Monday 1 March 2010

March

As you all know, Tart at 40 Winks is a perfectly indulgent afternoon filled with delicious pampering, vintage styling, finger sandwiches, cupcakes and copious amounts of Gin. Which I cannot imbibe, as I always have to drive. This does mean that I have a steady camera hand! So, without further waffle, here's a selection of photos from last Saturday.


Our amazing sponsors and partners (clockwise in order of appearance) - Lipstick & Curls, Benefit Cosmetics and What Katie Did. We also had a fabulous lady doing semi-permanent eyelash extensions. Oh, how I wish I could have had some!


We had some gorgeous wares on display. My favourite things were the beautiful, sparkly, reworked vintage creations from Magpie Vintage (top two images). I also had to show off how splendid the weather was - we set up the garden for the first time, complete with bunting!


Our guests this month had to be the most stylish so far! All the ladies looked stunning and were the picture of vintage glamour! Mr Carter kept his audience rapt, as always. And of course, the most gorgeous gal of all, Naomi Vintage Secret was on hand to style and advise, looking a picture in a little 60s summer dress.


But what did I wear? I know you're all dying to see... ;)



I wore a lovely 50s summer dress, which was a fairly recent eBay bargain of $29. It's covered in flowers and, best of all, little hats, all pastel blue, pink, yellow and green! It's in such fabulous condition with the cotton crisp and the black deep and unfaded... plus it fits me brilliantly! Any suggestion on a better belt? This one came from a modern repro and it works OK, but I think it can be vastly impoved upon! No photos from the knee down as all visitors to 40 Winks have to wear slippers, and mine totally didn't match my frock! ;)

Until next time!

Monday 1 February 2010

February


This time, we had my marvellous mother doing mini-readings from her angel card sets! She was an absolute hit! Clockwise from top left; the spread; mummy dearest; the décor; Lipstick and Curls and Benefit doing their thing; our Hendrick's Gin mixologist (see above); and more décor!

I was lucky enough to be sent the brand-new Able Grable frock to wear...! So you're having something of a sneaky peek! Make sure you check out the site to find out a bit more.



Photos by the lovely Claudia Burlotti

Friday 1 January 2010

January



So much has been going on behind the scenes at Tart, we've had more recommendations than you can shake a mascara wand at, including my favourite magazine, BBC Homes and Antiques, Glam.com, and even a rave review from the marvellous India Knight. And we've expanded all the activities on offer, to make the afternoon even more fabulous than ever. Here it is from the horse's mouth.



BENEFIT AT TART
Our favourite cosmetics brand, Benefit, has generously agreed to provide two of its fabulous beauty artists to transform guests into gorgeous goddesses from January onwards. Lisa Potter Dixon, Benefit's beauty guru and events manager, will also be on hand to share her tips on how to create the perfect look for 2010.

HENDRICK'S COCKTAIL MAKING MASTERCLASS
Guests who can’t tell the difference between ‘A Fallen Angel’ and ‘A Flying Dutchman’ will be taught how to unlock the mysteries of alcoholic alchemy by a top mixologist, utilising the potent properties of the world’s most unusual gin.

FLEUR DE GUERRE’S GUIDE TO 40S GLAMOUR
Starting this month, pin-up queen Fleur de Guerre will be launching a series of classes for girls who have always dreamt of becoming 1940s silver screen vixens with expert advice on vintage hair and make-up. This will include demonstrations on victory rolls and how to shape the perfect 40s red lip - with Benefit makeup of course! ;)

WHAT KATIE DID (BUT DIDN’T TELL HER PARENTS…)
Katie Halford, lingerie designer and owner of What Katie Did, will be sharing her ‘stocking secrets’ over the course of the afternoon (how to put them on, how to take them off and how to hold them up when you’ve got them up..). All very important, and essential training for every girl who wants to climb the style ladder.

We were also incredibly privileged to have our photo taken by the downright incredible Lara Jade.


That was pretty much a dream come true for me!

All that's left for me to say is that tickets for the next 6 months are becoming ever-rarer, so if you do want to come along, make sure you get in touch very soon!

UPCOMING DATES
Saturday 23rd January, 13th February, 13th March, 17th April, 15th May…

For more information on Tart, pictures from past events or press passes, please contact David Carter at 40 Winks,
OFFICE: 020 7790 0259
MOBILE: 07973 653944
EMAIL: info@40winks.org







Fleur xx
DiaryofaVintageGirl.com

Tuesday 1 December 2009

A Tart is Born

On November the 14th 2009, the very first Tart took place at the divinely decadent 40 Winks. I think we all knew it was going to be the start of something special...



These shots were taken by the lovely Mela, and really captured the wonderful atmosphere of the afternoon. We had cakes and service from the always incredible Vintage Patisserie, some with our logo, and some with the names of our Hen party's bride-to-be and her beloved! Our guests arrived, and headed down into the kitchen for cupcakes, sandwiches and delicious drinks - Hendrick's gin and elderflower, and bubbly, naturally. All were served in vintage teacups from Naomi's collection! The ground floor held Naomi's exclusive selection of vintage, some incredible hats and vintage and handmade jewellery from Glamour Kitten. I spent a happy few minutes chatting all things rhinestony and bakelite down there! Upstairs on the first floor was Taj Noel Cambridge's Bunnies Forever lingerie and the beauty room! Bella and Sarah were doing super glamorous makeup, and the Lipstick and Curls girls were whipping up some marvellous vintage hairdos. However, there were so many ladies waiting at one point that I came on board to help. It was a fab way to meet the guests actually!



The guests all looked absolutely fantastic and certainly had no shortage of things to do during their four hours with us. The top floor had stands from shoe designer to the stars Nina Dolcetti. As if all that wasn't enough, each girl left with a goodie bag, stuffed with freebies, from vouchers to Rose & Co. lipbalms, organic body lotions and more.

All in all, it was a thoroughly successful first event, and the start of many wonderful things to come!