old school

by Karen Blanchard
28 July 2011


Swing dress: H&M.  Bag: Vintage Coach (got mine on eBay but they re-launched all of them again – about bloody time).  Patent leather shoes: Topshop (clearance sale). Similar styles here, here and here.  Shades: Ray Ban (Got them here). 
Change is good. Denim and slouchy tops are fine but I was feeling a bit lady like. Did it before with skimmers (in this post). This time I fancied Queen Mum block heels.   That’s the first thing I think of when I spot shoes like this: the royal family. Feels more mod with a short dress. 
I’ve lived in winged eye liner this week – this is my fave pencil – definitely try it.  Topshop has picked up on the retro vibe too I noticed.  Come Autumn I want to wear this coat over plain woollies and knit tights.  Plus the pointy flats or these outdoor slippers with skinnies and a slim cut long blazer.  Even loafers  are perfect. 
This is about as ‘done’ as I like hair. The messier – the better (I took the hair pins out right after these pics were taken).

All this retro talk makes me think of one queen of the whole damn look I’m talking about – Amy Winehouse.  She had an effing brilliant retro style that I always loved.  100% mod inspiration. 

May she rest in peace. 
Category: vintage

43 comments

  1. Anonymous says:

    I love the dress. Kind of an unexpected color, I think.

    How do you do your winged liner? (or maybe other readers can chime in). I’m pretty new to makeup up and thought it’s usually done with liquid liner. You look very pretty though. Natural.

  4. Debby says:

    LOVE this outfit SO much. Oh my goodness. The dress and especially the shoes! Your shoes are to DIE for!
    xoxo Debby

  5. Julie Khuu says:

    Aw RIP Amy indeed…such a stunna, such an old soul…I see so much of that wisdom in your style Karen…from your copy, to your costumes…brilliant looks from a brilliant mind!

    Love this look, very old school WDuGT!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture Blog

  6. Dom says:

    Superb styling! I’m really loving the color choices but I’ve got to say I find those mary jane pumps absolutely darling! You look very cute. :]

  7. KinkyNCoily_Mo says:

    Love those shoes! Great pics! 🙂

    xx Ashlei

    KinksAreTheNewPink.blogspot.com

  10. Sarah Dee says:

    love this look! & amy winehouse was a retro goddess =(

    <3 Sarah

  11. savvymenow says:

    u rock those shoes!

  12. Marisa T. says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  13. Michelle of Chellbellz says:

    Love it! I love the shoes, reminds me of a cool pair of shoes my grandmother had when I was growing up. I loved her style!

  15. Ola says:

    great!

  16. ♥Run With Fashion♥ says:

    LOOOOOVE YOUR HEEELS! So vintage looking i love it and also your red bag! ♥

    And yes @ Amy Winehouse. 🙁
    -Eliza

  17. Nouvelle Vaguebnd says:

    RIP Amy, I loved her too. Her style remind me of my friends back in east L.A; very rockabilly chola. You look so beautiful and I agree change is most definitely good.

  19. luckapucka says:

    perfect photos as always! and the shoes are lovely!

  21. We Are The Crowd says:

    i love the print. The shoes really set it off and the bag compliments it really well 🙂

    Mollie from we-are-the-crowd.com
    xo

  22. Flor Y. says:

    wow! you look… different! in a good way!

    flor,
    xxx

  23. the polka leopard says:

    love your ‘Queen Mum’ shoes! haha! great look on you karen x

  24. ada90 says:

    The dress is very beautiful!I want those shoes:(

  25. Dodo says:

    Love the dress with those shoes!! I have similar ones but from the Primark so we”ll see how long those last 😛

  26. Sia says:

    I love this look! I’ve been wanting those shoes fro like ever. I will defo get it now. Love Sia xoxo

  27. Camilla says:

    The shoes are just dreamy, and RIP Amy, she was just so carelessly herself

    x Camilla

    check out my giveaway

    intothefoldfashion.blogspot.com

  28. Pepa Xavier says:

    I’m sooo looking for that dress on H&M! Stunning!

  29. Ishawi says:

    Hi my love! U look gorgeous (as always… :P) !
    Gr8 look !
    Kisses,
    C.

  30. Valerie says:

    Beautiful look! Love your bag and shoes!

  32. Raya says:

    I’m loving the shoes!

  33. 401 says:

    Gorgeous dress, I always love your looks. I love your hair a lot better down though.

  35. Sing says:

    Love the mod look, nice dress.

  37. Khandi Ray says:

    Awesome shoes Karen!!! Change really is good, makes you feel empowered!!- Khandi Ray

    thefashionmenace.com

  38. noirohio vintage says:

    damn those heels have a KILLER arch! you look stunning, per usual mama!
    xx

  40. madzia says:

    nice bag:)

  43. Anonymous says:

    Great pic as always, love Amy Winehouse music n style…really miss her……. from vintage thrift shop gal….blessings, One Love!!! xo

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