Rose's Wardrobe Interview with Ellen @hatpinsandredlipstick
Emma Duncan
Rose’s Wardrobe chat to modern vintage muse, friend of RW, Ellen, from @hatpinsandredlipstick about what, when and why she started wearing vintage fashion.
WELCOME TO ROSE’S WARDROBE! PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF...
“Hello, I’m Ellen! I work in higher education as a project manager. I knit, crochet, embroider and dress make in my spare time (I cannot sit still in the evenings!).”
Ellen is wearing her Rose’s Wardrobe ‘Lillias’ blouse available in a range of colours, ivory (pictured), sky blue and blush pink
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO VINTAGE INSPIRED FASHION?
“I’ve never really felt that I fitted into modern fashion. I could never find a style that I liked, and I always felt like I was wearing someone else’s clothes, or that I was pretending to be someone else. I’ve always loved history, particularly the history of fashion and how that impacted on people socially.”
WHEN DID YOU START DRESSING VINTAGE?
“I started dressing vintage almost eight years ago.”
A photo of Ellen from her Instagram page @hatpinsandredlipstick.
CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST VINTAGE/VINTAGE INSPIRED PIECE?
“My first repro piece was a gorgeous blue and white 50s style swing dress from Hell Bunny, I wore that to my sixth form prom! My first true vintage pieces were two 1940s suits, one green and the other burnt orange. I still have them in my wardrobe.”
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR PEOPLE TO BEGIN THEIR VINTAGE INSPIRED CAPSULE WARDROBE?
“A white blouse is a staple of the vintage wardrobe, and is very affordable too. Wide leg trousers, and swing skirts are other essentials. Berets are perfect for finishing off an outfit, whilst giving it a vintage twist. As these items are still worn today in modern fashion, they’e easy to get hold of and allow you to gradually build your confidence to dressing vintage.”
HAS THERE BEEN ANY NEGATIVE RESPONSE TO DRESSING VINTAGE, AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT IT?
“I encountered some negativity, some off comments from my family and the odd person in my sixth form. My parents were convinced my love for dressing vintage was a faze, but eight years later and my vintage collection has done nothing but grow! The negativity I encountered was massively outweighed by the positivity I received. So many people have paid me compliments, and commented on how well it suits me. I feel so confident when I have my hair set and my red lipstick on!”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT DRESSING IN A VINTAGE STYLE?
“You don’t have to keep up with the latest fashion!
I also love the idea that all the true vintage pieces I own have their own story before I got them, I love to think about who their previous owner was, what job they had, what occasion they wore the pieces to. I feel privileged that I am able to give them a new lease of life and save them from living forever in an attic or in landfill.”
Ellan wearing a true vintage suit - photographed by @morganphoto1930s
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE VINTAGE INSPIRED ITEMS IN YOUR WARDROBE AT THE MOMENT?
“My absolute favourite item is a custom skirt made in my family’s tartan, which was lovingly crafted by Rose’s Wardrobe! I also have knitted a couple of jumpers and cardigans from vintage patterns which I am very proud of and love to wear.”
If you would like a bespoke garment quote please fill in the bespoke service form here.
We had the pleasure of meeting Ellen at The Vintage Retreat in Northampton last month, she wears her bespoke family name tartan ‘Rosie’ skirt and ‘Lillias’ blouse.
DO YOU FEEL YOUR STYLE HAS EVOLVED SINCE DRESSING VINTAGE?
“Yes my style has evolved so much. When I first started dressing vintage, you could class my style as the typical 1950s pin up style. I think I gravitated towards this style because it was very easy to find clothing that fitted the period, and I absolutely love the film Grease.
I was terrible at doing winged eyeliner too! I am still convinced that liquid eyeliner can sense your fear…
My style currently is a more authentic 1940s British wartime look. I do like the high glamour 40s looks, particularly for photo shoots or events but day to day I definitely prefer a more Home Fires type style. One thing that hasn’t changed is my red lipstick.”
Ellen wearing red lipstick, one of her must haves for a vintage inspired look.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TOP TIPS FOR SOMEONE WANTING DRESS VINTAGE?
“Experiment with the different eras you’re interested in, and don’t worry about being 100% period accurate. Don’t feel like you have to get your style ‘right’ from the beginning, it’s okay to start off by wearing all modern clothing but make your make up or your hair more vintage. Even something as small as winged eyeliner and a bandana in your hair (which is how I started with dressing vintage). Take it at your own pace, and in time you’ll find what styles you gravitate towards.”
Ellen looking stunning with her hair set in a classic 1940’s vintage style (hair goals!)
Thank you so much Ellen! Follow Eleen on Instagram at: @hatpinsandredlipstick
THE TEAM
Rose’s Wardrobe was founded by Emma and Leanne after both having over 12 years of experience between them working in high street, vintage inspired, and fashion supplier backgrounds. The inspiration from Rose’s Wardrobe derived from Emma and Leanne’s muses - their grandmas and great grandma - Patricia, Edna, and Rose. The aim is to produce replicas of the beautiful clothes their grandmas wore, using colours, styles and prints from the 1940’s through to the 1960’s. You can connect with Rose’s Wardrobe on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Have a look at where Rose’s Wardrobe will be here. Read our sustainability statement. Or, shop the collection.