From her style to her home to her business, vintage fashion is in everything Georgina Hamed does. Jen Barton takes a peek inside her world and gets more than a little enchanted...
For celebrity make-up artist Georgina Hamed, vintage is a way of life, influencing everything from her home décor scheme (she collects vintage artefacts from posters to porcelain) to her business (she was the owner of beloved retro glamour-infused salon, Lost in Beauty).
As for her wardrobe? Packed with vintage treasures picked up over the years from antique fairs, markets and Portobello Road. Take a glimpse into this beauty maven's collection and discover how to mix vintage one-offs with your everyday T-shirt and jeans...
Tell us a bit about your style.
My signature look would be a vintage dress and heels or a vintage T-shirt or blouse with jeans. I absolutely LOVE vintage jewellery, coats and handbags. I never shop on the high street and hate department stores so I tend to rely on vintage finds to jazz up my wardrobe.
What got you interested in vintage fashion? Was there a specific person or item of clothing that got you hooked?
I've been a lover of vintage fashion for as long as I can remember. I guess it started when I moved to Notting Hill 17 years ago and developed an obsession with Portobello Market; friends had stalls so I would spend hours chatting and trying on exciting pieces. I used to love trawling through "Aladdin's Cave" boutiques full of amazingly decadent pieces. Sadly, so many of these shops have closed down due to high rents. I'm not a fan of eBay or online shopping... It's nowhere near as exciting.
What are some of your tips for styling vintage outfits?
Always opt for outfits that complement your signature style and enhance your figure - some vintage pieces can be very unflattering on the wrong body shape. Mix old with new rather than head-to-toe vintage.
What are some of your top tips for scouring the best vintage pieces?
For one-off accessories that catch your eye do not hesitate to buy - clothes take a lot more time and patience. Make sure pieces fit well; I tend to avoid buying pieces that require alterations as things never quite look the same when they are tampered with. Make sure you dry clean clothes before putting them in your wardrobe as vintage attracts annoying moths!
What are your vintage beauty and wardrobe must-haves?
I love vintage vanity cases for storing products. I also love collecting decorative vintage pieces such as head vases and mirrors. I wish I had the space for an antique Venetian dressing table! Wardrobe must-haves are belts for accessorising vintage dresses and no outfit is complete without a great pair of heels.
Favourite vintage beauty look of all time?
The 1940s is my favourite era, the make-up was impeccable! Porcelain skin, liquid eyeliner and full lashes, groomed brows and killer pillar box red lips. I love recreating vintage beauty looks on my clients.
Love Georgina's style? See her whole vintage wardrobe and get more shopping tips in our slideshow...
Georgie offers specialist and vintage inspired make-up application, private tuition and lessons.
LOVE THIS WRITER? Follow her on Twitter @JenBNYC.
MORE! See inside the best vintage wardrobes here.