Shine on London

Vintage clothes through the ages

Vintage clothes and fashion throughout the decades. From the 20’s to 80’s and how to perfect those looks yourself.

1920’s
The arrival of the ‘jazz age’ and prohibition, women’s skirts rose scandalously to the knees, the hair was cut short in a boyish bob, women shamelessly smoked and drank in public and defied the rigid social status that the early 1900′s brought.

1930’s
These were depression years. With the majority of people poor and without work, no one had much money to spend on leisurely things like clothes and shoes.
Women entered the workforce, tight skirts with a daring slit in the side or along the back seam. Jackets fit tightly with shoulder pads to accentuate the commanding force women needed to gain a steady hold in the work force full of men.

1940’s
Hats of every shape and size were fashionable. Shoulder pads were wide and pointy. Hot items were alligator accessories, platform shoes, and marten stoles. Styles were simple due to wartime restrictions. There are many pre and post war style vintage clothes shops and army surplus shops.

1950’s
In the 50’s came teenage rebellion. Girls’ dresses fluffed out with petticoats and crinolines worn under the skirt.
On these outlines, women wore a trim bodice and very full knee-length skirt.
The 50’s is a popular look, and vintage clothes fairs are a great place to start. Look for
James Dean motorcycle gang look vintage clothes for men.

1960’s
Both girls and boys wore tight Levis bell-bottoms that flared wide at the knee; and decorations like patches, drawings and fabrics were added as well.. The women wore loose fitting blouses of cotton, frequently patterned with intricate designs as well as flowery loose dresses. These were called ‘peasant blouses.’ Search online for 60’s Vintage clothes, there are many sites specialising in this look.

1970’s
The 1970′s was the disco era. Disco wasn’t just a type of music, but a way of life. The men still wore bell bottoms but the fabric of the decade was polyester, acrylic and lycra. Women’s dresses were ruffley and loose, usually stopping at the knee. Again search online for Vintage clothes shops. The 70’s is another popular look.

1980’s
80′s brought two very different styles in. Women’s business suits had broader shoulders, with the help of shoulder pads, the suits resembled those of the 30′s except with much brighter colors like yellows, blues and pinks.
The second vintage clothing fashion was exercise, it became a big deal in the 80′s and exercise clothes became bright and worn casually. Charity shops are great place to look for 80’s vintage clothes, the many vintage clothes shops are a great place as well.

We Love: Spring Tights!

Spring is finally here – officially at least – but it’ll be a while before it’s warm enough to reveal your legs. So how can you keep warm while still looking stylish? With a fabulous pair of tights, of course! The days are long gone when all you had was sheer tan tights; these days there’s such a vast range available, in every thickness, style and colour you can imagine, that you can dress those legs and stand out from the crowd.

Colour is a simple way to add pizzazz to a plain outfit. If you´re a little nervous of colour, don´t be. The shops are full of strong coloured hosiery this year. Purple, mustard yellow, red, emerald green, stripes, diamond patterns, prints – wear one of these with a black dress and you’ll need no other accessories, the tights will do all the talking. Alternative shops are great for finding bold tights in extraordinary colour combinations.

If you like to keep your look more subtle, and yet plain tights are too boring, then go for one of the many patterned pairs available in a more discreet shade. A pattern in a single colour can still look great. Try diamonds, flowers or coloured fishnets. I particularly loved lilac fishnets this year – classy but fun.

If you´re really daring, mix your colours and patterns. A striped dress worn with diamond patterned tights might not be elegant, but it certainly would be eye-catching. If you’re young enough or individual enough to pull off this look, and love being stared at, then go for it! Or try a striped top with matching (or contrasting) coloured tights, separated by a plain skirt.

So you see, keeping your legs warm doesn’t have to mean a choice between trousers or dull tights! Try some of these suggestions and stay warm while looking cool.

No words, just Henry…

Happy Easter! Hope you eat loads of chocolates and have a great few days off!

Easter Bunny Kisses,

WhyFashion.co.uk xx

Future Fashion: Spring Trends 2010

It may still be cold outside, but the sun has started shining and it is definitely starting to stay brighter for longer! Spring is on it’s way and I can’t wait! With spring on the horizon, it’s time to consider what trends look likely to be big as the weather heats up in the coming months.

Top picks in and on the high street look certain to continue with the micro denim shorts that dominated last summer, although this year we might be seeing micro shorts and mini skirts paired with over the knee and knee high socks, as this was a trend spotted from recent spring collections. Other trends still hanging around from last year that look certain to make it in this summer are light boyfriend blazers, ripped denim, jumpsuits, playsuits and bold patterned/printed skirts and trousers.

But what will you be wearing them with you ask? Well our friend the headband that trended in the last two spring/summers will be getting another look in, but this seasons headbands looks set to be all about bows. Think Luella, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Temperley style oversize quirky or vintage bows for inspiration. There’s even a potential micro-trend predicted for bunny ear style headbands getting a look in.

The two trends I’m most excited about is the ‘Future Warrior’ and ‘Sci Fi’ looks jutting out of the spring 2010 runways and into our wardrobe. So we’re not talking Lady Gaga exactly but there’s a definite nod toward the style icons futuristic style.  the ‘Future Warrior’ look incorporates tribal mixed with military trends (face paint optional) while the look  below is our take on the impending Futurism style kicking off this year. While the Future Warrior look (think Rihanna) looks like you can pull the look off for day wear, the Futurism / Sci Fi look seems easier to get away with in evening wear for glam nights out.

Future Fashion by LdnFreq featuring All Saints

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