Spring Arrival

It's almost here! The watery sun is battling it's way through the clouds and trees are beginning to blossom again...Spring! Celebrate the return of this bright season and treat yourself to some mood-lifting pieces to put a spring in your step and get your wardrobe spring clean and fresh.

Pastels

1960's Belted Dress £30.00 at studsandlace.co.uk

Back in full force this season, pastel colours are donning the high street. Nod to the trend in this eggshell blue 60's style dress, the perfect combination allowing you to cover up (it's not Summer yet!) whilst showing a bit of leg when the sun's out.

Vintage Knit Top £15.00 at Studs and Lace
at ASOS Marketplace

However if where you are it still feels like Winter has it's grips on the weather, opt for a light knit jumper in a pastel hue like this baby pink number available at ASOS Marketplace.

1980's Floral Multi Dress £25.00 at studsandlace.co.uk

Prints





Bold prints are another key element to your Spring wardrobe. Stand out from the crowd this season in this vintage 1980's floral print dress, mixing bold fuchsia tones with lilac and white pastels.

Julia Catherine Ward

Beat The Blues

It's January. Christmas is over and it's back to work, university and college. It's time to beat those January blues and treat yourself to some of the luxe vintage items in store at the moment. Whether you want to save or splurge, I've compiled a list of items to help brighten up those dull monday mornings.


Save

Silver Pocket Ring Watch £9.50 at Studs and Lace at ASOS
Marketplace

Pocket Watch Ring: A gorgeous alternative to a simple watch. Bring a little magic to the office with this Alice in Wonderland inspired treasure.

Checked Vintage Cardigan £20.00 at Studs and
Lace at ASOS Marketplace

Checked Cardigan: Cosy up in style with a comfy 1970's vintage cardigan in hues of lilacs and purples - the perfect way to ease you into the pastels of spring. 

Vintage 1970's Woollen Cape with Neck Tie £55.00 at
Studs and Lace at ASOS Marketplace

Splurge

Woollen Cape: Hop on board the cape trend and invest in this gorgeous vintage 1970's woollen cape. With it's neck tie fastening and soft shades of greens and purples, it's a luxury piece which is guaranteed to turn heads with it's one of a kind design. 

By Julia Catherine Ward

Christmas Capers

With almost one week to go until Christmas Day, we're asking you if you're wardrobe is apt and ready for the most festive time of the year? If the answer is no, it's not too late to spruce it up and get Christmas ready!

1980's Vintage Red Cardigan £25.00 at Studs
and Lace at ASOS Marketplace

The christmas jumper is back this season, and it seems, the whackier, the better. Snowmen, gingerbread men and Santa's jolly face are donning the fronts of many of the high-street's offerings of christmas knits this year. However, if you're looking for a more subtle nod to the craze and large jumpers just aren't your thing, Studs and Lace are currently stocking a 1980's Vintage Red Cardigan complete with oversized black and gold buttons and simple star motif.

Vintage 1950's Silk Mix Dress £30.00 at
Studs and Lace at ASOS Marketplace

And the Christmas theme doesn't stop there. Festive shades of greens, reds and golds should be present in every girl's wardrobe this season. Studs and Lace's Vintage 1950's Silk Mix Dress is a gorgeous way of incorporating these colours and would make the perfect Christmas party dress.

For all your Christmas capers this December, make sure you check out Studs and Lace current stock at ASOS Marketplace.

By Julia Catherine Ward

Sequins, Sparkles and More Sequins!

We're now well and truly beginning the party season: the 1st of December is just round the corner and we're starting to look out for potential dresses for the upcoming celebrations.

Vintage 80's Sequin Strappy Dress £15.00 at
Studs and Lace at ASOS Marketplace

Sequins, sparkles and plenty of glitter are the key to this season's looks. With the release of Baz Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby' on DVD, vintage party-wear is having it's moment. Studs and Lace have a range of outfits which fit the bill including a gorgeous black vintage sequinned midi dress. With it's A-line fit and sequinned embellishments, it's the perfect Gatsby-esque piece.

Vintage 80's Jewelled Angora Cardigan £20.00 at
Studs and Lace at ASOS Marketplace

For something a little more understated yet beautifully embellished, there's a vintage jewelled angora cardigan available at ASOS Marketplace. Teamed with black disco pants, this baroque inspired piece with gold detailing and trim adds a little something extra.

Black Suede Lace-up Ankle Boot with Golds Studs
£25.00 at Studs and Lace at
ASOS Marketplace

Another adornment which remains popular this season is the stud. Usually seen on shoes or clutches, it adds a fierce edge to any outfit. Studs and Lace Suede Black Lace-up Ankle Boot with Gold Studs incorporates two of the main colours this season whilst bringing a whole new element to outfits. Plus the chunky heel makes it easier to walk in them, an essential for any party-goer!

By Julia Catherine Ward

Winter Woollies

Vintage Knit Top £15.00 at Studs and Lace
at ASOS Marketplace

Its official. November is here and it hasn't failed in bringing a whole host of icy winds and freezing temperatures with it. High street stores are laden once again with jumpers galore and vintage store Studs and Lace have several Winter vintage offerings.

Mohair

80's Vintage Mohair Cardigan £28.00 at Studs
and Lace at ASOS Marketplace

As featured in Vogue Paris, mohair is making a comeback this season. The furry fibre was seen at Emporio Armani and Alexander Wang, giving a lighter feel than a heavy cable knit or woollen jumper.

Studs and Lace's beige mohair cardigan is a gorgeous alternative to the usual high street cardigans on sale this season. The creamy, coffee coloured neutral shade is an essential Winter hue, acting as the perfect cover up for keeping warm this time of year.

80's Mohair Jumper £25.00 at studsandlace.co.uk 

For a more striking option, their vintage 80's mohair jumper in magenta pink is a unique piece which mirrors the current neon colour block prints and patterns in the likes of high street store River Island. Paired with lacquered pants à la Balmain, it's the perfect piece for simply brightening up a dark December day or for adding an element of warmth to a going out outfit. 

By Julia Catherine Ward

Accessories Aplenty

If you're accessorising with one item this season, it has to be jewellery. I think in terms of fashion, 2013 has definitely been a breakthrough year for costume jewellery with it appearing in almost every store on the high-street. But why risk someone else sporting the same necklace or bracelet as you? Wearing vintage can cut out that worry altogether and at vintage store Studs and Lace, there is plenty of original pieces available.

Black lace bow necklace £8.00 at Studs and
Lace at ASOS Marketplace

It's common knowledge that the chunky necklace has pretty much dominated the costume jewellery scene this season, with collars and heavily decorated pieces cropping up everywhere. Studs and Lace have many handmade and vintage inspired pieces to chose from in their new collection including a personal favourite of mine, the handmade black lace bow necklace. Perfect for the upcoming party season, it will complement well any art deco style outfit or be the ultimate statement for any look.

With the dark nights drawing in and the invitations mounting up, it's that time of the year again to throw on your glad-rags and high heels (and find perfect statement accessories to match!)

                                    By Julia Catherine Ward

Tea Anyone?

1980's Tea Dress £35.00 at studsandlace.co.uk

The tea dress has always been and always will be a must have staple item in the wardrobe of any fashionista. They've been a huge part of many decades: coming up big in the 40's and reappearing in the 70's and 80's mainly, in my opinion because of their versatility.








Coming in all shapes and sizes, the tea dress is the perfect everyday pick me up piece. It's a breath of fresh air from the common pairing of pants and a top, adding a very feminine element to your wardrobe. Albeit in the Winter, you won't usually find me in a tea dress but come Spring, I jump at the opportunity to finally embrace the weather and get my pins out.

1980's Animal Leopard Print Dress £25.00 at studsandlace.co.uk

So although the Winter months are looming, why can't we be looking ahead to when our friend Mr Soleil will show his face again? Studs and Lace's range of vintage tea dresses cater to all occasions. Whether you're after a 1980's style floral piece to brighten up your days and help give you that ray of hope for the return of Spring, or if you want to go for an on trend animal print version of this modern classic, head on over to the main sight to see what kind of tea you might fancy.

By Julia Catherine Ward

The Return of Autumn

With the arrival of September comes the return of the cold weather, the falling leaves and of course, the Autumn/Winter wardrobe. Yes, I'm afraid it's time to put away the bikinis for another year and start dragging out those jumpers and jackets. It doesn't seem like two minutes ago we were cosying up in our knits and seeing that slow transition on the high street from summer beach window displays to arrangements of wooly scarves and fluffy boots.

full length 80s fur coat and scarf £68.00, studsandlace.co.uk

statement outerwear

This season we're seeing the return of statement outerwear. Rounded oversized shoulder pads at Carven, boucle and embellishments at Chanel and black and white fur at Altuzarra. When the weather requires a coat and your outfit becomes hidden underneath, a statement outer piece is essential. 

Keeping you warm this season and adding an element of vintage to your winter wardrobe, Studs and Lace's fur jackets and coats are a perfect option. 

70s snake-skin jacket £40.00, studsandlace.co.uk

classic patterns

Alongside the statement outerwear trend comes the return of the classic pattern. Designers have gone back to basics and brought back the pinstripes, the leopard prints and the plaids to the runway. Old trends and designs are always re-emerging which is why shopping for vintage is the way to go. Studs and Lace currently stock a gorgeous faux snake-skin jacket circa 1970 which nails two of this seasons top trends right on the head. 

By Julia Catherine Ward

Battle of the Sexes

photo from etsy.com

The phrase 'power dressing' derives from the move in fashion that saw women being empowered through the art of fashion. We can see from the 1920's onwards, the decrease of corsets and heavy decoration, with couturiers such as Gabrielle Chanel changing the way in which women dressed. The introduction of trousers and high neck blouses was a controversial move in the world of fashion, but one which any modern woman would follow.
These changes in fashion linked arms with the movements in history, as women were becoming more and more recognised and respected in society. We could now vote and it was becoming more common for a woman to work.


enter the 80's...

photo from eonline.com

Enter the power dressing of the 80's. Pant-suits and the androgynous style of this era were the proof that women could do it all, just like men, but better. We could attend a meeting as a corporate lawyer and still make it in time for picking up the baby from day-care and have lunch with our girlfriends at noon. And the pant suit allowed us to do this. Take Sex and the City's Miranda as the perfect example of this powerful New York City woman who manages it all in her dominating power suit.

The ever popular shoulder pads of the 1980's were like a symbol of growing dominance for women in the workplace to prove to men that they were equals. Today, power dressing is still going strong and women of the world are still fighting for equality. Studs and Lace have featured their very own vintage power blazer on their website. With its shoulder pads, the royal blue colour and sharp tailoring, you can nod to our older generations and be far from the usual in an original 1980's blazer.    

           

power blazer £20 at studsandlace.co.uk

                                                                                                           

by Julia Catherine Ward

Decade Delving

photo from dressedherdaysvintage.com

Vintage clothing is on the uprise, there is no doubt about it. We are slowly realising that by the word 'vintage' we don't mean that old musty cardigan, knitted for your grandma from the 19 somethings, we mean revival. Revival of the clothes that were the originals of trends that still show their faces today, in 2013.

Think about it. Most of the current trends that have cropped up in the past years have all had some element influenced by past decades. Tea dresses and day dresses? Originating in the 1940's and seen again in the 80's. Statement blazers, acknowledging the 80's power blazers with oversized shoulder pads. And not to mention the return of the shift dress, helping us relive the days of some of our favourite 60's icons.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
why vintage?                                  

photo from www.chicous.com

But why vintage when there are perfectly good replications in our favourite high street stores? The answer is as much as I adore the high street, sometimes we all want something that bit more original. Something we can guarantee no one will be wearing at the same time as us.

Vintage clothing has the ability to transport us into the eras we never got to experience. Donning a 40's style dress and red lip can instantly make you feel like the ultimate pin up girl of the decade.

So next time you're going out or even wanting something more casual, why not experience the 'vintage feeling' for yourself and delve into the decades

                                                                        

by Julia Catherine Ward

Stars and Stripes

American Flag leggings, Vintage crop jacket - ASOS marketplace, T-Shirt- Blonde & Blonde, Restyled T-Shirt Dress - Studs & Lace

There is no better excuse to don a pair of American flagged leggings than to make a sartorial nod towards our US cousins on this day, July 4^th.

Push the boat out and don some red, white and blue, sprinkle it with a few stars and stripes, and you will be U.S.A fabulous.

For the more understated look, salute to the cruise collection style that wouldn’t look out of place in the Hamptons and try the restyled T-Shirt dress from Studs & Lace.

So as those across the Atlantic spend their day throwing some steaks on the barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the sun, or watching some hugely overstated firework display, check out some of the events in London, and delve into your own Stateside celebrations…

Time Out's guide to 4th July London

By Laura Feasey

Riverside Style

Photos courtesy of Britishrowing.org. Filigree necklace, lace earrings and bow tie necklace all from studsandlace.co.uk

Riverside Style

The determined bad summer weather did not hinder the masses at this weekend’s Royal Henley Regatta. A somewhat more understated event amongst a busy social calendar that has been recently invaded by brash celebrities and their hangers on, Henley remains a pleasant and elegant affair.

If you missed this weekend’s frolics by the river, save an outfit for a summers day and accessorise your sunny attire with some vintage finds from studsandlace.com.

By Laura Feasey

Wimbledon Style

Photos courtesy of The Daily Mail

No sooner has one event finished does another begin, and this week is the turn of the Wimbledon tennis championships. As us English fans gear ourselves up for two weeks of strawberries and cream, Robinsons orange squash and prayers to the weather gods for sun, the world’s best in the land of tennis descend upon this quaint little suburb of London.

Not traditionally known for its glamour, this year the competition is to be given its own injection of charm, as presented by Sportsmail photographer Andy Hooper, who photographed some of the female stars. Bethanie Mattek-Sands (pictured above) is one of the figures who has captured the attention of Wimbledon viewers over the past few years. Dubbed the Lady Gaga of tennis, it was last year’s competition that saw her make her biggest mark on the fashion world, in an outfit from the British designer Alex Noble, who has also been responsible for some of Gaga’s most notorious costumes.

As well as keeping a keen eye on some of the more audaciously dressed players of the competition, we shall be giving you an insight into how to dress tennis tremendous over the next week, just in case you might be hotfooting it down to the courts.

By Laura Feasey

Royal Ladies

Cream and black fascinators - www.studsandlace.co.uk Photos courtesy of The Daily Mail.

With just one day left, this year’s royal race meeting has been subject to much more than the odd opinion. Monday kicked off amidst a tumultuous cry of protest and objection, whether it was down to the orange stickers the men had to bear in place of their absent ties, or the rejection faced by the ladies in their spaghetti straps and short skirts. Nevertheless, this last week certainly has not disappointed when it comes to the style stakes.

Even though ladies day was greeted by gusts of wind that threw up more than the odd hat and skirt, many of the fairer sex managed to hold on to their headpieces and demonstrate some of the very best in British eccentricity and artistic license.

From the woman supporting the weight gargantuan blue stilton, complete with grapes, to the swarm of butterflies encircling another’s head, there was certainly some distinctive choices on the race course this year.

If you’re looking to delve into the world of headpieces and fascinators this season, why not opt for something a little more discreet, such as these vintage inspired fascinators from studsandlace.co.uk.

By Laura Feasey

Royal Artwork

Dress top left, Studs and Lace at Asos, other photographs courtesy of

News Group Newspapers Ltd.

Royal Artwork

Just two days into Ascot and we have already been thoroughly spoiled with hats, shoes, dresses and works of art.

Dress code assistants were on hand with piles of pashminas and feathery fascinators to help cover up the modesty of those who had failed to adhere to this years strict dress code.

After much primping and preening, the racecourse was filled with debonair men in their top hats and elegant women in their tails, which were predominantly on or below the knee, of course.

Some of the more flamboyant race goers treated us to some fascinating sights of birdcage adorned heads and patriotically inspired attire, much to the amusement and the unabashed opinions of the world’s press.

In such a celebratory year for the country, several visitors made a nod in the direction of the time of the Queen’s coronation, with some 1950s inspired outfits.  Try your own 50s silhouette with the beautiful wiggle dress from studs and lace.

By Laura Feasey

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot shot by Simon Proctor, Dress - Antonio Berardi, Hat - Stephen Jones

Tomorrow sees yet another traditional British event gallop off, with the first day of Royal Ascot. We could pretend that we know that this week marks one of the most important race meetings on the European calendar, or we could tuck the Pinocchio noses back in, and talk about what the ladies will be wearing.

This entertaining event has sparked controversy over the past couple of years, what with hems getting higher and necklines getting lower, as the organisers have frowned upon some of the, shall we say, more TOWIE inspired looks on the racecourse.

If you’re planning on heading down to Ascot this week, make sure your knees are in check, your straps are not spaghetti like and your hat is firmly in place. Take a look at these guidelines, otherwise you may just be left standing at the gates…

Courtesy of The Daily Mail

By Laura Feasey

Summer of Music

Clockwise from top left- Parka with Patch Detail - ASOS, Chiffon Shorts - LOVE, Hooded Parka - Barbour, Joules Print Wellies - very.co.uk, Tortoiseshell sunglasses - Browns, Vintage Scarf Top - studsandlace.co.uk, Korres Festival Kit - ASOS, Studded Wellies - Hunter.

We’ve seen where the festival fashion favourites were born, and now is the time to start packing our capsule collections and make sure we are ready, come rain or shine.

Seeing those grey skies over June does not bode well for the British summer, so make sure you’ve been waterproofed, and take advantage of some of the more elegant Wellington boot and parka offerings.

On the other hand, with a little dose of luck, the sun might be shining on your festival crowd, so pick up a lovely little pair of print shorts, just like these from Love, or keep it unique, with a restyled vintage scarf top, such as this one from Studs & Lace.

With long nights and lazy mornings, your skin will be craving some much needed love, so keep it well fed and tended to with some mini saviour essentials, such as the lovely little facial heroes in the Korres Festival Kit.

By Laura Feasey

Festival Vintage

Festival Bracelet - Love Rocks, Sunglasses - Asos, Restyled Vintage dress - Pixie @Studs & Lace, Fringe T - Wildfox, Wellington Boots - Hunter.

Festivals thrive on the harmonious blend of music and fashion, a happy marriage where each party contributes an equal influence to make the other flourish. It was during the notorious days of Woodstock that we first saw Jimmy Hendrix saunter across the stage in a tassel fringed cape, and Joe Cocker showing us just how we should be rocking out in tie dye, so where better to look for our summer festival inspiration than to the great gods that showed us all how it was done.

Stay true to your vintage soul and take a classic piece and restyle it just like we have at studsandlace.com

By Laura Feasey

Festival Fabulous

Photo courtesy of www.slothboogie.com

As we begin to approach the summer and hope, with our fingers firmly crossed, that the sun does come out again to play, we are truly spoiled with a rich calendar filled with festival frolics and carnival clowning around.

A long time has passed since the days of green wellington boots and offensively coloured pac a macs, and this week we shall be looking at the very best in festival fashion. Whether you’re getting down and dirty at Global, picnicking at T in the Park or kicking up the Spanish sands at Benicassim, there is the ideal outfit just waiting to give you some festival fabulousness.

By Laura Feasey

Quintessentially Eccentric

Winged Jacket - Ebay  Silver Peplum Shorts - Asos  Body Chain - Topshop  Peacock Crochet Swimsuit - Nastygal

The great jubilee weekend not only highlighted the wealth of talent this country is home to, but the eccentric characters we have nurtured over the years. Of course no one could have ignored the hula hooping Grace Jones or the angel-winged Annie Lennox, and like it or not, they are anything but boring.

With designers like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes having paved the way for the British eccentric, there is every opportunity to join the unconventionals and make your own little homage to our distinctive nation.

Us Brits have for a long time been known for our unique and uncanny attributes, so move over Lady Gaga, we were doing it a long time before you…

By Laura Feasey