Fat Frocks: November 2010

Cardiff Events

By Gem - 20:41:00

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Spotlight: Guest Blogger Vintage Extraordinaire

By Gem - 21:40:00

I would like to introduce you to Rhiannon from Vintage Extraordinaire.
This is her guest post, enjoy...

Name: Rhiannon Derbyshire

Blog address : www.vintageextraordinaire.blogspot.com

A little about me : Born and raised in Cardiff, but I saught for the bright lights of London as soon as I hit adolesence. I’ve since moved to Epsom (don’t worry no-one else’s heard of it either) to study fashion journalism, and the obvious added bonus is that London is a mere 30-minute train journey away. At the age of six, I told my mum, “I won’t be wearing those Doc Martens” and ever since, I’ve been in charge of my own fashion decisions. Some choices have inevitably been ill thought out (my “sporty spice” phase at the age of 11 for example) but since then I’ve developed a huge appetite for the latest trends and am constantly on the lookout for the ‘must-have’ item of the season. Quite obviously though, I am not Paris Hilton, so I tend to keep an eye out at local charity shops and am an eBay expert, bidding in the last 10 seconds on a pair of battered old brogues. Nevertheless, I’ve come a long way from being a stroppy 6 year old that refused to wear Doc Martens (I’d love a pair now actually...).

Oh, and I secretly wish I was a 50’s housewife baking cakes all day.

One of my favourite vintage finds :
On my blog, I do a regular feature in which I show off my favourite vintage finds, but the one I’ve had the most wear out of has to be this navy jacket. Bought last September at Beyond Retro (just off Carnaby Street in London. If you haven’t checked it out yet you simply must! It’s brilliant!). It was a steal at £17. As I reached the till, this is approximately, what was running through my head: “Oh my God! How come this is so cheap! It’s brilliant! Ohh I love it. God I’m starving” I added the “God I’m starving bit” because I utter phrase roughly once an hour. Nonetheless, I skipped out of the store with a carrier bag on my wrist and a song in my heart, but there was a down side to this tale of glee. It wasn’t until I collapsed in a cafe to fulfil my stomach’s needs that I noticed that the jacket was just a bit tiny. In my haste, I hadn’t studied the jacket properly, and a glance at the label gave me an idea of the size – “GENUINE SCHOOL UNIFORM.” Well this can’t be good “Size‘s’ – age 7/8”

I instantly had the sinking feeling that I get when I realise I have a deadline by tomorrow morning and all I’ve done is sit by my laptop scoffing crisps. I didn’t want to have to take it back so I tried it on, hoping for the best. The fit was snug, but not unbearably so, and I decided to keep the jacket. The ride home was a bit awkward, our relationship was like with someone you’d had a whirlwind romance with, only to later realise that we hated each other. A few months later, the big chill hit Cardiff, and I found the jacket hidden under a pile of old hats and scarves. The snug fit actually worked to its advantage as it stopped the breeze fluttering through to my pale skin. And the occasional lack of circulation to my wrists was worth it for the warmth. The whirlwind romance was back on track.

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Cardiff

Lunacy Clothing Boutique Cardiff

By Gem - 16:40:00

7 Comments

Cardiff

Fashion Event Tomorrow- Vintage Pretty

By Gem - 18:51:00

2 Comments

Cardiff

Jumble Sale!

By Gem - 14:00:00

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cath kidston

My Christmas wish list

By Gem - 20:55:00

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apron

More cute charity shop finds

By Gem - 20:29:00

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charity shops

Shopping highlights of the week

By Gem - 22:05:00

3 Comments

Cardiff

Spotlight on Cardiff Bloggers

By Gem - 20:30:00

I thought I would start a new feature called 'spotlight' where I introduce you to some of the best local bloggers.

The first person I would like to shine a spotlight on is Lucy Sherriff and her blog Vintage Cardiff.

Lucy reviews vintage shops and charity shops in Cardiff and shares all her best finds with you. I think her blog will be a one stop shop for everything vintage.

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I am 21 years old, studying a PgDip in Newspaper Journalism at Cardiff University.

I love food, fashion, travel and my dog J

How would you describe your style?

My style is mostly a mish-mash of high street and vintage, and whatever I can find in a charity shop. My best looks always come from teaming one signature, good quality piece with charity shop bargains.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I mostly get my style from people watching! I love seeing what everyone else is wearing, and I am inspired by women with original and unique styles.

I find it quite disheartening when I see people dressed head to toe in whatever the latest Topshop mannequin is wearing… it’s just plain lazy!

What is the best item you have found in a charity shop?

My best charity shop find has to be a faux fur mid-length brown coat, which I found in a shop in Gleneagles, Scotland, and paid £10 for. Also, in the same shop, I found a real ostrich skin bag, which usually retail at about £900…I paid £5.50.

Can you give my readers a top tip for finding a charity shop/vintage bargain

My top tips for finding charity shop bargains is to not be put off by their window displays. Most of the staff there are volunteers, and won’t be trained in visual merchandising. You have to be prepared to have a good root around. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t find anything in the first one. Be persistent!

Where is your favourite place in Cardiff?

Cardiff is home to so many amazing places to shop, eat and drink. The best places are often the ones tucked away in arcades. My favourite place for lunch has to be The Plan café in Morgan Arcade. They serve the most amazing homemade soup, and they try to make sure all their dishes are organic and locally sourced. Milgi’s on City Road is a kooky little café by day, bar by night and is a great place to go for a drink. Their cocktails are out of this world, and at night, the place comes alive with Cardiff’s coolest and most fashionable people. Make sure you get there early to nab a place in the yurt- a tent out the back complete with sofas, beds and fairy lights (great place for a date!).

Thank you Lucy for answering all of my questions!