Shopping for vintage in London.

I’ve often preached to my friends about choosing quality clothes over quantity and investing in key pieces that will serve them for years and won’t go out of style for a long, long time. I’m a big admirer of Parisian women who always seem so effortlessly chic and I follow their philosophy of investing in a classic designer piece, mixing with something old, that will not put a strain on the credit card. The best investment pieces at this time of the year are in my opinion; a coat and a cape, accessorised with a vintage hat and voilà, the immaculate Parisian look accomplished! Most of my coats come from Burberry and Max Mara because those two brands have never disappointed me, as they don’t compromise on the quality of the fabrics and the overall design of the product. The only thing that might be a let down is the price but after all I’m preaching about investment pieces.

I’ve been collecting coats, capes and especially vintage hats, mainly ones from the 1940s, since I moved to London 7 years ago, discovered all the wonderful vintage fairs and second hand vintage shops, that the town has to offer. My favourite vintage fashion fair takes place a few times a year in Hammersmith Town Hall and you can easily find all the dates of the upcoming events on their website http://www.pa-antiques.co.uk/londonvintagefashionfair.htm lBe warned though, because they always have so many irresistible pieces, that you might find yourself spending a fortune on little gems you don’t necessary need but want, rather than focusing on that one key investment piece. When I think about it, I always end-up going there with one hat on my head and coming out with at least 2 or 3 in a shopping bag. What can I say except that It’s Beyond My Control!

Another great place for vintage hats and capes is the Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair  with their next event taking place on 18th of November. I would also recommend to put in your diary the next Frock Me fair which is the oldest vintage fashion fair in London favoured by many celebrities and fashionistas hunting for authentic vintage pieces.

Here’s a small selection of key pieces that I found at the various fairs.

I’m wearing a vintage Burberry coat with a 1940s hat which I found at the Frock Me fair. Boots are by Stuart Weitzman and I bought them at Harrods.

One of my most treasured possessions (yes, yes I’m well aware, that I say that about everything I own) is an authentic Victorian funeral cape which I found at the fashion vintage fair in Hammersmith Town Hall.

You will not be able to find an identical cape to my authentic Victorian one, but there is always; Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Temperley  London.

Dolce and Gabbana

Gucci

Gucci

Yves Saint Laurent

Temperley London

I’m over the moon that my post was chosen by Independent Fashion Bloggers to be featured on their website!

It’s Beyond My Control featured on Independent Fashion Bloggers

“Winter Is Coming.”

Edited By: Taylor Davies

We just had our first snow storm of the winter season in New York City, and it seems like bloggers in the IFB community all over the world have winter on their minds, too. From layering tricks to dark-hued manicures, coats and capes, we’re all feeling the chill. This week’s links are full of thought provoking pieces as well, there were in-depth articles on models, modeling and photographers as well as the challenge of wearing one dress for seven days in a row. Looks like even if the snow keeps us inside this winter, we’ll have no shortage of great blog content to keep us warm.

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: NOVEMBER 8TH

• 1972 Projects: Face, Barbara Mullen, the Supermodel Who Disappeared
• Are We On Time: Pumped Up Kicks
• Dress Code: High Fashion: The Royal Luxemburg Wedding
• Fashioned By Love: Russian Top Models – Inna Zobova
• Girl Loves Color: Glow in the Dark
• Honey & Charm: On Black and White
• IndiePunkGoddess: Do We Treat Models Like Walking Hangers?
• It’s Because I Think Too Much: Deep French Manicure
• It’s Beyond My Control: Coats, Capes, and Vintage Hats
• La Fille en Rose: The Best Camel Coats & How To Wear Them
• Martha Dahhling: Insouciance – A Recipe for Keeping It Simple
• Mes Belles Amis: Caring For Your Shoes
• Mom Trends: New York Fashion Love
• Our Wonderlust: Our Beauty – Stella & Dot
• Stephanie Surtida: Same Dress
• Sequins For Breakfast: DIY Leopard Boots
• South x Style: Let’s Get Deco
• The Concrete Loves My Shoes: Must Wear Many Hats
• The Pre-Tender: LBD Cocktail Party!
• Youth Savage: How About I Don’t Follow You?