And I've Got No Defence For It...

Top - Vintage (£2.25)

Trousers - ASOS

Coat - Vintage (£9.50)

Shoes - New Look

Bag - Love Moschino

Scarf - New Look

Phone Case - Primark

“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.” 
― Colette

B x

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas and a very happy new year!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day and eat far too much food.

See you on the other side!

B x

And Although I Know It's Strictly Taboo...

Shirt - Vintage (£2.25)

Trousers - Vintage (£4.25)

Socks - Primark

Jewellery - Topshop

“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” 
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

B x

Be That Girl For A Month...

Hat - Primark

Jumper - New Look

Trousers - Warehouse

Coat - Vintage (£9.50)

Shoes - New Look

Bag - Vintage (£4)

Scarf - New Look

Phone Case - Primark

“My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me.” 
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

B x
p.s. I'm back!!

The Future Can't Come Too Soon...

A little inspiration for December!!

All images found on:

http://vintageandspikes.tumblr.com

B x

I'm Almost Through My Memoirs, And I'm Here...

Monthly Want - November!!

Vintage Black Shoulder Bag - £20 / Beyond Retro

Hey everyone!!

Hope you're all well!!

Long time no see!

I know I've been terrible with the leaving the blogging world behind when I came to uni, but I actually didn't realise how much work it would be.  I know you're probably giving me a disapproving look right now; but I suppose I was caught up in the world of late nights, no parental supervision and endless supply money.  Of course reality has set in (hence the absence), but I wanted to pop in and share my love of vintage with you again.

How amazing is this bag??

I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for a bag that is black (check), quilted (check), chain handle (check) and of course - vintage (double check).  So I think it's easy to see why I love this bag so much. It is perfection and it's affordable! I think I'm spending my life filling it with substitutes for a classic Chanel bag, (the one I want is £3,500 - anyone want to lend me that amount). I know it's crazy to spend that obscene amount of money on a brand new handbag, so why not look to a similar handbag that has already had a long life and is looking for it's next adventure. I love looking at vintage bags and wondering where it's origins are.  I think about all the wonderful places it's been to and all the amazing sights it might have seen. I know it's just a handbag; but to me it's not just that, it's a part of history - first it's original owners and now mine.  This bag is the perfect accompaniment to any outfit.  I love wearing vintage bags with a more relaxed outfit, it instantly adds a more expensive look to the ensemble. A vintage bag instantly excites me! I love finding them online, in vintage shops and charity shops, they are my favourite things in the world. I have a small collection building up and this would be the perfect addition to it.

Everyone needs a vintage bag - but I have dibs on this one!

Until next time…

B x

Any Advice For A Girl In The City??

A little inspiration for November!!

All images found on:

http://www.pinterest.com/vintagenspikes/

B x

Float Down, Like Autumn Leaves...

It's September!!

It's the start of the year!

Well more like the academic year - for some.

It is also the start of Autumn!

YAY!

Anyway…

As September comes, so does the beginning of a new chapter in my own life.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, I am off to university.  On Saturday I will be spreading my wings and flying the nest.  Don't worry I'm 21 and I've worked for 2 and a half years as well as studying.  I have also lived in a house with just my sister and I and I love my own company.  What I'm trying to say (with the help of a little back story), is that the shock of being on my own isn't that much of a shock.  Yes I will probably have a little cry and yes I will pine for my little lillybud, but I think I'm used to the unexpected unlike the more spring chickens leaving home as well.  Now with a new adventure ahead of me it means only one thing - a new wardrobe.  A new season and a new experience means a change of clothes and a new found confidence.  Unfortunately I don't exactly have the funds for a whole new wardrobe; but instead I have picked up a few necessities.  First - jumpers!  Where I'm going to university is very cold and so I decided to stock up on some fluffiness.  Primark has come to my rescue and have a really good selection of jumpers and cardigans - especially the fluffy kind.  I also pick up a longline blazer in black. It's a great basic that can be layered during the day for a casual look; but can also be dressed up with a pair of heels for evening.  For the perfect evening attire, I found the most amazing sequinned silk embroided vintage top from the Beyond Retro Outlet.  It's beautifully made and it's just lovely to stare at and appreciate the craftsmanship of such an item.  At a small price, I have managed to find some great bargains to help guide me through the next season and adventure in my life.  It proves you don't have to spend a lot of money and instead you can find some amazing pieces in unexpected places.

To anyone who is starting school, college or university, I wish you all the best and I know you're going to thrive in your new environment!

Until next time!!

All images found on:

http://www.pinterest.com/vintagenspikes/fashion-put-it-all-on-me/

B x

Back In The Old Days...

Monthly Want - August!!

Rokit Vintage 80s Red Medal Print Bomber Jacket - £30

Hey everyone!!

Hope you're well!!

I know I'm rather late when it comes to publishing this post (8 days to be precise), but I thought I would post it anyway.

Can we have a minutes silence for how awesome this jacket is??
Now some of you may know, I am an avid admirer of vintage bomber jackets.  My collection may be small (only 4), but I'm hoping it will grow in the coming years.  There is something fun about having a bright coloured or printed jacket that goes with everything.  They're perfect for during the day or to keep you warm on the dancefloor.  This particular jacket from Rokit is amazing.  It's a bright colour, it has a vibrant pattern, it's vintage, you know it's going to be good quality and it will go with everything. I love pieces that look good with ripped boyfriend jeans, but I can also wear with skater dresses - this ticks all those boxes.  Come autumn/winter I live in my bomber jackets.  The best part of vintage jackets is that the lining is of a very good quality.  All my bomber jackets have a good thick fabric as lining and is perfect for those chilly mornings.  Bomber jackets are that one piece to set your outfit apart from all the rest.
I probably could spend hours talking about how much I love vintage bomber jackets, but I think once you buy one, the love will be instantaneous.
If you're unsure on how to style a vintage bomber jacket, I'll link a couple of outfits down below where I have styled one:
http://vintage-spikes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/on-that-little-patch-of-heaven-way-out.html
http://vintage-spikes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/deep-waters-hold-reflections-of-times.html

Don't forget to check out Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram for styling inspiration and also the street style all around you.  You'd be surprised what can inspire you.
Until next time!!

B x

And Daylight Comes To Swoon...

It's August!!
WOO!!
The last month of summer…
BOO!
Well, I can't lie - I'm kinda over summer.  I don't know what it is about us brits, but we're not happy unless we're moaning about something.
ANYWAY…
The 8th month of the year has arrived and although I'm so happy it has come, I'm also sad as today would have been 4 months until Disneyland Paris (stupid work commitments - I have to wait another seven and a bit).  I'm going to move on and focus on the fact that it is lovely and warm outside.  I guess I should talk about festivals, summer trends, beauty products etc - but I'm not! You see, I am a boring old fart and I'm not going to any festivals, I haven't bought any new clothes (my broke ass) and I haven't bought any new products for at least a couple of months (don't even get me started on holidays).  So you're probably wondering why I'm writing a post if I have nothing to talk about, well I'll tell you why - the great outdoors.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I'm talking about the great outdoors. The fresh smell of the countryside, the smell of the pollen (darn hayfever), the beautiful scenery and the endless hours of fun you could be having.  Last week I went to Hyde Park with dear friends of mine and although it started out as a picnic, it soon turned in to a frisbee tournament (we sucked compared to this other group).  We spent hours in the park chucking that frisbee and do you know what - I had so much fun! When it's the summer holidays, it really is the small things that matter.  Just being outside with your friends or family having a fun time is all you need.  When I was younger I would visit National Trust places on a weekly basis, I would spend every evening playing out on the street and I would hang out with my friends as often as I could.  Now that ladies and gentlemen is what summer really is about.  I unfortunately am spending a lot of time at home this summer (boo), but when I go out I don't want to be cooped up inside a building - no, I want to be out in the great outdoors having the time of my life.  If the sun is out, then you should be out!
I feel like a mother telling her children to get out of the house instead of sitting around all day.  I promise you I'm not moaning (makes a change), this is merely a suggestive post (the good kind) of what a summer should be like.
I hope you're all enjoying the August sunshine - I know I am!!
All images found on:
http://www.pinterest.com/vintagenspikes/fashion-put-it-all-on-me/

B x

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B x

I Find A Home In The Stars...

Hat - Nan's

Dress - Vintage (£7.80)

Shoes - New Look

Bag - Vintage (£3.50)

Jewellery - Topshop

Phone Case - Etsy

“Be thankful for every thorn that others might throw at you. It is a sign that you will soon be showered in roses” 
― Elif Shafak, The Forty Rules of Love

B x

Let's Talk Vintage - Denim!

Denim

ASOS Marketplace - £11 

Depop - £8

Beyond Retro - £11

Hey everyone!!

Hope you're all well!!

Now, as you guys may know I am OBSESSED with vintage - especially of the bargain kind.  And I found it funny that I have only spoken in-depth about vintage in one post (here).  That was far too long ago and thankfully since then my vintage collection has grown.  So I thought I would start talking about vintage a bit more, seen as my obsession has grown quite significantly.  I'm not going to talk about the backstory of how I started to love vintage, as I explain it in that particular post (also talking about my Nan is still a little hard - I hope you all understand).  Instead I'm going to get started!

Denim.

Vintage denim.

Today's conversation!

I have always loved the idea of walking around in LA with my vintage cut offs, oversized band t-shirts, biker boots and big shades (channelling my inner Claire Marshall).  Unfortunately the reality is FAR from different to the dream.  Although I may live in London, I still get old men stop and stare at my differing hair colours (apparently pinky/purple hair is a no no to them).  So walking around in the aforementioned (long word - well done me) outfit is not the kind of thing they're used to seeing.  Thankfully for me, I've grown immune to the prying eyes and judgemental looks.  I've learnt in my old age, that you shouldn't care what people think about you and you should just wear what you want and rock it.  Through finding this new found confidence, I decided to fulfil my american (in London) dream.  The hunt for the perfect pair of denim shorts started.  Initially I looked on the high street as I didn't want to pay that much, but none of them fitted - rude!  After the failure from the high street I decided to look online to see what it had to offer.  Unfortunately the answer to my question was - nothing. Nadda. Bugger all.  The problem with finding a pair of denim shorts, is finding a pair that actually fit you.  I was lucky when I found my dungarees on ASOS Marketplace about a year ago.  I was having a browse after convincing myself I needed a pair and found them.  I honestly didn't think they would fit; but with a grand total of £11 I didn't mind.  Thankfully they fitted and when the summer months arrive (like now for instance), I simply live in them.  But a little word of warning - don't wear dungarees to a theme park (don't ask why - weird).  ANYWAY - the hunt for finding a pair of vintage denim shorts.  Urban Outfitters didn't help, as you need to be a stick to fit in to their shorts (that's a compliment btw).  Eventually I gave up.  I knew the only way to find a pair that actually fitted me, was to buy a bigger size and belt them.  I had seen so many pairs on Depop that I loved; but I found them slightly too pricey (cheapskate over here).  This is the point where the saying - 'when you're not looking for it, you'll find it' comes in to play.  When I was in mecca, also known as the Beyond Retro Outlet on Cheshire Street a couple of weeks ago, I finally found what I was looking for.  I decided to pick up a pair of mens denim shorts because I thought they looked big enough to fit me (logical thinking on my part).  Luckily for me they did!  There was one hitch - they were too expensive.  The price tag was more than I was willing to pay (even if I did love them), thankfully I used my common sense and asked about the stickering system (clearly my brain doesn't understand the concept of coloured stickers meaning different things).  This was when I was told the wonderful news that the shorts were half price!!  I think I promptly ran to the cash desk and bought them immediately.  They're slightly longer than your usual denim shorts, but as I have Sturt thighs (family curse) they're perfect for me.  I found my other pair on Depop after many, many hours of searching.  They are a size 22 (but vintage comes up smaller) and are baggy, but I really like them (even if they do fall down).  With the price tag of £8, they were officially proclaimed a bargain and worth every penny.  

I know that was a VERY long story, but I wanted to point out that finding the perfect (or near perfect) vintage denim shorts takes time.  So I thought I would give you some tips (in no particular order) -

1) Patience - you definitely need patience when it comes to finding the right pair, but its worth it.

2) Research - look in every vintage/charity and online shop because you never know where you might find them.

3) Ebay/Depop - these are good places too; but make sure the size is listed, you don't want to buy a pair that doesn't fit you.

4) Measure your waist - this way you know what size will fit you and what won't

5) Expect the unexpected - when it comes to style or fit, don't have a preference as you might not find what you're looking for.  I'm not a light wash denim fan and yet I love my vintage ones.

6) Be cheap - yes some places will put a high price tag (we all know where I'm talking about), but don't settle because you can find a better pair for a lower price if you keep looking.

7) Don't settle - definitely don't buy a pair that doesn't fit and promise you'll make do and squeeze in to them - you're kidding yourself (trust me, I've been there)

8) Overall have fun - I know that sounds daft, but just think of all the other hidden treasures you'll find in these amazing charity/vintage shops and online - win win!!

I hope this post helps you with your search for your ultimate pair of denim shorts.  I will say that I'm definitely not an expert, this is just my opinion but you're welcome to take on any of the tips.  I'll list underneath my favourite places to look for vintage as well, so you can check it out for yourself and see if you can't bag a bargain.

Beyond Retro - http://www.beyondretro.com/en/

Blitz London - http://www.blitzlondon.co.uk

ASOS Marketplace - https://marketplace.asos.com/women

Ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk

Depop 

Thank you all for reading and I hope your love of vintage will grow.

Until next time…

B x

When I Was Young...

Hey everyone!!

Hope you're all well!!

Wednesday was the 3rd birthday of Vintage & Spikes!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Although my blog name has changed (amongst other things), I still love posting content that is read and enjoyed by an amazing audience and for that I thank you all so much.  

Now I thought we would have a little party today as a celebration.  Below are a collection of songs that make me just want to get up and dance and I hope it makes you move too.

ENJOY!!

An eclectic mix I know - don't judge me.

B x

And Wipe The Tears From My Eyes...

Hey everyone!!

Hope you're all well!!

I feel as if we haven't really talked in a long time and for that I apologise.  I've gone through my fair share of heartache and growing up in the past couple of months.  There were days when I wanted to chuck everything in and bury my head in the sand.  And yet there were days where I could have taken on the world.  I'm never entirely personal on here, as I never really know what to say.  I suppose the last time I wrote a 'personal' post was when I dropped out of college in 2012 - so much has happened since then.  Instead of talking about the last two years of my life, I thought I would talk about one major event from the last few months.  Warning - this doesn't have a happy ending, but one we can all learn from.

Nearly three months ago my Nanny Jean passed away.  It was quick and sudden and although in the last 10 months or so we had a mutual hate for one and other, I miss her.  When I found out about her death I went in to shock, I didn't know how to react or what to say.  I didn't know whether to be happy or sad - or both!  I immediately rang my friend Jaime and had a chat.  We were both in shock and laughing at the same time.  I had a little cry later that day, but what I remember most is being so awkward around my Dad.  I knew he talked about how he wished my Nan would pass (we all did); but we never thought it would actually happen.  You see, 11 months ago my parents moved in to look after my Nan and left my sister and I alone to fend for ourselves (not entirely but you get my meaning).  I instantly hated my Nan and would often talk about wanting the grim reaper to come and take her away.  I had so much anger not only for her but also for my parents.  I hated the fact that they could just abandon their children like that (no matter the age).  I understood the situation and how much my Nan did need help; but my Nan was manipulative to the point where I wouldn't see my parents for weeks.  Just talking about Nan to my parents would wind me up so much that I would cry.  How could one person change our lives for the bad?  When my Nan became ill we all knew she would pull through (she had done several times before); but when she started to deteriorate I went in to denial.  I strongly believed my Nan would pull through and continue to make our lives hell, even when the doctor told us she was dying I still refused to believe it.  When the call came I was in shock because I never thought this day would come.  A couple days after her passing I burst in to tears in front of my parents.  I lost my last connection to my Grandpa Bob who had passed when I was 2.  Although I had my Dad, it didn't quite feel the same.  When the funeral came around, I was so nervous.  I remember sitting in the car and asking my Mum why I couldn't get out.  I hated being in that confined space staring at a wooden box in front.  When we joined the rest of the family I did nothing.  I didn't know what to say or how to act, instead I stared at the floor until we were called.  I'll never forget what happened next.  There were men carrying this small wooden coffin as Glen Miller's 'Moonlight Serenade' began to play.  As if on cue the tears began to fall - they never stopped.  At one point during the service I was looking at this box and thinking my Nan was in there - I hated it.  I even lost it halfway though and my Dad was trying to comfort me and although every fibre of my being wanted to push him away, I did nothing - I didn't know what to do.  At the end of the ceremony the vicar gave me a hug and I headed straight down to see my Grandpa Bob.  The tears continued to fall and my heart started to break.  Thankfully (and another set of tears later) my family had managed to distract me from this horror I was living in.  A couple of weeks later I was back at the cemetery to say goodbye - for good.  The ashes were there in front of me, a grey pile in a muddy hole - this was my Nan.  The tears began to fall and I surrendered.  What I realised on that day was the fact that I did miss my Nan.  Yes she was evil, yes she was manipulative but she was also strong, independent and she survived SO much.  I spent most of my childhood with this amazing woman.  With every day I spent in her company, she told me stories of her courage and hardships and of course my Grandpa picking her up in a bar - the usual.  If Charlie or myself have half of the traits that made my Nan great, then I think we're going to be alright.

Hate is a strong word and it can lead to consequences.  I know there were points where I did truly loathe my Nan, but I did still love her - I loved who she used to be.  I will never forget my Nan (even if I wanted to) and although my Nan will never see me graduate from university or get married or see me having kids, I know she is always with me and keeping an eye on me.  I can see her now moaning about me to my Grandpa about my new hair colour and quitting work.

RIP Jeanette Elizabeth Allen - a truly remarkable woman.

B x

Music In Spring, Flowers For A King...

Top - River Island

Shirt - Vintage (£2.25)

Shorts - Vintage (£8)

Shoes - Next

Bag - Vintage (£3.50)

Jewellery - Primark

Sunnies - Depop

Phone Case - Etsy

“Save yourself from yourself” 

― Faisal Khosa

B x

Sometimes On The Rarest Nights, Comes The Vision Calm And Clear...

Top - River Island

Shirt - Blitz (£10)

Shorts - Vintage (£8)

Shoes - New Look

Jewellery - Topshop

Sunnies - Depop

Phone Case - Etsy

“Smile even when you're going through some hard times.” 
― Alcurtis Turner

B x

Days May Pass And Years May Pass...

Dress - Vintage (£7.80)

Jewellery - Topshop

Phone Case - Etsy

“How strange and lovely it is to be anything at all.” 
― John Green

B x

p.s Please excuse the bare feet!!

Beautiful Love, You Are A Mystery...

Top - Uni Qlo

Shorts - Vintage (£11)

Cardigan - Mum's

Shoes - Shoe Zone

Jewellery - Peacocks

Phone Case - Etsy

“I knew who I was this morning but I've changed a few times since then.” 
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

B x

I've Ruined Your Paradise...

Hey everyone!!
Hope you're all well!!
It's JULY!!
OMG!!
7 months in to 2014!!
CRAY CRAY!!
So summer is officially in full swing and OHEMGEE it's absolutely boiling! And yes I know us brits complain when it's hot or when it's cold or any kind of temperature to be honest; but it has been brutally hot lately. I'm quite delicate and so heat does get to me, (this could be something to do with the fact that I have never been to a hot climate country - don't judge). Don't get me wrong I do love summer (especially now I finally have a pair of vintage levis); but for me the novelty of summer does wear off. I know I'm saying this now and perhaps in a weeks time I would have changed my mind (I probably will); but let's see if we can't change my mind now - what makes summer so great?
Of course the first point to make here is that it's warm. This is the most important point to make, as no one likes to freeze to death. Another one to point out is the long days - NO ONE LIKES DARK MORNINGS!! In my opinion - if it's dark outside then it's night time. Two more points to make (I touched on these last month) is that you can leave the house without a mahoosive coat and also you can wear sandals (you know how much I love sandals). You can wear floral headbands without getting odd looks (apparently wearing one in October is not allowed). The boho look comes back in full force (Vanessa Hudgens is the ultimate boho style icon). These are all good reasons but I think the main one (especially if you are still in education or have family who work in education) is school holidays. Yes ladies and gentlemen, the six weeks of doing sod all and having ultimate bonding time with your family. The time to experience drunken summer nights, summer love, unforgettable memories and creating new ones. Summer is a time to let loose and do whatever the hell you want (within reason and is legal). It's a time to be free and ultimately (and most importantly), to be yourself and love every minute of it.
Let's enjoy the summer while it still lasts!!
All images found on:
http://www.pinterest.com/vintagenspikes/fashion-put-it-all-on-me/

B x