Who’s That Girl?

Hello vintage lovelies,

"Drip, drip, drop little April showers" ... What a soggy week!  Hey, we survived and it’s only jolly well the weekend. Whoop whoop! Pats on backs all round.

Friend of the shop Christina Hogg popped by last week to chase away the rainy day (week … month) blues. We took the opportunity, before Reading drifts loose from its mooring and is swept off down the Thames and out to sea, to ask “Ooohh! Christina, what’s in the bag?” Come on - it's all about the clothes.

Christina had an Abba revival night coming up so opted for a cobalt blue 70’s dress. Those sleeves are great.



Dancing Queen



Christina also grabbed a 1950’s maternity jacket and couldn’t wait to get it home so popped it straight on. Go girl!



Jacket: model's own

In true yesteryear war-time spirit: keep chipper, brighter days are on their way.

In the meantime what about a little vintage therapy? Why not pop down to the monthly Vintage Fair at Revolution Bar in Reading today - yes today! Frock&Roll will be there as usual from 12 - 6 with a stall crammed with bags, brooches, scarves, shirts, jackets, belts, skirts and of course frocks. The entry is free, the vibe is chilled and there are delicious cakes on sale too!

Love Frock&Roll

Take ... One Pair of Yee Ha's!

Darn it  - who doesn't love a pair of cowboy boots? Hell yeah!

Hold on tight - let’s take a quick canter through the history of these legends in leather.   During the 19^th century the Anglo-Americans arrived in the south west of America, bringing their European military riding boot with them. There they found they’d been beaten to it by the Spanish Vaqueros, who had travelled from Spain via Mexico since the 16^th century and were working the cattle from horseback. The cowboy boot is basically an amalgamation, and development, of the original cavalry boot and the Spanish traditional boot.

The classic cowboy boot was built purely for roughty toughty work in the saddle. Narrow toe to make getting in and out of the stirrups easy: check. A Cuban heel to stop the foot dangerously falling through the front of the stirrup: check. The length of the boot stops the stirrup leathers chaffing: check.  The stiff sole makes riding standing up in the stirrups a doddle: check. Ingenious. However they were nighe on impossible to walk in and you could forget running.

The more modern roper boot was developed out of the rancher’s need to be able to work on the ground … and walk. They are lower in the heel, have a squarer toe and are shorter, coming up to the mid calf.

The 20^th century’s love of cowboy culture on the big screen and on the printed page made the cowboy boot a popular fashion item.

Ok, so having been around for yonks they’ve proved they have staying power and like much work wear, including beloved denim, they have been adapted and adopted by legions of leisure wearers and fashion lovers.

It’s no wonder - coming in all colours, heights, styles, materials and a range of patterns and embellishments they are a staple in the wardrobe. With a little Cuban heel they can give a fetching tone to the calves ... yet they can get thrown on with so much and are comfy all day long. Oozing swagger and with an edge of the outlaw they can signify the spirit of independence, adventure and individuality and some good ol’ fashion yee-ha fun! On trend or so last season – who cares? We say eternally stylish, versatile, flattering and easy to wear – we like!

With one pair of little ol’ cowboy boots we’ve put together our take on three hot diggity looks. Enjoy.



Footloose: "Dancing is not a crime."



High Kicks at the Hoedown



Prairie Girl



 Okey doke it’s nearly time for us to saddle up and move on out; but before we ride off into the sunset (until the next time anyway) – what’s your personal take and twist on western boot styling? Comments or photos of you or your friends working the look are most welcome; share here on the blog or on Frock&Roll’s facebook page: Frock&Roll Vintage Clothing

Love Frock&Roll

Hey Good Looking ... Watcha Got Cooking?

Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together and give a very warm welcome to our blog’s special guest star – the inimitable lil’ Miss Jessie.

Jessie is one ritzy lady with a first class (with honours) sense of style and gift for putting together some bonny ensembles. Jessie is also a girl after our own (collective) heart as bag-lover!  Being a regular Frock&Roller and friend of the shop Jessie came in recently for a mooch and a browse and some happy shopping time. We took the opportunity to catch up with the lovely lass for a natter and to have a nosy at her latest inspired purchase.

Hey there Jessie, we love the look you’re digging; it’s distinctive. How would you describe your style and what’s the inspiration behind it?

Hey there Frock&Roll, 40’s and 50’s vintage and rockabilly is the look I tend to go for. The 50’s is my favourite era by far. I was originally inspired through my love (or obsession!) with 1950’s music and style … it soon snowballed into a way of life!

So what is it about that era that has caught your imagination?

There was an immaculate sense of style, music, fashion and image. I like the humble 'make do' attitude and resourcefulness that came with the 50's although it was also during these times they began to realise what a good time was all about!

There were so many prominent and influential women from that period, is there anyone you especially revere as a style icon?

I don’t have one singular style icon … the obvious suggestions like Marilyn and Audrey spring to mind for their prowess and beauty. However, Grace Kelly, Betty Page and Rita Hayworth are particular favourites of mine!

In your downtime, when you’re not bargain hunting, jiving or sewing (more on this a little later!) where do your cultural tastes lie?

I have been brought up with music and it still plays a massive part in my life. I've learnt to appreciate 'good' music and musicians for their technicality, not popularity - all thanks to my dad! I also like to read classics and biographies. I do watch the odd film but sadly I don't have the attention span to sit through anything other than slapstick comedy!

You’re a Reading girl, where are your Reading hang outs?

Reading, well, there's not too much of a rockin' scene in Reading so I tend to travel to London for a spot of jiving. Mind you however, you will find me on occasion in the Purple Turtle for more impromptu nights out! I'm very fussy with the music I can bear!!

So … back to clothes (yay!), what's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?

Favourite piece; well I have a few! If you mean 'favourite' as in what gets worn most often it'd have to be my jeans, which get thrown on for almost any occasion! Although, I am very fond of my vintage mint green lurex wiggle dress; I just don't often get the opportunity to wear it!

So what’s in the bag and what you got planned for it?

I’ve just bought a new dress I've bought for a wedding - it's exactly what I've been looking for! 

I also bought a … wait for it … yep, another bag! 

What you thinking to go with the dress to finish the look?

I'm planning on finding some glass slippers or cute white sandals to finish the outfit off, perhaps with a bolero and  little box bag ... any excuse to do more shopping!

Finally what's your top fashion tip?

Always look your best ... you never know when you’ll be 'popping' out and end up regretting having not done your hair and make-up!

Thumbs up. Very cool.

FYI – Besides Jessie’s knack for a rockin’ look she is a creative and talented lady. Miss Jessie is a little gem with a sewing machine and offers an indispensible and brilliant service to mend and make alterations; she can even do custom made designs to retro patterns; quite impressive we’re sure you’ll agree.  For a price list text her on 07834 452926, email her at lilmisssewnsew1950@gmail.com or pick up a leaflet in the shop.

Love Frock&Roll

A Bit of Light Entertainment

Reading is clearly in the middle of a very enjoyable creative surge which is just fab. There are a lot of local people doing some imaginative and original work including the team at Make & Do,  makeanddoworkshops.com up on the hill in Caversham. There are also a lot of people beavering away on an independent and personal level to share their cleverness and artistic flair.

Natalie Macdonald is one such smart, wonderful and scrummy cookie who likes to keep it vintage; so we thought we'd throw some light on Natalie's fresh (and may we say stunning) take on a featurette of home décor - the lampshade. There is a selection of Natalie’s one-off shades for sale in the shop.

How long have you been making the lampshades?

I first learnt to make lampshades at a workshop at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival in 2010. My first shade was made from a floral skirt! I enjoyed making it so much that I purchased a take home kit - although admittedly that stayed in the bag for quite a few months before I made it, but I surprised myself by remembering how to! I then didn’t want to stop!

After meeting up with a friend we decided to arrange a stall at a local vintage fair which gave me the perfect outlet to sell lampshades and make them! So in December of last year I got to work and hit The Real Vintage Fair in Reading with my first 'for sale' lampshades!

Where did you get the idea/inspiration?

I’ve always kept a collection of fabric, but I am not one for dress making. I have always had a love for interior design and almost studied a degree in it (but opted for Mathematics and Management instead!) After the workshop I had a perfect purpose for the fabrics and a good excuse to keep up the collection! I’m constantly looking round for new fabrics and lampshade ideas.

What are the lampshades made from?

The lampshades are made from heatproof carding acquired from a specialist company which allows me to use any fabric I wish. The rings are also purchased from a lampshade materials supplier although I have recently started to reuse the frames of shades and recycle when possible as opposed to always buying brand new; since the fabric is pre-loved it seems to make sense to recycle where possible.

Where do you find the gorgeous material?

Most of the materials I use were something else in a previous life including scarves, dresses, tablecloths, curtains etc. There really are no boundaries as to what can be used. For me it has to be unusual. My aim is to make the lampshade a feature in a room - a talking point; so often they become lost in a corner with just a plain shade. I have a love for floral and retro patterns so they always draw me in, but bright colours also help as the shade completely transforms once the light is shining through it. I try to use genuine vintage fabrics but also love materials which have retro inspired patterns or just great colours or prints. Most are purchased from vintage fairs or charity shops and more recently I have been searching for more unique, vintage fabrics which can be more expensive but all contributes to creating a one-off feature for the home.

Any plans to add to your range?

Yes – my next step is to learn to crochet having just purchased a vintage lampshade crochet pattern, although perhaps a lampshade is quite an optimistic style to start with. Oh and square shades will be coming soon! I’d also love to be able to re-cover the traditional standard lamp shades so that is also something that I’d like to learn.

How would you describe your own style of home décor?

My home consists of an eclectic mix of pieces which I have collected on my travels from an around the world trip, nick-nacks from my Gran’s home as well as books and bags! Although the décor and furniture is relatively simple I love to decorate with unusual items - my favourite ones being a number of different coloured crochet doilies and Babysham statues! (One of my favourite items feature in the photos!)

Being an all round gifted lady Natalie also designs and makes her own unique vintage inspired jewellery which can be viewed on Natalie’s website laceypearl.com

So, tell us a little bit about your jewellery?                      

I began making jewellery at the beginning of 2009, starting with a Saturday silversmith course at Reading College. I learnt about traditional styles and methods, but I really wanted to make something a little bit different! It wasn’t until I moved to Australia later in the year that I took my jewellery more seriously and invested in tools, chains and charms and started my own stall at the local artists’ market.

I’ve also just completed my first term of an upholstery evening course, which I love! Watch this space for coordinating chairs and shades!

The lowdown: The lampshades range from £15 for a table lampshade to £35 for a standard lampshade. Besides selling through Frock&Roll the lampshades are also available to order in any size and Natalie has a selection of fabrics available and is constantly adding to the collection.

Let your light shine, amen!

Love Frock&Roll

Vintage Time Capsule...Fashion From the Future

The recent closing shows in Tokyo, mark the end of this spring's round of fashion weeks from around the world. This is a time when all fashionistas pause and take a breath, have a cuppa tea (and maybe a biccie) to fortify their flagging vigour before walking into the dazzle of a brand new world.


We thought it would be fun to go back in time - all the way back ...back ...back ... to the autumn of 2011 and look at last year’s futuristic predictions for this spring/summer as well as taking a peek at this season’s offerings for autumn/winter; so we've got this year all wrapped up with a velveteen bow. So here is our hand-picked selection of I-spy-with-my-little-eye trends for 2012; all, of course, with a unique vintage twist.

Stars of Track and Field

Think athletic with perforated or mesh materials, racing backs and sporty pumps.  We think the quickest sports injection of gym bunny styling is with the oh-so-easy sports jacket. To top it, the baseball jacket is spot on so we can all keep it retro with a slice of Americana on the side.

Pale and Interesting

Fresh and soft pastels are perfect for spring and as pastels have circled round through the years we can find them in most of our favourite era styles. From baby blues and peach to lilac and cream this gentle look can be pepped up by clashing colours. Don’t fancy going the whole hog? You could always go for some pastel accents with some all so important accessorising.

Blooming Marvellous

This year is burgeoning with all things floral. Apparently we’re not to be scared to go full head to toe - big and bold, small and dainty, busy lizzie style or quieter quirkier prints. Anything goes so there’s no need to be a wallflower.

Prim and Proper

Do up that top button and keep it tidy with the prim and preppy look. ‘Geek chic’ is still working so don’t put away your college glasses just yet and have fun mixing the look up with kooky colours and contrasting textiles.

  

Metal Mickey

You may be forgiven for imagining you've set your digital alarm for 1985 (oh what a beautiful dream) with the return of the heavy metals. Keeping it glam we can pack some punch with this year’s sheeny shiny metallics. Giving it some attitude with accessories make this a no-brainer.

Red Setter

Hot, hot, hot. When a shot of instant confidence is guaranteed red is our new best friend. Glam n sexy, striking n strong, cosy n colourful red is anything we want it to be. Match in with 80's leather pants or 50's velvet dress and we're 'bang on trend' 2012 style.

Military Might

Does military ever halt its march on the catwalks? We don’t care, it’s a firm favourite. Yep, we can add some original military uniform pieces for some vintage tailoring or parkas for a looser look, however how about combining some eternal-trend army green with your day2night look in a maxi dress, easy-T or clutch bag.

                          

Two Tones of Monochrome

The monochrome trend may look simple but with its geometric and stark, minimal and bold print this is a powerful and dramatic look.

Finally, here are a few other trends spotted that are also worthy of a mention:

Pattern: Checks and african

Textile: Velvet and knits

Style: Skirts are full

Whatever the style you're working, enjoy!

Love Frock&Roll