This month on Make + Do I'm focussing on all things vintage and retro. Truthfully, I wasn't really into vintage until fairly recently. For me, shopping at op-shops and charity stores was more out of necessity than style. In fact, I rather hated being dragged along by mum to buy ‘new' clothes in stinky old secondhand stores.
But something changed. I realised that vintage silhouettes suit my short, curvy figure far more than the current trends of simple, straight shifts and androgynous fashion. I've always like structural pieces, such as jackets, nipped in waists and v-necklines. I took up sewing for a number of reasons, but first and foremost was a desire to wear unusual, exciting pieces that flattered my body. I live in regional Queensland, so most fashions are geared towards younger, skinnier, perkier women than I. They make me look like a $2 hooker with my boobs hanging out. Not a good look, really.
I think retro and vintage style is fun. It's exciting, and flattering and feminine, and it celebrates my curves in all the right ways!
I'm also at the age where my childhood toys and tableware are considered vintage and retro, so the nostalgia that comes with discoveries at my local Vinnies always brings a smile to my face.
So this month I'm talking to the gorgeous Evelyn Wood from Evelyn Wood Vintage Fashion House about her stunning and authentic reproduction vintage pieces. I'm also chatting with Rachel Pilcher-Wilson about Ruby Caravan – a retro vintage caravan pop-up coffee shop that I simply adore. I'll be sharing some of my favourite vintage sources, bloggers, Instagrammers and inspirations.
And to top it all off, I'm running my first ever giveaway – I'll release details shortly!
To get you in the mood for all things vintage I've started some Vintage Inspiration Boards on Pinterest. You can follow my Vintage Fashion Pinterest board board or my Vintage Tableware Pinterest board to get some retro inspiration. I'll also be instagramming my way through the month so I'd love to see you there!
Well I think you know that this is all up my alley and more.
I certainly do, Trudie! I’ve been so looking forward to sharing my love of vintage style with you!
Lisa I hated being dragged into St Vinnies as a child, I could never stand the smell of mothballs. I still have an aversion to that smell but now I’m more than happy to look for treasures in second hand stores.
I am such a vintage fan Lisa! Always have been, always will be. It’s carried me through all the stages of my life, especially the early – mid eighties when I went through a full-on punk / rockabilly stage. Just wish I’d kept it all. I still have some fabulous jewellery pieces that I wear.
I like the idea of your vintage boards on Pinterest. I doubt I would ever buy vintage clothes but they can be lovely to look at.
I love structured dresses, like ones that fit and flare. They are so flattering on basically everyone’s figures really.
Tegan xx – Permanent Procrastination