Vintage Fashion fair in Speke...

Sneaked off to this vintage fashion fair in Speke on Sunday...there were lots of beautiful vintage clothes, jewellery and accessories..many pieces could be described as antique and there were also newly made garments from vintage fabric and vintage inspired new jewellery...


My research was worthwhile...collecting many vintage contacts...please see links for details...












www.memoirvintage.co.uk

www.pillboxvintage.com

www.decorativefair.com

www.kittykavanagh.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RagtimeBazaar

www.ilikeyellowsquirrel.com

I was an the look out for vintage buttons and lace for my jewellery making...some good finds...

This lovely 60s evening bag was just what i was looking for...it will be perfect styling to go with my evening dresses at the fashion show...

I love visiting vintage fairs, lets face it you can't beat seeing and feeling the real thing...although I have made some bargain stylish purchases on ebay...

These Cornelia James gloves are in perfect condition...ideal for a vintage glam up!  


A range of vintage bags, the burgundy Aquascutum is my favourite... 

1960s...tourist scarf from Paris, vanity case, elegant gloves and original bug eye shades...this will be modelled with my long shell coat...

 Gorgeous gold opera style evening gloves with little vintage clutch bags...to be modelled with my evening gowns...  


Vintage styling isn't cheap but it's guaranteed to be different!!!

My first attempts at resin casting...

Cast in a well ventilated area and wear gloves...very pungent! Being at the experimental stage I am improvising with plastic cups and lids and using vaseline as mould release...

Just a little amount first...1.5% catalyst to resin...pop in a few items  and see what happens...took approx 10 mins before the mixture begins to set to a jelly consistency...24 hrs to dry completely...next time...

• Pour a thin layer in mould first to place items onto...
• Specialist mould would be worth investing in...
• Vaseline worked ok but left a slight ripple effect on contact...worth buying spray mould release...
• Difficulty setting in rings to attachments...could drill in fine holes or use special moulds...
• Cover with cellophane when setting to avoid dust settling on tacky surface...   

I have used a variety of materials...vintage lace & buttons, old watch faces and movements sourced on ebay...shells and vintage style key pendants...then attached to rope chain and fastenings with a few extra charms...

This one has buttons added onto the initial cast...

Will definitely make some more...broaches, rings, earrings and bracelets to follow...these have been created to complement my Tuscan Shell collection on the catwalk but i have lots more ideas to play with....

Promotional Material...

With the fashion show nearing I have been spending time working on some promotional gifts...as handbags are very 'it items' at the moment I have made bag tags using a variety of new and vintage bits and bobs...

 Vintage keys...expensive when you are making 90 gifts!!  Vintage glass buttons and a collection of beads, chains and shell pendents...

Add to a bag charm clip...

 Attach to business card, Tuscan Shell Promo and add a personal message...

 

...just another 87 to make!!!

Rags to Bitches project...finally documented...

This project was a live brief launched by the Manchester company Rags to Bitches...See links...

Party Glamour Girl...

Much of my inspiration for this project arose from watching the fabulous Alice in Wonderland film, amazingly beautiful costumes...

I used a soft palette in luxurious duchess satin and organza to create the floating movement in the skirt...

I carried out a lot of research into 1930s fashion...note the bias cuts, drapery and feminine silhouettes...

Separates seemed a good idea...you can always wear a dressy corset top with nice jeans and heals!

http://www.rags-to-bitches.com

Portfolio complete...what a lot of work....!

This portfolio represents my Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection TUSCAN SHELL, to be viewed at the Mid-cheshire Fashion show at Winsford lifestyle centre on 23rd and 24th of June...further details to follow shortly...hopefully it speaks for itself....