Smashingbird

Rave October 1966

2011-10-01T10:30:00.000+01:00

Hello October! Here we have the 1966 issue of Rave featuring John (Maus) Walker, it may not be my darling Scott, but it's a Walker at least and in fur nonetheless!

Some great ads inside, including this super classic Miners Hairspray one.

Fresh Cream?

And you must all know by now that I love a bit of fur (vintage only of course!), this spread is just fab & I have total hair envy of this chick!

Songs for Saturday

2011-09-17T11:00:00.000+01:00

The Flying Burrito Brothers - Do Right Woman (The Guilded Palace of Sin / Burritos Deluxe, 1969)

I have to say I just can't get into Gram & The Burritos, but I do love this version of the Aretha classic, enjoy!

Shoe Love

2011-09-15T20:58:00.000+01:00

The girl from SMASH

2011-09-12T14:00:00.000+01:00

Smart, Mean And Sassy He-hunters.

I wish I could say that this is where I got my blog name from!

Songs for Saturday

2011-09-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

David Bowie - In The Heat of The Morning (1967)

Rave September 1969

2011-09-07T20:46:00.002+01:00

So better late than never as they say here is the September issue of swinging 60's mod mag Rave, this one is from 1969, and of course you all know that is Mr Jagger gracing the cover. By this year the format of the magazine had changed slightly, for one it is larger in size and also a lot less teeny boppy. The issues covered seem more serious and grown up, covering such themes as religion and conform schools. Unfortunately for me there is a lot less fashion featured, but it does focus on some more obscure bands & musicians.

So here are the Zip Girls, don't even try and ask me what a Zip Girl is, it seems like they were really trying to make the phrase "happen"! This feature showcases four up & coming models & actresses, including the late wife of Ian MacLagan who was married to Keith Moon at this time.

And finally.... here is a Baby Doll Make up Ad, I know that Miss Peelpants & Sweet Jane have both featured these before on their blogs - but I'm sure this one hasn't been outed yet?!?

I got some Vintage-a-Peel on Frock Friday

2011-09-04T20:10:00.001+01:00

Hello my lovely blogger friends, I am back after a little break away. I have been bunnysitting with a pal of mine. We were looking after a giant house rabbit. Freaky isn't even the word for it! Apart from bunny fun I got my first paycheck from my new job last week and immediately ordered a new dress from the divine Miss Liz @ Vintage-a-Peel. This Vivien Smith 70's number has been top of my wishlist for a while and I was worried that it would be too small, but thankfully it fits like a glove and is soooo gorgeous. Luckily it turned up friday afternoon along with a very cool & sweet card, just in time for me to wear out friday night!

Dress Viven Smith (Vintage-a-Peel), Shoes (New Look), Bag (Bootfair, Cheap Jewels (bootfair, ebay, charity shops)

It may take me a while to get round to visiting everyone and I still have to post my September Rave issue, so bear with me chickens!!!!

Frock on Friday & a Swinging Swap!

2011-08-19T18:24:00.000+01:00

Aaaah hello Friday my only day off this week. Not much excitement for me over the last few days, but I'm making the most of today. Long overdue haircut this morning, followed by my afternoon bootfair (not a sausage) and a lovely stroll along the windy beach this afternoon with Barney dog. This evening I may be partaking in a few glasses of vino with some lovely ladies.....

70's maxi from ebay about 5 years ago & I'm rather ashamed to say it's the first time I've worn it! My old faithful gold jewelled vintage sandals, purple checkerboard bag from last week's bootfair (50p!).

Oh yes and do you spy the most awesome of pendants? You may have seen this on the divine Vix's blog last friday... Vix had commented on a post of mine admiring some vintage curlers I'd picked up & when I saw this owl magnifying glass pendant on hers I cheekily suggested a swap which to my delight she agreed to! I mean have you seen how short my hair is? Rollers, really? I was thrilled to find a parcel waiting for me the other day along with a super cool & sweet card. Love you Vix!

Of course Barney couldn't resist sneaky into a pic too!

What's New @ Smashingbird Vintage

2011-08-14T14:59:00.003+01:00

After finally starting my new job this week I think it's going to take me a bit to get into a routine so do expect sporadic posting & commenting from me over the next few weeks! Also please I just wanted to add that although I may not always leave comments on blogs but I do always check out every post on my reader!

So onto my newest listings....

Lemon Crochet 60's Bag £8

Red Leather 60's Bag with Cane Handle £8

60's Black Patent Mock Crock Bag £8

Unworn Mens Blue Shirt 15 1/2 Collar £14

Unworn Mens Peach Shirt 15 1/2 Collar £14

btw if I didn't have a zillion bags already I certainly wouldn't have let these three go : D

Songs for Saturday

2011-08-13T21:05:00.000+01:00

Always Crashing in the Same Car - David Bowie, Low (1977)

It's been all about Low for me this week, being one of Bowie's most critically acclaimed albums it actually isn't really something I've listened to much in the past, but now I'm really beginning to love it.

I Need My Dolls!

2011-08-07T11:41:00.000+01:00

As I mentioned Friday, that evening I had been invited by my new pal Sausages for a Valley of the Dolls / Beyond the Valley of the Dolls screening fest, and of course I was determined to dress appropriately. After a Deathly Dry Gin Martini, delicious din dins and some more liquid refreshment, we have decided that Valley of the Dolls is actually pretty boring apart from Sharon Tate's jumpsuit and the legendary Helen Lawson. Y'all know how I feel about the second film. The best part of the whole night is that I didn't have a hangover today - wooop!

(Helga my dearest - how can I possibly choose a favourite line?

Ok I guess it would have to be "A bathing pool full of mayonnaise!")

So what did I wear? My 60's psychedelic print dress is an old bargain from Ebay US some years ago the label is Candi Jones California.

60's Necklace £2 charity shop

60's Bag 50p bootfair

My bestest 60's purple suede & leather shoes are also from Ebay (UK), they are just perfect I love them!

Oh yes my hair - it's all natural! It's actually an original 60's real hairpiece that a friend of mine kindly donated to me some years ago, I dyed it to match my natural colour. I love wearing it although I don't get it out that often cos it's a lot of hassle and wigs are hot! (In both senses ; p)

Songs for Saturday

2011-08-06T13:48:00.002+01:00

Autopsy - Fairport Convention (Unhalfbricking, 1969)

Ok my friends I am asking for some advice, this is the only Fairport album I own an I'm rather obsessed with it at the moment and would really like to hear some more but do not know where to start. Can anyone advise me as to which album of theirs I should get next?

Frock on Friday!

2011-08-05T15:25:00.003+01:00

super bad windswept iphone pic - in all the others I had my eyes closed!

So here we are friday again, today I have been to my local afternoon bootfair where I must say I had the best haul in ages! I'm wearing a Clothes by Samuel Sherman frock (last seen here) from ebay, vintage belt - which I don't think goes really!, vintage whipstitch detail bag, my ever faithful jewelled 60's sandals and my lovely Sarah Cov necklace from my dearest Annimal.

Find of the day 60's record player musical jewellery box, I know the bootfair queen Vix has one too!

Mine plays Chim Chim Cherry. I am freaking out over this - £1

60's necklaces & ring - £2

(I also got a white 60's beaded belt but I forgot to take a pic!)

60's Heated Rollers in a fabbb case - £1

Selection of kitsch mirrors - £2

Hope you all have a super weekend, I'm off for a Valley of the Dolls/Beyond the Valley of the Dolls film sesh with a pal tonight, am planning my outfit... I might just have to wear my vintage hairpiece in honour of Mr Meyers big haired beauties. I'll be sure to take some outfit pics!

Rave August 1966

2011-08-01T10:26:00.001+01:00

Oh you lucky lucky people I'm really spoiling you, this is probably the best Rave cover ever & one of the best issues. Of course we have the fantabulous Steve Marriott & Ronnie Lane of The Small Faces on the front...

Here's a great pic & article of the mighty Action, fancy a trip to see them saturday night? Someone get me a time machine!

This feature on how to turn Princess Anne into a mod is classic, she does look better with a bob doesn't she?!

And finally another We Don't Smoke ad, shamefully I missed this in my special post.

There are of course tons more super articles & pics, but if you want to see them you'll have to go & get your own copy ; p

Songs for Saturday pt19

2011-07-30T16:03:00.001+01:00

Stone The Crows - Friend (Ode to John Law, 1970)

Another bootfair gem I got recently was the album Ode to John Law by scottish band Stone The Crows. I have to admit to being rather ignorant of this band having only seen a clip of them on an Old Grey Whistle Test rerun. But I liked what I heard and when I saw this LP of course I couldn't pass it up! I love that this you tube clip has a good crackle to it, there's nothing like listening to vinyl is there?!

P.S. David Cassidy for president.

2011-07-28T19:01:00.001+01:00

In my mums attic there are bin bags full of clippings & various memorabilia from her teenage years dedicated to Bowie & Marc Bolan. I have been slowly trying to organise it all and scan a few bits in to share. This little gem from 1974 is just too funny. This memo pad must have been my mums new favourite thing. My Aunty Susan was not blessed with such good taste in music and as you can see below like any teenage sisters they obviously liked to play pranks on each other!

(Mum) Thurs 6-6-74: Remember revision in evening for mock exams; (esp. french & german).

(Susan) Sunday 8-6-74: Message from Susan "The Wombles are alive and well and living on Wimbledon Common".

"REMEMBER YOU'RE A WOMBLE".

DAVID CASSIDY RULES THE UNIVERSE FOREVER. CHELSEA THE KINGS (of poo) obs. by mum!

Also, dont write in my memo pad or I'll write a full length novel in your's in pen. Get it?

P.S. David Cassidy for president

I laughed soo much when I saw this. I also have a loving biography written by my mum of Marc Bolan which I'll have to type out!

5 Mini's & a Maxi

2011-07-27T19:54:00.002+01:00

I've just completed my latest batch of goodies over at Smashingbird Vintage. Do have a gander, and don't forget my summer sale - just enter code SUMMERSALE at the checkout for 25% off. This will expire at midnight Sunday 31st July, so if you fancy a frock get it quick!

70's Grecian Style Maxi

60's Dotty P's Floral Mini

Psychedelic Mini Tunic

Candy Stripe Handmade 60s Mini

Dorothy Perkins 60's Striped Shift

Floral Crochet Trim Hot Pink Mini

P.S. Don't forget if you don't want to use Etsy - just email me & I'll take payment via Paypal!

Frock on Friday! (night)

2011-07-24T21:48:00.001+01:00

I know I know it's now sunday and the Frock on Friday rules are that you should wear a fab frock all day each friday, but I just had to share my outfit from the evening. I was very pleased to have big sis back from her latest adventure in Italy and we all went out for a meal & drinkies. So yesterday I wasn't really in any fit state for doing anything so apologies for my lateness!

Wearing 70's Jon Adam dress (borrowed temporarily from Smashingbird Vintage, as when I bought it originally it didn't fit, it does now so if you want it move quick because I'm seriously tempted to keep it permanently!) and my lovely new shoes from New Look of all places, just £29.99 and also available in black or petrol blue - online or in larger stores only. I <3 them.

Songs for Saturday pt18

2011-07-23T09:51:00.000+01:00

Otis Redding - Satisfaction

(Otis Blue, 1965)

I was lucky enough to score a nice mono copy of this LP at a bootfair last week for just £1 and of course it's been on my little Pye International turntable ever since! This video is from the Stax Europe tour of 1966 and has got to be in my top 5 concerts I would have loved to have been at. Otis followed an amazing & classically energetic set by Sam & Dave and sent the crowd into a frenzy! If you ever get a chance to watch the whole film, please do - you won't regret it!

Best of Etsy - Swinging Sixties Sandals

2011-07-21T11:44:00.000+01:00

After a little absence please welcome back to my regular Etsy picks feature. Although the summer has decided to take a little unscheduled break, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect sandal. As seen in previous posts here & here my little gold jewelled 60's ones have been my favourites and lasted me for the last 6 years or so! So I think it may be time for a new pair? Anyhoo here are my selection of the best low heeled 60's sandals available now on Etsy...

Mink Suede & Gold Studded Joyce Sandals US 9AAA / UK 6

$35 from nicolasvintage

Pale Pink Leather US 7 / UK 4.5

$19.99 from Tagged Vintage

Deep Purple Criss Cross Sandals US 6 / UK 3.5

$36 from foxandfauns

Canary Yellow Sandals with Gold Kitten Heel US 5 / UK 2-3 (teeny!)

$60 from ChanticleerandtheFox

Metallic Gold Strappy Sandals US 8 - 8.5 / UK 5-6

£8 from SmashingbirdVintage ; )

Amazing White Knee High Gladiators US 7 / UK 5

£75 from VicandBertieVintage

Classic Black Patent Sandals US 9.5 / UK 7

$28 from VintageandMore

Tan Grecian Sandals US 8.5 / UK 6

$47 from paramountvintage

Weather, Weddings & Waiting

2011-07-19T13:05:00.000+01:00

On Saturday I attended a lovely little wedding in Canterbury. Bizarrely I do not know either the bride or groom but there was a spare invite & well any excuse to dress up is alright with me! I bought this 70's maxi in a charity shop last week for £8. I've been looking for a maxi for ages but haven't found one I liked. This is soo pretty - it's made of navy cotton wit a floral print in pale blue, tan & brown. Fits like a dream, although I had to chop a good few inches off the hem....

Worn with a vintage pendant found in another charity shop for £1.50. The shoes are my Miss L Fire Platforms, I had been planning to wear some rather delicious new tan suede heels I got from New Look the other day, but alas it absolutely poured down and I rather sensibly decided against them - no doubt they'll get an outing very soon!

I felt terrible for the bride as the weather was soo grotty - but she looked absolutely adorable in a cream chiffon mini shift, which I think was a particularly lucky choice. Imagine if it had been long - the poor gal would have had a soggy hem just like me!

Unfortunately we couldn't attend the evening do as I had to work, since leaving my last job I have done a few bits here and there and most recently have been working at a bar. I pull a smashing pint ; ). But Sat was my last night there as this week I start work at a well known supermarket, a job which I applied for 4 months ago. I just received the uniform today, and oh my goodness tis not nice. They have sent me size large. Does. Not. Fit. The upside is that I get a name badge (haha). Oh well means more money to spend on lovely vintage...

Shop Smashingbird

2011-07-18T12:59:00.000+01:00

I'm waiting for this delightful english weather to brighten up so I can get out and take some more pics for the shop. I have some super items waiting - lot's of 60's minis, a few 70's maxi's, tons of vintage accessories and a few more bits of homeware. If you do want to use Etsy please contact me - look to your right and there is a link to mail me - and I can take payments via Paypal. Meanwhile here is a selection of my favourite bits currently on sale....

Super cute 50's/60's Modernist Tea Cup Set - £10

Jon Adam 70's Floral Daisy Print Pink Halter Dress - £30

Amazing Early 60's Mad Men Style Kitten Heels - £25

Super Mod Floral 60's Shift Dress & Coat Suit - £55

Hawt little 60's Slip with built in Bra - £12

Grab this Jon Adam 70's Frock soon cos it's in serious danger of going back in my wardrobe... - £45

Unworn 60's Mod Shirt 15 1/2" Collar - £14

Fab Red 60's Dollybird Shoulder Bag - £14

Chic Mock Crock Grey 70's Clutch - £14

My absolute favourite Clothes by Samuel Sherman Nautical Striped Maxi Dress - £45

Don't forget my Summer Sale too, 25% off all purchases when you add code

SUMMERSALE at the Etsy Checkout!

Songs for Saturday pt17

2011-07-16T13:00:00.000+01:00

Montague Terrace (in blue) - Scott Walker (Scott, 1967)

Another lovely tune by Mr Walker.... practically all I have been listening to this week is Scott 3, but I do love this track from his first solo album Scott. Like most of his tracks the strings are really haunting & along with his stunning vocals this track is really dreamy - I hope you like it too!

Frock on Friday!

2011-07-15T19:52:00.000+01:00

Welcome to another edition of Frock on a Friday! Today I'm wearing a 70's cotton halter dress with deco-ish print & buttons by Susie G (it does have a matching velvet trimmed cape...), my shoes are my trusty 60's gold jewelled sandals.

I don't know what is up with me this week, I'm sorry I haven't updated or visited hardly any blogs - do bear with me I will be popping by soon! Hope you all have a super weekend, I'm off to a wedding tomorrow and they have predicted rain and I was planning on suede shoes - eek!

I think this is quickly becoming my trademark Smashingbird pose!

Songs for Saturday pt16

2011-07-09T12:59:00.000+01:00

On A Saturday - Keith West
(1968, Parlophone 45)

Perhaps best known for Excerpt from a Teenage Opera (aka Grocer Jack), Keith West was quite the songsmith in the late 60's. He begun his musical journey in a band called the In Crowd before joining the acclaimed psychedelic group Tomorrow alongside Steve Howe of Yes. I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of Tomorrow, but their remastered album "Tomorrow" features a selection of Keith's tunes which it is worth the buying just for those! Eagle eyed viewers (or geeks like myself) will also have spotted this band in the Pie Shop scene in "Smashing Time". A brilliant best of album "Excerpts from Groups & Sessions" is also available.

Sale!!!

2011-07-06T08:06:00.000+01:00

It's Sale time over at my Etsy Store Smashingbird Vintage

I am offering 25% off all items for a limited period only - just enter code SUMMERSALE at the checkout! xxx

Join The Tea Set!

2011-07-04T23:36:00.000+01:00

Shame on me for forgetting to add this pic to my last post! How cool is this ad? It really is tea-riffic! I totally need one of these tea shirts! Does anyone know what the Tea Set is all about? From what I can gather it's some sort of promo from a tea company....

Rave July 1966

2011-07-03T11:48:00.000+01:00

Wooops my usual Rave post is a couple of days late!

This month we have the divine Scott Walker on the cover from July 1966.

Inside there is another city guide, this time it is Paris, I totally love the kitschy illustrations, and there are some really super pop art frocks.

How do you fancy being the new Rave Girl? Win a date with the Walkers, a Mary Quant & Vidal Sassoon makeover? Oh yes please!!!

I'll be back next month with another issue.

Songs for Saturday pt15

2011-07-02T11:15:00.000+01:00

Hush by Woody Herman (Light my Fire, 1969)

Another fab cover of this iconic tune. The other day from my neighbour gave me a couple of crates of records to go through. Amongst the Mrs Mills & Marching Band LP's I got myself a few gems, this album on the Chess label along with a few other bits, this hasn't been off my turntable since! Apparently they have another 200 coming next week for me to look at......

Frockless Friday!

2011-07-01T22:23:00.000+01:00

I'm afraid I failed at Frock on Friday this week as I have spent today washing & waxing my car with a little trip to an afternoon bootfair squeezed in.... I promise I'll be back in a fabulous frock next week. In the meantime......

Wednesday was my birthday and I'd just like to say a huuuge thank you to everyone who sent me a message on facebook & twitter, I generally hate birthdays but my phone was bleeping all day and I was soo touched by all your kind words! It was pretty uneventful of course, but my beautiful friend L came round for a chinese and a couple of drinkies, which was lovely.

My main pressie was this fab new gypsy caravan sewing box from Cath Kidston, it is humungous and I can fit absolutely all my bits & bobs in it. I love the little felt bunting & windows! The colours are much brighter in real life, you know how crap my pics are.....

My fave card came from my old friend H, it's a perfect 60's one & inside it says "Birthdays look good on YOU!" - love it, her sweet daughter Iris also decorated this bag for me, how cute!

Oh yes that is a Giant Pink French Fancy Cake, and the top bit is cream just like the little ones.....

(my b'day frock is a Clothes by Samuel Sherman 70's number, which I've had for years but never worn before!)

Hope you all have a super weekend! xxxx

Instagram I do like you.

2011-06-29T10:03:00.000+01:00

If you follow me on twitter or facebook you will have seen my Instagram pics posted. I'm rather addicted to this app. If you are on it please find me - I'm Smashingbird (of course!).

Becka loves Biba

2011-06-27T21:26:00.000+01:00

Off to my friends saturday night for dinner and I decided I ought to give my most favouritest Biba frock an outing. It's an early 70's cotton number I got from ebay a few years back and the letters printed spell art deco, it's Big Biba perfection. The skirt is cut in a full circle and the bust & sleeves are rouched. The shoulders are padded and in the same printed fabric too, soo gorge.

Forgot to take a close up of my shoes at the time, so here's a blurry zoom in.

They are Miss L Fire platforms with crochet flowers on the toe, and are the most comfortable heels ever!

Staring into space an ode to my dear Annimal!

Also wearing vintage cocktail rings & my nail varnish is Victoria by Nails Inc.

One of my gals gave me an early birthday present, I won £1! There are some more pics from this evening but they are only fit to be viewed on facebook.....

Top 10 Award

2011-06-26T13:08:00.000+01:00

I was rather pleased to be tagged over at Dolly Rocker Girl for the Top 10 Award, this particular tag asks you to list your top 10 beauty products, so here are mine!

1. Duwop Lipstick in Private Nude - love this shade it is perfect for a delicate daytime look & smells like proper lipstick should!

2. Aussie Formula 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner - this is a longtime bathroom staple of mine, it's great that you can either pile it on for a deep condition or just use a little for a regular wash, smells lovely too.

3. Nails Inc. Polishes - I will rave to anyone and everyone about this brand, I find their nail varnishes sooo long lasting & easy to apply. They have a fab range of colours & cool names to boot.

4. Boots No7 Perfect & Protect Hot Cloth Cleanser - A budget version (half the price) of the famous Liz Earle Cleanser Polish, I actually prefer this and have found it has really calmed my skin down.

5. Boots No7 Perfect & Protect Day Cream - flipping great.

6. Boots No7 Perfect & Protect Night Cream - see above!

7. Bliss Manicure's Best Friend Cuticle Cream - a gift from big sis, I wouldn't be without this.

8. Bed Head by Tigi After Party - this smoothing hair cream is fab, it hasn't much hold but for short hair like mine when you want a more natural look its perfect. Lasts forever and supposedly keeps your hair stink free?!?

9. Lola by Marc Jacobs - I recently relieved my mother of this scent & along with it's cute packaging it smells gorge too!

10. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - If you don't have a tube of this classic cream in your possession get some now! It can be used for absolutely everything, the best tip I received (from big sis) is to apply a little to your face before your foundation and you do get a rather nice glow!

So who did I tag.....

Ann @ Annimal House
Liz @ Vintage-a-Peel
Sharron @ Looking Fab At Any Age
Emily @ Snowy Stylista - Viva Italia!
Margaret @ Penny Dreadful Vintage
Anna @ Modern Milly Style
Lakota @ Faith Hope & Charity Shopping
Sharon @ Mystyle
Pearl @ Fashion Pearls of Wisdom
Jessica @ Lola Vintage

Ladies your mission if you choose to accept it is:

- Thank the person who tagged you and link to their blog
- Put the Top 10 Award logo on your blog (the logo is under my 'Kind Words' section if you want to snag it)
- List your top ten favorite cosmetics/beauty products
- Choose ten bloggers to tag, link to their blogs, and let them know about their award!

Songs for Saturday pt14

2011-06-25T09:41:00.000+01:00

Thane Russal & Three - Security (1966)

Now it isn't often that the late great Otis Redding can be bettered, but in my opinion this classic 60's freakbeat number by Thane Russal just pips him to the post. One of my all time favourite dancers, everytime I hear it I'm taken back to dancing in a tiny room under a gay pub in Rochester that my friends and I used to hire out & hold our own little club nights where I'd usually be the only one on the dancefloor, somethings never change!

Frock on Friday!

2011-06-24T12:58:00.000+01:00

It's friday which means it's officially frock o'clock! I first spotted the Frock on Friday feature over at Vix's blog and the rule is that wherever you are & whatever you are doing each friday you should don a fabulous frock! So here is what I'm wearing today.....

Vintage 60's Dollyrockers floral mini, 70's Biba mini vest/waistcoat thingy (both from Ebay years ago), 70's tan leather wooden wedge sandals (£1 from Demelza Charity shop last week)

And how could I resist not popping on this most amazing necklace which I was lucky enough to win from the super chick Ann @ Annimal House, I totally loves it! It's a Sarah Coventry piece called Wisteria. I hope I have done it justice.

Slightly squinting as the sun is just about popping out finally!

Hope you all have a fab weekend! I'm very much looking forward to dinner at a dear friends house tomorrow night with all the girlies and am trying to decide what to wear.... it might just have to be another Biba frock!

Best of Etsy - Strawberries

2011-06-22T09:51:00.001+01:00

Monday marked the start of Wimbledon fortnight and as we all know it's not about the tennis, it's all about the strawberries & cream! So with this in mind this weeks selection of Etsy goodies have a distinctly fruity flavour!

Velvet Maxi with Sequin Applique

$55 from bluehawaiivintage

Cute Babydoll Mini

$32 from sugarshackvintage

70's Fiorucci Jacket

€25 from DisgustingEmperor79

Adorable Applique Pinafore Dress

$34 from TimeBombVintage

Stunning 1940's Crepe & Beaded Gown

$175 from snootiesseconds

70's Prairie Style Maxi

$52 from seesong

Strawberry & Gingham Young Edwardian Mini

$32 from margaretpearl

60's Stripy Sunsuit

$99 from NestEggVintage

New Listings

2011-06-20T14:11:00.000+01:00

Here is this weeks batch of new listings from my Etsy shop Smashingbird Vintage. I have a nice little selection of vintage slips in sizes 8 - 14, another delicious Jon Adam 70s frock which doesn't fit me & a super mod dress suit.

Pink Nylon Slip

White Lace & Nylon Slip

Black 60's Bra Slip

Unworn St Michael Slip

Brown Lace Slip

60's Shelana of London Dress & Jacket Suit

Don't forget until the end of this month I'm still offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING to all blog readers, just add BLOGGER at the checkout!

Pink & White Floral Jon Adam Halter Dress

Giveaway Winner!

2011-06-19T18:04:00.000+01:00

As promised to celebrate my blog followers reaching 100 today I drew a name at random from those who entered to win this lovely bag.....

Here we go - names printed

Cut & folded

Drum roll please......

Yes the winner is the divine Miss Christina @ Fashion's Most Wanted!

Congrats my lovely!

Songs for Saturday pt13

2011-06-18T08:07:00.000+01:00

Obsessed with Dreamboat Annie at the moment, and this has got to be my fave track on there.

Heart - Crazy on You (Dreamboat Annie, 1976)

Street Style Competition

2011-06-17T11:19:00.000+01:00

Firstly I have to give credit to the lovely Perdita over at Perdita's Pursuits for blogging about this rather cool little contest. Wooden Hill Vintage are about to launch their vintage store and to celebrate are hosting a giveaway where one lucky person will win a £50 gift voucher to spend at www.woodenhillvintage.com.

All you have to do to enter is visit their facebook page and upload a picture of yourself in your vintage finery, or send them a pic via twitter @woodenhillvtg. The winner will be the one with the most likes on their snap. I'd be everso grateful if you voted for me : ) If you enter yourself do let me know!

Oh yes and whilst your over there if it takes your fancy you can now like Smashingbird too!

Intermission

2011-06-15T18:18:00.000+01:00

Just a quick note to say normal blogging will be resumed shortly, I'm having a crazy busy week. Lot's of new listings to get finished for the shop too. Also don't forget there is only a few days left to enter my giveaway!

In the meantime here's a totally sexy pic from Guy Bourdain

Songs for Saturday pt12

2011-06-11T12:30:00.001+01:00

Look Back in Anger - David Bowie (Lodger 1979)

Do you realise it's been almost 2 months since I've posted any Bowie-ness! Shocking I know. By now you all should know by now how much I love Mr Jones and how much I love Scott Walker, this song I think is Bowie at his most Scott-like. I'm rather obsessed with Lodger at the mo.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend, and don't forget to enter my giveaway....

Julie Christie in Fortuny

2011-06-07T20:53:00.000+01:00

Julie Christie wearing vintage now antique Fortuny and looking every inch a pre raphaelite goddess.

From UK Vogue 1973 (september I think!)

New Listings

2011-06-06T13:32:00.000+01:00

Well what a glorious start to the week over here in Blighty. The heaven's have opened and it is grey & miserable! At least the garden is getting a good ol' drink.

I have spent the weekend getting some new listings up in my shop, this week I have added some bits for the fellas, do check them out!

60's Mens Unopened Shirt 15 1/2"

Vintage Mens Striped Unworn Shirt 15"

Watermarked 60's Leather Purse

Early 60's Modernist Tea Cups

Tootal Scarf - SOLD!

Psychedelic Dandy Mens Vintage Scarf

Classic Rockstar Velvet Mens Jacket

Also don't forget to enter my giveaway! I've had lot's of entries so far & there is still 2 weeks to go...

100 Followers? Here's a giveaway!

2011-06-05T10:13:00.000+01:00

I've been twittering on for the last couple of weeks that as soon as I hit 100 followers here I would do a giveaway and here it is! I would like to thank you all for your kind words, support & comments (especially through my recent changes), they really do mean a lot to me!

So without further ado here is the prize. This gorgeous vintage 60's bag was destined for my own wardrobe but I do rather have too many black bags already so I'm giving it up for the prize! The lady I bought it from said it was from France, the quality is stunning and the inside is mustard suede. yum.

All you have to do to enter is either leave a comment below, like my Facebook page or tweet this post. I will pull a name at random out of a hat on the 19th June.

Good luck & Thank you! xxx

Songs for Saturday pt11

2011-06-04T10:44:00.002+01:00

Today by Jefferson Airplane (Surrealistic Pillow, 1967)

My fave song by the Airplane, love em doing it at Monterey too.

Best of Etsy - What a hoot!

2011-06-02T22:31:00.001+01:00

So as you can see the theme for this week is owls. I love their kitschyness and I think they are rather cute. One of my favourite pieces of costume jewellery is a giant articulated owl pendant form the 70's I got some years ago, unfortunately a few years ago copies of this style were all over the high street (and still are) so I feel like I can't wear mine. I'd hate to think anyone thought I'd got it from Topshop (such a snob aren't I!) Do you have any vintage pieces that have made their way into modern fashions?

Custom Felt iPhone/iPod Cover

$19 from OhMyCake

Vintage Playing Cards

$2.50 from bostonbaglady

70's Plastic Brooches

$4.99 from kidlee

Vintage Big Eyed Vase

$60 from VintageZen

Whooo! 70's Knitted Tanktop

$28 from mbaugher

Winking Owl Pendant

$8 from VintageAlchemy333

Cutesy Pink Handmade Hairpin

$2.95 from littlehalley

Mod Owl Money Tin

$18 from chixycoco

Sarah Coventry Pendant

$30 from PeaceTraveler

Rave June 1966

2011-06-01T10:34:00.000+01:00

Another new month is upon us and with is brings a new Rave cover. This is from June 1966 and features David McCallum who is most famous for his role in the sixties spy series Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Another interesting feature in this issue is the Ravers Pop Guide to New York, I'll bet most of the boutiques & clubs are long gone now....

New Listings @ Smashingbird Vintage!

2011-05-30T16:24:00.000+01:00

My latest lot of listings are now up at my Etsy Shop. Lot's of fab vintage shoes, mostly UK size 6 US 8.5 and a couple of bags too. Don't forget all blog followers can get free worldwide shipping on any purchase when you enter code BLOGGER at the checkout!

Beautiful Early 60s Shoes

Gold Lurex & Diamante Heels

Sixties Silver Sequin Sandals

Smart Brown 60s Bag

Turquoise Beaded Bag with Matching Purse!

Vintage Dolcis Space Age Slingbacks

Pretty White Leather Courts

Matt Silver 1960's Sandals

Gold Metallic Vintage Sandals

Songs for Saturday pt10

2011-05-28T13:52:00.000+01:00

Scott Walker - Rosemary (Scott 3, 1969)

Because he is amazing and so is this song.

Best of Etsy - Vintage Platforms

2011-05-24T18:33:00.000+01:00

Now I'm not one to follow trends but I haven't failed to notice the abundance of platforms and wedges in the shops at the moment. There are some really fab shoes on offer on the high street, especially in New Look (which I would post if you could have access their images!), but the one thing that really really bugs me is that on the majority of modern shoes the platform curves up at the front, which I think looks kinda weird and personally find really difficult to walk in - I keep feeling like I am going to tip forward! So with this in mind I this weeks Etsy feature is all about platforms of the vintage variety, enjoy!

These 1940's Alligator Peep Toes are soo beautiful, hard to imagine them being 70 years old!

US size 5-5.5

Available from AlleyKatsStore - $89.99

Very cute 1970's Velvet & Floral Embroidered Wedges.

US size 5.5/6 (UK 3-ish)

From DiamondGraffiti - $149

I do love a cork heel, these Olive Green & Brown Slingbacks are perfect for summer.

US 5.5

From LauroRighi - $109

Of course I gotta get a bit of sparkle in somewhere, Silver Glitter 70's Wedges.

EU 37 - UK4

from Spelfenmeisje - €99

Black & Orange 1970's Slingback Spectators.

US 7.5 - UK5

From PawsonVintage - $38

These 1940's Suede & Snakeskin embellished heels are just about the prettiest shoes I've ever seen.

US 7.5

From ArthertonVintage - $324

I have to say this last pair of Brown Leather Woven Platforms are my absolute favourite pair of all. UK4/4.5

From saintphalle - $40

Bare Bird

2011-05-23T11:19:00.000+01:00

Miners Lipstick Ad from Rave May 1966.

Songs for Saturday Pt9

2011-05-21T15:42:00.001+01:00

Of course I had to link this weeks song to my shop, so the tedious link is..... Shop Around by The Miracles. I was fortunate enough to see Smokey Robinson live a couple of years ago, and my, what a performer! He had the crowd in the palm of his hands within 2 minutes, and I'm not ashamed to say I shed a little tear when he sung You Really Gotta Hold On Me & Oooh Baby Baby. Amazing.

Smashingbird Vintage is now Open!

2011-05-20T18:11:00.000+01:00

I am very pleased to announce that my Etsy store Smashingbird Vintage now finally has some stock in and is open for business!

There are lot's more frocks & fancies to come, so please stay tuned. To celebrate I'm offering all blog readers Free Shipping worldwide when you enter code BLOGGER at the checkout.

Here is a selection of what is for sale right now....

70's Handmade Floral Dress

Kitsch Vintage Postcards

60's Cocktail Gown

John Travolta Mirror

Clothes by Samuel Sherman Dress

Best of Etsy - Wes Anderson

2011-05-16T20:13:00.000+01:00

Welcome dear blog friends to a new feature here on Smashingbird. I'm slowly but surely getting there with my shop listings so in the meantime I thought I'd start a new feature aiming to show my best picks from Etsy with each week focusing on a different subject. This week is all about my favourite film director Wes Anderson. Click the description below to go to the listing.

You too can get the Steve Z look with this fantastic temporary tattoo, available for $10 from

SteveZissou

The ultimate Life Aquatic fans dream shoe, these may even tempt me into casual footwear - yes it is the Team Zissou trainers, $145 from zissoushoes

I think these Rushmore pencils are rather amazing, I want to join the Max Fischer Players. Set of 18 pencils $25 from tiniestj.

I <3 this Margot Tenenbaum paper doll postcard, just $3 from claudiavarosio.

Here is an item for the Tenebaum geeks, a little woolly dalmation mouse, cute! $10 from WoolyGeeks.

Who can resist a finger puppet? This felt Max is $17 from abbeychristine.

More paper dolls from The Royal Tenebaums, here we have Richie, Margot & Royal in Futura, naturally. mabgraves is selling the trio for $10.

There are some amazing posters featuring homages to Andersons films, I particularly love this Typography Life Aquatic one, $15 from sap43187.

Finally we have a little something from Fantastic Mr Fox, this gorgeous Ash print is $18 from TheBlackSheepStudio

What is your favourite Wes Anderson flick? Do leave a comment to let me know what type of things you would like me to feature on here & I promise the shop is coming sooooon!

Songs for Saturday pt8

2011-05-15T10:55:00.000+01:00

This lovely tune has been stuck in my head all week thanks to Bill @ Anorak Thing. Shame the footage is of The Steampacket.

Shotgun Express - I could feel the whole world turn round (1966)

Girl! Girl! Girl!

2011-05-11T16:16:00.002+01:00

I don't know what's up with me this week, I feel totally uninspired and can't think of a single interesting thing to say! So to make up for it here's a selection of scans from one of my favourite vintage annuals, Girl! Girl! Girl! I scanned these all in ages ago and it is currently tucked away in a box in my attic and for the life of me I can't remember the date, I think it is 1970, anyhoo enjoy!

Front Cover

Love the graphics on the inside of the covers (the front is b/w & the back is pink & black)

Fabulous Boutique feature, I'd love the pop art man head! Also has anyone ever had anything from the Just Looking boutique?

Bus Stop's Lee Bender & George Best! Plus matching knitwear.

Great contemporary map of the Kings Rd, I'd love to have gone to the Chelsea Kitchen!

I have dreams about those perfect silver boots...

Mary Quant Berets

Just so you know, cool hair isn't just for Brownies!

The second haircut is seriously tempting me to grow my hair out...

And finally here is the back cover - aren't the graphics and pic fab!

She's back! (for a little bit anyhoo)

2011-05-09T21:49:00.000+01:00

As I mentioned in my post on saturday this weekend I spent with my favourite sister (ok, she's my only sibling, but she's still my fave!), who has just returned from the not so snow covered mountains of Val D'Isere. We met up at 2pm with a big group of her nearest & dearest girlies and had a lovely lunch at Prezzo's (Gorgonzola Pizza = yum!) where I probably should have taken food pics, but as you all know I'm crap at photos!

Next we moved onto a rather trendy bar/restaurant/club place where copious amounts of wine was consumed and Em being the caring big sister was craftily only giving me small glasses (did I mention I'm a complete lightweight?). Here I am in outfit post mode, doing my best until someone who shall remain nameless hollered "POSER!" at me, so what's a gal to do? That's right, give 'em my best Blue Steel!

What I wore: vintage 70's purple floral chiffon sundress (£6 from Scope), Purple suede & patent Terry De Havilland Wedges, Red leather and gold studded vintage bag (50p bootfair), 70's gold small chain belt and my usual charity shop jewels.

I'm pleased to say Em & I are the only ones that lasted the night right through until 3am! Even though a very very generous chap bought us a bottle of champagne, which at 1am was received with mixed reviews! Plus there wasn't a kebab insight. (the queue was too long ; p )

Thank goodness for small measures and Party Feet.

Songs for Saturday pt7

2011-05-07T11:50:00.000+01:00

Apologies for the lack of posting this week. My lovely sister Snowy Stylista has finally returned to Blighty after 6 months in the Alps and I have been busy catching up with her and today we are heading out for lunch and drinkies with all the girlies (outfit pics will of course follow!). I do hope you are all enjoying your weekend, I'm hoping the rain holds off as my purple Terry De havillands do not like being wet!

So here is today's song in honour of big sis, See Emily Play by David Bowie (from Pin Ups 1973).

Rave May 1966

2011-05-04T10:04:00.000+01:00

This months Rave cover is one of the most sought after issues. It features Jeff Beck & Keith Relf of The Yardbirds on front and has some great bits inside such as this super rare feature on the legendary 60's mod band The Action.

Tea Party!!!

2011-05-01T21:17:00.000+01:00

As I have mentioned previously I was rather looking forward to Royal Wedding day. Along with all the excitement of the event itself and of course the dress which I think was just perfect, I had planned to host a Tea Party for the fam. Thursday was spent in a baking frenzy, everything was made from scratch. At midnight I was doing paper chains and 1am found me blowing up balloons!

On the day itself I was up rather early so I watch all the drama unfold... I wore a vintage 70's navy polkadot cotton Biba dress, vintage strappy sandals and a rather jolly little hat (from asda!), oh yes and of course my Auntie's pearls. I did look for my white gloves but alas they are nowhere to be found! What do you think of my patriotic manicure? : )

Onto the spread, I bought an offcut of pink gingham fabric to use as a table cloth topped with an old lace cafe curtain, cos I think it looked pretty! The flowers are white hyancinth, blue hybe (both from the garden) and red gerberas - these sat in old jam jars tied with a little ribbon. There was also bunting & flags! The cakestands were from Fortnum & Masons (as were the biccies, preserves & loose leaf tea). A lot of the china was vintage but a few bits are from Cath Kidston.

I made carrot cake (grated my hand in the process - ouch), victoria sandwich, fruit & cheese scones, fairy cakes (soo proud of my piping!), sausage rolls, mini ham & caramelised onion quiches, the Royal Pie is bacon, egg & sausage (we added the crown and rings after realising WC had another rather unsanitary meaning...), hand cut ham sandwiches, cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches - crusts off of course! A very kind neighbour provided the delicious gypsy tart. I had a lovely day and still have a few bits left (diet starts next week).

I was soo exhausted I went to bed at 10pm! How did you all celebrate the big day?

Songs for Saturday pt6

2011-04-30T12:22:00.000+01:00

Billy Joe Royal - Hush (1967)

In honour of the Royal Wedding today's song is by Billy Joe Royal, a lame connection I know, but after all the excitement of yesterday I forgot to schedule this post! Stay tuned for pictures from my Tea Party...

Hope you are all enjoying your 4 day weekend. For some reason I have agreed to go to an Ann Summers Party later (I'm scared) and I am bootfairing tomorrow morning so I better not have a late night!

Talking Eyes

2011-04-27T11:13:00.000+01:00

Vintage Max Factor ad from 1967

I totally need to try out some of these looks, I think I like Groovy Talk the best...

Weekend

2011-04-26T10:17:00.005+01:00

I do hope you are all enjoying this fine weather we are having! This weekend has been just lovely, I have bootfaired, jumble saled and charity shopped. Plus a bit of gardening where I caught the sun a wee bit (red nose!) and the mossies have had a right field day nibbling me.

On sunday night I met up with a couple of girlies for a night out, I was sadly sober (designated driver), but I had a blast. I have a busy week ahead, I'm snapping stock tomorrow so I can finally start listing. Plus I have to plan the menu for my tea party on Friday, which means lot's of baking - wooooohoooo!

Here's what I wore....

Firstly a bit of a squint - it's very sunny you know!

Vintage Biba 70's lilac vest, plain lace trim white vest, H&M 70's style flares (love these - got them in black too, super tight), D-Havz gold & nude wedges, vintage leather whipstitch bag, Old England gold chain watch, vintage jewels.

P.S. Sarah @ Misfits Vintage, this is a 99 - yum!

Vintage Crush - Scott Walker

2011-04-25T12:00:00.000+01:00

There's no doubt about it, I am officially obsessed with Scott Walker, his beautifully haunting voice and songwriting plus he was rather - actually terribly handsome! So as he is my current vintage crush I have compiled a selection of scans from my collection of Rave mags - hope you enjoy, as I'm sure it'll be the first post of many!

A Song for Saturday pt5

2011-04-23T14:04:00.000+01:00

The David - Light of Your Mind

This rather obscure tune from 1967 is a rather lovely slice of dreamy baroque 60's psychedelia. Not much is known about the band apart from that they made one album called "Another Day, Another Lifetime" which shall we says is as rare as hens teeth! This tune can be found as a 45 on Phillips and on the cracking 60's compilation Mojo - Acid Drops Spacedust and Flying Saucers: Psychedelic Confectionary from the UK Underground 1965-1969.

Hope you are all enjoying the gorgeous weather this weekend!

Brighton & Choccywoccydoodah

2011-04-23T13:38:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday I had a little day trip out to Brighton with the family, I have been here for years and as you can imagine it was scorching hot and totally packed! After a lunch of fish 'n' chips on the promenade we strolled in to town for a little shopping.

So here I am in the most fabulous shop, Choccywoccydoodah, you may have seen their show on TV. They make the most amazing chocolate sculptural cakes and delicious treats. They are eveing more amazing in real life - each piece is hand sculpted & painted and finished in all kinds of sparkly loveliness! You can buy some of their stuff online - do check out their website.

The easter window had a cottage garden theme, the cake on the left had wellies, veg and teapots - soo cute!

Sparkly cabbage patch & cheeky looking bunny.

Scrumdiddlyumptious easter eggs, there were also marshmallow & choc sheep, really sweet little choc shoes and of course amazing cakes.

Beautiful candy house - the roof is covered in hundreds & thousands.

This was our haul - little sparkly egg, chocolate praline butterflies and a gift bag filled with white choc covered marshmallows, milk choc cornflake piece and dark choc rice crispie treat. The chocolate is really goo quality, yummy! We also had a stroll up to the lanes and I visited a very cool vintage store called Snoopers Paradise on the recommendation of Miss Peelpants and found a gorgeous biba-esque jacket which being the silly gal I am, I failed to try on only to be heartbroken when I got home and realised it was far too small! But my loss may be your gain.....

We finished of the day with a 99 and a trip to the pier where I couldn't resist having my pic taken here!

Coming Soon...

2011-04-20T11:18:00.002+01:00

As I've mentioned on here previously personal circumstances have meant a big change in my life and now I have the opportunity to do something I've always dreamt of doing, yes I'm jumping on the vintage bandwagon and am launching Smashingbird Vintage.

I have been collecting vintage (or retro as it used to be called!) clothing since I was about 14 and have amassed quite a collection over the years and I have a ton of vintage delights to share with you all. So expect plenty of 60's mod & dollybird gear plus a sprinkling of 70s chic! Now I just have to start getting some bits listed so stay tuned, I'm very excited!!!

Smashingbird does Facebook

2011-04-18T16:01:00.002+01:00

Check out my new facebook page here or check out the widget on my sidebar!

Award time!

2011-04-18T13:58:00.000+01:00

A humungous thank you to the fabuliscious Miss Annimal for awarding me a Stylish Blogger Award. If you haven't checked out her blog yet, well where have you been! This is one foxy lady with a wardrobe and thrifting skills to die for! Go here now Annimal House.

The rules are well known in bloggerland, once accepting this award you should share a little about yourself, so here I go....

I have recently moved back to the place I grew up, it's a bizarre little island off the south coast of england, it does have a couple of claims to fame - Rod Hull and Michael Crawford are both from here and during the second world war you needed a passport to get here!

I haven't been on holiday for 13 years! I'm hoping this will change this year, I reckon I deserve one by now!

My guilty pleasure at the moment is the terribly trashy The Only Way is Essex - Shuuuttt Upppp!

I'm a total Royalist, I love all the pomp and circumstance and although I think Wills and Kate are as dull as dishwater, I'm organising a Royal High Tea for Wedding Day!

I pass this award onto all of you my lovely followers if you so wish to accept it!

Pics from here, here, my own vintage vogue scan, here and here

A Song for Saturday pt4

2011-04-16T13:38:00.003+01:00

War or Hands of Time - The Masters Apprentices

One of my all time favourite songs, I love their other single Undecided too - whenever I listen to either it takes me right back to my early 20's when I had a lot more time for dancing and a lot less time for stress!

The British Music Experience

2011-04-15T23:08:00.000+01:00

Earlier this week I took a trip up to the O2 in Greenwich to visit The British Music Experience. I haven't really fancied going to this before until I realised that they had some serious Bowie memorabilia. The exhibition is set out in different sections starting with 1945-1962 which obviously covers, skiffle, trad & rock n roll. Then we have 1962 - 1966 which has some Beatles bits, R&B with The Who, Yardbirds (original drumskin) and Kenney Jones of The Small Faces white suit which was pretty cool to see, along with lots of interesting bits such as Ricky Tick posters, various handbills and an original Marquee Club booking sheet. Plus dresses from Cilla, Dusty and Sandie Shaw's Eurovision frock.

The next section is much more my kind of thing, 1966 - 1970, here we had a Small Faces drumskin, Jimi Hendrix outfit (teeny tiny!), Lennon's glasses and original UFO membership tickets and Hapshash & IT artwork and papers. There was also the original artwork for Odyssey & Oracle. Another cool thing here is Mick Jagger's Ossie Clark jumpsuit.

Ziggy era Numbers Suit, David Live Suit, Handwritten Lyrics to Five Years.

So onto my favourite bit, 1970 -1976. I was beyond excited to see a whole case dedicated to my mate Dave, you can see a selection of pics below. The best item for me was the handwritten lyrics to Five Years, such a special thing to see. The outfits were amazing too, The Ziggy Numbers suit also had the red patent boots with green laces which you can see in The Old Grey Whistle Test vids. The suit from the cover of David Live was just beautiful as was the Station To Station outfit, they looked super well made and once again were soo teeny! Other items in this room were Marc Bolan's flying V and a Granny Takes a Trip Lame Jacket, plus stage costumes from The Sweet and Slade.

The next room was 1976 - 1985 covering Punk, Two Tone and New Romantics. In here we had the clown suit from Ashes to Ashes which was an exact replica of one worn by Bowie's mentor Linsey Kemp in 1967 and was really beautifully beaded and in stunning condition, probably because it didn't get too much wear. There was also an Adam Ant outfit which was originally worn by David Hemmings in the film Charge of the Light Brigade (1967).

Bowie's hand drawn Young Americans album art, Ashes to Ashes Pierrot Suit, Station To Station Outfit (with Gitanes)

1985-1993 covered Madchester and Hard Rock. I actually rather enjoyed the 1993 to present room as there was a case dedicated to Brit Pop, I felt quite emotional seeing beautifully typed lyrics from Suede, Elastica set lists and a jacket & glasses belonging to Jarvis, aaaah the 90's!

Other fun things are the Gibson room where you can play guitars, drums and do a bit of singing. The funniest part of the whole exhibition is the Dancing the Decades booth, here you can recreate iconic dances and using a little smart ticket thing, record them to view online at home. Yes, I participated and no those videos will never be made public! Best of all, it only costs £10! You can't take any pics inside so all the pics below are from www.britishmusicexperience.com.

Dusty's dress, original lyrics to Suede's Animal Nitrate, Small Faces Drum Skin.

Rave April 1967

2011-04-12T12:57:00.003+01:00

This month's Rave magazine cover comes from April 1967 and features the ever adorable Steve Marriott of The Small Faces wearing quite the superb white jacket which features some seriously tasty stitching & button action. I don't know why the dolly is so shocked... any ideas?

Faversham

2011-04-10T10:08:00.000+01:00

Here I am in the historic Kentish town of Faversham this weekend standing rather oddly!

I'm wearing a vintage early 70s Biba wrap around jersey top, 60's floral mini, vintage bag, sunnies & pendant. The shoes I bought the day before from New Look, I've been after a pair of sensible shoes I can actually drive in and thought these canvas & leather brogues would do the trick nicely and they are super comfy to boot!

I haven't been here since I was a wee thing and was pleasantly surprised by the mix of quirky boutiques, good charity shops (by this I mean non colour coded!), junk & antique shops.
Famous for it's Shepherd Neame Brewery, the architecture is fab too, lots of rickety old houses and tudor shopfronts.

I managed to score these cute little turquoise crochet hotpants from an antique shop where the very kind lady also gave me a cardigan which came form the same person too for free! I don't know if I'll ever be brave enough to wear these, maybe on the beach?

A Song for Saturday pt3

2011-04-09T12:38:00.004+01:00

I Feel The Earth Move by Carole King from the classic album, Tapestry.

I've been listening to this album again this week, it's totally one of those LP's where each song is a total classic. It also helps that Carole is one of the greatest songwriters ever with a beautiful voice too. This clip is from the short lived BBC In Concert series, BBC four played a few of these shows over the last couple of years when doing a singer songwriter season including Neil Young doing Harvest, James Taylor, Joni, The Eagles etc. I have seen a list of other people that featured in this series including Argent, Roxy Music, Stone the Crows, Traffic, Pretty Things, Badfinger and many more, but knowing the beeb these have probably all been deleted or recorded over!

London Through The Looking Glass - Magazine Stall

2011-04-08T11:39:00.006+01:00

I scanned this photo spread from a book I bought last weekend at the bootfair for only 50p! It's called London Through The Looking Glass and was published in 1970, most of the pictures in it are from the late 60s. This one is from February or March 1968, I know this because I am a geek and in the second pic there is an issue of Honey mag which I know dates from March 68, also can you spot the Barbarella Penthouse? I'd love to be let loose on this stall - Vogue, Flair, Honey, Oz, Harpers, Annabel..... lovely!

Crafty Bloggers

2011-04-06T11:54:00.000+01:00

I am super excited to be taking part in a little crafty blogger fun set up by the inimitable Helga, who has stitched together a rather fab little denim tote, lined with some very important royal memorabilia (aka Charles & Di Teatowel). The task is as follows: the bag will be sent to each blogger on the list below and they must then either decorate or add something to the bag + a little gifty for the next person and the finished bag will then be the prize in a giveaway. It is quite a long list and I am number 13, I hope that isn't an omen! I do have a couple of ideas as to what I'm going to add but it looks like I'm going to have plenty of time to polish up my sewing skills!

THE LIST

Bootfairs & 2p Machines

2011-04-04T18:28:00.000+01:00

This weekend I spent mostly at bootfairs where I picked up some cool little bits and bobs. The bootfair on sunday was in good old Leysdown and of course you cannot go there without popping into Mr B's and having a little go on the 2p machines. !

Billie Davis "I Want You To Be My Baby" demo 45, early 60s shoes in box (too big for me but had to get em!), Elton John "Friends" Soundtrack

60s leather and chunky brass bag, Kate Bush "Hounds of Love" LP, Solo Scott & John Walker EP, Bowie Rare LP, Unused 60s Suitcase, London Through The Looking Glass Book (1970)

Vintage Arcade Machine, Wills & Kate Keyring (yes, I won it!), Vintage Machine Close Up,

Hot Dog 2p Machine, Snakes & Ladders 2p Machine,

and finally the most random item of all time which I spent about £3 to get - Alain Delon Cologne!

A Song for Saturday pt2

2011-04-02T12:57:00.001+01:00

I started this back in September last year and shame on me for not continuing it! So here is the next instalment: She's a Lover by The Pretty Things as featured on their bestest album, Parachute. Sorry SF Sorrow fans!

How not to take Outfit Post Pictures.

2011-04-01T12:55:00.000+01:00

I always have really good intentions to do outfit posts mainly because it's an aspect of other peoples blogs that I love, it's my nosey nature I guess and I am really trying to get into a regular posting routine at the moment and hope to do a lot more outfit posts myself. It was only once I was almost out of the door last night I remembered to take a pic so apologies for my last minute very dark and very crappy iPhone pics from last night. It was my first single girl night out so I just had to get an outfit shot!

This pic was the best of the bunch but sadly doesn't show my lovely L'Autre Chose boots which I got on ebay (worn once!) for only £20. The top is next but everything else is vintage. Bag, Belt & Pendant -Charity Shops. Old England Watch - eBay, Mini Skirt - Camden Market about 10yrs ago.

I had to include this pic as my new little pal thought he was coming out with me too!

Eyes of the future

2011-03-30T12:15:00.004+01:00

Fake eyelash ad from Rave May 1969.

The text on these old ads never fail to amuse me - "Whose eyes speak silent words of love?" hehe. Plus wouldn't you love to have a go on the futuristic auto selector!?

What a gorgeous gal tho, I wish I could find some lower lid lashes...

100th Post!

2011-03-28T10:53:00.005+01:00

What better way to celebrate 2 years of this blog and 100 posts than with a dash of Dave and it has been a few weeks since I've featured any Bowie on this blog, now we can't have that now can we! So you'll have to excuse me whilst I get rather cheesy for a moment and post the lyrics to one of my favourite songs - Letter to Hermione from Space Oddity 1969.
Hermione was a very lucky girlfriend for a year or so after they met performing in Lindsay Kemp's dance troupe. This is his love letter to her after they split, I think it's just beautiful.

The hand that wrote this letter
Sweeps the pillow clean

So rest your head and

read a treasured dream

I care for no one else but you

I tear my soul to cease the pain

I think maybe you feel the same

What can we do?

I'm not quite sure what we're supposed to do

So I've been writing just for you

They say your life is going very well

They say you sparkle like a different girl

But something tells me that you hide

When all the world is warm and tired

You cry a little in the dark

Well so do I

I'm not quite sure

what you're supposed to say

But I can see it's not okay

He makes you laugh

He brings you out in style

He treats you well

And makes you up real fine

And when he's strong

He's strong for you

And when you kiss

It's something new

But did you ever call my name

Just by mistake?

I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do

So I'll just write some love to you

Image of David & Hermione via this fab flickr stream

I like this.

2011-03-26T21:29:00.002Z

A little taster...

2011-03-25T23:50:00.000Z

Recently I promised the gorgeous Miss Peelpants I would post some pics of my Old England Watches and well I haven't quite got around to it yet! So in the meantime here is a little taster featuring the pride of my collection, yes, the Old England Watch Belt! It was such a gorgeous day today and I was on my way out to spend the afternoon with a dear friend whom I am ashamed to say I haven't seen in something like 7 years or so, time certainly flies... We had a lovely long stroll along the beach and what with all that fresh air and my attempts at culinary greatness I had to have a nap earlier this evening and so haven't been able to catch up on any blog reading. Tomorrow I am up early for a church jumble and then off for another seaside jaunt in the afternoon, looks like another busy one!

A slightly squinty Smashingbird sporting Old England Watch Belt, 70s blouse (both ebay),

vintage pendant (charity shop) and h&m skinny flare trews.