Mad About The Boy

You may have seen me tweeting about my newfound love for Mad Men. Yep, lately i've been spending every night in the company of Don draper et al. Could be worse, right? My appetite for my daily fix of 1960's New York has become insatiable and I've gobbled up my one and two-series box set in a matter of weeks.

Inevitably, it's not simply the story lines that have me reaching for the dvd remote each night but the style and fashion of this show. I love the silhouettes, from crinoline to figure hugging; the sheer femininity of it all is intoxicating. From big hair and immaculate make up, to glossy nails and perfectly aligned stockings, the overall look is well and truly polished. I think that's what I find so appealing, don't you kind of wish you turned up at the office looking like that? Then again, i'd probably rather have an extra two hours in bed than look like Betty Draper each day.

Dress-vintage Cardigan-Banana Republic, bought for 99p Coral Beads-vintage Belt-vintage Clutch Bag-Accessorize Shoes-Nine West

So here's my modern take on the Mad Men look, taken a few weeks ago in the bizarrely mild Autumn weather. On chillier days I would style with tights, lace up ankle boots and a wool blazer, complete with brooch on the lapel. I'm not usually one for wearing head-to-toe vintage but for this look I inverted my usual modern-with-vintage-accessories dressing equation. The chunky sandals and neat knitwear make the look feel current and definitely not 'fancy dress 50's'!

It's not just me giving it a go, Mad Men style is one of the major influences of AW10 fashion (as if you didn't know) with everyone from major catwalk designers to high street brands getting in on the Mad Men look. And with designers making the neat transition from late 50's to 60's inspired style it seems that MM style isn't going anywhere fast. So pull on that figure hugging dress, touch up your coral lippy and practice your best Joan Holloway strut-she doesn't have a patch on you!

French for Beginners

I'm not usually a fan of slogan tees. Ok, I'll admit to having a turquoise FCUK top when I was 13 and feeling like the height of cool (I most definitely was not). But these preppy t-shirts from Ashish at Topshop are an altogether different story. The kooky french phrases in simple styles and cool colours scream grown up chic, and are totally in line with fashion's recent obsession for luxe jersey. I love the peachy pink 'Au Pair', and could definitely see myself slouching in the striped breton style 'Garcon'. But the romantic in me loves the 'Bisous Bisous' in grey and the cheeky, cherry 'Bon Appetit'. They're too lovely to choose.

At £40 this is definitely a premium tee but it's a style staple you'll knock out again and again for last minute, laid-back cool. Style with ankle boots, skinnies and oversized knitwear for instant chic. Alternatively add shorts, chunky socks and loafers, topped with cashmere cardy and silk neckerchief for a cutesy, nerdy vibe (thick rimmed glasses optional). These tops have been allover the fash world this week so snap one up before they go. You'll have to beat me to it.

Label Lust: NW3

I have a long suffering window shopping relationship with Hobbs. Many a busy afternoon have their ensembles halted me in the midst of my hurry. I have stopped, admired, longed, sighed and kept on walking. Glossy patent mary janes, polka dot tea dresses, clashing brights in sophisticated silhouettes, buttery leather bags in primary colours. Hobbs clothes ooze understated chic (and for the price tag so they should). Such is mine and Hobbs' routine and I must say I kind of like it that way. I know where I am with this shop: out of my financial depth.

Just when I thought I had accepted this truth, here comes NW3 attempting to lure me back in. NW3 is Hobbs' kooky younger sister brand, a more fashion forward line aimed at twenty-something women. The AW collection is a lovely blend of shabby chic and vintage inspired looks, alongside classic cuts and luxe fabrics. I love the mix-match approach; boyish tailoring, soft knits and pretty dresses all sit happily alongside each other. Sweet, whimsical jewellery, enamel brooches, soft leather satchels and vintage style silk scarves accompany the collection. Now let me just stop to confirm, I haven't come in to any money recently. And yet here I am confessing my undying lust for NW3, yet another label I cannot afford. But for now I am happy to admire from afar. I have a feeling there could be a few bargains to be snapped up at the end of the season though, so keep your eyes peeled.

In the meantime here are a few of my favourites from the collection:

NW3 @ Hobbs by jessawells featuring a chain shoulder bag

What do you think of NW3? Have you discovered any new labels recently? Drop me a line below, would love to hear from you!

Hidden Gem: Wee Sparrow

Hidden Gems is a new series on Pearl Barley, bringing you the best of independent boutiques and online shops. From vintage clothing, homewares to jewellery, we'll be celebrating everything unique and handmade!
I am as guilty as anyone of popping into Topshop or Accessorise when my wardrobe needs a bit of an accessory boost, but with so much talent available at the click of a mouse there really is no reason not to support our artists. So come on, it's time to turn our backs on the high street and enhance our individuality!
First up is the fabulous Wee Sparrow, a darling little Etsy shop specialising in bespoke handmade jewellery using vintage beads, czech glass, pearls and charms. At incredibly affordable prices it's the perfect place to find that addition to your new ensemble.

I took advantage of the recent 'Christmas in July' sale, picking up these lovely little gold filled earrings, with sweet melon-pink gems for around £5. I love them so much, they haven't left my ears since they arrived neatly packaged in their sweet little duck egg blue pouch.The colour is so pretty and they really brighten the complexion; I've added a perky pink blusher and rose-tinted lips. Here are some of my other favourites from the site:

I love this quirky Affection locket with a cluster of pearl, amethyst and a sweet little key, it'd look great with a simple tee, your favourite jeans and pumps. Jewellery this beautiful deserves to do the talking! Approx £9.

This sweet Gaia necklace is so pretty, I love the gold and green together. Would look fab over girly, floral teadress. Approx £10.

These Monroe earrings are so elegant and feminine. The gorgeous sea foam green and peach together give a nostalgic feel, team them with a ladylike silk blouse. Approx £4.

I adore these unusual Flor di Hielo earrings, they're definitely next on my to-buy list! They have such a vintage look and are so neutral they'd look lovely with any outfit. Approx £7.50.

Fear not if you missed the last sale, as lovely Lola at Wee Sparrow is celebrating her first anniversary on Etsy by giving a 10% discount to customers up until 10 August. Combined with the usual free post and packaging there really is not reason not to treat yourself or a loved one! Just pop '1YEARANN' in the Paypal Notes to Seller. Go on, inject a little pretty into your week. Tell them Pearl Barley sent you!

Hidden Joules

Yesterday I had the privilege of previewing the new AW10 Joules test site. Now, let me set the scene for you; I see myself as a fairly dedicated Joules fan. Having discovered them a few years ago I fell in love with their wearable vintage-inspired designs, finding that they mesh perfectly with high street trend, classic investment pieces or vintage finds alike. I am a sucker for the details that show Joules' sense of humour and eccentricity; pretty embroidery, mismatched buttons that look like they came from granny's button tin, cherry red zips. Yes, they can be a tad pricey for my tight purse strings but the quality and fit of the pieces is always fabulous with stiff cotton smocks, cosy merino cardys and flowing silk summer dresses that will wear for years to come. My favourites include a delicate duck egg blue ruffle blouse and a festive fair-isle cardigan, these are items that never fail to get me admiring comments from friends and strangers, and lets face it, isn't that the ultimate fashion compliment?

But wait, there's more! It's the Limited Edition Boutique collection that really gets my heart a-pounding! A more fashion forward line, with a strong 50's influence, I go gaga over their ice cream palette and retro print designs in flattering, feminine shapes. I am always waiting with baited breath for the new lines to launch, knowing that I will buy several and wear the pieces to death.

All this in mind, I have high expectations from this brand but I was pleasantly surprised by the new site. It seems they've had a bit of a style overhaul leaving a more grown-up, modern site that wouldn't look out of place at Whistles or Anthropologie. The Tagline 'Reinventing the Classics' sits alongside a pretty blonde model wearing soft tones and layered stripes. The colour palette of antique creams and beiges gives that vintage feel, combined with touches of rose pink, sea green, mustard and mauve. But there are still those quirky, Joules-ish touches that we all know and love, sweet paperclip detail and gives the feeling of leafing through age-stained documents, a hare hopping across the screen, an ornate key here and an antique-looking button there. I think that contrast really sums up what I love about Joules clothing, the balance between femininity, fun and sophistication.

Unfortunately there's not much of the women's autumn collection to see so we still have that excitement to come. I am informed that the full collection launches in mid-August so keep your eyes peeled and purses at the ready! Were you lucky enough to get a preview to the new site? Do you love Joules? Would love to know your thoughts, drop me a line in the comment box below!

A Couple More for the Collection...

At the weekend I popped down to the lovely Hospitium in York for The Affordable Vintage Fair. This is a source of great excitement for me for several reasons; firstly, I am partial to a Sunday afternoon outing in the sunshine, if it involves rummaging for a bargain, all the better. Secondly, so many vintage treats in one place! Fairs really take the leg work out of it. Thirdly, the people watching, events such as this always attract the quirkiest, coolest cats in town. People with a passion for clothes and vintage all coming together, to see and be seen, to be extravagant and show off your finery. I love to see girls dressed up in huge buttercup yellow 50's prom dresses, all blonde hair and alice bands, giving more than a gentle nod to Sandra Dee. Or channeling Dita von Teese in head-to-toe 40's, topped off with victory waves and lashings of red lipstick. Such time and dedication is taken to get the look just right, I am so envious of that spirit. I must admit, I felt positively average in my striped breton, denim skater skirt and red polkadot neckerchief. There's nothing like being out-dressed is there, ladies?

At least , The Marvellous Tea Dance Company were there to console me, and refresh weary shoppers and tired boyfriends with tea from vintage china and cupcakes in every shade of pastel. Now, this trip wasn't all pleasure but a bit of business thrown in as well. My mum and I have been collecting vintage for a few years now and were scouting out the stalls with a view to being stallholders at the next fair. I think it's fair to say our collection would definitely have a place. Expect to hear more on that in the coming months. But for now thought I would share my latest finds with you.

I felt an instant attraction to this sweet, sky blue checked sundress, it puts me in mind of long days on the beach. I like the little-girlish style with the large frill and deep pockets (complete with sand), it even has the name 'Joana Masoté' written in it, which i find adorable! Part of the reason I love vintage is that the clothes come with a story. I wonder who Joana was and what lovely things she got up to it this dress. Either way i'm looking forward to wearing it, it'll look great with a red cardy, plimsolls and oversized sunnies.

I also picked up this red floral tea dress for £15, again it's all about the fabric here. The cutesy pastel print is so pretty and it has a lovely swirly skirt (I do love a good swirly skirt), perfect for afternoon tea with the girls. You really can't go wrong picking up vintage brooches at fairs or charity shops. For a couple of quid you can add a touch of retro glamour to any outfit, great for mixing with high street pieces for that eclectic look. Add one to your cardy and pair it with blouse and pencil skirt for work, who says you can't express your personality at the office? Go on, just add pumps, cherry lips and a big smile.

Ultimately, that's what I love about vintage, there are no rules. If you love it, wear it! Have you picked any amazing vintage finds lately? Would love to hear about your latest purchases. Leave me a comment or get in touch on Twitter. Until next time, folks...

Cutesy Cosmetics

The other day whilst tweeting away on Twitter, Teen Vogue (yes, i know i'm not a teen but i really enjoy that publication) kindly brought my attention to the cuteness that is Bourjois Pretty Paris Liberty Chic collection. I fell in love instantly. Bourjois aren't usually one of my go-to make up brands but for these i think i'll change my ways. I'm such a sucker for lovely packaging so the ever-so-cute limited edition Pretty Paris range is right up my street, with it's iconic Liberty print design. These gorgeous little pots of creamy blush and shadows in muted, barely-there colours, to give you that natural glow. You'll look like you've spent the afternoon galavanting through meadows in the summer sunshine.
Pretty, girly florals are huge this season, from twiddly, ditsy daisy prints to full-on flower power, no doubt you'll be rocking the prints on your favourite dresses and playsuits. So why not treat your make up bag to a Summer'10 make over? Choose between the Chic Blush or Chic Eyeshadow in Cream or Light Tobacco or indulge and buy all three! Only available online, get them here at ASOS before they go!