Say Yes!

Following on from my last post, I thought I'd put in a very little post about the wonders of social networking and what can come from it.

I'm sure you have heard about Cointreau Privé .  If you haven't they are a series of themed salons, designed by Dita Von Teese for Cointreau.  The salons are opened sequentially in a series of cities around the world, with the London one having been opened by Dita herself on 29th November.  It was open for just 3 weeks, with limited tickets being made available.

Directly because of meeting my online friends in the flesh at 'Dirndlfest 2011' (see my previous post),  I was invited to attend a private cocktail party at Cointreau Privé London, hosted by the lovely Dita von Teese herself.  I shall say little about the actual event, other than to say it was a thoroughly lovely evening in truly fantastic company with fun and cocktails had by all.  The important point is that, without the wonders of social networking, and without saying 'Yes!' to meeting up with my wonderful online friends, I would never have had the opportunity to attend such an event.  What do you think might happen to you in the next year if you say 'Yes?'

Dirndlfest 2011

Firstly, profuse apologies for the lack of posts lately.  To my great surprise, I have developed a consuming social life over the last month, which left me incapable of blogging.

Over the last year, I have developed a lovely network of online friends of the Vintage persuasion.  I have read their blogs, implemented their haircare tips, purchased their frocks, and joined swap shops with them.  But I had never actually met any of them - until last week!

Miss Matilda from Able Grable (left) arranged our wonderful get-together

The very lovely Miss Matilda from Able Grable announced on twitter that she was visiting London, and suggested a meet up, to be held at Katzenjammers restaurant, and to be German themed.  Since it was several weeks til the event, and as I was full of bravado, I decided (and tweeted), that of course I would be attending. With the aid of my wonderful German-speaking Papa,I bought myself a lovely trachtenkleider dress from ebay Deutschland (from this store).  With actual money spent on an outfit I was therefore fully committed to attending Miss M's Bierfest.

Come the day (last Thursday), I began to have a minor breakdown.  What was I thinking?  I wasn't Vintage enough for these people!  One look at me and they would immediately know I was a fraud!  My nails weren't long enough, the varnish was the wrong colour, and my hair wouldn't work properly.   Additionally, I didn't know anything about dating garments by the type of zip they had. I went out and panic-bought new foundation in the hope that it would magically transform me into 'beautiful and fascinating vintage gal'.

My saving grace was that my wonderful husband was coming with me.  He is fantastically funny, people love him, and he had agreed to wear Lederhosen.  I decided I could just hang onto his arm and smile mysteriously while people admired his knees if I couldn't find anything fascinating to say.

Phwoar! Check out those knees, Ladies!

But....what a FANTASTIC time I had!  It was so lovely to meet up with people I had only known on-line. As well as Miss Matilda, I met Landgirl 1980 , Margaret from Penny Dreadful Vintage , Lena from Style High Club, Colin from Vintage Style Surgery,  Shona from Heyday! Clothing, Liz (@hokulele) Gemma aka. Retrochick, and more!  Everyone was so friendly, and I've definately made some new friends.  I can't wait to meet up with them again.



The beautiful Charly - see her blog, Landgirl 1980 here



I am in love with my outfit here!  Check out those puffy sleeves!  Swoon!





If you're new, or newish, to vintage style, and are nervous about meeting up with the like-minded, I say to you - don't be.  To find an event, take note of the events your online friends are attending.  If you don't feel ready to go to a private social function & make conversation, there are many vintage styled events that you can wonder round without having to risk interacting forceably & directly with others!  Goodwood Revivial is the obvious but by no means the only one.  Then maybe progress to more intimate function - I'm currently thinking about attending the Ric Rac Club held bi-monthly by The Vintage Mafia.  Or just take the plunge like I did and go to a private social function  - if they've invited you, chances are they do actually want you there!  Take a friend or partner if you are nervous, dress up to the nines, smile, realise we all have to start somewhere, and go for it! 

 

I am SO wearing this outfit again!