Last year saw me attend a vintage weekend held in Doncaster.
Last Years (With Hair!)
I had never been before and was a little apprehensive as I didn’t know if there would be very many people that I would know. However, I bit the bullet, booked my ticket and spent the weekend at an amazing hotel with like minded vintage lovers, dressed to the nines whilst eating marvellous food and listening to live music of the era.
What a way to spend a weekend!
Fast forward a year, and the time had come around for the vintage weekend again.
Setting off on Friday afternoon, I travelled up to Doncaster with a full suitcase of clothing and accessories, including several wigs.
Starfish!!!
I had manage to damage my hair sufficiently with bleach that I had decided to chop it all short, evening up the sides and then letting it grow back naturally. This of course meant that I didn’t have any hair with which to create vintage styles.
Well, the vintage adage of ‘Make Do and Mend’ came to mind, and I decided wigs and hair accessories would have to do for this year, and next year would be a whole different kettle of fish.
Opulent Surroundings
Checking in, I was shown to the room which would be mine for the next 2 days; a beautiful suite with a roll top bath. It was absolutely beautiful and I was just a little gutted that I would not be able to get into the bath with my crappy knee.
Well, more specifically, IF I got into the bath, I certainly wouldn’t be able to get out!
I Love This Look!
Never mind, there is always time once I have had my knee replacement!
Moving into the room, I was thrilled to see a shower with double heads and lots of room. I could even use my cane to get inside it safely with no issues. Winner, Winner.
Double Shower
The whole room was just beautiful. The décor was lovely and I absolutely felt right at home.
So, what exactly was the plan and what was I going to wear?
Green Goddess
Friday evening was a chance to meet up with friends, old and new. Dinner was a buffet style which meant you could mingle about, chatting, picking up nibbles whilst listening to great music.
The Earl
I had taken extra care with my make-up to match the emerald green evening gown I was going to be wearing. I had taken 4 gowns with me, as I was unsure which colour and style I wanted to wear.
Wigged Wonder
Choosing the gorgeous green Hollywood style glamorous dress, I accessorised it with a black bob wig with a red underside. Green sparkling gems were put into my earlobes and a vintage watch inset with rubies went around my wrist.
With Vivacious Victoria
The evening was a great success and I thoroughly loved watching everyone dancing, whilst wishing I was able to partake of it too.
Elegance Personified
We were all entertained by The Swing Commanders and DJ Major Swing until the early hours.
Getting up early the following morning, breakfast was provided and I merrily polished off a full English breakfast chased down with the BEST rhubarb yoghurt I have ever had!
Yummy!
The rest of the day was spent watching vintage performers and dance classes taking place. There were also vintage traders selling everything from ties to shoes to full suits.
Charleston Time
I particularly loved the Charleston class that was held by Johnny Victory and the vocal talents of Charlotte Porter. A perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon, in my opinion.
Costumiers Collection
I chose to wear my ‘Chicago Wedding’ outfit which was made by the Portsmouth Costumiers for when I went to a friends wedding in July 2022. I don’t get a lot of opportunity to wear it, so I thought I would show it off. I decided to go with my natural hair for the afternoon, and I have to admit I did NOT like the effect with my outfit at all.
Saturday evening was another dinner/dance. For this event I went with a burgundy sequined fitted dress with a jewelled collar that has large chiffon embellishments either side.
Sparkle and Shine
My hair for the evening was a ash blonde heavy bob, which I felt really complimented my colouring. I kept the make-up simple and added opera length gloves, a matching velvet dolly bag and the vintage ruby watch was a perfect match.
Matching Accessories
The evening entertainment consisted of the brilliant Ashby Little Big Band featuring Kitty Lamare. There was also the added bonus of The Ronnie Singers who were also very delightful.
Big Band Time
Dinner consisted of a marvellous Ham Hock Terrine, followed by Chicken Breast with Garlic & Thyme served with sun-dried tomatoes, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Time To Eat
I chose the Gin and Lime flavoured cheesecake with a fruit coulis.
Cheesecake for One!
The whole dinner was delightful and very tasty indeed.
Again, I sat watching all the wonderful dancers as they strutted their stuff, dressed in their finery. It really was a sight to behold and filled me with sheer delight.
Photo Courtesy of Anna Marriage
One of the other little delights of the evening was the lovely Anna Marriage, a fantastic photographer who was there taking snaps of all the participants as well as photographs of the complete tables. A great memento of the whole weekend.
Sunday morning arrived and I headed to breakfast where I intended to eat my body weight in rhubarb yoghurt. It was so bloomin’ delicious that I preferred that to a full English.
Beautiful Burgundy
I went full on princess with a pale blue Jessakae dress with sparkles and embellishments. I topped it off with a short cropped finger wave black wig, which I was a little dubious about wearing but worked pretty well.
Twenties Style
The weekend was sadly drawing to a close, however there was a final hurrah between 1000 and 1400; DJ Major Swing provided music to dance to and there was a bit of a sing-a-long where we all waved our Union Jacks in time to the music.
oplus_34
My final hurrah was posing with some beautiful huge blue fans owned by my brilliant friend Vicki. I mean, who wouldn’t want to give that a go!
All in All, the event was a cracking success again, and I have to thank all the organiser, Mark’s hard work, his brilliant assistants and the performers who entertained us. Of course, the marvellous participants, old and new really made for a great time.
Vintage Vibes
Roll on next year!, time to start planning the outfits already.
Till next time,
SPSG xxx