Vintage Outfits: My Grandmother's Winter Fur Coat

This is the last but certainly not the least of my finds from my Grandmother's closet.

This coat is a beaver lamb fur from c.1956. She bought it especially for her honeymoon and wore it for a long weekend in London. It is in almost perfect condition, probably due to the fact she never wore it again, which is such a shame as it is a beautiful coat!

My Nanna and Granddad in 1956

It is lovely and warm with a satin lining. I decided to wear it for a jaunt in the snow at the weekend, it kept me lovely and warm! I can completely see why people in colder climates wear fur.

Of course while in the snow we had to take the obligatory 'I'm wearing a fur coat next to a lamp post Narnia style' shot but what the hey.

Fur coat - Vintage

Dress - Monsoon Sale

Bag - Ollie and Nic (via eBay)

Boots - Doc Marten's 

I'm not sure how my conscience feels about fur. If it had been made recently I might object, but then I wear leather so if it is from animals butchered for meat then is it okay? If its not, is fur okay if it's vintage? It's a tough call to be honest. What do you think?

Vintage Events: Leyburn 1940s Weekend and Vintage Accessories

Hi everyone!

A few months ago I went to the Leyburn 1940s weekend. I only went for one of the days but there was still lots to do; shopping, dancing, speeches, a parade and re-enactors. I had a really great time despite the slightly iffy weather.

I wore a coral dress by Pearl Lowe at Peacocks. It is a lovely dress with a very vintage inspired shape, but the print and colours make it look quite modern and the shape of my cardigan was not very vintage at all. I think when I was choosing what to wear I didn’t expect other people to go so 'all out' when dressing for the event!

Thats not to say I didn't have a good time - I did, however, I made the decision then and there that for the next 1940s event I attended, I would dress more appropriately. It just so happens that I am attending Pickering 1940s weekend next week. I have heard that this event is huge for re-enactors and vintage enthusiasts so I very much wanted to dress the part.

I have two outfits in mind for the event (depending on the weather of course) and I went shopping last weekend to find some choice accessories for the event.

I attended the New College Durham vintage and antiques fair that I have written about previoualy here. It is not typically an event for looking for clothing, but for finding accessories, it seemed to be the perfect place for bargain hunting!

While rummaging around I managed to find three hats, one a genuine 1940s hat, a vintage faux pearl bead necklace a vintage broach and a beautiful mink stole!

The stole is a simple gorgeous fit, it has a gap over th shoulder so that it fits perfectly - I was so pleased when I found it. (What made it better that all of the above cost less than £60!)

Hopefully with a lovely vintage hat and a classy stole I will look like I fit in at Pickering. I'll post soon and let you know how I get on!