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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Swell Vintage loves Oxfam

As any vintage lover will tell you, one of the best places to bag an old school bargain is a charity shop. London is home of some of the UK's very best, and I am extremely fortunate to live just around the corner from the increasingly popular and highly praised Oxfam in Dalston.

One of the things I love about Oxfam Dalston is that it has a unique identity despite being part of a "chain", which embraces and celebrates the surrounding Hackney community and its residents. So when they kindly offered me the opportunity to put together an exhibition for their coveted front window space, needless to say I hopped, skipped and jumped at the chance. I'll be putting up my exhibition bright and early on Monday 28th June.

Oxfam Dalston has had some awesome window displays as of late, including an absolutely cracking one from the visual merchandising girls of Harrods:

Photo courtesy of Dalson Oxfam's blog

The pressure is on, so for the theme I've decided to stick to what I know - vintage. To give the window a sexier, more stylish feel, I'm going with a Mad Men inspired look (no Joan-shaped mannequins I'm afraid though. Sigh...).

Not only will the exhibition feature a couple of official one-of-a-kind Swell Vintage jewellery pieces, but it will also include some very kind donations from some of my favourite vintage sellers - the love of my life, Natasha Bailie, the ever so wonderful Retro Chick and the very brilliant Love Miss Daisy. If you're in the market for some high quality vintage, check out their shops right now! You won't be disappointed.

Today Kevin, one of the brains behind the Dalston Oxfam operation, kindly let me into the basement of the shop to have a rummage through the stock to pick out any extra items I'd like to use. It was absolutely incredible down there! A veritable Aladdin's cave of treasures and wonderment, filled with every possible time of donation you could ever imagine. I don't want to ruin the surprise of what my exhibition will look like, but here are a few photos from behind the scenes to give you a sneaky peek:

Some of the lovely donations from Natasha Bailie and Retro Chick.

Found in the basement - a mint condition men's Christian Dior trench coat

Bargainous brogue beauties

A gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent suit!

A little something I'm putting together...

That's all you're getting for now, folks! Like a drug pusher, the first taste is free, but you'll have to wait till the big day to see more! If you live in London, I highly recommend you pop into Dalston Oxfam. There are so many more gems in there at insanely low prices! Not only that, but the staff are lovely too. What more could you ask?

In other news, you know that Motorola competition I mentioned in my last post? Well, in a moment of pure insanity I decided to enter! If you have a spare couple of seconds, I'd be extremely grateful if you could vote for my geeky face. I doubt I'll win, but it's worth a go!

Thank you for reading, and hopefully I'll see you on 28th June!

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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