Kimono - Kimoyes

We are still in the midst of festival season and as LouLou's team prepare to pitch our fabulous fair at V Festival next week we are talking about what to take with us in the office. We are all suckers for huge sleeves, whether on a beautiful 70s maxi or on a flippy 60s mini. So it's no surprise we're all after a glamorous kimono to cover up with, the bigger the sleeves and the more tassels the better!

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The 1920s drew inspiration from the far East for lounge wear, the kimono inspired dressing gown was an incredibly elegant addition to any woman's wardrobe. Popular actresses at the time Betty Compson, Marion Davies and Louise Brooks show off their silk robes here both on and off screen.

If you're in the market for something truly authentic then check out this 1920s beauty I found on Etsy for a cool £251. The colours are just amazing though, I could lounge forever in this silk cover up. Sigh.

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Fast forward to the 21st Century and the kimono makes a come back. Nicole Richie has always been a boho queen, with 70s maxis and head dresses being a regular style choice. So it's no wonder she's been spotted rocking a kimono or 10!

There are umpteen wonderful kimonos on the internet. It was hard deciding which ones to suggest you go and buy! See above for an example of the 20s kimonos available online, if that's a little out of your price range (it's certainly out of ours - sob!) the high street has some fab alternatives that will see you through any festival. So here's a start. Three very different takes on the modern kimono cover up.

Traditional peacock print eBay

Vibrant stardust fabric at ASOS

Huge tassels at SheVamps Vintage who are also one of our wonderful traders x

Happy Festivaling

Gian x

It's A Brand New Year

Happy New Year to one and all! We've had a tremendous break over the holidays at The Vintage Fair, but it's back to business with our first fair of the season on 26th January at Sheffield Town Hall. And if, like me, the High Street sales have let you down this year then you're in luck! Because our first fair in Sheffield is a sale special! Vintage bargains as far as the eye can see, I can't wait!


So while we are feeling thrifty, I've gathered the best vintage and kooky sale bargains that are still out there online for you to snap up! My Top Ten starts with the forward thinking sale shopper, it'll be warmer before you know it and don't forget, It's Always Summer Somewhere.

 White Crochet angel sleeve dress/tunic from Bang Bang. Now is the time to bag style statements for S/S13, when they're on sale! Add a big tan floppy hat and tribal flats for a 70s boho look. Oh and at 40% off? Lovely.

 A site with an interesting selection of vintage, Lovely's Vintage Emporium brings us a tritone 70s suede skirt. It may not be to everyone's taste, but the styling really caught my eye, I love the autumnal colours, and I doubt they'll disappear from next season either.  Down from £79 to £20.

Tatty Devine are a firm fave! I adore this Parakeet necklace, it's only the medium sized one but it's definitely still a statement piece down from £60 to £40. The sale has a tonne of great perspex jewelry so I suggest you go and have an online rummage. 

It's still bloody freezing. So grab a cape! We love capes at The Vintage Fair and this full length neutral one will see you into those chilly Spring days and at £33 (was £65) Rokit have a winner.

Classic print, classic shape. Sales are the time to invest in pieces that won't date as well as to buy those crazier numbers at a more affordable price. Vi Nouveau have this polka dot dress on sale at £18 (was £24). Can't argue with that. 

So I mentioned "crazier numbers" and it's this sort of thing from Topshop that I'm talking about! Persoanlly loving the red version of this feather capelet, and at £15 I love it even more. I wouldn't be caught paying £45  for such a whimsy but at the sale price I could definitely be persuaded...

Agent Provocateur stockings for £10 anybody? I know right?

J Crew are a label known for simplicity in their cuts and colouring. This shirt dress would be at home in any rockabilly, 40s or hippy girl's wardrobe. Now, it still rolls in at £95 but thats nearly half price! Originally it was £190, call it an investment.

Collectif are my absolute favourite repro brand. I've been after a leopard print fur coat for quite some time and this is perfect. It's a fairly small discount, from £90 down to £70 but once again, an investment for any vintage vixen. And it's started snowing so get caught in the bad weather looking glam!

If you're more of a grungy vintage lover but can't stand the fusty vintage grandad jumpers then hop to the Urban Outfitters sale. Over there this Owl beauty is on sale at £20 alongside a load of other similar retro inspired pieces of knitwear. But let's face it, owls aren't going anywhere.

Did you get any vintage bargains over the festive sale season? If so, send us a pic! We love to hear from you. And you lot based in South Yorkshire, see you in Sheffield on Janury 26th! xxx

Gina x

Maxi Dresses Maxi Discounts

Oh yes. The ASOS Marketplace sale has begun! Like eBay, it's one of those sites I'm constantly browsing as there is new stuff being uploaded all the time from individual sellers, new designers and vintage boutiques from around the globe. Though it's getting chilly, the sun is still shining and you don't have to get your legs out to keep wearing pretty vintage dresses. Here are my favourite vintage maxi dresses from the ASOS Marketplace sale.

Blonde Fox bring you this polka dot maxi at a very tempting 50% off

Blonde Fox have done it again with this hella kooky Pineapple print maxi.

Bohemian Rose Vintage striking bell sleeve blue maxi Now, though we are vibing maxis right now, this would make a corker of a mini dress too...get the scissors out!

Preserved Vintage have a lovely range of vintage, but this 70s maxi stood out to me. I love the orange floral detail. Oh and the price - 25% off! 

Red Rebel vintage have a fair few interesting pieces in their boutique and in their sale. I have chosen two, the first is this white embroidered baby.

The second from Red Rebel vintage is this "autumn fruits" maxi. The colours are stunning, my eyes were immediately drawn to the foliage and flowery pattern, I love it. 

Sample have reworked this black velvet maxi with back cut-out detail. Bit too cheeky for me perhaps, but it's still gorgeous! And it's under £17...

So there you have it. Surely we've shown you a reason or seven to hop straight over to the SALE section on ASOS Marketplace. It ain't just maxis, there's a whole virtual sale warehouse to explore!

Ta-rah! 

Gina x

ASOS Marketplace: Our top Winter Warmers

Brrrrrr! Did anyone else struggle to get out of bed this week? My bedroom is bloody freezing.


But hey, don't get all shivery and shuddery because we have picked our very favourite winter cover ups from everyone's top online vintage shopping destination, ASOS Marketplace  What kind of cover up do you go for? Trench, cape, sheepskin or sequin we have the top picks laid out for your pretty little eyes to feast upon.

Madam Popoff have taken the cape crown with this welsh wool beauty in at £79.

Pretty Used Things have boyfriend blazers in rainbow colours, but this classic grey has won us over at a not too shabby £30.

Bang Bang have us all wishing we looked that snug with a striking orange sheepskin coat. Totally worth it at £90. 

Cats Eyes have military ticked off with this oversized deep green trench at £55.

Vintage Tramp know what they're on about. Every vintage lady needs a bit of faux fur, this is a staple bit of kit at £65.

Raggdoll will see you're warm yet the envy of all the other vintage magpies at the party. Just look at those mermaid colours! Oh and did i mention it's only £39? 

Go forth and buy wintry things. 

Gina x