Frock&Roll: A Retro-spective Of The Story So Far

As we are celebrating Frock&Roll's 2nd birthday this weekend we thought we'd publish an interview Ali did for Zara King and her blog The Hideaway back in the day, not long after Ali opened the shop. This is a great insight into the mastermind behind Frock&Roll as she muses on the fabulous business of vintage.

Frock&Roll Vintage Gem - Q&A With Founder and Owner

Zara: Happy that I had finally discovered a vintage gem in Reading, (my home town) I immediately headed on over to the gorgeous Frock&Roll on Watlington Street. I was lucky enough to be able to catch up with the ever-so lovely founder and owner, Ali Redfern, who was able to fill me in on the details of how she came to open her dream shop ... 

I understand Frock&Roll opened its doors in July of this year (2010), what made you choose Reading as a location for your shop?

Reading was a natural choice as I felt there was a lack of vintage shops in and around the area, yet there was a real demand from individuals for something different from the high street. Also Reading is my own home town so it meant I had lots of support from friends and family in starting my venture.

What was the inspiration behind Frock&Roll?

I had been thinking about it for a while, at least a couple of years. I have always been passionate about vintage clothing and I knew I wanted to have my own business so the two came together. However, it took time to source stock and build up the courage to just go for it. It was such a big change from working for the large corporate companies I was used to.

Where did the name Frock&Roll come from?

I had thought of various ideas around the word and meaning of vintage and came up with a list of names. Frock&Roll was one of them and I found the web domain frockandroll.com was also available.  I asked quite a few friends and they liked it, so I just plumped for it.

What is your own personal definition of vintage?

Personally, I would say vintage is over 20 years old, so 1980’s and before (early part of the 90’s as well now). I use the rule of a 20 year period but I know others who have different ideas. At the other end of the scale any clothing over 100 years old would be classed as antique.

 

When did your love of vintage first develop?

Oooo … years ago.  I always loved charity shop shopping when I was younger and my mum had dresses from the 50’s that I loved to dress up in and I have always loved things a bit different.  As well as vintage I like one off’s and re-worked items, I think I have always veered towards that since I started buying my own clothes as a teenager. 

How would you describe the Frock&Roll customer?

It really varies, from young teenagers to … well, customers in their 70’s and 80’s.  I've had older ladies in buying dresses to go on cruises.  Younger students come in who like to get original versions of current styles. Basically I get customers in of any age that are looking for something a bit different or for a special occasion. However, the majority of customers I would say are in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

Are there any particular eras that are more popular than others?

Again it depends on the individual. Some people love a particular era such as Rockabillys or Mods. 1950’s dresses are always very popular as they are timeless, have a great shape and are glamorous. A lot of younger people love the 80’s style … as unlike me they didn’t live it the first time round! 

 

Do you think that vintage has a future? And if so, where do you see it going?

I think at the moment there is quite a big resurgence with vintage because it is ethical, it is also very individual.  There is a lot of press with celebrities wearing vintage which is great. Although, unlike new clothes there is only a limited supply of vintage, so at some point it may change a bit and I think re-worked clothing will be seen more, also we will see more 90’s fashion resurfacing. Vintage, charity and thrift shops have been around for years, because people love getting a unique piece of clothing at a cheaper than high street price … so there will always be a market.

Have you noticed people in your shop picking out key trend pieces?

Customers can find the original versions of modern looks that have been inspired from past fashions. They can also find pieces that are currently en-vogue but with a twist. The pieces will be unique and have a piece of history attached to them.

At the moment people are looking for jumpers – particularly the Icelandic type 80’s jumpers and also Faux Fur Coats. (Fast forward to July 2012 and the top picks are currently denim and army jackets.)

Which items sell well?

It changes with the season. Accessories (bags, brooches, scarves etc) always sell well as they do not need to fit the customer’s measurements.

How would you describe your own personal style?

Eclectic probably, I’m not into one particular era.  It depends what mood I am in I guess, sometimes I will get really dressed up in a 50’s cocktail dress, other times I like a more casual look of jeans and a 80’s knit. I look everywhere for my clothes, vintage shops, high street, charity. I like to mix and match. I own a lot of vintage clothing, however sometimes when I am at home I will just want to wear some old PJ bottoms and a t-shirt. It can be embarrassing if I just pop out to the shops and haven’t made an effort … I think oh no if someone sees me and knows I work in the shop.

What is your Favourite?

Film: Rocky Horror Picture Show. I was in a charity show of this when I was 17 and absolutely love watching this film; It brings back such great memories and I can never tire of seeing this.

Book: Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being. I like books that are either biographical or are poignant and make you think about life in a different way.

Music:  There's really not much I don't like, but I have always been an Indie girl at heart.

Any tips, quotes or advice you believe in or live by?

Always be yourself. Wear what YOU want to wear ... ooh, and good manners cost nothing!  Rudeness is my pet hate.

Many thanks to Zara King for her kind permission in allowing us to publish this interview. We're currently putting together a blog post on the question of what vintage means to its different users and abusers, lovers and enthusiasts. We'd love to hear from you on what you think vintage is and what it means to you, why you buy/don't buy it, what you buy it for, what you look for, what your favourite eras and looks are and who inspires you. All your thoughts on vintage really! So if you can spare a few minutes to spill the beans, we're all ears. Either leave a comment here, or on Frock&Roll on Facebook or email Ali: aliredfern@hotmail.com. We'd love to hear what you think.

Love Frock&Roll

 

Bon Anniversaire

We're very excited at Frock&Roll because next weekend, the 14th and 15th July, Watlington Street's finest vintage clothes shop turns two. So grown-up!

Wow, what a couple of years we've had! Vintage fairs, clothes, photo shoots, jewellery, make-overs, shoes, fashion shows, ties and braces, dressing up, scarves, blogs, hats, college projects, belts, tweets, bags, FB, more clothes and meeting lots of lovely gorgeous people as enthusiastic about vintage style as we are ... oh and a few more clothes.

To mark the occassion we've got a weekend of treats planned and we're hoping you'll pop in to help us celebrate. 

To get the party started there'll be free cocktails and soft drinks, giveaways and a free tombola - everyone's a winner and you could win Frock&Roll vouchers.

We are also offering 10% discount on everything in the shop for the weekend.

Thanks to everyone for a fabulous first two years and here's to many more.

We hope you can swing by to raise a glass and take a dip in the tombola. Feeling lucky?

Love Frock&Roll

I Spy With My Little Eye ...

... Two beauties in Frock&Roll, namely the gorgeous Lauren Bullock and the stunning Natasha Hyland. Just look at those winning smiles!

Two Happy Shoppers

Coming into the shop under the radar these lovelies were on a stealth mission.  With the efficiency of an elite force Lauren and Natasha completed their reconnaissance, undertook the risk analysis, then with a cry of Geronimo! the team fearlessly leapt into the fray and taking no prisoners they … shopped!

Being fans of the 80’s Lauren and Natasha bravely liberated a lace dress, a leather skirt, a tropical print dress and 3 jackets – 1 army, 1 leather and 1 in dogtooth print; all with the ingenious aid of a retro suitcase. To add some 90’s into the mix for good measure a blouse and a cardigan were also purchased. Mission accomplished.

Have a super weekend everyone,

Love Frock&Roll

Lipstick On Your Collar - Part Two

Glamour in a Stick


Lipstick, and red lipstick in particular, has so many connotations. It has panache, attitude and style. It’s classic, daring, glamorous, risqué and provocative, theatrical, grown-up, sexy, feminine, strong, confident and fun. However, achieving the perfect pout in such a bright hue can also be a daunting prospect. No one wants to end up looking like Jack Nicholson à la Batman, 1989. Well, we’re told there’s a red lipstick for everyone so here are our top ten tips to getting an instant hit of lip smacking glamour.

One

For complete confidence it pays to do some prep so let’s take a look at the blank canvas. To match the perfect red lipstick to your own individual and unique features it’s a good idea to think about those features, particularly the colouring of your hair, eyes and complexion.

Skin Tone Palette

Two

Looking at your skin tone how would you describe it? It’s not simply to do with whether you are tanned, black or pale; it’s about the undertones. Would you describe yourself as having cool or warm tones? Cool tones have elements of pink, red or blue while warm tones have orange, yellow or gold. Red lipsticks with more of a hint of pink suit those with cool tones. Lipsticks with more orange or brown in them are a better match for those with warm tones. You may be neutral and are able to wear any colour.

                                                                                     

Three

Not sure how to identify your skin tone? Here’s some ways to work it out (do all of these tests in natural light):

Turn your arm over and look at your wrist and forearm. Do the veins look more green or more blue? If your veins look green this indicates warm tones and if blue you have a cool skin tone.

Take a piece of white paper and hold it up against your face. Does your skin look pink/blue/red or orange/yellow/gold?

Still not sure? What jewellery do you tend to wear? Do you feel most comfortable wearing silver or gold? Silver compliments cooler tones while gold takes to warmer tones.



Spin the Wheel

Finally, what make-up and clothes colours do you mainly wear? If you wear pale blues, purple, pinks, coral, pale green or silver your skin tone is in the cool range and if you gravitate towards brown, autumnal, gold, copper, bronze you have warmer tones.

Four

If you’re keen on a more spontaneous approach how about a mooch around a cosmetics department. With your lips bare of colour pick a lipstick tester and try it on one lip and compare it with your natural lip colour. Just as with hair dye it’s good to go only one or two shades darker if you're after a more natural look.

Five

This is where it becomes creative. If you have a favourite vintage look or era and want to re-create the perfect pout the shape of the lips, as well as the colour, is important. As we looked at in the last blog post red lips dominated most of the decades of the twentieth century, so you can have fun changing your look and matching it to your vintage style.



The Fabulous Josephine Baker

The 20’s adored a very feminine shape with all focus drawn into the pout. The lips took the shape of the famous Cupid’s bow. With rounded, raised and curved arches the shape was small, central, plump and flirtatious.

Into the 30’s the arches were more sharp and the colour came out wider into the corners for a squarer, more determined, strong and constructed look.

During the 40’s women were creating a fuller, softer pout with symmetrical and feminine curves.

The 50’s saw a more natural yet emphasised style that was voluptuous, sensual and seductive. Though the shape was natural the outline of the lips was brought out further for emphasis.

With the 70’s the shape of the lips were brought in more centrally again and with a clear outline the look was kept more contained with the disco extravagance of super shine to draw the eye in.

Through the 80’s the lip contour thinned out and widened, perhaps as part of a feminist challenge to the gender identity styling associated with a fuller pout.

Six

Ok, so this is the technical bit. You may not necessarily require a set of elbow length gloves, an exquisite mirror compact in mother of pearl or an expensive designer lipstick; these are nice to have. However, there is an art to application. Ideally the lips must be loved and cared for; free of roughness or dry areas. Using a lip liner creates the outline and shape as well as eliminating any fag-ash Lil style colour bleeding. Then using a brush apply the colour, and just as when we were children, it’s all about not going over the lines. Using a brush ensures a deep and even covering. Finally press your lips onto tissue paper to blot the colour to take the excess off and so the colour lasts longer. You can then use a transparent gloss to give your lips a traffic stopping shine.

Handbag Essentials

Seven

If you don’t fancy going solo on your first flight or just looking for an excuse to be pampered, why not skip on down to the counter at the Benefits concession in Boots. The word on the street is that they give great advice and do a pretty good full make-over for FREE. They are an obvious choice to go to for us vintage-istas because of their own appreciation for the retro look and love of pin-up glamour.

A Hint of This and a Smidge of That

Eight

While you’re experimenting with different rubies from the glorious reds why not get the look mirrored back to you for a more objective view on things. Either ask a friend you trust the opinion of to say yay or nay or ask your trusted camera to give you feedback. Extra tip for free – if you’re smiling in the shot you’re probably onto a winner and if it’s a grimace just say no.

Nine

This tip follows on from the last. It’s simple and very effective: if, when you try a red and you feel down right great that’s your clue.

Ten

If you don’t take up any of last nine tips maybe this one’s for you. It kindly comes care of a customer who came into Frock&Roll. She looked stunning in a very bright red lipstick that really had the power to pop! We got talking about the look and the lovely lass said she regularly mislaid her lipstick and when she shopped for a replacement she ran along the options and always went for the brightest red she could find. Perhaps this is a rule for life – when faced with a choice always go for the brightest option.

Kiss Me Quick

Love Frock&Roll

Picture credits: 1) (c) Dim@dim/StockFreeImages & Dreamstime Stock Photos, 2) Limelightco.com, 3) Tokaikko.com, 5) (c) Angel_a/StockFreeImages & Dreamstime Stock Photos, 6) (c) Vanloonmichel/StockFreeImages & Dreamstime Stock Photos, 7) (c) Dagfrida/StockFreeImages & Dreamstime Stock Photos.

Lipstick On Your Collar - Part One

This week’s post is the first in a series looking at vintage and retro icons, whether they are famous people or fashion items. 

For all you bombshells, pin ups, glamour-pusses, vamps, power-dressers, war-time belles, rockabillys and doll faces this one is dedicated to you … we bring you the one, the only … red lipstick.

Time to get Lippy

This week we’ll take a look at this little powerhouse through (almost) the last hundred years. Next week we’ll follow up with a class in how to wear this indispensible piece of kit.

Way back in the Bronze Age in the Middle East women were crushing jewels to decorate their lips. Fast forward and we spy Cleopatra using beetles, ants and fish scales as lip colour (guess it doubled up as a tasty snack). Elizabeth I is famous for her bright red lipstick and contrasting powdered face. Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor wore their red lipstick as a badge of classic Hollywood glamour and femininity; while Madonna wore her Mac in Russian Red as a rebellious defiance; declaring her independence and sexuality as a force to be reckoned with.  Well if it was good enough for these lovelies it’s good enough for us! Hurrah!

Ancient Egyptian Glamour

Red lipstick has been a near constant favourite since the 1920’s. With Hollywood stars of the silent films, such as Greta Garbo, exuding flawless style, lipstick in general became popular and acceptable in public. Before then it had a strong association with racy types and floosies – ooh I say! With the end of the First World War people were fed up with austerity and making do (yawn); glamour, decadence and fun was where it was at. As a result the conditions were right for Art Deco to flourish, bringing a touch of luxury to the masses. In the make-up bag lipstick gave a quick and cheap injection of gloss and allure to the everyday. Dark red was the shade of choice. It was used to signal independence through its dramatic look and frivolity because it was so far removed from the practical and everyday. It was all party, party, party.

This call for glamour continued into the 1930’s with Ginger Rogers having a swell time a-tapping and a-swinging her way through the decade and Dorothy bravely fighting off flying monkeys in full eye-popping colour. On the street however the colour began to tone down with reddish browns coming in to reflect a more sober period, particularly economically.

Bam! Bright reds were back on trend in war-time 40’s. With men away doing their duty for their country there was a feeling of literally putting on a brave face, it was almost patriotic to make the effort and show confidence despite the shortages. Creativity was called for and women wanted to combat the necessary plain cheap clothes with eye catching colour. This coincided with a lot of women moving into the working roles left vacant by the absent men. In the fields and factories women were finding a new sense of equality and responsibility while still wanting to retain a strong feminine identity.

With a sigh of relief the 1950’s brought in a greater care-free mood. Bettie Page teased, Marilyn flirted, Kim Novak attempted to lure men to their death and Elizabeth Taylor simply seduced; all with a splash of red lipstick. Women used red lipstick to both assert their newly gained confidence and independence out in the world while also reverting back to a more traditional sense of sexuality.

Hawaiian High Times

50's Rocking the Red Style ... and How!

Rocking reds took a backseat during the 1960’s with make-up styles fading into the palest shades, including white, with a futuristic vision while a more natural look was adopted by the Woodstock generation. In fact lips were no longer the focus with hemlines racing up the leg and boobs, hips and bums taking the limelight (think Ursula Andress emerging from the sea in Dr No).

Shiny disco balls gave a shimmer to the 1970’s and glamour was once again back in. Burgundies and crimson reds boogied on the screen in Saturday Night Fever and out on the lit up dance floors with Donna Summer providing soul with I Feel Love and Mike Leigh’s Beverley giving her own rendition of Love to Love You Baby in Abigail’s Party (with classic shoulder shimmy).

The 1980’s saw the red lipstick being taken up again as a challenge; this time by the punks … and Boy George was showing the girls how to really apply make-up. There was the strong look of the almost dominatrix and robotic guitar-touting models in the music video for Addicted to Love. The shoulder-padded, high-gloss set, living in the alter worlds of Dallas and Dynasty on the telly wouldn’t dream of having a drunken row without full make-up and, of course, their ‘make no mistake, I'm a bitch’ red lipstick.

Packing the Power

Hhhmm, we’re picking up a pattern here. Yep, reds took a back seat once again in the 1990’s with a return to an emphasis on a toned down look. With our weekly fix of Friends and the emergence of the brand Bobbi Brown lips took a rest from the red spectrum and opted for a range of browns.

Into the naughties (oops we mean noughties) with RnB ruling the clubs reds still bided their time. There was more of a natural look with the health industry in full swing and women looking for balance and the odd hot stone massage.

Well, here we are, 2012 and in the midst of a full blown vintage revival and ain’t it just grand?  Out there on the streets red lipstick is back! We’re wearing it as a statement piece with little else to detract from the full impact. However, this time around, we’re making full use of the red range with emphasis on the individual; matching the right colour to our own unique and beautiful features. Clever.

Next week in part two we’ll be sharing tips on how to achieve the perfect pout for you to really bring your favourite vintage look to life.  

Love Frock&Roll

Picture credits: 1) (c) Redshapka/StockFreeImages & Dreamstime Stock Photos, 2) Wikimedia Commons,                                                                        
3) Freeretrographics.blogspot.com/Hawaiian-bathing-beauty, 4) Pinupcartoongirls/com/vintage smokers, 5) Robert Palmer Addicted To Love, Island.

Far Out Daddy O!

Wow! 2012 is turning out to be a year to remember. As we hurtle to half time with celebrations galore and the Olympics just around the corner (we’ll swiftly draw a veil over the Hump’s Eurovision efforts) it’s all go, go, go!

Because it’s so busy we thought we would give you a quick reminder so the man in your life doesn’t get forgotten in the whirl of parties and events. Yep, it’s Father’s Day on 17^th of June and if you’re a daddy’s girl (or boy) you’ll undoubtedly be looking for a pressie for the main man that is a little more thoughtful, inspiring, fun and unique than a new drill from his beloved Screwfix catalogue.

In the shop we often hear people exclaim with a grin “Oh, I remember wearing a shirt like that”, “I had a pair just like those”, “That takes me back”. Why not re-create that warm n fuzzy feeling by taking your dad down memory lane and back to his glory days? A shirt with an awesome collar, a suit to gently encourage your dad out of those comfy but indecently holey jeans, a mod style t-shirt or a hippy waistcoat could all hit the jackpot and win you some brownie points. Adding accents of vintage with accessories means present buying is easy peasy. How about taking the nostalgia trip to a whole new level and having a themed dinner with nosh, clobber and tunes from your dad’s favourite era? Note: you may need to invest in a vat of Brylcreem.

Here are some smashing ideas for some vintage-inspired gifts for Daddy’s Day.

If your dad is a bit of a dandy this smart grey suit will … suit him. Check out those fabulous lapels! With the slimming vertical stripes and chest-broadening lapels he’ll be strutting his stuff showing he’s still got what it takes!

How about a dressing gown to go with the slippers you bought him at Christmas? Of course he may find it utterly irresistible to do his imitation of Noel Coward every time he dons this classic.

Who says dads can’t do double denim? Not us! If your dad prefers the casual look he’ll dig this duo. An iconic denim jacket tells everyone your pops can still hang tough working the rebel teenager; the lone wolf.

Sporty dad is down with the kids. Raising of the collar is obligatory. Tasty. Keeping the look fresh and effortless this look says ‘I’m just off to the hop’.

Funk-tastic! Every dad had one of these classy leather jackets, with a practical amount of pockets for any man. Losing his car keys will no longer be a problem with this blast from the past. Get him into a retro shirt and take him right back, at the speed of 70’s sound, to a time when all he had to worry about was whether his collar was respectably big.

OK, this one might not be for the faint hearted or the meek n mild but bear with us. Try to keep images of your dad mowing the lawn in this ensemble out of your mind.  Hawaiian shirts are having their flamingo sunset heyday this summer and your dad could be at the epicentre of this revival. Come on, he’s going to secretly love tending to the BBQ in a tropical shirt! We love the pattern on the shorts; they are seriously groovy.

Accessories are tip top for a cheap but still personal option. From belts, hats and bags to scarves and handkerchiefs any look can have an individual twist. Ties or cufflinks are a fab way to give a smart outfit or a crisp shirt a unique finish.

Hope we’ve helped with ideas to get your creative gift juices flowing and all the dads out there get spoilt rotten. Step away from the Screwfix catalogue.

Love Frock&Roll

Snappy Dressers And Sunday Service

Look who came into see us - friends of Frock&Roll Justice and Daniel; two well heeled men about town.

Looking fresh, casual and cool Justice and Daniel doubled up for an easy assault on leather jackets.

Now, come on, who doesn’t love a lad in leather?

By the by  - having just had a sneaky peek at the weekend's weather Sunday is looking like it might be a incey bit on the soggy side. So if you don't fancy eating cucumber sandwiches in the park with your brolly up why not join us at the Hexagon for a special Jubilee inspired Real Vintage Fair. Doors open at 12pm and this fair is featuring a roller disco (Price £3.50, U16s free, Students and Concessions £2.50 & extra £4 for skate hire on the roller rink) so if you fancy a shop and a spin dig out the leg warmers, get your skates on and we'll see you there. Make you sure come by and say hi.

Have a great weekend,

Love Frock&Roll