Beautiful Vintage Jewellery You CAN Afford!

It’s wonderful the people you meet at local vintage fairs. These shows aren’t just good for the frocks and the chats, but for uncovering the hidden gems in the vintage vending world.

 

While I sat at my stand I spent most of the day eyeing off pieces at the stall directly opposite me. A black cloche hat with a waterfall of feathers, a large silver bow with strategically placed diamontes, and the perfect little leopard print pill box hat. When I realised I could wait no longer and simply had to add the leopard print to my collection, I wandered over to make the deal. While handing over my paltry sum for this pretty piece, I struck up a conversation with the stall holder and owner Marsha Byron. Here was a lady with a familiar sense of drama and a passion for fabulous I could well relate to.

Marsha began to tell me about how she and her daughter had set up their business, Designer Showcase, when the passion for vintage jewellery over took them both like wild fire. Seeing its beautiful construction, the settings both delicate and decadent, and learning its history, became something they longed to collect and share. Like me, they both have an enduring passion for beauty but are quite miffed (is that a nice way to say it?) about the trend for “cheap”, imitation vintage jewellery.

When shopping at your local mall in Australia, you’ll now find fewer than three retailers who all sell these sorts of pieces. Sourced in bulk overseas, tarted up with the marketing wand, then sold off to you at the “bargain” price of $49.95. Your “new vintage” jewellery may last the night if you’re lucky (I’ve tried and can say every single one has needed repair after the first wear), but it’s not a patch on the real thing.

A week of so later, I went to visit Marsha in her studio amongst black velvet cushions of jewel encrusted pins and displays of dripping milk glass adornments. It’s easy to see why I stayed nearly four hours.

Simply referring to the Designer Showcase pieces as “Vintage” is a bit of a misnomer, as there are pieces in this collection from Victorian times. While not all of the very oldest may still be wearable in their original form, Marsha takes a sensitive hand to rework some of these pieces into new forms. A lonely earring becomes a cocktail ring, a hair slide can become a statement brooch; and so the story continues.

This story has a lovely ending / beginning for us too, as I’m proud to announce that Designer Showcase Vintage Jewellery is now an official sponsor of Vintage Current! This means that we’ll have the inside track on all kinds of lovely pieces for you, competitions, giveaways and even more beautiful pictures.

 

 

With prices beginning at approximately $20-$55 for earrings, brooches around $30-$60, necklaces at $30-$100+ for those super special special pieces, this is my new Australian online go to for all occasions. So don’t waste your hard earned pennies on “cheap” new tat, go vintage all the way!

Four NEW Ways to Tie a Headscarf – Even More Vintage Glamour!

Four NEW Ways to Tie a Headscarf – Even More Vintage Glamour!

Profile view pill box hat scarf tie style web

A simple headscarf can be tied so many ways it’s amazing!

Following on from my previous tutorial on “How to tie a headscarf Retro Style“, this time I have 4 NEW ways to tie a headscarf!

With our Melbourne Sumer currently hitting temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius, this heat inspired me to create some new looks that keep your hair totally out of the way.

I’ve created this tutorial especially for those of you who are looking for headscarves that completely cover the hair, so it is perfect for those with hair loss and doesn’t rely on the scarf being pinned into the hair.

Each of these looks was inspired by different hats from various eras; a 1930’s turban, a 1940’s beret, a 1950’s headscarf and neckerchief, and a 1960’s pill box hat.

 

right profile pill box hat style head scarf tie copy

 

double tie head scarf and neckerchief way to tie web

 

1930 vintage style turban head scarf top knot tie web

After a few hours in front of the mirror with my trusty long scarf, a few dress makers pins, jewellery for accenting and even some hair clips; I’ve created some truly new and unique ways to wear your scarves.

And don’t worry if you don’t have one this big. Simply drop into your local fabric store, choose a pattern you love and ask the staff to cut it to the same dimensions.

The scarf I’m using in this demonstration is a long scarf I bought when I was in a bind at the airport, having misplaced my sweater, and needing something to work as a wrap too.

Dimensions – 67cm wide x 174cm long or 26.5 inches wide x 68.5 inches long.

Enjoy!

 

How to tie a retro headscarf

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3 Easy Ways to Tie a Headscarf – Retro Style!

3 Easy Ways to Tie a Headscarf – Retro Style!

Learning how to tie a headscarf retro style, is easier than you think.

It’s one of the quickest ways to solve a bad hair day and the varieties are only limited by your imagination.

I’ve been asked many times how I tie my simple headscarf.  The one I wear when I’m setting my pin curls and still want to be able to go out on errands looking half way decent.

I often wear my hair up like this when I’m working especially in hot weather, to keep it out of the way. It’s a fantastic way to create a cute look while still getting your hair to do its ‘secret work’ (setting) without anyone knowing.

It’s particularly good if you have an event or big night out and have to work right up until the last minute.

3 easy ways to tie a head scarf retro style 3

3 easy ways to tie a headscarf retro style2

I have a simple video tutorial for you, taking you through three simple and easy to achieve looks with a large square scarf.

Keep in mind this was created way back in 2010, so the quality isn’t brilliant, but the lesson is solid.

There are so many I could show you, but don’t want to overload you by creating a whole two hour tutorial! So here are the first three ways that can be adapted to suit your own style.

For even more ideas and looks, there is a second tutorial on How to Tie Headscarves here as well.