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

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

The Un-Dressing Parlour

Hello everyone!

How are you all on what has turned out to be a lovely(sunny) morning so far?  This is just an in-between post to tell you about something new I have set up.  I have become increasingly obsessed with looking through Tumblr of late.  Not that I don't already save and search for endless images anyway.  But so much so it only made sense for me to start my own.  I don't think I have time to write two blogs and Tumblr is ideal in many ways.  My initial thoughts were to blog about Mens style/fashion as I work with them nearly everyday.  A well dressed dapper gent turns my head more so than a lady ever does.  This is partly because it seems to be a rare occasion and you have to take it in when you get the chance.  It's almost like fresh unpolluted air.

However when signing up to Tumblr that idea all changed.  I thought to myself, what am I obsessed with more than most things (apart from shoes)?  Lingerie and tattoos of course!

So from there on The Un-Dressing Parlour was born...

How do you like the name?!  I thought it very fitting to call it that.  It is only in the beginning stages but with most things I'd love for it to fruit!
I hope you can come and join me there.  Please link me to all your wonderful postings too :D


I'm off now to celebrate my sisters birthday.  Have a lovely weekend one and all!

Alison xxx

Ps. Does anyone know how to create a button for Tumblr to put onto here please?  I can't see anything in the help section.

My Pinterest & New Page Tabs

Do you have a Pinterest page?  I registered some time ago but never really got round to using it until recently.  Well now I am pinning like no other!  I was always one to save images off the web and have scrape books and collected things when I was little.  Nothing has really changed I guess.  I love to look at inspiring images and especially with hairstyles.  I like to try my hands at recreating them to push my skills further.  Interiors is another big love of mine as you will see when looking through my boards.

It would be great to see your pins too and exchange our ideas.  I am most certain we will like at least some of the same things ;)

You can find mine here - The Dressing Parlour Pinterest

Speaking of new things you may have spotted that I have added some extra page tabs onto my blog.  I was planning on doing this from the very start but for one reason or other just never did.  Well here it is now so please do take a look.  If you have any suggestions for other tabs from me which may interest you then do pop me a mail..  Or if you think I may like a suggested link then let me know as well.  I am open to swapping links too as long as I like what you do/sell!

I leave you here with a few of my recent pins... xxx

Wearable Vintage Fashion Book - The Launch

Hey!  So I have finally got round to posting about the actual party for the book launch I helped organise for Wearable Vintage Fashion.  I know this was back in April, nearly a month ago now.  I'm really sorry for being a slow coach but I promise I have just been busy and not lazy.  Here goes...

Star of the Night

Clare & Jo with the Usherettes

Cover star in attendance!

Here is Amanda of Lipstick & Curls beautifying the Usherettes earlier on.

Hanging out with my besty... hehe

THE yummiest moist cupcakes and really inventive flavours!

Colours to match the book cover of course.

It was nice and busy and everyone was having a jolly good time :D 

The Performers...

Tricity Vogue who sang little ditties from the 20s-40s and a number of her own too.

I rather enjoyed myself watching Tricity!

Here's a video I made...

Jake Vegas with his band... and the dancing began...

My cousin Nicki came to give us support and to have a drink or two.  She insisted that we took a photo together so that she could send it to her mum, my aunt!  There I am in the book.

The book has been really successful for Jo & Clare which you can find on sale in many shops and on-line; including my personal favourite, the amazing Victoria & Albert Museum and in The Tate Modern!  How exciting is that?  I will have to pop by to see for myself soon.  There was also a wee write up on The Vintage Festival website by one of their correspondents on the launch night with a review of the book which you can read right here.

I do have something even more exciting to tell you relating to the book but I will have to keep it to myself for the moment and wait until it has been confirmed.  It would be amazing for me if it came through!

For now I leave you with a photograph of me with the book that shows off my dress that little bit better.  It's a shame that I didn't capture the back of my dress because it is a lovely backless number.  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

My First Year as a Blogger

In my first year I have racked up 65 posts.  That's not bad at all.  Especially since I've had quite a busy year and blogging takes a lot longer than I could have ever imagined it to.

Highlights of the year for me has been all the events I have attended, though not all written about unfortunately.  Delving into events again; namely 'A Vintage Tea Party' but more to come.  Some of other people/friends projects I have been lucky enough to be involved with.  The Book(s).  And starting up my blog and brand; The Dressing Parlour of course!  This ultimately has lead me to push myself forward more and to get out there to do more things.  Things that I love and things that, well, make me a happier person.

I would like to carry on blogging as long as people like to read what I write.  At the moment it seems I have so much to say, I just don't always have the time to post them up.  I would like to manage that better in this new year because I don't want to miss anything out again.  Not if I can help it.  This is almost like a diary and who would want to miss a chapter of their life out of that?

I would like to thank everyone who has stumbled across my little old blog and stayed a while.  I will make a birthday post when the date comes.  Maybe a Birthday give-away post?  What to give...?

I leave you here with some of my favourite things of my year in the order that they happened.  xxx

2011 started with my stylist work being on display.

Valerie completed my tattoo which was started in Dec 2010.

This was the year of the Rabbit and fluffy bunnies adorned my red envelopes.

My Göteborg trip in March for beautiful Malins Birthday!

My Birthday spent with the girls.

And giant Sundaes!

A birthday present to myself!  Another tattoo by Valerie.

Tickets to Blondie at Somerset House from my Sister.

The Chap Olympiad

My little brothers birthday.

The Hot Rod Hayride festival

The A-Bombers 16th Old Style Weekend in Sweden.

My second trip of the year!

Happy memories... I love this pic :)

Photo shoot with Kate Bloomfield for an up-coming Vintage Style book due out this year!!

Again, I am not showing you the final choice of course.

Helping my friend Sophie at The Thames Festival

The London Tattoo Convention

Hanging out with my Dottie-kins

Afternoon Tea for my sisters birthday

Halloween as Vampira

Styling job for a video game promo

Movember :D Hahahah

In my first publication - The Domestic Burlesque

And at the book launch.

The Brown Derby Bar launch where I GoGo danced with the band!

My Photo shoot with Tobias Key for his Vintage Scene project.

The launch of 'A Vintage Tea Party' - my new venture.

One of the Hair Adornments I made and sold on the night!

I also spent hours making lots of hair flowers.

Sophie with her oh so yummy cakes!

Christmas!

The three S's for Christmas - Sparkles, Stockings and Satin Heels!

NYE 2011

Wow!  That's pretty much it then I guess.

Another year just like that.

Let's see what this year will bring to me and to you all?

XXXXX