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

Farewell 2012 … Hello 2013!!

Hope you all had a jolly ole Christmas and are currently enjoying the lull before New Year by munching on turkey leftovers, chocolates and mince pies; all the while watching Home Alone, Gremlins and Miracle on 34^th Street with a strategically placed Advocaat in hand.

We’ve also taken this time for some reflection on the past 12 months.  2012 has definitely been Frock&Roll’s best year so far. There have been sooooo many highlights for us … just a few were:  amazing photo shoots, projects with students from Reading College and University, discovering gorgeous vintage treasures, starting this Blog, in-store make-up events, presenting to the WI, reaching our 2^nd anniversary,  being featured on the telly and in RocknRoll Bride’s magazine,  first international order and attending numerous vintage fairs.

But above all that, we have loved meeting all our new customers and catching up with old ones too, so a massive thanks to YOU for making 2012 a fantastic year for us.

We’ll now be casting our eyes ahead to 2013, when there’ll be lots more in store to look forward to … so keep ‘em peeled.

Our first new change is that we’re now officially open six days a week (Tuesday – Sunday). Hurrah!  Our new hours take effect from Wednesday 2^nd January:

Monday:       By Appointment

Tuesday:       10.00 – 18.00

Wednesday: 10.00 – 18.00

Thursday:     10.00 – 19.00

Friday:            10.00 – 19.00

Saturday:       10.00 – 19.00

Sunday:         11:00 – 17:00

So all that’s left for us to say in 2012, is have a great New Year’s Eve and we hope 2013 will be a vintage year for you.

Love Frock&Roll                                                                                         

p.s. Ooooh … we forgot to mention there’s a January sale in store that starts on Thursday.