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).

Classic twist

The best vintage clothing is typical of its era, but also has timeless appeal. The sort of things that are always useful to have in your wardrobe are well made garments with enduring quality and investment potential. You will need to consider the designer, the rarity of the item, the condition of the fabric, the workmanship and the provenance of each piece. There's also the wearability factor to take into account ... and some items of clothing simply never seem to go out of fashion. So long as your weight doesn't fluctuate, you observe the washing instructions and protect garments properly, you can go on wearing them until they fall to bits - like Mrs Haversham.




At ShopCurious, you'll find classic vintage clothing that is worth its weight in wool, silk and velvet. Take this fabulously stylish Jackie O-style suit, with its beautifully tailored velvet trimmed dress coat and matching figure hugging shift dress. The tweedy fabric looks like a sort of Prince of Wales check to me, but if you're knowledgeable about such sartorial details, perhaps you'd be so kind as to offer your expert opinion. I did read somewhere that the Prince of Wales check is a name often wrongly attributed to the Glen Urquhart check?








We've also got some wonderful 1980s vintage Celine - like this rear-buttoning printed silk top and a very fine wool double breasted trench coat with ample shoulder pads (for those into power dressing). Neither would look out of place today...








Nor would this glamorous Yves Saint Laurent sequined suede wrap skirt of a similiar vintage, or this forever classic vintage Hermes silk scarf.








There are other things that you can keep in the wardrobe for a few years and then bring out again... like this classy ladybird spotted silk 1980s Georges Rech cocktail dress. Perfect for Sloane Rangers wanting to save their pennies for other essentials - like champagne cocktails and seats at the opera.

Will you dahling?