Help and Advice Please -- From UK/ European Car Boot Sellers and Attendees

Could those of you who attend and or sell at UK/ European style Car Boot sales please get in touch with me via mail? My email address is punk.glam.queen at gmail.com. I have a few questions I need answered by seasoned buyers and sellers. Please feel free to pass this info on to your experienced friends too, the more info I can get from a variety of experts, the better -- so tweet, FB or blog, just make sure to include my email (or email it to them directly) so I can get in touch with them! Thanks so much in advance!

Oh and so this isn't a boring text only post, here are some instagram pics from the past few weeks:


Silver crackle polish over turquoise matches the pool! The Punk Glam Princess in the background.


Poolside glamour!





Brando on his Triumph from "The Wild One" ironically everyone equates this film with Harley's but only British bikes were featured!


Sally Hansen stick on flower bitterly polish, so easy. Long lasting, and pretty!


My new massive sun hat and Vivienne Westwood sunglasses.


Close up of shades and my wacky new beach towel -- leopard? Check. Paisley? Check!


Cut flowers and my vintage Fire King Tony the Tiger mug (filled with the bottomless cup of PG Tips!)


Sally Hansen leopard stick on polish in leopard!



Vivienne Westwood for Melissa beige wedges.


Hudson River's edge -- enjoying a glass of wine after our swim and BBQ with our tootsies in the river at dusk last night.


Lazing late last night on our front porch in my vintage Emilio Pucci for Formfit Rogers nightgown -- I've had this for about 35 years of constant use and I bet the colours are still as vibrant now as they were when it was purchased new!

Follow me on Instagram at PunkGlamQueen I look forward to seeing your fun pics!

XXX
Suzanne
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Links à la Mode for 30 June 2011

Hey blogger. Get over yourself. Seriously.

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

This week I'm fresh out of love and rainbows, so there will be no kumbaya intro. Doesn't mean I don't love y'all, but I have got to tell you that lately, I'm a wee bit peeved by the fame-whoring and big-noting going on in the fashion blogosphere (and Twitterverse). Who of us doesn't want brand endorsements and blogging fame? We're all stars in our own right, and there is nothing wrong with ambition. But no one likes a self-absorbed, one-sided braggart. And no one likes an ass-kisser. Period.

Have you given props to someone other than yourself lately? Is every status update about hyping you? Is everything in your life now about the blog? As Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys wonders in her post, are you capturing reality on your blog or manufacturing it? If any of this sounds like you, you might be on the road to becoming a full-blown fame monster. Maybe it's time to check yourself.

A Challenge

If you're destined for blogging fame, it will come through dedication, professionalism, and genuine respect. Through interaction, supporting your community, and authenticity. Let's take blogging back to its roots. This week's roundup is chock full of posts teeming with creativity, wit, and wisdom. I challenge you all to not only read and comment on at least 10 blog posts, but to share them as well. Find something that resonates with you and tweet it, like it, stumble it. All those hearts and thumbs up weren't made just for you.

Links à la Mode: June 30th

• Beautifully Invisible: A Rant: Why Women Are (at times) Their Own Worst Enemy


• Bell Street: Zero-waste patternmaking


• Beyond Fabric: Key-carrying options for guys


• Brunette Blogging: Tips & Tricks: How to get more blog traffic


• By Anika: On being non-conformist from within


• Divergent Musings: The blogger's dilemma: I want nice pictures, but do I get a DSLR?


• Fashables: Men that like fashion are gay


• Grit & Glamour: What V Wore: Modern Greek


• Haute in Texas: Lingerie tips and tricks, because life is too short to wear boring panties.


• In Between Seams: Tips on scoring an internship from a Teen Vogue internIndependent Fashion Bloggers: What Twitter Taught Me About Interaction Online


• Kirstin Marie: Fashion Inspiration: Patterns & Textures


• Made-to-Travel: Tumblr party pics and why you should join tumblr for fun—and for your blog.


• Mis Papelicos: A sartorial and philosophical approach to keeping cool


• My Orange Stilettos: The Campaign for Clearer Clothes Sizing


• North On Harper: Runway To Room: Milla Jovovich (translating a red carpet look into a room in your home)


• Over 50 Feeling 40: How I chose what the mother of the bride would wear


• Ruby Slipper Journeys: The problem with "blogger poses," and getting back to what's authentic.


• Sprinkles in Springs: DIY a spiked bag like Alexander Wang's Rocco satchel


• Style Sizzle: It's hot out. Let's talk about (preventing) boob sweat.


• The Citizen Rosebud: As a +40 personal style blogger I share what and why I dress the way I do.


• The Loudmouth Lifestyle: Be a better shopper, part two: Implementation

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Betsy Johnson Sample Sale!

It's that time again -- I've featured some of my previous bargains I've gotten from Betsy Johnson's sample sales for both myself (here & here) and the Punk Glam Princess and I can tell you the prices can't be beat! The prices are usually so good they're even better deals than the Betsy Johnson outlet at Woodbury Common, which are also pretty darn good!

(Click to enlarge.)

Don't forget to look for the stunning Jasmin from Vintage Vandalizm. Betsy Johnson has such a fun, flirty approach to design that can indeed be worn by any age -- it's all in the styling and Jasmin has stellar super powers when it comes to putting together a look! Usually Betsy's sample sales have a bit of everything from her whole range of goodies at rock bottom prices! I can also vouch for the quality, as I have things I purchased back in the late 70s-80s and they still look fab as well as having stood the test of time without any issues!

The lovely Jasmin from Vintage Vandalizm and the Punk Glam Princess at one of Betsy's sample sales this past winter.

If you see me or the PGP there, do be sure to say hello! I would love to meet you!

XXX
Suzanne

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Melissa Sample Sale Update

I'm terribly sorry that I wasn't able to get this out earlier, but there's still today and tomorrow to hit the Melissa Sample Sale. And as you'll see, this is a sale you will definitely want to hit!

The sale was filled with Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier at prices between $50-$75! this year there were sample bins in all sizes and these were going for $20! The PGP and I both found VW in those bins and are quite happy with all our finds.


Vivienne Westwood Dragon Lady


Massive stock and sizing on the JPG stilettos. The pale gold are calling my name...

And as to what I purchased...


Exactly what I was hoping for -- VW Wedges in beige!


Of course I had to get them in black too. They are the most comfy shoes and great for looking fantastic when it's raining!


I also picked up these VW 3-Straps in purple. Although I'm not that huge of a purple person (too many years of wearing it too often turned me off to it) the colour was so vibrant, and they're also very comfortable, so I think I can manage to find occasion to wear them!

The Punk Glam Princess cleaned up with some very stylish shoes and will be updating her blog with her goodies soon.

We're also planning to go back tomorrow as there are a few styles I keep thinking about which means I will kick myself if I don't at least try to find them again! Wish me luck! Do stop by for fantastic deals on gorgeous, stylish, sustainable shoes! (Click here for hours.)

XXX
Suzanne

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Sunglasses Vintage and New

I finally got around to unearthing my vintage sunglass collection and thought it might be nice to show them here. Most I've had since the late 70s to mid 80s and I stupidly used to sell brand new unused vintage sunglasses to flea market vendors -- oh how I wish I had them now! I also included a few of my fav pairs of newer sunglasses as I wear them so much (don't trust the UV protection on the really old ones.)


Here's a group shot, I'll break down my favs into smaller pics.


These are probably my favorite because they belonged to my grandfather who died when I was just 4. They're "Cool Ray Polaroid" in a classic wayfarer style, tortoise frame. I don't wear them as often as I'd like out of paranoia -- today I realised in about 2 years they will be certified antiques!


Look at the fab carving and crystals on these 60s French sunglasses! Tres jolie!


The colour isn't showing up properly but these are purple metallic wayfarers from the 60s!


I can't believe I never wore these fab 70s shades! That's going to be rectified immediately!


These 50s sunglasses have fab light blue glitter along the top!


Here's another pair I never wore (what's wrong with me?) they still have their tags and are French made, from the 50s. Can't you just imagine someone like Brigitte Bardot wearing these on the French riviera?


These are vintage YSL cat eye sunglasses I found on eBay last year. You can still find them as the seller in Canada has a stockpile of them, and I might even wind up with another pair as I wore them to death last summer!


Newer acquisitions -- on the bottom are Alexander McQueens purchased last year, and the top are some Gucci shades I adore for hiding my cheekbones which have gotten sun damaged from sticking out tool far ):


These are some older Gucci shades, I love them as the quality is amazing and they last forever!


How fab are these 50s huge cat eyes? Love them!


No vintage collection is complete without some crazy hippie half shades!


Sylvester! Need I say more?


These 50s shades were my favs for years. Also French made, and I had them in a gorgeous blue too. Sadly the lenses are too scratched for wear now ):

I hope you enjoyed my little collection! have you any fab vintage shades to share? I'd love to see them!

XXX
Suzanne

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Garden In Full Bloom!

These pictures were taken last week before we had torrential rains. I'm so pleased my peonies are almost a full line across the front of the house, they look so festive and smell heavenly! Sadly now after the rains they are worse for the wear, boo!


As you can see in the background the climbing rose are just starting to blossom. Now they are a riot of blooms!











A few I cut with some roses to bring the lovely scent inside!


This was actually taken a few weeks ago, my massive dogwood didn't blossom so well last year but we got loads this year!

I think maybe our harsh winter made everything bloom more than it has in recent years. So I guess it was worth it for that!


Happy weekend everyone!
XXX
Suzanne

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Melissa Sample Sale -- Don't Miss!

Last years sale was incredible (we got some fab designer collab bargains!) and I'm sure this year will be the same! The Punk Glam Princess and I will report back with our findings, but I do urge you to go if you love Melissa and all their many designer collaborations such as Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, etc. at rock bottom prices!





Click image to enlarge

Remember, Melissa shoes are made from sustainable materials and Eco-friendly!


I hope to see you there, if you plan to attend do let me know in the comments, and don't forget to say hello!
XXX
Suzanne

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Creative Urge -- Swimsuit Coverup Design

I've been having the urge to get creative and do some sewing lately, and late one night last week I finally gave in to a quick project. I had purchased a length of silk chiffon, embroidered and embellished delicately with sequins last summer while in London. While out vintage shopping with my partner in vintage crime -- Jeanne Suica -- we came across the lovely Berwick Street Cloth Shop. This amazing quality fabric was on sale for what I considered a pittance (I can't remember the exact price, but it was under £10 a metre) so after explaining to the sales assistant that I wanted to make a swimsuit coverup, she was able to help me figure out how much I'd need. It turned out that I decided on a different style from the original caftan I had envisioned, and could have used a bit less. However, as I designed this so that it could be taken apart and redesigned into a different style, I'm sure the extra fabric will come in handy at some point!

This was my inspiration:






I saw this on Net-A-Porter, unfortunately it's no longer available so I can't link directly, but they have a lovely collection of swimsuit coverups. While I loved the style, the colour was not what I wanted as it would only work with one of my swimsuits. Then I remembered the fabric! So I got to draping, and came up with a similar design, which was easy peasey to make!

I went from this:


To this:





I haven't sewn it up yet, but I was able to get the shape I wanted by using only three pins! My idea, while similar to the inspiration, was based on tying a pareo -- which I almost did instead of bothering to create a more finished look!

All I had to do was drape the fabric on the mannequin to get the correct shape, pin, and then I'll have to sew a few seams. The shoulders are created by draping the ends over and stitching to the back. This creates the v-neck. There is only one big seam, which is down the front. You could switch it around and put the seam in the back, but you'll lose the higher in front hemline which will wind up in the back. To switch it up further you could make a drawstring neckline, which is similar to what the original inspiration has, and would create larger draped armholes (I prefer the shorter draped armholes as pictured above). Since it's silk chiffon, the hardest part is that I want the edges hand rolled and stitched down to make it cleaner looking. -- although I may wind up machine sewing the edges down as it would seem that would be sturdier. Other than that, this will be one of the easiest design and sewing projects I've done in quite some time!

I'll be sure to show a picture once I'm finished sewing it together -- for now, it's too hot to sit around and sew, so I'm off to the pool to cool down! If you decide to try this project, be sure to let me know in the comments, I love seeing different adaptations of a design!

XXX
Suzanne



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