Last week I happened across an advert for something called The Grand Vintage Ball. This was a very exciting find for three reasons:

1) I love vintage and vintage style clothes and accessories

2) It's at The Rivoli Ballroom, one of my favourite places in the world

3) It falls on one of my best friends' birthday, and she is a vintage vixen!

Obviously, my outfit is all important! Authentic vintage clothes rarely fit me well, so I'm going to look at vintage style pieces. Having had a good think, three eras are open to me and my shape, and I'll show them in this and the next two posts.


First up.....
1920's - flapper fashion!


Fashion-era.com describes flapper fashion thus:
"The costume history image in our minds of a woman of the 'Roaring Twenties' is actually likely to be the image of a flapper. Flappers did not truly emerge until 1926.  Flapper fashion embraced all things and styles modern.  A fashionable flapper had short sleek hair, a shorter than average shapeless shift dress, a chest as flat as a board, wore make up and applied it in public, smoked with a long cigarette holder, exposed her limbs and epitomised the spirit of a reckless rebel who danced the nights away in the Jazz Age."


That's definitely a bit of me! Except for the cigarette...maybe I could have a chocolate one?


This dress from Goddiva is perfect, at only £35!

(not sure why this is blurry...check it out on their website!)

I'd wear it with headpiece like this headband/fascinator from PegasusMaiden's Etsy shop ($32 approx. £21.31)

And maybe some long beads, like these ones - £4 from New Look

Completing the look with some black mary-jane or t-bar shoes. I love these by Miss KG -  £50 from asos.com

So what would do you think to this outfit? Let me know below!

xxx

Buying shoes is difficult for me; so many beautiful designs, and so many I can't wear. For one thing, I can't walk in heels over two inches (how boring!), and for a second I'm vegetarian (no leather or suede, thanks!).  So I'm always on the look out for flat-ish shoes that look great, and are kind to our four-legged friends.

One day, whilst reading a magazine, I happened across an article about a shoe brand called Melissa. As that's my name too, I took the time to read it, and I was so glad I did! Melissa Plastic Dreams make shoes from recycled plastic, creating ecologically sound footwear, whilst also supporting the underprivileged women and children of Brazil. Check out Melissa's profile for more information on their work.

They have a vast array of gorgeous styles, available in shops and across the web. Here are a few of my favourites...

I've been wearing these flocked brogues an awful lot. They seem to go with jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses, shorts...everything! They have a very British Mod feel to them, and make me want to go and buy a bowler hat! Well worth the £65 from asos.com

I love the print inside these 'Little Prince' sandals, which really adds to the "grown up little girl" aesthetic. And you can wear them with pretty much anything! Get them for £60 at

 spoiledbrat.co.uk

These Campana sandals are destined to become my summer staple. They remind me of sparkly Curly Wurlys! Also in gold glitter or black, priced £50 from spoiledbrat.co.uk

If I had the cash, these 'Ultragirl' Swarovski pumps would be ultimate evening shoe. My inner Magpie is cawing with desire! Alas, these are available for £200 from spoiledbrat.co.uk, so I need to do a bit of saving up!

Melissa have also collaborated with one of my all-time favourite designers, the magnificent Vivienne Westwood!

I adore these little ankle boot/wellies, which are perfect for this time of year. The colour is beautiful too! Though they also come in black and red. These are £75 from Hervia.com

Of course, if I could wear any of Melissa's shoes it would be these (£110 from asos.com)

But I'm more than happy to stick with their gorgeous flats for now!