Pip Jolley's love of vintage grew from a fascination with alternative fashion - and now she has an incredible vintage wardrobe. Jen Barton explores and gets her shopping tips
Meet Pip Jolley: jewellery designer and devotee of mid-century fashion, whose impressive vintage collection reflects her love affair with 1950s glamour.
From her poodle pink home décor to her waist-accentuating frocks and vintage hair-roller inspired necklaces, Pip effortlessly mixes old with new to create a timeless aesthetic. Here's why we can't get enough of her vintage style...
Tell us about your personal style.
I've always had an interest in alternative style but after moving to London and going to uni it developed into a love for mid-century fashion. I try not to restrict myself to one decade as I'm constantly being influenced by a myriad of different sources.
What are your favourite vintage eras?
There is just nothing better than mid-century design, the clean lines satisfy my artistic need for symmetry and repetition.
What are your tips for styling vintage outfits?
Don't feel you have to wear vintage head to toe. Pick a statement piece you love and style your outfit around it. Personally, I start with the jewellery I want to wear and go from there. Don't be scared to mix modern with vintage - experiment and find a style that works for you.
What's your favourite vintage piece? What's the story behind it?
For years I wanted a Lucite handbag and I sent my boyfriend on a mission to find the bag for my Christmas present. He scoured the vintage of London and the bag he eventually presented me with was beyond my wildest dreams. It's just so gold and sparkly.
What are some of your top tips for scouring the best vintage pieces?
Know your measurements. It's so important when getting into vintage clothing - especially if you're buying online. The number of times I have ordered something and it has not quite fit somewhere is ridiculous - now I always double-check.
Being tall, I always have to check the hem allowance as more than likely I have to let the hem down, so consider everything and remember if you love it you can always have it altered.
Being tall, I always have to check the hem allowance as more than likely I have to let the hem down. Consider everything and remember if you love it you can always have it altered.
When buying something from a shop take your time and check the garment thoroughly, inside and out. It's very easy to get carried away and walk away with something that isn't right or beyond repair. It's better to save your pennies for the perfect thing.
How does vintage inspire your own designs?
Everything nowadays is so disposable, fashion changes weekly and there's always something new on the market. What I love about vintage is that it's timeless, things were made to last. I try to bring this effortless glamour and sustainability into my designs while giving the pieces a modern twist.
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MORE! See inside the best vintage wardrobes here.