A Royal Wedding Dress Inspired by Grace Kelly?

Something looks familiar? What did you think of Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress? I fully approved of her Grace Kelly style for the day.

Remembering My Favourite Princess: Grace Kelly

This post is picture heavy. You have been warned. I love all the iconic images of Grace Kelly, but I love, love it when you find images of her looking relaxed, glamorous and chic. Grace Kelly was a princess with a lot of pressure surrounding her rise to the throne, but she did it with such style and dare I say it...grace. 

A ROYAL WEDDING

There has not been this many column inches given to the Union Jack flag since Geri Halliwell sang wearing a tea towel covered in the red and white cross back in the olden days. When things were great and the Spice Girls ruled the world. Those were the days...good times. 


I am in Singapore and cannot escape Royal Wedding fever so I dread to imagine what is going on across the pond. A Singaporean even asked if "Great Britain would be decorated in bunting"...I did not have the heart to tell her that most had booked a holiday over the two weeks of bank holidays and that not many cared too much for the Royal family apart from the obvious nuts who are already camping at Westminster. Nuts.
I have to confess I am no Royalist, but living abroad gives the UK a shiny new look. Fantasies of red buses, black cabs, tea at the Ritz that have come from meeting new people who have never graced our freezing, muddy shores or caught the Brighton to Gatwick train at midnight! This is becoming a problem.

Luckily I have found some fellow like minded Brits in Singapore who want to party and have the wedding on in the background. So on Friday night (due to time zones, the Royal wedding will be on when it is cocktail hour in Singapore)I along with some new friends will hoorah and ooh and ahh at the British Royal Wedding Parade.

What are you all doing? Celebrating? Hosting? Ignoring? Tell me, tell me!

Does Dita ever have a Bad Day?

Obviously Dita Von Teese is amazing, but I really feel like I have been blogging about her a lot this month. Is she getting photographed a lot more these days? What is going on? Who is her beau? 

Anywho....seriously this is Dita Von Teese having a day off? **Grabs red lipstick and corset**

Daisy Lowe's Vintage Swimwear for Peacocks

Not that you needed reminding, but the sun is out and that means only one thing...Bikini Season is approaching. Unless you are Nigella Lawson you may be on the hunt for a new swim suit this summer and Daisy Lowe thinks she has the swimwear answers to all our vintage fashion girl needs. 
Daisy has followed in her mother Pearl's designing footsteps and created a collection of swimwear for high street brand Peacocks. Daisy's two swimsuits and two bikini sets will be available in sizes 8-16, and cup sizes (Thank god). Cup sizes will range from 32B - 36DD. Bikini sets will be sold separately too so we can mix and match. 
Daisy's inspiration behind the mini collection is fifties pin ups, classic vintage shapes and family holidays in Europe. You like? What do you think of the range designed by Daisy Lowe? 

Vintage Beauty : 1940s to 1970s with Lisa Eldridge and Madeline Marsh

The second instalment of Lisa Eldridge's vintage beauty chat with Madeleine Marsh looking at her vintage cosmetic collection and the history behind it. 


Subscribe to Lisa Eldridge's youtube channel, here.

Boardwalk Empire Season 2

I loved Boardwalk Empire, season one. Not only did it fill in a Mad Men shaped hole, but it is a fantastic show with amazing characters, plots, costumes, history and I simply cannot wait for season two! 

Coachella Festival 2011: Music, Style, Fashion & Dita Von Teese!

It's official. The festival season has begun. Coachella kicked off this year's music festival calendar, a three-day, Californian party with music performances, arts events and fashion parties. The normal people and celebrities flocked and mixed at the sun soaked festival, including Rihanna, Katy Perry, Diane Kruger, the Glee cast, Whitney Port, Alexa Chung, Dita Von Teese and Nicole Richie to name but a few! Lots of boho chic was on display, think feathers, long flowing skirts and straw hats. Girly girls wore white and cream lace sun dresses with their Californian tans, but Dita Von Teese pulled out all the fashion stops with a pill box hat, high wedges and vintage Christian Dior! I die.

What do you think of Dita's festival chic? Think it is fair to assume Dita was not camping!

Biba Beauty by Lisa Eldridge

Here is another great vintage make up youtube video from Lisa Eldridge. This weeks series of videos have been focused on vintage beauty cosmetics, techniques and products from the past. It has been so interesting as a vintage fashion lover, learning that there is a whole side of vintage I really have no clue about. I have found Lisa's videos to be interesting, informative and useful. I promise you these videos are not just more youtube tutorials showing you how to get a "Audrey Hepburn look", they are really GOOD.
  
In this video Lisa Eldridge uses her Biba make up collection from the early 70s on a model and creates a BIBA face. The final look is very editorial and you could easily imagine seeing this beauty style in magazines, on catwalks or even music videos.

Click on the video above to go straight to Lisa Eldridge's youtube channel and subscribe suckers. 

Rewind Vintage: Chanel, Hermes and Vintage...Oh My!

Rewind Vintage is best known for it's impeccable collection of vintage accessories and clothing and is most famous for their collections of Chanel and Hermés. Rewind is an online fashion boutique of vintage treats and treasures and it really is a vintage time vault of classic designer pieces and collectables. With my Chanel and Hermes Kelly bag urges, nearly every item is on my wish list: 

Chanel Baby Blue Quilted Bag

£1,950

Hermes Kelly Bag 

£6,500

Chanel Vintage Pearl Necklace

£476.60

Chanel Vintage Sterling Silver Cuff

£780

Besame Red Lipstick Workshop

Red lipstick can be so darn tooting tricky? Do you use a lip liner? Brush to apply? How do you apply using just the lipstick? How do you stop your red lips bleeding? Oh and have I got lipstick on my teeth?

If like me, red rouge is your everest then have no fear for the What Katie Did boutique is hosting a Besame Red Lipstick workshop featuring make up experts Lipstick & Curls on May 1st. Go chat with the lovely ladies who wear and apply red lippie daily! 
You will also get the chance to test your red lips by sipping on some thirst quenching Hendricks gin cocktails and nibbling delicious chocolates provided by the Vintage Patisserie. 

What Katie Did 
26 Portobello Green, 281 Portobello Road,London, W10 5TZ. 13.00-17.00
1st May 2011

What are your make up tips and tricks when applying Red Lipstick? Can you help me out? 

Dita Von Teese Launches Lingerie for all Cups!

Dita Von Teese has just signed a deal with Lime Door Brands to launch a new collection of lingerie for women of all cup sizes. 


The first collection will feature lingerie ranging from XS through to E-cups! 

"I love lingerie that fits well and is also beautiful, bringing function together with glamour and sensuality. I am especially excited to be designing lingerie with a vast sizing range so that women of all shapes and sizes can have a beautiful, sensual lingerie wardrobe that suits their body type. Indulging in elegant lingerie isn't about the seduction of another person, it's about seducing yourself first and embracing womanhood and femininity." - Dita Von Teese. 

The collection will launch in Australia this year and in the UK next year.

Vintage Beauty: Victorian Era - 1930s with Lisa Eldridge & Madeline Marsh

As promised Lisa Eldridge is bringing us a vintage series of videos this week looking at vintage beauty products, techniques and packaging. Lisa has already kicked off the week by showing us her personal collection of vintage compacts, blushers and shadows and in this video Lisa meets Historian and Author, Madeline Marsh. 
Madeline shares her enormous vintage make-up collection dating back to the Victorian Era. Lisa and Madeline discuss the era and the women of that time and their make-up routines.


Lisa's next video will take a look at vintage make-up from the 1940s through to the 70s. Expect Biba shadows and Mary Quant crayons. 


Madeleine's book is called The History of Compacts and Cosmetics: Beauty From Victorian Times to the Present Day and you can buy it from Amazon. 


Subscribe to Lisa Eldridge's Youtube channel for more videos on vintage make up and beauty this week. 

January Jones Covers W Magazine

What happened to Betty Draper? 
January Jones is the cover girl for W magazine May issue.

Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress Sketched By Mad Men's Janie Bryant

So it is not only us normal folk wondering about Kate Middleton's wedding dress for the Royal Wedding...even Mad Men's costume designer, Janie Bryant has Middleton Mania. So much so that Janie has sketched what she thinks Kate's dress will/should look like. See above. Look no further Kate, for if Janie Bryant is offering to create you a wedding dress you simply nod, dribble and place the order for a few yards of white lace. 

Ms Bryant said: 'I envision something elegant, romantic, figure-flattering and dramatic. A combination of tradition, humility, beauty and romance with the freshness of white lace.'

The train would be created in embroidered silk duchess satin with 'yards and yards of knife-pleated organza around the hemline, beautiful silk bows embroidered at the corners, and more silk bows at the wrists,' she says. 

What do you think of Janie's designs? Do you think Kate Middleton is as miffed as me waiting so long for Mad Men series 5? 

Janie Bryant

1950s Vintage Prom Dresses: Just Added to NBVCC

Just added to Natasha Bailie Vintage Clothing Company: Blooming beautiful 1950s vintage dresses for Spring! 

More being added as I type...

What do you think? Like my latest finds? 

Lisa Eldridge: History of Vintage Make- Up!

I love Lisa Eldridge and she really is the only one who makes me write a list of cosmetic must haves and beauty buys. 
This week she has declared it "Lisa Eldridge Vintage Week". In this video, the first, Lisa talks about the history of some amazing vintage cosmetic pieces found on her travels in her collection. Loose powders from the 50s, bright blushers from the 30s, Biba shadows and even an 80s compact covered in tiny red rhinestones. 
I know my fifties vintage fashion, but make up is something that leaves me feeling out of my depth. I have enough trouble applying liquid eyeliner in the 21st century! 


This video is not a vintage make up tutorial, but an informal history lesson in vintage make up, focusing on the women of that era and more importantly what they carried in their handbags. Subscribe to Lisa's Youtube channel for more make up tricks and tips. By clicking on the video above. 

Welcome Spring Vintage...

Spring has sprung over at Natasha Bailie Vintage Clothing Company. I received a small delivery today which will show you how colourful NBVCC is going to be this Spring. I mean business. Big florals, wide petticoats, sparkly bows and colour, colour, colour. Now, I best crack on....what are you most looking forward to this Spring? Me: Easter Eggs. 

Versace Sunglasses for January Jones

Versace have created a collection of eyewear all with Miss January Jones in mind. 


The January J collection is new for SS11, with January as the face (and name) of the campaign. It includes two sunglasses frames and one optical style. The collection was inspired by "the glamour and chic sexiness" of '50s and '60s movie stars and Jones's Mad Men character, of course. The frames, which also feature 3D medusa head metal detailing on the front of each temple piece — hits stores in April.





January Jones says: 'Versace is an iconic brand that has always represented women in the most flattering way. It appeals to me that they make women look and feel sexy, classic, timeless.'


I simply can't and won't explain - I need them. 

Drink, Shop & Do: Royal Wedding Party

Still don't know where you will be on Friday the 29th April? London will be a buzz with Royal Wedding goodness so you need to dig out your feathery fascinator and make a plan Stan. Luckily for you I may have just sorted out your day and the days leading up to that one...why a Princess needs her preparation no? 

So who and what is Drink, Shop & Do? 

They are a design shop and café bar selling products from emerging designers alongside vintage furniture and home wares. Everything is for sale: from designer crafts, vintage tea sets, 1950's dressers and unusual tables and chairs, to hand-made cakes, ice creams, specialty teas, kitsch finger sandwiches, bottled beers and cocktails. They are open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktail o'clock and different things to 'Do' like 'Play with Clay 80's Style' and 'Dot to Dot to Disco'. These are mostly free! What is not to like? 

Tucked away just 2 minutes from Kings Cross station in an old Victorian bathhouse. Drink, Shop & Do are putting on quite a variety of activities for the week leading up to the Royal Wedding, see events list below:

Wednesday 27th April

King & Queen Crown Making. Because then we can marry a prince too. FREE.

Thursday 28th April

Vintage Princess Hair & Make-Up. ‘Pay what you think’ Get made up real pretty, and sip cocktails!

Friday 29th April

Put on your Posh Frocks and watch the WEDDING LIVE on a big projector screen! Sip champagne, and dip strawberries into clotted cream. Book now for a seat, and pre-book the ‘Royal Afternoon Tea’

Royal Quiz

Saturday 30th April

Royal Truffle Rolling

Sunday 1st May

Scrabble Sunday. Free. All Day

This sounds like my dream place, lovely frocks, vintage home wares, crown making, Princess hair and make up and a Royal Afternoon Tea....yes please. Visit Drink, Shop & Do by clicking HERE.

Lets face it - even Kate will want to go to this event!

The Leonard Street Royal Wedding Street Party

Enjoy an old-fashioned street party in London's happening Shoreditch courtesy of Leonard Street and The Book Club. Leonard Street and The Book Club are putting up the bunting, flying the flag and hosting a street party to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

Watch the Royal wedding on outdoor screens and enjoy activities, refreshments and entertainment that will include live music, British food, a vintage fair and old fashioned games like tug of war and a giant pass the parcel. Continue the festivities into the evening with a night of live music and dancing at The Book Club's Royal wedding reception. This will certainly be a wedding to remember.

SAVE THE DATE: Friday 29 April 29 2011, Leonard Street, Shoreditch EC2A, 10.30 am, FREE ENTRY

1030am – 1700pm for the street party 

1800pm – 0200am for the evening reception

January Jones Covers UK Marie Claire

January Jones graces the UK issue of Marie Claire for the month of May and the issue hits stands on the 7th April, but if you cannot wait until then or simply need a void to fill the Mad Men gap then check out these stunning pictures from the magazine: 

Vintage Chanel Replicated by Armani for The Kennedy's

Listen up! I know I have bored many of you to tears harking on about the new TV mini series "The Kennedy's", but I cannot contain my excitement. The series starring both Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes as J.F.K and Jackie has just premiered in the U.S.

After receiving some pretty bad reviews, especially Katie (or Suri's guardian as I like to call her) for her portrayal as Jackie Onassis Kennedy, the most recent shocker was that the famous pink Chanel suit worn by Jackie O when the president was assassinated was recreated for the mini series by none other than Giorgio Armani. 

Mr.Armani is a close friend to both Tom Cruise and Suri's female guardian and when Armani found out about the series they wanted to make all of the Jackie Kennedy replicas for Katie says Christopher Hargadon who was wardrobe master for the series. 

Hargadon says: "It's funny you mention that suit. It was actually done for Katie by Armani. She and Tom have a relationship with Armani, and when they found out she was doing the project, they asked to make her clothes. So we told them she would need 45 or 50 looks for all the episodes and they had to be done in about 72 days. They came back and said, "Then, we'd like to do two." So they made that and her inaugural gown. The rest were made in our workshop in Toronto."

With the famous pink Chanel suit being one of the most referenced looks when discussing Jackie Kennedy I wonder why Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel were not involved? Answers below or on a postcard please dear readers. 

Vivienne Westwood Turns 70!

This Friday Dame Vivienne Westwood turns 70 and is still drawing, designing and creating for her shows, collections and brand. Even at 70, Vivienne Westwood is quite the business woman and an inspiration to women all over the globe. 

Happy Birthday!