Saturday, 26 July 2014

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.

Depop 

Thank you all for reading and I hope your love of vintage will grow.
Until next time…

B x

Friday, 25 July 2014

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

Monday, 21 July 2014

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

Sunday, 20 July 2014

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

Thursday, 17 July 2014

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

Sunday, 13 July 2014

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!!

Friday, 11 July 2014

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 CarrollAlice in Wonderland

B x

Thursday, 3 July 2014

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