's not every day that you find a vintage variation of a design that is still as popular now as it was almost a century ago. 

Burberry was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856, the brand established itself by focusing on outdoor attire. In 1880, Thomas Burberry invented the revolutionary fabric, gabardine; this fabric was hard-wearing, water resistant yet breathable. Orders were flooding in for this phenomenal fabric, but Burberry's first major client was none other than the British Army; the coats that Burberry made for the British Army would eventually become the inspiration behind the signature trench coats that we all know and love today. Quite the heritage, huh? Over the years, the trench coat has kept it's original basis of shape and is still made from 26 pieces of gabardine of various sizes, and it usually comes with a buckled belt and D-rings.

Yet, it's difficult to so much as utter the word Burberry without remembering the state of disarray that it fell into back in 2002...yes, it's time to discuss "chav-gate". We've all seen the photo of Danniella Westbrook looking as though she had bathed herself in that famous Burberry chequered print; it was at this one single moment that Burberry went from chic to chav. Peter York went on to state that "quite a lot of people thought that Burberry would be worn by the person who mugged them." The brand had fallen victim to its own success; luxury stops being luxury when it becomes too accessible.  At this point, it didn't seem as though Burberry had a hope of reviving its cult status, but somehow, they did.  Christopher Bailey, the creative director of Burberry, reduced the use of the check print and focused solely on the good bits of Burberry's heritage; the trench coat. Now, Burberry is fronted by only the most desirable models, namely Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn and even a cameo appearance from Romeo Beckham! 

The trench coat encapsulates everything that Burberry stands for, it's traditional yet timeless; it is one of the few styles that is able to withstand the ever-changing, and sometimes fickle, fashion trends. The trench coat has endured countless updates, yet it's roots and heritage are never forgotten, so it remains to be both familiar and classic.

You can shop our range of vintage Burberry coats here. Hurry though, because they're selling fast!

So, This Is Christmas...

Well, it's that time of year again and to quote the famous song, the weather outside is most certainly frightful. But, do you know what really helps make these cold, winter nights more bearable? A Christmas jumper. Ah, where do I even begin? The Christmas jumper is something of a rite of passage, I'm a firm believer that everyone should have some cheesy, Mark Darcy esque festive jumper tucked away in the darkest recesses of their wardrobe. Admittedly, if you were to rewind a few years then you'd know that Christmas jumpers were considered something of a fashion faux pas, but over the most recent years, they've become something of a much-loved novelty within the fashion world, with celebrities and models alike joining in with the festive fun. In fact, in 2012, the charity Save The Children founded the hugely successful "Christmas Jumper Day" which is now an annual event in which they raise money and awareness for disadvantaged children in over 120 countries; December 12th is their official date this year. All jokes aside, Christmas is quintessentially a time of giving, and this is such a great cause, and it's also a fun, yet simple event to take part in to help some truly deserving children, so to quote Save The Children, let's "make the world better with a sweater." Our festive offering, you ask? This little vintage (what else?!) 80s number from Ralph Lauren...

Jumper is unisex and can be purchased here

This item is a rare, vintage treasure and has been hand-knitted. The second photo shows how it looks inside-out, and you can see the attention to detail that has been paid and the work that has gone into producing this jumper. The contrasting colours of cream, red and forest green make this jumper pop in a truly unique way; the skiing teddy bears add a touch of the eccentric and make this a quirky and fun piece. To quickly recap on the craftsmanship of this jumper, you can rest assured that this is an investment piece; we've dated it as an 80s piece and the condition is still excellent, so this little number could easily become your favourite jumper for the annual celebrations. The tag says that it's a medium size, but we've sized it as more of a large; as a woman, I'd personally wear it layered over a skirt and tights, with the sleeves rolled up because I like the oversized look, but as it's unisex it's easily styled for a man. Although I should warn you ladies; this jumper isn't going to turn your man into a Mark Darcy overnight. Sorry.

So, whether you're looking for a last minute outfit for Christmas jumper day, or a quirky alternative to wear to the table for your Christmas meal - this Ralph Lauren number could be for you. There's no denying that it's a head turner. Oh, and another thing...you can read more about the Save The Children "Christmas Jumper Day" here, and find out how to take part and donate.

Be My Baby.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for any expecting parent; all those "first" moments to look forward to; the first smile, the first tooth, the first steps, the first dirty nappy - they're all such exciting and precious moments, well maybe not the latter. Yet, for us shopaholics and sentimental hoarders, the "first" purchases are just as important, and perhaps one of the most significant "first" purchases is the pram. Whether you're buying blue for a boy, or purchasing pink for a girl, every baby needs a pram, and there is one name which stands out amongst the countless brands available: Silver Cross. Founded on Silver Cross Street in Leeds back in 1877, Silver Cross grew from humble roots to being the biggest pram manufacturer in the world, and we're delighted to have some vintage Silver Cross prams for sale.

So, what is it that makes the Silver Cross such a household name and worthy investment?What's that? You want another of my fun filled vintage history lessons? Oh, if you insist. After it's humble establishment in 1877, Silver Cross grew rapidly and was dubbed as the "Rolls Royce" of prams. It became such a prestigious brand, that even the Royal family used them for their little princes and princesses and in 1948, Prince Charles was presented with a specially developed Silver Cross pram. Fancy, ey?

Our collection of Silver Cross prams are available here

Silver Cross was revolutionary in its designs back in 1877, the founder,William Wilson, was an innovative inventor and engineer; it was he who developed the spring system and reversible hood which is recognisable in the modern pram that we know today. Nowadays, Silver Cross prides itself on being loved and trusted worldwide by their many customers whilst still pushing engineering boundaries, yet their original prams remain to be beautiful, practical and iconic. The metal frame, the shabby-chic colour scheme of navy and white is highly prolific of the brand, and looks undeniably chic. One question remains: would it be socially acceptable for me to buy a doll just so I could prance around the streets pretending to be a mother for the sole purpose of needing that pram?

Winter Warmers.

Ah Winter - when the mornings become just as dark as the nights, and the weather as deceiving as a good  Instagram filter. Let's face it, when you think about it like that, it's almost enough to make you turn up the thermostat and send you whimpering to the warm embrace of your bed until the first glimmer of Spring arrives. However, to tempt you out of hibernation, we've scoured around for a selection of vintage coats so hot that they'd rival the dearly missed temperatures of Summer....almost. 

1. The 1960s Coat

This English Lady branded coat is quite the vintage gem and fits in perfectly with the British heritage vibes which are always popular with the ever lust-worthy Mulberry designers. This particular coat is made of 100% pure wool and comes in an appeasing palette of grey with subtle flecks of orange and brown which add further depth to rich quality of design. The coat is slightly flared which makes for a flattering silhouette in spite of the many layers that we'll undoubtedly be wrapping ourselves in this winter.  As far as detailing goes, the rounded collar is atypical of 1960's fashion but the five statement buttons help this coat fit in with contemporary styles, thus making it a truly timeless piece. So, dust off the vinyl player and your favourite Beatles record and get ready to embrace the swingin' sixties in this stylish swing coat available here

2. The Tweed Coat.

This Alexon Herringbone offering is the perfect coat for all of you ladies who have to hop around the place for business meetings. Smart, sophisticated and stylish, it makes for the perfect office coat. The cut screams minimalism but the luxurious velvet collar adds the hint of elegance needed to really dress up a monotonous work wardrobe; the notched lapels and double breasted fastening are the final stroke of professionalism. This coat is sure to send the boardroom into hushed silence when you make your entrance. To quote the ultimate female entrepreneur; "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." You can see additional images of this dress and make the smart decision to purchase it here

3. The Camel Coat.

I don't know what it is about a camel coat, but they always seem to epitomise ladylike elegance and style, and this Ravens coat is no exception. A stunning blend of soft 70% virgin wool and 30% camel hair, this coat is a true beauty. It features a slight flare to the hem and comes with a matching belt with slide buckle to really clinch in that waist and give you a more defined silhouette. Personally, I think a camel coat can really pull together a winter outfit, it might be something to do with its ability to stand out against the sea of greys and blacks which become a little bit tiresome during the winter months, yet it's still a universal shade that doesn't clash with any other colours. If you're looking for a coat which you can wear with virtually any outfit, then this could be for you.

4. The Cape

Don't they say to save the best until last? I admit, I've fallen a little bit in love with this H Moser cape. It's presented in the lovely autumnal shade of bottle green and is truly striking. With the likes of Victoria Beckham and Olivia Palermo being partial to this style, it's fair to say that a cape coat is a must-have this season, and really sets apart the trend setters from the fashion followers.  This particular cape is a fantastic blend of thick wool which really adds a stunning shape to what can often be perceived as a shapeless garment. I personally suggest that you buy this little number before I get the chance to snap it up myself and add it to my ever expanding collection. 

So, there you have it - our best selection of coats to keep you both fashionable and warm this winter. The best part? You needn't even venture out into the cold to purchase them! As ever, our full collection of coats are conveniently available here. 

The Fur Debate...

Fur is perhaps the most controversial subject in the fashion world with fierce debates on the topic which have spanned over the course of decades, therefore it is often a difficult subject to broach.  As a concept, the selling of vintage clothing encourages the utilisation of all materials in a bid to promote sustainability, which means that we do sell vintage fur but we do so in accordance with the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, and hence have a "no new fur" policy. 

In regard to selling fur, I feel that it is necessary to address the issues and history that comes with such a controversial topic rather than to shy away from them, yet I do so with an open mind. The 90's saw perhaps one of the biggest anti-fur movements in contemporary history, with PETA's supermodel led campaign  entitled "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur". Yet, in recent years fur has unabashedly crept back into the limelight with some of the faces (Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell) of that same campaign wearing fur. At the end of the day, fur comes down to personal preference and most of you will have had your minds made up on the topic well before stumbling onto this post so it would be unethical for us to either encourage or discourage our buyers on such a sensitive matter; however we feel that it is necessary to approach the subject with both honesty and sensitivity.  

With the main issues addressed, I will say that our collection of fur is presented in excellent condition - no stains, no odours or balding - such is the quality of vintage fur. Vintage fur is often referred to as "glamour without the guilt", and this is something worth considering if you are going to buy fur; you get the same luxury and quality without the animals of today dying. It almost makes sense to recycle vintage garments rather than to hide them away at the back of a closet whilst waiting around for this ethical dilemma to be solved; this way it avoids the unnecessary sourcing of new fur. Debbie Berwick, a well-renowned vintage retailer states “As long as the animals aren't going to be killed now, the coats that are here now, I cant see any problem re-wearing them. I don't like the fact that they're going to be killing animals in the future but I cant see the problem in wearing vintage." 

Regardless of your own personal stance on the matter, there is no denying that fur -  real or faux -will be big news this winter with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Lily Allen and Kate Moss all being snapped wearing designs of real fur. Style and fashion aside, these celebrities applaud the unique luxury, warmth and ecologically-conscious properties that go along with choosing authentic vintage fur over man-made materials. We stock a wide variety of vintage fur which can be found here, with more to be added. The images above are both taken from our collection with the white fur coat being almost identical to the famous fur coat worn by Marilyn Monroe. Our collection is of phenomenal quality and luxurious design 

Droopy And Browns

(You can shop our collection of Droopy and Browns' items here)

For me, the idealism of vintage shopping is that sense of individuality; the opportunity to create a sense of romanticism amongst the mundane nature of day-to-day life. Therefore, it's refreshing to stumble upon a designer who lived their personal life with the same set of ideals. As I've said time and time again - when it comes to vintage shopping, it all comes down to quality; with this in mind, there is no designer who epitomises the spirit of vintage clothing quite like Angela Holmes - the late designer behind the brand that was Droopy and Browns. It's an honour to stumble across such well-made and unique dresses; each garment a piece of history within their own right, so much so that the majority of pieces designed by Angela Holmes are considered limited editions and are increasingly sought after by contemporary collectors. The intricacy and complexity of each garment alone should be enough to grab your attention, but failing that, Angela's passion and story will undoubtedly set a precedent for vintage shopping and hopefully strike a chord with you, thus inspiring you to dip your toe into the waters of vintage dressing. Got your attention? Good. Now here's for the fairytale...

Truth be told, Angela is something of an idol to me; uncompromisingly talented and relentlessly ambitious, she built the label Droopy and Browns off her own back. She avoided mainstream fashion as she simply didn't buy into the idea of "fad fashion" - Angela wanted both longevity and theatricality from her clothes. This love for extravagance can be traced back to her childhood, Angela was one of four children brought up on a Yorkshire farm and always had a penchant for theatricality, putting on shows in which she always played the role of a swooning princess; this offered her a form of escapism from the drudgery of day-to-day life on the farm. It's often noted that Angela was scarred by the death of her mother, and that this led to her locking herself away spending hours at a time drawing pictures of the elegantly dressed women that she had often dressed up as during her childhood. In fact, the first store that Angela bought was one in which she vividly recalled watching her mother shop for couture gowns, thus further fuelling her desire to build a brand which encapsulated the passion that her and her mother both shared. Angela was nostalgic for the days when clothes were beautifully made; she loathed the disposable nature of contemporary fashion, and the use of cheap labour which thus produced poor quality items. Angela's designs were brought to life with blood, sweat and tears; each piece created with a genuine love. She personally oversaw each stage of the process; she worked in natural fabrics, designed and drew many of the prints herself, and had them dyed to her own specifications. 

Yet, as interesting as Angela's biographical details are, she is made all the more inspirational for the sole reason that all of this was not just a business tactic; she lived and breathed the brand's core ideals. Angela was described as enigmatic; acquaintances have said that there was something strangely alluring about the girl with tumbling blonde locks who walked her dogs in the most glamorous of outfits whilst leaving clouds of perfume in her wake. Every single person in the fashion industry has at some point heard the same scornful line - "fashion is selfish, and not culturally significant". Yet, people like Angela Holmes dispel this tired outlook; fashion is a culture; a way to express individuality, a way to stand out from the crowd and embrace individuality, a form of escapism - fashion is anything you want it to be, and more importantly, it allows you to be exactly who you want to be- no restraints, no boundaries and no conformity. Angela Holmes fully embodies the spirit which lies within vintage shopping; we needn't focus on the tiresome and recyclable trends on the catwalk - fashion is self expression. 

Droopy and Browns' clothes are everything you could possibly want from vintage clothing; flamboyant yet feminine, contemporary yet historically influenced. Angela was quirky, she lived everyday as if it were an adventure and dressed accordingly for that; she brightened up the drab reality of everyday tasks and excluded everything that was mundane in the world. She filled her house with flowers and dressed as if each day was a special event. If her fashion influence doesn't inspire you to embrace all that is great about vintage shopping, then I'm not quite sure what will. These Droopy and Browns' items have reawaken my love for fashion and I hope they can do the same for you; they're bold and unashamedly unique, just as fashion should be. If nothing else, Angela proved that every day should be treated as an adventure, so why not dress like it? 

Ted Lapidus

Ah, the Swinging Sixties; arguably the most influential decade in terms of style evolution for both men, and women. Yet, today's post is primarily one for the boys...

There's no denying that the 60's were a culturally defining decade in many ways, and there were four Liverpudlian lads in particular who helped shape and redefine men's fashion... The Beatles were an overwhelming social, cultural and musical phenomenon who dominated an entire decade. In retrospect, it is fair to say that The Beatles epitomised and defined the sixties, thus their sense of style was heavily influential at the time; they possessed the ability to eclipse other fashion trends and truly make their own mark on the industry. So, we were more than excited when we stumbled across this vintage gem; an original Ted Lapidus suit. Ted Lapidus was a fashion entrepreneur who designed the famous white suit worn by John Lennon on the Abbey Road album cover. Lapidus started his fashion career as an apprentice for Christian Dior solely because he didn't have the money to put himself through medical school; yet he went on to revolutionise the fashion world. Lapidus was the first designer to put high fashion fabricating techniques into industrial production; he caused a storm in 1951 by collaborating with Belle Jardiniene and mass producing his designs to sell at the budget label, but as they say....there's no such thing as bad press.

Lapidus went on to become one of the most influential designers of the 60's, not only was John Lennon a fan of his work, but Lapidus was also the first designer to persuade Twiggy to wear a suit and tie as opposed to a mini skirt; Lapidus pushed the boundaries of styling and challenged the trends to turn fashion on its head. He injected a sense of quirkiness into the generation and offered a further breed of fashion to a decade that was already jam-packed with revolutionary styles.

Our Ted Lapidus suit will be available online this week, and is a true investment piece. Owning a suit designed by such a fashion hero from one of the greatest generations of all time has surely got to be the next best thing to having lived through the era first-hand, right? Ah, to have lived in the glory days of seeing The Beatles live in The Cavern Club; the perfect, flicked eyeliner smudged under my eyes and my bouffant askew from all the twisting-and-shouting - what a dream!