Saturday Night at The Movies: a guide to retro dating

Gone are the days when sweethearts would worship the rollers and copious hair grease in a desperate endeavor to dress to impress for their honeys. It's all about seizing the date, and a careless whizz through a take out or the signature mundane 'how's it goin'?' chat on Facebook wont satisfy that seizing. There is no shame in going that extra mile for the one you love, and what says 'I love you' more than a vibrant venture which will inject a hint of retro glamour into your romance?

Here are some of the retro inspired backdrops I came up with which I deemed ideal for an old fashioned sentimental get together.

1. Ballroom/swing dance sessions: Dancing lessons are modern day's remedy for hopeless romantics to get dressed to the nines and not feel out of place. Local leisure centres and ballrooms often welcome beginners and dancing is a super fun way to create something with your sweetheart that reflects 1950s romance and is yours to share. If you, like me, were cursed with two left feet, you could always clear a space at home to rehearse with your honey or request private lessons for a little more intimacy. Happy jiving!





2. Retro picnic: I doubt immensely that there is anything out there more romantic than a picnic for two. The original chick magnet, picnics are emblematic of a traditional romantic get together. Plus, guys and gals can lure their lovers by cooking up a traditional sickly sweet pudding and good old fashioned indulgent treats. Go all out by playing dressing up in vintage treasures and preparing those signature retro dishes.
Cooking ideas: fresh fruit and wine, bread and butter pudding, apple pie, trifle, creme brulee, strawberry cheesecake, scotch eggs, eccles cakes, chelsea buns, bakewell tarts (all popular recipes between 1930s-1980s).

3. Retro camping: There's no better ice breaker than being covered in mud in the middle of nowhere. Trust me, I know. If you want to add a retro edge to your camping experience there are plenty of places out there to hire vintage vehicles and VW camper vans for a memorable weekend getaway filled with vintage chic. Visit campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk for some insight into the ideal camping haven.










4. Shake, rattle and roll: Throw in some 1950s elegance and your date is a sure winner. Decked out retro milkshake diners are becoming increasingly popular as teenage hangouts and date destinations. Check in your local area for your sweet milkshakey paradise! A great venue for casual chat and under-the-table-footsie, you can enjoy gazing at your dreamy date while indulging in milkshake flavours such as sugar puffs and jaffa cakes (totally legitimate flavours, by the way.)

5. Datin' and skatin': Ever saw an old movie and turned a rather unappealing shade of green over young couples and friendship groups hanging out at roller discos? Fear not! Retro utopias such as these haven't completely disappeared off the radar and maybe an ideal upcoming date opportunity. They are a great place to get some quality flirting done while listening to retro classics and pretending you're a skating champion in front of your friends and love interests.

6. Retro closeup: How cool is the idea of ultimate pampering with your lover while posing for a fun retro photoshoot and having the evidence of a great day out afterwards? Pretty much super cool. Websites such as http://www.alteregoportraits.com/vintage-couples-photography/#!wp-prettyPhoto[g72]/7/  offer the full vintage package and are available for bookings online. You could also look up some of your local photographers and get them to come up with a retro backdrop and retro inspired photos for you.

7. A retro night in: Some days we just want to kick back and chill out in the comfort of our own home. There is nothing wrong with that. There are still things you can do with your sweetheart which are super romantic with a vintage flare. How about cook up an old fashioned recipe or watch a vintage film? An ideal intimate night in where you can still satisfy your vintage craze. Perfect!
Classic vintage movies: Hard Days Night, Blow Up, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Darling, Singin' in the Rain, My Fair Lady, E.T, Back to the Future, The Shining

8. Retro bike ride: Places to go and places to see. Bike rides are a classic outing for lovebirds and create a great opportunity for talking while soaking up the sun. Pimp your bike by purchasing a vintage bike or adding a retro style basket to your current ride. You can also look up picturesque bike tracks such as York's dainty cobbled streets or Whitby's gothic chic haven.

That's all for today. I sure hope I have inspired you with super cute dating ideas! I'm no expert but I am a sucker for romance and have tried out these ideas myself.

Happy dating. :-)

xo

Retro's recipe for interior elegance

Source: historic-uk.com

As an urban town dweller surrounded by screeching sirens and slightly under the influence individuals struggling their way home on boozy Saturday nights, I'm often left infatuated when envisioning quaint country manors in all of their nick nack and paddy wack glory. Don't get me wrong, I would never tire of prancing around the city and getting all googly-eyed at titivated mannequins whose glamour is echoed through endless stories of sparkling glass. Sometimes, though, I can't help but visualise how serene life would be to be forever mellowed by nature's calls and the rustling of  country branches, the only disturbance being the occasional melodic chirp from a refreshing ice cream truck. My own personal picture postcard utopia!

So, as I was engrossed further and further into this daydream, I imagined how mine and my boyfriend's country lair would be decorated until I'd practically created an entire new home in my head. The only setback being...it wasn't real. But, for blogging sake, I would like to imagine it is and share some of my vintage interior findings with you all and desperately pray that one day I will have the pleasure of owning such wonderful items. Enjoy!



Put some junk in your trunk: for me it was love at first sight with this duck egg coloured 'bargain basement glamour' trunk. Ideal for an old vinyl collection or some treasured dusty hardbacks, the chipped paint effect gives it that countryside edge while the floral carved lock fills it with mystery and exudes aspects of a fairytale storybook.
Price: £199



Reflect your style: What lured me into this duck egg painted vintage dresser is the windows! Ideal for parading your pricey vintage accessories and super cute makeup sets. Originally it may have been a vintage dining cabinet but the charming chipped paint and pastel colours would make a wonderful accompaniment to a classic feminine bedroom with a contemporary country twist.
Price: £599


No retro home would be complete without a fancy vintage style desk phone. The fully functioning buttons make for easier access than a traditional vintage desk phone but still emit that '60s office girl elegance with the shape and style.
Price: £49.95




Holy...chair?! This old chapel chair oozes character and could easily be glammed up with a floral or patterned cushion while still emitting a vintage quirkiness with its conventional hymn slot at the back. What could bring more personality to your country manor than adding a traditional piece of history to the home?
Price: £50




Step back and marvel at these Alice in Wonderland-esque draws in all their vintage splender. With the curved legs and door knocker handles, this fabulous find has more character in it than a Game of Thrones novel. Finished with decorative carvings at either side, this vintage drawer is emblematic of country home chic.
Price: £120

(products found at dovetailvintage)

So those were my best thrifty finds of the day and I hope you enjoyed them! All stores I list are based in the UK and use UK currencies but if you're wanting me to look on an international level please let me know!

xo

Sugar, spice & dressing up nice: the retro glamour edition

“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” - Coco Chanel

Okay, I'm just going to throw this out there. I'm a hard working university student, a 20 year old woman starting out in a career and juggling a riddle of responsibilities in early adult life, but I'm a fool if I'm going to deny how my heart overflows with glee whenever I take the time to do some digging for gold in the back of my wardrobe on the hunt for prized prom dresses and sparkly evening gowns.

I'm utterly guilty in the act of girly dress up and recall many drizzly afternoons lounged indoors wearing my hot pink heart shaped prom gown desperately trying to morph into Grace Kelly or the rather flawless Princess Aurora. I'm a sucker for sickly sweet retro dresses and I fail to memorize a time when I refused the rush of pure giddiness my body swells with when I know I have a fancy event to attend.

So, with that in mind, I thought I would go on an online prowl for some lacy, glitter embossed gowns that my keen retro eye couldn't resist. It's certainly the season to splurge on fancy vintage dresses with plenty of upcoming weddings and outdoor family events, but even if you're having a quiet Summer this year, do you really need an excuse?

(All of these I found at rokit.co.uk, a fairly established vintage clothing store. I'm sure there are tons more sweet finds online if you have the patience to take a look, but these were by far the prettiest in my opinion! Hope you enjoy. :-) )http://www.rokit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=BVWC00648 Excuse me while I hyperventilate and squeal with joy! This being a sure contender for the most glamorousandglitzyandsupersplendidultracute dress I have ever had the pleasure of feasting my eyes on, I simply had to parade all of its extravagance all over my blog and give it the thumbs up and appreciation it deserves. Ideal for a young sweetheart attempting to stun her dreamy prom date, it's lace petticoat and intricate floral stitching echo signature 1950s classic elegance and feminine charm. What more could you want? Price: £200

Fresh out of a fairytale which tells of a glittering snowy wonderland, this '50s maxi ball gown emits more of a Christmas aura but is nevertheless enchantingly beautiful. The tiers of lace create texture and sprinkle character over this show stopping ball gown. Warning: although this dress may be deceiving, it will not turn you into an ACTUAL princess.
Price: £350

http://www.rokit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=BVWC00182 Another elegant '50s classic, this captivating peachy maxi dress looks good enough to wear. The subtle charm evoked from the silk makes this gown wearable without being too choked with frills and fancy bits. The delicate pleats at the back add style and a pinch of personality and flare.
Price: £120

http://www.rokit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=WC100441 Lathered with sequins and style, this alluring evening dress complete with a sweet and alluring bow is enough to put a sparkle in any girl's eye. Finished with glitzy fringing to extract glamour and chic, this £75 bargain find is a precious and glittering addition to a thrift addict's wardrobe.
Price: £75

That's all for today. Please keep your eyes peeled for more fabulous thrifty finds! Any recommendations or tips feel free to do some chattin'. :-)

xo

Sole mates: dirty confessions and my urge for shoes

Since the dawn of cyberspace itself and the ever growing friendship between me and my laptop I have been keeping a secret...a secret so shameful it has cost me hours of my life, tedious training and endless stress, not to mention a mammoth hole in my wallet. I've tried conquering it. I've distracted myself with Angry Birds, Temple Run and even cute kitten videos on YouTube...but nothing will defeat the demon that haunts me. I'm still charmed by that one last rush of adrenaline because I am, in fact, addicted to eBay.

Yes, that's right, I'm a slave to the bidding and captive to that endless spending of cash. But, let's face it, where else can you buy the world's most gorgeous pair of shoes for less of a price than it costs for your lunch? Plus, when your hometown seems to be living under a rock and is growing increasingly oblivious to the idea of thrifting, the notorious eBay is the ultimate saviour for feeding my need for pretty bows and polka dots. By far my favourite thing to scavenge for on my personal retro haven is cute heels. There is a feeling of pure bliss as you discover you've won that all important bid and can take pride in knowing you haven't brought shame to you or your wardrobe. Also, the contentment after the ultimate win in knowing you've bagged yourself your perfect shoe is comparable to that 'I got the last Rolo' feeling. It is resting assured that probably only a few other people in the history of the universe will own those shoes, which makes them have an unparallelled sense of individuality.

So, I thought I'd share a few gems I've discovered with any equally obsessed retro heel fanatics. Cue...cute shoes!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Retro-1950s-1960s-Gold-Mod-Shoes-Mod-Madmen-Twiggy-Size-6-6-5-/170898829033?pt=UK_Vintage_Shoes&hash=item27ca5d2ee9

These sparkle-embossed evening shoes are so jazzy and alluring that they remind me of a more modern ruby slipper. It's like if you tapped your heels in them you'd be transported to somewhere magical. Yes, they have little glitches here and there but for me that adds to their character and gives them a history. If you want a shoe that looks like you've just been dragged right from the times of Beatle Mania and mini skirt galore, this is the pair.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swiss-Bally-Boutique-de-Paris-vintage-white-leather-shoes-UK3-5-EU36-5-immaculat-/251135989854?pt=UK_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item3a78df185e

Although they're technically a little 'Plain Jane', when I saw these it created a vintage little tea party scene in my mind. I want to sit in them on a sunny day and drink tea from miniature china and make small talk with strangers. I feel that the large dolly-esque buttons add character and would make a super cute marriage with a little white day dress (which in the Summer months I have no shortage of). Sorry again, bank balance!

Okay so that's all for today as I'm all ebay-ed out but keep your eyes peeled and I may post some more awesome bargain finds! Also, considering I'm fairly new to blogging I would really appreciate if you could tell me what you liked if you enjoyed the posts or what you didn't like if you weren't such a fan. I will get right onto taking on recommendations or tips and ideas for improvement.

xo

A little insight...

Allow me to introduce myself...

It's time to put your feet up, pop the kettle on and reminisce as WhiteRabbitRetro takes you on a nostalgic journey through twine and lace to bring you the ultimate bible to retro living.

Enveloping a feast of news, reviews and fashion features, the posts are all inspired and composed by a British journalism student and avid Alice in Wonderland fan who hopes to add a contemporary and fantastical twist to living a glamorous lifestyle on a budget.

Personality behind the posts...

So, you may (or may not) be wondering who I am in everyday life and what has triggered my enthusiasm for blogging. As a young woman with an eager urge to write and create throughout the majority of my student life, I feel that it is an honor and a treat to be able to share my findings and creations with an array of readers from different backgrounds online.

From the launching of this blog I hope to be able to successfully showcase what I have learned from my fascination with British culture between 1950s-1990s and give a snapshot of what exactly it is I do with my bundles and bundles of spare time. From a young age I have embraced experimentation with my clothing and used fashion and creation as my sidekick. I vowed to make my wardrobe as bold and girly looking as possible so I could use my outer image as an accurate reflection of my personality when I couldn't always express myself. Now, I want to achieve this in an online atmosphere and hopefully create a scrapbook-like vision of my daily life and style and share some tips along the way.

As well as fashion, I will focus on music reviews, baking tutorials and how I would add a sprinkling of the '60s or '70s to a contemporary home. Coming from an arts & crafts fanatic family, I have had my fair share of DIY Halloween costumes and stay-in-and-bake days. I am captivated by the idea that adding something as simple as beading or a little lace collar can make something plain into a garment representing a story or memory that is special and beautiful. I have the same outlook on baking and have always found significance in detail and taking the time and care to create something that oozes character and imagination.

From a musical perspective, I feel my reviews will focus on what emotions and images music provokes and how I can link a certain song to a memory to give it a special place on my playlist. I enjoy the carefree and rebellious nature of 1960s and 70s music as well as getting my hairbrush out and singing along to a Kate Bush classic. Coming from a relatively musical background, I appreciate all genres of music and have sang for friends and family and public audiences where I played cornet in a jazz band for several years. I want to share feel good music with others as well as the comfort taken in sobbing over a love song on days I'm feeling blue.

So, that is what you can expect from my blog. Please note I am not a professional in the fashion or music industry nor do I claim to be, I am just a 20 year old shopaholic with endless hours of thrifting under my belt and a dream of being a writer.

Thanks a bunch for reading and any feedback is welcome and taken on-board.

Have a swell day!

xo