Welcome to my vintage fashion blog with a slightly modern twist!

My name is Dominique de Merteuil. I’m a vintage fashion blogger, guest speaker, and founder of It’s Beyond My Control, the vintage fashion blog for the modern woman with a unique style.

I like to write as though I’m having a conversation with women who equally share my passion for fashion from the 1930s and 1940s, as well as those who are only starting their adventure with vintage

I’ve been collecting, wearing and writing about vintage fashion for two decades now. As a very passionate self-taught fashion historian, I pride myself on being extremely diligent in doing extensive research before I put pen to paper.

I have a proclivity for studying the history of vintage fashion, leaving no stone unturned until I get all the facts. Believe it or not, I do have a couple of museum curators and textile conservators on my speed dial.

It’s Beyond My Control-Vintage Fashion Blog

It’s Beyond My Control blog is for everyone who loves to learn about;

1. History of fashions popular in the 1930s through the 195os, and occasionally beyond,
2. How to date and take care of vintage clothing like a pro,
3. Ideas on how to pair vintage garments with contemporary brands.

And speaking of learning, if you happen to be a fan of the British Utility Clothing Scheme, I’m the biggest collector, as far as I know, of CC41 clothing in the EU, so you are up for a treat. Since I got your attention, read my in-depth article about the history of CC41!

My Credo

Life is too short to wear ordinary clothes, even in bed!

Dominique de Mertuil

In the picture taken by Gregory Michael King, I’m wearing an original 1940s CC41 nightgown paired with a faux fur capelet from Helen Moore.

Style Over Fashion

I’m a true believer that It’s more important to find and refine one’s own personal style, rather than obsess over the latest trends, and that’s what I focus on in my articles.

If I was to describe my style in a sentence it would be, Joan Crawford meets Marlene Dietrich for a glass of wine with Morticia Addams.

Vintage Fashion Blogger.

One Vintage Woman Operation

The only other ” team” member of It’s Beyond My Control, except my beloved husband who happens to be a fashion & beauty photographer, and takes all those incredible pictures of me, is my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Isia-Lilith.

She is a born model and loves to pose because she knows fish bits await her after every shoot.

9 Things About Dominique de Merteuil – The Vintage Fashion Blogger

1. The one thing that can definitely be said about me is that I’m an aficionado and collector/wearer of vintage fashion from the 1930s and 1940s. I also have a penchant for procuring costumes from my favourite films, which I buy from auction houses when the budget permits. * sigh *

2. My fabulous mum, a real style icon, initiated my interest in fashion and art. She used to take me to see ballet and opera from when I was 5 years old.

3. I’ve lived in 4 different countries and I’m fluent in 3 languages. When asked where I’m from, I always reply, “from everywhere darling!”. And even though I reside in London*, which has grown on me over the years, my heart belongs to NYC because it’s the only place where I can wear couture to breakfast without being pointed at.

*I currently divide my time between London and Warsaw. I’m utterly in love with the capital of Poland! If you are curious about the reasons why I share my time between the two countries read about it in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – essentials for your new puppy article!

4. I studied classical ballet for a few years but my teacher had me marked as trouble from the day she caught me warming up to Megadeth.

*As of  2017 I’m back to taking classical ballet lessons, or as I call it “70 min of humiliation”, and I LOVE it!

5. I love everything related to Eighteenth-Century France! Also, I adore the 1930s and 1940s Hollywood Glamour.

6. The works of Woody Allen (especially his writing) and David Lynch have had an incredible impact on me and it would be an absolute dream come true if I had a chance to interview them both!

7. I love dogs, especially two breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and American Pit Bull Terrier. I wish that people were much more educated about Pit Bull Terriers, after all, there are no bad dogs, it’s just that sometimes good dogs happen to bad people!

8. Horse riding is my biggest indulgence in life. If I could, I would be at the stables every single day. Every time I ride, I learn something new, and it’s incredibly gratifying.

9. Number 9 is magical and it’s my birth number.

Dominique de Merteuil & Brand Collaborations

Contemporary brands I had the pleasure of collaborating with on many vintage projects.

Helen Moore England

I had the pleasure and honour to collaborate with my favourite faux fur brand, Helen Moore on many projects over the years.

You can read my latest interview on the brand’s official website.

Faux Fur, Jewellery, Books & Corsets

• Helen Moore England
• Poporcelain
• DC Thompson Publishing
• Orchard Corset

Lingerie, Hosiery & Shoes

• French Sole
• Gilda & Pearl
• Aubade
• Wolford

Related: Dominiqu de Merteuil in the Press

Stylised Product Photography

Las but not least, I create stylised product images for my blog, along with social media of beauty, fashion and accessory brands. For more information and booking take a look at my Services page.