Retro curiosities

My mother was born during World War II, suffering the traumatic deprivation of being denied a banana until age 7. Needless to say, she now eats a banana every day without fail.

She vividly recalls her gas mask and its “horrible case”, as well as painted wooden toys - and her celluloid dolls, one of which her brother smashed to pieces with a hammer (nice family!)

Her mother liked to look her best, and was always pictured wearing a smart, if somewhat austere looking, suit: probably utility clothing, saved up for with ration coupons – like this perfect and unworn example by Digby Morton, photographed at a private viewing of the V&A textile stores recently. Designed to minimize the wastage of mass production, its clever construction utilizes fabric in both vertical and horizontal alignment. This particular suit has a rather curious tweed blouse, in addition to a jacket – and the skirt has a whalebone lined waistband (ouch!) There are no zips, nor pockets on the skirt to save fabric, which was in far too limited supply for such unnecessary extravagances. Note the buttons (below) bear the trademark logo – CC41 (Civilian Clothing 1941).





Luxuries were few and far between during the war, yet women still tried make the most of their appearance. As almost all funds and raw materials were directed towards the war effort, there simply weren’t that many new things around. Most of the pampering products available were originally from the 1930s, or earlier - like tortoiseshell dressing table sets.







Whatever precious metal accessories hadn’t been melted down were kept in jewellery boxes made of cardboard, tin, or – for some very lucky ladies – wood. Even in the 1950s, natural resources were still in short supply, and my mother would have loved a rare wooden box, like one of the selection by talented young designer, Lisa Tilley, currently available at ShopCurious.









Intricately embellished with decoupage, pieced together from vintage fashion magazines and retro ornaments, these highly decorative boxes make perfect Mothers’ Day gifts. They’re versatile too, with potential for all manner of uses... In these times of renewed austerity, perhaps you've some suggestions regarding a suitably utilitarian function for these unique and beautifully handmade boxes?

Do you?

Sensible tips for timeless style

I get the impression that ‘sensible style’ is rather topical, so I’m going to stick with this theme for a little longer – especially as I’m not feeling entirely convinced that the much cited ‘green shoots of recovery’ are quite so nearby as many seem to imagine. At this juncture, it might be appropriate to look to our forebears for guidance on what to do if times get really tough. The fashion designers of yesteryear certainly came up with some curiously clever ideas for cutting their costs (and their cloth), whilst managing to produce stunningly stylish designs that are still appreciated to this day.





From the late 1920s, for instance, Madeleine Vionnet introduced the bias-cut method of dressmaking, whereby cloth was cut diagonal to the grain of the fabric, creating the flattering effect of clinging to the contours of the body and accentuating natural female curves. Popularized by Mme Vionnet, ‘Queen of the bias cut’, and others during the 1930s, bias cut garments combined ease of movement and comfort with glamorous fabrics like chiffon, silk and satin – as in the dress pictured left.




Vionnet’s designs involved draping and often required much more fabric than would be necessary when using a conventional pattern. However, during the 1940s, the bias-cut technique was employed to enable dressmakers to use up all their spare scraps of fabric. Towards the 1950s, the emergence of factory manufactured clothing meant that the use of fabrics became more standardized and less original. Contemporary British designer, Christa Davis, was one of the first to re-introduce the bias-cut method to dressmaking in the early 1990s. Some of her latest designs, many of which are made with recycled textiles and limited edition printed silks (like the dress pictured right), are now available online from ShopCurious.





Other practical-but-stylish solutions to economic constraints included creating clothing and accessories that were made to last. Have you heard of a world-renowned, original innovation of the 1940s, called the Corde handbag?








We’ve got some fabulous examples of these classic vintage bags on our website – and they’re in excellent condition too, which just goes to show how very hard-wearing they truly are.







By the 1950s, people started to travel more and those that ventured abroad, or on holidays away from home, were careful to be as economical as possible. Ladies siphoned off their perfumes and powders into small canisters to take away with them in compact little vanity cases - especially designed to accommodate everything a glamorous girl might require. They don’t seem to make these sets of usefully designed containers any more, though occasionally you might be lucky enough to find a perfectly preserved vanity case, complete with retro receptacles, like this one.

Do let us know if you’ve got any more sensible tips for timeless style, vintage or modern.

Will you?

The race for Ascot hats

Just thought I’d make a brief diversion off course in case you’re in the running for Royal Ascot this year. Not suggesting that you choose a nautical theme for your day (or days) at the races, but here are some ideas for Ascot hats that will definitely make heads turn – though what type’s your best bet may well depend upon the weather.

Last year the rules were relaxed slightly, allowing fascinators at Royal Ascot for the first time ever, but I noticed that some members of the Royal Enclosure managed to gain access without any hats at all – and others with seemingly little regard for the official dress code.



In case you do want to follow the new trend for fffffascinating headwear, ShopCurious has a selection of fabulously minimalist titfers by British designer Gil Fox. Of course, we also have a larger selection of more substantial hair accessories to choose from, ranging from quirky hairbands and floral headpieces by talented young milliner, Sandra Bamminger, to vintage Philip Tracey and elegant 1940s feather numbers. All of these hats are perfect for summer weddings too.


If you’re looking to save a few bob, we’re also offering our timeless raffia hats at a bargain price (I seem to recall that LK Bennett were selling the same in some rather odd colours last year at £69 a pop). These hats are also great for holidays and travel to hot climes, since you can scrunch them up and shove them in your suitcase – so you’ll turn out looking shipshape, however far-flung round the world you’ve been...



And they're also plain enough to dress up with your own choice of floral corsage, or even add a fascinator for more of an individual look.


Ultimately, it’s the unique accessories that really make an outfit. How about a statement hat that's also a work of art - like one of the curiously collectable stamp hats by Laura Wellington.





By the way, I think this stylish lucky horse shoe of a bag by Timmy Woods of Beverly Hills is simply perfect for a day at the races.

Odds on it's going to rain, so don't forget to take your brolly too.

Will you?

Shades of a vintage summer

Marilyn looks a tad concerned, perhaps she’s heard that ‘men rarely make passes at girls who wear glasses’. Actually, spectacles are practical accessories that can add great character to a face and tons of style to any look. There’s only one thing that’s more stylish than plain old specs – and that’s a pair of fabulously glamorous sunglasses.



At ShopCurious, we’ve an eclectic selection of elegant retro shades for all manner of summer occasions – from the 1940s rhinestone encrusted movie star variety, to ‘50s vampish vintage horn rims, leopard print safari-style stunners and ‘60s glitter glam rock (see below).
































































If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, how about these quirky hand painted Chinese inspired shades (below right). Or why not go for the classic Jackie O look with vintage Versace to add a touch of class and sophistication to any outfit. Remarkably, these shades (above right) are also in our sale.















































Okay you stylistas, I’m going to offer a special prize for the best caption to this photograph - I’m really curious to know what Jackie and Ari are thinking or saying in this shot...

Are you?

(to enter the competition, please reply directly to this blog, or send answers to info@ShopCurious.com).

Bespoke bus party

If you spotted an old London bus parked in a backstreet in Soho last night, you weren’t hallucinating. Inside were guests celebrating the launch of the stylish new Sir Tom Baker shop.










With its eclectic mix of glam-rock style bespoke tailoring, funky ties and quirky fashion accessories, together with more traditional and wearable classics, Tom Baker’s style fits in perfectly with the ShopCurious ethos of providing beautiful, well made and handcrafted products that are unusual and unique, but also timeless in their design. Just as well, since in the New Year, ShopCurious will become the exclusive UK online stockist of selected pieces from the Sir Tom Baker range.


I thought you might like to have a take a peek inside the shop with me and meet some of the party guests:

The interior is scattered with vintage accessories, as well as handmade and retro furnishings and collectables - can you identify the iconic looking curly haired gent on this hat - is it Oliver Cromwell, or Noddy Holder perhaps?




There’s an Archie Eyebrows (aka Terry de Havilland inspired and advised) shoe salon to the rear, with hot hot Cuban heeled boots and shoes for men.

Terry was there in person too - the man with the silver gun (spot the natty vintage brooch) and striking black and white vintage t-shirt.






There were other glamorous guests who looked vaguely familiar, but I’m not a celebrity spotter, so do let me know if you recognize anyone.







The customers were both individual and charming, though some were more adventurous dressers than others – like poet and performance artist Phil, left, whose silver jacket spoke for itself (I had white lights in front of my eyes after taking that one).








Then there were the girls: the delectable Veera, the effervescent Gemma (below left), who has a Terry de Havilland shoe named in her honour, and this rather chic 1940s looking lady.









And the musicians, who jammed on a variety of instruments, including this versatile step-cum-drum (right). I’ve got one of those in my cupboard too, so I’ll have to ask for a pair of drumsticks for Christmas.











Mayor MCCA was a particularly cool and curious dude.











Finally, to the talented tailor himself, pictured here and (right) with a friend. I didn’t like to ask how they were all getting home as the bus didn’t look in great shape.









Maybe they’ll keep it there for a few days and carry on celebrating – Prince Charles might even be tempted to use his new bus pass to come and buy a jacket or two.

Will you?