Vintage Laura Ashley

One of my favourite things to find when I'm vintage hunting in the glorious Cotswolds is clothing from Laura Ashley.

A fixture on most high streets, Laura Ashley dresses really do stand the test of time - I've found some of their dresses from the 1980s that are holding up much better than dresses from the high street that I have had for less that six months!

The prints are the main attraction for me; Laura Ashley are famous for their florals, and collections from days gone by certainly do not disappoint.

Look at the little puff sleeves on this first number! The rose print is in a really vibrant pink and green, and it is just so well finished. Plus - tiny buttons. I go mad for tiny buttons.

I recently had some very patient visitors, who kindly agreed to model some of the pieces for me. My sister-in-law-to-be, Emma, made a bee line for the Laura Ashley dresses - definitely influenced by her love of swing dancing, I reckon!

The navy and white dresses are sending out serious 1940's vibes, perfect for day or night...or for a great wedding outfit! You can be sure no one else will be wearing the same thing!

There's just something about this next dress that screams 'engagement party' to me, can you see it? Maybe it's the full skirt or the white, but it's a great party dress that shows off just enough. I reckon if Emma's engagement party wasn't already well behind her, she would've snapped this one up, in fact!

Isn't she just too gorgeous?

The next dress is quintessentially Laura Ashley, in a sought after 'prairie style'. I wasn't too sure about this one on the hanger, but on my lovely model, it's so dreamy.

Maybe it's the light filtering in through the trees, but even the background looks magical.
I planned it that way. Honest.

I love this little collection of vintage Laura Ashley, I have had others in the past, but they just don't seem to stay with me for too long!

All these dresses are currently available on my Etsy shop - don't miss out!

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Why Wear Vintage?

It's a question that gets asked all the time, but why buy and wear vintage clothing at all? I mean, there are certain high street shops where you can get a dress for £9, why bother hunting down something second-hand to wrap your fine self in?

• As unique and individual as you are!
  
  So, that dress I mentioned? The little number that cost you next to nothing? I have nothing against that dress, or the shop it came from, but let's face it - you are not the only one rocking that outfit on your next night out. Or maybe the next wedding you go to.
  
  Buying vintage guarantees you a spotlight that is all your very own. No one is going to be wearing that 1960's lurex party dress that you invested in, or the 1970's Laura Ashley prairie style day dress that is your pride and joy.
  
  There is no harm in following fashion and trends, but moulds are made to be broken, my friend.
  
  There is a difference between fashion and style...
  
  
  
  
  ...and style is effortless and timeless.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Side note: the high street shops I do sort of take issue with are the ones that put "vintage" clothing in their windows, and sell the idea of individuality. In bulk.
  
  That's a whole other rant, though.
  
  
• It's already passed the test of time.
  
  Back to that £9 dress. It looks great on you, you feel good, you are a goddess on the dancefloor.
  And you'll feel just that good every time you wear it!
  
  I mean, until you throw it in the washing machine and the tumble dryer a few times. First the colour is starting to go, then the zip isn't quite as smooth, maybe the hem goes, or the whole thing twists strangely for some reason and just doesn't sit right anymore...
  
  Alas, it has happened to all of us.
  
  Yes, some vintage may require hand-washing only, or might be allergic to tumble-dryers, but you know, with just a little bit of love, that vintage dress is going to look the same for a good few years to come - it's made it this far, after all.
  
  
  
  
  
• Ethical fashion.
  
  I won't harp on with this one for too long, no one is here to get all moral and political. Just take a second to figure how that certain high street company managed to make that dress for so very, very cheap.
  
  And, while you're thinking about that, think about the beautiful vintage clothing that is being rescued from all over the show (car boot sales, charity shops, house clearances...) and brought back to it's former glory. That clothing might have ended up in a landfill somewhere, if it wasn't for the amazing trend in and demand for vintage fashion.
  It hurts to think about, I know, but that's the truth.
  
  
  
• Fun, hunt, adventure!
  
  It is satisfying as hell to find something you love. It's a game, a noble quest, a life's pursuit.
  And you are kicking ass at it.
  Well done, you. Have a tipsy tipple and remind yourself how awesome you are.
  
  
  

That's what I'm going to go and do.

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