Little frock on the prairie

Woo hoo it’s Friday which means it’s time for Make Me Pretty Shop's #fridaysfrock!

Every week, we select a must-have genuine vintage dress to showcase. This week, it's a high ruffle neck, balloon sleeve, 1970s prairie-style dress by Paragi.

Prairie dresses are the epitome of ‘innocence and fun’ – think the wholesome Ingalls children from American drama TV series Little House on the Prairie.

While these dresses for women tend to offer a sweet and summery look, this little number has a rich autumnal palette of deep purple with blue and pink flowers.

Prairie dresses naturally followed the Peasant look (Yves St Laurent 1976) and were introduced to fashion by Ralph Lauren in his 1978 western themed collection. 

Traditionally, the skirts would have been full and flouncy, but like many vintage dresses, Prairie dresses have evolved over time to suit the modern woman. 

In the 70s clothing become multifunctional, and today’s #fridaysfrock is no exception. 

While perfect for summer days, this Paragi Prairie dress is a great capsule wardrobe staple. 

To transform your look from day to night, swap knitted tights, a fur gilet and carved bangles for bold wedges, a statement necklace and a stylish clutch, voila!

Enjoy x

Crafty Rolls gets crafting

Phew what a day it's been, I've been crafting since 12:30pm.

Last night I was struck by inspiration, and quite a few baby bump kicks, for some new necklace designs for Make Me Pretty Shop. So after a spot of brekkie, feeding the cats and checking my Facebook page, I jumped into my car and headed to Hobbycraft to stock up on supplies.

Two hours in store and £60 pounds lighter - no I hadn't given birth while I was there - I left pleased as punch with my haul and sped off home to start turning my late-night craft fantasies into reality. Plus, a few extra ideas that came to me after spending so much time looking round many beautiful things.

While initially apprehensive about how to actually make what I had in mind, I have to say I am feeling pretty smug about my creations, unfortunately this means once again I am already contemplating keeping half of them - well a girl can never have enough jewellery can she?

In total I made 11 necklaces, 21 bobby pins, 3 rings and 1 pair of earrings. That's right my name's Lisa-Marie Nelson and I am officially a crafty addict.

The item I am most proud of is a statement bib/collar necklace of sumptuous pink, purple and red paper roses on maroon felt, topped off with a ribbon and bead tie - perfect for autumn / fall.

I made other vintage-inspired necklaces too using paper roses and wooden beads, as well as some cameo ones using super cute cat cabochons, mounted on antique bronze and resin settings.

The additional purchases I made included some cool ice cream cone and spooky cat embellishments, which I turned into retro bobby pins, perfect for securing vintage hair-dos or for Halloween.

While it's been a joy to craft and blog, I now have to get on with adding all my new lines to my shop!

So remember to respect style, respect vintage and handmade crafts, I am off to Etsy to list.

Toodles XOXO

MakeMePrettyShop's photostream

MakeMePrettyShop's photostream on Flickr.

Love a good photo? We're now on Flickr so come take a peek #vintage #photography

80s child seeks 50s love

Today I'm carry on with the 50s theme, inspired by Make Me Pretty Shop's #fridaysfrock.

In their book "Style Me Vintage" Thompson et al describe the 1950s as a decade of reawakening, rebellion, discovery and progress. If I had to pick my favourite era, in terms of clothing, for me it would be the 50s - the time of doo-wop, bebop, cool jazz, blues and the emergence of Rock 'n' Roll.

There are several reasons why clothing in the 50s does it for me, but the main one is that it was truly the decade of the hourglass figure - hooray for us curvy girls! Thanks to voluptuous, smouldering movie sirens like Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren, the female shape was something to be admired.

#fridaysfrock 1950s style

The shape of the 50s was the contrast of a tiny waist with rounded hips in a pencil or full skirt.

Daytime shopping lists would have included: beaded cardigans, tie blouses, bright floral patterns, bobby socks, saddle shoes and short gloves. Fabrics were big and bold and so too were novelty prints like the poodle trend.

Evening attire on the other hand, would have been brocade, tripe rows of pearls, long gloves, boned strapless bodices, layers of petticoats, fur stoles or wraps and ornate little clutch bags. Underwear was key here girls to make the most of your assets and nip in that waist!

Teddy girls from Flickr

The 50s also responsible for the introduction of denim being worn as a casual and acceptable daytime look for men and women. They were seen as rebellious - think James Dean or Teddy girls - they made a statement and thankfully still play a large part in our wardrobes even now.

Souvenirwear and novelty jewellery was also popular - painted basket bags from Mexico, cat's eye sunglasses in an array of different colours, bright print head scarfs, bamboo earrings and wedge mules.

All in all the 50s had it all - it was full of femine, fun and fitted clothing to make the most of what you had, as well as rebellious and more casual looking styles. It had the music, the movie stars, the drive-ins, and even the rollar skates for goodness sake! 

Yes, I may be an 80s child, but for me it's all about the 50s.

Ta ta for now x

The joy of vintage

Hello world my name, well for the purpose of this blog anyway, is Crafty Rolls. You what I hear you say, where the hell did that come from? Well, you can thank my beloved for that one.

When I couldn't think of a name for this blog, he suggested this. It comes from my passion for making things (Crafty) and a shortened version of Rolly, a name he gave me based on the sound I made when I got nervous around when we first started dating (think Roland Rat).

Anyway enough of silly names and on with the vintage.

Vintage clothing is enjoying a massive resurgence and I for one am glad. Every day it seems there are new outlets, pop-up stalls or online marketplaces opening. This vintage lover affair has even brought good old crafting skills and items back into fashion, such as crocheting, knitting and bunting.

So, what is it about wearing garments inspired by eras gone by that people love? Melody Fortier, the author of "The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping" suggests for some its a collector's passion, the nostalgia the clothes evoke, an eco-friendly way to shop, or a way to escape overplayed trends.

Call me a sentimentalist, attention seeker and a little bit smug, but the joy of vintage for me is in rehoming a once loved item, breaking away from mainstream fashion and attracting compliments, all the while knowing people are unlikely to be able to rush out and copy my outfit.

It's for these very reasons that I decided to set up Make Me Pretty Shop on Etsy, that and the fact I now have far more pieces of vintage clothing and accessories than I know what to do with.

If you hate the bland, the over-priced and are bored with cookie-cutter High Street fashion then you're no shop dummy, which means my shop is probably for you. I launched Make Me Pretty for those who respect style, respect vintage and handmade crafts, but don't believe in paying the earth for them.

So, whether you're looking to protect your wallet and save a pretty penny, need to shake up that wardrobe or just ensure you don't turn up to the office Christmas party in the same outfit as everyone else, why not take a peek at what my shop has to offer?

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter or LIKE us on Facebook for all the latest vintage fashion musings, tips and offers on clothing and original handmade jewellery. Look out for our #fridayfrock it's one of a kind, so once its gone its gone!

Toodle pip X