A Girl's Best Friend

Any good Brownie, with her vintage proficiency badge sewn proudly onto her sleeve will know; it pays to be prepared. This is particularly important with the silly season imminently upon us.

Whether it's for an office do (complete with the obligatory frenzy of karaoke hits) or a chic cocktail party for the chosen few, a full-on ball or just for a new outfit for Christmas day we all know a little black dress can be our flexible friend.

There are many reasons that little black numbers have been a firm staple for any wardrobe (or post-party floordrobe) since Coco Chanel's first designs in the 1920's. They are flattering and confidence-boosting. They come in all shapes, sizes and styles and colou ... urrm, ahhh, ok, yep, they do generally only come in one colour. That'll be black then. Little black dresses are adaptable and are a great choice in a don't-know-what-to-wear emergency.

However, just because the little black dress is reliable, it doesn't follow that they have to be 'safe' or boring.  Choosing a vintage lbd means you can pretty much guarantee avoiding those little awkward moments when you find you are matching outfits with a fellow co-party goer. Whatever your look, be it soft and feminine with a note of sumptuous velvet, sassy, slinky and shimmery, or tailored with embellishment detail,  keeping it vintage ensures your unique style sings.

So, if you're ready to start a life-long relationship with your very own lbd and looking for your soul-mate or you're casting your eye for an upgrade for your own take on that perfect do-all-do's dress here's some ideas from the Frock&Roll Autumn/Winter collection (prices between £18 - £40).

 Love Frock&Roll

London Calling

Hello lovelies,

 

Well, besides our usual frock fun in the shop we’ve been busy little bees as we’ve been helping out with a few photoshoots. So here’s a sneaky peek at one we were delighted to get involved with.

A few weeks ago lovely vintage fanatic and super stylist Pea Fierce Pea Fierce on Facebook from Reading popped into the shop with a fab idea to showcase local talent. Pea suggested combining the brilliance of Harris Arcade-based Adrienne Henry Milliner Adrienne Henry Millinery her own styling prowess and Frock&Roll’s glad rags. She then scouted out local Model Edyta Lach and Photographer Artur Jabba Jabba Photography  to complete the photoshoot team.

The collaboration highlights some of the work of Reading’s crème de la crème against the backdrop of London’s premier tourist spots. So, after we’d packed up our sandwiches and got the train we had a great day out in the city and here are a few of the results of Pea's take on tourism with a vintage twist.

With this photoshoot under our suede 70’s belt, Frock&Roll are building quite a portfolio of media features including the Rock&Roll Bride magazine RocknRoll Bride's Magazine as well as being the provider of the frock that helped the winner of one of Goodwood’s Revival Best dressed at Goodwood Revival best dressed. Hurrah!

 

Love Frock&Roll

p.s. This Saturday sees the anticipated return of the extravaganza that is the Real Vintage Fair at the Hexagon Real Vintage Fair at The Hexagon. This is a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping for your loved ones, the necessary office secret santa and of course for yourself. Let's start the Christmas mantra now ... one for you, one for me ... one for you, two for me ...  If you're popping into the Hexagon pop over to say hi.

　

Gunpowder, Treason And Plot

Conspiracies, plots to bring down the government and terrorism – sounds like an episode of Homelands but this is true-crime drama 17^th Century style care of Mr G. Fawkes. Although things didn’t go quite to plan for Mr Fawkes, firework night gives us an excuse to get the sparklers and plasters out, watch the whizz bangs, drink mulled wine, eat comfort food and very importantly give our winter wear its first proper airing.

Here’s Frock&Roll’s take on keeping head-to-toe toasty by the fire.

Hat Trick

Hats are fantastic. It’s official. They keep you warm, they’re flattering, they add individual style and a little bit of mystery, and they hide a multitude of sins from slothful hair to gluttony (you can store extra bangers underneath them for later) and they can definitely induce envy.



Cape Crusaders

Take your pick to wrap up, against the chill, with wool, sheepskin or a very cute cape. All you need now stay snug is a pair of those mittens on string.



Jolly Japes in Jumpers

There’s no need to hold back until Christmas to get out the novelty jumpers.  Be a party-starter in a jumper that will keep people talking for months to come.

If you’re looking for a bonfire night extravaganza then have a squidge at this listing: check me out for bonfire nights

Have a sparkly night and stay cosy.

Love Frock&Roll

P.S From now until Chrimbo the shop will be open an extra day, on Tuesdays 10 – 6. Huzzzah!