Puttin' on the Glitz

Gosh, I tried my darn-dist I really did but I never quite managed to continue blogging as I had intended to this last year.  Well, let us start again here shall we...?

Hello All!  Lady of the Parlour/Miss Cherrylicious/Alison here.  How do you do?  Pleased to make your acquaintance... Again.  There has been so much happening in my life, so many events attended, so many people I've met, so many shopping trips.  So much clothing to show you... And all the new shooooes!

Before I do an outfit/shopping/wardrobe post I wanted to write about a recent event I attended at The British Library.  Puttin' on the Glitz - Fashion & Film in the Jazz Age hosted as part of their Spring Festival at the library saw the amazingly fabulous Amber Jane Butchart and Christopher Laverty grace the stage to speak to us about the wonders that was the Jazz Age.  For afters there was a Cocktail Party hosted by the lovely ladies of The Vintage Mafia.  And what a party it was; with live music from the one and only Alex Mendham and his Orchestra.  Such a treat!

Well I say we start with an event post but what's an event post without my event outfit!?
Here's a quick look at my hair and dressage for the evening...

Hair - the higher the better!

It is hard to tell here as my hair is in a net but the length is actually down to my waist.

But isn't it great to have the option to make ones hair appear shorter?

This is probably the best photo of my outfit captured outside the cocktail party venue.

© Luca Sage 

I never like to read too much into any talk if I already know I will be attending as I hate to spoil things for myself by knowing too much.  The lovely Christopher whom I had not had the pleasure of coming across before this event was a wonderful speaker.  Such passion and so very engaging.  I could have listened to him talk all night about men' fashions!  It also happened to be an more interesting talk (for myself) as Christopher based his talk on the costumes of the characters from The Boardwalk Empire series ( a personal favourite; which I am very behind on) due to their historically correct costuming.  Some rather interesting facts that Christopher pointed out was the alignment of ones suiting pattern... which I'm sure everyone was subsequently noticing for the rest of the evening; along with myself.  The wondrous array of colours that were actually worn by the men of the Jazz Age.  Those dandies and gangsters knew how to dress alright!  Such inspiration to the modern world which is usually hidden behind the black and white films and photography that we see around.

I first discovered Amber in my early years in London when I would be out on the town night after night.  Spotting Amber as part of her DJ duo The Broken Hearts whom can be seen at the most fashionable events around!  Amber spoke of the fashions from the silent movie eras through to when the talkies took over.  How Hollywood and Paris fought it out for top spot as fashion leaders to the world.  And surprisingly how movie stars would bring in their own wardrobe as costumes for the films they were stars of!

I am highly anticipating Amber's new project which she is currently working on entitled Nautical Chic due for publish in 2015.  In the meantime her current book Fashion Miscellany is on my to-buy list.

On to the Vintage Mafia hosted Cocktail Party...

It was rather busy as you can imagine whilst trying to capture a shot of Alex and his band.

Everyone was having a whale of a time Charleston-ing it out to the sounds! 

Photo-booth present - Outtakes not ;) 

My own version - Wanted to show you this dreamy car...

As part of the evening the talented Mr Hanson Leatherby had his Vintage Travelling Portrait Studio set up at the cocktail party for guests to have a little souvenir to look back on.  You can have a look through the rest of the shots here.  This below is my still... Hanson making me look good.  I almost feel as if I should autograph it like a Hollywood Starlet!  Almost...

I say, if that was even a slight taster of the Jazz Age parties then take me there.  Sharpish!

Until next time...
Alison xxx


P.S - A little video captured by The Vintage News crew giving you a snippet of the event.  You can also see a lot more photographs taken at the event on their website.

I Mentioned a Photo Shoot in the Summer...

Hello Hello!  Hope you are all good and looking forward to your Christmas and New Year holidays?  I myself am working the whole of Christmas with only the actual Christmas Day off.  I shall be travelling back to good ol' Surrey on the night of the Eve and back up to London again Boxing morning.  It's not too bad really as I do have four days off over the countdown to NY.  Nothing has been planned party-wise yet as I shall either be moving to a new abode or back homehome to my sisters.  I am having no luck at all with finding a new flat to move into.  It's very bad timing I know.  Shall keep you all posted as I'm sure you would like to see some party frock action; if I get some party action that is!

So I thought I would try and warm you all up a little by bringing a bit of sun (or a reminder) of the sun to your screens.  Way back in September I spent a morning in front of Satin Paula Kopczynski lens whilst I was having a holiday out in Calafell for High Rockabilly.  I met Paula the previous year when we were both at The Hot Rod Hayride.  Paula travels around to all the festivals and is constantly shooting at events, for magazines, clients and her own collection of course.  It was great fun to incorporate a photo shoot into my HR visit.

I have posted a few here for your delight but you can see more over on my Miss Cherrylicious page where you can find many other photo shoots too!  Hope you like :D

© Satin Paula Kopczynski

© Satin Paula Kopczynski

© Satin Paula Kopczynski

Paula has set aside a few of the images to use in her next book, hopefully out next spring/summer.  I have not seen these photographs yet but she promised she would show me them once the ball starts rolling on the creation of said book.  That's rather exciting news!

I may not be back with a post before Christmas so I will say my well wishes now.

Christmas kisses to each and everyone of you.

Have a fantastic holiday and may all your wishes come true ;)

Santa knows if you've been good...

Take care,
Alison xxxxx

A Year of Partying!

Everything is in the detail and you get the lot from Angels new book.  I recently attended the launch of The Vintage Tea Party Year (available here) and as you can imagine it was one very beautiful party.  Angels book was brought to life with her Vintage Patisserie team.

The book itself is more than just recipes, it's an all round handy elegant guide to organising your very own party.  As with her first book the illustrations are beautiful, the images and props are fantastic.  It's perfect for quick reference inspirations as well as planning ahead with food, hair tips, styling and decorating around the home.  Coming just under 300 pages, there's a lot of delights to feast your eyes on.

Here are a few photos I snapped at the event...

All the yummy looking food can be found in the book.

Here I am with the glowing Angel!

The opera length leather gloves are out. It's getting cold.

Lucky there were no bunnies in sight. Note the cute basket plate :) 

This loveliness was in the goody bag and what a goody bag it was!

You may also spot a familiar face in there *winkwink*

I did a write up of the shoot earlier on in the year > here

Go grab a copy in time for Guy Fawkes partying!  Or Christmas.... Or New Years...

I would also like to mention that I bumped into lovely Fleur whom I have not seen for quite some time but that's not it.  She introduced me to Katie.  Yes, that Katie of "What Katie Did" whose lingerie I adore!  Best faux vintage lingerie around.

I have another exciting launch to attend next week but ahead of that I shall be looking forward to Sunday Roast with friends followed by fireworks for afters!

Take care,
Alison xxx

I Am Miss Cherrylicious

Hello :)

This is just a swift blog post to tell you all that I have finally set up a page for my pin-up modeling work over on Facebook.  Not really sure why I never did it before or why I have done so all of a sudden.  A friend of mine gave me a little nudge and after a think over it I realised that over the years since I started, I have modeled more this year than any other single year.  It seems strange that this should be but I think it is.  It would be lovely if you would join me over on Facebook and gave me a wee like if you so desired :D  I do so appreciate all your support; reading and following me.  I really enjoy writing these posts and am considering doing some other writing too.

I shall hope to update my Miss Cherrylicious page with new photos and have already uploaded a selection of older ones which I have not posted on here before.  I have three shoots from earlier on in the year which I am yet to receive photos for so they will probably go up soon.  There is talk of possible modeling for an exciting new brand.  If that goes ahead I shall be shooting before Christmas too.  Unfortunately I cannot seem to locate all of my photographs from over the years.  Some may be lost forever unless I come across them online.  I have changed computers a few times and probably didn't save/transfer everything over.  Oopsy.

Here's a little teaser of what's over there...

I'm in midst of writing another post so will be back shortly!

It's gone 4am here in Blighty and I should really be getting some shut eye.

Nighty night for now,

Alison xxx

Min Boudoir Magazine Feature

Well, this is rather exciting news to announce!  I have been keeping it for quite some months until the issue recently came out.  As the title suggests, I am indeed featured in the third edition of the Swedish Vintage Lifestyle/Pin-Up publication Min Boudoir this month!  You know the little book of Vintage Styling I was recently featured in and was helping the authors to promote?  Well, the magazine article is something to do with said book.  I had organised with Tifa (Editor in chief) a book give away through the magazine whilst I was organising the book launch.  Tifa had then ask for me to feature with the article.  Of course I really couldn't say no to that now could I?  ;)  Heh!  It so happened at the time Anna, Min Boudoir's photographer was visiting London and we had planned to shoot together.  As it goes, for some unknown reason(I blame modern technology) we couldn't get in touch with each other and it was Anna's last day in London.  Lucky me I happen to have my very good friend and photographer Jaana on hand.  We took some shots at the book launch and sent that across to Tifa.  Ta da, the job is done!

Issue three can now be purchased in stores across Sweden and also via their website for those living abroad. Issue one is also available but issue two is now sadly sold out.

My lovely Malin residing in Sweden has kindly picked up a copy for me and one for herself too.  Ready to be flicked through when I visit next month.  I cannot wait!  Of course I wanted to see the article and Malin so kindly took a photo for me.  The article was a lot bigger than I had expected, as well as my photograph.  A full page :D

I believe the caption says something along the lines of... "Model and blogger Miss Cherrylicious in Wearable Vintage Fashion where she speaks of her style."  Do correct me if I am wrong as the two times I Google translated it, it said different things.  Or maybe it's me typing it incorrectly?  Remember you can win yourself a copy of Wearable Vintage Fashion through the magazine so go and pick up a copy now!

This was just a quick update and a bit of exciting news from me.  Thank you to the lovely Tifa for asking me to be in an issue of Min Boudoir.  When I can I will most definitely take you up on the offer of modelling for your wonderful publication.

I will be back posting about my new humble abode very soon with a few snaps of my own boudoir!  Also of course my weekend at The Chap Olympiads.

Happy Friday 13th.  Night night,

Alison xx

Birthday, Relocating, Posing, Dancing, Drinking...

Hello lovelies!  A couple of weeks has been and gone since my last post; pre-move back to London Town...  So what has been going on, what has everyone been up to?  Lots of things have been happening over these past weeks including outings, my birthday, the big move, drinks, dancing (lots of it), a photo shoot, meeting new people and hanging out with my new flatmates!

As I do each and every year, I took some time off work for my birthday.  I had been planning to go on a mini break to get away from it all but it happened to coincide with my moving home.  Instead, my time off became my week of packing and wrapping.  But not before I had a little dance!

Birthday Shenanigans!
Another year older but none-the-wiser, teehee!  No but really, I actually never really feel older.  I think I'm stuck at 25, but not in a bad way.  It helps when you don't look your age too, or so I'm always told :D  With all the moving home plans I actually didn't get up to much on my birthday.  I did have a night out with the girls the weekend before but on the day of my actual birthday I stayed in and carried on packing like a good girl.  We headed over to Hotel Street; the Sailor Jerry's bar I have previously mentioned which is now sadly closed  :(  We watched the singer from the Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee do a solo show and had a few drinks.

I love this photo of Anne and I so much. You may just find I have used it everywhere!

This is a short video of Dee Dee and some interviews.

The funny thing is we were actually filmed for this video clip but didn't make the cut.  Although I have to add I was rather relieved when I did watch it as I was practically dragged up to be interviewed because I look like a SJ girl.  I'm pretty video camera shy and was quite embarrassed and maybe a little bit red too!  Am pretty happy I didn't sneak onto it but I would have liked to see Jaana on there :P

For afters we headed to Joe's in Camden to do a little hip swaying.  Friday night is Hip Joint ran by El Nino of The Lady Luck Clubs.  All the drinking and dancing aside; it was this night at Joe's that I met my next photographer to be(was)  Chiko Ohayon.  Everyone was on the dance floor and we got chatting a little bit here and there.  I completely lost track of time but maybe half an hour or so before we left, Chiko ask if I would model for his book.  He has been shooting and working on his own book for the last four years.  We swapped contacts and I went to have a chat with him at his studio during that week.  We shot a week or so later after he came back from Paris.  At some point I will no doubt post about it all but not right now.

So that was basically my birthday celebrations.  It may no be much this year but I did receive one of my best presents ever from my sister.  How does she think of these I do not know but she's a genius for sure!  From reading my blog you probably would have gathered how fond I am of hair and beauty.  This was/is the perfect present.  Not even I knew I wanted one until I had it.  I did not have a hard time filling it up at all.  The rate I buy make-up and new shades of lipsticks!

I love all the trays and compartments!

After all this birthday goodness I said my goodbyes to Surrey and living with my sister and packed up the van.  Next stop... East London!  More on this new exciting adventure next time.  For now, it is time to head to bed so I am ready for The Chap Olympiads in the morning.  Gosh time has flown by!

Alison xxx

Ps. I did of course attend one last agility class with Dottie before I left...

Book Launch for Wearable Vintage Fashion!

Hi All

So all is a-go-go for the book launch next Saturday 21st April!  It would be great to meet some of my fellow bloggers and readers at the launch if you can make it along.  I'm not sure many of my followers are based in London unfortunately but do say hi if you can :)

At the launch there will be performances by Jake Vegas and Tricity Vogue.  The amazing Lipstick & Curls ladies will also be on hand to beautify you all.  Music all night to twist to, cupcakes to keep everyone happy and the drinks will be a-flowing of course.

Wearable Vintage Fashion will also be on sale at a special price on the night sold by our gorgeous usherettes doing their turns.  Oh, there's also a dressing up box just because!

The Brown Derby pub is only 2mins away from Oval tube station so wear your highest heels and your most glamorous dress to make it a night of frivolous fun.  Don't forget to RSVP.

Hope to see you all there! xxx


Ps. go take a little look at the shop run by the girls behind this magnificent book - Second Hand Rose.

In More Book News

Hi Everyone

I am so sorry but I have been a terrible blogger of late.  What with my sisters wedding and then coming back to work it's just been very busy.  I will post some lovely wedding photos very soon but right now I am down and dirty with organising the book launch for Wearable Vintage Fashion which has finally been released onto the public!  I met up with the book publishers today to confirm the bits and bobs and now it is all go.  There will be lots of fun things happening on the night so be sure to come along if you can.  It will be on Saturday 21st April; so not too long now.  The book shall be on sale for a very special price at the launch.  I will post more info on this very soon :)

The exciting news is I now have a copy of Wearable Vintage Fashion in my hands and I shall give you the tiniest sneak peek although not my page...

On other book news - Vintage Tea Party Year by Angel Adoree with a small feature of moi is now available for pre-order at Amazon.  Go on, if only based on the fact that you've seen how wonderful her first book was ;)

This is just a quick one to get me back into the swing of things.  Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about awarding the Liebster Blog Award to my fave bloggers.  I just have to try and whittle them down first.

Until soon xxx

Another Book Release - Oh Yes!

Hello Everyone!  Hope you are all good on this mild day here in Blighty and the world over.  I have just received some more exciting news on the vintage style book which I am making a feature in.  I wrote all about it in August here and again in December here due to my excitement of being involved.  It is all gogogo now and the book is ready to be released on the first week of April.  *squeal*

I can now reveal the book cover and book title...

I have been asked by Clare(author) to help organise the book launch as part of the events I run with my friend Kate.  So it looks like I shall be DJing at the launch and organising some entertainment :)

You can also pre-order Wearable Vintage Fashion from Amazon right now!  Go on, you know you want to... hehe.  One more piece of exciting nibble before I go.  Well, sort of.  The book has been ordered by a very special (to me) place to be sold there on release.  It is one of my favourite places ever but unfortunately I am not allowed to even whisper it to a soul.  I'll be sure to go and take a look at it there once available.  No excuse needed.

I will be keeping you all updated with info where I am given the thumbs up and the book launch of course.  This has indeed put a skip in my step and a little smile on my face for the evening.

Good night, xxx

Happenings - Recent Photo Shoots

Sorry it's been a while since my last post.  Time has just flown by what with my sisters Chinese Ceremony looming.  It's this Saturday already!  My bespoke cheongsam dresses have landed onto our shores just in the nick of time.  I will have to pick them up tomorrow morning, try them on and if all goes well match them up with accessories, shoes, handbag.  Fingers all crossed that they fit perfectly.  Eek!

Anyhow, I thought I would update you on my recent going-ons.  Two photo shoots including yours truly in the last month.  I always get super excited when I get to have my hair and make-up done by someone else as it's usually me styling others or me styling myself.  I find it fascinating to watch others at work.

The more recent shoot was for none other than Angel Adoree.  I acquainted Angel a few years back when I was organising an event for work and asked Angel to come on board with her delicious cupcakes.  Angel has been working on her second book since the end of last year but you may have seen her first book around...  You really can't miss it and it's fabulousness.  You can check it out and buy 'The Vintage Tea Party Book' here.  Spending the day with Angel and her team you could see just how much dedication there is.  Every little detail has been thought of and nothing is too little or too big.  Angel really pours her heart into everything she does and she also happens to be rather lovely and loveable!

I had a sneak peek of some of the pages but don't want to give too much away of course.  It will be a while until the book is out.  I've been told around October time.  Oh the wait.  I do have the launch to look forward to though :)

Here's a few snaps from the sidelines...

My look for the shoot

Working...

David, our photographer

The horrors of modelling ;)

A few weeks before I had my shoot with Angel I had the pleasure to work with the talented pair of ladies that make up The Vanity Box.  Their website is currently under construction but do make sure you pop back once it's all complete and book a little treat for yourself or a loved one.  Actually, this is also one of the reasons why the shoot was set up.  Verity and Gemma wanted some more images for press use, for their website and generally to show their skills to the world.  They also happened to be doing an editorial for a vintage magazine on eye make-up application.  Kill two birds with one stone as they say.

Mid-application and hair in set.

I think I love my eyebrows! What do you think?

Verity doing her hair magic.

How cute is the polka dot bib!?

Photographer Joe shooting Miss Banbury Cross

Verity and Gemma - tools at the ready

Finally, one of my looks from the day.

I felt more than fabulous I have to say. The lady is a vamp.

If only I could look and feel this fabulous everyday I am sure I would be in a better place all together.  More eye candy for you and more confidence boost for moi.  I cannot wait to see the final images from both of these.  I'll be sure to keep you in the loop on more projects and shoots coming up.  But for now, it's back to Saturday related this and thats.

See you after the wedding! xxx