Shop Update: 1980s Summer

*SOLD* 1980s YSL Rive Gauche citrus yellow linen trousers

These super cute summer pieces have all hit the shop over the past week or so. As I mentioned in my last blog post, I'm on a major eighties kick at the moment so this update has plenty of pretty 80s dresses to choose from. As usual, click on the links to shop the listings over on Etsy.

*SOLD* 50s 60s raffia bag

1980s Gerard Pasquier kelly green cotton shirt

1980s passion flowers floral print dress

80s does 50s hibiscus flower print jumpsuit

1980s blue and white cotton sun dress by Heather Valley

80s tropical vacation summer dress

80s does 20s silver crochet dress

Shop Update: Pretty in Pink

1980s Jean Muir fuschia pink wool dress

If you follow me on instagram, you'll know that I recently got back from a trip to the beautiful Spanish Coast of Catalonia. The time away gave me space to think and I arrived home in England full of ideas of where I want to take Elly Maggy Vintage... But more of that in a future blog post. For now, I'm stopping by to share some sweet pink and neutral pieces that hit the shop recently. As always click on the links to view the listings on Etsy. 

1960s slip by Prova

Vintage pink pyjamas

1950s Mother of Pearl necklace

Metallic flowers rounded beaded purse

1950s Aurora Borealis crystal necklace

1930s teardrop crystal choker necklace

Joanna souvenir name necklace

80s white slouchy knit tank

80s does 40s classic neutral blouse

Susan Williams-Ellis + a very special dress

1980s Pomegranate Print silk dress 

I have just listed this beautiful dress in the shop and wanted to share a bit more about its fascinating history.

While out hunting for new pieces for Elly Maggy Vintage, I was immediately drawn to this dress' beautiful pomegranate print, reproduced on gorgeous, tissue-soft silk. 

When I spotted the interior label, I knew that this piece was very special. The designer of the print was named as Susan Williams-Ellis, the founder of Portmeirion Pottery and daughter of the architect, Clough Williams-Ellis, who built the brilliantly playful and colourful Italianate village, Portmeirion, in Wales. 

Having studied art at Chelsea Polytechnic under Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland, Susan Williams-Evans produced four panels for the 1951 Festival of Britain before becoming internationally famous for her distinctive Portmeirion Pottery designs. 

This particular dress has a very similar feel to her wonderful 1970 'Magic Garden' design with a similar colourway to her artwork for the Monte Sol pattern. 

1970s Magic Garden mug

1960s Monte Sol Kitchen canisters available at Chixycoco on Etsy

While researching online for more information, I was interested to discover that Williams-Ellis' granddaughter, Rose Fulbright, has continued the artistic tradition of her family and become a fashion designer, who reproduces Williams-Ellis' prints on a range of beautiful silk loungewear. You can view her lovely creations over on her website at www.rosefulbright.com.

When my internet searches on the Cara label proved tricky, Rose kindly helped by providing some background on the dress, confirming that Williams-Ellis worked on her fashion project with the Cara label for a short while during the 1980s. She informed me that the print appears to be based on one of Williams-Ellis' felt pen drawings and was printed onto the silk fabric in India.

Having spent a large part of my life living on the Staffordshire / Cheshire border, I was delighted to find a piece of clothing linked to the Potteries. I've always thought that the inventive designs of the ceramics industry could lend themselves well to textiles and this dress is a beautiful case in point.  

Shop Update: 70s + 80s Separates & Dresses

1980s floral grid slouchy jumper

I'm so happy to be sharing these latest additions to the shop... A nice little mix of 70s and 80s pieces with two labels I am always thrilled to find... Laura Ashley and Liberty of London. Head on over to the Etsy store or click on the captions to shop individual items.

80s does 40s floral blouse by Laura Ashley

1970s Liberty of London silk dress

1980s English Country Garden floral dress by Laura Ashley

1980s Laura Ashley plum needlecord dress

Vintage velvet burnout kimono

Etsy Picks: Blue Monday

It's Blue Monday here in the Northern Hemisphere and, to lift the spirits, I've put together a little pick of vintage Etsy treats to get through the dark and cold January days... A perfect time to...

Curl up in bed with a well-loved quilt

Serve a bowl of homemade soup

Stay snug in a cozy knit

Light your home with candles

Spend the long evenings reading

Wrap up warm in a blanket coat

Brew a pot of extra strong coffee

Shop Update: Ruffles, gowns and designer sixties

1960s gown with full-back train by Margot Paynton of London

 I'm taking this freezing cold evening to share some pieces that have made it into the shop since the start of the new year. This update has two very special 1960s designer pieces - a Margot Paynton gown with a beautiful ruffle collar and full-length back train and a wonderful knit by Laura Aponte of Rome, who designed at the legendary House of Schiaparelli, before setting up her own couture line. As always, click on the links to visit the Etsy listings.

1920s Swiss dot cotton day dress

1980s Pretty in Pink ruffle dress

1930s silk satin bias cut nightgown

1960s knit by Laura Aponte of Rome

1960s faux snakeskin handbag by Elbief of England

Best of 2016

April: 50s cotton dress by Lucinda of California | June: 1940s Summer Garden skirt | May: 1950s pink cotton blouse

Happy New Year! As is tradition, here's a round-up of some of my favourite pieces that found new homes in 2016. I think my very favourite is the beautiful late 30s Horrockses fabric swimsuit which left Elly Maggy Vintage to join the collection of the world's first ever bikini museum. I hope to share a photo here on the blog... once the museum opens in 2018! 

November: Late 1930s Horrockses fabric swimsuit by Martin White | July: 40s / 50s buttons bolero | August: 1970s crochet top by Lilly Gould of London

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to finding lots of new vintage in 2017 and have some exciting plans in the works for the shop... I'll be making announcements here soon!

April: 90s Kenzo jacket | March: 1970s shirt dress by Leygil of London | June: 70s wicker tote bag

September: 1930s sheer cotton maxi dress | September: 1970s Indian cotton wrap skirt | November: 1930s sequined purse

Shop Update: Black, White, Pink, Grey and Red

1930s French beaded silk purse

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays!! I'm very slowly coming out of Christmas hibernation mode to get some new listings up in the shop. I took out my needle and thread this afternoon to tackle Elly Maggy Vintage's ever-growing mending pile and prepared lots of fresh pieces to be photographed. I'm looking forward to sharing them very soon! 

In the meantime, I hope you like this latest update, featuring a collection of 30s, 40s and 70s gems. As usual, click on the links to shop the Etsy listings...

1940s pale bink beaded sweater by Bronte knitwear

1930s two tone crepe dress with bias cut skirt

70s does 30s Celia Birtwell style chiffon blouse

1970s sparkly lurex handkerchief top

1940s black and white check day dress by Littler of Seattle