In case you are planning a visit to a vintage festival or are just looking to put together a vintage out fit for an outside event, I would like to offer you a few tips to cope with the extreme weather that we are experiencing. Brits love to talk about the weather, mainly because we have a lot of it, you may not have the same problem if you are reading this from outside the UK however hopefully you will be still be able to pick up a few tips. Preparation So you have tickets for a vintage event and you have your outfit planned and sorted. Well think again after the weather we had last year, planning was turned on its head, in stead you need to be prepared, prepared for every weather type, it may turn out a lot hotter or colder, dryer or wetter than you had planned for, so be prepared for each weather type and then make your choices in the week of the event when you should have a good idea of the forecast. At the last minute we were kindly given tickets to attend Goodwood Revival which takes place mid September every year in the South of England. At the time the UK was in the midst of a late summer heat wave and the day time temperature was very strangely in the 30s. So the idea of a cute tweed suit a felt hat and a fur thrown over my shoulder, paired with gloves and a silk scarf for me and a vintage heritage tweed suit for my partner had to be re thought totally. Its all about the fabric Planning was put to one side and reality took over, it is all about the fabric it has to be natural to breath or to be ultra modern sports wear. Not wanting to wear my gym kit to Goodwood, I turned to looking at fabrics, cotton, silk, and linen were all in the frame when I was selecting my outfit and importantly our accessories. So imagine my surprise when we arrived at Goodwood at 9 am in already sweltering heat to to find some women dressed in polyester dresses, high heels, nylons on their legs and even furs, with men in thick woolen tweeds, waistcoats and flat hats. I recalled the famous opening paragraph of To Kill a Mocking Bird. "Maycomb was a tired old town, even in 1932 when I first knew it. Somehow, it was hotter then. Men's stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed before noon after their three o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frosting from sweating and sweet talcum......... ~HARPER LEE With an event such as the Goodwood Revival where there are dress codes to certain areas, I was spotting those that had made the right choice when they got dressed that morning. Those that looked fabulous in their vintage, chaps that sported a crisp cotton shirt with a light weight linen jacket and a silk cravat, with cotton socks and leather suede shoes, topped of with a medium brimmed Panama Hat with a cotton pocket square. I was on the look out for ladies that looked amazing and cool, ladies who had selected a low wedged heeled sandal, or a flat had sleeveless garments with an A line skirt or dress and linen top with floaty long sleeves to keep the sun at bay. I spotted one lady in a black and white loose jump suit with bare arms all topped off with a wide brimmed hat and flat shoes she looked very smart and cool. I opted for a medium brimmed straw hat and a vintage paper parasol, so I could keep in the shade even in the open large open spaces, accessorised with sun glasses and cotton lace gloves, a straw handbag to carry a bottle of water and cooling face spray. By late morning, the first aid centres were giving out flip flops to ladies who had been suffering with swollen throbbing feet, that had been crammed into tight high heeled shoes. The bars were selling thousands of bottles of water, even though if you took your own bottle you could refill it up with fresh iced water at the water points, and cool your wrists at the same time. Image was taken at Goodwood in the hanger where people were getting out of the sun and cooling down with a cold drink and looking amazing. We had a fantastic day here are a few tips: ITS HOT HELP WITH A VINTAGE OUTFIT SELECT Light & Neutral Colours UNDER WEAR - Non Stick Wear a Slip cotton silk or modern cooling fabric half and full slips available from M&S) CHOOSE NATURAL FABRICS- Silk, Linen, Cottons. you can also buy tropical weight uniforms, as well as tailored shorts and jackets.(shorts may not always be acceptable in some areas) STYLES Loose Long Sleeves, Loose Trousers A line dress or skirts BARE ARMS & LEGS - can work and will be cooler if you have a sunshade, use suncream and make sure you have a silky smooth moisturised skin with a fake tan to give a little glow or have bare arms under a loose jacket ACCESSORIES - Brimmed Hat, Hair up-do away from the neck will be cooler you can still wear a hat if pinned on carefully, and Sunglasses are a must as is a Parasol (a black vintage umbrella works well) A vintage hand fan really cools you down and looks the part you. SHOES ladies avoid killer heels and keep your best vintage shoes for (car to carpet wear only) wedges are great with an ankle strap flats with a lace up with cotton socks or a T bar will stop your foot from becoming claw like. Gents, soft suede leather or cotton shoes make sure they are leather lined and wear silk or cotton socks. WATER -Keep hydrated take a small bottle of water that can slip in a bag or pocket that you can refill throughout the day. STOP MOVING take breaks, find shade GO SHOPPING If you are caught out, need a hat then go shopping at the event as there are always great vintage stalls to select from. I have also attended Twinwood Festival, in Bedford England many times and recall one that was once so hot and warm on the run up and yet rained and rained and and was bitingly cold as the Russian Steps at the actual event. We still had a great time as we were cosy and warm and wore three of everything, there were people who were terribly under dressed however they enjoyed the vintage clothing stalls and we sold more coats that year than any other ! Here are some beautiful 1940s Vintage outfits shown by the ladies in the Fashion Show at Avoncroft Museums 1940s event in October. So here are a few tips: ITS COLD HELP WITH A VINTAGE OUTFIT SELECT Select Rich Warm Colours UNDER WEAR - LAYERS - Thermal Under Wear is your friend CHOOSE NATURAL FABRICS - Wool, Fur, Tweeds Leather Suede,Silk & Cotton Velvets. Polyester and Nylon will be warm to wear if layered up. Vintage events take place on old Air Fields or on the coastal locations so prepare for wind it can be really cold fabrics to cheat the wind are leather wool and furs. STYLES Fitted Long Sleeves, Suits of all combinations Trousers, Suits, Dress & Coat, Skirts & Jacket, Trouser & Jacket, three piece suits the waist coat gives your trunk an extra layer. Along with tank tops or sleeveless knits. COATS Heavy equals Warm. Double breasted should always buttoned up, button up all styles ACCESSORIES Vintage Fur around the shoulders, wear a hat, it is a kin to closing the door and you will loose 90% of heat from a hat less head. Hand warmers can be slipped in a pocket or gloves. KEEPING DRY trench coats and vintage metal framed umbrellas are smart and work well. Pack a Mac capes and hoods are available in clear plastic so your vintage outfit can still be admired. purchase in advance and have ready in a pocket. SHOES You can wear boots and closed in shoes, add a thermal innersole wool socks or silk stockings. HOT DRINKS and food soups or a hot toddy. KEEP MOVING find a sheltered place out of the wind dancing and walking will really help. GO SHOPPING If you are caught out then go shopping at the event as there are always great vintage stalls to select from. What ever the weather you will enjoy it so much more if you have done your prep ! Check out our Godwood Revival outfits on our website

Bay Garnett, who put together the outfits for Oxfam’s London Fashion Week show, the stylist, who has dressed stars including Kate Moss in pre fashion, also said she believes the culture of wearing a new outfit just once for a social media post will become a thing of the past. I have been hearing this for sometime and was flabbergasted to discover that the UK alone sends 700,000 tonnes of clothing to recycling centres, textile banks, clothing collections, and charity each year, reflects that people do not like what they have purchased. Garnett, who started her career in fashion in the 90s, is excited by secondhand’s growing popularity, especially among younger generations. “Buying secondhand is a form of activism. We’re in a climate emergency so why wouldn’t Gen Z buy secondhand? A sustainable option is now cool.” Shopping for Vintage and Secondhand is a sustainable way of enjoying fashion. Yes we all love a category and by the way there is a big difference: Antique: Over 100 years old - more for collectors Vintage: Has an age to it, rare finds, from the 1930s up to the 80s some now include 90s Secondhand: Can be something purchased yesterday, even new unworn with original tags or a bit older that the wearer no longer needs fits into etc. They all fall into the Pre-loved category. Garnett hand-picked around 80 items of clothing for the show apparently she visited a huge warehouse and in her mind thought of the the different genres, tribes and ideas and then found different themes and in stead of styling them on catwalk models, actually styled them on real personalities including a pregnant Daisy Lowe. The outfits featured a mix of second-hand designer items, vintage finds, and some pre-loved high-street clothes. "It’s not trying to create a world that’s exclusive to a certain type of person. It’s inclusive." Buying from a collection created by a vintage trader or styler in a charity shop will really enable you to be more imaginative about the way that you wear things. The outfits on Love Island have again been curated from Ebay so let's hope this will also have an impact on the fast fashion, what ever 'look' you are looking for, even if we are not gathering around the fire pit in 'glamour wear' other options are out there! So this is where we open our minds and be creative be original and be kind to the planet at the same time. We don't need trends and the colour police to tell us all to wear 'high vis green' and stripes for example. So as Bay Garnett from the fashion world has admitted dressing the person, the personality is such a winning combination it brings out 'You'. It may take a bit longer, it is not so easy, however the hunt for the colours your love, the length that suit you, the fabrics that feel good will be so worth it. Happy Vintage and Secondhand shopping, enjoy the hunt and remember. "It's all about you." Lynda Case Rock Follies Vintage

If you have seen something online that you would love to try on and if your local to the Midlands than now you can just pop onto the website www.rockfolliesvintage and click book a visit, or click the Book Here button below #vintageshop #shoplocal #truevintage The appointments are in 1 hour slots, if you need a longer appointment just book out the time you think you will need. Lynda the owner and founder of Rock Follies Vintage will be on hand to help you find the perfect outfit if you need assistance. The Garden Studio was an ideal place to store my vintage stock when I moved from the shop in Worcester. All stock is labeled with information including measurements, era, maker and of course the price and is sorted into different sizes, eras and occasions. When you book you can drop a few notes in the message section to give us an idea of what you are looking for. The main collection is for Ladies however I still have a mens wear section with tweeds, separates, suits and accessories. If you would like a closer look at any pieces of vintage, this may be the ideal way forward for you. We have parking at the front and we are about a 20 min walk from Kidderminster Train Station. The appointments are in 1 hour slots, if you need a longer appointment just book out the time you think you will need. Lynda the owner and founder of Rock Follies Vintage will be on hand to help you find the perfect outfit if you need assistance. #g # Payment can be made by cash or card.

9th and 10th April 2022 I moved Rock Follies Vintage from a 'bricks and mortar shop' to an 'online business with appointments to view' in January 2021, here we are just over a year later and now I have time to reflect, it has taken me all of this time to really get to a place where I feel sorted both in the new studio and home office and in my head and on the website which of course is never finished as its continually changing. Lots of people have started working from home, I know it is not for everyone, however to me it really does have many benefits the main being, 'time' just from the commute and to all that was involved in leaving the house for the day, to the moment that I turned the sign on the shop door to 'open', I have grabbed back two to three hours or more each and every day. So that's a great positive, as I have never had enough hours in the day. So what do I do with my extra two hours, I have been able to make two huge sets of curtains for my daughter and her fiancé, I feel really smug if I get the weekly ironing basket ironed before that very basket is required to hang out the 'next' load on washing of course I could never do this when the kids were young and I seemed to be feeding the washing machine on a daily basis, I find myself pottering around the garden noticing the little things that I never had time to see when I made my old morning dash, the bird feeders are always filled, the green fly zapped, the cat chatted to and the plants watered inside and out. More time is spent with loved ones, ones, including time traveled to see them, without the need to rush back on the same day, to be a host that is actually in the house when guests come to stay has been fantastic, as I now have the ability to work on the website late into the evening and early mornings, in fact shifting the working day has got to be the best advantage. The stock from the shop of course is my main distraction and many hours have been spent photographing, steaming, describing and listing on the website at the time of writing this I have added over 1200 items many of those listed in groups so its been a marathon rather than a sprint, but one that I am winning and a fantastic eye opener to what fabulous stock I have in my business, collected over twelve years as a vintage collection is not something that arrives in brown box one day. This year I have decided that I really would like to share this collection not just online but in person so I am planning some Vintage Garden Parties, I have the first one planed for the weekend of the 9th and 10th of April 2022 from 10am to 4pm here in Kidderminster Worcestershire. I shall be opening the studio to visitors arranging displays in a garden gazebo, we have a couple of classic cars to show, the bunting will be hung, the vintage tunes will ring out and cakes and bubble will be eaten and sipped along with a nice cup of tea in a vintage tea cup. The refreshments will be complimentary however I will be taking donations for the Ukraine Crisis via the Red Cross. I should also add there will be great discounts, and all payment options will be available cash card etc. I do miss the interaction with my customers, so invitations have been sent out to all those that are subscribed to the newsletter and previous customers, if I have missed you out or you are just reading this then do contact me via the contact form in the footer of the website and I will send you the address and details. Really hope you can attend Best wishes Lynda Rock Follies Vintage

The Peaky Blinders are back, delayed of course and without the presence of the beautiful and so talented Helen McCrory, who we shall never forget for bringing the character of Polly to life with such substance, RIP Helen. With my historic love for 1920s fashion, Living in the Midlands with my very own Black County Mon, he calls me "Lin daaa" . We have embraced the show right from the get go, and have just completed re watching the previous five series so we like many others are season six ready, I was amazed at the detail you notice when you rewatch it! I have dressed many people for Peaky blinders events, and attended some including boxing events in Worcester Guild Hall and Peaky Blinder nights at the Black Country Museum where much of the previous series were filmed. So here are some ways to get the look using a mixture of Vintage and Vintage Style Clothing and Accessories Tip #1 - Choose a character from the show Follow their style and build up the look, start with "Suited & Booted" for the men and "Hats Gloves Bag" for the ladies. Look at the detail the silhouette of your character. Tip #2 - Think about the Fabrics Man made fabrics had not been invented yet, so your clothing should be or look like wool, tweed, silk and cotton and the colours should be muted with men in grey, black, brown and navy with white and cream. The women in the same muted colours for every day with a brighter contrast to the men introducing reds, pinks maroons greens for evening and occasions, like the day at the Races, or at the Town Hall. "Peaky Blinders series 6, bombastic, yes, but still a masterclass in style and substance" By Benji Wilson The Telegraph 22/2/22 Tip #3 - Select the Occasion So are you at a glamorous evening event like the ballet scene, beads, silks, furs for the women evening dress for the men, a day at the races or the boxing night. Perhaps you off to the office, the pub (The Garrison) smart day ware with a coat hat fur, women also wore ties and shirts with a feminine twist. Then again you may be in Charlies Yard in the mud and cinders with a more casual look of shirt sleeves and heavy boots and big coats in dark colours. Tip #4 - Accessories are Key Never before have accessories been so important, so which hat does your character wear? Men, is it the 8 panelled tweed cap ? yes if you want to be a peaky blinder, or a trilby, bowler or a flat mid brimmed hat for other characters. Ties should be dark and textured pocket squares bright and white, cuff links, pocket watches tie pins gold or silver. Socks black shoes or boots black heavy with over coat and black gloves. Women is it a close fitting cloche hat, an embroidered mid brimmed hat or a diamanté headdress. Handbags & Purses small leather or fabric, embroidered or beaded, jewellery faux pearls, diamonds, jet and other stones and seeds for drop earrings, long necklaces, cuff bracelets, and stone brooches (not all worn together, select your pieces) see how a large Diamante brooch looks on the side of a hat) The open toe shoe had not been developed yet and so a low Louis shaped heel, for boots and shoes with a T bar or ankle strap. Tip #5 - Finish the Look So you may not go and get the full peaky hair cut men but you can the look, with a short back and sides cut or slick back the hair with gel, perhaps grow a moustache! Ladies well there is a lot to do here, from the bob to marcel waves so practice yourself or ask your hair dresser to style your hair. Seamed stockings in black, cream or nude in a shine or matt. Take off your modern watch and glasses, wear contacts or a you can get prescription glasses put into frames. Men a vintage wallet and cigarette case even if you don't smoke, a gold collar stud, braces devil is in the detail. Finally By Order of the Peaky Blinders EnEvent! Do your home work, check your details you can of course mix it all up for example yes women can go in shirt and Peaky Blinder caps or feathers and fur it is up to you ! We have put together two collections together on the website, which we are adding to every week so just click on each to have a good look and for more ideas ! Please leave a comment below with your stories or any Peaky Blinder events or parties you have been to:

Online shopping really is the 'New Way' as we have all had to learn and adapt, if we were not doing it before the Pandemic, many of us have had to change the way we shop. We have dipped our toes into the online world of shopping, and found it very convenient. I actually pivoted my whole business online so I have put together some tips for buying vintage pieces using my experience of buying and selling vintage over the years, together with my knowledge and experience of clothing, fabrics and historical fashion from working with them for well, most of my life ! So here are my Six Steps for finding out that piece of Vintage online and avoiding disappointment. Step 1: Explore Who You Are Buying From? When you buy vintage you are usually buying from a small business owner, but who are they ? what is their back ground, training and how long have they been working in the Vintage Fashion Industry. There are some well established vintage traders who really know their stuff, however like any business there are some inexperienced people who do not have the same knowledge. So do look them up and find out how long they have been trading for and what others say. Reputable sellers will have information about their background and their story and any awards and reviews they have on their websites. WhoTop Tip: Follow sellers on social media platforms to find out more about them Step 2: Discover the Fabric When you go into a bricks and mortar shop the first thing you do when you like an item is to reach out and touch it, now you can't do this online so look for a thorough description of the fabric, what is it made from, is it fluid, how does it hang and what is the weight and importantly does it have stretch. Many vintage clothes are not labelled with this information so it needs an experienced eye of a seller to inform you all of these things, likewise with household items and and pieces of Jewellery. Fabric Tops Tips Different fabrics have different weights and this will effect the way it hangs, check if the item is lined and if a weight is described from sheer lightweight through to medium and heavy weight. Examine the photographs in detail there should be photographs of all views and close ups. Step 3: Size Does Matter - Measure -Measure - Measure Selecting a Vintage item online is all about the fit and it really is quiet easy to avoid buying an item that doesn't fit you. Size labels as we all know are just as confusing today as they were when the vintage item you have fallen in love with was produced. I have written a Size Guide, on the website so do look at it for more details for men and women. The main thing to do is Measure around your body and write down three basic measurements. Women measure AROUND your Bust, Waist, Hips At Rock Follies Vintage, these measurements will give you a basic guide to see where you fall in the Size Chart that we use, and the size chart that many dressmakers and companies historically used. Also check the length of the hemline and sleeve bearing in mind that these can usually be shortened easily and sometimes lengthened but not always. Measuring Top Tips: Are you going to alter theses measurements with shape wear like they did back in the day with corsets etc. if so measure over your shape wear. Measure a similar item in your wardrobe and check the measurements. You can often have vintage clothing altered to get the exact fit, so communicate with your your seller so they can inform you of any seam allowance if this information is not listed. Measurement guide form and tape measure set is available to order on Rock Follies Vintage website. Step 4: Establish Vintage Condition Vintage items are not new they date back to a particular era, some have survived in amazing condition, while others may show some signs of age. Reputable sellers will point the flaws and any damage and even grade the quality of the item like we do at Rock Follies Vintage. Although we do not sell items with missing buttons or hems coming down, as we always undertake any repairs like this prior to listing them. Sometime there may still be a flaw and a reputable seller as described in step 1. will always point out and indeed reflect this in the price. Here at Rock Follies Vintage to assist our customer we have listed our items into three Conditions Condition Top Tips Mint Vintage Condition: Means the item although Vintage is unworn and good as the day it was made. Excellent Vintage Condition: Means the item is in great shape for its age. (Most of our stock will fall into this category) any small flaws will be pointed out Flawed Vintage Condition: Means the item is wearable but does have some repair, mark or damage. The flaws will be described. Step 5: Experiment If you always do what you what you have always done you won't try any thing new. So look at items that you would not normally wear or buy to open up your view point. Remember in a bricks and mortar shop unusual special items will be placed at a vantage point that you will see as you walk around the shop, online you will have to make that journey yourself as we cannot put every item on our home pages, so explore with vintage shopping on line, give your self some time to open new pages and new collections of items you never normally would look 'at just saying' there is so much more to original vintage, perhaps dive into a decade that you know nothing about. Also think about layering and making a capsule wardrobe to make your vintage wardrobe work together rather than stand alone pieces. Step 6:Have Fun And of course enjoy the search for your vintage treasure and how exciting is it waisting for the parcel to arrive ! Also if possible depending upon where in the world you live most reputable sellers of Vintage Clothing will allow you to visit to try the item on either in a shop or like Rock Follies Vintage by appointment. In fact we miss our customers so much that we are planning on some Vintage Garden Parties from Spring 2022 in Kidderminster, Worcestershire UK . These will be by invitation only so make sure you have signed up to our newsletter to get your invite. Top tips - Sign up for Rock Follies Vintage Newsletter Start your online Shopping Journey Visit Happy Online Shopping Lynda Case x Owner and Founder of Rock Follies Vintag

I am so excited to tell you about my newest promotion, its just been an absolute pleasure to spend time collecting and curating original vintage and vintage inspired pieces into Gift Accessory Bundles. I have grouped together items with different themes, colours and eras for those people, yes men and women who love vintage, into these little Hampers. Tootal Scarves, Stratton Compacts, Glass Animals, Leather Wallets, Jewellery are just some of the contents. #christmasvitagegifts #vintagechristmasbundles #vintageaccessories I have really pushed the boat out here for you, because Your problem of what you are going to buy ? that person that you didn't know what to buy for is solved ! You are busy and we are offering a complementary gift wrap and message option ! You can make a great saving, as I have bundled them together at a great price of up to 40% of the total individual value! #vintagelover #vintagechap #vintagegifts The Gift bundles come boxed up, approximate size or the parcel is 26 x 20 x 5 cm with each of the individual items wrapped in tissue, branded boxes or fabric pouches, there is a description card inside such as A Night at The Opera or A Day at The Seaside with the enclosed items listed. Nothing is priced so they make the perfect gift. (You could of course split the bundles and gift items to different people) These sustainable Vintage Gift Bundles are all unique no two are the same, so when they have gone they have gone, I have made up a limited quantity of the bundles for both Men and Wowith a soft launch they have proved popular, however I am going to be singing about these every where so I do not expect them to hang around for long. So now do you realise just why I am so excited!!! #vintagegiftbundles Yes this year Christmas is going to be wrapped up for you as I have also solved a few other little problems such as Secret Santa, Stocking Fillers, Tree and Table Gifts. Just check all our pages and make your pick. Shop Now just click on the parcel tree Are you already Planing to buy one of these Accessory Bundles, just imagine giving a little Hamper of Vintage Delights to that person who will it be ? The packs are all ready to go out so why not get in early and pick your pack and we will wrap up Christmas for you.#giftwrappingincluded

Rework Recycle Reuse With the future of the planet very much in the forefront, Vintage Fashion Versus Fast Fashion is on our minds, you know you can be very creative when you have to be and perhaps now we do have to be! Many original Vintage items should not be altered as they are in such great shape and are really wearable, however there are some items that just need a few tweaks and with a bit of an imagination can be absolutely perfect, who watched the TV series by Dawn O'Porter "This Old Thing"? Dawn would pick out a vintage outfit and make a few changes that would make it really wearable for today, Dawn has also written a book about how we can all fall in love with Vintage Clothes and do our bit it is also called "This Old Thing" I just love Dawns ethos and she is such a lovely crazy lady. Did you know that each Brition throws away about 3.1 kg or textiles each year and of that 1.7kg goes to landfill. So here some reworking problems that I have answered ! Problem: The dress is sleeveless Answer: Have some chiffon sleeves added Problem: The lace dress is to small Answer: Have some side panels added and open the back seam add a placket and lacing Problem: Dress does not suit body shape but I love the fabric Answer :Make it into a skirt Problem: The dress looks to formal for every day Answer: Dress it down wear trainers and denim jacket with it Why Should We Buy Vintage ? There are so many reasons, here are some that I have heard over and over from my customers and these reasons are becoming more important to more people. Sustainable fashions just sits better with my conscience My Vintage dress is individual Nobody else has one so if I'm going to an event or just down the road I will not see another. I love the colours and patterns The styles are just better as many vintage items are just to complicated with tricky seams and details that are just imposslbe to mass produce My money goes further The Fabric is so different to the thin stretchy cheap fabric that modern clothes are made of The Quality is amazing It has pockets It is lined or it has a hem and seam allowance so I can Vintage Gift Accessory Bundle So do embrace the idea of Vintage Fashion and just think by making a few little changes or wearing it in the original way you will make a difference. Next month will be all about Vintage Gifting here at Rock Follies Vintage its really exciting and can't wait to share it all.

Lynda Case owner and founder of 'Rock Follies Vintage' a Vintage Clothing & Accessory Business. Where did the idea of Rock Follies Vintage come from? I was in Cardiff with my daughter back in the early 2000s when we came across a Vintage Charity Shop we walked around and bought a few treasures. We loved the way it had been put together, I walked out and I said I could do that ! I had a large collection of Vintage Clothing and by the time we had arrived back home, I had the name "Rock Follies Vintage" and had asked my brother to design a Logo for me. A few days later had booked my first stall at a Vintage fair in Birmingham! For the next few years I took the stall around the UK until I opened the shop in 2012 until 2020 when I launched the new website. Have you always loved Vintage ? Yes I have always loved history and old things, aged twelve I was given a large Victorian bamboo sewing basket filled with all sorts of treasures one being a little china pin head lady and it started me off on a lifeline of collecting beautiful old things. Have you always lived in Worcestershire? No born and bread in Surrey, after School I trained at Wimbledon School of Art, (University of the Arts, London) where I studied my favourite subjects History, Costume and Theatre. After college I was delighted to secure a job working with the English National Opera in the Production Wardrobe as a costume maker working with beautiful fabrics and international designers. Where Do Find Your Vintage and What do you do when you find it? I spent many years buying in my shop, so I do have a huge collection from everything from a hat pin to a tea set and everything in between. I also get up very, very early and in the cold and wet to trawl Flea Markets, Auctions, Car Boots, Charity Shops and make house visits to hand pick my treasure. When it arrives in the studio the hard work really begins the first of all I have to decide if requires cleaning, and repairing. Nearly everything is steamed with an industrial steamer and this way I really get to know the garment. I replace and repair any closures buttons and zips. Everything is measured, sized, labelled and a full description written this often follows extensive research on the labels or some other information. The items are then styled and many photographs are then taken all this is done before it is added to the studio in the correct department. Its not quiet as straightforward as it seams How do send out your stock? I have sold items all over the world and like to get the sold item well on its way the day it is sold if possible, I do feel strongly about sustainable fashion and the postage and packing is all part of this so all of my packing materials are made from recycled products and I hope people go on to use the packing in other ways. So each item of clothing will be lined in acid free tissue and folded carefully up with any special areas given more tissue to avoid the item arriving creased. Homeware will of course be wrapped and packed to avoid any damage and then most items will then be wrapped in tissue and packed into a box, together with any other little treats that I pop in on the day. I shall also be offering a gift wrapping service for Christmas and Gifts. The parcels are mostly posted using the Royal Mail although I do use a courier service for some. Can Customers Come and View Items in Your Studio in Worcestershire? Yes, we have parking and can take card payments. I closed the shop in the throws of the pandemic in December 2020 and since then I have concentrated in getting all the stock listed and live on to the website, however I have also provided more local customers with appointments. I will also be offering open days to the studio with a glass of fizz or a cup or tea and cake, and I am collecting a list of customers that would like to attend one of these open days, I absolutely love the interaction with my customers so I am really looking forward to doing this on a more regular basis. Do You Send Out a Newsletter? Yes I have just launched The Vintage Newsletter and have so many plans for it, I will be offering everyone on the list all sort or tips about wearing, storing, using and buying vintage along with offers so do join now it will drop into your in box twice a month Other information about Lynda the owner of Rock Follies Vintage and the Awards she has won can be found on the 'Awards' and 'My Story' pages of the Rock Follies Vintage Website

I have been selling vintage for 12 years now and I have often been asked "who are you customers ?" I have answered by explaining that people buy vintage for different reasons, so it is hard to wrap them all into one type. So let's see where you or someone you know fits in and let's explore why people buy Vintage at the same time. One "Vintage is Sustainable" This reason should be important to all of us and apparently in the next few years the sales of Vintage and Second hand clothing is set to increase hugely. The days of fast fashion can not continue without a cost to our future, so if we can as individuals make small changes and make decisions to buy some items that we can re model, re use or wear as they were intended then we can make a difference. Many items can be bang on trend and are often the original inspiration of the fast fashion retailer, like this beautifully made gingham dress from the 1970s. The people that sell vintage are often small businesses just like mine and there are many customers that again like to support the small business, to shop local to buy gifts within a community situation. We as business owners in turn really care about our customers because without them we don't have a business. I really care about the packing and the packaging it has to be sustainable and it has to be done well and of course look the part. One of my first feed backs from an online sale was " I felt so special just opening my parcel" I was delighted. Two "Vintage is Original" So have you ever attended an event, an evening do, or a wedding and there across the room is a model in the same outfit as you ? With Vintage this can never happen, your outfit is often a one off or from an era when not so many were mass produced. I have heard that prom and wedding outfitters charge a huge amount to ensure that no two items are sold to an event, however many new outfits are the same style and colour in an almost uniform way from many high street stores and online suppliers. This is fine if you want to follow the trend follow the crowd, however for those that want to look original, want to look unique and make an entrance then go vintage, no one will ever know how much it cost, and can not go and order it for themselves. I love to keep any history or provenance about an original piece as each vintage item has a story to tell, one that you can continue with its new owner. (sort of re homed ) I have sold dresses to be worn at the BAFTA's, Royal Enclosure Ascott, Goodwood Revival and many other events and each person was quietly confident that they were the only person to be wearing it. I love that, in fact I attended a wedding this summer and nearly wore a pretty high street dress that I had purchased the year before lockdown, however I decided on a lovely silk vintage dress and floaty jacket in my wardrobe. Imagine how I felt at the wedding when when the lady taking the ceremony walked towards the arch where everyone was facing in the same high street dress I had nearly worn (wide eyed relief that was me) Three "Vintage is fun" So you have been invited to a 70s themed party what is the first thing you do, click on a well known online site and purchase a nylon uniform pack for a seventies themed party. When you get there other people look so much better and are having so much more fun and yes they can wear the gorgeous, mad, fun vintage outfit again and again whilst your parody of the decade will end up in the bin. Well that may seem harsh but I know this happens as I was told about it many times by customers in my shop "Oh no I wish I had bought this for so and sos party and not that thing that arrived late and didn't fit me" So plan and have fun is my advice, if you are going for a 1970s original maxi dress yes dress it up for the party with a big floppy hat oversized sun glasses and some high wedges not forgetting the blue eye shadow, plastic chain belt and love beads even a wig. Going of to a festival just pull out the same original 70s maxi dress wear it with your flip flops or trainers and pull your hair up and look cool and original. Going out for a mooch around at the weekend pull out your maxi dress, put on some boots, a denim jacket, a wide leather belt and cross over body bag and you have an original quirky casual look. Four "Vintage is Quality" Vintage items are by their very nature at least thirty to forty years old, younger than that they are second hand. This means they were made in a different time by different methods, some will have been expertly couture constructed, some hand made by the home seamstresses who had great dress making skills haded down through the family. Some will have been made in factories here in the UK and in Europe where quality control workers would have inspected every seam and rejected any item that was not made to the standard expected. People paid a lot of money for clothing there was no such thing as fast fashion. Materials and notions (buttons and zips) used were made of quality metal, bakelite and glass. Items were faced, interlined, lined and deep hems which all contributed to the way a garment hangs, feels and indeed lasts. Handbags had metal frames and zips, were made of quality leathers. Embellishments were quite different for instance 'Sequins' really came into fashion following the opening of the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, where garments embellished with tiny gold discs were discovered. The roaring twenties soon took on this idea and many dresses and bags were made using tiny metal discs, the main reason why not many remain as the metal discs were heavy and often tore the silk chiffon they were mounted on. By the 1930s manufacturers developed a process to create a lightweight sequin using a coloured gelatine. Modern sequins are now made of mylar and plastics. The vintage sequins are divine they are smaller and have a beautiful quality iridescence and sparkle that its modern sister doesn't enjoy (she is very glossy and a bit of a show off to be honest.) Five "Vintage is inspirational" "What goes around comes around" I am sure you have heard this before and yes we do see fashion and furniture inspired by what's gone before. I have seen a vintage style dress on the high street and think, I have the original on my website, on examination of the original inspired dress one can see that the seams and panels are much more complex and the fit is so much better the fabric is perfect. We can see in our home stores that so much has been inspired by the mid century and again the original is the best mix it up with a few modern pieces and it just sings. So there you have it ! a few reasons people buy Vintage

Hello to all my new subscribers, you are very welcome, how we all doing? With a bit of light at the end of a very dark tunnel I hope you are really feeling positive. Are you ready, have you made plans, written down your goals? the future is on its way. Transferring all the stock from a two floors of a shop filled to the rafters with gorgeous vintage to the website is going well, really well actually. The thought of doing it, was to be perfectly honest quiet daunting l, so I set myself an achievable goal when you have a mountain to climb it’s quite hard to see the top from where you are standing. I dug deep and remembered that old saying “How do you eat an elephant?” Answer “one bite at a time” (obviously not really) and that is what I am doing adding a minimum of 5 items a day that 35 a week that’s 140 a month that’s 1680 per year. So I will have eaten a couple of virtual elephant legs by the end of the year! Accessory Gift Packs I always enjoyed putting together accessories for my displays in the shop or of course for my customers when they tried on a dress or a suit I would get them to try on scarf, gloves necklace, and bag or cravat, cuff link, pocket square and braces, they then saw how the look was pulled together. With this in mind I am putting together ‘Accessory Packs’ for both men and women to give a one stop shop. I have spent a lot of time dipping into this large collection and curating items that work together so you don’t have to, I am delighted with the results they are beautiful, expect to discover hidden treasure of a vintage Merino necklace or a thirties silk scarf amongst the treasures. The packs will come carefully boxed up so lovely for you to open or indeed for you to gift to lover of vintage. They have a theme name to help you pick the right pack for example ‘A Day at the races’ ‘A night at the Opera’ “Tea at the Ritz” “A Weekend in Paris” “A weekend at Goodwood” or of course Mothers Day themed, Just let us know in the comments if you want us to add a personal message to the recipient. So to carry on with my theme of curating the stock I will be adding items that go together perfectly like a “Lace linen tablecloth and bone China tea set.” “A Cotton nightdress with a nightdress case” If I can add value then I certainly will, it’s a great way of buying vintage as the packs and bundles are for sale at a discount. I hope you are keeping safe setting your goals and remember when you are looking at the top of the mountain you just have to take that first little step. Take care and do have a look at the 'Accessory Pack' for him and for her on the website, they are a limited edition and of course all unique.

When I had the shop I really enjoyed putting in a new window display, and was always amazed at what ever time of day it was there were always people looking in smiling and pointing at various displays I had put together. So I will carry on with this on the website and instead of a window display it will be called a Feature Display ! I will be walking around my studio and picking out select pieces and putting them together for a grouped themed display ! The shop window has gone from the home page, and you will now see the latest display with a link to is a special page called "Feature Display" click and you will be taken to all the items listed for sale in the display along with some extras! The first Feature Display is all about Valentines with soft pinks and greens being my inspiration. I have loads of ideas for future Displays and look forward to curating some interesting and engaging displays. Now talking of Valentines day there are some perfect gifts for yourself or for your partner to pick from on the website, but how about some ideas to spend valentines day at home this year. PLAN A VALENTINES DINNER Ask your partner formally to join you for dinner date night you send them a virtual invite if it has to be over Zoom suggesting the same three course meal that you both prepare in advance, or a handwritten note popped in the post or left on the pillow if you live together. If you have family and other generations living with you in lock down, either have a joined dinner or get the kids tea early. The key here is to be organised and get them to make some valentine themed treats. Plan the menu work out what you need to buy in advance. You don't have to cook every thing, lots of supermarkets do a special Valentines Dinner deal. Decorate your table in a Valentine theme this could be using reds and pinks using a table runner, napkins, candles and best china. Have you got any pink or cranberry vintage glass that you could put on the table, if not tie some ribbon around your wine glasses. Sort out a playlist there are some beautiful romantic vintage tunes that you can find. Dress up put on an outfit as if you were going out for dinner yes even shoes, as come on slippers are just not making it. Light a fire or create a cosy ambiance with candles and soft light and have a glass of something fizzy, and after dinner find a good Rom Com Movie or Bridgerton ! Have fun make sure you laugh together and if you are reading this and you don't have a partner then do all of the above for yourself, yes you are absolutely worth it, or with a family member or friend. Finally here is a little Cocktail Recipe that you start the evening it is taken from a lovely little book called 'Gone With the Gin' - Cocktails with a Holywood Twist. by Tim Federle not an ad but a gift from my gorgeous daughter (she knows me so well) Gone With The Gin You will need: 2 whole jalapeños, 1/2 peach pitted and sliced, 2 rosemary sprigs, 3/4 oz simple sugar syrup, 1 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz Campari, 1/2 oz lemon juice, club soda to fill. Method: Muddle the jalapeños, peach,1 rosemary sprig, and syrup in a shaker. Add gin, Campari, lemon juice and handful of ice to shaker and shake well. Double-strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass (low ball) garnish with rotary sprig. Sip slow - about three hours !