University... That is all

I'm now in week 3 of university, and I'm not going to lie, it's been rocky. I hardly eat, I drink too much (Alcohol units consumed since arriving...more than 60... which I suppose is alright in student terms?)... and spend to much on rubbish I don't need. Lets do a brief run down on what's happened since I arrived.

DAY 1: Cried a bit because my dad left me a note about growing up, but that's okay, Lillie came round and got drunk with me so that makes everything okay... I didn't know how to work the oven, so Lillie had to make sure I had made something edible before she left.... it took me three hours to drink that soup...

My beautiful Queen who's going to be in my next YouTube Video

DAY 2: Had an emotional breakdown about how much I didn't want to do my course, cried down the phone to Jemima, my Grandma, Bobbi-Jo and Lillie. Lillie had to ditch her hubster and come and sit with me, again got very drunk. Thoroughly enjoyed cutting out laminated pieces of paper and watching "Into The Woods" though.

DAY 3: Went to visit my girlies at Edge Hill who reassured me everything would be okay eventually. Spent a wonderful few hours wandering the charity shops of Ormskirk, my student loan hasn't come through yet but still, enjoyed spending some money on some pretties! Then onwards to Rufford to spend some quality time with my Auntie and Cousins who just make anything seem fine... Went to watch the new Bridget Jones film as well, realised how much my life is turning into hers... is that good or bad? NO ALCOHOL TODAY WHAT ON EARTH?!

My sentiments exactly.

DAY 4: Got together with the lovely Angie who bought me breakfast/lunch/dinner at Bruciani's in town. Trawled around the charity shops spending an obscene amount on books that I don't really need. Ended up sat in the Harris Museum for a few hours on my own waiting for Lillie, Christine and Karen so we could go to a talk about vintage clothes. The Harris Museum is beautiful, I enjoyed doing some writing there. The talk was lovely, was very tired though, we got made to talk about our outfits as we were all dressed vintage. Necked a glass of wine before heading to Turtle Bay for a very very very alcoholic cocktail, stumbled to Tesco with Lillie and got a bottle of wine I would have drank there and then but ended up falling asleep as soon as I got back... Maybe I can go without alcohol for a few days??

Christine, myself, Lillie and Karen (Mamma Bear)

DAY 5: (Williams Birthday) Any hopes of not drinking have gone out the window after 2 snowballs and a glass of wine... not a lot but enough to give a substantial headache tomorrow I presume. Met with Emily for lunch (well whatever I could stomach, 2 crisps and a bite of a toastie). Had an AMAZING two hour bath at Auntie Jane's, giving me time to preen before tomorrow (the big night out). Got back to the flat and watched Ophelia's Live Feed and she gave me a shout out and made me cry, I am so lucky to have a friend like that....

Bet you can't tell I'm hungover here!

DAY 5: Had phone call off Lillie at 5 to 7 to remind me to phone the doctors, she noticed how tired I sounded and let me have another 50 minutes sleep before ringing me again. After 19 calls, got through to the doctors. Time to have hair cut. My hair looks amazing! It's so pretty and short and I can't thank Sharon enough for giving me my dream hair! Met up with Shannon for a non alcoholic beverage and a catch up, I miss this girl so much! To the doctors, I've been diagnosed with social anxiety, I knew it was there, but finally got that professional opinion (thank you Lillie and Ophelia for making me go) Got back and had a chat with Ophelia about what had happened. She was ever so supportive. Got ready to go out with Lillie... this was going to get messy. Five minutes before we left I decided I was going to be sick... (I wasn't that was next week) we went out and had a great time (I had my first kiss eeeeeek!) Lillie and Hayley made sure I was calm and happy at all times, even though I did have a cry over something I didn't like. Rolled in at *gulp* 6 o'clock and had an hours sleep before heading to the park.

DAY 6: I got lost in the park and ended up by Lillie's. Went to get Lillie's hair cut then back to mine to sort out my fairy lights. Fell asleep watching a film and then went to bed.

DAY 7: Family meal, was very sad when I got back and didn't know what to do, cried to numerous people, including Lottie who's found out I'm not eating a lot so asked me round. I'm really grateful.

DAY 8: First day of lectures! One lecture was cancelled. I met Lucas today and asked him to come back to the flat while I waited for my next lecture. He brought Jack along and we had a laugh. I actually ate food at Lottie's, only a little but it tied me over.

REST OF THE SECOND WEEK: Plenty of ups and downs, phone calls to Rachael, Ophelia and my mum.

DAY 13: ROCKY HORROR DAY! Woke Lillie up so I could do her hair after getting lost on the way. Got lift to Blackpool with Ophelia and her amazing parents and went to the Regent for half a ham sandwich and to spend £105 on clothes. Got dressed up and took some obligatory selfies before heading to the Winter Gardens where I don't remember ANYTHING 4 double vodka and cokes on an empty stomach resulted in a lot of sick... I won't go into detail. I just need to thank the girls for not being overly annoyed with me, I mean look how cute I was?

Before

After.... Cute right?....

From then until now I still haven't fully recovered, I'm really tired and ill, but you know, it's shaping up to be some of the best days of my life! I'm certainly very lucky! I'll be back with more uni updates very soon (I promise... that is if I can remember anything after tomorrow!)

Keep Adventuring!

Hattie

xxx

And So, The Adventure Begins....

I'm sat looking at piles upon piles of boxes, bags, paintings, photos, all the precious things I'm taking to university... "Are you excited? Nervous?" people keep on asking me... if I'm honest... I'm s******g myself about leaving home and having to be independent. This summer has helped me with independence, going to Skegness with Bobbi-Jo, Telford with Rae and travelling there and back on my own, Twinwood with Lottie (oh, by the way, I came second in Miss Vintage UK!)

Photo Credit- Pete of Beck Photographic

I went to my grandmas and was an extra in a film called "Absent" where I met the incredible Lillie and Ophelia! And had some fun drives around Lancashire in Karen's car! 

However, no amount of silliness and fun and frolics could prepare me for  what I have in store! I'm excited of course but I'm gutted to be leaving behind some amazing people and memories! I could do a massive post about everyone I'm going to miss, but you would get bored! So here is one last shout out to my MT Girlies and Cherry Tree Lane Cast!

I'm going to go and finish packing, but I'll be back with updates! See if I can actually survive university!

Lots of Love and 

Keep Adventuring

Hattie

xxx

Vintage Idol Month: Week One

"The idea of my life as a fairy tale is itself a fairytale."

Grace Kelly

Perhaps a quote that I, and that probably everyone can relate to. A quote from a true Hollywood princess. If fairy tales existed I would have been rescued by a handsome prince on his noble mighty steed, married him and would be living happily ever after in a big vintage castle. The reality however is much different. I'm sat at home in my yellow St. Michael's dress, single as a Pringle and watching Melissa and Joey on E4 thinking what can I do with the rest of my day.

I thought as it's August and I am getting ready to enter the next stage of my life (University, where I may meet my handsome prince) I would look at my vintage idols. Starting with Grace Kelly- Princess of Monaco.

Grace Kelly was born on 12th November 1929,  she is probably most famous for her film and stage appearances in the 1950's. She was also more famously known as the Princess of Monaco, she married Prince Rainier III (Whoever said fairytales couldn't happen... never mind) her life was far from a fairytale, despite the glitz and glamour of being a Princess, she longed to return to her life on the screen and suffered with depression.

However, I see Grace as an idol, especially for me. She worked very carefully with the red cross hosting numerous events. One of which was documented in the film "Grace of Monaco" starring Nicole Kidman. Alongside her charity work, she was a fashion icon, these are some of my favourite Grace Kelly looks.

This dress I find so elegant yet simple, it is the epitome of Grace Kelly, who could easily pull off the simplest of looks. The simple white skirt and black top just screams simplistic elegance!

I mean, come on you have to agree, even here in casual slack and a simple shirt she still looks effortlessly elegant!

I could go on for ever! I'm in awe of her style, I even would contemplate cutting my hair that short and maybe even dying it that colour, but that may be a step too far, no? Let me know what you think!

Check back next week when I will be moving on to week two. I'll leave you now with a quote from Princess Grace's Red Cross ball speech.

"I believe in love. And I believe that it’s love that has brought us here tonight. It’s love that will make us put away our guns, and our politics, and our fears and our prejudices. And it’s love that will eventually make everything right."

Keep adventuring, my lovelies.
Hattie
xxx 

Hattie On Tour- Part One!

Monday July 11th 2016

Afternoon everyone!

Its finally here! One of the biggest weeks of this year! This weekend it is Black Country Living Museum's 1940's weekend! I'm going with best friend and big sister Rae! But first I am going to stay with my Grandma and Grandpa to go on a vintage shopping trip with my Auntie. I'm not back from my grandparent's until Thursday and then I'm rushing straight off to see Betty Blue Eyes in Ilkley! That means I have to pack for the weekend TODAY.

So, starting with packing for my grandparents. I left my outfit for tomorrow, and what I will also wear for Thursday night with subsequent accessories ready for when I get up in the morning and rush off.

Accessorising with a cream vintage bag,
tape leather gloves, pearls, original 1920's watch
(a birthday present of my Grandma) and my hat,
featured in my new YouTube video.

Wearing my blue velvet Juliet dress from
Lindy Bop, Ness Jacket and vintage scarf.

Because I'm only going for two days, I only needed to pack one extra outfit and pyjama's along with my other necessary items.

I take a hanger, just in case.

Everything can fold neatly into my
little case.

Next, I pack my make up and hair necessities! These again fit neatly into my case. I also pack a DVD as my Grandma and I love to sit and watch a film together.

Next I pack my case for BCLM. However, this is kept top secret so I don't reveal my outfits for the day too soon! Anyway I'm sat watching Emmerdale with a fresh pin curl set. More updates tomorrow!

Hattie
xx

A Royal Night Out?

Afternoon everyone!

Gosh it's been a while hasn't it, I've finished college officially now and I'm now 18! I thought I'd shed a light on being 18 and vintage!

Taken by my gorgeous friend Kirsty on my birthday
Dress from Vivien Of Holloway

Going on a few mad nights out is part of being 18, so when we realised that a few days after my birthday was our prom we thought that would be my first night out.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not good at holding my alcohol, I'm not ashamed of myself but gosh it has got me into some embarrassing situations. I should take a moment to thank my friends Casey for getting me drunk before my birthday meal, and Bobbi-Jo for paying for my taxi home after our end of year show finished.

So prom arrived and I was two things, excited and nervous, excited because I had a gorgeous dress from Didi's Boutique and the first ever, absolutely gorgeous and fabulous "Neon Nights Petticoat" from Prime Rose Clothing. My hair still in tact from Saturday when I went to Le Keux Vintage Salon in Leeds and my make up had been perfected and I was ready to go. I was nervous because, I'm going out in a vintage dress, and obviously I was scared of getting picked on.

Anyway I set off to Prom, was chosen as Prom Queen! And got a little tipsy!

Next stops Wetherspoons, then Tiger Tiger... I honestly cannot write about it, but I can say, I got some lovely compliments and I had the best of times...

Before I sign off, I just want to say thank you to the cast of Cherry Tree Lane, and the second year MT's for making me smile every day! I love and miss you all dearly! But this isn't the end!

The Cast of Cherry Tree Lane

The Second year MT's

So, I suppose I can say, if you're into vintage and you want to go out in your favourite vintage dress. Do it, and enjoy yourself!

Keep Adventuring

Hattie

xxx

Q&A With Hattie Bee- Your Questions, My Answers!

What a delightful Sunday morning it is here in Gargrave!

Let's start with a brief news roundup from the past few weeks.

*BBC NEWS THEME TUNE*

• Mary Poppins, or Cherry Tree Lane, went really well! It finished Friday 27th May, and I'm really missing the cast. If you're reading this, I love you all lots!
• I'm also through to the next round of Miss Vintage UK! If you liked and shared my photo thank you so very much! I'm so grateful!

• 

  The majority of the cast of Cherry Tree Lane
  

  
  

  So now that I have (Almost) Finished college, and have one piece of coursework to submit, I thought alongside my blog I should set up a YouTube channel! You can visit it here. (If you could subscribe that would be brilliant!)

For my first video I did a Q&A session, however due to time constraints I could answer all of your questions and I did promise in the video I would answer any remaining questions on my Blog and Facebook and even my Twitter! So here goes!

How difficult is it to do a wetset? - Jude

This is all very dependent on the type of hair you have, I have/had very long very thick hair. In the end I cut it and had it layered so it was easier to do. I stumbled across the amazing YouTuber, Lilly Jarlsson who does an amazing pin curl tutorial! In all honesty, it would take me an hour to pin curl my hair and it still wouldn't turn out nice, but now I can whip my hair into pincurls in 10-15 minutes and it looks so much better!

The Beautiful Lilly Jarlsson. One of my idols.

What is your favourite clothing style and what do you think it shows about you?- Kate

Well, this is certainly a difficult question as my favourite clothing style is the 40's because the cut is so simple yet elegant! However, I am partial to a wiggle dress every now and again, as I have a traditional hourglass figure so it accentuates my figure nicely.

Why did you begin to follow this era?- Kate

I've loved the 1940's since I was tiny, in year 1 or 2 we studied the Second World War and that is when my love affair began! When I got into year 8 or 9 I started to follow the era more closely as it is so much more exciting than nowadays and I feel everything was so much more romantic back then!

What kind of reactions do you get wearing vintage in town?- Joseph

Gargrave is a village full of the older generation so they all love what I'm wearing (Next week I'm singing at a garden party for the Queen's Birthday and I'm sure they will all love my outfit! Even when I go out to Leeds or Skipton (More younger generation) I don't seem to get a bad reaction, yes I'll get heckled by some twerp but I don't let it get to me!

How has this era help you develop as a person?- Kate

This era has helped me develop my manners, the way I present myself and it always allows me to have pride in what I say, do, look like.

How old were you when you began to develop a passion for vintage?- Kate

Well, I started to love the 40's from a young age but I'd say I started developing a passion for vintage when I was about 13 or 14 years old.

What music do you like?- Joseph

I like listening to my musical soundtracks, and I'm partial to some Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller if I'm in the mood (no pun intended).

What are your views on the 'Vintage repro Vs. Authentic vintage' debate? - Joseph

If you read my previous post about purism at events this will answer my question on where I stand in this debate.

In your opinion is it ever more appropriate to wear modern clothes rather than vintage?- Joseph

I think, possibly, yes, it is more appropriate to wear modern clothes, I learnt that at college, you can't wear a tea dress to rehearsals. You have to wear leggings and a t-shirt, for your's and other's safety it is sometimes more appropriate to wear modern clothes (But the hair is fine! And the make up).

How did you get into vintage?- Joseph

This is another question I have answered in a previous blog post! Life in vintage land.

I hope you enjoyed having a look at my answers to your questions! Don't forget to subscribe to my channel! If you have any ideas for what you'd like to see, leave them in the comments section!

Thanks for reading,

Keep adventuring,

Hattie

xxx

Purisim at events- Is it needed?

Afternoon my little adventurers!
The 1940's season is now in full swing, and I've nearly finished college! The start of the season makes me reflect on things from the past year, and a big topic of discussion is... Purisim, basically if you dress 100% vintage and accurate, you're doing the right thing...

Me and Lottie at Haworth yesterday

Yesterday at Haworth we were walking down Main Street and there was a lady pushing a pram... now I don't know who she was talking about, but I hear her say very disapprovingly "they didn't wear that in the 1940s" I nearly rolled my eyes out loud.

This is the thing, many people including myself have decided to choose what can be a VERY expensive hobby- this year alone I've spent nearly £400 on new clothes for events, but obviously some people don't have the money to buy original vintage- myself being one of them- most vintage items range from £50 to into the 100s, and they are very peculiar sizes- for example, I couldn't get a vintage wiggle dress purely for the fact my measurements don't work with that I'm 34-25.5/26-34 when hips were normally two inches bigger, so I have to get these things made to measure, but we make the effort. 

Wearing my Great Aunt's dress for Vintage By The Sea

Anyone who knows me knows how much effort I put into 1940s weekends and then to be told snobbily "that's not what they wore then" is a bit of a kick in the teeth- it was the same at Morecambe (when I had to go on my crutches and James had to help me around because I was so tired but it was the first day out in a few months for me because I was housebound with pain)- I had a lovely day but a man came up to me and went "they didn't have crutches like that in the 40s" I didn't think I cared I was happy wearing my great aunts dress feeling a million dollars but that knocked me so I bought some original crutches and I'm not going to lie it was the biggest waste of £20 in my life, it was so painful. 

The biggest waste of £20 ever.

Anyway, I'm back on my feet (half the time) and I always make an effort to tell people how nice they look, if they want some advice I'll give them it, but I don't make snide comments under my breath... Moral of the story "if you have nothing nice to say don't say it" .

My advice...
If you have nothing nice to say don't say it. And if you receive a negative comment, smile, fluff your petticoat and strut off.

Keep adventuring,
Hattie
xxx