Angel Adoree has been all about vintage since she was a child and the depth her incredible wardrobe proves it. Jen Barton went for a rummage...
Vintage obsessive Angel Adoree has been hooked on the fashion of eras past since she got her first fur jacket at the age of three – which she teamed with Minnie Mouse ears, natch.
Since then, the pregnant author and owner of tea-party haven The Vintage Patisserie has amassed an impressive collection of vintage - from capes to kimonos, footwear to furs – which we can't stop ogling (we also can't get enough of her 10-month-old son, who also has some enviable vintage duds of his own). Come take a peek...
Tell us a bit about your personal style.
Elegant with an oriental twist – I'd like to think! I'm incredibly passionate about classic tailoring that allows the woman's figure to be celebrated.
What got you interested in vintage fashion?
My mum and grandparents were incredibly glamorous and I guess without even consciously knowing it, I just never wanted to wear high street items.
What are some of your tips for styling vintage outfits?
If you love vintage, embrace it into your life and wardrobe.
The amount of time I get asked what I normally look like or wear is crazy. Old individual items full of history are to be enjoyed and are not just for fancy dress!
If you are new to buying vintage you may need to find out what you like. Start buying items you will wear - a bag, shoes - maybe not a sequined full-length evening dress! And once people compliment you and ask where it's from and you humbly/smugly say it's from a vintage shop, your confidence and unique style will grow.
Where are your favorite places to source vintage items?
I'm always on eBay! Also: charity shops, boot sales and down Brick Lane and surrounding areas hunting! If I want a bargain, I pop into Beyond Retro. They always have wonderful old kimonos.
What are some of your top tips for scouring the best vintage pieces?
You need time and commitment. The best bargains will always come from the unexpected places: charity shops, car boot fairs. I literally only go to stalls with elderly people behind them - partly just for a natter! I once bought an old Gucci handbag from a boot sale from an elderly gentleman whose wife had just died. I'm still embarrassed I then asked him "if she had any more stuff". It just slipped out.
Angel's new book,The Vintage Sweets Book, (£16.99, Octopus Publishing) is out now.
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MORE! See inside the best vintage wardrobes here.