Decade Style Icons from the 20's - 90's

As Vintage lovers, our passion for the fashion of the past is well and truly alive. And what better way to appreciate vintage fashion than to delve into past trends and have a look at style icons whom previously rocked said looks.

In the last couple of years, 1920’s fashion has made a huge comeback. With novels like ‘The Great Gatsby’ having a remake for the big screen, the flapper look has taken off and everyone wants some fringe and a hint of sparkle. So, who better to celebrate the 1920’s fashion with than Coco Chanel? 

The ‘20’s was when Chanel really took off. 

She was the first designer to steer away from the corset, and create a relaxed, leisurely feel for woman's clothing. This look to the right is both classic and elegant, yet flowing and comfortable looking. The picture on the left is a recreation from Frock&Roll and perfect for a glamorous evening dinner! 

Moving on from Coco Chanel's glamorous feel of the 1920's, I'm introducing the playful polka dots, commonly seen throughout 1930's fashion! The polka dot was thrown into fashion after Disney depicted Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress, and since the 1930's has reoccurred numerous times throughout the following decades. 

To the left we have Bette Davis, iconic actress and the first woman to win the Lifetime Achievement Award. 



Her beautiful 1930's look, recreated on the right,  would work wonderfully for a first date, or a romantic walk. After all, Bette Davis' greatest successes are her portrayals in romantic dramas!

Film and television icon, Joan Crawford, was hugely influential throughout the 1940's as she had already made a name for herself in the industry by that point. Below is a daytime look created by Joan, that was typical of the casual, yet playful look of the 1940's.

This recreation creates a girly look which would work greatly for a ladies lunch. Afternoon tea, perhaps? 






Through the 1940's/50's, during and after World War II, there was a conformity, and conservative approach to fashion. However, by the end of the 1950's both men and women started to move towards a more rebellious look. And I doubt there's anyone better to base the 1950's rebellious fashion on than Marilyn Monroe. 

Deemed one of the most beautiful women in the world, and an icon for curvaceous women worldwide, this actress' fashion is influential to this day.





This sexy look recreated on the left, would work well with some elegant heels and a gold clutch. Though rebellious for this decade, nowadays this would be wonderful for an evening of cocktails!

Keeping in line with rebellious fashion but going forward into the 1960's we introduce our first male fashion icon, James Dean. After acting in his most influential film, 'Rebel without a Cause', he became an icon for socially estranged teenager. Dean's rebelliousness is shown in his choice of fashion. 

From the bomber jacket, to the quiff in his hair, Dean creates a sexy, yet troubled image contradictory to previous male fashion. 




And Frock&Roll's recreation is perfect for guys openly looking to add an edgy feel to their wardrobe.

As one of the most recognisable fashion and film icons ever, Audrey Hepburn is the female fashion icon of the 1960's. By this point she was already known for her roles in 'Roman Holiday' and 'Sabrina' but 1961 saw her star in her outrageously huge film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.

The look she wears here, is both classy and pretty. Frock&Roll's take on Audrey's dress would be perfect for a prom or a wedding.






To move on from Audrey's good girl image, we have bad girl Debbie Harry who hit the 1970's scene with her punk rock band Blondie. The turn of the 1970's brought with it punk and grunge fashion which is similar to today's rock and emo look.

Debbie Harry once stated that people would stare at her in the street because of her image: "It was different, outlandish, it was scary to some people".




So, if you're looking for a bad girl image to rock, or you just love the double denim look, check out this Frock&Roll recreation for yourself!

Along with bad girl Debbie Harry, we also have a football fashionista, George Best, representing the 1970's for the guys! With beige colours, flared jeans, and what some might call "dodgy" shirts as the male fashion trend of the 1970's, Bestie, is the perfect fashion candidate to recreate.

As one of the first celebrity footballers, this Northern Ireland born footballing legend, was an idol and icon to many guys throughout the UK.


Fancy charming a lady in Bestie fashion? Then this recreation on the right is brilliant!

If you have a modern day appreciation for the Rock bands of the 1970's/80's, then this next fashion icon will have your fashion senses tingling! The style depicted here is much like Bestie's fashion, yet I believe Strummer's take on it would appeal much more to the ladies who love a musician.

Joe Strummer, lead singer of The Clash, presents a cool, yet sophisticated image here.

The image on the left is great if you want to got for a more edgy, smart feel, perhaps for an evening do!


For women, the 1980's brought bright colours, loads of accessories, tutus and big hair! I didn't even consider anyone other than Madonna as the style icon here. 1980's Madonna is the go to for 80's fancy dress, she's the Madonna that everyone automatically thinks of when her name is mentioned. Madonna is still one of the most influential women in the world.

This Queen of Pop's wardrobe was spot on trend and the recreation on the right creates a fun look which would work wonderfully for a music gig!






The 90's produced a number of hugely successful models, one of whom was Kate Moss. Known throughout the 90's as an "anti-supermodel" due to her difference in appearance to other models of the time, Kate became worldly appreciated. She has even modelled for the previously mentioned Chanel!

The 90's was the decade of the comebacks with many previous trends returning. It saw a comeback from lace, leather, preppy & grunge fashion, as well as neon and trench coats.

Frock&Roll's recreation would be perfect for a night on the town! Add some strappy heels and a long necklace and the look is complete and party friendly!




Last but not least we have the Fresh Prince representing the 1990's for the male population! With the return of the bomber jacket, plus bright colours and caps, Will Smith, expertly shows the playful, fun-loving nature of the 90's.

Who doesn't love a bit of young Will Smith?






To the right we have a look worthwhile of any modern-day hipster! Personally, this is my favourite look but hey, I'm a 90's kid!

There you have it! My favourite fashionistas of the past! Frock&Roll have everything you need to recreate the looks you want from decades past. In the shop Ali, Kelly & Jonny are always happy to help you put together different looks - so if you ever need assistance - just ask! Thanks to Ali for the above recreations!

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see from the blog, and feedback would be greatly appreciated! The next post I'm planning will be titled 'Like our parents!' where I'm hoping to recreate looks from the past using parents and grandparents as models.

I hope you enjoyed :)

Much love,
Em x

WELCOME TO 2015 FELLOW VINTAGE LOVERS!

Hello everyone!

As of 2015 I (Emily) have become Frock&Roll's Ambassador and Blogger. So I thought, seeing as I'm going to be keeping you updated, with everything and anything Vintage related, every two weeks, you should know a little bit about me!

I am an obvious vintage lover, especially when it comes to 80's mohair cardigans; they're my weakness! I'm also a 3rd year English Language student at the University of Reading. I'm half Irish, half English. I love dogs, but hate cats. I like to watch crime documentaries, and I'm terrified of spiders and sharks. I usually drink around 4 cups of tea a day, and I think Audrey Hepburn is the most beautiful woman to have ever lived. I once had a hamster that I named Mark, and stick insects as pets that only lived for a day. All in all, I'm quite weird, but weird can be good, can't it?

Now that you know about me, you need to know why I love Frock&Roll!

I first discovered Frock&Roll in September 2014, and was immediately annoyed with myself for not discovering it sooner. Not only is it a vintage-lovers DREAM but it's the friendliest of friendly environments to shop in! I was so thrilled with my first purchase from Frock&Roll that I went straight home and raved about it to my housemates; who have now also visited and fallen in love with Frock&Roll. The shop has everything you could need from a vintage clothing shop: evening clothes, casual clothes, men's/women's, shoes, bags, scarves, brooches.

Here's a few of the items bought from Frock&Roll by myself and my housemates:

This is the lovely Maddie in her beautiful vintage coat that she bought for £28. WHAT A BARGAIN!

To the right is my 1980's tartan & velvet coat, that I paid a wonderfully cheap £15 for!

Above is one of my mohair cardigans. This 80's classic was only £12 and the best item of clothing I have ever bought.

To the left is the beautiful Josie casually wearing her Frock&Roll scarf that she paid £4.80 for after receiving 20% discount!

And last but not least is the gorgeous Chloe modelling her vintage coat purchased for a brilliant £34 :)














Now that I have introduced myself, I'll update you a little on what's going on in the shop - next week sees the January sale in it's last throws (in preparation for lots of lovely new goodies) with Vintage Bargains starting from just £1!!

Frock&Roll will also be making an appearance at the next Real Vintage & Good Food Market at the Hexagon on Sunday 1st February. It's a great FREE local vintage event, so definitely worth a mooch around for a gem or two or three....

Well that's it for this time, but I would love to hear from you to find out what you would like to see on this blog, or in the shop or just to share your vintage thoughts.

See you in a couple of weeks

Vintage Love,

Em x

Let's all celebrate and have a good time!

Hello again!

This month, I am really excited to announce that on Saturday 31st of August we will be celebrating Frock&Roll's 3rd Birthday!  And to celebrate in style we are going to be throwing you an afternoon of vintage fun! 

Firstly, super talented local photographer Nicola Belson will be creating a Photo Booth Experience for you all to have fun with. There will be a box full of vintage props for you to pose with and all photographs will be available to you online after the event. Nicola will be in store snapping away from from 12 noon to 4pm.

We will also be providing you all with some vintage cocktails to keep you cool and refreshed and the first 25 customers through the door will each receive a goody bag of retro treats!  And because we really wanted to spoil you we will be offering a 10% discount on everything for the whole day.

In addition, throughout August we will be giving raffle tickets out with every purchase made. The raffle will then be drawn on the big day, with a top prize of a £50 voucher to spend at Frock&Roll.

  

It would be fantastic to see you & your friends on 31st August to enjoy a afternoon of fun with us. This is Frock&Roll's chance to thank all our customers for the past three years & for keeping vintage alive in Reading!

See you there!

Vintage Love

Kelly x

From Dawn to Dusk

I know we haven't had much of a summer so far but I am staying hopeful that we are going to be swapping our umbrellas for our sunnies soon! 
 
In the meantime Ali and I have been playing dress up in the cavern of goodies that is Frock&Roll to create some looks for when the sun does put his hat on. We wanted to show you ways that you can take a garment, dress it for a daytime and then switch it up and work it into a glam evening outfit.  This way you can maximize your wardrobe potential and give those gems that I know are hanging in your closet a new lease of life. 

 

1950s Cotton Dress - £24

For the day look, a simple cardigan, shades and some pumps are an easy way to achieve a casual but classic 50's inspired outfit. Great for those warm summer days but if it is a little chilly outside then add some tights (skin coloured, black or a pop of colour).

To create the evening look, start with your favourite pair of heels and experiment with accessories. We have used oversized pearl earrings, and a set of pearl bracelets. An underskirt and a waist belt give the dress a more dramatic look, and of course shouts the 50's! To add some classic glamour to the outfit try wearing gloves, and of course we CANNOT forget the staple piece that is red lipstick for the finishing touch.

Flocked 1950's Skirt - £25

This gorgeous skirt is what you call a real staple piece and such a great example of a garment that can do both daytime and evening looks with ease. For a casual look dig out a favourite T-shirt that you love to wear, that is right ladies, T-SHIRT! They don't just go with jeans and joggers!!  Flip flops or pumps would finish this outfit off nicely. I love this combination - comfy, fun, with an edge of glamour! What more could you want an outfit to say about you? 
 
To dress this skirt up we have used a simple black top paired with a fitted jacket to create a sophisticated evening look. We have gone for a classic black heeled shoe and added clip-on earrings and matching necklace to give the outfit some sparkle and pull it all together. Of course to give you that final touch my best friend RED LIPPY!  
 
1970's Cotton Skirt - £12

This 70's floral skirt is so much fun and is great for a summer look. All you need for your daytime look is a vest, sunglasses and your trusty pair of flats and you’re off. This wicker handbag is a great way to add to the vintage look. Instant and easy daytime glamour! 
 
To transform this skirt into an evening look start with an underskirt to give it the most volume you can. Put on a plain chiffon shirt and add a jacket for an elegant evening look. Add a belt to show off your waist and create an hourglass silhouette. We have used oversized peach floral earrings which picks out one of the colours from the skirt. All you need now is your favourite pair of heels, your lipstick and you are ready to hit the town in style.

 

1980's Print Top - £14 

This amazing multi-coloured number screams summer fun! Twinned with some denim shorts, this is a great way to achieve a unique but fun daytime look. You can wear flip flops or sneakers whichever you prefer and you are ready! How simple is that ladies? 
 
To take this colourful gem into the night we have used wet-look leggings and some red high heels to create a sexy retro number! You could use any kind of bright earrings with this outfit but we have gone for square white 80s earrings. They really pop against the exciting colours in the top! And of course with the red shoes comes the red lipstick. It works through all the eras, ladies. If you haven't got a red lipstick! GO AND GET ONE!

I really hope you enjoyed the looks and they give you some ideas and inspiration of making the most of your wardrobes. We would also really love to see photos of your summer outfits, so please take a snap and e-mail them to aliredfern@hotmail.com so we can share them on the blog.
 
Lots of Vintage Love 
Ali & Kelly 
x

Style on the Streets of Reading

Welcome to the Reading Street Style edition of the Blog!

Well...what fun I had mooching around Reading, checking out everyone’s style.  Here are some of the gems I found whilst out and about in the town on a Wednesday afternoon. ENJOY!

First off scouting for snazzy street style I headed to the Oracle and came across this fab couple and couldn’t resist a snap! This loved up pair enjoy mixing high street with second hand and vintage. What I love about these two is the fact that they have style without looking like they are trying too hard or taking two hours getting ready! Win Win!

Next, I found this cutie trying on shoes (a girl after my own heart) This Betty is a fan of Topshop and all the quirky high street fashion it can offer! What I love about this outfit is the floral v’s stripes. Clashing floral patterns has been big on the catwalk and has spilled out onto the high street. A great way of doing casual without putting on jeans and a vest top.

This beauty shows us all how suit up! Smart with a splash of her own style. So take inspiration girls and boys, even if you have a uniform restriction to stick to it doesn’t mean you can’t do it in your own way. 

After all my snapping I was parched and ready for a break and who should I notice as I order my pint? …..This handsome gent who had just come back from an interview and was rewarding himself with a Guinness. A shirt, waistcoat and tie paired with some black jeans are a great way to do smart casual. This dapper chap enjoys a good bargain so day to day you will find him sporting finds from charity and vintage shops! Good for you! Nothing like a bargain! 

Now this lady stands out in a crowd with her distinctive look which I LOVE! As someone who attempted the goth look as a teenager I can tell you that this is what I was trying (but failing) to look like! This unique lovely told me that her look is inspired by one of her favourite films - The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and that the music she listens to also plays a part. She likes to shop in Camden,on etsy and ebay. 

I couldn’t resist this trio of fashionistas. These high street honeys enjoy bright colours and bold patterns. I love the leggings and heel combo, wouldn’t work for everyone as leggings can be tricky to wear, but for these ladies it was indeed a triumph. 

Last up, this vintage lovely told me she was both a bargain hunter and a hoarder. Her style evolves from the playful mixing of the old and new, detail and simplicity and she loves to reinvent clothes with her sewing machine. She went on to tell me that she loves craftsmanship of vintage pieces which inspires her to bring the past into the present.  I couldn’t agree more! 

I would like to thank all those who took part in this blog. I enjoyed talking to all of you and finding more out about your looks and inspirations. I'll be looking forward to doing another street style edition later in the year.

Until next time…

Vintage Love Kelly x

Introducing …….. Blog Betty

A BIG GLITTERY GLAMOROUS WELCOME BACK to Frock&Roll’s blog! Sorry we have been quiet the past few months but we have been hibernating due to the lack of sunshine, but rest assured the signs of spring have stirred us from beneath our duvets, out of our pjs and the gloves are coming off (had to been done). Frock&Roll is VERY excited to be approaching that time of year where the rail of fur coats will be replaced with floral prints and other such summery goodies.

So let me introduce myself. I am Kelly, Frock&Roll’s new Blog Editor although I prefer the title Blog Betty. I am a vintage loving lady who enjoys experimenting with vintage styles, I LOVE make-up and hair and I am always trying to find something new to try out whether that is experimenting with a different shade of lipstick, a new hair colour or trying to master one of the many retro hair styles.  I am also known as Dame La Reine when I am shaking my tail feather on the Burlesque Scene. This side of my life completely allows me to indulge in playing dress-up with the eras past in a more dramatic way than I think I could get away with in the streets of Reading, although on Saturday Night I still try!

 

Three Random Facts about Me:

1. I have an animal addiction. I have been banned from squeezing any more into my flat. I have two rabbits called Lorelei and Captain Carrot. I have a hamster called Elvis. Five mice called Marylin Mon Mouse, Liz Tailor, Rita MouseWorth, Dorothy Danger Mouse and Beatrice and a fishy Eel thing called Derek Acorah.

2. My favourite programme ever is Most Haunted. Yes I know Derek was a fraud, but me and Yvette go way back… Blue Peter, something about hospitals…. :P

3. I wear fake eyelashes everyday….. everyday! My eyelashes are practically poker straight - rubbish for creating a pin-up look. I can put them on in less than three minutes now!

So let’s get back to the task at hand shall we? Over the next few months I will be sharing some gems with you that I have picked up along the way - how to do vintage hair and make up, looking at quick and easy ways to achieve a retro look for us ladies who are on the go and how to accessorise a vintage outfit on a budget. I would like this Blog to be interactive and reflect what you would like to know about vintage fashion, hair and make up. Whether there is a look that you are trying to achieve or the history behind it? Whatever it is please contact me with your requests and I will do my very best to help. You may have suggestions and ideas for the Blog which would be welcomed.

I will also be updating you about what is going on in Frock&Roll and upcoming events in Reading. I am very excited to tell you that I shall be lurking around Reading next Wednesday to take pictures of some of Reading Street Style which will feature in the next Blog in a couple of weeks’ time. So look out for that!

I shall look forward to hearing from you with requests and suggestions!

Lots of Vintage Love Kelly x  

Roses In The Snow

Is it ok to come out from under the duvet? Is January over? Phew! That was a tough one; and no, with our breaking point being close to that of a Kit Kat, the new year resolutions were not kept. It was not a dry month. Practically medicinal.

What did cheer us up in Frock&Roll was having a visit from two of Reading’s own two rays of sunshine; the lovely Kelly Hugo and Louise Butland. Hurrrah!



Kelly (left) & Louise (right) Showing off Their Spoils

These two beauties skipped into the shop last week like the promise of spring personified.  With a swirl and a swish our two friends of the shop made their choices and it was clear they had their minds on lazy, hazy summer days.

Both ladies are fully paid up members of Reading’s growing number of vintage lovers. Being a dressmaker specializing in 40s/50s inspired dresses Louise is amongst the gems of Reading’s talent. Alongside the vintage inspired dresses Louise also makes costumes too. So, if you’re looking for a specific pattern to be made up or want something particular in size or look then check out Louise’s website contrarietyrose or visit her in the Harris Arcade.

Now February is with us - and, ok, we can't quite put the knits, furs and boots to one side yet, we can definitely start planning for the warmer weather. Whoop whoop! We'll certainly be in flurry of activity this month filling the shop with spring-worthy apparel.

Love Frock&Roll