Getting to know Amber Brookes, Black Country gal, vintage wearer and a lady with a true love for vintage shopping. We thought it would be lovely to share with you all some of our fabulous customers in a getting to know you feature over on the blog. Our second edition features our lovely friend and customer, Amber. We first met Amber whilst taking our shop on tour to vintage events throughout the UK and have since become chatterboxes over beautiful vintage pieces and our shared love of history. Amber is a regular at Maggie Maes and can often be found browsing the rails and having a good old chinwag! She is also now part of the fabulous Duo that make up ‘ The Halcyon Diaries’ with her friend Ria Barry, who explore history, vintage fairs, vintage fashions and makeup and so much more. We took some time to find out a little about her and her love of vintage fashions and in particular her love of the 1940s.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from a not so little place called The Black Country, I live here with my finance Dan and our four cats. I work as a care home Dispenser in a chemist just down the road from our home.
What are your hobbies?
If I could say shopping were one that would be my answer hands down, confessions of a shopaholic... that’s my life. I’ve recently acquired a green finger since lockdown, I’ve loved walking into the garden with our cats and discovering what’s flowering.
My grandad has definitely been on the other end of the phone to rescue my disasters, I suppose we all have to start somewhere. We can’t leave this one out, any vintage/history lover will tell you visiting historical places with family and friends is definitely up there with favourite things to do.
What started your interest in the vintage lifestyle and fashions from the period?
I’ve always been fascinated by old movies as a child and how the ‘olden days’ were something that seemed so magical to me.
I remember looking at pictures of my Nan and grandad from the 60s and thinking just how amazing they both looked, but I’ll never forget when my grandad pulled out photographs of my Nanny Ivy from her years during the war and the 1940s love began. As for vintage lifestyle I’ve got to say it’s goes as far as the clothing, it’s awful I know but this girl would be lost without her phone.
What is your favorite era and why?
I don’t think I have a particular favorite era, I do sway clothing wise more towards the 40s definitely. There are many things I love from different eras I love the sounds of Chuck Berry from the 1950s and the age of The New woman the twenties brought, but my heart will always lie with the 1940s.You can’t beat a set of wide leg, high waisted trousers in my eyes.
Who are your vintage inspirations?
Inspiration comes from a lot of places for me, whether it be old movies or illustrations in books or my fellow vintage ladies on Instagram. I must admit one person I always look up to would be my dear friend Tina, if you’ve ever met Tina you know how fabulous she always looks.
What was your first vintage purchase and do you still own it?
My first ever vintage purchase was an Avalon blue dress that I picked up for an absolute steal from a local vintage kilo event, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it. I still have it but it’s not one I usually wear, maybe I’ll get it out again sometime.
What is your favourite piece you have purchased from Maggie Mae’s Vintage?
Another tricky question because you ladies always provide the goods! I must admit though it’s narrowed down to my St Michaels pink and white fern print CC41 dress. I can put this dress on with making minimal effort in myself and feel like a thousands bucks!
Do you have a ‘ Holy Grail’ piece you would like to own?
I’m already lucky enough to own a hand painted blouse that I purchased from you lovely ladies, these items are the ‘holy grail’ I would love to own more, the detail you can find in them is just outstanding.
Do you like mixing eras in your everyday style? And do you like wearing both original and reproduction pieces ?
Most definitely, there are so many incredible reproduction brands out there. I have an absolute soft spot for House of Foxy and their shirt blouse, I think I’m getting close to owning one in every colour.
I’m also a sucker for anything Freddies of Pinewood release, these guys have some absolute corkers. I’ve always been a ‘if you like it wear it’ kind of girl, regardless of its era.
What resources do you like to use to put together styles and outfits for wearing everyday ? Do you have any book recommendations? Or any resource recommendations ?
Instagram I must admit is a big inspiration, I love seeing outfits that other ladies have put together it definitely gets my creative juices flowing.The best book I’d say would probably be "1940s Fashion: the Definitive Sourcebook" if you have yourself a copy of this wonder you’ll never need another, their 30s sourcebook is also brilliant.
I must admit if I’ve picked up vintage staple and I want to accessorize original 1940s illustrations are always a go to. Also I have to add your window displays 100% always inspire me, it’s definitely the first place I swoon over when I come to visit.
What is your top tip for vintage shopping and bargain hunting?
Sometimes unfortunately it’s all about being in the right place at the right time.I recently picked up my 40s bucket bag from my local vintage shop for an absolute steal, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it happily sitting on the shelf for me.
Probably where I’ve picked up some of my favourites pieces is going to 40s events that are held across the country, sadly there hasn’t been many this year which I’m missing dearly.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start wearing vintage fashions and embracing the vintage lifestyle?
It took me a while to get the confidence to wear what I wanted, which I do regret. My advise would be wear whatever you want and love, don’t worry about what any one thinks and just rock it!
If you want to try the vintage look out first then reproduction items are always a great starting place. Visiting vintage shops such as yourselves are always brilliant places to visit, you really become inspired to find what your own version of vintage style is going to be.
What’s your favorite vintage makeup look as a go to for everyday wear?
It’s all about the lips and having that iconic lip colour that brings your look together. Besame cosmetics and Fatale cosmetics are perfect if you want true authentic vintage cosmetics in the prettiest of packaging.
Most days my makeup looks entails tinted moisturiser, mascara, blush and signature red lips. Quickness is key as it takes me hours to tame my hair most days, yikes!
Do you have a favourite event on the social calander that you cant miss and could recommend ?
I’m going to be biased here and say my favourite just has to be The Black Country museums 1940s weekend, it’s right on my doorstep and I always have an absolute blast with friends from near and far.
Coming up in the next couple of weeks The Vintage Retreat in Northampton is hosting their Spiffing 1940s event so I’m definitely looking forward to have a good old mooch for some goodies.
I’m also looking forward to the next workshop with yourselves I really enjoyed the last one I attended and learnt so much, if anyone is thinking about coming along you need to it’s brill.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Thank you for considering me and thank you for inspiring me always.
If anyone would love to see what myself and my dear beautiful friend Ria get up to on our adventures together please check out our new venture of on The Halcyon Diaries, it’s our little project protégée we’ve been working on through lockdown.
Last but not least if anyone hasn’t visited the two beautiful ladies behind Maggie Mae's what are you waiting for? Popping up to Shrewsbury for a wonderful day out and spending some time with these legends getting your vintage fix is just what you need.
We just wanted to say a huge thankyou to the beautiful Amber, for allowing us to have a chat and sharing an insight into her life with you all. If you don't already follow Amber over on social media you'll find her @lifeofamber and don't forget to head on over and follow her and Ria's Halcyon Diaries page @thehalcyondiaries to follow their journey of vintage adventures. We really hope you liked this installment of getting to know our customers on our blog 'Musings of a shop from times gone by'. If you would like to feature in the future please do get in touch.
Thanks & Speak Soon
Maggie & Megan x x
]]>The 1930's - An era renowned for its simple elegance with iconic shapes, design features and exquisite fabrics. An era framed by world changing events with the depression in the early years and World War 2 braking out in 1939. But it was the thirties that provided a new direction within women's fashion design with the rise of glamourous Hollywood styles and silver screen icons wearing more sensual silhouettes. A decade of design which saw the rise of sportwear as daywear, matching accessories to garments, practical streamline silhouettes and figure hugging sultry eveningwear.
At last years Festival Of Vintage our collaboration fashion show with House Of Foxy ' Top to Toe - A glimpse into the fashions of the 1930's and 1940's' focused on how you could wear both Original and Reproduction fashions to create authentic and easy to wear outfits everyday. Sadly due to the Coronavirus Pandemic this years Festival of Vintage has had to be postponed, but the fabulous Event Organiser, Keeley Harris has created a virtual event over on her Facebook Pages. She asked if we could create a virtual fashion show using some of the pieces we had been collecting and curating throughout the year.
Our offering for this years event is ' A look into 1930's Fashions', we are focusing on key looks from the era and sharing with you some of our favourite original pieces. We have curated a selection of garments and accessories throughout the past year, some pieces are from our ever expanding personal archives whilst most will be for sale via our website once the weekends event is complete. Sadly, we cant share our original plans as this included some fabulous new 1930s inspired designs coming from House of Foxy which haven't yet been launched due to COVID19. But please do checkout the website and social media as the majority of the new collection are must have staples for any vintage lovers wardrobe and work fabulously paired with original vintage. Check out houseoffoxy.com / @thehouseoffoxy on social media.
Inspired by the springtime florals of the English meadows this look is perfect for afternoon tea in the garden. Building an outfit is all about layering varying textures and this flatlay suggestion features straw, crochet, rayon and silk which creates lots of eye catching details.
A darling 1930s daywear piece, bias cut with a fabulous pleated hemline section, original belt and made from the most beautiful floral rayon in powder blues, bold greens, buttery yellows and soft lilacs.
A curated display of typical 1930's day wear, on the left we have a 1930's bias cut dress in a lovely floral chiffon, in the middle we have a beautiful day dress in a rust crepe and to the right we have an exquisite 1930's day dress in a green floral silk.
Inspired by the iconic looks from the 1930's summer lawn parties of the era this look features elegant floral chiffons and classic 30's accessories. Within the inspired flatlay we have a fabulous pair of Lotus 30's shoes in a classic deco green with gold detailing and a rare celluloid ivory clutch handbag both of which are favourite pieces of ours from this curated look.
An iconic 1930's bias cut day dress In a lovely floral chiffon, cut on the bias and featuring an overlaid sleeve with pleated edge detailing.
A true 1930's colour, rust this dress is made from a lovely lightweight crepe. Bias cut, long sleeves and featuring a beautiful rosette detailing to the bodice.
A stunning example from the era, a 1930's green floral silk day dress with frilled contrast ivory collar, puff sleeves and a box pleated lower skirt detailing.
A close image up of our inspired flatlay by Maggie Mae's Vintage. Find more images over on our Instagram / Facebook & Twitter pages - @maggiemaesvintage @maesvintage
An inspired grouping to the left we have a 1930's geometric print day dress in a deep red, in the middle a 1930's day dress in a novelty geometric cigarette print crepe and to the right we have a floral 1930's day dress with button front, scalloping and attached faux bolero with a 1930's lightweight summer overcoat in eau de nil.
A classic 1930's daytime look in an iconic colour pallet of dark browns, soft creams and deco oranges. In our inspired flatlay we have accessorised with a lovely late 30's brown raffia tilt hat with veil, brown popcorn crochet handbag, an art deco pointed geometric print scarf and an early celluloid snake bangle.
One of our favourite pieces from this years curated collection a 1930's day dress in a lovely mid weight crepe in a novelty geometric cigarette print. The epitome of its era this dress has a fabulous silhouette featuring a shaped collar, 3/4 length sleeve with innovative cut out detailing, a matching belt with art deco buckle and all cut on the bias.
An iconic shape from the era and made using a mid weight crepe in an impeccable geometric print in a deep red colour pallet, this 1930s dress oozes simple elegance. Featuring a shaped pointed contrast collar, full length sleeve with innovative pleating detailing, pockets with deco buckles and a fishtail shaped lower skirt section.
Knitwear was very popular from the late 20's onwards and this fabulous 4 piece example is from the mid 1930's. Featuring a pointelle knit top, a line shaped skirt, matching belt with deco buckle and accompanying neck scarf in a lovely rich burgundy.
A close up image of our inspired flatlay by Maggie Mae's Vintage. Find more images over on our social media pages via Instagram / Facebook & Twitter @maggiemaesvintage @maesvintage
A fabulous 1930's day dress made from a beautiful floral crepe in bold meadow colours. The dress has a faux bolero with scallop edging which is mimicked across the seam of the pockets.
A lovely 1930's summer overcoat in a soft eau de nil crepe with fabulous sleeve flounces and deco stitch detailing. This would have been worn layered over separates or spring and summer weight dresses.
Another example of a 1930's knit set this one is a 3pc and consists of a Jumper with shaped collar with pointelle and scalloped detailing, a line skirt and matching belt.
Inspired by an Autumnal stroll this look features key 1920's details which would have followed through into the early 1930's styling over the depression period like this 1920s opera coat. Our favourite pieces in this inspired flatlay image is the fabulous matching late 1930's snakeskin cloche hat and gloves set.
A stunning 1930's 2 piece set featuring dress and bolero in a lovely colour pallet of powder blues, soft fawns and muted greens.
An iconic late 1920s piece, an opera coat in a classic slimline silhouette with crossover front, button to the hip and featuring contrast fur trim to the collar and cuffs.
A close up of accessories in an inspired flatlay by Maggie Mae's Vintage, find more over on our social media pages via Instagram, Facebook and twitter @maggiemaesvintage @maesvintage
An inspired grouping of Evening Wear, to the left we have a 1930's sheer floral bias cut evening dress, to the middle we have an exquisite 1930's lame evening gown, fit for a Hollywood goddess and to the right we have an impeccable 3pc consisting of dress, bolero and matching cape in a lovely floral chiffon.
On the 2nd September, 2019 we finally managed to get to the keys to the new space and immediately scurried in to start work on our plans. We kept our little shop open until mid September and closed for a week to complete the move. The space was vast compared to our old home and empty looked huge ! Our vision for the space was a homage to a 1930’s department store, creating sections for categorised garments, a jewellery section, a menswear department, lingerie department and accessories space etc. We wanted to create a space that felt as though it could have been taken from that era. Using period fixtures and fittings alongside modern elements, we have used classic mahogany and oak woods alongside brushed chrome and glass for a nod to the Art Deco period we love.
Taking inspiration from an original 1930’s rug Maggie created an Art Deco border to outline all the walls in a simple but classic deco colour palette of pastel green, soft pink, rose pink and a rich claret. She also handpainted a mural behind the shop counter as a feature. ( Mum is always fabulous at creating the image in my head )
Heres some behind the scenes images taken from the couple of weeks we spent creating the new shop layout.
A stunning image of a 1930s rug which we found in an old auction catalogue from the states, which we used as inspiration for our art deco border panels and mural for our shop interior.
We sourced this amazing 1930s double haberdashery shop counter unit as our till point. It has 2 huge drawers and double cupboards which house all our stationary and packaging.
Arthur, our keen shop helper during the refit. He was helping dress the shop mannequins
A close up of Maggie's fantastic art deco border panels which bring a touch of 1930s glamour to our shop. We love the combination of pastel greens, soft pinks, rose pinks and warm claret.
Our new shop logo appeared late on a Friday evening and was hand illustrated by local sign writer Andy. He also created our last shop frontage signage.
Our shop move has allowed us to create a dream project, which was to create a vintage lifestyle shop. We wanted to create a space where you could buy not only fabulous original pieces but quality reproduction brands which you can intermix and enable you to wear the style everyday. We now sell brands which include : House of Foxy, What Katie Did Lingerie, Bow & Crossbones Jewellary, House of Drewvid Hair Products, Fatale Cosmetics and Knitting for Victory Knitwear. We wanted to create a socical space where we can house workshops to teach old fashioned ways with likeminded friends in a happy space. See our next blog for behind the scenes on our first hairstyling workshop hosted by Lucilles Locks.
We opened our new shop on the 21st September 2019 and we had the best day full of fabulous friendly faces, new and old customers and family support. There were lots of laughs, great vintage, cake and flowers. We just want to thank everyone for their continued support to our business it really does mean the world to have such a great customer base :) Scroll down for some behind the scenes photos of our launch day !