Showing posts with label Tips & Tricks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips & Tricks. Show all posts
Although high street fashion retailers try to create unique designs each season, it is undeniable that trends are a recirculation of the past. Who can see this better than those who know a little about the history of dress? However, because of these modern twists and "updated" silhouettes, it can be difficult to find clothing in stores like Zara or H&M that truly have that vintage feel. Searching overflowing clothes rails in dark shopping malls for simple shirts that would not look out of place as part of an authentic 1950s outfit or bags that echo beach fashions of the previous century can be an arduous task.
For a long time monogramming personal objects was not only a symbol of ownership. Engraved objects were seen as more precious and valuable and therefore, aside from one's own initials, it was common to engrave the date of a memorable occasion, an intimate phrase, family crest or a dedication. All in an effort to add personal value to an otherwise easily reproduced item. Until the 1950s objects would often come with a small empty plaque allowing one space for a small engraving -- typically two or three letter initials. Usually these were the small, everyday items, such as cigarette cases, jewellery, notebooks, powder compacts, glasses cases, watches as well as travel items such as suitcases, vanity cases, storage boxes and bags. Initials could then be engraved, embossed or embroidered onto an empty name tag or a purposely-designed plaque. While the latter two methods are still frequently in use today, it is engraving that has become a phenomenon of the past.
It's a known fact that trends in fashion repeat themselves, but I have never noticed it more than during recent scrolls down clothing store websites. Perhaps I am simply more atune to the fashion fads of the past, whatever the reason, I am beginning to come to the conclusion that being fashionable is a temporary, exhausting and boring thing. What truly counts is having an original sense of style, being able to combine pieces that appeal to you and in turn creating a look that best expresses your aesthetic, your personality and your interests. So if you love berets then just wear them, you might be surprised to find out that in a few years time they will make a comeback (as they have now) and lo and behold you will be at the forefront of fashion... until something else takes over of course.
Below is a round up of a couple of items which reminded me of historical fashions. Direct links to the items are featured below each photo. What else would you add to this list?
Ever since I moved into my first university dorm room in 2014, I aimed to create the perfect pinboard. I wish I could have had the artistic freedom of Tezza, whose beautiful wall, covered to the ceiling with magazine scraps, polaroids and doodles, is the ultimate forms of inspiration. I however, was limited within the boundaries of my (thankfully rather large) pinboard. Yet, despite these constraints, I was able to create a collage that is both personal and eye-catching.
In every dormitory I inhabited my pinboard changed styles and content, fortunately, I am happy to say that my current one is my favourite! Over time, through trial and error, I have learned what works, what looks good and what to avoid. Below I list some tips and advice on how to construct that enviable pinboard - but remember, most importantly, it has to be unique to YOU.
1. To give your composition harmony create a gradient of colours. Do you see how in the top left corner of the pinboard there is a focus on warmer, yellow tones? These are then echoed in the yellow profile of the woman in the March 1934 Harper's Bazaar cover illustration poster, as well as in the yellow slogan-postcard on the bottom. You can also see these tones referenced in the opposite corner in the sepia toned photograph of my grandmother. A similar thing can be said about the colour green, which is prevalent in the central vertical line of the composition and then also seen on the left side in the other Harper's Bazaar cover illustration poster from February, 1929.
2. Use washi tape - it's cute ;)
3. Include a mix of types of photographs and illustrations. High-fashion magazine editorials, museum postcards of paintings, slogan postcards (the two I added are both from Paperchase), vintage magazine cover illustrations, personal family archives, Photo Booth pictures, polaroids, theatre or cinema tickets and images of favourite entertainers are all great things to include.
4. Think about texture. Is your image printed, developed from film, drawn, cut out or even ripped from a magazine? All of this adds interesting variety to your pinboard composition. Notice how the vintage 1940s photograph above stands out compared to the the early 2000s photograph below it. And the two also look different from the 1990s flash-lit image even lower. The same is the case with the trio of images from the Photo Booth and the tiny black and white image of Gabrielle Chanel, which was cut out from a recent issue of Harper's Bazaar.
5. Edges and framing. I already mentioned ripping vs. cutting images from magazines or simply from printed pieces of paper. But this little detail can significantly add to the aesthetic appeal of pinboards and collages. Above you can see how the slightly tattered edges of a few vintage photographs create a subtle change in style compared to the scalloped edges and thin white frame of the even older ones. Similarly, the Vincent van Gogh Starry Night postcard is framed with the painting in the centre, leaving a wide frame around it. The same is the case with the portrait by Allan Ramsay, however here the frame resembles a polaroid, which is another intriguing element.
6. Do not always use images. Sometimes you may end up with a bare narrow space with no image that will fit the blank spot. In such cases I suggest opting for patterns. Below you can see how I filled two spaces with a yellow floral print - it was actually part of a billowing dress photographed in a fashion editorial! It is these tiny detail that give your pinboard that "organised chaos" kind of feel.
Pinboards are an expression of yourself. Especially at school or at university, when new friends will probably often knock on your door, your unique pinboard will be able to do all the talking (although I do advise you do some yourself too) and offer insight into the kind of person you are, what interests you have, what you find beautiful, what you stand for, what your family is like, your values, and the experiences you have gained. They can take a while to make, because gathering content that truly expresses your vision and sorting through family photo archives is not an easy feat. Remember to enjoy the process though, because you will be looking a this masterpiece for a good while and nobody wants to reminisce about frustrating times or question hasty choices. Have fun and good luck with your creations!
Below are some examples of the collages Tezza created which, as I mentioned at the beginning, made me fall in love with this form of self-expression! Take a look, which ones do you like most?
How often is it that you stumble upon pyjamas in a vintage store? Much like swimsuits it seems to be one of those wardrobe essentials that is quite difficult to acquire. And once you do find a style that you like it usually turns out to be either not in your size, in mediocre condition or simply too expensive to justify buying. This mission can be a challenge to complete. Therefore, I myself have resorted to looking for a simple white nightgown - something which, as it turns out, is not that much easier to do!
Although I love vintage shopping, on-line and in store, nightwear (a bit like underwear) is a rather personal matter. One often (hopefully!) needs a couple of sets and the material has to feel soft and be comfortable to wear. I have made the switch to nightgowns long ago, primarily for two reasons. Firstly, I prefer the breezy feel of a nightie, as opposed to the stiffness of a classic, long sleeved and long trousered pyjama set. Secondly, they are a hundred times more delicate and feminine (well, at least they have the potential to be so) and fit in much better within my aesthetic.
Also, is there not something satisfying about stepping into bed in a fresh, newly bought, crisp white nightie? For me, it is a timeless piece of female clothing which gives nod to the Edwardian tea gown - a style of dress developed as a more casual alternative to the typically rigorous fashions of the time.
My favourites are those with detailed embroidery or lace trim and always in 100% cotton. The one above is from Zara Home and it is serving me very well. I included a few screenshots with similar finds below and wish you all the best on your search. They must be selling these classics somewhere!
Zara Home
Zara Home
The White Company
Where do you look to find your favourite authentic-vintage or vintage-looking sleepwear?
A few years ago I bought a netted, crotchet, mesh, fishing, whatever-you-want-to-call-it bag. I saw it out of the corner of my eye in a boutique in Warsaw and although it was a bright fuchsia colour, and I usually go for versatile blacks or browns, I bought it! And I remember why too. There were a couple of reasons. Firstly, I knew it was an accessory worn in the past that would fit my vintage-style outfits, and secondly, it was an item I distinctly remember my grandmother talk about using. I never, however, imagined it would become such a trendy accessory within the next few years. And boy do I love it when items used daily in the past become desirable and fashionable again - which seems to be the case here!
Above: A newspaper advert for the crotchet bag, c. late 1930s - early 1940s.
http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/lunteg/16589014/133959/133959_original.jpg
The bag itself was already in use in the 1930s, especially for everyday food shops or visits to fruit and vegetable markets. It was also a typical summer accessory, used to carry towels and a few bits to the beach. One of the bags advantages is its ability to significantly expand and shrink in size. The way it is designed allows it to widen, a bit like stretching out a fishing net, to accommodate bulky items or awkwardly shaped fruits. It actually has a particularly nostalgic connotation in Poland, which is where I live, because it was a type of bag often carried by people throughout the communist regime (i.e. the 1950s to 1980s) - which is why I remember my grandma talking about it. She fondly recalled the peculiar little bag that that accompanied her on grocery trips to stores with not enough stock (not such a fond memory). I love to reminisce about stories my grandma told me and the fact that this style of bag reminds me of them is heartwarming. That's what I like about old items - they carry a story. So if you want to bring back a bit of the past, all the while keeping up with the latest trends, then I think this practical purchase is one to make.
I saw versions of the bag appear in stores such as H&M and recently noticed it on Instagram too. This really is proof that a great invention never ceases to amaze, even if it's as simple as a cotton (or 100% recycled polyester - it's nice you are trying to care for the environment H&M) crotchet bag.
H&M mesh shopper bag made from 100% recycled polyester (Summer 2017 collection).
http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0488493002.html#Light%20blue
Accessed on 9/06/2017
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