Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Emma Stone on December 16, 2012 at 5:22am

It's tough on the high street: although there is quite a lot of 'vintage inspired' 50's looks, I find the trend is for a lot of skirts and dresses to come up very short (i.e mid thigh rather than the knee lenght most of us PUG girls look for) There is a shop called 'internacional' that do some great pencil skirts very cheaply, but for more authentic 40's and 50's look, most of my gear comes from good ol' eBay. French connection have some gorgeous pieces as well, although I say the vintage look they tend to sway towards is more 60's (shift dresses for example). I've very much a pencil skirt/dress girl, and I have gotten quite a lot of pieces in the past from Tescos. I think it really is a case of accessorizing and dressing your outfit. I get quite a lot of comments about what I wear, and people are always shocked when i tell them I'm wearing a £25 dress from tescos!

Permalink Reply by Paperdoll on March 25, 2013 at 1:02am

You're right, I have a couple of nice cardis from tesco, once you 'have your eye trained' it's suprising what you can find!

Permalink Reply by Renee Besame on March 21, 2013 at 7:45am

It's more on the expensive side of things but Cath Kidston has some great things from time to time, and again they are great on ebay for about a third of the price usually. The sizing is pretty good too, they wash well and last well, and everyoen always comments on them. I've found some good things from Debenhams Betty Jackson range but these are few and far between actually... (but sizing is very generous). I'm yet to find a great high-street store that is less on the expensive side to find great basics that look just so. Having said that I've found some great jewellery in different charity/vintage shops for nothing, and they make any outfit look ten times better and really complete the look.xx

Permalink Reply by Paperdoll on March 25, 2013 at 1:04am

My main problem area is shoes, I have feet like a Sindy doll and can't wear much of a heel. I always fall in love with vertiginous heels in pretty colours that I just wouldnt be able to wear!!

Permalink Reply by Renee Besame on March 25, 2013 at 7:50am

Try flats! Nothing like a good red ballerina pump, or leopard print with a touch of red to say pin-up. Patent in any colour looks great, and there's a nice bit of choice with flats, tiny kitten heel, peep-toe, pointy toe, or round - so that 'just flats' doesn't get too same-old same old?? Failing that just stick on the vertiginous heel and have a drink to help you along!! 

On a more serious note - I've found some great heels and flats at excellent prices in New Look. Some really great vintage repro styles, and they seem to last and last and last just when you'd think they'd no sooner fall apart for being fairly cheap! 

Permalink Reply by Emma Stone on March 25, 2013 at 12:20pm

I second New Look for shoes - I love their range and most of their pairs come in under £30. I agree their build quality is also very good - I've had pairs last me 3 years or so (although with 60+ pairs of shoes they do get good rotation!). Not sure about small 'Sindy' feet (that made me smile!) I guess I'm spoilt for choice with my distinctly average size 6's! I love Schuh as well - they sell a few brands too like Iron Fist, TUK and Irregular choice, which are complete head turners and alternative/pin up orientated too. Style aside, have you tried M&S for shoes? They're really comfy and although not as high as I'm usually used to (If they're below 4 inches, they're flats in my book!) they do half sizes and I believe smaller sizes too (UK 3 I think they start). Shame they're not many stores that sell half sizes anymore either, because a 5.5 fits me like a glove. 
If you struggle in heels, then I'd strongly suggest looking for some wedges or Mary Janes (depending on what part of walking in heels you struggle with) wedges are great (well, and what I'd define as) sensible shoes - whereas Mary Janes help you slipping out of heels. I have a fairly narrow fitting and with stockings and tights, I find myself walking out of court shoes because of the width: so a t-bar or ankle strap can really help.
Ah man, I could talk about shoes forever....

Permalink Reply by Paperdoll on March 26, 2013 at 11:32am

I know what you mean I love shoes, but get severe foot pain in anything more than about an inch high :(  Grimacing in pain is just so unattractive!! Lol.  I'm about a 3 1/2 and can wear a 4 with socks/insoles in some styles, Mary Janes help, and sling backs that I can alter the strap length. I love ballet flats too, but like Emma walk out of them, I just don't understand why manufacturers think that ladies who want a low heel need a wide fitting, where do they get that from?? I live in my canvas pumps in the summer, I may end up looking at kids shoes before long. X

Permalink Reply by Paperdoll on March 27, 2013 at 1:20am

Maybe I will start a 'shoe appreciation ' group! Lol. X