Vintage to Versace

So, as most of you may know, I spent most of my holiday-time working with the Art Deco photographer John Knight boutique on the top floor of a local Antiques centre. I've never really written about this place before, because it's my own secret Aladdin's cave of gowns, Dior and Chanel, but I've decided to stop being selfish and share a little with my readers.. 

John has photographed all over the world and is famous for his recreations of famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings but, to quote Bratz dolls, he has a real passion for fashion and so he opened Vintage to Versace in 2011 to get rid of some of his crazy collection! To give you an idea of what I mean by "crazy", here's a picture of the shop floor on arrivals day.. I'm going to apologise now for the quality of the pictures as I had to iPhone it!

See why I call it the cave?

 The reason I love this shop so much is that there's such a huge range of beautiful things - he's got pieces from 1960's RSC productions, Edwardian wedding dresses, 1950's Dior and original Louis Vuitton luggage right through to this year's Vivienne Westwood plastic cupcake-scented pumps.  I'll walk you through a few of my favourites from this week's arrivals..

See the blue coat? That's super special as it's from Christian Dior's original 'Miss Dior' collection. Usually it sits in it's own bag away from our other items, as it's so rare, but I asked very nicely and John said I could show you all.  The rest is Jimmy Choo, Moschino and Yves Saint Laurent's famous 'Tribtoo' pumps (unfortunately BOTH pars of shoes are a size 8 and I can't get them to stay on!), and there's always PLENTY of Chanel to keep me occupied:

Some of the stuff is downright weird designed for real collectors, however, like this collaboration between Jimmy Choo and Anya Hindmarch.

Who loves chewing gum?Anya Hindmarch and Tamara Mellon, apparently..

Of course my very favourite thing about helping out at Vintage to Versace happens when all the customers leave for the day.. if I've been very, very good I get to do this! 

Vintage to Versace has a Facebook page and a Twitter account where promotions, offers and fan discounts are announced.  If you can't make it into the shop and you've seen something on the page that you like, just leave a message and we'll get our best owls on the job immediately. 

Valentines

If you've not got a romantic bone in your body, or you just have the creative imagination of a teaspoon, you don't have to fear.  I'm the queen (or at least the princess-in-waiting) of thoughtful, quirky gifts, and I've opted to share a few of my favourite innovative and budget-ready gifts for you to entrance your beloved this romantic season

When it comes to perfume girls (and guys) can be pretty picky: the wrong choice can leave your lover wracked with guilt and wearing something that doesn't suit them, so it might be best to check what's already in their wardrobe before you hand over your plastic.

Ask their opinion! They might be up for trying something new. If you're still planning on surprising them, then ask the most senior shop-assistant you can find to recommend classics or current bestsellers; there's no price difference on perfumes in the more expensive department stores, but there's a noticable difference in customer service.

Trendy and inexpensive options can be found in Paul Smith, Davidoff and Diesel; mid-price favourites include Armani, JPG and Chloé, and if you're going all-out here then opt for Chanel, Dior, or head to Penhaligon's to create your own.

CUTE & QUIRKY

Celebrating your 3-month anniversary? Avoid anything with the words 'BEST GIRL/BOYFRIEND EVER' on. Equally, vouchers for matching tattoos = big no-no. If you're approaching V-Day as a new couple, or treating it casually this year, then try going functional instead of flamboyant.

I'm not suggesting you buy towels or spare socks, try and think of functional presents as cute additions to everyday life;  heart-shaped piggy banks, pirate coasters, or a special mug for your favourite caffeine addict.  Check out John Lewis and Whittards for the best selection.  If you're going down the jewellery route, keep in mind you're buying for your other half, not for you: keep it universal and don't get upset if they don't wear it 24/7.  Charms (the charm pictured is the 'Winterbourne' Rose from Jack Wills) and cocktail rings make great presents for her, while men look great in leather bracelets.

If you really fancy going all-out on this, or your boyfriend is as much of a geek as I am, Airswimmers have created a range of giant inflatable animals priced between £30-40. Who doesn't need an inflatable shark?  My mother bought these for me at Christmas, but I'm thinking they'd make a pretty great V-Day present for your girlfriend, too:

Whether a treat for yourself or your beau, this is the season for sexy underwear.  This is the time of year when girls ditch La Senza and M&S for Myla and Agent Provocateur, don stockings and suspenders, and look absolutely fabulous.

I always think basques and bustiers look special; this Gossard corselette is a mid-price alternative to products such as the 'Love' collection by AP, and it's gorgeous. Inspired by vintage 1940's, the collections are flattering and sexy without being too daring.

As for the boys, I like my men in more colourful boxers, personally, but this particular Tommy Hilfiger pair are Harry Styles' weapon of choice. Use your imagination. Check Bjorn Borg at Urban Outfitters or Diesel for more playful numbers priced around £20.


If you haven't followed my blog on Bloglovin' yet, please do! I'll be doing a giveaway fairly soon. xo