Taking Shape Vintage Tea Party - don't mind if I do!

Last weekend was a whirlwind of pageantry and I loved every minute of it. Unfortunately in my haste to record the events of Saturday evening's 'Miss British Beauty Curve 2015' final, I neglected to mention that Sunday saw a lovely event too - the 'Taking shape' (Cheltenham branch) vintage tea party!

Yours Truly - Ms Gloucestershire Curve 2015
and Ms Congeniality 2015



Lady She and Ruth enjoying a little tipple! Chin chin!

Who could resist a warm welcome home at their favourite shop after such a fabulous weekend?! Greeted by the truly lovely queen of Vintage Styling, Lady She (of SheUnique Vintage Cirencester) and gorgeous Mary Kay make up artist, Ruth Dewick (http://www.marykay.co.uk/rdewick), we were spoiled as usual. Bellini's Kir Royale and Pimms flowed freely and scrummy cakes were abound! What more could a girl ask for? Except perhaps, beautiful clothing and a truly personal service - which is great because that is always available at Taking shape Cheltenham!



Lady She works her magic on vintage boutique owner,
Emma Adams of ''Katherine's Closet"

 Now as you all know, I am a complete devotee of the Taking Shape Cheltenham store, not least because of the wonderful staff Natalie and Tabbi who make each visit an absolute pleasure. Taking shape clothing really is about comfort - not simply in terms of clothing but in terms of being comfortable in your own skin. Natalie and Tabbi put you at ease straight away and I always leave the shop feeling good about myself - and the purchases that I make (I've never yet left the store without buying something!)

The afternoon was a perfectly lovely one and I hope the start of many more lovely in store events to attend. 'Taking Shape' Cheltenham is a credit to the 'Taking Shape' brand and ethos. I heartily recommend a visit and be sure to say that Charlotte sent you!

Cheers! with store manager, Natalie, Tabbi and Lady She

To wiggle - or not to wiggle - that is the question!

Bellatrix with suede mid heels
from Office and Hair flower by
Rockaflower

As many of you will know, I love my vintage and retro style clothing. I'm a particular fan of the 1950s - Full skirts, Dior's 'New Look' and generally really feminine shapes and styles. There is, however a style from that era that has never graced my wardrobe - a wiggle dress. That is until now!
I am now the proud owner of a rose print 'Bellatrix' dress from the Lady Vintage London - Lady Voluptuous range (http://ladyvlondon.com/LadyVoluptuous/). Now I have long favoured the Lady Vintage 'Hepburn' dresses - owning almost their entire collection - but the wiggle is a whole new ballgame for me. I've always been frightened of showing so  
much of my shape. But I've bitten the bullet and I'm really pleased with the results.
The 'Lady Voluptuous' range has been created in collaboration with the wonderful Georgina Horne (Fuller Figure Fuller Bust) and is the UK's first dedicated Plus Size Vintage Clothing label. The 'Bellatrix' dress (as you can see from my photo) features a V neck, 3/4 length sleeves, with a peplum hem. And best of all - drum roll, please - my size 22/24 dress is 46.5" in length! Yay!

Keep yours eye open this coming weekend for more vintage fun at the opening of the new 'Katherine's Closet' boutique in Cheltenham! Gracie and I can't wait!