Bagging a bargain this sale season...

To be in with your best chance of picking up a bargain, it helps to know when the sales start though my personal tip would be to wait till the tail end of the sales when you're most likely to find the best buys.  The likelihood is other shoppers haven't spotted that item's potential so you're less likely to see lots of other people wearing it and, the price will have been knocked down to the bone.  Bonus!!


Oh, and p.s. please vote for me in the Vintage Life Covergirl Sweetheart Competition (see below)


FASHION

• Jaeger: Starts Boxing Day. Up to 50pc off
• Burberry: Already on online. Up to 50pc off
• Gap: Already on. From 30pc off
• Hobbs: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Warehouse: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Reiss: Starts today. Up to 50pc off
• Oasis: Already on. Up to 45pc off
• Whistles: Starts on Boxing Day. Up to 50pc off
• Zara: Starts today until Boxing Day. From 30pc off
• New Look: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Banana Republic: Already on. From 30pc to 50pc off
• LK Bennett: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• My-Wardrobe.com: From today until January 19. From 30pc to 50pc off
• Peacocks: From Boxing Day. Up to 50pc
• Matches: Already on. From 30pc off
• Karen Millen: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• H&M: Already on. Up to 60pc

DEPARTMENT STORES

• Fenwick: From December 27 to the end of January. Up to 50pc off
• Liberty: Already on. Up to 60pc off
• Selfridges: Online from Christmas Day. In store from Boxing Day. Up to 75pc off
• Harvey Nichols: From Boxing Day, up to 50pc off fashion and up to 30pc off shoes and ­accessories. Final reductions from January 20, up to 70pc off
• Harrods: From December 27. Up to 50pc off
• House of Fraser: Online from Christmas Eve, in store from Boxing Day. Up to 50pc off
• Debenhams: Starts Boxing Day. From 25pc to 75pc off
• John Lewis: Online from Christmas Eve, in store from December 27 to January 15. Up to 50pc off

HANDBAGS

• Anya Hindmarch: Starts December 27. Up to 50pc off
• Lulu Guinness: Starts Boxing Day. Up to 30pc off
• Mulberry: In store from December 27. From 30pc to 50pc off. Preview starts online on Christmas Eve
• Smythson: From December 27. 20pc off

SHOES

• Russell & Bromley: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Kurt Geiger: From today. Up to 50pc off
• Aldo: Already on online. Up to 50pc off
• Jimmy Choo: Starts December 27. Up to 30pc off
• Gina: From now until January 29. Up to 50pc off
• Rupert Sanderson: From December 27 to January 29. Up to 30pc off

LINGERIE

• Myla: From Boxing Day. Up to 50pc off
• Rigby & Peller: From December 27. Up to 50pc off
• La Perla: From December 27. Up to 40pc off
• La Senza: Already on. Up to 40pc off
• Knickerbox: Already on. From 25pc off
• Figleaves: Already on. 25pc off.

CHILDREN

• Marie Chantal: Starts December 28. Up to 40pc
• Mothercare: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Ralph Lauren: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Mamas&Papas: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Bonpoint: From January 10. Up to 50pc off
• Alexandalexa.com: Already on. Up to 30pc off

FURNITURE

• Ikea: Starts Boxing Day. Up to 50pc off
• Argos: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Laura Ashley: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Heals: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• BHS: Already on. Up to 60pc off
• DFS: Already on. Up to 50pc off
• Furniture Village: Already on. Up to 55pc off
• Carpetright: Already on. Up to 50pc off

I am the Queen of Hearts

So, I can reveal that this weekend, I was busy chopping off their heads for painting the roses red for Vintage Life Magazine's Sweetheart Covergirl .  Vote for me and I promise not to send you to the same fate :)

Please visit the link and VOTE FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

A bit more about it...

Vintage Life Magazine is running a competition to find their Valentine's Sweetheart Covergirl.  The only requirements were that the image be vintage inspired and of professional quality.

I enlisted the help of professional photographer Lorraine Johnson and together we created a Queen of Hearts look using an original square dancing dress from the 50s that I procured through etsy.com, a crown (self-made), some gorgeous Fornarina shoes and roses that have in part been painted red.

TO VOTE:


First click "like" on the Vintage Life's page.
Then click "like" on under the photo you would like to win.
That's it! Thanks VLM Team xx

Some more styling projects...

Happy Monday to you all and I thought I'd share with you some of the photos from a recent styling project.  At the Mistletoe and Silk Event, my task was to make over 5 ladies ready for our Catwalk Show.  This was more than a tall order that at the same time as styling these lovely ladies, I was also managing the event.  Ordinarily, I would have liked to have placed more of a modern look on some of the outfits and paid a little more attention to detail but given time constraints, it just wasn't possible.  Either way, I hope you like the results...

Thanks to Marc at Pandafoto for the photography

And the resulting look was...

Which dress wear to the James Bond Christmas Ball

So, i'm biting the bullet and i've been issued with my license to kill card all ready for our work James Bond themed Christmas party at The Avenue.  I thought i'd make the most of the fact that my day job involves working for a rather affluent engineering company so tomorrow i'll be sinking some champagne on them.  It's a long time since i've been to a work Christmas do.

But the question is, what to wear?  And since the recession has not been kind to me it's going to have to come from my existing wardrobe.  I'm hoping the girls coming to our event at Mistletoe and Silk on Sunday will use it as an opportunity to get glam! That's the one i'm saving my new dress for!

So, the slinky red number?

Or the sparkly blue?

As the days fly past and tickets sell fast for a Christmas fair in Dulwich with a difference - Mistletoe and Silk

As the days fly past and tickets sell fast, we are busy finalising preparations to bring you a smashing event - Mistletoe and Silk.

In the Youlovefashion.com Bazaar you'll find wares from:

Pintuckvintage
Retro earrings
Butterfly Girl vintage
Vintage decorations
Gillian James homeware
Strictly Vintage
Miss Butler Vintage
Sue Bonditz Vintage
Rustic Man- men's wallets and socks
Lauryn Butler Vintage
Kei vs Ivy Independent Designer Jewellery
Amica gifts - decorations and luxury jewellery
Nearly new clothing
Art prints, cushions, vintage jewellery, cards and decorations from Youlovefashion and CherryPicked

In the Cherry Picked Pop Up Pamper Parlour you can get treated to:

Eyelash Flicks £20
Mini Manicures £10 from Danni
Swedish Neck and Shoulder Massage from Felipe (prices tbc) who will also be selling aromatherapy candles
Indian Head Massage £5 from Karen
Mini Facials £5 from Lorraine
Reflexology from Cat at Butterfly Therapies (payment by donation)



Have your tarot read by The Sassy Sorceress, bring your gifts to be wrapped, listen to our live singers and take a punt in our charity raffle.  Watch our Catwalk show (clothes will also be for sale) with clothes from Juno Says Hello and enjoy an exclusive burlesque performance from Lady Cheek making the evening just a little bit naughty!

Shanghai in the 70s for Mistletoe and Silk?

As all you ladies know I'm sure, we like to plan an outfit for an important occasion a little while ahead.  And I was so pleased with the shirt I managed to find through etsy.com (for £10 including postage would you believe) that I thought i'd try dressing it up and see whether I might sport it at our next event.

But as the square dancing dress that arrived with it is so much more feminine and frilly, i'll probably go with that instead so I thought i'd share my fabulous find with you and say a big thank you to www.etsy.com/shop/ohsydney

It gives me a feeling of Shanghai in the 70s and demonstrates my love of mixing modern and vintage so I thought i'd finish the look with some chopsticks in my hair.  Come and see my 1950s genuine American square dancing dress at Mistletoe and Silk next weekend (12th December).

Mistletoe and Silk - Pay Day Present - Tickets only £6 if booked today

Ladies, it's true.  We're offering you Mistletoe and Silk a vintage style afternoon of shopping and pampering bliss with a glass of mulled wine, a cupcake and all sorts of other fun stuff thrown in for just £6 as a present to you on Payday.  Tickets can be booked via paypal.  Email me on cherrypickedstyling@yahoo.co.uk for details.

Some juicy jewels for vintage girls

Just thought i'd post for your peepers, a few of the pieces Youlovefashion and myself will have on sale on our li'l stall at Mistletoe and Silk in, yes, just two weeks time.  If you haven't already, click here to get your ticket
I have listed Mistletoe and Silk on ooh.com

Get your frock on... at Mistletoe and Silk

As the countdown begins to Mistletoe and Silk on the 12th December, the line up for our afternoon of lady heaven is steaming the windows up.

We have our very own celeb - The Sassy Sorceress - who'll be sprinkling her magic all over our sparkly event. So find out how fashionable your future might be with Sassy Tarot Readings at bargainous rates.

Who is The Sassy Sorceress?

The Sassy Sorceress is Lisa Clark -a tattoo-splashed, burlesque-lovin’ - author/freelance journo-girl/tarot reader/crystal-healer/reiki practitioner/witch-y goddess/life coach/agony aunt for Mizz magazine.

If your life lacks fun and adventure and you’re fearful of what the future might hold, it’s time for you to channel your inner SASSY, sprinkle a substantial amount o’ glitter and sparkle, and discover the Spiritual And Sensual, Sensational You!

I'm also very excited to welcome Juno Says Hello as they'll be glamming up our rails with their stunning designer vintage dresses so you can be the belle of the Christmas ball.

So, join Cherry Picked Styling and Youlovefashion.com at Mistletoe and Silk on 12th December from 12 to 6pm at Beauberry House in West Dulwich. Tickets are only £8 in advance and can be booked via ooh.com  
I have listed Mistletoe and Silk on ooh.com
A vintage afternoon that promises to be the most glamorous way to Christmas shop you’ll ever find. Get pampered with beauty and alternative therapy treatments at affordable prices and party in a manor house, all at the same time.

Anyone interested in offering prizes for the raffle/auction for Leonard Cheshire Disability or providing services/hiring a stall at the event should get in touch with either myself or Roisin.wilson@googlemail.com

Another little event for literary ladies...

For the princesses out there...

Now i'm sure many of you have been accused by some partner or other in your relationship lifetime, of being a princess.  Well now you can have your own crown!

Check out the little beauties on Janine Basil's etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/57334341/candy-pink-glitter-mini-burlesque-crown

More events for stylish yet bookish ladies.

Peckham Literary Festival 2010

17 - 26 November

Authors, Poets, Songsters and Performers. Ten days of Free Events showcasing the pick of Peckham's literary talents brought to you by ...

Review
131 Bellenden Road, SE15 and
Persepolis, 28-30 Peckham High Street, SE15

http://www.foratasteofpersia.co.uk/persepolis/index.html

For everything from book swapping to poet soap boxing, go to Peckham Literary Festival for further info.

Where should an intelligent, stylish lady be seen? LadyFest Ten

LADYFEST TEN: CELEBRATING A DECADE OF DIY FEMINIST ARTS AND ACTIVISM
12, 13 & 14 Nov 2010

Ladyfest, the global independent arts festival promoting and celebrating women’s creativity and counter-culture, turns 10 years old this year. To commemorate a decade of Ladyfests in cities across the world including Brisbane, Olympia, Singapore, Jakarta, San Paolo and New Orleans, we want Ladyfest Ten to be the biggest and best yet. Ladyfest Ten takes place from Friday 12th – Sunday 14th at various North London venues, and will involve iconic and emerging female talent from every field.

All profits from the festival will be donated to the wonderful charity, Eaves. Visit their website for more info.

For Book's Sake will be presenting the literary programme at the festival:

The literary events will be taking place in both The Horatia and The Holloway Resource Centre (both within easy walking distance of each other and Highbury & Islington tube and overground stations). Tickets will be on sale from the Ladyfest Ten website from Monday 27th September. Day passes for the festival will be £12.50 each in advance, and as well as the literary event below, will include entry to an extravaganza of other events, including art, craft, comedy and cabaret (but excludes the music events). For the full programme, please see the Ladyfest Ten website.


FRIDAY 12 NOV
JAYNE JOSO & CATHI UNSWORTH / THE TRAVELLING SUITCASE LIBRARY

SATURDAY 13 NOV
SOUND & SILENCE WITH KATY PRICE / HISTORY OF WOMEN’S EROTICA WORKSHOP WITH SURUYA SIDHU SINGH & ZAK JANE KEIR / READ DIRTY TO ME WITH DANIELLE MALONE / SCARLETT THOMAS / THE POEM SHOPPE / ORGANIC POEMS & TALL TALES / THE TRAVELLING SUITCASE LIBRARY

SUNDAY 14 NOV
RETURN TO OZ: RE-WRITING OUR HEROINES WITH SOPHIE MAYER / SO SHE SAID: EAT MY WORDS SUNDAY LUNCH SPECIAL & FOR BOOKS’ SAKE POETRY SHOWCASE / JANINE BULMAN & ZOE HOWE / THE IMAGINATION EMPORIUM: A CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP / THE POEM SHOPPE / ORGANIC POEMS & TALL TALES / THE TRAVELLING SUITCASE LIBRARY

Sad day for a style icon... Lily Allen

My heroine for her straight talkin' lyrics that reflect my own viewpoint on the world, her drive and outspokenness and great sense of style has sadly announced the loss of her baby. 

Lily Allen, here are a few words for you...

Yes, times are tough,
and the world looks bleak,
Your anger bubbles and
Sorrows weep

Take comfort in the love
You'll find
In each and every
Woman's mind

Miss Cherry Picked and Ooh, that Naughty Burlesque

Having experienced the delights of some truly stunning burlesque performances and intrigued by the teasing likes of Ms. Dita Von Teese, I thought it about time I see for myself what it was like to step into the sparkling shoes of the Burlesque performer.

Scouring the search results on Google, The Cheek of it Charles! sounded just the ticket.  With a drop in class on a Wednesday evening at Pineapple Dance Studios at £12 for non-members, I could find no obstacle to giving it a try and promptly punched it into my iPhone calendar.

Feeling rather down and arriving at the studios, I wasn't quite sure if i'd have the nerve to go through with it but Zoe aka Lady Cheek, immediately allayed any fears I had about turning up alone as I felt I had a buddy in her. 

The class commenced with a little gentle stretching and moved into some serious strutting whilst Zoe called psuedo-military like confidence boosting encouragement - there was no way any of us were going to argue that we were not 'gorgeous' or 'fabulous'.  For someone who can move but gets her feet in a twist when it comes to learning dance routines, I found the class easy to follow and fabulous fun. And in fact, getting your knickers in a twist is what it's all about.

Not only that but if you sign up for one of their courses, you get to strut your stuff on the stage with a final show down at Madame Jo Jos.  A real test of nerve.

So I left the class at 9pm with the stress of the day firmly behind me, an extended vocabulary in accessories designed to barely cover one's modesty feeling positively perky.

I highly recommend.   I for one, will be delving in for more. Say hello to Miss Cherry Picked ;)

Mistletoe and Silk - vintage style Christmas shop, pamper, party affair for ladies with flair

I have listed Mistletoe and Silk on ooh.com

Join Cherry Picked Styling and Youlovefashion at Mistletoe and Silk, a vintage afternoon that promises to be the most glamorous way to Christmas shop you’ll ever find. Get pampered with beauty and alternative therapy treatments at affordable prices and party in a manor house, all at the same time.

Pick up your Christmas cupcake and glass of mulled wine to fuel your shopping in the Youlovefashion.com Bazaar with its vintage and independent designer clothing, unusual gifts, jewellery and more.

Sup on a Christmas cocktail whilst you have your Tarot cards read and take in the outfits on the Cherry Picked Modern Vintage Catwalk Show.

Have a punt in our charity raffle then rub away your shopping aches with a treatment in the relaxation haven of the Cherry Picked Pop Up Pamper Parlour. Treatments range from Reflexology and Indian Head Massage to eyebrow threading and manicures, all at affordable prices.

Mistletoe and Silk promises to be our grandest event yet, meeting all your festive needs from personal shopping to personal wrapping.  There will also be a special 'easy to eat on the move' menu available in the house restaurant.

Tickets are only £8 in advance, £11 on the door and include live music and entertainment, a Christmas Cupcake and a glass of mulled wine. Further details and fun will follow.

 

Super Swish Designer Style - and it's affordable!

My fingers can't tap out quickly enough the words to say how excited I was when my style greedy eyes came across this gem of a site.

http://www.senseoffashion.com/ showcases independent designers from America and when you convert back from dollars, the bargains couldn't get bigger.

Feast your pupils on these...

UGG and Jimmy Choo? I'd rather give them to the dog to chew!

Ok, maybe that's a slight exaggeration but seriously? Over £600 for a pair of shoes that, though they feel amazing, make my feet look like i'm wearing mittens I could have decorated better myself to boot (pardon the pun).

And another example of consumerism gone mad is that in walking through Selfridges to get to the 'Ugg & Jimmy Choo' capsule collection display, I walked past a bunch of people queuing to pay a pretty penny to have a Coke bottle customised with Swarovski Crystals.  More money than sense?  Definitely.

Pin a Kiss on... Sonia Rykiel's Divine Brooches

Looking for a cute pressie to give your best friend, sister, mother or gran? Look no further as Sonia Rykiel has the answer with the sweetest kisses.  A selection of gifts can be found at the Sonia Rykiel e-shop starting at around 40 euros for a crystal pin brooch that will set your sweater 'a' sparklin'

I can't help but love them...

Flaunt your Vintage Stuff on the SteamBordello

Listen up ladies.  I've heard rumours of a rather stunning event to be hitting London Town which i'm sure will prick up your Vintage Fashion tuned ears.  There's a party going on and if Vintage is your thing, lace up your corsets, button down your boots and close your skirt's catches because there'll be a storm of live music for you to flaunt your Vintage swing.

Of Steam Boat Bordello, Time Out say, "Step on board this Mississippi-style paddle steamer for a vintage night of 'rogues, riverboat gamblers, good time girls, snake oil salesmen, fallen southern belles, confederate rifles, yankee doodle dandies…' (you get the picture), recreating the kinds of floating palaces you'd see going down the Miss' from New Orleans to St Louis. There'll be live music from The Correspondents, Hot Club of Cowtown and more, with electro-swing and retro beats on the decks and many more cabaret antics. You can sit down and have dinner or simply just dance the night away!"

And if you're looking for the perfect outfit, and vintage hair and make up, get in touch cherrypickedstyling@yahoo.co.uk 

We're Fifties Fashion Crazy, We're Fifties Fashion Mad...

It cannot be denied that the fifties were swingin' and the frocks rocked but it's about time we moved on and recognised that Vintage doesn't have to be old.  And lets face it, the obsession with the fifties has been going for a while nonw.

However, a glance at our Vintage friends Frillseekers' website and you'll see just how up to date Vintage can be.  It's a style i'm personally a fan of and I love mixing up modern looks with those of days gone by.  After all, we don't always want to look as though we've dressed for a fancy dress party. But modern looks that are Vintage inspired simply appear the way forward.  According to their site, Holly Luckwell styled this shot with Giles Angel behind the camera.

The London Vintage Wedding Fair

And la piece de la resistance...

How stunningly stylish were the 20s? And any ladies looking to emulate such a look for their most important day, should pop along to the London Vintage Wedding Fair on Sunday 24th October at Westbourne Grove.  Tickets are £7 in advance.  Go to www.londonvintageweddingfair.co.uk for details.