When We Were Who We Were, Back Then...

1.  Vintage Shirt (Cirencester)

2. Vintage Dress (Camden)

3. Vintage Dress (Beyond Retro)

4. Vintage Dress (Camden)

5. Vintage Jacket (Berty & Gerty Vintage)

6. Vintage Jacket (Same as above)

7. Vintage Scarf (Marshmallow Mountain)

8. Charity Shop Jumper (Samaritans)

9. Vintage Bag (Gigi Vintage)

 Hey Guys!!
So as I have been a complete hermit this week and I've spent my time sleeping, catching up on Hell on Wheels ( LOVE Bohannan) and dying my hair (third time lucky) I thought I would do a new post. On YouTube I love watching The Fashion Citizen (Melissa and Stephanie) and I'm always inspired by their thrifting videos. Also with my interaction with vintage items this past week I thought this post seemed appropriate. I'm here today to show you just part of my vintage collection.
I've loved vintage for years ever since I was a little kid. Whenever Charlie and I would go to our Nan.J's we would dress up in her old dresses and play. I even wore a 1950's dress of my Nan’s to World Book Day back in year 6, (yes the theme was Carrie's War but I didn't have anything from the 40's). I love having my Nan tell me stories behind her clothes, especially the one where she turned a real fur coat in to a bath rug - I died when she told me!! I don't think I spoke to her after she told me. Vintage for me is purely historic in the sense that I love the stories behind the pieces. Yes I'm initially drawn to a piece if it's pretty or I think it'll suit me; but if I know the story about who owned it or where it came from it makes it that much more special. I purchased a 1960's cape (yes I know I've already told this story but I'm telling you again); from Breast Cancer Research charity shop in West Wickham. As soon as I saw it I fell in love with this unique piece so I decided to try it on, at that point one of the volunteers came out from the back and started talking to me and my Mum. Basically the cape belonged to an ex-volunteer who had gone to a textile fair and picked up a fabric and had this cape made. It's a one of a kind piece that's story be remembered, plus it was £35 which for a piece like that is amazing.
Now like I said this is only a part of my collection as most of them are dresses or scarves. I don't have a huge collection but I hope one day to have a closet full of vintage. I pick up my vintage from various places one of which is Berty & Gerty Vintage. They are one of my favourite places to get my scarves from as they're affordable. I also get my dresses from there as they have a great selection, especially in their Camden based store which is small but I love it. They do have a boutique on ASOS Marketplace where I picked up my favourite camouflage jacket. Beyond Retro is another place that I don't necessarily buy my vintage from; but I love having a look around and seeing what’s there. I did pick up the black and white dress (picture 3) from Beyond Retro Soho a year or two ago. It was slightly pricey for £28 (I think) but I've certainly got my worth’s out of it. I've also recently received an order of a baseball jacket that was £9 in the sale; you have no idea how happy I am that I now have it in my collection. Camden is another good place to find vintage finds but you have to be willing to look. I haven't been in a while but I have found some of my favourite pieces amongst the chaos. Charity shops are another good place to look for some great finds. I found an oversized men's denim jacket for a fiver!! I couldn't believe it as I nearly bought one for £50. I also found my favourite cream jumper (picture 8) for again a fiver, and I've literally lived in it for the whole of winter.
This post isn't one of those 'look at what I've got' posts I simply wanted to share with you my collection. These shops and places are merely a small collection of shops where you can pick up some good vintage. I'm thinking of doing a video on my vintage collection and a lookbook; but knowing me I'll probably keep buying more and more that there won't be any point.
I hope you guys like this little (I use that word loosely) post!!
I am now going to watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and relax.
B x

Who Were We...

Hat - New Look

Jumper - Charlie's (New Look)

Shirt (underneath) - George @ ASDA

Vest Top (underneath) - Primark

Trousers - Warehouse

Shoes - Shoe Zone

Jewellery - H&M / New Look & Topshop

Hey everyone!!

How are we all??

Good??

Yay!! That's always good to hear!!

I'm completely tired, knackered, dead etc (you get my point).

I honestly haven't recovered from work so tomorrow I am staying at home. I shall turn in to a hermit for a day.

Oh there's one thing I want to mention...

I'M BLONDE!!

Ok it does look really yellow/orange in this picture; but in real life it looks lighter with ginger twinges.

I am re-dying it tomorrow to make it lighter.

Oh my god I am sooooooooooooooooooooo tired!!

I know I'm always tired but I literally can't keep my eyes open.

If at some point during this post I go off topic or I start rambling you know why.

Anyway...

(Talking about rambling!)

Just a quick post today!!

This was me earlier today after I came back from London.

So as I said I went up to London again today and for another special reason (but I'll get to that later). I had yet another sleepless night (note to self - stop falling asleep on the sofa); I woke up with much resistance and lack of enthusiasm. I had been looking forward to today for over a week; but when I woke up this morning I just wanted to go back to bed. I honestly thought to myself (and I consulted with Lilly); I wouldn't feel guilty for not going. I was fighting with myself the whole time I was doing my make up and decided to actually go. I managed to get ready on time and get the right train. I was then on the underground which I seem to be getting a lot at the moment (don't like the tube). Eventually I arrived at Old Street and had absolutely no clue as to where I was going. I went towards one exit and by some miracle it turned out to be the right one. I basically followed my A-Z, but did get a bit confident at one point but turns out I went the wrong way. Eventually I arrived at my destination 20 minutes early, so after being told to make myself scarce I sat on a park bench (glamorous). I went back just after 11am and went down the stairs and in to the HQ of Beyond Retro. Yes I was back to staring and lusting over beautiful vintage pieces. I had signed up for a tour of the Design Archive. I bumped in to someone I went to college (Btec) with, so I had a slightly awkward chat with him and his friend. They started the tour by introducing us to the team and what their jobs entail and then Joseph (head of the archive) took us in to the archive. I have to admit I wasn't as amazed as I thought I'd be; but it was still a sight to see. Unfortunately we couldn't take photos otherwise I would have documented everything. Overall it was interesting seeing the garments and what decade they were from. I would say the only downside was that, when you're surrounded by design students and collectors they want to know everything. I love vintage for the stories behind the garments and who they belonged to, not how they were stitched, what material was used, printed or woven etc. I understand that's what they need to design; but I just wanted to stare at pretty clothes. I said goodbye and walked away not knowing where I was going; but thankfully I found a bus going to London Bridge. I did nearly miss my stop but the main thing is I got off and got my train. I think from now on I'm going to stick to the west end, I know where I stand over there.

To the outfit...

Yes I'm wearing colour!!

Ok so cream isn't colour but to me it is, as you guys know I'm usually head to toe in black or grey. I keep outfit repeating at the moment and nearly did it again today. I decided instead to team up Charlie's jumper with my rodeo/cowboy shirt from George @ ASDA. I like the colour scheme of cream and black and how the gold collar tips lie on the neckline. I added my new H&M chunky gold chain (you can see more in my January haul). I've been after one for what feels like absolute ages but they're too expensive. So when I saw this one I knew I had to have it and for £6.99 it's a bargain. I debuted this necklace today; but it's definitely going to be a staple for my work wardrobe. I'm back in to my Chelsea boots today and OMG I actually forgot how to walk in them. I used to be like that with my old faithfuls; but soon I wore them so much they were comfortable regardless. I am used to wearing my biker boots, plimsolls or slippers; so I'm sure when I keep going out more I'll get used to them. My feet did kill by the end of the day (so did my back).

I've written more then I planned but I think that's alright.

BTW here is the link to my Mini January Haul - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvBHQpj0pDM

I am now going to collapse in a heap!!

B x

Oh, We're Tied To The 90's...

It's Sunday!!

Yes another week has passed and what a week it's been.

To begin with I had a quiet day in, then Tuesday I was out running errands for my Mum, Wednesday I got back to street styling and the inspirational Beyond Retro talk, Thursday and Friday at home and then errands yesterday (I didn't take a photo - I apologise). 

Another pretty big thing happened to me this week...I went blonde!!

Yes BLONDE!!

It's quite light on the top and ginger twinges on the main part; but it will be getting re-dyed in about a week or twos time. Soon enough I will have the pastel hair that I'm dreaming of!!

I am so tired today so I apologise if I start rambling.

I've just had my first day back at work after three weeks and I'm now dead.

Of course not literally but I'm pretty gone. Doesn't help that I'm not feeling a 100% so it's been a shock to the system. 

OMG I forgot to mention that my blog turned 18 months this week!!

I feel like a bad mother for not mentioning that again as I'm so proud.

(You see what the tiredness is doing to me).

Being back at work felt odd and I did feel lonely when Antonia went on break; but the customers kept me busy with their moaning or on occasion their smiles.

Did I miss work?? HELL NO!!

Did I miss Antonia?? HELL YEAH!!

It's amazing how much you miss those chats and company on a Sunday.

Anyway...

I'm rambling again!!

So as today is Sunday playlist time I think I should think of a theme.

I'm thinking...I'm thinking...I'm thinking...I'm thinking...GOT IT!!

 I think it's about time we went back to my roots, back when I was a wee bonny lass (if you can believe it). Now there was once a wonderful time where people wore a lot of denim, graffiti cubes in their hair, tie dye was big and everyone fell in love with Peter Andre. Yes I'm talking about the 90's!! My spiritual musical time where you sang along to 'Sex on the Beach' at the age of 10. Even though some rubbish things happened in the 90's, something amazing happened and that was my birth back in 92. Ever since that wonderful year I experienced many a kids’ party and school discos full of cheesy tunes. Do I ever wish I could go back and relive that era?? Why not!! I'll always be a 90's kid at heart and I know that will never change!!

So here are a few songs that to me are the epitome of my 90's school discos. Ok so I may not listen to these songs still; but that doesn't mean I don't love them.

Sit back, relax and ENJOY!!

B x

It's What You Wear From Ear To Ear, And Not From Head To Toe...

Hat - New Look

Trousers - Warehouse

Cardigan - Primark

Coat - Oasis

Shoes - Priceless Shoes

Bag - theMuse.tv

Accessory - H&M

Jewellery - Topshop / H&M & New Look

Hey guys!!

It's nearly the end of the week!!

I don't like the end of the week cause I know work is coming (BOO).

First order of business - I apologise if I look weird in the photo!!

I know I always say that but I think my tiredness kicked in and I could barely keep my eyes open.

Trust me none of the other photos looked remotely decent!!

Do you know it's three something in the afternoon and I haven't even been up two hours?? (By the time this was published it was eight something in the evening).

I'm so frigging lazy!!

Whenever I have a busy day I end up sleeping for the next three!!

I should probably change the subject now shouldn't I??

Anyway...

This was me yesterday after I did some street styling.

Yesterday was such a hectic and weird day and I never meant for that happen. Initially when I woke up at 6 something in the morning, I decided that I was just going to stay at home because I would miss my train. After feeling extremely guilty I dragged myself out of bed and started to get ready. Unfortunately it took longer then I originally planned to get ready, so I reached the station about 8am and missed my other train. So I'm standing on the platform waiting for the London Bridge train and I go in to a blind panic. I had 45 minutes to get to my destination and I had no idea how to get there. I needed to get to Oxford Circus (well Carnaby/Marlborough Street); and usually I would walk from Charing Cross but I had no time. I rang my Dad aka the London guru!! If we ever need to know where we're going, we always ask my Dad as he knows everything. I was told to change twice on the underground which I was slightly dreading. Long story short I was a sardine on my LB train and then I pushed past everyone down to the underground. I ran up and down every escalator and stairs I came across. I had to be at my destination for 8:55/9am and by the time I got to Oxford Circus it was 9:05am. I rang my Mum up (she's not well bless her) and pretty much summed up everything and asked what should I do. She told me to go anyway just in case there's a chance I might get in. So I headed towards Marlborough Street as fast as I could and was surprised at what I found. My destination that I was heading to was Beyond Retro. As you guys might know they're doing a couple of events for a week. Yesterday they had a Visual Merchandising talk, with the Head Visual Merchandiser Kristofj Von Strass and Soho's Visual Merchandiser Ida Jacobsson. When I got there I honestly thought I had missed the talk; but as I walked down the stairs and saw that it started at 9:15am I was a bit confused. So without realising who they were I asked Kristofj and Ida whether I had missed the talk, they told me I hadn't and they were about to start soon. I headed to grab a coffee, but as the machine was being slow I didn't start drinking it until the talk started. The talk was really good; I was second row (third step) and squeezed in between a note taker and a daughter/mum duo. For some reason me and the girl next to me (the daughter of the duo); were in sync every time we nodded - it was weird. The talk was really informative and I loved sitting there surrounded by all the vintage. I don't know how long it went on for but it didn't feel that long; but you took in a lot of information. I didn't take notes like the girl next to me but I did learn a lot. We learnt about Ida and Kristofj, for instance where they're from, what they studied, how long they've been at Beyond Retro for etc. After the talk I took my cup (and the girl's) back to the counter, I was going to leave straight away but I ended staying and having a chat with Ida. I really like her and the fact that she worked her way up from a supervisor, to a visual merchandiser is really inspiring. Kristofj was just so classic and his hair was perfectly curled at the front. If I had to pick someone who looked like the brand - it would be him. I had a quick look at the dresses (I fell in love with them all) and then made my way to Liberty's. I love Liberty's but the only time I go there is to use the loos (I'm not ashamed). I did try a moisturiser on my poor nose when I was there, called Egyptian Magic - The Ancient Kamitians' Secret Cream. It's £29 but honestly it helped and it's something I would consider purchasing. From there I walked down Carnaby Street looking for some people to street style; but there was no one about it was a ghost town. So I took a walk around the back and popped in to Choccywoccydoodah (amazing cakes) and Mac. I've wanted to try the Face & Body Foundation for ages, but wanted to try it out before I considered buying it. I think I'm a C2 for a more sheer coverage, so I left with a free sample (I'll let you know how it goes). I did pop in to American Apparel while I was walking around as well. Every time I go in I always want to try on The Disco Pants; but I can never be bothered to do it. So I thought seen as I have time to kill I would try them on. I tried on the XL and O M G THEY FIT!!!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I honestly didn't think they would even in an XL. They give me a nice shape and they're so lovely. Maybe when I win the lottery I'll be able to afford them. I felt a bit intimidated going up to complete strangers and asking ‘CAN I TAKE YOUR PHOTO??’ So I decided to kill time in Topshop and Urban Outfitters. I bored the Topshop make up artist for about 10 minutes asking how to do eye liner. I eventually rang my Mum for support and she said give it a go if not come home. With that I headed down Carnaby Street (nothing there) and straight through down a side road. Pretty much I got lost and didn't know where I was, until I saw Jersey Boys and I knew exactly where I was. I ducked down a side road and got lost again till I came on to Shaftesbury Avenue. I headed down Neal Street and in to Covent Garden. This is when my courage decided to kick in and I started street styling. There were only 4 girls I stopped, but all nice ranging from a photographer to a student. When it started to sleet and could no longer feel my limbs I decided to call it a day. I managed to get my trains straight away and I was home just after 1pm.

Because this post is so long I'm not going to talk about my outfit; because you've seen everything I'm wearing before. You could always go back and have a look at when I wore them and the history behind the item. I honestly didn't plan on writing this much honestly!!

Here is the link to my OOTD video to go with this outfit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-QTjQtc8us and here is the link to the Street Style feature that took me all over London - http://themuse.tv/hub/street-style-3/

I want to thank those 4 girls that stopped and took the time to help me out.

This is a really long post!!

I feel tired from writing it, just like I felt tired yesterday after experiencing it. This is literally the shortened version of my morning; because when I told my family it had a lot more detail but you catch my drift. 

I'm at home up to Sunday when I have to go back to work (BOOO).

I know I was going to attempt to dye my hair today; but I'm going to do it tomorrow and if it goes wrong then I'll redo it Saturday.

I don't mind streaky hair it's just I hope it goes well.

I'm such a complete novice!!

If anyone has any tips please comment because I have no idea what I'm doing.

HELP!!!

B x

Who Cares What They're Wearing, From Main Street, To Saville Row...

Monthly Want - January

Bag - £29.99

Considering I am half dead and not feeling well and not to mention I'm slowly freezing to death - I feel quite happy. I know I sound crazy (trust me I know); but today is the 18 month anniversary of my blog!! Yes 24hoursfromwonderland is a year and a half and I can't believe it. Considering all the times I was about to quit and here I am, and honestly I can't imagine not having this blog because I'm not happy unless I'm blogging. I'm rambling again!!

Anyway...

It's my first Monthly Want of 2013!! 

I can't believe January is nearly over!! How is that even possible?? I'm happy it's going quickly, all the cold and snow is putting me in a bad mood (I'm not the only one). RAMBLING AGAIN!!! Sooooooo as it's a special birthday I wanted to pick something special. Now as you know I like my designer expensive items; but as a normal person...well someone slightly normal, I thought I would pick something affordable.

I LOVE this bag!!! 

I first found this bag when I was looking for an alternative to the Givenchy Antigona, which I think is such a beautiful bag (yes bags can be beautiful too). Clearly with its £1,290.00 I can't exactly afford the real deal, so I'll settle for a cheaper alternative. I originally saw a good knock off on New Look but in person it was too small (I have a lot of crap); so I wanted to find a bigger and better one. Just by chance I was looking on the shopping websites and found this one. I love the mixture between the matte black and the patterned black pleather; also the harder edge with the studded detailing. It would look perfect paired up with jeans and a t-shirt during the day or with a dress and heels in the evening. If your dress sense tends more towards the girly side, this would be a really good accessory to toughen up the look. I can picture this bag with a few of my dresses and of course a leather jacket. For £29.99 it will last you for years and I trust H&M bags with my life (dramatic). This is the perfect go to bag and I'm so happy that I don't have to pay over a grand for pretty looking bag. I would definitely recommend this bag; because I've seen it in person and it would fit a LOT in. Trust me I have a lot of stuff in my bag and this would be perfect. 

(I use the word perfect a lot).

Come pay day this bag will be mine!!

Mine!!!

ALL MINE!!

Ok I've gone crazy...oops!!

B x

But Did You Know, That When It Snows...

Hat - New Look

Jumper - Cheap Monday

Top (underneath) - Gift

Trousers - Warehouse

Coat - Oasis

Shoes - Princeless Shoes 

Bag - Forever 21

Accessory - H&M

Jewellery - Accessorize / New Look & Topshop

Evening all!!

How are we??

Good??

I'm cold...well lukewarm really.

I can't help but feel slightly happy that the snow is slowly melting.

All I'm hoping is for the snow to have melted by Sunday!! I know it sounds selfish but I don't want to take the bus to work!!

My work shoes are certainly not made for snow...rain, wind, sun etc.

I probably should invest in practical shoes??

Nah the more impractical the better!!

Anyway...

I'm going off topic (again); but at least I was talking about shoes!!

This was me earlier today after I popped in to town.

Yes I finally left the house!!

And I know what you're thinking 'I can't believe she went out in the snow', I did reluctantly but I didn't enjoy it. The weather has completely put me off going out whether for 5 minutes or 5 hours, I just don't like snow I think it's horrible and unnecessary. I know as a child the snow is the best thing; but now I'm older and have to actually go out and do things I have no time for snow. Wow I feel like an adult now!! What happened to the good old carefree days of my teenage years?? Anyway now that it's melting and I'm feeling better, I decided to venture out and run some errands. I didn't exactly wake up early (12:30pm to be exact) so I wasn't in a rush to get ready and get out. As you can see my face is covered and that's because I didn't put make up on. Soon enough I chucked on as many layers as I could and headed out. I did feel rather fluffy today and ready for the cold. Well the day didn't start off well as I missed the bus, so I took a leisurely stroll to the bus stop. Soon enough I was on the bus and ended up in town. I headed straight to work as I needed to pop my medical certificate in to them. Didn't take too long after having a quick chat with my manager, and filling in some training details I was on my way again. My main reason for popping in to town was to pick up some food. But on my way to doing what I should have been doing; I decided to cut through H&M (Topshop is having a revamp). Well a cut through turned in to a purchase, as the gold linked necklace that I love dearly has now been made in to gunmetal. It's a black/gunmetal colour (like I said) and I literally can't wait to wear it; plus it was £3.99!! Bargain!! I did pick up my hair dye today!! I picked up the Superdrug Colour Performance Lightener which was two for £4.99. As a complete novice I decided this might be the better thing for me; plus if all else fails I'll just dye my hair back to brown. Plus I picked a brush to help me dye the routes. I then actually ran my errands and picked up some food...well via New Look where I picked up a set of earrings for my second lobes. I accidentally went to the Disney Store as the last stop and picked up a cuddly Queen of Hearts toy. I've wanted her for a while and she went down to £4; I also picked up The Nightmare Before Christmas snow globe for Charlie. I soon headed home as slowly I couldn't feel my legs.

To the outfit...

I have no clothes for snow!!

When I think of snow I think of my pj's and a blanket; not of leaving the house in the thermals to roll around in the snow. So the idea of finding an outfit to wear today was something that scared me. I don't do warm clothes I prefer a summer dress and a denim jacket. I know it looks like I own a lot of jumpers and cardigans; but really I'm just wearing the same ones over and over again. I'm one of those people who wait until winter and then panic that I have absolutely nothing to wear so I buy in bulk. Anyway I'm going off topic again!! I have one new thing to show you and an old friend. The first is this fluffy looking jacket from Oasis. I picked this up in Bluewater when Charlie and I shopped the January sales. Oasis was our last stop and I was more concentrated on finding the pleather skirt (that I got in khaki). I just saw this casually hanging on a rail and it had no price so I got Charlie to go check. Turns out it was £45 half price (yes it was originally £90); I thought oooooo I'm going to try this on. I tried it on and fell in love with it!! I wanted a fur that I could wear everyday and that would match anything; (as you know my wardrobe is pretty much black). I bought this without hesitation and according to my Mum it was a silly purchase. I took it for it's first outing today and surprisingly enough it kept me warm. I didn't do it up because I probably wouldn’t anyway; but even with a scarf I was as warm as in my other coat. You will be seeing more of this I can tell you that now. The second is an old friend and of course that's my snow boots. Well I call them my biker boots because they are heavy duty boots. I got them years ago at a ridiculous price and I always break them out in the snow. I do feel very biker chic in them and I guess that's the only good thing about the snow. Maybe my Dr Martens might make an appearance as well??

Well I've written more then I originally planned...

I have an early start in the morning so I'm hoping I'll be able to get up. Well at least my hair is washed and I'll try and figure out what to wear tonight.

At least I have Thursday at home where I think my hair colour might change...well if it does it better not be streaky!!

Wish me luck...

B x

Just Let Me Be, Legally Blonde...

Hey everyone!!

How are we all??

Good??

That's what I like to hear!!

Well again I didn't attend work as I'm still on the mend, so by this point I think if I'm not in next week I'm in big trouble (even though I was signed off).

Anyway enough of my dull life...

It's Sunday again!!

I felt every single long day this week...

Whether I was waiting in a room sitting on my butt for 7 hours or lying on the sofa having sneezing fits; I have felt every second, minute, hour and day go past. But thankfully I'm slowly feeling better!! The cold has decided to stop hassling me and the sickness comes and goes; unfortunately the migraines are still very much there. But whenever I have a good moment I come on my laptop and catch up with everything.

Anyway...

So as I said and as well all know its Sunday which can only mean one thing...Sunday Playlist!!

Yes that time of the week has come again!!

Now as you know I have been doing a mixture of artist and theme playlists, so why change a habit of a lifetime and continue with these playlists.

For this week I'm going to pick a theme!!

There are sooooooooooo many going through my mind; but based on a couple of my posts lately there’s one thing that keeps popping up. So it seemed like a no brainer to pick this as my new theme.

I'll give you a few hints...this week's theme would never have come about without a certain Elle Woods and of course Bruiser Woods. An extraordinary girl from Malibu who followed her true love to an Ivy League school - Harvard. She fought against society's perception of her, to become who Elle always thought she would be. Plus she ends up with Emmett!! I think it's a win win all round. I can't even remember how many times I've watched Legally Blonde; but I know I've watched Legally Blonde: The Musical too many times. I don't know whether it's the songs, the costumes, the characters or everything put together; but there's something so fun about the show. I saw it a few years ago with the West End cast; but because I was so tired I can hardly remember it. So to be able to watch it every night and remember every scene, every word (like I didn't already know that) and to sing to every song is so much fun. Plus getting to watch the original Broadway show means I get to watch Christian Borle every night - YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!! I can live with that!!

So here are a few of my favourite songs from Legally Blonde: The Musical!!

Sit back, relax and ENJOY!!!

B x