The Love Miss Daisy Vintage Blog

The Magic of Vintage

2012-02-06T15:21:00.000Z

It's moments like this that make us love our job just that little bit more, if that's possible!

An amazing box of vintage bags recently arrived at LMD HQ, all dating from the 1930's to the 1960's. One of the most intriguing and fascinating things about vintage bags is what you might find inside. This time, one of the bags was hiding a pencil marked with "Empire Exhibition Scotland 1938". You may have heard of this event, unofficially known as The British Empire Exhibition, Glasgow, it ran from May to December of 1938 at Bellahouston Park. Created to showcase British industries, it attracted over 12 million visitors and was also a chance to boost Scotland's economy as it recovered from the depression. The exhibition was opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. British Pathe footage of the King's opening speech can be seen here. Apparently this footage made Tom Hooper (The King's Speech director) and Colin Firth cry. And to think, we learnt all of this from a pencil!

The most fascinating find though, came in the form of a business card. It was hidden inside this gorgeous gold tone chain 1940's (we think) clutch bag (pictured above). The card reads:

NORSE FIRE AND SECURITY SERVICES LIMITED

Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson (Director)

It didn't take much Googling to discover that Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson (MBE) is not only still alive (he was born in 1926) but a Second World War veteran from Norfolk (a brigadier in the Coldstream Guards), the founder of AMCR (Afghan Mother and Child Rescue) and the 2004 Beacon Winner for Risk Taking for his contribution in response to the needs of women and children in Afghanistan. We read that he made his first trip to Afghanistan in 2007 and has taken many personal and financial risks to go out there almost every year since then to do his fantastic work. Amazing, right?!

The Beacon Fellowship (www.beaconfellowship.org.uk)

I'm humbled that we were able to find out about this man's incredible life thanks to a forgotten business card found in an evening bag. If this doesn't illustrate the magic of vintage, nothing does!

We can't find any information about the company name on the card, but it would be wonderful to contact him and explain the story of how we came across him! Who knows, maybe he'd be able to tell us a little about the owner of the bag and where they may have met! Possibly a long shot... ;)

We hope you enjoy reading this post as much as we enjoyed discovering it all!

We also found out that donations can be made to the AMCR by sending cheques made payable to Afghan Mother and Child Rescue to AMCR, 128 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BH. (Dereham Times)

The Grandma Post!

2012-02-03T16:19:00.001Z

Have you been watching Call The Midwife? We blogged about it a few weeks ago... I missed last week's episode so need to catch up! Anyway, thought it made a nice link to showing you all this picture of my Grandma Margaret qualifying as a nurse in the early 50's, aged around 19 or 20 I think (front row, second from the left). I tweeted this picture a week or two ago so you may have seen it already. She tells me so many stories about it, and I never get bored of hearing them!

She is still VERY much on the ball when it comes to medicine, it's impossible to watch an episode of Casualty with her because she diagnoses everyone before the "doctors" do. Hilarious.

My two grandmas led very contrasting lives. Grandma Margaret had a career, even invented things, but never particularly enjoyed cooking or being domesticated (although she did teach me to knit!). She never saw herself as a typical "wife". Whereas my Grandma Joyce was your typical 1950's housewife, she had all the homemaking knowledge and skills that girls of my generation (including me!) are now trying to re-learn. There were always home made meals, steamed puddings and cakes on the table when my mum came home from school, she has very much dedicated her life to taking care of my Grandad Danny, and she's a hell of a lot smarter than anyone has ever really been able to see. Also 80, she too, keeps her mind very active.

If I'm half as sharp as either of my grandmothers at 80, I'll be happy!

Were your grandmothers career driven or typical housewives of their day?

Grandma Margaret at Christmas 2011, aged 80.

My Grandma Joyce, taken a couple of years ago aged around 78, but she's still alive and kicking!

Vintage Label Spotlight: Swirl

2012-01-26T10:47:00.001Z

Ooooops, fell off the blogging radar for a little while! Been busy with a few things including planning a launch party for Love Miss Daisy joining Deuxieme Too on the New King's Road in February... exciting!

ANYWAY, back to the vintage label spotlight. Continuing with labels you may not have heard of, I'm going to tell you about Swirl. We currently have one Swirl frock on the website (see image below), ain't she pretty?

Established by the L. Nachman and Son company many years before, the Swirl dress (originally intended as an apron) and label were born in 1944. Wrap around aprons were common in those days, and the original patent and trademark name was 'women's and girl's wrap-around aprons'. In 1953 the company was relocated close to Greenville, South Carolina, the centre of the cotton belt just as the textile industry was flourishing. By this time, the product had evolved into the Swirl dress, a wrap around with one recognisable button at the top back.

The frocks were made in an array of colourful and abstract prints, many with embellishments such as embroidery, rick-rack trims and appliques. These designs are probably the most popular and the most sought after by vintage fans today. You may have noticed that the beautiful Fleur de Guerre features the Swirl label in her Diary of a Vintage Girl blog header and she sports several Swirl dresses throughout her posts. They look seriously amazing on her, don't they?

The Swirl label moved with the times, and they began making women's lounge wear in the 60's and developed a more on-trend line called Park East, plus a teenage line called Swirl Girl.

In 1978, Geoffrey Beene designed for them, as did Oscar de la Renta in the 1980's. By the end of the 80's their main products was the Models Coat, a house coat which is still made today in New York using imported materials.

In the 1990's, cutbacks were made due to a lack of materials and Swirl's main factory closed its doors in 1999.

1950's Swirl dress available here, £85.

Golden Globes Red Carpet

2012-01-16T09:24:00.001Z

This can be summed up really quickly for us... designers aside, no matter "who" they were all wearing, everyone looked a bit rubbish. With the exception of Michelle Williams (clear winner), Kristen Wiig, Emma Stone and Claire Danes.

Whilst at the bottom of the dress-o-meter, Sarah Michelle Gellar appeared to have had an nasty ink related accident, Zooey Deschanel (can usually do no wrong) looked like a computer game, and Dianna Agron seemed to have set herself on fire. Oopsee. Hopefully nobody panicked and took to a hosepipe.

Pics: Rex, Getty

And to sum up... a lot of the other frocks looked like bridesmaids dresses they used to sell in Preston Debenhams.

But of course, this is just our opinion! What did you guys think?

Hoping for more at the Oscars!

Vintage Label Spotlight

2012-01-15T18:46:00.001Z

A Leslie Fay label from a 1950's dress at Love Miss Daisy

Ever found a gorgeous vintage frock, coat or handbag, read the label inside and wished you knew a little more about the name? WELL! Enter.... the Vintage Label Spotlight. Once a week, we'll post about a different vintage label and give a bit of history. Some you may have heard of, some you may not, and we won't go into too much detail but hopefully we'll all learn a little something!

We have various dresses by vintage designers on the website, so we'll be starting with some of those. Then if you have any snaps of yourselves wearing a featured vintage label, send them in to us and we'll also do a gallery post once in a while!

So for no particular reason whatsoever, let's start with Leslie Fay. Many of you may already have heard of this label. In 1947, Fred Pomerantz founded Leslie Fay after he spent years creating dresses for the women's army in WWII. He had been using statistics on the female figure provided by the government to create garments and uniforms that fit well, and continued to use these measurements when he founded Leslie Fay.

In 1952 the company went public, and in '72, Pomerantz's son John became company president. Ten years on they were bought out and renamed The Leslie Fay Company until 1984, when a second buyout occurred and the name changed to The Leslie Fay Companies, Inc.

Throughout the 80's the fashion industry was enjoying general success and the company thrived, opening boutiques in several hudred department stores. However, in 1993, they were declared bankrupt after a "doctored books" scandal of which Pomerantz said he knew nothing. The responsibility eventually fell on the company's chief financial officer. Four years later they recovered and managed to thrive once again. John Ward replaced John Pomerantz as chief exec in 2000.

We've sold quite a few Leslie Fay frocks in our three years since opening and hopefully we'll snap up a few more for you in the future! They weren't a "fashion forward" label, but as you can see, much of the early clothing they produced was stunning none the less.

Charm Magazine, November 1954

1950's Leslie Fay dress - label pictured above

References: Answers and the Vintage Fashion Guild

LMD Vintage hits the shops!

2012-01-11T17:54:00.001Z

Well it took a lot of organising and travelling but we're finally all set up for the launch of Deuxieme Too, the new sister shop of Deuxieme, opening on Friday 13th January on New King's Road in London. How exciting! It's the first time customers will be able to browse our vintage in person as well as online.

We've set up a lovely little selection of vintage ranging from the 40's to the 80's.

If you're able to drop by, you'll also find Deuxieme's usual selection of fabulous designer pieces as well as plenty of jewellery and accessories.

What do you think? Would this little lot tempt you in for a browse?!

2012 V&A Exhibition: Ballgowns

2012-01-08T11:33:00.000Z

In the Spring of 2012, the V&A opens its renovated fashion galleries. The 'Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950' exhibition will begin on May 19th featuring more than 60 dresses over two floors. It will celebrate sixty years of British design including dresses worn by Elizabeth Hurley, Sandra Bullock and Princess Diana, with designs by Zandra Rhodes, Jonathan Saunders and Victor Stiebel. Admission charges will apply. Should be well worth a browse!

Two For Your Vintage Coffee Table

2012-01-06T18:52:00.000Z

A friend of ours bought 'Vintage Weddings: One Hundred Years of Bridal Fashion and Style' as a Christmas present for someone, and recommended we get ourselves a copy sharpish as it was so ruddy interesting. So we did. And guess what, not only is it very ruddy interesting, we're in it! Hoo-rah! We have a lovely listing on page 214. So thank you to the author, Marnie Fogg, for the kind recommendation! It's much appreciated, lots of LMD love to you.

"A visual journey through 100 years of wedding styles and dresses, "Vintage Weddings" takes a close look at the key periods, diverse styles, iconoclastic designers, significant ceremonies and cultural influences in wedding fashions. Organized chronologically, this book shows the reader how to recognize the silhouette that will best suit their body shape, identify luxurious fabrics, contrast various styles, and to source appropriate accessories, from gloves and shoes to flowers, veils, jewellery and table decorations. Throughout the book, individual pieces that epitomize the defining characteristic of each designer or decade are analyzed in detail. This book is for those interested in collecting and acquiring all aspects of authentic vintage pieces relating to the wedding ceremony, and also for prospective brides who are buying new, but are looking for sources of inspiration." (Amazon.co.uk)

With a foreword by Bruce Oldfield OBE (very impressive), we give this book a big thumbs up and recommend it to anyone planning a vintage wedding, looking for a vintage wedding dress and to all general vintage nerds. Available from £12.74 on Amazon.

The next book we insist you buy is 'Style Me Vintage: Clothes' by our fabulous amigo Naomi Thompson of Vintage Secret fame. The latest in the Style Me Vintage series will be out in February but you can pre-order it on Amazon here. What are you sat around reading this for? Go and do it!

...actually wait, don't go yet...

Oh you're still here. Good. Well in that case we can proudly tell you that we have a lovely mention in Naomi's book too! So thank you Miss Thompson, also greatly appreciated and we can't wait to read it.

"Vintage styles have never been more popular, with everyone from major stars to teens on the street looking to indulge in retro glamour. Whether you are looking to completely overhaul your look, go for complete vintage glam, or just introduce a few key vintage pieces into your day-to-day wardrobe, this book shows you how. Packed with tips on how to find unique, one-off items that fit your budget, that will look fabulous and also retain their value, Style Me Vintage: Clothes also teaches you what to look for, when to part with your cash, and what to avoid. Learn how to determine which era suits your shape and how to build a retro look from the base up. You'll also find tips on how to make retro styles work with modern accessories. Filled with fun, detailed photographs showing classic looks from the 1920s to the 1980s, this is essential reading for every girl who likes to dress up." (Amazon.co.uk)

Ok now you can go and order it. See you on a coffee table very soon. x

Mila Kunis for Dior

2012-01-05T10:16:00.004Z

Everyone's girl crush, Mila Kunis, has been named the new face of Christian Dior, starting with their SS12 campaign, shot by Mikael Jansson.

Deputy General Manager at Dior, Delphine Arnault, said "Christian Dior designed several costumes for the movies and maintained personal relationships with such actresses as Merlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor and Grace Kelly. It is thus only natural for the house of Dior to continue to develop a very specific and personal relationship with actresses." (WWD)

Oh, to have that face!

Mila Kunis for Dior SS12 (WWD)

Marilyn Monroe in Dior

Sophia Loren in Miss Dior

The Artist

2012-01-03T11:12:00.000Z

This is your first must-see film of 2012. Modern silent movie 'The Artist' wowed at international film festivals and hits the UK this month. Set in late 1920's Hollywood, at the tail end of the silent era, the movie tells the story of George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) and Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo).

George is a huge silent movie star when he is photographed with Peppy outside a theatre after she slips herself underneath the security rope. Their picture is printed in the morning papers and naturally the world wants to know who Valentin's mystery lady is, much to his wife's dismay...

They later meet at an audition and he grants her a small part in his latest film. Whilst George has just launched Peppy's rapid journey to Hollywood stardom, his own takes a turn for the worse. With the silent era at an end, George Valentin's performances are old news, but he risks everything to persevere with his craft.

Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, this charming and magical movie also stars John Goodman, James Cromwell and Missi Pyle. Not to mention the beauuuuuutiful 1920's costume!

The Artist is already open in London's West End, will be in selected cinemas from 6th January and showing nationwide from the 13th. Cannot wait!

Call The Midwife

2012-01-02T15:00:00.000Z

Very excited about this one... you may have caught the teaser on BBC1, but for those who haven't, read on...

A new Sunday evening series is coming soon to the BBC about 1950's childbirth called 'Call The Midwife.' It's based on the best selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who sadly passed away in May 2011. Worth was a nurse in 1950's London, the east end to be exact. She worked as a midwife, ward sister and night sister for twenty years.

Photograph: BBC, Photographer: Laurence Cendrowicz

'Pippa Harris, Executive Producer, Neal Street Productions, says: "Call The Midwife is a fascinating portrayal of birth, life, death and a community on the brink of huge social change. Jennifer was an incredible woman and was as forthright and as opinionated when we were working together as she was when she wrote about her astonishing life. I think viewers will be gripped by her insight into a world that, whilst being only 50 years ago, is so drastically different from how we now live."' (BBC press release)

The show will star Vanessa Redgrave, Pam Ferris and Miranda Hart amongst other great names.

Many of us are fascinated and entranced by the 1950's, but aside from the beautiful dresses, hair styles, homemaking skills and such, there are other aspects of the decade that have always intrigued me, childbirth and medicine being two. Maybe it's due to my grandma's career as a nurse, which she still talks about regularly, that I'm so drawn to this show. I feel like it will allow me to have a closer look at her career and the way things were done back then. I'll definitely be telling her to watch, and I'll definitely be watching. I hope this post has inspired you to do the same!

VanRoe Compacts

2012-01-02T10:07:00.000Z

We just stumbled across VanRoe Compacts on Twitter and decided they are far too sweet to keep to ourselves!

Run by Jane Johnston from her workshop/kitchen in Halifax, Yorkshire (hurrah for fellow Yorkshire based small businesses!) the website is a little treasure chest of both new and restored vintage powder compacts. They are all re-fillable and fit modern powders, and as Jane quite rightly says, they make the perfect gift!

LOOK HOW PRETTY...

VanRoe have been featured in Stylist, Yorkshire Life, Lancashire Life and The Telegraph to name a few. See for yourself here, and Jane even instructs you on how to fill your compact. Surely every girl needs one of these in her handbag?! Beautiful.

First Things First

2012-01-01T11:00:00.000Z

Welcome to 2012, come on in, plonk yourself down on the sofa and we'll put the kettle on. Hopefully you'll see a lot more blog posts from us this year than you did in 2011... which let's face it, shouldn't be hard. So let's start with our January news!

You might have seen us mention this on Facebook and Twitter over the last couple of weeks. Our friends at south London boutique dress agency Deuxieme are opening a second store across the road on January 9th, and they will be stocking our vintage! *jump up and down on spot/squeal/mini clap* etc.

Both shops are located on New King's Road, SW6. We'll be filling a large rail with some of our very finest vintage dresses, and maybe even a small bridal selection for you to browse should you live or ever happen to find yourself in the area. You'll also find a few high end vintage accessories for sale that have never been seen on the website.

We're super excited that customers will now be able to browse our lovely vintage in person as well as online! And why not browse Deuxieme with the girls, have a coffee break in their wonderful garden cafe, then head across the road to browse our corner of treasures in Deuxieme Too. A perfect morning, surely!

Look forward to seeing you there x

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T18:04:00.000Z

Happy New Year lovely blog readers, customers, Twitter followers and Facebook likers! We've had another wonderful year bringing you the best and most beautiful vintage we can find, and hope to continue to do so in 2012. We love hearing from you so if there's anything you'd like to see more of on the website, or anything you'd like to see introduced, let us know! We hope you're seeing the new year in in style, and drinking a cr*p load of fizz, naturally.

One of our new year's resolutions? BLOG MORE.

WWII... In Real Time

2011-11-09T11:53:00.000Z

Oxford History graduate, Alwyn Collinson, has set up the Twitter account @RealTimeWWII and has committed to tweeting the daily events of the Second World War as they happened 72 years ago.

He will be tweeting around 40 times a day and already has almost 50,000 followers. Followers can expect to see fascinating images and updates on military and political events as well as eyewitness accounts.

He'll be tweeting the entire 6 year period, including how his own grandad was captured by the Japanese in 1942. Let's hope Twitter is around long enough for us to hear it all...

Horrockses Is Back Baby!

2011-09-19T13:53:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited I can't type this fast enough... HORROCKSES IS BACK! HORROCKSES IS BACK! Ok so it's not a range of dresses, but WHO CARES. The originals will always be what we want anyway. Even if they do create a revival dress range, the dressgasm you get upon finding, and wearing an original will never be matched. Fact.

I love Horrockses prints like no other, and the history of the label is very close to home for me. It is home, in fact. Horrockses, one of the most coveted ready to wear labels of the late 1940's and the 1950's, originated in Preston, where I grew up. Horrockses Crewdson & Company Limited, a Preston based cotton manufacturer founded in 1791, launched the Horrockses brand in 1946. It was a very exclusive production line, with high quality cotton and beautifully designed prints. Off the peg day dresses were widely available with a price tag of anywhere between £4 and £7... very expensive!

To read more about the history of Horrockses, I recommend this book (again...).

So the big news is that Horrockses have launched a stunning range of bed linens, bed covers and cushions in revived patterns from the early years, and they are a-mazing.

The designs are named Martha, Betty, Claudette, Alice, Eletta and my personal favourite, the beautiful Sophia (below).

Obviously my immediate thought is "I NEED THAT DRESS IN MY LIFE"... and as if by magic, Horrockses come through. My eye is immediately drawn to a tab on their fantastic blog which says "download your free dress pattern". Oh yes. Over the next few months they will be releasing a series of patterns, one for each bed linen, so you can turn your bedspread into a dress should you so desire. Someone at Horrockses HQ clearly had a few beers and watched The Sound Of Music but hey, I'm on board.

So here's your first free dress pattern, the very lovely Martha. Go crazy.

As soon as I have a few spare pennies for a bedspread I will indeed get one, but until then, my first purchase will be Bunty or Georgina... one of their beautiful silk cushions, adorned with images by Robb, adapted from original Horrockses advertising imagery kept in the Harris Museum archives, Preston. *dusts off empty spot on sofa*

I need a brew after all this excitement.

Ulyana Sergeenko - Love At First Sight

2011-09-17T11:14:00.004+01:00

I'll be honest, I have very limited interest in fashion weeks and catwalk shows, sure I like to check out the odd one, but that's as far as it goes for me really. So to say I have fallen head over heels in love with an entire collection is unheard of... but this you have GOT to see. Naomi at Vintage Secret brought it to my attention this morning and I've now waterlogged my keyboard with drool. If you haven't already heard of her, may I introduce Ulyana Sergeenko, Russian designer, photographer, and creator of this insanely beautiful A/W11 collection. It's so gorgeous I want to cry. Not just the clothes but the entire shoot... the shoes, the hair, the makeup, the set... oof. *faints*

Feast your eyes on this. Happy Saturday.

Barbie Fans! Grace Kelly Has Arrived.

2011-08-17T09:13:00.005+01:00

Mattel, Inc.

Barbie manufacturer Mattel, have created three collectable Grace Kelly dolls as part of the Barbie Collector series.

The Bride Doll is already available online for $175, as is the To Catch A Thief Doll for $34.95. The Romance Doll, which sports a black floral printed dress and black fascinator, is a (very tiny) replica of the outfit the Princess of Monaco wore to the 1955 Cannes film festival, where she met Prince Rainier. She is released in October.

A percentage of each sale will go to the Princess Grace Foundation in the USA.

Happy (Belated) 100th Birthday Lucy!

2011-08-16T08:11:00.004+01:00

I may have mentioned in a previous post or two that I'm an enormous Lucille Ball fan. Enormous. Ooh I recently bought two gorgeous rare Lucy posters from America for which I still need to track down giant frames. I digress...

Lucille would have turned 100 on 6th August 2011, but sadly we lost the queen of television comedy in 1989 at the age of 77. She married her first husband Desi Arnaz, the inventor muti-camera comedy in 1940 and in 1951 gave birth to their first child Lucie, followed by their second, Desi Arnaz Jnr a year and a half later.

Originally, 'I Love Lucy' ran from 1951 until 1957 on CBS and preceded follow ups such as 'The Lucy Show'. Desi and Lucy (Desilu Productions) insisted the show be shot on film, which is the reason the footage looks so great to this day.

I am SO excited that I'll be in LA in time to catch the Lucy exhibit at the Hollywood Museum! An array of Lucy-ana is on display there and will be until November 30th. I'll be sure to post pictures on my return!

So Happy belated Birthday Lucy, we love you!

Brix Smith-Start recommends us on This Morning!

2011-07-31T16:12:00.005+01:00

You've probably seen us post this on Facebook or Twitter already, but it was such a good mention that we thought it deserved a blog post too! On Friday 29th July, This Morning featured one of our dresses in their vintage fashion feature with Brix Smith-Start. Not only did they give us a lovely screen credit, but Brix gave us a wonderful recommendation, she said "Love Miss Daisy is absolutely great, affordable vintage, it's a great website to go to!"

So thank you to This Morning and Brix for the lovely coverage. If you missed their vintage feature, you can watch it here!

And psssst... the male model at the end is HOT.

Keeping Well Dressed, 1940's Style

2011-07-18T12:09:00.004+01:00

Last week I saw this vintage video, 'Keeping Well Dressed', after it was posted on Twitter. It's so great I thought it only fair to share! Posted by Glamour Daze, check out their wonderful blog and other videos!

AW11 Trend - 1940's

2011-07-13T13:11:00.007+01:00

As Look Mag have just tweeted, one of the big trends for AW11 is of course the 1940's look.

Whilst so many high street followers will run out to buy the exact same dresses, why not break away from the crowd and buy originals. You know the score... nobody else will be wearing your frock and you're choosing to recycle over fast fashion. No brainer really.

Imagine the conversations at parties... "Where is your 1940's dress from?" "Topshop, where's yours from?" "The 1940's." "Oh."

Win. 1-0 you. Etc.

So here are a few of Love Miss Daisy's 1940's offerings, with many more to come in the run up to the colder months. And why not throw a faux fur over that tea dress to keep the chills away. Most in stock are currently 70's and 80's, but if they complete the look, who's to know! Watch this space! x

Find LMD 1940's dresses here

and LMD faux fur coats here

William Vintage Hits Browns

2011-06-20T18:17:00.005+01:00

If you love rare and beautiful vintage (and you have a few pounds to spend), I urge you to go and visit WilliamVintage, established and run by the lovely and brilliant William Banks-Blaney. His label is now stocked in Browns, so if you can't make it down to his store on Marylebone Street (try harder) Browns is where you should be headed. You'll find all kinds of wonderful pieces... here are a couple of piccies from WilliamVintage's launch party this month.

Lisa Snowdon wearing vintage Christian Dior circa 1970

Gillian Anderson wearing vintage Ossie Clark circa 1968 and Grace Woodward wearing vintage Loris Azarro circa 1970

The Debbie Reynolds Collection

2011-06-09T08:47:00.009+01:00

Calling all fans of Hollywood and film costume... you simply must see this, it's an auction like no other. Screen legend Debbie Reynolds, discovered by a studio talent scout after winning a beauty contest aged 17, developed a love for collecting in her early days on the MGM lot, when designers such as Helen Rose and Walter Plunkett were creating the costumes we know and love today. As studios such as MGM and FOX auctioned off their costume inventories, Reynolds became a serious collector of costume history, obsessed with the idea of preserving Hollywood's most famous and inspired outfits.

Marilyn Monroe subway dress, "The Seven Year Itch", 1955. $1,000,000 - $2,000,000

Marilyn Monroe's Lorelei Lee gown & hat, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", 1953. $200,000 - $300,000

As with any auction, a potential buyer or not, the collections are available for public preview, and I'd be down there faster than you could say "ruby slippers" if I happened to be in California. If any of you are, be sure to go and have a look. The preview dates are as follows:

June 4-5, 12pm - 5pm

June 8-12, 12pm - 5pm

June 15-17, 12pm - 5pm

At the Paley Center for Media, Beverley Hills, CA 90210, with the auction taking place on June 18th at 12pm PDT.

Dorothy's ruby slippers, "The Wizard of Oz", 1939. $120,000 - $150,000

If you're not lucky enough to be local, and don't mind ridiculous postage charges, you can get yourself a copy of the auction catalogue, with fabulous close up shots, dates and brief descriptions of each lot. And finally, the free option (hurrah) you can download the PDF catalogue here.

Charlie Chaplin's bowler hat, "The Tramp", $20,000 - $30,000

Carrie Fisher, Reynolds's daughter says "costumes carry the energy of the actors who wore them; they are infused with the power of the stars and stories that inspired and empowered us."

Audrey Hepburn's Ascot dress designed by Cecil Beaton, "My Fair Lady", 1964. $200,000 - $300,000

Barbra Streisand dress from "My Man" number in "Funny Girl", 1968. $8,000 - $12,000

It's not just costume up for auction, there is camera equipment, props, posters and even cars. The PDF catalogue is most definitely worth downloading. I've been obsessing over it for hours. A truly incredible collection.

The Real Beauty of Vintage - Part 2

2011-06-08T21:00:00.000+01:00

Do you remember this post about the beautiful lavender 1950's prom dress we found complete with a picture of its original owner? Still amazing, right? I realised we never posted a picture of its new owner... thought it would be nice to update you on the next leg of its journey! A lovely customer called Vicki bought the lavender beauty to wear to Vintage At Goodwood last year. We LOVE it when our customers send us pictures for our gallery page, it's so lovely to see our vintage being worn!

I'm sure the lady in the original picture would be thrilled to know a dress she probably loved and wore to a special occasion is still being loved and worn today. Doesn't Vicki look amazing? She teamed it perfectly with a fabulous vintage hair style, delicate white gloves and dainty purse. Perfect! We can only hope it will still be loved and worn in another 50 years.

Blooming Great Tea Party 2011

2011-06-08T09:48:00.009+01:00

We were recently approached by Marie Curie and asked if we could help to promote their Blooming Great Tea Party campaign this summer. It's such a great idea and cause... how could we say no! So here we go...

Marie Curie Cancer Care is asking people to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party this summer. This can be anything from a cuppa and cakes in the office, a vinage inspired high tea with the girls to a garden party tea with the family. It's a great way to get together with friends and family to do something fun and easy for charity.

The official tea party season is from June 12 to July 12 but it doesn't matter if you're a little early or late. Money raised from Blooming Great Tea Parties will help Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with terminal cancer and other terminal illnesses in their own homes.

The charity is hoping to raise one million pounds from the campaign this year which will help provide 50,000 hours of Marie Curie Nursing care. Call 08700 340 040 or visit their website for more information and your free fundraising pack!

So what are you waiting for... get the bunting out and the kettle on.

A Beautiful Blonde Pineapple

2011-06-01T18:59:00.004+01:00

Right, I spent a GOOD 5 minutes searching for a picture of Frenchie in this prom dress on Google images before I gave up. But a lovely Twitter follower pulled this one out the bag for me. Score. Anyway, the point is this... ever wished you had that dress that makes her look like a "beautiful blonde... pineapple"? Well CHECK IT OUT. It's available at Love Miss Daisy now. Here. It's a UK size 8.

And if you're not a size 8, or miss out on the dress, don't cry... because you can only get a flippin' Frenchie Barbie doll. Amazing.

Happy Birthday Ms Monroe

2011-06-01T17:01:00.004+01:00

*Sigh*... who doesn't love this woman. LOOK AT HER! The beautiful, legendary Marilyn Monroe would have turned 85 today.

In honour of her would-be-85th birthday, TIME Magazine have provided us with an amazing 85 rare photographs of the screen legend. Enjoy!

P.S If you've never seen Some Like It Hot. Go and watch it now. Go on, GO!

Swing For Skin

2011-05-19T13:11:00.004+01:00

We're always happy to help plug a good cause and Swing For Skin is certainly that. Arranged by the lovely Melissa Smith (you'll find her on Twitter @queeniejelly) aboard the HMS Belfast in London, Swing For Skin is a 1940's themed event taking place on 4th June 2011 to raise money for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and DEBRA, the charity working for an with people living with EB.

You can read about EB and DEBRA on Swing for Skin's website here.

Tickets are £30 advanced, or £35 on the door. These prices include two free drinks, delicious food (sandwiches, cakes, scones with cream and jam - perfect for a tea dance!), vintage hair and make up styling for the ladies, music and the chance to tour the HMS Belfast - usually priced at £13.50 alone!

There will also be a raffle with lots of wonderful vintage prizes donated by various lovely people! We plan to donate a little something ourselves.

So get your 1940's swag on, and grab your tickets! Our 1940's dress collection is running low at the moment but we do have 3 original beauties for you to choose from! Lots more on the way soon.

THE ROYAL DRESS REVEALED

2011-04-29T12:05:00.003+01:00

William and Kate are climbing onto their horse & carriage as newlyweds as I type.... and finally, we all got to see Kate's dress. Stunning is an understatement. We were absolutely blown away at LMD HQ, what a beautiful dress designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. We immediately thought it resembled this 1950's number we unfortunately sold a couple of years ago... the neckline, the lace... what do you think? Beautiful right?

We've got a sneaky feeling the long sleeved lace look may become rather coveted after Kate wore it so beautifully today! We will certainly be hunting down more original vintage gowns of this style just in case ;)

Email terri@lovemissdaisy.com with wedding dress enquiries.

Happy Royal Wedding Day!

Coachella Style...

2011-04-18T12:59:00.005+01:00

So fans of music and Cali sun rocked up to Coachella last weekend for fun and frolicks... and as always, the fashion desks are all over it. Celebs and non celebs alike, noone is safe from the style spotters. What do you think of this years fashion picks?

Kate Bosworth pulls of rock chick in a flag print vest and aviators

One particular magazine has slammed Diane Kruger for this maxi skirt, which I completely disagree with... I love it!

Probably my favourite Coachella outfit and definitely something you'd find me wearing, Harley Viera-Newton is rocking the crap out of this nude lace shift dress, very 60's.

No idea who this chick is but I like the Brigitte Bardot vibe

And oh look it's a picture of the Glee boys. Because, well, y'know.

January Jones Rocks It Up

2011-04-13T14:00:00.002+01:00

The gorgeous January Jones has done a 180 from Betty Draper for the May 2011 issue of W Magazine. Something a bit Sarah Harding about her here though, no?!

Did you know she originally auditioned for the role of Peggy? Fact.

Photos Craig McDean/W Magazine

Happy Birthday Ms Westwood!

2011-04-08T10:20:00.004+01:00

The amazing Dame Vivienne Westwood turns 70 today! Happy Birthday tooo yooooo etc.

Born Vivienne Isabel Swire in Glossop, Derbyshire in 1941, she entered the fashion world in 1971 when she opened 'Let It Rock' on the Kings Road which was later re-named 'Sex'.

Westwood's style is unmistakeable. Speaking of the 1970's punk phenomenon, she says "I was messianic

about punk, seeing if one could put a spoke in the system in some way."

Her first catwalk show was shown in 1981, a collaboration of Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, with whom she revolutionised fashion. Their theme that year was Pirates.

She is widely known for her political activism. In 1989, she featured on the cover of Tatler dressed as Margaret Thatcher, which reportedly outraged the Prime Minister. However it was listed in The Guardian as one of the best ever magazine front covers. In 2005 she joined forces with civil rights group Liberty, and designed a range of £50 t-shirts to raise funds for the British organisation.

Westwood was awarded an OBE in 1992. At the Buckingham Palace ceremony, she was captured knickerless by a photographer in the courtyard. She heard that the photograph amused the Queen! Happy Birthday Ms W, hopefully there'll be many more.

The Westwood shoes in which Naomi Campbell famously stumbled on the catwalk in 1993.

Stylist Says...

2011-03-17T18:32:00.003Z

This week Love Miss Daisy has been named one of Stylist Magazine's top 10 online vintage stores. Good times!

Help Japan

2011-03-16T09:00:00.005Z

As of yesterday, until 31st March 2011, Love Miss Daisy Vintage is donating 10% of each sale to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Stitch 'N Bitch

2011-03-13T12:30:00.008Z

I remember my grandma teaching me to knit when I was about 11 or 12. She used to make my sister's school jumpers. I have such a clear memory of her sat knitting like the clappers. I was so impressed at the speed at which she did it without ever making a mistake.

I've always been attracted to crafts... creating and making things. My mum was constantly making things with us, I even remember as far back as her cutting hearts and stars into cut-in-half potatoes and giving us a huge sheet of paper and 5 different colours of paint to go crazy with. I must have been about 4 at that time. She hand made absolutely everything for us. Fancy dress costumes, Easter hats, quilts, you name it, she hand crafted it. We rarely sat watching telly on a weekend, if we weren't outside playing, we were making play dough or salt dough or I was in my bedroom putting together some sort of 3D cardboard rainforest kit or sat at my desk painting. And not because we were made to, but because that's what we loved, and that's what childhood was all about. I think kids today being swamped with technology that takes the creativity out of childhood just makes me all the more determined to keep old fashioned activities alive, even as an adult. I can tell you for nothing that my kids won't be doing their painting using a Nintendo DS. They'll be making a good old mess on my kitchen table and I'll be helping them.

So when my very lovely and very old friend Laura posted on her beautiful blog Straight From The Fridge about some hand warmers she had almost finished knitting, I suddenly felt the urge to re-learn what I used to know, and get much better at it. She recommended the book 'Stitch 'n Bitch' to me, which I immediately went and grabbed on Ebay for around £3. Win. And off I trotted to my local knitting store and kitted myself out with some needles, yarn and a few other bits and bobs.

Now even though I took to it quite quickly once the memories of techniques flooded back, I cannot recommend this book highly enough for beginners. It's brilliantly written and easy peasy to follow. I had never done a purl stitch before but I was knitting, purling and producing a perfect stockinette stitch within 3 hours. Basically, this book makes knitting cool.

I've been working on my 'practice scarf' but will start knitting something proper in the next few days. If you've never knitted before, I can't tell you how relaxing and addictive it is. I just sit and do it as I'm watching a film and I find myself saying... oh just one more row.... ok just one more then.... right I'll stop after this one.... seriously this is the last one. Hooked.

So there you go. Knitting rocks. Don't listen to the haters. When I've actually managed to create something decent and non-scarf like, I'll write another post about it. Don't fall off the edge of your seats will you.... x

This was about an hour after I started... a bit rubbish but after this, once my edges straightened out and I learnt to purl there was no stopping me!

"Eco" Fail.

2011-03-02T10:35:00.003Z

It all kicked off in vintage land on Monday after Colin Firth's wife, Livia, wore what she and designer Gary Harvey claimed was an "eco" dress on the red carpet at The Oscars. This "eco" dress was in fact made from 11 butchered vintage dresses from the era of The Kings Speech, aka the 1930's. There was a lot of debate about this particularly on Twitter... the main arguments being:

1. There is nothing 'eco' about hacking up 11 perfectly wearable beautiful vintage gowns to make just 1. (Which, incidentally, looks like a terrible wedding dress) Surely not even those in favour of the dress can argue that point.
People are overlooking that this is the main argument against Livia's dress. How they can claim to be creating something eco friendly is beyond me. 11 women could have bought and worn the poor dresses that were destroyed to make a dress that one woman will probably only wear once. Erm...

2. Recycling is one thing... taking damaged beyond repair vintage dresses and turning them into something wearable is of course eco, but the fact that they used, and this is a direct quote from the owners of the vintage store that some of the frocks were bought from, "the very best gowns", is to most vintage lovers, a crying shame. Some are arguing that the dresses were for sale for a buyer to do as they wish with. True. BUT, when collecting, buying and selling vintage is not only your career but your passion, it is both upsetting and enraging to see perfectly wearable, beautiful and need I mention rare dresses being cut to shreds for what is essentially a hunger for publicity.

This is really the main thing I'd like to point out... nobody in the vintage 'community' is angry about this because they're trying to dictate what people should do with the vintage clothing they are free to buy. The fact is that the dresses Firth and Harvey used were to many people collectable, precious and a part of fashion history. As I said on Twitter, we simply want to express our disapproval at the destruction of something that we consider valuable.

RIP Jane Russell

2011-03-01T09:36:00.008Z

And so we lose another much loved star of Hollywood's Golden Age. Jane Russell was discovered by billionaire Howard Hughes, who gave her her first role in 1943's The Outlaw, a story about Billy The Kid. She went on to become one of the most famous actresses and pin ups of the 1940's and 50's, acting with Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes amongst other pictures including The Paleface with Bob Hope. However by the 1960's her film career had faded. In a 1999 interview she said "Why did I quit movies? Because I was getting too old! You couldn't go on acting in those years if you were an actress over 30"

Originally from the Midwest and the eldest of five children (the only girl), she moved to California to film The Outlaw. She was eventually married 3 times, adopted several children and founded the World Adoption International Fund in 1955.

Should you venture to Hollywood, her hand and foot prints can be found at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and of course, you can see her star on the Walk of Fame.

Find her full filmography here. If you've never seen one of Jane's films, you're missing out. I'll sign off from this post with 'Bye Bye Baby' from Gentleman Prefer Blondes. You'll be missed Jane!

Oscars 2011 Red Carpet

2011-02-28T09:12:00.008Z

Ok, well done me, I managed to stay up for the entire duration of the Oscars

red carpet, jotting down my dress wins and fails for you guys, so here we go... these are 100% my own opinion so let me know what you thought!

My ultimate dress wins of the evening were Mila Kunis in Elie Saab, I think I'm actually in love with both her and that lavender dress. That's the bad boy I'd have picked. If I were a Hollywood actress.... or invited to The Oscars......... anyway.

And Cate Blanchett's Givenchy number.

My runners up were the adorable Hailee Steinfeld in a stunning full skirted nude Marchesa, and of course, GP in Calvin Klein. What a fox.

As an actress, Amy Adams can do no wrong for me, I absolutely adore her. And she didn't disappoint on the red carpet in a L'Wren Scott navy sequin cap sleeved dress and classic Hollywood waves, whilst Michelle Williams was the picture of simple glamour in Chanel.

The Losers.

Florence Welch looked washed out and Scarlett Johansson's dress, hair and eye makeup combination, for me, looked like the 90's just threw up on her.

Penelope Cruz's dress I just HATE, and even though the lovely host Anne Hathaway changed her frock several times, the red number she arrived in was just awful. Not a fan of the material, the design, the detail.... that horrible unflattering bunching down the side... just...no.

The Undecided

Finally, Natalie Portman and the cool as f*ck Marisa Tomei. I just found their dresses a bit.... meh. Natalie, always stunningly beautiful, pulled this off in my opinion for that very reason. But had it been on anyone else I suspect it would have been slammed a lot more. And Marisa, granted, this frock looked a lot better on film rather than in the unforgiving light of a camera flash, and you'd think I'd be championing the vintage (it's a 1950's Charles James couture gown) but once again, as much as I love her, it just left me a little undecided.

Vintage Barcelona

2011-02-27T18:28:00.007Z

Please welcome our guest blogger.... my sister! Emma, naturally a fan of vintage, currently lives in Barcelona and has been out reporting on the Spanish vintage scene. She will soon be launching her own blog about travel, photography and other rather interesting things, so keep an eye out for that! Emma, over to you!

I’ve been living in Barcelona for 4 months now and always on the lookout for quality vintage (which doesn’t break the bank). Last week I ventured down to a Flea Market I saw advertised on the internet. After having attended some poor attempts at “vintage fairs”, I was a little sceptical...

But to my surprise it definitely wasn’t a wasted journey! On entering the building, I was welcomed by all sorts of second hand and vintage treats. Stands were packed to the brim with everything from cute vintage dresses and chunky knitwear to retro sports jackets and roller-skates! There was also a great collection of second-hand menswear.

I was delighted when I looked at the prices – rails of clothes all priced at 2 euros, old leather purses and bags for 3 euros, jumpers and jackets for 5 euros, what more could you ask for?! I was even MORE delighted when I realised the stairs at the back of the room led down to a backyard full of yet more stands...After browsing for quite some time, I came away with some little gems at absolutely amazing prices.

For all those living in or visiting Barcelona, the fair takes places once a month and is definitely helping to create a second-hand/vintage culture in the city. The next event is possibly being held at Camp Nou (another amazing place worth a visit!) due to popularity, but I will keep you posted.

Bye for now! Emma x

Vintage Oscars

2011-02-26T09:33:00.007Z

It's that time of year again... which means it's also time to dig out some beauties from the good old Oscars archive! Some classic Hollywood glamour. Excited to see what the red carpet brings tomorrow!

Grace Kelly & Audrey Hepburn backstage, 1956

Grace Kelly, 1955

Marlon Brando.... and is it just me.... but he has a look of Olly Murs here?!! No? Ok it's early and I haven't had my coffee.

Gregory Peck & Sophia Loren, 1961

Like I need to tell you who this is.

Carey Grant & Jean Simmons, 1958

Audrey again, because, well, y'know.

LOVE.

2011-02-25T14:45:00.005Z

Just discovered this photo by Tim Walker. Amazing. That is all.

Daniel Green

2011-02-21T16:43:00.007Z

We've had 3 pairs of (what we'd now class as) bridal shoes in our collection for a while, which yesterday we posted on Facebook. They received a great reaction and as the lovely Fleur De Guerre correctly pointed out, they are indeed Daniel Greens.

I decided as there was so much interest, I'd give you a bit of a history lesson on this guy and his fabulous house slippers!

Way back in 1881, Daniel Green was working in NYC for the Wallace Elliot Company as a traveling shoe salesman. One day, he was shown a pair of shoes made from left over piano felt. He was both impressed and fascinated by their ability to keep the feet of the factory workers comfortable and warm, and took some away with him to show his brother. Green saw an opportunity to provide felt shoes and slippers to the shoe trade. Not too long afterwards, an agreement was made with the felt mill owner and they founded their business from their home in Canastota, New York.

The company boomed in the years after. In 1891 Daniel Green died, but over 100 million pairs later, and the Daniel Green label continues to provide trusted quality and unparalleled comfort.

The ranges broadened from felt into many styles and materials, both for in and outside the home. In the 1940's and 50's, Daniel Green's satin house slippers were widely coveted by the ladies of the era, and so we come to the pairs in our collection. They are truly beautiful and ideal bridal wear for the modern, vintage loving bride. For more detailed information and measurements, just drop a line to info@lovemissdaisy.com - bear in mind they are all approximately UK sizes 3-4 and rather narrow. Prices range from £80 - £100.

WWW.LOVEMISSDAISY.COM

SAG Awards 2011 Red Carpet Frocks

2011-01-31T10:19:00.005Z

First of all... oh Christina... no no no. That's two award ceremonies on the trot she's fudged it up... when she can look so amazing... d'oh.

And now my good-uns. Natalie Portman in Azzaro

GIRL CRUSH ALERT - Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen

January Jones got it right this time, beautiful in Carolina Herrera

Bring on the Oscars.

Hendrick's Refined Courtship Clinic

2011-01-29T09:17:00.009Z

Not a fan of Valentine's Day? Me neither. I'd much rather a guy did something romantic for me just because he felt like it... and vice versa! Random acts of romance are without a doubt more effective... often it's the little things, old fashioned chivalry that wins a girl over (well... it works on me anyway).

If you're in London, and looking for something a bit different to do this Valentine's Day weekend that doesn't involve an oversized cuddly toy or coughing up for an unnecessarily expensive spa voucher, head on down to Covent Garden (the famous 18th Century red light district) and visit our friends Hendrick's at their free-to-use Refined Courtship Clinic!

A service offering etiquette tips to both singletons and couples looking to woo potential suitors and develop their relationships with a high level of decorum will open from 10th - 14th February 2011!

The Hendrick's Refined Courtship Clinic offers direction on principles and customs from bygone eras – while lavish Valentine’s gifting is in decline, economical good grace and manners are seen as increasingly attractive qualities.

The sessions are run by Dr Humphrey Sixwivs and Mrs Isabella Forlornicate. Unusually, the sessions commence with a voluntary intake of Hendrick's Gin & tonic, complete with restorative cucumber garnish. After assessment, treatment covers aspects from polite body language to acceptable topics of conversation and procedures of courtship to reading signals from a lady's fan movements.

Commenting on the clinic, Hendrick's Global Ambassador, Xavier Padovani said: "It is often said that good manners cost nothing, but little is mentioned about their ability to impress. Basic etiquette and a decent understanding of how to act in the company of others can go a long way to receiving the approval of an admired one. There is much we can learn from the Victorians and we hope the advice offered will help a few hearts flutter this Valentine's Day."

So there you have it. Free entry, free gin & tonic (if you haven't tried it, Hendrick's gin is bloody lovely, and I don't even like gin), a fun few hours learning some old fashioned courting tips and a stroll round Covent Garden. No brainer really.

The clinic will held from 10th-14th February at 51 Neal St, Covent Garden, WC2H 9, further details available on www.hendricksgin.com

Caro Emerald

2011-01-16T18:14:00.003Z

I've just discovered Dutch singer Caro Emerald thanks to Miss Rosina Lee and her great blog. Errrrrm, how have I not heard this chick before?! She. Is. Awesome.

Love her voice, her videos, her style... but of course the law of sod had to step in and remind me that I'm not around on the one night she seems to be playing in London in the near future. Typical. Or I'd have been down that Jazz Bar faster than... something fast.

Anyways, here are a couple of vids for you to watch, turn it up and I guarantee you'll be tapping your feet and most probably dancing a bit after the first few seconds of "That Man".

Inspired by films and music from the 40's and 50's, her album 'Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor' is "an exciting and hugely accessible record, featuring ballroom jazz, cinematic tangoes, groovin' jazz tracks and infectious mambo's that sound like they were recorded in 1951 in Hollywood's most famous recording studios."

What a brilliant Sunday night discovery... Enjoy!x

Mad Men Yourself

2011-01-14T13:53:00.003Z

So I've just started watching Mad Men (I know, I know, I'm seriously late to THAT party), anyway, I got the box set for Christmas... the first three seasons. I'm most of the way through season one, and it wouldn't take Mystic Meg to predict that I would be crazy about the fashion, style and sets within 5 minutes of watching. However I've been causing a bit of a stir on Twitter with my opinions on Don Draper. Apparently I'm supposed to swoon over him? It doesn't really matter how handsome and charming he is, surely the fact that he's sleeping with half of New York with a wife and two kids at home cancels out any attractive qualities he may have?! No? Just me? What do you think of him? Or should I say, what DID you think of him in season one...? Because I'm being told that my feelings towards him may change as the show progresses... I am interested to see if they do!

Anyway, my Mad Men obsessed friend Ryan, posted a link to madmenyourself.com onto my Facebook page yesterday, and come on, who doesn't want to create a cartoon 1950's version of themselves! A bit of fun for your lunch hour... choose your own hairstyle, outfit, accessories, and whether to have a coffee or cosmopolitan in your hand. I opted out of carrying a drink or a doughnut, so my left hand just looks a bit random now to be honest. Maybe I'm about to punch someone... (probably Don Draper).

Anyway, off you go and madmenyourself.com :) x

We Can Do It!

2010-12-31T15:55:00.008Z

Geraldine Hoff Doyle, the WWII beauty who inspired the wartime 'We Can Do It!" poster has died aged 86. Geraldine was a young factory worker in Ann Arbor, Michigan when a United Press photographer snapped her working her metal stamping machine.

An artist in Pittsburgh by the name of J. Howard Millar was commissioned to illustrate a series of posters to inspire factory workers. The 'We Can Do It!' poster was created to encourage other young women to take on jobs left behind by men who had been called into the army. The poster drew in over 6 million women to take on these jobs and became a famous symbol of women's equality.

She was born on 31st July 1924 in Inkster, Michigan and only worked in the factory for a fortnight. She was a cello player and left when she found out that the woman she replaced had injured her hand. Because she left so soon, she didn't find out for years that she was the model for the poster. She said, "It's just sad I didn't know it was me sooner. Maybe it's a good thing, I couldn't have handled all the excitement then!"

Read more about Geraldine, her daughter and the age of Rosie the Riveter in the Los Angeles Times.

First Christmas Fair of 2010 at Bake-a-Boo

2010-12-07T11:59:00.001Z

Walking in a Vintage Wonderland...

2010-12-01T17:47:00.005Z

Fancy doing some Christmas shopping, eating amazing cakes and meeting lots of lovely people all at the same time? Get yourselves down to West Hampstead on Sunday (5th Dec) and visit Bake-a-Boo's vintage wonderland!

This is one vintage Christmas fair you don't want to miss, you'll fall in love with the Bake-a-Boo tea rooms the minute you walk in the door, and from 2-6pm on Sunday, Love Miss Daisy will be selling hand made vintage gifts, vintage accessories & clothing.

So come on down to 86 Mill Lane, London, NW6 1NL and see us. Don't miss it!

Oh and don't worry, for those of you up north, we'll be selling all the same treats at Judy's Affordable Christmas Vintage Fair on Thursday 9th December from 4pm til 9pm at the Hospitium in York. See you there! x

William Vintage Sale

2010-11-27T18:58:00.008Z

Well... better late than never I guess! Here are some pictures from the William Vintage sale in November as promised! Drool away...

An incredible yellow embellished Dior gown and matching cape from 1963... only £2450! ;)

My favourite two by far... the dress on the left is a baby blue 1950's Emma Domb (a favourite designer of ours) which I tried on and pranced around in whilst still wearing my knee high biker boots... it looked pretty awesome!

The dress on the right is quite easily the most effing beautiful thing I've ever seen... another 1950's Dior. Took a close up of the detail below...

Despite having a stinking cold, it was a really lovely day, and how could I turn down the chance to spend 12 hours with all these treasures! x

Just 2 Minutes...

2010-11-11T09:28:00.003Z

...to remember. 11am. x

The WilliamVintage Winter Sale

2010-11-03T17:55:00.003Z

Tomorrow I'm working with 'The Vintage King' (Vogue) William Banks-Blaney at his fantastic winter sale.

You can imagine how ruddy excited I am to spend the day with hundreds of vintage pieces by the likes of Balmain, Courreges, Jean Desses, Lanvin and Ossie Clark... (we have one Ossie Clark dress in our collection and it's our pride and joy. In fact I have a vague memory of hugging the mannequin the day we brought it home).

There will also be a selection of amazing vintage winter coats with prices ranging from £75 to £7,500 (gulp)... I really will have to make a conscious effort not to drool all over everything. Pretty sure that wouldn't go down too well.

The sale will take place tomorrow, Thursday 4th November from 10am til 8.30pm at 6 Fitzroy Square, London: a beautiful Grade 1 Listed townhouse designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century. Take a look at these amazing preview pictures... Laura x

Discovering Miss Gertie Millar

2010-11-03T10:03:00.016Z

As I might have mentioned before, I'm slightly obsessed with trawling through old discarded photographs and postcards. There are a few shops in York that I can happily spend hours in.... old junk shops and warehouses, bric-a-brac stores and such. They fascinate me.

In my latest little collection, there was a postcard that I'm pretty sure was written in 1908, I can just about make out the date on the stamp. Addressed to a Miss Annie Hodgson in Beverley, from her cousin, telling her she was sorry they didn't get to see each other last Sunday, and what can only be a private joke about a "savage attack on a bread loaf"!

To be honest I'd spent most of my time trying to think up a comedy caption about the girl on the front, but then I Googled her. Her name is Miss Gertie Millar. It turns out she was actually one of the most famous English actresses/singers of the early 20th century.

Born in Bradford in 1871, she was a star of musical comedies for 20 years. I haven't been able to find this exact image on the internet but I found the image to the right... she's wearing the exact same outfit as she poses with Edmund Payne in The Spring Chicken, but the dates don't quite match up so I can't be sure. Married to Lionel Monckton who composed many of the numbers she performed, she became one of the most photographed women of the Edwardian period, but World War I meant theatre-goers became fewer.

She left the business in 1918 and went on to marry her second husband the 2nd Earl of Dudley. She died in 1952 aged 73.

Amazingly, here is an audio clip of her singing 'Moonstruck' from 'Our Miss Gibbs' in 1909

Youtube text: Gertie Millar was born in Bradford in 1879 and eventually became the star of the famous Gaiety Theatre in London. She was married to composer Lionel Monckton who penned this song "Moonstruck" for her 1909 success "Our Miss Gibbs" in which she played Mary Gibbs, a Yorkshire lass who has come down to London to work as a shop girl in Harrods!
This, perhaps her most famous number was introduced into the White City scene, and Miss Millar wore a dark blue pierrot costume, whilst the famous Gaiety Girls, dressed as light blue pierrots acted as her chorus. The recording was made in London on 12th December 1910, but despite its age, it displays a tantalising taste of the effervesent style that made Gertie Millar such a star of the London stage.

Calling all Bootleggers...

2010-11-02T10:25:00.005Z

Travel back in time to the roaring 20's when America was in the depths of Prohibition... the manufacture and sale of alcohol was illegal and organised crime was wide-spread.

Fancy reliving the nights in one of Al Capone or Dutch Schultz's speakeasies? Knowing the police could raid at any minute? Well get your flapper dresses and pencil moustaches on and head down to "one of the most sensational parties in London" on Saturday 6th November.

Prohibition is "a night of unbridled decadence and 1920's hedonism" at the fantastic Bloomsbury Ballroom.

Doors open at 8pm and the floorshow and gambling commence at 9pm. With live bands, cabaret acts and charleston dancers, this is not a night to be missed at £15 a ticket.

The Mayflower Club was considered the swankiest speakeasy in Washington DC during the 1920's

Vintage? And TV? Vintage TV?

2010-10-22T14:53:00.005+01:00

So we've just been out for lunch for ma's birthday, and as we crash out on the sofa with a brew, my sister flicks the TV on and up pops Cliff Richard in what can only be described as a Rainbow Brite costume singing 'We Don't Talk Anymore'... usually that would be my cue to change channel, but THEN... The Sweet - Ballroom Blitz starts up, over a montage of old footage! 1920's charlston dancers, 1950's proms, jitterbugging, ballroom dancing... amazing! Next up... Squeeze performing Cool For Cats. This is immensely random I hear you say... (oh hang on, as I'm writing this, David Essex is being played over 'footage of events from 1974'... my mum had a big poster of him on her wall apparently...)

Well, it's Vintage TV, launched earlier this year. Ahhh it all makes sense. Their website tells me that "Vintage TV delivers an exhilarating range of original music programming and classic concert footage, together with full-length features and a wide variety of dynamic, informative and entertaining new shows." It also tells me the channel is aimed at the 'over 50's', which is a bit daft to be fair... if I'd have heard of this channel before I'd have definitely paid it a visit already, I'm 27 and can't get enough of old footage and old photographs and such... they really are missing a trick not promoting this little treat to the younger crowds.

I mean for goodness sake, "Vintage TV is now in partnership with ITN, the BBC, Getty Images, British Pathe and other world-renowned libraries to bring you the best news and reviews, social history and sport, movies and music shows from five vintage decades." - how many younger vintage fans would love to see all this but have no idea this channel exists? It's channel 369 on Sky and 515 FreeSat FYI...

Anyway must dash, Lionel's playing the piano in a sparkly jacket... x

10am... Gin Anyone?

2010-10-19T08:59:00.009+01:00

Last week I met up with some of my vintage selling/loving/fashion blogging Twitter pals at the Hendrick's Horseless Carriage of Curiosities!

We all headed for east London where we found a mini vintage paradise of penny farthings, Victorian freestanding baths, a vintage car (which, I was reliably informed by my pal Natasha Bailie had a cup holder especially for tea-cups!)

There were cocktails and cupcakes-a-plenty at the Hendrick's breakfast extravaganza, which was held for London Cocktail Week. The carriage itself was packed full of fascinating artefacts, and if you wrote a little short story or poem about one of them, your creativity was rewarded with none other than a complementary Hendrick's & Tonic! I could have probably come up with a really terrible limerick given a good couple of hours, but I had gossiping to do so I gave it a miss...

It was also the perfect excuse for me to catch up with my vintage seller extraordinaire buddy Natasha Bailie and finally meet Gemma of Retrochick fame, who I have spoken to on Twitter for a good year and a half, the brilliant Fiona of Notorious Kitsch, another Twitter pal who is the very definition of a vintage queen, as well as the very lovely Margaret from PennyDreadfulVintage, Fiona from Save Our Shoes, Sarah of SBV and Lena of Style High Club stardom! Ooh also managed to catch Naomi Vintage Secret for a wee catch up. All in all a successful Wednesday morning of gin and gabbing. Laura x

10% Off All Week!

2010-10-19T08:48:00.002+01:00

We gave out a little discount code yesterday to brighten up your Monday, but as there is a birthday on team LMD this week, we've decided to celebrate and extend it until 10pm Friday 22nd October! We're adding more stock to the website including this snuggly boyfriend jumper, follow us on Twitter to find out exactly when each piece is added to the site!

Just enter MONDAYBLUES at the checkout to receive your 10% off! (excludes wedding dresses) x

www.lovemissdaisy.com

Outfit Ideas!

2010-10-08T11:20:00.006+01:00

Vintage. Outfit ideas. Simple as that. x

ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE AT LOVE MISS DAISY VINTAGE

RIP Tony Curtis

2010-10-05T18:09:00.007+01:00

A few days late but a much deserved mention none the less. Last week the legendary Tony Curtis passed away after suffering cardiac arrest. He shot to fame thanks to his role in Houdini, playing the legendary illusionist alongside his first wife Janet Leigh.

Born in June 1925, he made over 120 films, and I don't think I'm alone when I say Some Like It Hot is one of my all time favourites. If you haven't seen it, you must...! Starring beside Jack Lemmon and the divine Marilyn Monroe, it is one of the most loved comedies ever made.

Father to Kelly and Jamie Lee Curtis and four other children, he was in fact married six times!

Hundreds attended his funeral in Las Vegas yesterday. Over 400 fans, family members, celebrities and and friends turned up to bid him a final farewell.

Trend Watch: Capes

2010-09-19T18:18:00.004+01:00

We've got some gorgeous pieces creeping in for Autum/Winter, but this has to be one of our firm favourites... how many AW10 trend boxes does this baby tick?!

Camel? CHECK!

Cape? CHECK!

Leopard print? CHECK!

It's made from a yummy snuggly fleece material and fastens with one button at the neckline. The leopard collar loosely wraps around the neck or hangs as a scarf. Yummm! But remember, by the power of vintage, there's only one, so snap it up here for £85!

Watch this space as the chillier seasons take hold, as we plan on bringing you a lot more cape action!

Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations

2010-09-19T10:16:00.003+01:00

Liz Walker is an ex Art Director and Fashion Editor who now works as a freelance style writer and fashion consultant. Her book 'Style Book: Fashion Inspirations' was launched just before fashion week began.

The book contains a stunning collection of images dating back as far as 1865 sourced from the Getty Images archives. Sharing its pages you'll find Kate Moss, Brigitte Bardot, Rod Stewart, and yes, that's only Jackie flipping O on the cover... how amazing does she look? Mixed in with many unknown faces, fashion from every era is captured in a way that proves that "style endures while seasonal trends come and go" (guardian.co.uk). A must buy for anyone with a passion for fashion or photography.

Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations by Elizabeth Walker is available now priced at £20. See a small collection of the images here.

Time for tea?

2010-09-17T16:32:00.005+01:00

We briefly mentioned this in a previous post, but in the next couple of weeks LMD will be introducing the hand made (by us) range of yummy cup-of-tea-candles and vintage cake stands! Terri had the genius idea of putting all the vintage crockery we have to good use, and making a new range of gifts for you guys. So, ta-daaaa!

We've started off with a range of tinted, vanilla candles, and plan to make a festive range in the run up to Christmas, including cinnamon, orange, chocolate and Christmas spices. They make the perfect stocking filler don't they?!

We've also been crafting these gorgeous cake stands...

With cupcakes, baking and tea parties being so popular right now, we thought these would be a great idea. They were a huge hit at a vintage fair we recently did, so we're hoping you'll love them too. Crafted by our own fair hands, with a tea cup or jug on top for your jam or cream, these make the perfect table centre piece!

Our candles will be available very soon in our Homeware section at £15 each, and cake stands will range from £25 to £65. Watch this space! x

Love Miss Daisy Vintage is 2!

2010-09-16T10:33:00.004+01:00

Hurray! Love Miss Daisy Vintage celebrated birthday number 2 yesterday! We love running LMD, and want to say a big thank you to all of our wonderful customers, a thank you to all the magazines who have been kind enough to feature us, our awesome Facebook and Twitter pals, you lovely blog readers and everyone else who has supported us!

To celebrate we've been running a 10% discount code, valid until this evening. Just enter BIRTHDAYTREAT at the checkout. And every order placed will receive a surprise gift in their parcel!

Also, come over and see us on Twitter where you can have the chance to win a vintage bag and Eclectic Eccentricity necklace!

Here's to another 2 years (and many more)! x

The Wool Project

2010-09-08T09:45:00.007+01:00

Launched on 26th January 2010 by HRH The Prince of Wales, 'The Wool Project' is his initiative to promote the eco-friendly, natural and durable aspects of wool to the likes of fashion designers, carpet & home furnishing manufacturers and consumers.

The campaign stems from falling prices and lack of demand for wool. Prince Charles had growing concern for farmers and decided to take action. He has been working with many industry figures and several high end designers such as Burberry, Jasper Conran & Paul Smith , who are already using more wool in their collections.

Condé Nast MD Nicholas Coleridge has played a huge role in the campaign. He said, "...this campaign is about selling more wool, promoting wool, reminding and educating shoppers about the clear benefits of wool and trying to find new ways to get the message across. The number of sheep is falling fast, partly because we are using less wool in fashion and carpets. It's interesting to be involved and I'm sure it will be a success." (vogue.co.uk)

Prince Charles with Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer. (image from vogue.co.uk)

In honour of the campaign, Marks & Spencers, Jaeger & Selfridges will all be participating in 'Wool Week' which will now take place from October 11th - 17th 2010. These retailers will be hosting special events in celebration and promotion of wool in the fashion industry. For example, "British heritage retailer Jaeger is planning to mark the week with the launch of a permanent exhibition at its flagship store in Regent Street, London. The exhibition will draw on Jaeger’s archives and show the importance of wool in its 126-year history - from the philosophies of Dr Gustav Jaeger, who inspired the brand with his theory about the health benefits of wearing wool, to explorer Ernest Shackleton, who wore Jaeger clothing to the Antarctic in 1908." (drapersonline.com)

For the crafters amongst you, Jigsaw will be offering knitting classes in-store during the week! So as the cold weather creeps in, get started on filling that wardrobe with wool! Laura x

Tea Party-tastic!

2010-09-06T14:22:00.003+01:00

My gorgeous friend Zoe, owner of Bake-A-Boo in West Hampstead, released her first book yesterday! Hoorah! This is very exciting. It includes not 1.... not 2... but 80 of the shop's most popular cakes & bakes! Seriously, I'm not telling you this because they *look* nice, I've actually tried them, so you can trust me when I say Zoe's cakes are down right YUM, and this is one baking book your collection won't be complete without.

It also shows you how to put on the perfect tea party spread including themed menus and decoration ideas! If you've seen the interior of Bake-A-Boo (picture below), you'll know that this girl is one hell of an interior decorator to boot... every time I go in I literally spend half the time staring and drooling, mumbling something about it being "so prettyyyy". And Bake-a-Boo's book has a twist, they make an amazing range of "speciality cakes and treats free from the common allergens of wheat, gluten and dairy, suitable for coeliacs, and allergy and intolerance sufferers", and as someone who has suffered with intolerances, I can tell you these cakes are a God send for anyone feeling like they always miss out on indulgences like cakes & biscuits!

Even if you don't live in London and can't make it to the bakery, Zoe's book allows you to re-create her experience at home, so what are you waiting for! Get your copy HERE for £14.99 (bargainous).

At this point it makes total sense to tell you about Love Miss Daisy's new little project... that's right people, we've only gone and started MAKING vintage cake stands for y'all. We have SO much vintage crockery at LMD HQ, and we're constantly being asked for 1950's cake stands, so we thought.... we'll flipping well make them for you! They will be hitting the website soon, and we will be taking orders, you can request how many tiers you'd like and whether you'd like a teacup or jug on top for jams, cream or flowers etc. So, in the form of an incredible photograph taken by Corinne who writes Used And Abused Vintage, we give you Love Miss Daisy Tea Party Tiers! Do you love them? They range from £25 to £65.

As well as these little beauties, you'll also be seeing our hand made scented vintage tea-cup candles on the website very soon... the perfect baby shower/birthday/Christmas present for your vintage loving friends & family members.

So what on earth are you waiting for? Go get Bake-a-Boo's book and a Love Miss Daisy tea party tier, and put on a spread! If you'd like to put an order in for a cake stand, just give us a shout! Until next time... Laura x

It's hat time of year again!

2010-09-06T12:33:00.009+01:00

As many of you already know, the weekend of the 17th, 18th and 19th September is the famous Goodwood Revival.

For those not familiar... "The Goodwood Revival really is a magical step back in time, a unique chance to revel in the glamour and allure of motor racing in the romantic time capsule of the golden era of motor racing at one of the world’s most authentic circuits." www.goodwood.co.uk

Visitors don their finest vintage threads and leave the modern world behind... and Saturday is ladies day. We have lots of women each year asking us to help with their outfits, the most sought after item being the right vintage hat! We have many hats that aren't yet listed on the website, so if you're searching for a certain colour or style, drop us a quick email to info@lovemissdaisy.com and we may just be able to help! In the mean time here's a mini selection of the hats currently available on the website! If you're off to the Revival, have an amazing time and send us some pictures! x

1950's Love Miss Daisy blue cocktail hat, £20

1950's Love Miss Daisy netted hat, £30

1950's red & white Love Miss Daisy straw & net hat, £18

1960's Love Miss Daisy faux fur Mitzi Lorenz stetson, £49

Biba's Back Baby...

2010-08-29T16:35:00.010+01:00

Barbara Hulanicki, founder of groundbreaking 1960's fashion label Biba, casually and confidently likens the success and fame of her creation to that of The Beatles. And rightly so. "They did music and we did clothing", she said.

She founded the Biba boutique in 1964 with her late husband Stephen Fitz-Simon, starting out as a mail order business. Thanks to belief and perseverance, the store they finally opened attracted regulars such as David Bowie, Twiggy and Marianne Faithful. Biba was the first label at the time to really provide stylish yet affordable clothes. Mary Quant and Jean Muir were desirable but expensive. Many would say Biba paved the way for the affordable, on trend stores we find on our high streets today. It defined a generation.

I absolutely adore the Biba Art Nouveau logo. It encapsulates perfectly Barbara's love of patterns and prints, and is completely timeless. Biba as it was, finally closed in 1975 and the name was sold, but pieces are still widely sought after and collected by vintage lovers today.

SO... you may be interested to hear that in September 2010 (erm, that's 2 days from now), House of Fraser will be re-launching Biba as one of their house brands. They say,

"Biba has been recreated a couple of times but without much success. This time it is set to epitomise a new generation. House of Fraser will not only be creating modern day pieces but will also be recreating the archive collections."

Daisy Lowe has been brought in as the new face of the brand. I already have my eye on a black leather bag with the beautiful Biba logo stamped into the front, *drool*. I know what I'm asking for for Christmas this year!

Daisy Lowe wearing animal print Biba coat for HOF, £390.

Now it may not be a Biba coat, but why not get the look with this Love Miss Daisy Vintage faux fur leopard print number! UK 12/14, £75

The Biba collection will be available from September 2010 and will be exclusive to House of Fraser, it will be stocked online and in 30 select stores.

Calling all Londoners!

2010-08-24T13:47:00.002+01:00

Love Miss Daisy will be selling vintage goodies on Friday 3rd September from 7.30pm-10.30pm at The Haberdashery in Crouch End along with 18 other sellers! Come on down if you're local and check it out!

Horockses Heaven...

2010-08-02T09:24:00.007+01:00

Both of us at LMD are huge fans of Horrockses dresses... not only because the prints make us drool, but because the label originally hails from sunny Preston, where I (Laura) grew up aged 4 to 18. I had been to The Harris Museum on the odd school trip no doubt, but had no idea in my shellsuit wearing days of the early 90's when I was stood next to the museum buying my lunch from the baked potato man, that Preston boasts such a huge piece of fashion history.

Horrockses, Crewsdon & Co. was a cotton manufacturer founded in 1791 which later established Horrockses Fashions, the ready to wear fashion label. I actually remember going on a school trip to the cotton mill, which I now realise must have been where these famous fabrics will have been produced. Little did I know it was probably the most relevant school trip to my future career that I ever went on!

Anyway, for my birthday last week, mum gave me Christine Boydell's book 'Horrockses Fashions: Off-the-Peg Style in the 40's and 50's" as I'd been blabbing on about it. Boydell is a textile expert teaching at De Montfort university, and has been visiting relevant museums to give lectures on Horrockses Fashions and sign copies of her book. Unfortunately I was so busy I missed the signing on July 23rd at the London Fashion & Textile museum BUT never fear, a trip to my old town might be on the cards as she is making her way to The Harris in Preston for another session on September 6th!

Also, on September 24th, Natasha Bailie and I will be busting a groove over to the Fashion & Textile Museum for a talk by Pat Albeck, maybe we'll see you there!

"Pat Albeck is an inspiration to anyone interested in textile design and print and she was one of the key designers for Horrockses in its 1950s hey-day. This is a rare opportunity to hear Pat discuss her work in those early days with FTM curator Dennis Nothdruft. She will talk about some of her designs that feature in the exhibition as well as her work after Horrockses." FTM London.

Price: £12 / £9 concessions including a glass of wine and exhibition entrance. Attendees wishing to view the exhibition should arrive early.

What an achievement!

2010-07-31T09:37:00.010+01:00

Wowzers! Well here it is, the post-party-post! First of all, thank you SO SO much to everyone who came to Jewel on Thursday night to support us and One Differenc e. Thanks to the efforts and dedication of my best friend of 12 years, Amy Wilson, a staggering £19,000 was raised for the charity, and the total is still growing!

I'm so proud of her, she is so passionate about making a difference, and what an achievement this was! I'm so glad LMD were able to be a part of it, provide the vintage theme and bring in The (incredible) Rockabellas to perform! The night could not have gone better. Plus, it doubled up as my birthday party, which was a fantastic bonus!!

It was also very exciting as I got to meet some of my Twitter buddies for the first time! Twitter is amazing, I don't care what anybody says! If it weren't for Twit land, I would never have met these girls who are so passionate about what they do. They are inspiring. Neither of us at LMD have ever worked in an industry in which what could technically be considered "rivals" are so supportive and encouraging of each other. We promote, plug and advise each other and that's what makes this job such a pleasure to do. The fact that three of the main UK vintage website founders can be friends and support each other is just one of the many reasons we feel blessed to be doing this job. I met Natasha Bailie (natashabailie.com) and Naomi Thompson (vintagesecret.com) through Twitter, and now I couldn't imagine doing this job without knowing them! I think I've told her this, but, Naomi was my inspiration to start Love Miss Daisy. She's the reason I took the idea to my mum and said "we can really do this!" and after meeting and chatting away the first time, Natasha and I discovered we launched within a month of each other. They are both fantastic and talented and I'm so happy to know them! (@natashabailie, @vintagesecret)

Ok enough cheese... oh no wait, there's more...

Natasha, Naomi, the incredibly beautiful Fleure de Guerre (@fleurdeguerre) and I had met before at a shoot for the Sunday Times Style magazine, but for the first time on Thursday, I met these amazing chicks, you MUST check out their work:

The stunning Frankie of Swell Vintage - she is flipping brilliant, and came sporting a typically beautiful Natasha Bailie 1950's number! At Swell Vintage you'll find jewellery Frankie makes from vintage and antique parts. It's amazing. (@swellvintage)

The lovely lovely Sarah Williams, whose fashion blog Sarah Scribbles was only born three months ago, but has already won the British Style Blogger's blog of the month award. This girl is so determined and passionate about fashion, she's sure to make it big. (@sarahscribble)

Lira Leirner - what can I say, a talented fashion designer & writer, check out the picture of this chick, she's one classy vintage mama! (@liraleirner)

And the party animal that is Alex Vanthournout!! This girl can seriously out-party you any day! An amazing freelance fashion writer and blogger (Alex Loves) you will quickly fall for her and her Chanel bags. (@alexxxje)

PICTURE TIME!!!

One of my best friends Sarah and I. Follow her @sarahchampion, she's awesome, and the best radio DJ & TV presenter in the land. Find her at Absolute Radio.

From left to right, Alex, Natasha & Frankie!! (a Natasha Bailie photosnap)

The lovely Sarah in her Lira Leirner dress! (a Natasha Bailie photosnap)

Gorgeous Naomi, Lira and Fleur (a Natasha Bailie photosnap)

Another snap of the flipping incredible Rockabellas! (a Natasha Bailie photosnap)

Tee hee, me and my friends Sarah and Kate snuck behind the Rockabellas mics for a sneaky pic!

Phew! I've blabbed on FAR too much, so I'll shut up. Thank you again to everyone who came and gave their support, bring on the next one! xxx

Fun, Fashion & Fundraising!

2010-07-27T13:38:00.007+01:00

You may have heard us blabbing on about an event happening this Thursday 29th July.... so we thought we'd fill you in properly!

Love Miss Daisy has teamed up with a good friend who works with the amazing charity The One Foundation, to organise a fabulous night of vintage, cocktails, dancing and fund raising at Jewel Bar in Covent Garden. We had been talking about organising this for quite a while and luckily, we finally got around to it! The aim of the night is to raise as much money as possible for this fantastic charity. In case you're not familiar with The One Foundation, here is a brief summary of what it is that they do...

"The One Foundation is a UK registered charity, working with communities in Africa to address the most pressing humanitarian needs, such as clean drinking water, nutrition and sanitation. The vast majority of donations come from The Global Ethics Group, and its innovative ethical business approach – bringing products and services to market to fund like-for-like projects, eg. water products for innovative water projects, such as Playpump® water systems."

Read more about their work here. The aim of our event is to raise enough money to fund one Playpump®, however, as it stands, through kind donations, raffle ticket and event ticket sales, we have already hit the £5,000 mark, which is incredible! At this rate we may end up funding two.

The night will begin with a champagne reception and canapes, which is included in the ticket price. The dress code is 'fashion through the ages', the perfect excuse to don your best vintage frock for the night! And the incredible Rockabellas will be performing! There will also be a raffle, and a silent auction... you won't believe the prizes and lots on offer...!

RAFFLE PRIZES INCLUDE:
An iPad
Eurostar tickets
A flat screen HDTV
Vivienne Westwood goodies
& more....

AUCTION LOTS INCLUDE:
2x Return business class flights to anywhere in North America
2x Return business class flights to anywhere in Europe
4 x Club Wembley tickets to the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final on Sat 28th August 2010
2 x Club Wembley tickets to England vs Bulgaria (Euro 2012 Qualifier) on Friday 3rd September 2010
Three course Dinner for 6 people at any Chez Gerard restaurant of your choice
Signed Take That book
& lots more....

Amazing right?! Oh and how could we forget... LMD's Laura, and fellow vintage seller/obsessive Natasha Bailie will be sneaking around all night looking for the best dressed chap or chapette and awarding them with a vintage hamper filled with treats! Don't worry, we won't make you carry it around all night...

So what are you waiting for? If you want to come and share a cocktail or two with us whilst raising money for an amazing cause, just email laura@lovemissdaisy.com with ticket requests... but hurry, there aren't many left!

You can also party the night away with fab fashionistas Naomi of Vintage Secret, the gorgeous Fleur de Guerre, amazing fashion designer Lira Leirner, vintage queen Frankie of Swell Vintage and talented bloggers Sarah Scribbles, Alex Loves & Save Our Shoes to name only a few!

Tickets are £10 each and 100% goes to the charity. See y'all there! x

Goodwood!

2010-07-26T08:49:00.014+01:00

Well it's finally almost upon us, the much anticipated vintage cocktail of fashion, music, film, art & design.... that's right, it's just three weeks until Vintage at Goodwood.

Unfortunately (and trust us, we've cried about this) LMD won't be able to make it due to other commitments, but hell, that just means YOU will have to go and have our share of fun as well as yours...!

If you haven't yet heard of Vintage at Goodwood (doubtful), allow us to enlighten you... to quote their (amazing) website, VAG is...

"...the first of what will be an annual music and fashion led celebration of creative British cool from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s, featuring the leading DJs, bands, collectors, purveyors of vintage clothing and vintage vinyl from each decade, as well as contemporary bands and brands inspired by Britain’s rich creative and cultural heritage."

No matter which decade you idolise, no matter who your vintage icons, no matter what your style, you'll find music, dancing, films, food, fashion and inspiration a plenty. Set in the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in West Sussex, close to the beaches and harbours, where better to join forces with fellow vintage lovers for a weekend (or even just a day) of retro fun and frolics.

Now, just because we can't be there, doesn't mean we can't style your bad selves for the occasion! So here are a few of our top LMD picks to wow the crowds...

1950's

(from left to right)

Garlands of roses 1950's dress - UK 14, £70

Beautiful 1950's floral blue dress by Alice Edwards - UK 10/12, £130

1950's baby blue cocktail hat - £20

Vintage flirty lace petticoat - £40

Breathtaking 1950's evening gown - UK 12, £160

1950's tea rose sundress - UK10, £75

1960's

Vintage coral shift dress by Alison Ayres - UK10/12, £45

Vibrant 1960's palazzo suit by Stan Hicks - UK10/12, £70

Vintage 60's Hawaiian tote bag - £30

1960's lime green empire line shift dress - UK12, £39

Red 1960's shift dress - UK12/14, £30

1970's

Amazing Gunne Sax halter neck maxi dress - UK8, £99

Vintage 1970's floppy white hat - £24

1970's cropped white blouse - Freesize - SALE £20

1970'c crocodile shoulder bag - £18

Young Edwardian 1970's maxi dress & bolero jacket - UK8, £75

1970's blue cotton folk skirt - UK6/8, £15

Rare Alice Pollock 1970's tunic - UK8/10, £199

1980's

1980's sparkly gold tunic top - UK12/14, £25

Vintage 1980's blue secretary dress - UK12, £25

80's asymmetric black ruffle party dress - UK12/14, £39

Red & black snakeskin design courts - UK4, £30

Black suede 80's courts - UK 7/7.5, £30

1980's sequin statement dress - UK14, £80

Hot pink 1980's party dress - UK12, £39

You can get tickets to Vintage at Goodwood through their website. If you're lucky enough to be going, have an amazing time and have a swing dance for us! x

AW10 - it's a vintage gal's dream!

2010-07-07T15:44:00.011+01:00

Today is the first chance we've had to scan the AW10 catwalks for the upcoming trends of next season... and what we found was a plethora of vintage inspired looks! Take a look for yourself...

1950's - A-line skirts, mid length vintage frocks and Mad Men curves were all over the catwalk!

Leather shorts, flares and sheepskin linings - rocking the 1970's!

"Granny" handbags - Look magazine say "short straps, envelope folds and ornate clasps" are the details to look out for - Louis Vuitton brought this to the runway. The 1940's and 50's did these best.

1960's heeled loafers (Prada) and 1950's prim and proper heels (again, Prada) are the shoes of the season (as well as chunky heeled, sheepskin lined boots)

1980's lamé party frocks - Yup! The 80's are back yet again, this time in the form of sexy (?!) metallic liquid effect frocks... will we ever escape this decade! Doubtful...

Not to mention beehives and retro hair do's, the key colours of the season being navy blue and orange, and more fur (faux if you're shopping at LMD) and chunky knits than you can shake a stick at.

We're going to be stocking up on all these key pieces so you can once again stay bang on trend over the chilly months whilst being all brilliantly ethical and recycling! PLUS... when so many trends are vintage inspired, why buy imitations when you can have the real thing?!
x

The real beauty of vintage...

2010-06-24T14:37:00.010+01:00

It's things like this that REALLY excite us vintage sellers and collectors... we all appreciate the history of a beautiful dress, imagining who owned it, where it was worn and what sights it has seen in its time, but once in a while you find a special dress with a genuine window into its past. Like this wonderful lavender 1950's prom dress and jacket. We found this one in America, land of beautiful vintage prom dresses! How could anyone not fall instantly in love... and to our pleasant surprise it came with a picture of the original owner... if only every dress had one!

Marked '1953' on the back, the owner actually looks a lot older than a lot of us might expect a dress like this to have belonged to... but people do say that folk looked a lot older than they actually were back then, so who knows! You really can't help but wonder where they were going, whether this was her most treasured dress or if she was quite wealthy and had a whole collection... the mind can wander for hours whilst staring at it! I wish this lady could see it now! All these years later...

And now, if you're a UK size 8, or even just a collector, it's your turn to own this piece of fashion history. Here it is recently modelled by the beautiful Natasha, and shot by the fantastic Brett Harkness. Buy it HERE.

Love Miss Daisy's Jolly Day with Brett Harkness

2010-06-22T12:03:00.013+01:00

We had the most brilliant day last week when we styled one of Brett Harkness's photography courses at the Jollydays Luxury Campsite just outside of York.

Jollydays, as it turned out, was no more than 15 minutes drive from LMD HQ, we couldn't believe it had been right under our noses the whole time! What an amazing place. We've done a lot of camping in our time but this place tops the charts! Located in the stunning Yorkshire countryside (images from jollydaysluxurycamping.co.uk) , Jollydays is a must-visit for families of all ages. It's even the perfect romantic setting for couples wanting to get away from it all. Shabby chic vintage inspired interiors with stunning bedroom areas, log fires and free-standing baths, this is definitely 'glamping' at it's best.

(images from jollydaysluxurycamping.co.uk)

We couldn't have wished for more lovely people to be working with for the day than Brett, Kristie and their team. We set up our rail and quickly took over half the room with all the vintage we had brought to style the various visions Brett had for each shot. The shoot was a course for around 10-12 photographers of various levels to come and work with Brett. If you're a budding photographer, or even an established professional, we would recommend one of his courses. It became clear through chatting to the photographers that Brett's talent, knowledge and skills are highly sought after and respected in the industry. This became even more evident when we saw his final shots... more stunning than we could have ever hoped for!

Our fabulous models, Natasha Jayne Heard and R osie MacPherson were absolutely amazing. They made all our clothes look incredible and had the patience of saints! We shot in fields, on tree stumps, and Natasha even spent an hour in a lake with four vintage petticoats and a very big stick! The lovely Jollydays/Brett Harkness crew put on a fabulous BBQ for us, and after the long day, we all sat round the campfire with a beer, toasting marshmallows! We could have happily stayed there all week!

Rosie working the mean and moody look in our 1960's hat and coat!

The afternoon BBQ round the campfire before the evening shoots!

The amazing pink chair in which Rosie modelled our Laura Ashley 1980's polkadot dress!

And here are some of the final shots. Aren't they amazing! You can see larger versions and more images on our Facebook page, but keep an eye out on Love Miss Daisy, as we're about to do a wee bit of re-designing and make a few improvements to the website, so you should be seeing them up there too pretty soon! (We'll keep you up to date with the re-design, as the site may be down for a day or two). Bye for now! x

Spring Summer EE pieces arrive at LMD

2010-05-16T12:18:00.006+01:00

If you've seen even one piece of Eclectic Eccentricity jewellery, you'll know what true love is! And of course, the minute we laid eyes on Lucy Averill's incredible collection, we just had to stock it and help spread the EE love!

For those who are as yet unfamiliar with this epic range of loveliness, it was launched in 2004 by British jewellery designer Lucy Averill and has been featured in many many national publications including Cosmo, Company, Marie Claire, In Style, Metro, Grazia... the list goes on.

The SS10 pieces we ordered have just arrived at LMD HQ, and we know you're gonna love 'em...

We also have one more design on the way, we're just awaiting the images... will get it on the website asap!

For more amazing designs, you can find Eclectic Eccentricity's full collection here.

Sew Gorgeous!

2010-05-10T10:47:00.006+01:00

For those of you that don't know, I'm slightly obsessed with Cath Kidston. If I could own one of absolutely everything she designs, I would!

This weekend I had my first lesson on the sewing machine. I've been wanting to get going with this for ages but haven't been able to buy one. So I borrowed my designer friend Carl's and forced him to show me the ropes. I was taking up dresses within half an hour! Get me!

I'm quite good at hand stitching, although I kinda need to learn the official techniques. I just make it up as I go along, but everything has always turned out quite well! Anyway, I digress... so what with all the sewing, fixing and mending I seem to be doing at the moment, I've started to need sewing gear storage! Where else to look but the almighty world of Kidston...

Top of my list is a sewing box, I remember the sewing box mum had when I was growing up and I *think* it was quite similar to this in design, just a different pattern. I love this red and white polkadot number for £30. Cath Kidston also does a slightly bigger one in her spray flower fabric, and a super cute box shaped like a little house with the roof as the lid! How does one possibly choose!

There are also lots of super gorgeous sewing accessories, like these below... I want them all darnit!

Anyway I have taken up two dresses already, and have a couple more to work on... I will blog them as soon as they're done! Oh by the way, Cath Kidston fans might also be interested to know that the Summer magazine is free with June's issue of Easy Living magazine... AND you get a free CK shopping bag! Alriiiiight! I'll be rocking mine at Tesco's this week!

The Goldie Age...

2010-05-08T10:08:00.011+01:00

Simply picture time! One of our vintage icons, the gorgeous Goldie Hawn. She rocks. The end.

(pssst... how amazing is that green baby doll dress and those shoes in this Terry O'Neill shot...!)

And if you've never seen a clip of her on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, here's one, and we dare you not be tickled... x

I Love Lucy!

2010-05-05T09:48:00.010+01:00

For some crazy reason I only saw my first Lucille Ball sketch last year... "ridiculous!" I hear you cry... unless you're also a Lucille virgin, which I will remedy right now!

Ma and I were flicking through the TV channels one weekend when we stumbled across an ep of The Lucy Show. Mum asked me if I'd ever seen it, looked shocked when I said no, and told me I'd love it. And love it I did! This is the sketch I saw that night, there is one line in particular that tickled me stupid, one of those jokes that every time you think of it, you laugh out loud. That happened randomly for the following 2 or 3 days. Lucille Ball was famous for being hilarious at 'playing drunk'... watch!

If you're anything like me, the line "I am *perfectly* alright, I assure you I'm doing my job, I am a very competary secretant!", will have had you creased. She's absolute comedy GENIUS. Aren't you glad I made you watch that?!

Obviously I went straight out and bought I Love Lucy DVD's and am currently reading the book 'Ball of Fire: The Tumultuous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball" by Stefan Kanfer. Fascinating read about her childhood and relationship with first husband Desi Arnaz. Lucille was a comedienne, film, television, stage and radio actress and model. She had an extremely long career, receiving many award nominations and wins, not surprisingly!

Lucille died in 1989 aged 77. Below is a picture of her at the 61st Academy Awards just four weeks before her death. Her last public appearance.

I hope you fall in love with her as quickly as I did!

Just My Type...

2010-04-21T19:39:00.008+01:00

So we were having a scout round the local charity shops today, and there sat in the window was the most gorgeous vintage typewriter! And it had been marked down from £20 to £9.99... it would have been plain rude not to buy it! It's such a gorgeous colour, and when we got home and researched the make and model, we narrowed it down to being made between 1957 and 1961, but we need the serial number to narrow it down any further and unfortunately there was no documentation with it. Fiddlesticks! Anyway, it's lovely! It's just for show really, and to use in the odd photo shoot here and there. Do you have a vintage typewriter that you'd like to date and value? This website is a great resource!

A Vintage Bride...

2010-04-19T19:51:00.005+01:00

I was browsing the V&A website the other day, when I came across something very exciting! In case you didn't know, we are a stockist of vintage wedding dresses, particularly 1950's dresses, so what I found had me occupied for literally hours and hours...

It turns out the V&A are planning an exhibition of wedding dresses in 2013! In preparation for the event, they are compiling a database of photographs showing wedding outfits worn between 1840 and the present day. HOW AMAZING! They say the database will "provide a rich record and help people date their own photographs" which will also prove of great use to vintage wedding dress sellers like ourselves. Each entry will contain the names of the bride and groom or partners and the date and location of the marriage.

As well as vintage wedding dresses, I just adore old photographs. I could look at them for hours on end... looking at the clothes, the locations, people's faces... wondering what they were like, how long they lived, and in this particular case, whether they lived happily ever after! The first world war period particularly fascinates me (even though there are photographs as far back as the Victorian and Edwardian eras). You can instantly see who had money and who didn't, yet to me all these brides look equally amazing. I have particular favourites but I don't think I should lift the photographs from the site... so here are a few links:

This bride is just GORGEOUS... what a typically beautiful 1950's wedding scene!
This picture makes me smile... firstly the detail on the dress is stunning, but I also love that the groom is wearing his Navy uniform, they look so young and sweet!
The earlier photographs such as this 1911 wedding in St Albans have me staring at them for hours, they almost don't look real. I try and imagine them animated, going about their business after the photo was taken!

Anyway, I decided to add a picture of my mum, aka the other half of LMD! Here she is in her wedding dress (which now fits me perfectly!) in 1978. Ain't she pretty! Here is her V&A link. Why not add your parent's/grandparent's wedding photographs to the database? It's nice to think they'll be documented as part of history! (Obviously ask them first...!) L x

All Hail The Haberdashery!

2010-04-16T10:47:00.013+01:00

I (Laura) have lived in Crouch End, North London for almost 4 months now, and with no thanks to the ruddy longest and coldest winter we could have possibly been cursed with, I have only JUST discovered what can only be described as the cutest, most brilliant cafe I've found in north London to date. May I introduce, The Haberdashery! Located on Middle Lane in N8, The Haberdashery has been an instant hit, and by jove I'm going to tell (and show) you why!

I had walked past it so many times and thought, as you do, 'ooh that looks cute, must go in there sometime', but typically, didn't have the chance for weeks on end. Until one sunny Saturday (last week as it happens), a couple of friends and I finally went in for a coffee. Now, I must warn you... when I ordered my coffee (mocha, in case you're interested), I was expecting your bog standard lovely vintage cup and saucer, as they are so beautifully displayed all around the cafe... but OH NO, I was presented with an entire BOWL of the stuff and a spoon... a coffee lover's dream no? It looked remarkably like a bowl full of the chocolate river in Willy Wonka's factory, which, let's face it, just made it all the more brilliant. My two lovely friends ordered ginger beer, which came not with a glass, no no no, a regular glass?! At The Haberdashery?! Don't be silly... it came with a vintage jam jar and a straw! *impressed face*

We sat in the gorgeous little garden at the back of the cafe, which was filled with wooden benches and lots of families enjoying their rustic bread and bowls of coffee in the sunshine! All the food is served on mis-matched vintage crockery (heaven!), they play vintage records on an old turntable, and they even sell vintage dress patterns at the counter!

We only had a slice of the victoria sponge cake, so I can't comment on the food too much as yet, but I can safely say the menu looks nothing short of fresh, wholesome and suitably vintage! They even let you in on some of their recipes on their website. I must say, I'm pretty keen to go and test drive their full English complete with tea in a vintage trio, so I'll be sure to let you know how that goes! *nom nom*

So if you live in London, be sure to swing by sometime and have yourself a bowl of mocha! If you don't live in London but you're ever visiting these parts, it's definitely worth putting in the schedule! You can also hire out their gorgeous space for birthdays, baby showers and other mini events... I think they'll be getting a booking from me in July!

Laura x

Billy Piper in the 1950's? You Betty!

2010-04-14T09:25:00.005+01:00

It will not surprise you that we love watching any TV show that involves vintage costume (except Mad Men, we've heard great things, but not managed to watch it yet, doh!) and the BBC 1 adaptation of Kay Mellor's 'A Passionate Woman' was no exception. What makes the story all the more gripping/endearing/heartbreaking (delete as appropriate) is that it is in fact true. It is based on Mellor's mother and the affair she had with a handsome Polish neighbour in the 1950's. The writer can explain it far better than I can... she wrote about her inspiration for the play on the BBC blog, but I must warn you, it's a tear jerker and a half!

The yellow dress pictured, is Betty's (Billy Piper/Mellor's mother) one and only fancy frock. She and her husband were not well off in the 50's, and in the show, Betty would wear this dress every Friday night to go out dancing with her sister. In most of the other scenes, she dons quite simple 1950's day wear, yet we can't stop eyeing up every little detail, from her hat to the pram! Has anyone else noticed hints of inspiration for today's trends appearing in this outfit? I'm sure many of you have sported a floral tea dress with a smart blazer or jacket over the past couple of summers no?

The second part of the show will be aired on Sunday at 9pm on BBC1. You can catch up with the first part here. Enjoy!

Latest Vintage Homewares at LMD!

2010-03-04T17:21:00.003Z

Wowzers we've been so bad at blogging lately! A thousand apologies to our lovely and devoted followers!

Anyhoo, this is to be short and sweet I'm afraid, but here's a few of the latest gorgeous and amazing items of vintage homeware (and pinnies!) to arrive at LMD, we hope you like them! Much better blog posts coming up shortly we promise! Tee hee! xx

Charity treats...

2010-02-16T12:51:00.007Z

This post is literally me bragging about my amazing finds after I raided pretty much every charity shop in North London! One thing I really want to do at the moment is collect 5 or 6 art deco vintage mirrors to scatter across the wall above my bed... I want them in all different shapes and sizes, but I really didn't think there was much chance of stumbling upon one. How wrong was I! There I was scrambling through a load of coats in a charity shop close to where I used to live... not a well known shop... I think the takings go to poorly cats and dogs... or something... *slightly embarrassed that I don't know this*... oh well, it's a good cause no doubt! Anyway I digress... so there I was scrambling away, when behind a vintage camel Aquascutum mac, I spied this:

For £15!! So after an almighty struggle trying to get it off the wall, red faced with veins popping out of my head (it's flipping heavy you know) I squealed "can I have this mirror please!" only to be told I could have a couple of quid off it! THIRTEEN FREAKING QUID! Beyond pleased with myself I proceeded to tweet this to the world, only to be told by a slightly disgruntled follower that they bought an identical mirror 2 years ago for £250! Even more pleased with myself.

I was also on a vintage china mission, just some pretty things for my own personal kitchen collection, and boy was THAT a success! I don't know, the vintage thrifting gods must have been smiling down at me yesterday, because I came home with all this swagger and spent no more than £15 on the lot.

So yes, Monday was good (even though the Blackberry pictures I took are not...sorry!)

Let us know about your best ever charity shop finds!! x

And The Award Goes To...

2010-02-07T12:12:00.009Z

I love awards season... who's wearing what, whose dress leaves you speechless and whose dress makes you spit your tea across the room.

The 2010 Academy Awards are fast approaching and I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what the red carpet will bring. So to get you in the mood, I've picked out a little selection of the best and worst Oscars frocks.

THE BEST...

Going back to the 1954 Academy Awards first of all! The ever beautiful Audrey Hepburn is pure vintage Hollywood glamour in this amazing number. Get the look with this Love Miss Daisy 1950's Emma Domb dress for £80.

Next up, Penelope Cruz in her 2007 nude Atelier Versace frock. This one would actually have been best kept for 2010... could have easily topped the red carpet charts this year.

For me, Natalie Portman's 2009 Rodarte gown is just amazing. Understated yet so beautiful. (Please disregard the fact that Porters could shave her head, fall face first in pig poo and wear Rab C. Nesbit's vest and still be the most beautiful girl to ever walk the earth). That clutch bag is all kinds of wrong with it though. Just saying.

And lastly, Hilary Swank's 2005 Guy Laroche frock was the business.

The Worst...

Let's be honest, there are no words. So here are the pictures.

Homeware the heart is...

2010-02-02T15:25:00.004Z

We've FINALLY launched our homeware section! Hurrah! Old school LMD fans will know we've been promising this for about a year now... so we're sorry for the (huge) delay! But it's finally here. We're currently stocking up with vintage cups, plates, trios, cake stands, jam dishes and much more from the 1930's to the 1970's.

*Adopts tone of London bus tour guide* aaaand if you take a look above, you'll see a beautiful 1950's two-tier cake stand designed by John Russell for Midwinter stylecraft. This will be available HERE by the end of the day for a very pleasant and affordable 29 English pounds.

*Snaps out of tour guide mode*

So keep those lovely eyes of yours peeled for lots more vintage homeware treats over the next few weeks... months... oh sod it, hopefully YEARS to come!

Clog Blog

2010-02-01T17:24:00.005Z

Now, if you lived through clogs the first time, maybe you'll be partial to a pair... (I know LMD's other half AKA my mum had some... must dig that picture out actually) and to be fair, she was such a cool 70's chick with her long legs and floral dress that she completely pulled them off. But I'm not such a fan of the comeback, which we can all thank Chanel for.

Alexa Chung, the Olsens and other slebs have already been snapped prancing about in them, but try as I might, I just can't like them. I actually love 90% of Chanel's SS10 collection, you can see it here. But the clogs... for me... a big no no. The embellishments are cool though.

Then again, if you love them and want to snap up an original vintage pair, Etsy could sort you out.

What do you think?! x

Look hair...

2010-01-28T18:15:00.004Z

Today I shall talk about vintage hair. I was cyber flicking through Queens of Vintage and spotted this article on the top 10 most iconic vintage hair styles.

Being a 60's fan, and blonde, you can see why my vintage hair idol is none other than BB. In fact she is (or was) just generally incredible... *jealous face*.

As much as I love 40's and 50's styles a la Rita Hayworth, BB's locks are just plain effortless, and for me, the 'just fell out of bed' look is the best... because I generally have.

The dark eyes are a must-do for any beach blonde as well... but only with nude lips... IT'S THE RULE!

I'm a lumberjack and I'm ok...

2010-01-27T22:54:00.005Z

First of all, whoever first put maple syrup and bacon together deserves some kind of award. Or at least a hug from someone.

Anyone who's stayed in a Disney hotel in Florida and had the pancakes, bacon & scrambled eggs, will know what it feels like to contemplate missing your plane home and squatting in a Disney theme park for the rest of your life just so you can have it for breakfast every day. For some reason unknown to man, it tastes a thousand times better than the same meal made in England. Until NOW! Well... since they opened, but I've only just discovered it.

So if like me, you LOVE a good 50's themed diner with a rockabilly vibe, awesome music and a good milkshake, then you can't come to London without taking a trip to The Diner.

And the item on the menu I'm talking about is The Lumberjack Breakfast. A-mazing. I really don't know how they make the eggs taste like that.

Vintage cake anyone...?

2010-01-26T20:16:00.004Z

If you get 5 minutes with a brew this week, do one thing for me... check out my friend Jess's new venture, it's a seriously yummy one.

Lovely Jess & I went to uni together, and as a writer for the Women's Institute these days, she has recipes of the past coming out of her ears... REAL baking. To quote Jess, "I’ve scoured vintage cook-books, magazines, WI archives and reliable memory banks to un-earth the best, most unusual and well-loved cake recipes from the last century."

Jessica's Vintage Cake Spot is one blog all vintage gals will most definitely appreciate. Recent recipes include a 1952 Parkin, Yorkshire Teacakes from 1930 and a 1960 Dripping Cake. Amazing.

If you're like me, and have a real 1950's housewife for a grandma, and a mum who can also bake and cook everything under the sun to perfection, then you'll understand the desire to want to preserve those amazing skills for future generations. Jess's brilliant project is doing just that... so grab your apron and rolling pin, because this blog is not to be missed!

A thing of the pastel....

2010-01-26T15:03:00.003Z

So we're all aware by now that pastel shades are HEE-UGE for SS10 right? Oh, you didn't know? Well trust us, they are. Along with nudes (tee hee *slap on wrist* grow up). Well as usual, we shall try our darned best to keep you ahead of the game, the eco friendly way. It's about time us girls started spreading some pre-springtime joy via the magic of our wardrobes! You might also have clocked onto florals being rather big this coming season as well... so what the hell, we'll get loads of those in for you too. Don't say we're not good to you... ;-)

Wee bit of a press update...!

2010-01-18T18:22:00.006Z

We've had a couple of pieces of press so far this month, and a sneaky piece from December which passed us by!

We've been featured by Style Junkee and Green Lashes And Fashion in the first half of January, and had a lovely mention by ITN on their Christmas Channel in December! Big thanks to all 3! x

Hit the office in vintage style

2010-01-06T11:28:00.007Z

We're into January and back into the slog of the working week, but that doesn't mean to say that you can't have fun with vintage fashion just because you're heading to the office! We've picked out a few of our more formal office-friendly items for you to take a peek at... think about how you could mix them up with your current wardrobe... how you could jazz up an existing outift... and why not brighten up that little black office dress with one of our vintage porcelain rose necklaces for a splash of colour?

So you've just been offered and interview and the first thing you cried was "BUT WHAT WILL I WEAR!!"... never fear! Don't panic and opt for that boring old black trouser suit... have a good old cyber walk round Love Miss Daisy and get creative... remember that going back to the office doesn't have to be a total drag!

If your office is slightly more relaxed in its dress code... make colour or patterns the main focus by going for a bolder more colourful print on a smart shift dress, like this 1980's rose print frock. The possibilities are endless... and you'll be sure to stand out from the office crowds.

Fancy appearing in Style?

2010-01-06T10:29:00.003Z

So we all know YouTube is the new virtual beauty classroom... and the Sunday Times Style is calling all its vintage pupils for a feature on girls who use online tutorials to create vintage hair styles. Fleur Britten is looking for a small group of chicks to interview and photograph for a feature! If you'd like to be a part of it, just send an email to fleur.britten@sunday-times.co.uk with a photo of yourself, and a wee bit of info on which tutorials you use, why, and how easy you find them to follow. Also tell her where you go and flaunt your do's! Simples.