The Year Christmas was Banned

Not really, I absolutely love Christmas. I am of course referring to my Dancing Days by Banned outfit that I received from my Dad and wonderful Step Mum this Christmas. Today on the blog I am going to be taking you through the outfit details and sizing and also my experience buying it. 

The Husband and I took a trip to my hometown of Northampton a few weeks ago in order to spend some time with my family before Christmas. My Step Mum needed to do some last minute Christmas shopping and hadn't bought me a gift yet, so she suggested we went to town to go shopping. I cannot remember the last time I bought clothes from an actual shop (I exclusively buy all my clothes online nowadays) never mind from Northampton town centre, so I was really looking forward to a girly shopping trip!

So we did some gift shopping and then headed to Bohemian Finds, a lovely little boutique that stocks 40s and 50 reproduction brands, including Collectif, Hell Bunny, Voodoo Vixen, Banned and many more. I knew about the shop before I moved away from Northampton in 2010, but I haven't visited since. I had been hearing so many good things about it from my friend Vintage Doll Laura, who does promotions for the store, so I was looking forward to my trip. I also managed to bump into Laura at the shop, which was an added bonus!

I tried on the Lola Dress by Voodoo Vixen first. I had seen it on Miss Victory Violet and some other lovely pinup girls and fell in love with it, so I had to try it on. Sadly, it was far too long for me and I looked like a 5 year old who had raided her Mother's wardrobe - not the look! So back on the shelf it went! Then the Apple of My Eye Tartan Skirt by Banned caught my eye. The skirt has a lovely tartan print, 2 cute little front pockets and a size zip and button; it was totally up my street. I picked it up in a Size XS, which is a 25.2-26.8in waist. Size wise, this skirt is pretty spot on. I have a 26.5 in waist and it fits like a glove. The Dancing Days by Banned 50s Apple of My Eye Tartan Skirt retails at £32 and is available from Bohemian Finds. 

Once the skirt was in the bag, the rest of the outfit just fell into place. My Step Mum Deb was super helpful in putting the finishing touches to it and found the Banned Wow to the Bow belt in Navy; it just finished off the skirt beautifully. I picked it up in a size Small which is a 26.1-31.5 in waist. It is not too tight, which is nice as the skirt is pretty snug! The Dancing Days by Banned Wow to the Bow belt in Navy retails at £11.05 and is available from Bohemian Finds or Top Vintage Boutique.

So, next was the top. I picked up the Jenny Plain Wrap Cardigan by Collectif but I wasn't sure about the v-neck. It was too low to wear alone and I wasn't crazy about the idea of adding a top underneath, so I put it back. I then picked up a red cardi but it was very cherry red and didn't match the skirt at all. So back to the Jenny cardigan I went! I later picked up a plain navy cami from Primark for a couple of beans which solved the neckline issue. I picked up the Jenny cardigan in an XS (UK Size 8) which is a 34-36in bust. I am a 35in bust, so it fit perfectly. The Jenny Plain Wrap Cardigan retails at £30.50 and is available from Bohemian Finds.

By this point, Deb and I were in full swing and loving every minute of our shopping experience! There was just one final addition needed to make the outfit complete- shoes! I have needed some black dress shoes for some time, so as soon as I saw the 20s Sparkles On My T-Strap Pumps by Banned, I knew I had to have them. They have a cute little glittery heel and are perfect for tottering around in on a night out. Plus, as I got them in black, they will go with pretty much anything!

These shoes retail at £42.77 and are available from Bohemian Finds or Top Vintage Boutique.

- x - LMDW - x -