So Loves Vintage Giveaway

Monday 7 July 2014



I'm not sure if it's just me, but there seems to be a major vintage resurgence going on lately. Almost every magazine, blog, website and book is boasting to give you the best tips on the 'perfect' 60's hairstyle, or the 'ultimate' vintage recipe to make your dinner party as eloquent as those held by the upstairs residents in Downton Abbey. 'Vintage' has become classy, 'Retro' has become cool - even those who have never stepped foot in a secondhand clothes store or have any knowledge on past eras seem to be adopting a vintage style, whether they are aware of it or not.
I am beginning to wonder whether we have reached an evolutionary point where we can't actually progress any further. We had the 1900's where each decade promised a whole host of new ideas, inventions and intelligence, but now seem to have reached a peak and have slowed if not completely stopped growing and developing in the same way. Take the 00's for instance. In all honesty, what actually happened between 2000 and 2010? What influential music was released? What mind-changing book was written? What new fashion trend changed the face of style?
Again, it could just be me, but I struggle to find an answer to any of those questions. The 40s, 50s, 60s and so on were such separate, standalone eras, while I don't feel as if I am in an any different world as I would be if I was writing this in 2006.
I wonder if maybe this is the reason for this sudden interest in vintage. I, and probably others too, crave the idea that the life I am living is a part of something historical and meaningful...and maybe that is why I love past eras so much. Maybe, we as a population are beginning to crave those times when new things were happening, people were (or we think were) happy and free and without the stress of things like technology and social networking. I'm sure I'm not the only one who lies on my bedroom floor listening to old LP's on my record player, pretending I am in the sixties and without a care in the world. The necessity of achieving this nostalgic happiness reminds me of the phrase 'the golden years.' I wonder, maybe, if everyone thinks of the past as 'golden' because the majority of people alive now who experienced those times would have been young, meaning their memory of the eras are much happier and rose-tinted that if they were remembering a time later on. Maybe we are getting a slightly skewed image of the past, from parents who remember one penny sweets, may poles and playing out in the streets without any cars. Our perception is that of a childhood memory, something comforting like a soft blanket keeping you warm in a cold bed - not the real, gritty truth of what the times were really like. The sixties probably felt no better than the 00's - they weren't the sixties back then, they were simply the 'now', just like right this second is the 'now', but may in years to come be known as something more significant due to greater factors that never involved us. Maybe we are so interested in the past as it's not scary...it's less intimidating than the great unknown that is the future, and instead seems like a nice piece of comforting nostalgia, without the threat of new technology or uncomfortable exposure to the media. It definitely fascinates me...I'm interested in what will happen in the years to come, and whether we will start developing new things, fashion and ideas again, or whether we will instead stay at this 'peak' and not change very much more. Who knows.





On the subject of vintage, and it's sudden central role in current fashion, here is another outfit featuring the pieces I was sent by So Loves Vintage. This is the Hilary dress, worn with Topshop socks, Topshop earrings, Beyond Retro shoes and a Rokit bag. I thought the dress had a lovely sixties feel to it, which is perfectly in line with the current resurgence in sixties style taking place at the moment (see here). I loved it's classic shape, and liked the drop-waist...I am slowly getting over my fear of them and now actually quite like the shape. The bow is a gorgeous detail and has made me want to adorn all of my shirts with ribbons and bows. Kitten heels are perfect to match with similar dresses, and there are just so, so many vintage ones out there. Absolute Vintage in Brick Lane has hundreds in all different colours, grouped into shelves of different shoe sizes, meaning you could easily find a pair to match any outfit.





So, now I can announce the giveaway! To enter, all you have to do is follow So Loves Vintage on Twitter, then choose a piece from their 'Accessories' page, leave the link in the comments on this blog and maybe how you would style it, and then Sofia (the founder of So) will choose the winner! Good luck!


30 comments:

  1. Oh wow, you look amazing once again, I think your blog is becoming my favourite! I can't get enough of these outfits and your beautiful hair! I really wish I had ginger hair like yours! The outfit is perfect, I need to have a look in some vintage shops soon!

    http://www.sarahprowse.co.uk/

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  2. I completely agree with what you are saying. I like buying vintage/antiquarian items (mostly homeware etc) because they contain memories of the past - eg. I recently bought an old chocolate tin and you can just imagine it being passed around the family in a 50s home. And I think people try to relive these kinda more romantic, non-computerisedl times through filling their home with things from the past.

    Also, on the website I love the rose earrings - http://www.solovesvintage.com/rosie-earrings.html. I think they would look lovely worn with one's hair tied back and with a black, off the shoulder, swing dress and black heels. :)

    theemeralddove21.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. That is so true. I think having items that already have a story make them seem more meaningful...I love thinking about who used to own my things and what they did with them. Also, good luck!

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  3. I remember a friend talking about a book that had a theory that every type of art form has reached everything it could do. So we are seeing a resurgence of reviving themes. Granted this is somewhat true, we have to remember there have been throw backs in other eras. Like in the Renaissance artists tried to mimic art from Greece and Rome. I guess we will have to see.

    BTW your dress is adorable!

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    1. 1) I want to read that book and 2) that is such a good point - maybe we are experiencing a sort of renaissance round 2?

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  4. I agree that there is a mainstream trend of embracing nostalgia, but I think our society is going to progress, faster and faster than ever. I think the reason why a lot of people are fascinated with older styles and objects because nowadays, culture progresses so fast! All of my childhood lullaby are on cassette tapes, and CDs have been dying since then. I never got a chance to really grow up around many mediums, like how the 20s through 70s had vinyl, the 80s had cassettes, the nineties had CD, and since then has been MP3s. I think that's why people have been going for "vintage", to try to live a time they never got a chance to see.
    What happened between 2000 and 2010? Oh my gosh! So much! It's weird to think that this whole trend of people having little computers that do EVERYTHING in their pockets started in 2007. If I'm even slightly curious about something, I can pull it out and PING! Everything there is to know on that topic. Right there. In my hand. In terms of style, minimalism has been standing out to me. Logos everywhere are getting makeovers in favor of crisp lines and solid colors. Less is more. I'm not a fashion expert, but I do acknowledge that clothing trends have come and go. [Cringes at the idea of flared jeans.]
    We probably don't see the 2000s as a "separate decade" because we're only 4 years out of it. The Great Gatsby was a flop until the 1950s.

    There's a common rumor that at the turn of the century, the US Patent office almost closed because they assumed there was nothing left to invent. While it's false, I never want to live in a world where that actually happens.

    Cute outfit, btw!

    http://rockpapermisc.blogspot.com/

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    1. thankyou so much for your comment, it is so interesting isn't it? I agree with your point actually, and you are so right things have changed so much recently! I love your idea that we might be trying to experience something we never got to be a part of. and omg can you imagine if that really happened!! It would be awful! <3 x

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  5. I've noticed the same vintage resurgence too! I wonder if we will have a another "renaissance" that will bring out new ideas and designs or will vintage become the new present a midst all the cell phones and laptops being developed. Sometimes the past decades are romanticized and considered the best times on earth (which can be true in some cases). For me i always had a love for the past as i continue to live into the present and move on into the future. And i try to enjoy each era of time. I hope that last part didn't sound too sappy lol. *enters time machine*

    styleriottt.blogspot.com

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    1. Maybe we are having another renaissance! How fascinating! And not too sappy, I totally agree!

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  6. I love your dress! I would wear the Lorell belt http://www.solovesvintage.com/lorell-belt.html with a high waisted black A line skirt, a black wollen turtle neck, and tortoiseshell type glasses to match the belt <3

    cultkid.blogspot.com

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  7. Hi! Love your blogpost and am especially in love with that dress. It looks very grown up yet also very playful at the same time. I like it.

    I'm currently studying Cultural Heritage and totally see where you're coming from (I've felt the same way). However, looking at the history of how we as humans have collected things and made different orders through the centuries, it's all been stated regarding what in that time and age is seen as important --which is often interchangeble regarding certain "pin points". You can find that even within the 00's there's been a main shift in what's been regarded as "collectible" and stuff that's been pushed of their throwns (this is also an interaction naturally influenced by the economy). For instance a definite important pin point in the 00's is the attack on the twin towers which has made great inpack not only on society as a social happening, but also made a sudden shift in what museums for instance put on display and more importantly, what not (also thus influenced what we "put on display" and what not). The economy as of lately (sort of) has been very bad and this can also be related to our "vintage crave" (secondhand is often cheaper and maybe you could say looks we've already "dealt with" and thus offer a save and secure base in contradiction of our money flow). The progress in these things are not neccisarily related to the age of an object, but the common thoughts about them (and how these are naturally influenced by new science and the "pin points" which initself can be pin pointed back in time and is very important regarding how we see the worlds. For instance the revive of Greek and Roman things in the renaissance, but also how "we" go further from that point --the relight of the nowadays 60's "scene" can be said is because of the common mindset these two ages intertwine, but also the very difference which ought to push us further). Last but not least, as I think has been said in another comment here, because technology evolves within seconds and the massive influence these have on the act of society, we're maybe searching for a solid ground to put our feet on. Something we can rely on because it's already been. Or something like that...

    From So Loves Vintage I really like the sailors hat (http://www.solovesvintage.com/sailors-hat.html). I think it's a very versatile piece and literally can just make any outfit. Just put it upon your head and you're basically done. I could for instance wear it with my selfmade wool light green twinset, a high waisted black pencil skirt, some tights with a dotted backseam, some black shoes and to finish it all *drum roll* the sailors hat.

    Love,
    Dominique

    http://fashionedbypluche.blogspot.com/

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    1. That's amazing...what an interesting thing to study! I totally agree with you though. Also good luck!

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  8. I agree with you and it's kind of sad how trends move so fast nowadays that there isn't anything specific we can link with each decade. That's exactly why I love vintage fashion though, because each decade is a whole new world to explore with signature fashion trends, lifestyle choices and new technology of the time. Loved this post Ellie <3

    http://www.lexilikes.com/

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    1. Thanks! And yeah maybe we are moving too fast to link any one thing to a decade as so many things happen. :)

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  9. That outfit is so adorable! I too am loving ribbons around collars, and would like to get a peice like that sometime~

    http://happydayscalilife.blogspot.com

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  10. Looove the bag and socks x

    rubys-eyes.blogspot.com

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  11. Hi Ellie,
    Love the outfit and I think you've got the right idea about wanting to be a part of something meaningful - nowadays everything seems to be done for 'likes' on Instagram etc. without a true point behind them. Anyway, from So Loves Vintage I love the Zoza Floppy Hat (http://www.solovesvintage.com/zoza-floppy-hat.html). I think hats can add such character and elegance to an outfit and I can just imagine wearing this one with a fifties floral dress, hair in plaits and gladiator sandals on a summer evening. To go with the gold buckle, I'd wear my hand chain to add a bit of glamour and some huge sunglasses to add some mystery.
    Claire x

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    1. Thankyou so much! And totally, I hate that we have to prove everything we do via social networking sites x

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  12. I totally get wondering about the resurgence of vintage. I wonder about it myself. It's easier to find clothes that will last with vintage since clothes were made better before manufacturing was taken overseas. You can find silhouettes that compliment you better than modern ones. Vintage just opens up a new world of clothing that isn't offered now.

    Personally, I love this hat. I have the perfect newsboy pants (brown with a subtle houndstooth print) that cut off at the bottom of my calf. A crisp white button down and a pair of bronze loafers I just got would finish off the look. I might even put on one of my bow ties :)

    Theatricality by Mariah

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    1. That is so true - also as they have already lasted a long time you are more certain the pieces will last and not wear and tear within a week! X

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  13. The demand for vintage is insane right now! Which is great for my business, but makes things harder to find (especially in my area).

    I'm really digging the "Alana necklace" over at So Loves Vintage! It reminds me of the log lady from Twin Peaks :-) http://www.solovesvintage.com/alana-necklace.html

    themadmod.blogspot.com

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    1. Yeah it's great for vintage shops hehe! Although I guess of everyone starts buying vintage it will stop being a separate part of fashion and become the current trend maybe?

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  14. I have definitely had the same thought process that you're having about all thats said and done in art forms is repeating itself. It will be very interesting to see how the future pans out and how we will look at these decades behind us and the decade we are presently living in, in the future. Only time will tell.

    Adorable dress and I also own those socks from Topshop! Love them!

    On the subject of the giveaway, I love the Grecian pendant so much! I have a salmon pink colored "delphos" style dress that my mom brought home for me when she was in Greece back in 2005. The coppery tone to the vintage necklace would look really good on the salmon pink. I could mix it up and wear a light summer knitted shaw that I own overtop. Some Jeffrey Campbell brown lace up sandals to top it off (:

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway opportunity!

    -Maddie

    http://maddzfashion.blogspot.com/

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    1. Here's the link to the Grecian Pendant!

      http://www.solovesvintage.com/grecian-pendant.html

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  15. I adore this look! Totally love the way you've pieced this vintage outfit together. I would love to take part in the giveaway, thank you! http://solovesvintage.com/lara-earrings.html

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