Categories / Women's Fashion

Sailor Swing Dress by Stop Staring!

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Military influences have carried throughout fashion eras, with each putting its own stamp on the inspiration. Few did it quite so well as the naval-inspired looks of the forties and fifties, however, taking nautical uniform firmly into women's fashion.

This Sailor Swing Dress by Stop Staring! is a pitch perfect interpretation of that look, with a simplistic but effective piece. The contrasting white trim creates real impact at the collar and waist, while the swing style skirt balances the silhouette to create that classic body shape.

It's available online from Stop Staring! for $138.

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Categories / Women's Fashion

Chiffon Pleat Dress by TFNC

Chiffonpleat

With girly sixties styles, it's all about the balance of elements to prevent any piece looking over the top or clichéd. This Peter Pan Collar Dress by TFNC is a great example of a great use of feminine design points to create a chic retro look.

The mini dress shape balances a daringly short hemline with a high collar and long sleeves, while the loose a-line fit provides a chic sixties silhouette. Details like the peter pan notched collar are instantly vintage inspired, while the chiffon pleats add a cool sixties feel that's not often seen from high street designers.

It's available now from ASOS for £42.

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Categories / Bags, Women's Fashion

Red Perspex Lips Clutch by Lulu Guinness

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Just in case you hadn't noticed the shops bombarding you with tacky cards and heart-shaped ephemera recently, it's Valentine's Day today. Before you reach in a blind panic for the same old flowers and bubbly, why not really treat the retro devotee in your life with the Red Perspex Lips Clutch by handbag designer extraordinaire Lulu Guinness.

In 2011, Lulu celebrates her 22nd year as one of the UK's best handbag designers and this piece really captures the spirit of what she's about. Inspired by Salvador Dali's iconic Mae West Lips sofa from 1937, the clutch is a show-stopping scarlet perspex lined with black grosgrain. If you order online before midnight on Valentine's Day and enter the code LOVELULU01, you will receive a free 'Glamour Girl' bracelet. Virtually guaranteed to please your favourite lady more than a teddy and a box of chocolates.

The clutch is £225 and is available from the Lulu Guinness website.

Categories / Books, Women's Fashion

The Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife by Anne Fogarty

Well dressed

Looking for some authentic 1950s fashion advice? You may want to pick up a copy of The Art of Being A Well Dressed Wife which was written in 1959 by American fashion design Anne Fogarty.

The book is being reprinted by the V&A as part of their series of retro style guides which also features works by the likes of Dior, Hardy Amies and Edith Head. It details what to wear on every occasion, from travelling to entertaining to sporting events – even how to match your car to your outfit!

The book is cloth bound and contains both Fogarty's original illustrations and period photographs from John French. Offering a fascinating, if somewhat terrifying, insight into the period, it's surely the ideal gift for any retro bride-to-be. 

The book is available for £6.49 from Amazon

Categories / Women's Fashion

Floral off-the-shoulder dress

SXBQ5_model French Connection have really hit the nail on the head of summer with this floral off-the-shoulder dress which immediately makes me think of long hot days and music festivals.

Wearing this dress you could almost picture yourself back in the 1960s flower-power era when worries were less of your next step on the career ladder and more where your next party would be.

It may only be February but if you're sick of the cold weather and longing for summer, treat yourself to this 100% cotton dress for £47 online.

Categories / Kids, Women's Fashion

Set of three hair pins from Vintage Lucy’s

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Remember your school days when pretty hair pins ruled your hair? Now with this set of three hair pins from Vintage Lucy's it's become cool to relive those days.

Although these are strictly speaking for kids, we love their playful retro style. These three chic pins are each adorned with a funky punk-inspired design so depending on your mood and the occasion, you can chose from the cherry, flower or skull.

They're made in America and cost $12 (£8.91) but you can get them delivered in the UK for £2.55 p&p from Etsy.