Welcome and win!

Hello friends!

Guess what? I've only gone and started a beauty vlog! It's (cleverly) called You Look Swell! See what I did there?

On my first video I'm giving you the chance to win some amazing Barefoot Botanicals products! Just hop on over to my YouTube channel to find out how.

I'll be back with an actual proper blog post soon!

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

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Deck the Dials

Oh my goodness - it's only 17 days till Christmas! Are you feeling festive yet? I know I am!

Last week I went along to the Christmas shopping event I told you about in my last post. When I arrived at the meeting point (the very swanky Dial Bar at the Mercer Street Hotel), I was very pleased to find the lovely Gemma of Retro Chick and Fritha of Fish Tank Fashion there already. I've know Gemma and Fritha for a long time, so I knew it was going to be a good night! Once we'd enjoyed some delicious festive beverages and snacks, we were ready to go out and explore what the fine retails of Seven Dials and St Martin's Court had on offer.

My favourite retailer of the night was definitely Neal's Yard. Not only were they embracing the Christmas spirit, but they were also celebrating their 30th birthday! And they look pretty damn good for their age too - must be down to all of the natural goodness in their products.

I've always been a fan of Neal's Yard (I'm a big fan of their Organic Wild Rose Beauty Balm). Their products are amazing and smell absolutely delicious. Not only that, but the people who work there are ever so nice! They were handing out drinks and canapes to all of their customers, and were also giving complimentary massages. I had a back and head massage and it was so relaxing! I've since found out that it was one of the lovely Rima of Calm and Clear that worked her magic on me - thanks Rima!

I'd like to thank the lovely ladies at Threepipe for spoiling us, and the brilliant folks over at Neal's Yard. I had a great night, and I look forward to Christmas shopping at Seven Dials again next year!

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

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Christmas Garden, more like!

What's that I see over there in the near distance?

It's red and green, and it's getting closer and closer...

Oh my goodness - IT'S CHRISTMAS!

Is it just me, or do I look really good with a beard?!

That's right, people. December is soon upon us, and with it comes my favourite present-giving, binge-eating holiday. If the rest of 2011 is anything to go by, time is going to fly by like a partridge on its way to a pear tree, so it helps to be prepared.

If you haven't starting buying presents yet and you live in the London area (or the surrounding south - I don't mean to exclude you), then have no fear! The festive folks over at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard are holding a special evening shopping event on 1st December were you can get a recession-friendly 20% off in their fancy stores, including their vintage boutiques. Not only that, but they also have a whole Santa's sack load of other stuff going on in their stores, including DJs, live music, makeovers, gifts with purchase, complimentary food and drinks and much much more! Christmas is the season of excess after all...

And as if that weren't enough, I'm going to be there too! I'll be wandering around drinking in some Christmas cheer and taking lots of snaps, so if you see me you must come and say ho ho ho...or just hello. Whichever you prefer.

If you're interested in swinging by and indulging yourself with some discount action, all you need to do is download a voucher from www.sevendials.co.uk to make sure you get that ever so helpful 20% off. And hopefully I'll see you there!

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

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F'ing good!

Yesterday my friend Kyrie and I went to the launch for Florence and Fred's (that's F&F to you and I) collection for Spring/Summer 2012 at Clothing at Tesco.

Those lovely folks at Tesco certainly know how to throw a party! There were pretty things to look out, tasty foods to eat and - what always turns out to be a blogger favourite - a photobooth!

Kyrie and I posing it up.

I must confess, although I've only ever heard great things about F&F, this was the first time I'd had a good look at their pieces close up and they didn't disappoint. Not only was the quality excellent, but it's all very reasonably priced - what more could you ask for?!

There's a good mix of styles on offer too, ranging from fun neon brights to more demure elegant tweeds and lace. There was also an impressive array of Christmas costumes available from a bargainous £6 - definitely worth investing in for the holiday season!

We were also asked to select our favourite pieces from the collection. There were so many items and styles to choose from, but after long and careful deliberation we managed to narrow it down to one each.

Kyrie opted for this sexy leopard print number, which could work for a day at the beach or a night out on the town.

I chose this pretty little lace number. I'd wear it with black tights, black heels and some classic pearls.

So if you fancy treating yourself to a new outfit and don't want to break the bank, I highly recommend F&F at Clothing at Tesco. You'll be very pleasantly surprised!

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

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Partying partying yeah!

One of the few things I miss about working in an office is attending an annual Christmas party. While you hard-working folk are all out getting dolled up for a night of canapes and a free bar, I will most likely be sat indoors, drinking tea and watching Poirot...

There's no hope for me, but there is something you can do to make your holiday party season even more special this year - go vintage! There are so many amazing vintage dresses out there, all dreaming of going to a good home and being worn out to your special occasion. Not only will it make you feel like a princess of Grace Kelly proportions, but there is no way on earth you could possible end up wearing the same thing as someone else!

Finding good quality vintage isn't always easy but - like most things in life - if you put in the time, you will be rewarded. Rewarded with a beautiful vintage dress that will last you a lifetime.

To help inspire you to go vintage this year, here are my top five favourite pieces that are available to buy online right now:

• 1950s Black Vintage Prom Dress, £200 at www.natashabailie.com

I believe the word you're looking for is "stunning"! Team this beautiful dress with some classic pearls, and you will be the belle of the ball.

• 1950s Coral Vintage Prom Dress by Lorrie Deb, £150 from www.lovemissdaisy.com

This dress is so pretty and elegant while also being incredibly flattering. Dita would be proud.

• 1980s Red Matte Sequined Wiggle Dress, £120 from www.rokit.co.uk

'Tis the season to be sparkly! Sequins are extremely popular at the moment, and they don't come much better than they did in the 80s.

• 1960s Black Lace Dress, $88/£56.21 from Dear Golden on Etsy

Sexy, demure and chic - black lace is the perfect way to play the femme fatale this Christmas.

• 1970s Red Halterneck Maxi Dress with Tassels, £55 from www.candysays.co.uk

How sexy is this dress?! Even Jessica Rabbit would be jealous! Add some jewels and you're ready to go.

So what do you think? I hope this has helped inspire you to consider vintage for this holiday season. But remember - vintage is for life, not just for Christmas.

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

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Review: New African Fashion by Helen Jennings

I have something I need to confess...here goes:

My name is Frankie, and I love African fashion.

I had always had a strong appreciation for it (who doesn't love a strong print and lots of colour?!), and ever since attending Africa Fashion Week a little while ago, my love has blossomed into full-blown obsession. I've even found myself on numerous occasions staring longingly at the local African clothing shops in Dalston, wondering whether or not I could actually pull off a traditional head wrap (I've decided to ease myself into the look with a Charlotte Taylor penguin scarf for now...). I am part-Egyptian after all! So naturally when I was asked to review "New African Fashion", a new book by Helen Jennings, I was overly keen to accept.

According the book blurb, "From Africa-inspired to African-made, this guide is the first to celebrate a new wave of fashion designers who are appearing on the global stage." It's no secret that Africa has been influencing designers for many years, and more recently big names such as Michael Kors, Burberry and Donna Karen have shown clear Africa-inspired collections.

The book starts by talking about the origins of African fashion before leading into current African/Africa-inspired designers, covering both womenswear and menswear. The book features an incredible number of up and comers who are undoubtedly ones to watch. My favourites include Duro Olowu, Mimi Plange and Black Coffee. I was also very happy to see Bunmi Koko featured, as I've been a big fan of her designs for a while now.

As well as featuring African design talent, the book also covers some of Africa's best-known and emerging models, both male and female. It's a given that the legendary Alex Wek would be included, but it was also nice to see models such as Ataui Deng and Ajak Deng (no relation, but very good friends apparently!) in there too.

Overall, I was really impressed with this book. It offers a comprehensive look at the wide ranging talent that Africa has to offer, features interesting interviews and beautiful vibrant photography - what more could you ask for from fashion book?! And, as this blurb from the book says...

The more we all educate ourselves about Africa and embrace what it has to offer, the more fashion can continue to develop and innovate. Retailing at £19.99, I would highly recommend this book for any real fashion lovers or enthusiasts, especially those who are looking to broaden their own person style. You can order your copy from Amazon and many other book retailers right now.

Happy reading!

Much love,

Frankie

Swell Vintage

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Beauty showcase event for Holland and Barrett

Last week I attended the launch of some new beauty products for Holland and Barrett that will be hitting stores in November. I'm not really a beauty blogger, but I am always on the hunt for new and innovative ways to improve my skin. After hearing a bit about Manuka Doctor and their revolutionary apitherapy products, I was very intrigued and keen to find out more.


If you're not already in the know, the clever minds behind Manuka Doctor have discovered that the mix of deliciously decadent manuka honey and bee venom (that's right - the venom of bees) make for powerful and effective skin care. Already dubbed "nature's alternative to botox", Purified Bee Venom is renowned for its anti-bacterial, anti-wrinkle and regenerating benefits which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or scars. Sound too good to be true? I had to find out for myself.

I've been using the Manuka Doctor Facial Moisturising Lotion (£16.99) for a few days now, and I must say I am genuinely impressed. I have already noticed an improvement to my skin - blemishes were quickly reduced, and overall my face is softer, looks clearer and feels more toned. My hairdresser even told me I was looking younger - either this stuff is great or he was angling for a bigger tip...either way, I am sold on this product. The whole range is very affordable too, with prices ranging from £3.49 to £49.99. If you're stuck for stocking-fillers for Christmas, this could be a great way to go.

I'm not going to lie to you - I have no idea how this product is produced, and that is the only thing that's bothering me slightly. I sincerely hope there is a ethical method for extracting the bee venom. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I assume there has to be a way of extracting the venom without killing the bees as they are close to becoming endangered...right? If you happen to know anymore about this, please get in touch and fill me in!

Assuming their products are bee-friendly, I would definitely remcommend and continue to use them myself. If you'd like to try the products for yourself, head over to your local Holland and Barrett store in November and let me know what you think!

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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Pearl Lowe for DP London

Last week I attended the launch event for the multi-talented Pearl Lowe's new limited edition candle collection for DP London, held at the ultra-fancy Mayfair Hotel.





Upon entering the Schiaparelli Suite, I was instantly struck by how incredible the room smelled - always a good sign at a candle launch - and after hearing the ingredients list I can understand why! The three candles in Pearl's collection feature a delicious mix of bergamot, orange peel, cedar wood, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and vanilla, all of which help to create a beautifully relaxing and warming atmosphere. Not only are the candles gorgeous, they're also made from 100% natural wax and are presented in re-useable packing in the form of a bespoke, handmade Japanese porcelain container.

The Pearl Lowe for DP London Candle Trio is available for the bargain price of £30, and can be purchased from Selfridges and ASOS.com. Having had a good sniff first-hand, I can promise you that they'd make a perfect Christmas present for someone you really, really like, or even as a little treat for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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Fashion foresight with Stylesight

A little while ago I attended the International Jewellery London (IJL) event with my good friend Nik Thakkar to hear a talk on fashion forecasting. For those of you not in the know (I must confess I knew very little before attending), fashion forecasting is the process by which future trends are predicted so that the fashion houses we all know and love can anticipate the sorts of looks and styles that we consumers will want to buy in the future.

If you're anything like me, you're probably wondering how the hell they do this. How can someone predict what will be possible in the future?! Using witchcraft involving Mystic Meg and her crystal ball, perhaps? Well, it turns out there's a much easier and less satanic way of doing this.

Stylesight is a very clever online service that does all of the hardwork for you. They are constantly researching trends and styles in order to provide concise forecasting and reporting relevant to industry timelines seasons ahead of time. In their own words, "Color Premiere, Megatrends, and Design Developments forecast the upcoming seasons' colour, trend direction, materials, and shapes and silhouettes. Our trend boards provide thorough and insightful analysis of designer collections for each major season, deciphering the core messages by categories such as color, theme and a spectrum of key items from a conglomerate of images."

As a jewellery designer and fashion stylist, this is an incredibly useful tool for me. I found the Stylesight talk at IJL absolutely fascinating, and within 10 minutes of listening I was full briefed on future jewellery trends. In fact, here's a sneaky peak just for you!

(Click on the images to see them nice and big)

If you are serious about working in any kind of fashion design capacity and want to stay ahead of the game, I highly recommend Stylesight. To quote the good folks themselves, they use "state of the art technology is easy to use and makes the tedious work of fashion research simple, immediate and enjoyable". And isn't that what we all want in life - work made fun and easy?!

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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We're number 8!

I have just found out that this very blog that you are reading at this very second is one of the "Top 10 UK Vintage Clothing Blogs"! Number 8, to be exact.

And I'm in great company too! Check out the full list:

1. Vintage Vixen

2. clothes, cameras, & coffee

3. i heart vintage

4. Retro Chick

5. Penny Dreadful Vintage

6. MyStyle-Fashion, Vintage and Me..........

7. My Vintage

8. SWELL VINTAGE (THAT'S ME!)

9. natasha Bailie The Blog!

10. Yesterday Girl

It goes without saying that I am rather chuffed! Thank you, lovely people of Cision - you have made my Sunday!

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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Jasper Garvida SS12

Yesterday I attended the Jasper Garvida show to see his collection for Spring/Summer 2012. I'm afraid my camera was behaving very badly, so instead of taking photos I filmed the finale. Check it out.

Needless to say, I don't think I'll be taking up a career as a camera man any time soon...

I have been a fan of Jasper's for a long time now, and while I absolutely loved some of the pieces, there were elements of the collection that didn't really work for me personally. I have fallen in love with his use of metallics and heavy metal embellishment, as well as his decision to feature exposed zips alongside clean cuts and simple lines. My favourite pieces? See below.

(This jacket was the stand out piece for me - I think I dribbled when I saw it!)

All photos courtesy of Christopher Dadey

So what do you think of video and the pieces I have selected? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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Corrie Nielsen

Unless you've been in an internet-free sound-proof cave with tinted windows for the last week or so, you will be fully aware that London Fashion Week kicked off today. So far it's been pretty damn great! Despite getting up far earlier than my usual freelance lifestyle calls for, I have met some lovely people and see some fantastic collections by some incredibly talented designers. My favourite so far? Corrie Nielsen.

Corrie Nielsen's collection was titled, "Arbiter Elegantiarum" (which means "Judge of Tastes") and it was, to put it simply, quite stunning. You can definitely see why Galliano chose her as the winner of Fashion Fringe 2010 - her designs are just so intricate and detailed. Her mix of tailoring, draping and powerful ruffles created a strong silhouette with big shoulders, bustles and exaggerated hips, which were softened by a feminine Japanese influence. The colour palette was calm and elegant. The models walked in a slow, Geisha-like fashion and the show had a wonderfully calming atmosphere despite the usual chaos that Fashion Week brings. It was beautiful.

Please excuse my poor, poor photography. My camera and I are not the best of friends at the moment...








So what do you think? Do you like the collection?

I'd like to say a big thank you to the fantastic folks over at Forward PR for putting on one hell of a show! It was a honour and a pleasure to witness.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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