Snippets Issue 16 : The Vintage & Retro Issue

Queens Of Vintage

We chat to Lena from Queens of Vintage about her love for all things vintage and retro.

Queens Of Vintage

By Cat Morley


Tell us a bit about Queens Of Vintage?
QueensOfVintage.com is a daily global glossy for all vintage lovers. We have the latest in vintage gossip, fashion and interiors and readers can browse by decade or city to find exactly what they want.

How did the site get started?
Sarah Woodhead, our Editor-in-Chief, founded the magazine as there wasn't really anything similar around, which seems strange as vintage is such a huge thing all over the world! I look after the fashion side of things while Tara Gardner, our homes editor is in charge of interiors. We also have some amazing writers who contribute regularly.

What was the motivation?
We are all really passionate about vintage (it's a lifestyle more than anything else) and wanted to create a glossy magazine that would feature relevant and interesting stories. Also, we wanted to link up vintage lovers from around the world, at the moment we have readers from 80 different countries, which thrills me to bits!

What makes QoV stand out from other websites out there?
There isn't any other daily magazine out there that features exclusively on vintage, so we're unique in that sense. It's also not just for die-hard vintage fans but anyone who is curious to find out more.

Where does your love for vintage stem from?
I've been obsessed with fashion and clothes for ages, and as my style is quite eclectic I've always been looking out for individual pieces, which sort of naturally lead to vintage. My parents are both into collecting antiques and anything old really, so I grew up appreciating the uniqueness and history of vintage pieces.

Who are your ultimate style icons?
Oh God where do I start? I adore Veronica Lake for her luscious locks, Brigitte Bardot for her sultry looks and Edie Sedgewick for her amazing style.

Do you have any good tips for putting together an authentic vintage outfit?
The trick is to not end up looking like you're going to a fancy dress party. Find a decade that suits your normal style, e.g. if you're into little shift dresses go for a 60s look, if you like structured, tailored clothes look at the 40s, this way wearing vintage will feel natural. Also, try to stay away from cliches such as 50s poodle skirts or 70s flower power dresses.

Where do you look for inspiration?
I love watching old movies. Films like 'How to Marry a Millionaire' or 'The Philadelphia Story' give me lots of ideas for outfits, hair and make-up.

Where do you find your clothes and accessories?
Vintage fairs are great, you can pick up real bargains there and even haggle down the price. Etsy.com is another great source to buy vintage.

Where is good to shop in London?
I avoid big vintage shops and go to the lesser known places such as 20th Century Retro in Holloway. I also adore Alfies Antique Market, I could spend whole days in there without getting bored.

Looking at today's stars, who do you think pulls off the best vintage look?
Drew Barrymore recently wore an amazing vintage inspired dress and 20s finger wave do to the premier of 'Grey Gardens'. Dita von Teese is another favourite, she always looks immaculate.

Do you have any tips for travelling in style?
Vintage suitcases will add instant sophistication to your travel style. A leather vanity case for example will be perfect (and small enough) for your hand luggage if you're flying abroad. To look stylish but comfortable while you travel, take inspiration from Bardot's early 60s riviera look: Capri pants, flat ballet shoes, a plain T-shirt and little cardigan accessorised with a pair of cool black Wayfarers.

Any tips for keeping your hair nice on holiday and styling when out-and-about?
A messy beehive is incredibly easy to do, just back-combe your hair loosely and tie a pony tail, it doesn't have to look very neat or reach Winehouse style proportions. Alternatively make a normal pony tail and tie a scarf around it. It'll give you an instant 50s feel.

What are the ultimate accessories you wouldn't leave home without?
I love my little Antler 40s vanity case, I never travel anywhere without it. Also, red lipstick is absolutely essential, I'd never leave the house without it. Perfume is another must, I love Chanel's No 5 and Miller Harris' L'Air de Rien, which they made specifically for Jane Birkin.

What are your hopes and dreams for QoV?
Hopefully it'll just keep growing and getting even better! We've just launched our social networking site where vintage lovers can meet and interact. There are lots of other activities lined up too, from club nights, to a pop-up shop, so watch this space!


See more for yourself at Queens of Vintage.

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