Tag: Vintage

Easy Stylers – Slim Fit Mom Jeans & Converse

Shirt – Asos | Jeans – Asos | Bag – Old (similar here) | Shades – Vintage Christian Dior | Trainers – Converse

Yesterday I had a the afternoon free and so I met up with my friend, Chloe. I’d initially gone to look in a boutique that sold a brand of bags I had been eyeing up for quite some time and was hoping to purchase. But after umming and arring for a long while and even going back to the boutique a second time, after we’d gone for lunch, I left empty handed. Chloe on the other hand ended up purchasing one of their gorgeous little purses…It wasn’t that I too hadn’t been won over by the selection of bags and purses on offer, in fact it was quite the opposite, as I hadn’t expect to be so spoilt for choice. This made decision making all the harder and it made me rethink about the initial bag I’d gone there to hopefully buy.

Nevertheless, we had fun browsing round the little boutique and now it’s given me time to sleep on it and I’m actually glad I didn’t make an impulse decision and by one of the other bags that I’d spotted. Although the bag in question was rather dreamy, after fully thinking it through I had to admit to myself that the colour maybe wasn’t quite right in terms of what will match with the majority of my current wardrobe, as I am going for a very mix & match vibe at the moment with the pieces I own…It’s funny, a while ago I would have said browsing is no fun without purchasing anything and I probably would have regretted not buying the bag. Now however I’m starting to see the benefits of thinking through my purchases and acquiring pieces that I can easily style and actually love to wear on a regular basis.

Speaking of pieces that I love to wear and are easy to style, yesterday I wore my new-ish Converse. They are the first pair of converse I’ve ever owned, can you believe it? I don’t know where I’ve been all these years. They are practical for day to day and I love how they go with just about anything. I’m also currently loving these Asos slim fit mom jeans. I have been getting so much wear out of them and they are easily becoming my favourite ‘go to’ jeans.

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Samio x

April 20, 2016
The Vintage Kilo Sale

On Saturday I was invited along to the Vintage Kilo Sale, it’s a vintage fair that’s held all around the country and this time it was in Manchester. The difference between this vintage fair and most others, is that you pay by weight and each kilo costs £15, which generally speaking, seems to make it cheaper than most vintage fairs.

I was given a complementary kilo and after being handed my plastic bag to fill, I hit the rails to see what vintage gems I could find.

I have to admit, for me personally, I didn’t find it the easiest shopping experience. If you’re like me and feel like you’re being too rude to shove your way to the front, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on the best pieces. However if you’re a pro sale shopper or the type of person who likes to rummage for a bargain, then this could be the right kind of fair for you. Of course, as all the garments are vintage, it means that each piece is one off, so once it’s gone, it’s gone. So when you see a gem, there’s no hesitation, you’ve got to grab it!

I did manage to grab a few garments once I got into the swing of things and although there was a designated area to try items on, I decided to just get them and then see what they were like once at home.

The lovely Jenessa (manager of The Vintage Kilo) and I.

I got this check dress which is cute for summer. It’s a little big on me but luckily the waist tie means I can pull it in to fit a little better.

This skirt was my favourite item out of those I picked up. I love polka dots, so of course I as drawn to the print. It’s a tiny bit big but I plan on taking it in at the wait slightly for a better fit.

I also got a pair of black and white cropped trousers (which I forgot to photograph) but these are unfortunately also a bit on the big size. I’m undecided yet if they can be pulled off wearing them with a waist belt, as I do really like the vintage high waisted look of them, so it would be cool if I can wear them still.

Next time I’d probably be sure to get there a little earlier and for those who plan on going, I’d say it’s probably worth paying the small bit extra to get the early bird ticket so that you can get in there first and nab the best pieces.

Have you ever been to a vintage fair like the Vintage Kilo Sale?

Samio x

May 11, 2015
Live Simple, Dream Big, Give Love, Laugh More

This is my first blog post in just over a week, I think this has been the longest amount of time I’ve not blogged for in a while. It’s funny that I now see a week as a long time to not have blogged, seeing as when I first began blogging my posting was somewhat sporadic but what can I say, since the start of this year, I now have the blogging bug. Anyway, sometimes life gets in the way or even the words just don’t quite flow and I go into a bit of a ‘bloggers block’, especially when I feel like in have lots of other things on my mind. Last week I spent a couple of days in London, which might also have something to do with it and although I’m down there again this week, this time I plan to be more organised with my blogging schedule…

Anyway, onto the focal words of this post: Live Simple, Dream Big, Give Love, Laugh More – Four simple hashtags on my t-shirt. I spotted this top in H&M and although it’s not the usual style of Tee that I go for, I really liked the fitted, slightly cropped style and decided to purchase it. Also I think the hashtags are some pretty good points to live by.

#Live Simple
This is always something I have often struggled with, what can I say, I’m a consumer, I want more, I buy more. I enjoy acquiring ‘stuff’ and even when I go away for just a week I struggle to fit all my ‘essentials’ into one decent sized case. However to ‘live simple’ is something I have been trying to do more in recent times. Don’t get me wrong, you won’t see me giving up my home and living out of a backpack anytime soon but I’ve learnt that certain extravagances don’t always bring you happiness and sometimes (just sometimes), the simple things are the best.

#Dream Big
I’m the biggest dreamer, some may even say, ‘too much of a dreamer’. I often need to remind myself to put my plans into action instead of just dreaming about them but over the years I’ve got better at that and I’d say to anyone else, why limit yourself. If you have dreams, chase them.

#Give Love
Never were there wiser words. Without sounding all hippie dippy, if we all just gave a bit more love (not just to those we know), the world would be a much better place. Enough said.

#Laugh More
Laughing is infections, it makes you smile, it makes other people smile and most importantly, it makes people happy (unless your laugh is the start of a manic breakdown instead of actual happiness of course), so when you can, do it more. Don’t take life too seriously, enjoy the moment and surround yourself with those who bring you joy.

What I wore:
T-Shirt – H&M
Jeans – Gap
Belt – Primark
Shades – Vintage Christian Dior
Backpack – H&M
Shoes – Asos (old)

So I hope you all have a fabulous week and remember some of those hashtags as you go about your day.

Samio x

April 20, 2015
Vintage Polka Dot Dress & The Pink Welted Sole Dr Martens

I had had my eye on these pink welted sole Dr Martens for quite some time and finally, a few weeks ago I decided to just go for it and make the purchase. I had loved them from when I first saw them but it had took me some time to decide if I’d actually wear them and if they’d go with any of my outfits. It turns out since buying them, that yes, they do go with loads and I’ve almost not stopped wearing them!

The bouncing soles make them so comfortable to wear and walk around in and the colour is my favourite shade of pink. The are also made in England, which I thought was pretty cool (as most Dr Martens aren’t these days).

Like I say, since purchasing them, I’ve almost been living in them, so it was definitely worth the investment. Most days I’ve been throwing them on with skinny jeans but yesterday, as the sun was shining, I thought I’d wear them with one of my old vintage polka dot dresses and team it up with a matching pink belt. So you’ll probably be seeing a lot more of these on my outfit post, as I think they are my new favourite comfy shoes.

How about you guys, do you have a favourite pair of shoes that you love to wear with everything?

What I wore:
Dress – Vintage
Belt – Primark
Shoes – Dr Martens

Samio x

March 24, 2015
80s Fashion Friday

Friday was the first day that actually felt like summer might be coming after what has felt like the longest winter ever. Blue skies and not a rain cloud in sight meant I was able to ‘de-layer’. Although it wasn’t time to get out the shorts or crop top just yet, it was nice to be able to ditch the big cosy coat for once and not feel the need to be wrapped in a thousand layers.

Late afternoon I met up with my friend Laura and we went for pizza and wine at Dry Bar before I met up with some other friends to head to The Smiths Disco later that evening.

I wanted to wear something that I could wear from evening through to the night, so I went for blue high waisted trousers and a silky wrap peplum top to dress it up a bit. I’ve had the vintgae top for ages but this is the first time I wore it. I’m guessing it’s from the 80’s and I love how it looks good worn either open as a jacket or fastened as a top. I think I’ll be pulling this one out a lot more now that I’ve finally gotten round to wearing it.

What I wore:
Top – Vintage
Navy high waisted trousers – H&M
Belt – Vintage
Shoes – River Island
Hoop earrings – Topshop
Bag – zara

Samio x

March 7, 2015
The Pink Vintage Shirt

Today has been a delightful day, it’s been a delightful weekend in fact and now I can’t believe that it is March already! It feels like only the other day that I was writing my first blog post of the year on the first day of January. Anyway, here we are and I’m pleased to be slowly working outfit posts back onto my blog. Brighter days and slightly better weather mean I’m getting more opportunities to get some of my outfits snapped. Today was no exception and we got these shots done literally seconds before it began to pour it down. Despite the wet weather, it was certainly not putting a dampener on my day as I’d met up with one of my best friend’s, Lydia and her mother Hazel, as we headed to Frurt to attend their Barakah Food Aid event.

We spent the afternoon sipping coffee, sampling tasty cake and of course frozen yoghurt. Lydia and I tried our first taste of kanafeh, which is a cheese pastry soaked in sweet sugar based syrup. It was unusual, yet enjoyable nonetheless. We also enjoyed a delicious Nutella hot chocolate each, which of course was amazing! It was certainly a sugar filled afternoon and an enjoyable one at that.

What I wore:
Shirt – Vintage
Skirt – H&M
Belt – Primark
Necklace – Ebay
Shoes – Office

Samio x

March 1, 2015
Vintage Shirt, Faux Fur & Ripped Jeans

Last Thursday I had a long overdue Mother, Daughter day and so The Mother and I decided to spend it doing what we do best, shopping. Before hitting the shops however, we went to The Manchester Art Gallery to check out the latest exhibition there, The Sensory War 1914-2014. It’s certainly one that I would recommend to any art lovers in town.

Before we left The Manchester Art Gallery we spotted some women’s dresses on display on the ground floor which were designed and made in the 1950s. Being a big lover of the fashion styles of that decade I had to take a few snaps and we were particularly amazed to see how tiny the models waists were.

After we’d spent the morning wondering round the gallery, we headed for a spot of coffee and cake to give us a much needed energy boost before our long awaited shopping spree. So it was off to Patisserie Valerie we went and I opted for a mixed fruit tart and coffee mocha, whilst The Mother went for a slice of lemon cheesecake washed down with a cappuccino.

What I wore:
Faux fur jacket – Forever 21 (Similar here)
Shirt – Vintage
Collar Chain – Ebay
Black Knee Ripped Jeans – Topshop
Leather boots – H&M
Ring – Topshop (old)
Nail Varnish – O.P.I shade Pink It Through

I managed to buy lots of new winter pieces whilst shopping, as well as picking up a few Christmas presents. We literally shopped until we dropped and ended the day with a meal and cocktails in one of my favourite Italian restaurants, Avalanche.

Samio x

December 3, 2014
1940’s Style

Yesterday the boyfriend and I had another day off together and so we spent it doing what we do best, shopping, eating and drinking. Well maybe the shopping part is what I do best but the eating and drinking is definitely a joint effort as we are both big foodies and also partial to the odd cocktail… Or five.

Shopping turned out to be more successful for my boyfriend than it did for me, however I did manage to purchase a big cosy scarf and my second pair of winter boots, which I love!

I wore this vintage dress that I’ve had for about a year but never actually worn until yesterday. I’d bought the dress off eBay and it is slightly on the large size, (probably the reason I’d never previously got round to wearing it). Thanks to the large waist belt (which also came with the dress) I was able to really nip it in at the wait and also roll up the sleeves to give the dress a more fitted look. I decided to team the dress with a faux fur shrug I’ve had for a while from Asos and together it gave it gave the outfit a kind of 1940s look, although the dress is most likely from the 80s.

The afternoon soon crept in and so we sampled a couple of yummy cocktails at the Botanist before heading to Evuna in The Northern Quater, for a late lunch of tapas.

After lunch we went to Hard Rock Cafe for more tasty cocktails, starting with milkshake cocktails, me opting for the one with bacon bits on top, which was surprisingly delicious. And after drinking our way into the evening it was then time for dinner, so we decided to go to one of our favourite burger joints, Almost Famous. I went for the Smokey and The Bandit burger and we shared morning after fries and suicide wings. As usual, it did not disappoint.

What I Wore:
Dress & Belt – Vintage (80’s)
Fur shrug – Asos
Shoes – River Island
Bag – Zara

Samio x

October 9, 2014
Almost Vintage

On Thursday I had the day off so I was able to finally catch up with my friend, LBD, go for lunch and enjoy some of the rare sunshine that Manchester had to offer.

It was the perfect weather to pull out one of my summery vintage pieces. I say vintage, although this playsuit is more likely almost vintage. I bought this off eBay a while back and it’s actually C&A kids from the 90’s (according to the seller). I found it by accident in whilst searching through the women’s section and instantly feel in love with it’s gorgeous blue shade and cute, girly love heart print.

It was my Birthday on Monday and although I’ve turned another year older, it’s obviously not deterred me from wearing kids clothes. The funny thing is I often have troubled finding playsuits that fit, due to my height and then I buy one in a kids size and it fits perfectly. I guess I’ll never win.

What I wore: Playsuit – vintage/eBay, Sunglasses – Vintage Christian Dior, Hair bow and bag – Pearls & Lipstick (email contact@pearlsandlipstick.co.uk for purchase enquiries), Sandals – River Island.

Samio x

June 14, 2014
The Floral Playsuit

As of late I’ve been super busy with work so yesterday it was nice to have an afternoon off and enjoy a long overdue lunch date with the Mother. I was shooting in the morning but with an early finish, it gave me plenty of time to meet up with the Mother and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the sun. We went to Avalanche Restaurant for lunch and wine and then spent the rest of the day sat outside bars drinking summery ciders and fruity cocktails, bliss.

I’d been in London again on the weekend and whilst I was down I did some shopping, picking up lots of summery outfits, which I can’t wait to wear now the sun is deciding to show it’s face! I also purchased this cute floral play suit from Forever 21. They have so many pretty summer pieces in at the moment. I love this playsuit as it’s loose fitted which makes it cool to wear on hot days and it’s floral print is ultra girlie. I do hope these sunny days continue but with the unpredictable British weather, I guess it’s best to just make the most of it whilst it’s here.

What I wore:
Play suite – Forever 21
Clutch bag – Pearlsandlipstick.co.uk
Shoes – H&M
Sunglasses – Vintage Christian Dior

Samio x

May 17, 2014