Category: vintage
Black is the new white..
Despite the prospect of summer round the corner I am surprisingly gripped with the idea of turning our front sitting room into a cocoon of darkness..slate grey, deep navy..something with gravitas. I love the way it makes other colours pop but still wants to hug you close..then the next room, the kitchen a complete contrast: white n wood n marble with floor tiles from the previous post..
(Photos courtesy of http://www.Elledecor.com)
A girls gotta dream.
Laters, Kate x
Thing of Beauty 3
Looking at a beautiful floor lets me breathe..it’s like visual porn for the mind’s eye. The best are not glossy, gossip columns but tell a story, wearing their battle scars with pride and an undeniable polishing of age. My ultimate joys are marbled mosaic floors as found in St Pauls Cathedral, the Victorian tessellated floors like those found here in the UK and possibly my favourites: Encaustic cement floor tiles from places such as Cuba, France and Italy..the artisanal flair, patterns and colours are literally chocolate for my soul. I can understand if people find them ‘too seventies’ or too dominant…..but come into my world…see if I can change your mind..
And a true font of knowledge and know-how is an amazing website called Villa Lagoon Tiles based in the States where all the pictures on this post came from. They collect pictures and information and best of all, make these tiles. Go loose yourself in their website..the options and designs are both endless and fascinating..I was lucky enough to order tiles from them for our bathrooms..but I still head back whenever I need a creative fix to see what new ideas they have come up with.They can copy old tiles or you can choose from their classics range..the following are from their Cuban heritage section. I literally die.
Or they have modern options..
I’m feeling the need for renovation coming on..
Laters, Kate x
The Art of a fine print..
I don’t know about everybody else but it has been a steep learning curve for me getting to grips with all things IT..setting up websites, tarting up pictures – many has been the time when I have had the computer open in front of me with my Ipad balanced precariously on a knee trying to copy the instructions from one to the other…and then there’s all the different bits of social media that are meant to be linked in..and I’ve some how done all that…but it doesn’t mean I’m an expert in any of them, in fact it has taken me a while to work out exactly what each one represents.
The one I have got to grips with (slowly – it all takes such time!) is Pinterest.. but I love jumping in and flicking through the images..from crafts to interiors to shoes to clothes. It’s like having the best thought triggers possible at my fingers. We’ve started a few boards and at the start, I didn’t know what they would really be, but now I see they’re an online scrapbook…for us, Pinterest shows the source of all our inspiration…
The following pictures are in our ‘print’ board..I was interested to pull some visual references together as a designer who has designed prints for Givenchy (!) has said they are keen to design some prints for us…I feel a frisson..
1960s Lanvin dress.
Late 1970s Leonard Silk jersey dress.
1970s Pauline Trigere 3 piece set.
1980s silk chiffon James Galanos Gown.
1960s Donald brooks cord and net dress.
1971 Malcolm Star Caspian Silk Dress.
1950s Jaques Tiffeau silk dress.
1970s Domitvalli caftan.
1970s Hand painted silk skirt and shawl.
1960s Emilio Pucci caped top and trousers.
Pastel print Malcolm Star maxi dress.
1960s gold brocade evening maxi coat.
1940s Claudia Young silk Dragon dress.
1970s Mac Tac jersey print dress.
1970s coral and turquoise Maurice jersey dress.
1970s Leonard silk jersey dress.
1970s metallic silk Geoffrey Beene skirt and top.
1960s silk metallic Mollie Parnis gown.
1960s Bessi silk flowers and grape dress.
1960’s silk chiffon Pucci skirt and top.
(all pictures courtesy of http://www.firstdibs.com which would be my first port of call if I ever won the lottery)
Now if I could just work out how Twitter works…
Laters, Kate x
The Sunshine Award
To the lovely Cailyn at Ethereal Dreams for our Sunshine Award! What I appreciate about these awards is the unexpected..you never know where the questions will lead. And then the list of Blogs to pass on the award? Another revelation setting their questions and seeing how they answer them…
My 10 questions from Cali:
1. What’s the best advice you received?
I’m not sure it qualifies as advice, but I did have a wonderful Grandmother who was always quoting old-fashioned proverbs..one of my favourites was ‘If wishes were horses then beggars would ride.’ I still love the sentiment, the words and the whole rhythm..like horses trotting.
2. What are you thinking about?
How to answer this question? But seriously – I am a fully fledged signed up member of the daydreaming club. As a child I had a whole imaginary world I could disappear into..nothing much has changed. I knew my husband knew me far to well when he spotted the look..he say’s i’ve gone to dappy land…and there tends to be a pre-face of ‘oh no’. But I do believe in order to achieve something you have to dream it first..
3. If you had to choose an animal that best represents you, what would it be? And Why?
A chameleon..I can change to suit my environment..I like to put people at ease. Then a Dormouse because the idea of hibernating when the weather is bad is very appealing. With the tail of a Bird of Paradise (male! – they’re prettier) because I like to strut my stuff and make my house look pretty!
4. What is important for you in life, love or money?
I genuinely believe what they say – that money doesn’t buy you happiness. It doesn’t make you a better person just because you have it, in fact I think it isolates you. Most of the intelligent wealthy people I have read about either give chunks away or end up planting trees..because it’s that connection with nature that creates a real sense of self. I do think that money makes life easier, but I am sure a lack of it makes a person more creative. In comparison love is just the best free drug in the world!
5. What is your nickname?
My lovely Grandmother called me ‘Katie-Koo’..The Husband calls me trouble..
6. What do you find the most interesting about the opposite sex?
Their dangly bits?! I find it fascinating that we are the same species yet entirely different. I don’t know if it’s a man thing, but my other half is the kindest, loveliest man you could meet – in all aspects, except one…when I am ill he runs a mile. Once I spent 12 hours in our bedroom without so much as a glass of water…he says he wants to give me peace so I can get better (man would go in cave) whilst I want to know he cares and shows concern. After 12 years of marriage, if I fear a bug coming on I’ve learnt to stockpile…
7. What is one thing you would change about yourself and why?
I would have a breast reduction so I could wear all the styles I love without having to edit. I particularly want to be able to wear sexy 1940s style sleepwear without fear of my boobs brushing my knees. The selection of sleepwear for curves is abysmal..and don’t tell me Bravissimo…I don’t want sports wear..I want elegance, mystery, silk and lace..
8. Do you have any regrets? If so, what are they?
I won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at 11 to study the violin and from then on it was assumed that’s what I would do – it was an obvious talent so why wouldn’t I? I studied full time at 17..I never visited a University or explored other options..no-one said is this what you want to do for the rest of your life, do you realise what the life of a musician entails? Unsocial hours, terrible pay, and very little natural creativity?..you are a very small cog in a big wheel where the most important thing is that your bow goes in the same direction as everyone else’s? I wasn’t a very good cog..I was the one at the back running the sweep stake on when the rehearsal would end. It’s not that I don’t love music..I just found it very restrictive. I look back now and I regret doing my A levels in one year. Those two years in sixth form as so vital for development and maybe if I’d stayed I would have taken a different path, visited the universities, art schools and smelt the air of discovery. I still got an A in Art – the picture I produced was taken round the country to illustrate the quality of an A grade…I adored the exam because I had eight hours to focus solely on painting..but I didn’t have the sense to rebel in a productive way and there was no adult who could really ‘see me’ and say Kate, have you really thought about what you’re doing?..it’s something I say to all young people I meet and something I very much hope to install in my children..be the best that you can be in the thing that you want to be the best at..the rest will follow.
9. What inspires you?
Everything and anything. I’ll be watching a dramatic thriller with the husband – there’s a man walking into a room with an axe-weilding murderer ready to leap hiding behind the door..and I’ll prod The Husband and say ‘Nice wallpaper’…
10. What would a utopian society be to you?
In my ideal society men would have babies too. I consider myself to be a modern feminist – I want equality. But I don’t see it happening until maternity leave is genuinely and fundamentally shared between the sexes. I know there is a new law is being brought in to say fathers can take it if they want to – but there won’t be actual equality until they do and it’s not going to happen over night. We have a better chance to change them biologically to join us..Besides I actually think it would solve many of the worlds problems if they did have babies. Can you imagine?!
And now I have to come up with 10 questions:
1. Who is your style icon and why?
2. What are you wearing right now?
3. Where was your best holiday?
4. And your worst?
5. Did you learn much at school?
6. Could you predict your life?
7. What was the first album you bought?
8. Could you ever live in another country?
9. If you could change your first name, what would you change it to?
10. If you could have any person to be your mentor who would you choose?
And my 10 blogs to pass on this award too are:
1. Le Cape Town Journal – because of your photos and style. I want to be there. With you.
2. Fashion Assist – For her passion for fashion.
3. Vintage Attitude – For her fabulousness with vintage and always picking shops I love.
4. Judith at Wee Story Book – for her skill and joy.
5. Renne Writes Now – for her carefully chosen words of wisdom.
6. Arnold and Bird – Because I love what Joanne does.
7. Lavenderloafers – For enthusiasm, desire and a gorgeous pair of trousers.
8. Fashion Mayann – For always choosing the clothes I love.
9. According to Coco – for recognisable angst and great writing.
10 Girls on the High Street – for happiness and enthusiasm and loving Balham!
The Rules:
Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog
Link to the person who nominated you
Answer 10 questions about yourself
Nominate 10 bloggers
Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know they
have been nominated
CONGRATULATIONS! And I hope you will pass the baton on!
Laters, Kate x
Swedish Hasbeens x
I was aware of fashion from a very early age …rolling down my hated knee socks in primary school in longing of cute ankle ones – and lusting over those nearly not there socks with the pom-pom at the back? Sigh. And there was the utter object of my desire..navy blue clogs. I’d watch those lucky girls nonchalantly flick them off to do cartwheels on the grass..before sliding them back on and jauntily walking off with that bone dry rhythm. I knew it was wrong to be fiddling with a buckle.
Time has made a difference..and I just got me some new summer shoes…CLOGS! A long held desire has been appeased and a wrong has finally been righted..Do you know the brand Swedish Hasbeens? They have a lovely story..(although it has given me visions of Anita lighting up a four-legged beast from the desert)..
The story |
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The designs are delicious…
A clunky shoe that’s elegant..want this one.
Love this colour – they also do in canary yellow!
Want these. And some more retro style ads from their website:
I went for simplicity and a lower heel – I’ve never worn Hasbeens before and I suspect a wooden sole takes a bit of getting used to, also I was ordering off the internet…and truth be told – I’m not too good on really high heels and I want these as regular day shoes..the colour is divine…not white, but a soft, buttermilk.. they’ll go with everything..
But if they suit…and they become my best-ever-summer-shoe-purchase-since-the-arrival-of-flatforms..guess where they’ve opened their first UK shop? Only in Hanbury street in Spitalfields…I hear a siren call..
Laters, Kate x
P.S. Tip from Anna, the half-Swedish girl who knows..to wear them in (the leather is good n strong) start wearing them in the house with extra thick socks!
Oh! How I LOVE!
I have more dresses from our first collection…not perfectly shot because these were taken literally on the rails at the factory…but perfectly made…
This is the (Frilly) Billie in black broderie anglais…effing awesome in my entirely biased opinion! I will die to wear this dress..the piping…sooo chic!
The Grace in black..just a completely different dress…simple, elegant…wonderful!
This is our no-named shirt…Lace is our reflection on now..this print represents our vision for the future and a very british essence we wanted to capture. What has delighted us (can you tell?!) is that we wanted the core of our first collection to be cross-seasonal so we could carry it forward whilst growing new ideas…the other concept we wanted to embrace is escalator dressing..the ability to wear an item dressed up out to dinner..or casually with a pair of jeans or flip-flops..the final criteria is that where humanely possible everything will have pockets..love. love. LOVE! – check out the cuffs and the shoulders..
The Valentina, tarted up…don’t you want to just touch it? stroke it? Wear it? She is gorgeous!
Laters, a delighted Kate xxx
The Vintage Swimwear Special
I LOVE Roxy’s post on vintage swimsuits re-blogged above – I think helped by the fact that she looks so darn good in them…I am completely inspired and for once I am going to get my act together and start sorting my beachwear now and not the usual week before the plane leaves, when I fall into the horrible trap of compromise, misfit and doom…I want frills, halter necks, large sunnies, a turban and very red lipstick…Her post was written with perfect timing as for those of a tiny body frame I also have this:
The smallest addition to the MasonBentley Summer Collection – our very first sample bikini – but here’s to many more..and matching – or possibly contrasting beach layers to go with it…delicious. Anna will be wearing it somewhere in France this August..and stacking up the orders I hope!
Laters, Kate x
When I lived in Sydney I built up quite the collection of vintage style swimwear.
A 1950s bathing suit is the beach equivalent of a wiggle dress. An outfit in itself, it’s flattering and feminine, especially on women with curves. I love ones with halter necklines for complete cleavage control – it’s hard to pull off seaside chic when one boob is making a break for freedom.
For the journey to my sunbaking spot I just pull on a pair of Tara Starlet high-waisted shorts, a floral headscarf and some giant sunglasses to complete the fifties vibe.
I do own a couple of bikinis bought in moments of extreme optimism, but I always go back to my one-pieces. Who wants to be suffering midriff-related anxiety when they’re trying to relax on holiday?
If you’re looking for the genuine article I recommend Glamour Surf or Etsy. Most of the vintage originals are expensive but…
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The Honey Pot of Spitalfields..
Phew! Slowly some sanity can come back to my life. I hope. The kids are both finally back to school – Bella on Tuesday and Charlie today which means at last I have some breathing space..it’s been fun having them around whilst I’ve been trying to work (my office is at home surprise surprise) but there are times when you need head space to focus..and ‘Mummy I’ve done a Poo’ isn’t the greatest thing to have on an ever crescendoing repetition when you’re on the phone to your financial business manager, particularly when it then escalates to ‘Wipe my bottom NOW’..it got to the point where I was being pestered every five minutes…I need a drink…I’m hungry…I want an orange pen..I want a blue one..no…I want the red pen that Bella has just broken..she’s broken MY pen..that I had to down tools and head out into the big smoke..but we did manage to have some adventures…
Yesterday Charlie and I went to Spitalfields in search of a vintage shop I’d heard about – I know, very child centric – But I work on the basis he’s learning that entertainment is an attitude (you can just see him quoting that back at me in years to come – i.e. when he’s choosing my old folks home..shoot.self.foot. ) But we went on the tube..there were red buses..there was the odd digger…
Anyways, we were navigating the back streets when we spotted a huddle of tourists and it dawned on me where we were..which was was genuinely unplanned..it was a place I had read about and had made a mental note to discover..but I had never thought we would just stumble across…
Folgate Street – though this is a picture of the street rather than the actual building because No. 18 is Dennis Severs’ House…not a museum or monument to our heritage or anything like that but more a living, breathing art exhibition exploring a house caught in a bubble of time in 1724..except there is more. The house is lit only by candle light and no talking is allowed – all so you can experience the subtle sounds and smells which are an interwoven part of the magic: Footsteps, a bell tolling, a bumble bee trapped in a chamber pot…perfume, a freshly opened bottle of wine, pomander oranges stuck with cloves..we had to go in..
The kitchen complete with real roaring fire.
And a very low ceiling.
A meal in midst of preparation.
Charlie pointing out a mouse.
The heaving dresser.
Windows onto the street.
Carefully making our way around in the candlelight.
The drawing room. A broken cup on the ground..
The remains of a drinking party complete with tipped up chairs and thrown coats and wigs.
A stunning bedroom, this above the fireplace.
It wasn’t pristine. Plaster was falling off the walls in some places, in other rooms there was dust and cobwebs..but it all just added to the genuine authentic atmosphere and sepia mood…we were convinced we caught the tailcoats of ghosts round every corner whispering to each other and were utterly captivated and enthralled. The house can be hired out for photographic sessions…could be an amazing back drop for an fashion shoot for a UK luxury label..
We did make it to the Vintage Shop – Absolute Vintage – where I managed to persuade Charlie to give me enough time to buy the dress in the first pic at the top…a beautiful smokey pink with cream polka dots and pockets.. perfect for early summer with a little cardigan and a pair of brogues..But I will return to Spitalfields again..we didn’t get to go round the famous market this time..and the shopping! – Woah! Has this area changed as regards shopping since I last strode these streets…from the little glimpse I got it looks out of this world!..bit of a theme for the day really..
Laters, Kate x
Trip to the V&A..
It’s been the Easter holidays which can easily feel like tumbleweed…to inject some excitement we all went en famille to the Victoria and Albert museum which just so happens to be one of my most bestest, favourite, most edible places in the world..
Welcome to London.
Amazing glass chandelier. The queues were for the Bowie Exhibition. Not for us sadly.
The building is a gem. Incredible floors.
Lots of marble. Have I said how much I like marble?
Instead of Bowie we got these – special backpacks for children – all free – that take you on an adventure…this time we chose China..
The kids get a map to follow, an instruction book and different tasks to complete all beautifully set up in little separate bags inside the back pack.
They were happy. I was happy…When Anna and I can generate enough interest to be able to dye fabric to our own specifications we will be coming here for colour inspiration..and design.
Loved this print.
This a water dropper in the shape of a squirrel from 1662!
The repetition of the print without obvious repetition.
Stunning Mughul dress.
If I could choose a paper weight…those flecks of green..
isn’t she fabulous? That expression..those colours..
This is the courtyard in the centre where there are places to sit, get coffee – or paddle in the pool in the middle. Seriously.
Inside the Cafe – not my greatest photo, but you can just make out how incredible the wallpaper is. This cafe was the first museum restaurant in the world and was intended as a showpiece for modern design, craftsmanship and manufacturing. It is sublime.
The ceiling..I die.
It is one of the most beautiful places to have a latte in London..
The shop, though busy, is pretty awesome too…they have some super cool children’s toys..the above come as flat packed cardboard.
And this dollhouse..
Check out this downstairs room! I really think it was meant for me…
Laters, Kate x
The pic says it all..
A very big thank you to ‘Her Passion For Fashion’ for our very kind Blog award..
Under the rules of the Award I have to tell you you seven things…not sure whether to do about me or Masonbentley so I shall make it a versatile mix..
1. I have a love of Art and used to do a lot of painting, particularly portraits..I developed my own style re-using (bit of a theme) newspaper, magazines, paint and charcoal..I liked how the ‘stories’ shone through below the paint turning 2d into 4d…I should have gone to Art School, but I didn’t – I went to the Royal Academy of Music instead. It’s a regret.
2. Anna and I are like Yin & Yan…she is tiny, blonde, blue eyed and glass half empty…I am dark, curvy and doe eyed (it’s a way to prove the next point) glass half full. But our minds meet on this fusion plane like telepathy..it’s scary and incredibly powerful. We both knew it had to be harnessed into something tangible.
3. I have a weird thing with my where I can see 3d as 2d, but I can’t work out left and rights from different positions..take a cricket match layout..throw in a left handed batsman…brain fry.
4. The scariest thing I have ever done was a night dive on the barrier reef in Australia. It was our honeymoon and I was young and fearless..until we started racing out to the dive site on the boat…had to convince myself I was James Bond in disguise. Rolling off backwards into the dark took all my courage..but it was a truly incredible experience – at one point we sat down on the sand to listen to humpback whales singing…life doesn’t get much better than that.
5. Anna is the most talented visual person I have ever met – she sees things in a way that is very rare and that I am sure you have to be born with.
6. I have two very wonderful children who it took a great deal to have – 6 years of infertility, 7 miscarriages before Bella, IVF to get Bella (very scary after the miscarriages, I was on lots of drugs), miscarried IVF twins before Charlie – and then he was my final natural miracle baby. And because I have two children now, unless they knew, no-one would ever know. Strange eh.
(As you can see Bella got every attribute I ever wanted for myself – blue eyes and curly red hair..as yet she doesn’t thank me…but she will)
7. My husband is the most amazing man – super intelligent and like a big, cuddly teddy bear – I knew I was going to marry him before we even met…my friend was talking about him..and I just had this feeling…poor man never stood a chance after that…
Now for my Blog nominations – which was incredibly hard and represent an eclectic mix:
1. The irrepressible Laura at Cancer: My journey back to health – kicking and screaming all the whole damn way……This girl is amazing – her spirit, her passion – and her writing ability…read..and read some more.
2. Another great writer who makes me laugh – and makes me cry..(Just check out the title) Kenyan phil at Shit a Gay Kenyan Writes...my leopard with the pink spots..
3. On an African theme, I love the pictures from this Blog: Thorn Tree Country. Robert Maletta is a traveller, wanderer and artist of the camera.
Anna introduced me to the art of type font – I tease her that she is the only type font whore I know – in fact I forwarded her these blogs and that’s exactly what she did, spent hours poring over them like porn…her kids supper got burnt that night..but there is a joy of design in the perfect font for the perfect reason – it’s all about the layers of design that make up the finished article:
4. Greater Albion Typefounders – they love their fonts. I love their fonts.
5. Art Deco – celebrating fonts combined with wonderful Art Deco style. I have always adored this era of posters.
As you probably know, there is a great love of all things vintage here – and the following are a few of my favourite vintage blogs..
6. Cheers to Carla – This should be an impossible Blog to pull off but Chloe does it with such style I chuckle every time. Check out Dianes little white dress on April 11. Love it.
7. Waynes Radios – The guys here must always think who is this sheila with a fashion blog who always likes our posts? well, c’est moi – because I love up-cycling and re-loving and one day I am going to buy one of your radios for my husband because they are so damn super cool.
8. The vintage traveler – Such an informative blog..the history of each piece..the adverts – I love old adverts..a vintage joy. Let’s hope I get the link right this time hey.
9. Rubyfoot – again, a treasure trove of information and clothes – and much of it gathered first hand…to be treasured.
10. Roxy vintage style – Because she looks so damn good and makes me smile.
11. bravechica – for her passion.
12 44and a fourth – Because I can relate.
13. Jannairefalkner – because it’s not just about appealing pictures and I love her taste.
14. faccina87 – for a sleek, stylish blog
15. Iller brown – because of his eclectic mix and love of London and all things art.
CONGRATS TO YOU ALL AND I HOPE YOU WILL PASS THE BATON ON!
For the rules and what to do next – please click here
laters, Kate xxx
Maison Bentley Style 