French Kiss Vintage has Moved: Au Revoir Blogger! Bonjour WordPress!

Mes Amies...French Kiss Vintage is still at frenchkissvintage.com although we're no longer on Blogger. We have moved to Wordpress in order to give our readers the best blogging experience! But have no fear...you can find us still at our original URL, just click here: frenchkissvintage.com it automatically directs you to our new home

Merci et Au Revoir!

Debut A Celebration of British Fashion: Vintage Lots Auctioned for Cancer Research UK

Just in case you missed the tweets... last night Ms Ooh La La was lucky enough to be invited to Henry Holland's launch of Debut for Cancer Research UK.  Held in one of London's oldest and most historic venues, the prestigious One Mayfair, the main event is being held tomorrow night, 24th March.  In what will be his premiere event for the charity, Henry Holland has teamed up with some of the UK's most heritage fashion designers, models, photgraphers and enthusiasts to celebrate british fashion, and its all for a very important cause.  Having being closely affected by the disease, his mother thankfully recovered from breast cancer last year, and one of his best friend's works for the charity, Henry has been a long term supporter of Cancer Research.  By hosting tomorrow night's glamourous soiree, he spoke of using his fashion credentials to produce what he hopes will be a unique event to raise awareness and more importantly donations for the cause.  Celebrity fashionistas such as Mary Quant, Paul Smith, Nicholas Kirkwood and Kate Moss have all generously donated items to his evening's main attraction - a silent auction, plus they'll be DJs, fine dining and cocktails alongside. 

Following a sneaky peek at the lots last night, we wanted to show you our two favourite picks of the amazing vintage lots that guests will be able to bid on, these were limited edition Twiggy and Sid Vicious prints:

Full details on the Debut event can be found at Debut.  Before signing off I must mention, the extra treat at the launch.... Ms Ooh La La was super spoilt by having a chance to rifle through a wonderful pop up Cancer Research shop, where she bought an amazing vintage Chanel silk shirt.  (Check out pictures on last night's Twitter!).  On hand at the temporary store was the fabulous Damian John who normally manages the Islington Cancer Research store, and he gave us a great scoop on the fanastic vintage themed Cancer Research shop in West London, so do check it out at 392 Chiswick High Road.  We can't wait to pop along!

Vintage Dining: Roux at The Landau 30th March 2011

Ms Ooh La La loves any excuse to combine her two favourite past times: dressing up and dining...and the Dining Off Antiques charity evening at Roux at The Landau really hits the mark! For what could be better than to recline one's derriere on £3million worth of vintage furniture (its the world's most expensive dining room dontchaknow?!) whilst sampling the delicious delights of famed chef Michel Roux Jr.

Guests will be transported to another era since every aspect of the dining experience will be antique, from the heritage recipes to the very cutlery and crockery they dine on.  The evening is the brainchild of Roux Jr and local antique dealers Simon Phillips, owner of Ronald Phillips Antiques in Mayfair.
  
The event runs on Wednesday 30th March 7pm - 11.45 pm.  Tickets can be purchased from The Landau or call their reservations line 0207 965 0165/ email: reservations@rouxatthelandau.com


Prices are un petit cher at £350 but mes amies, its all for charidee (The Disposessed Fund) so why not tap up that old monsieur you know?...And did we mention the eighteenth century chinoiserie?

Thrift-ola Launches: It's The Answer To All Our Vintage Lifestyle Needs!

...and where else can you buy a pineapple handbag, long necked cat & wash it down with some fabulous kitchenalia like a Babysham cocktail tray? We're in lust, vintage-homeware-thift-lust that is! Ms Ooh La La is already a serious Thift-ola fan having already purchased two items this very day...Item un: this fabulous fiftie's clock for her maison, and item deux: a beautiful wicker Summer basket bag for her best pal's birthday...(Anais please avert your eyes now!)

This online vintage superstore really does cover all your vintage desires with ten natty 'floors' catering to all your vintage wants and needs-there's everything from 'Cocktail-oclock' to 'Books & Zines'.

And the best thing about Thrift-ola? Well you can do all your vintage thrifting from the comfort of your own boudoir, alors there's no need to get up at 5am and traipse around in the rain in some muddy old field called 'a bootfair' horray!

So who's the brains behind this new store you may ask? Well its the lovely Leona, who was previously known for her indie jewellery brand Lady Luck Rules OK and Brick Lane boutique Superette.

So happy thrifting mes amies, and don't forget to check out the store's Facebook and twitter for behind the scenes sneak peeks too-those bargains won't be around for long-take it from me I'm still crying over missing out on the pineapple bag-it just sold. Blub!

Make Do & Mend: Learn the Art of Vintage Quilting

With the changing season upon us, Ms Ooh La La has been up to some serious Spring cleaning this week, she's been dying to perk up her boudoir with some vintage bedspreads but can't really afford a big splurge.  At the same time she's unearthed a big pile of vintage dress 'scrap' not to mention a brand new sewing machine (zut alors! still in its box unused after six months!)  So what should she do? Well, not to panic, help is at hand in the form of those crafty folks at Make Lounge, who have just launched their new season workshops These cover everything from how to stitch knockout knickers to quilted cushion classes (with some sewing machine tutorage thrown in for good measure!)

Classes start from around £35 and include all materials, or why not recycle that old old prom dress that's been lying in the corner? The small groups are really good fun with highly skilled teachers and its a great way to make new pals-stitch and bitch anyone? or even bring the old ones-you can purchase vouchers too - tres bonne birthday gifts p't'etre?

But alas, should your apartment require some vintage va va voom sans the elbow grease, why not cheat and check out Etsy's range of vintage quilts.  Just remember to sprinkle around some bobbins and thread on the floor before the guests pop round, it'll be our little secret!

Happy stitching!x

Behind the Scenes of a Vintage Fashion Shoot...Part Deux!

Tres mechant! Last week Ms OOh La La forgot to say a tres grande merci to Mademoiselle Katie Torrie of 118 Columbia Road, for providing an essential much on location dressing boudoir.  We produced an array of fabulous pictures for the 2011 look book that day, but before the big reveal here's a few shots that didn't make the final cut.  This was due to a number of reasons ranging from a pigeon deciding they wanted a starring role in shot (tres Dali-esque ne'est ce pas?) to our models' giggle fits when hordes of market shoppers decided to snap their own personal pictures! Hope you enjoy! xx

The Vanity Box - Hair And MakeUp from the Golden Eras!

Last week French Kiss Vintage popped along to The Affordable Vintage Fair in Bethnal Green, and whilst Ms Ooh La La was trotting around scouting out vintage homewares, (fyi she did find an excellent 1970's picnic set, a total steal at only £10!) she was stopped dead in her tracks but what can only be described as a case of acute vintage-hair-do-envy!


And you may ask, to whom did these admirable vintage rolls belong?  None other than Ms Verity Waite of The Vanity Box

Verity and her team have been responsible for producing an array of  amazing vintage hair and beauty makeovers for a variety of personal clients and companies in and around London, and with twelve years experience under their belts, you know you'll be in capable hands

So whether  you need some 1920's Silent Movie Star styling for the office party or Rockabilly Rave quiffs for that shotgun wedding invite, you should give The Vanity Box team a holler!

But don't just take our word for it, as if you didn't need any more of an incentive, Verity and her team were recently called in by none other than Ms Diane Von Furstenberg at Claridges too, well what's good enough for DVF I say...!

You can contact Verity and The Vanity Box by calling 07979 816352 or emailing verity@thevanitybox.co.uk

Vintage Dresses At The Oscars: Past Present & Future!

At last Sunday's Oscar's Colin Firth's wife Livia Guiggioli caused a stir on the red carpet by wearing a glamourous dress that was made from no less than 11 different vintage outfits, all sourced from Greenwich store: 360 Degrees Vintage: eco and retro, tres bien!

She told Sky News, ''My dress is  made from 11 dresses from the era of The Kings Speech.  It defies what you normally see on the red carpet.  It's really beautiful- its pretty but also has a message"

But that wasn't the only vintage dress in attendence at Oscars 2011, here are a few other choice ensembles that graced the awards...

Michelle Williams opted for the Queen of Vintage gowns by wearing  Chanel: ageless, timeless, & pretty much priceless!

And a best supporting dress role goes to our homegrown talent Ms Florence Welsh, who at this year's awards chose a 'vintage inspired' dress by Valentino (available for purchase next season madames!)

And finally a vintage nod to Valentino (well its barely vintage being only nine years old) Anne Hathaway, but we had to include it as a French Kiss Vintage Oscar highlight-too damn fabulous!

R.I.P. Jane Russell, Gentleman Prefer Brunettes

Today marked the sad passing of one of America's most dashing 1940's starlets, Jane Russell. First discovered at the age of nineteen by movie mogul Howard Hughes, Russell's first film role was the lead in 1940's Western, The Outlaw. But she was probably best known playing Dorothy Shaw, Marilyn Monroe's witty sidekick in Gentleman Prefer Blondes.

And here's our favourite clip from that classic movie:

Not only was Russell a fantastic actress and singer, the Minnesotan bombshell kept busy with a variety of projects beyond the silverscreen.  These ranged from being the spokewoman of Playtex (Cross-Your-Heart!)- bras to her proudest achievement, in 1955 founding the World Adoption International Fund (WAIF), a charity organisation that placed children with adoptive families and which pioneered adoptions from foreign countries by Americans.

We wish a fond farewell to Jane, and leave you with a gallery of her most glamourous moments...enjoy!

Behind the Scenes of a Vintage Fashion Shoot with French Kiss Vintage

Today Ms Ooh La La, beautiful model Sian, and talented fashion photographer Nat Cook braved the rain (and shoppers!) to create a street style photo shoot on London's famous flower market, Columbia road. We thought it might be fun to share with you some behind the scenes shots to share highs... (vintage hair styling & cake eating!) and the lows... (posing in near torrential rain!):

10 am, Ms Ooh La La heads to The Powder Room where the fabulous Candy styles her hair into 1940's Victory Roles...requiring muchos backcombing & half a can of Elnett ('this brushes out right?')

11 am, model Sian arrives and starts prepping her make up but 'zut alors!' discovers she's sans eyelash glue! so we run out to the Powder Room who save the day-again!

11:30 am Photographer Nat Cook arrives and picks some great locations to shoot by The Birdcage -the old green tiles make the perfect backdrop, then we nip round the corner to make use of the exposed brickwork, and whilst 'vogueing' & posing to Nat's shouts of 'couture' (think Zoolander but more pouty!) we try not to get too distracted by working in close proximity to the heaven of baked goods known as, 'The Cake Hole cafe'

12-3pm 18 outfit changes, 3 lipsticks, 2 torrential downpours, 5 pairs of shoes, 12 pegs, 4 pairs of tights and 5 french fancies later...

3pm we wrap up and Ms Ooh La La allows herself to polish off the last of the French Fancies...with a little help from her pals...

Stay tuned to see the final pictures next week x

Vintage Diane Von Furstenberg Launches at Matches

We all know Diane Von Furstenberg is a fashion icon, but before we launch into a piece about her new collection here's three fun factoids about the design legend you may not know...

Une: She used to be a princess (in her youth she met & married Prince Egon of Furstenberg and after the divorce shrewdly kept her name for her design business)

Deux: She was famous for creating the wrap dress in 1973 & its iconic status was immortalised after being selected to appear as part of the Costume Institute collection within the Metropolitan Museum of Art 

Trois: She's referenced in Dolly Parton's 1981's hit, 'Working Girl'

Well we've loved her style through the years from signature dress prints to re-designing the modern day Kindle cover, but to us nothing beats those original styles, and now thanks to Matches we have the chance to enjoy these again with the launch of the new Diane Collection: where vintage archived DVF prints have been reissued for new styles & accessories

We particularly love the new julian dress above, but what's your favourite?x

Forget Valentines Gifts, Learn The Art of Courtship Instead

Is your suitor lacking in the old romance stakes mademoiselles? Well look no further, help is at hand and its all thanks to those wonderfully whimsical chaps at Hendricks Gin.  Join courtship connoisseurs Dr. Humphrey Sixwivs and Mrs. Isabella Forlornicate for their Courtship Clinic as they bestow chaps with tips on all manner of Valentine's etiquette from saucy body language to lady's fan movements.  Commenting on the clinic, Xavier Padovani, the charismatic Hendrick’s Global Ambassador, said:

“It is often said that good manners cost nothing, but little is mentioned about their ability to impress. Basic etiquette and a decent understanding of how to act in the company of others can go a long way to receiving the approval of an admired one. There is much we can learn from the Victorians and we hope the advice offered will help a few hearts flutter this Valentine’s Day.”


It was author Og Mandino that once said:


“I seek constantly to improve my manners and graces, for they are the sugar to which all are attracted.” Those who come to the clinic will leave a wiser and, by accord, a more attractive individual.” Added Mr Padovani.
Zut alors...we're heading down pronto!


Timing and venues as follows:
10th – 14th February 2011 , 12.00-19.00 every day
Seven Dials, 51 Neal St, Covent Garden WC2H

For more details on their fabulous events please visit http://www.hendricksgin.com/

Vintage Valentine's Make Up: Sparkly Sexy Seventies!

Love is in the air mon cher & we're getting spruced up from top to toe...starting with our maquillage (that's make up en Anglais!).  We asked make up artist Lucy Freeman for something sparkly, sexy & seventies! ...and here's what she gave us...a fabulous guide to creating the sultry sexy smokey eye look inspired by seventies sex kitten Twiggy.  What makes this look so vintage is the metallic theme-a fab nod to the floors of Studio 54 wouldn't you agree?

Step By Step photo gallery:

STEP ONE

Cleanse and moisturise face. Using an eyeshadow shade similar to your natural brow colour ‘fill in’ and define brows using short strokes with a stiff small angle brush. Prime eye socket and brow bone with concealer.

Kit used: HD Brows: High Definition Brows and Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in Radiant Touch 1.

STEP TWO

Take a large soft brush (MAC 242 used here) and  ‘pat on’ shade in whole socket with mid-grey metallic shade from Sleek Graphite eyeshadow palette (available from Superdrug nationwide).

STEP THREE

Take a dome shaped soft brush (MAC 222 used here) and a darker grey or black shade and define the natural crease of your socket.  Using your soft large brush blend up to the brows. Take a fine angle brush and using the darker shade line the lower lashes. (MAC 263 used here).

STEP FOUR

Using MAC Eye Kohl in ‘Smoulder’ fill in your upper and lower waterline for real sultry intensity! Using the vanilla white shade from your Sleek graphite palette and a MAC 214 brush pat colour into the inner socket. This will make the eye appear bigger got that ‘doe-eyed’ flutter! Highlight brow bones with Sue Moxley FAMOUS  Shade 2 Dusky Rose highlighter shadow using fingertips.

STEP FIVE

Curl eyelashes (Mister Mascara eyelash curlers used available from Boots nationwide).  Apply volumising mascara (Maybelline Collosal Volum’ Express in Glam Black Waterproof used here) in a zig zag motion along the lashes right in at the root to the edge for even coverage and ultimate false lash effect!  Finish by applying  YSL Touche Eclat under eyes and patting on powder to set the look. A quick spritz of Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting MakeUp Setting spray will have you looking perfect for an entire evening of seduction!

If you enjoyed this, check out our other how to Vintage Make Up guide at your leisure!  A bientot x

On our radar: Make up artist Lauren Alexandra

Want to channel Debbie Harry in her heyday…or get the hedonistic 1920s flapper look down to a T? Whether your look is Classic Pin Up or Audrey Hepburn, or you like to walk on the wild side a la Lady Gaga, head over to Lauren Alexandra’s YouTube Channel for a gaggle of insider make-up tips and videos. Fans of Cassette Playa's cartoon couture will love the Sonic the Hedgehog inspired look…

www.youtube.com/user/Leanashe23

Last Minute Vintage Gifts At Laura J

Darlings, are you stressing over that last minute gift? or in need of some some sexy attire for the Xmas/New Year party? Well pas de probleme! because we've just delivered some stunning new pieces to Laura J. 

There's everything from sweet petite stocking fillers, like embroidered hand mirrors & vintage watches to full length silk maxi dresses, fur stoles & sequin tops that sparkle as much as that pink champagne in your glass.

Joyeaux Noel mes amies! xx

Silverflint pop up shop hits Shoreditch

Cosy knits and luxurious cashmere are always a winner when it comes to Christmas presents, and even more so when they have a modern edge. So if you still have a few gifts yet to buy it’s worth heading to The Outside World Gallery in Shoreditch from the 9th – 12th December, when they will be hosting a very special pop up shop event by emerging lifestyle clothing brand Silverflint, who are previewing their new luxury cashmere collection alongside their men's and women's hand knits, jumpers, ponchos, travel blankets and accessories.

Silverflint embodies freedom and adventure, bringing together a community of likeminded individuals who love travel, love adventure and love looking good with it. And over the last few months, French Kiss Vintage have been working with them to source some suitably otherworldly and nomadic vintage pieces to sit alongside their collection. So at the pop up event this weekend not only will you find soft as butter cardigans, oversize scarves and capes from Silverflint, but you’ll also discover all sorts of FKV treasures including worn in leather cases, Russian style fur hats and suede tasselled tunics. 

The Silverflint pop up shop takes place at The Outside World Gallery, Shoreditch, 44 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP. Times are as follows:
Thursday 9th December 12-9pm with opening drinks from 6-9pm and a Ben Rymer Dj set
Friday 10th December 12-8pm
Saturday 11th December 12-8pm
Sunday 12th December 12-5pm

Discover more at www.silverflint.com

Celebrate Vintage Christmas with Harrod's Urban Retreat

There's a time in every gal's life that she needs to be pampered like a princess, (actually make that a Silver Screen Icon!), and boy george the folks at Harrod's have nailed it! 
Urban Retreat has created a sumptuous selection of Christmas packages inspired by famous femme fatales and glamorous icons of the silver screen, in keeping with the Harrods theme, ‘A Vintage Christmas’, which will run throughout the store.


It's the perfect present for oneself... Choose from a subtle Marilyn-makeover to die-hard-diva-Liz Taylor extreme spoiling...think I know what we'll have!


Book at Urban Retreat now until Feb 1st 2011

Celebrate The Radiant Hour at Laura J London 9th December

Our gorgeous shoe pals at Laura J London are having a fabulous winter soiree next week and you're invited! There will be Xmas drinks, nibbles, gift voucher giveaways plus personalised fashion stylists on hand to help you look your best for the Xmas season...all this plus some delectable party outfits from yours truly!

RSVP is essential s'il vous plait, as its bound to be super popular and we'd hate you to miss out.  Details on the flyer below...

Fashion In Film Festival December 2010

Bonjour mes amies! Just wanted to make you aware of a blink-and-you'll-miss-it fabulous film festival that's rooted in vintage fashion...The 3rd Fashion In Film Festival runs from 1st-12th December and takes place in a variety of venues across London, from BFI on Southbank to the Horse Hospital in Covent Garden.  This year's theme is all about the opulence of vintage costume, and we couldn't think of anything more glamourous.

With endorsement from fashionistas like Pam Hogg, we can't wait to snuggle down in front of a big screen, & grab some popcorn, & lose ourselves for a couple of hours in the magic of celluloid!Happy viewing xx

Vintage Xmas Party Wear Hits Laura J London this week

Santa has been busy this week dropping off our new winter party collection at Laura J London. This season is all about glamorous party wear mixed with decadent furs and silk maxi dresses. We've also got metallic stilettos to finish off the look-so pop in and have a gander!...This week our collection features a whole lot of sparkle and sequins & below we've snapped some pics of our favourite items.We're channelling the old good time gals like Liza with these 80's sequin tops that plunge at the neckline and feature unique designs such as this wild peacock.This will certainly get you noticed by Jean Paul et al at the office party! Ooh la la!....