Blog — shop local

It’s probably safe to say that we’re all here because we love genuine and/or reproduction vintage fashion, right? But have you ever wondered how the things we wear and the features of our outfits we rely on day-to-day came about? How did we end up with tiny, fiddly zips to seamlessly fasten our dresses, or laces for our shoes? What even is a dart, and why were (or are if you’re a vintage lover) people so obsessed with petticoats? These are just a few of the questions that researching items, writing product descriptions, and exploring the rails at our Gosport...

Introducing Bill Skinner Jewellery!   If you’ve been anywhere near our little Alverstoke Boutique in Gosport recently you’ll have probably seen or heard just how excited Miss Petra is about one of our (many!) new brands that have just been delivered into stock. We’re really pleased to get a huge selection of absolutely darling pieces from Bill Skinner here at Voluptuous Vintage; the attention to detail and magic feel of the hand-painted jewellery is very much on brand for us. A little bit of luxe, but with bags of character. Shop all Bill Skinner Jewellery here!  Bill studied at Sir...

What Necklace Length should I choose? You’ve no doubt seen that we have a dazzling array of vintage style and semi-fine necklaces to browse both in-store and online, and we always try to include the length and adjustability where we can. But do you find these measurement numbers are a bit baffling?  For starters, there’s a range of necklace lengths in general, and some places may include names for each rough length, as detailed in this handy table:     Chain Length (Inches) Body Placement 14” Collar: Wraps around the throat/neck 16” Choker or Bib: Against the base of the throat/neck...

For those among us who love shopping, it isn’t just about picking up something you like and taking it home with you. It’s about feeling different fabrics on your skin, their drape, the texture of their weave, their intricate beading and embroidery, the way they flow with your movement. It’s about the smell of new shoes fresh out of the box, artisan perfumes, and freshly poured tea. It’s about the uplifting conversations you’ll have which go beyond polite chit-chat. That’s why, for me, the boutique experience can’t be beaten. I never just leave with a piece of vintage fashion that...

Summer is officially upon us, and the sun has already begun to make a much-welcomed appearance, so with that in mind, we are so excited to tell you some more about one of our absolute favourite smaller brands all the way across the pond in Australia. We’re delighted to be able to support our friends at Retrospec’d. What’s more; we’re currently the sole UK stockist of this season’s Retrospec’d pretties, so read on for more on this season’s collection and just why we think you'll find them in your favourite picks too! We know that our customers both online and instore...