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23rd December 2017

{ Style } A Christmas Elf With We Love Colors!

Merry Christmas Eve-Eve beautiful people! I hope your present-buying is over and you’re all settling in for the big day with some mince pies. I’m working (boo), but I’ll be heading to my mum’s this evening for festive joy and enough alcohol to paralyse. For today, though, I’m going all out with a 50s Christmas style post!

Christmas is a funny one for me, since I spent the majority of my teens and early adulthood hating it. I’d not felt the magic of Christmas since I was a kid, and my family were poor and my mum worked a lot. Therefore I just resented it. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more and more into the festivities the more I enjoy time with family. Maybe just a touch too into it, since I’m dressed up as an elf.

The main influence of this entire outfit is clearly the tights! We Love Colors sent me a little assortment of their statement tights, including these adorable candy cane striped pair just in time for the holidays!

I never would’ve thought I’d be in love with a pair of tights, but you guys need to hear about these! Forget the stripes, these are tights that actually FIT, most importantly. Tights that fit my height, my large thighs and tummy and don’t bunch up on my small waist and ankles. I didn’t have to pull these up even once. It’s a Christmas Miracle!

I’ll be back in the New Year to tell you more about We Love Colors and their products, but for now I want you to revel in the kitsch. I had so many comments on them when out at Winter Wonderland, maybe I should be a candy cane more?

But of course, no Melody Outfit is complete without a Vendula London bag, and this Toy Shop Box Bag was perfect! A little kitsch, a little Christmassy, no other bag would of worked with this outfit, would it?

It completes my little worker elf chic with a shop full of all the toys I’ve helped make! I’ve also been looping the shoulder strap around the roof of the box bags – it’s a great way to create a handbag style out of it.

My talented friend Chris was kind enough to come and take these photos for me at Winter Wonderland at short notice, and aren’t they great? Even if we did see the worst Santa statue known to man – I’m calling him Liver-Failure-Santa. This is the face of alcoholism, kids. Drink responsibly this Christmas.

Actually, don’t. Have the merriest Christmas of all, my darlings!

Photography; @GreasyChris on IG
Hairbow; Primark | Necklace; Handmade
Bangles; Vintage and Splendette | Brooch; Luxulite
Dress; Lindy Bop | Bolero; Collectif
Tights; C/O We Love Colors | Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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20th December 2017

{ Lifestyle } Introducing… Vendula London Covent Garden!

Happy Wednesday sweethearts! Sorry that I went missing for a bit there! But it’s all for a good reason – it’s due to the fact we opened Vendula London Covent Garden!

If you don’t read my Disclaimer on every post featuring Vendula London, you might not be aware that my day job is working for them! We opened doors officially on the 9th December, and oh my it’s been a ride! For today’s post I’d like to take you on a tour of our new home!

Of course, we have our famous Shop Front ranges! An entire wall of Shop Front bags and purses, even! From the kitschy Toy Shop to the girly Chocolatiers and punky Music Box ranges, we have something for everyone.

And most noteworthy, we also have the absolute LAST of The George bags in Covent Garden. This will be your absolute last chance to grab the iconic range!

But of course, that’s not all! Vendula London Covent Garden isn’t a small shop, so we’ve got all the ranges you can see on our website and more.

Our AW17 ranges are displayed expertly (If I do say so myself 😉 ), with the Cinema Light up bags glittering next to the Russian Dolls!

And I wasn’t kidding when I said all the ranges from our website – finally we have Online Exclusives in store too!

My personal favourite is the Love Boat – I mean, how cute is it?! I’m biased since it’s just my colour palette, but it’s also just adorable.

Of course, you can see all of these online. But seeing them in real life is something else, so when you’re next in Covent Garden, do drop in!

Vendula London Covent Garden
54 Neal Street
London
WC2H 9PA

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2nd December 2017

{ Sewing } Hang On Now, Gingham In Winter?

Happy Saturday, darlings! How are we all doing? So due to preparing for something exciting at Vendula London, I’ve had some time off! I’m a workaholic at times, and having some time off has been both a blessing and a curse. The main thing, though? I finally got the time to sit at my sewing machine and make something! And here is my hot-off-the-machine gingham 50s skirt!

I bring up my love for gingham on a weekly basis. My rule is Gingham in Summer, Tartan in Winter. But hey, I’m throwing my usual rules to the wall recently with some pencil skirts so why not gingham?! I’ve been idolising Brigitte Bardot a little bit, and this photo has had me all sorts of swooning. So hell, a few meters of my favourite 1inch gingham from Rolls and Rems in Holloway and a day at my sewing machine and I have my new favourite skirt!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, this skirt might look familiar. That’s because it’s the same dirndl style I used for the Can I Be A Raccoon Dog skirt, Strawberry Sundae skirt and All Hail The Gingham Queen skirt. What can I say, if I like something I’m going to have twenty versions!

These skirts are generally the easiest projects to make in the world. It’s as simple as pleating a length of fabric to a waistband and then adding a zip and pockets. This version has nothing that the others don’t, it’s fully lined in white cotton, deep pockets trimmed with ric-rac and has a centre back invisible zip.

The back isn’t my proudest moment of sewing, since it’s a bit skew-iff and sits kinda funny. I made the mistake of making it just a touch too small, oops!

The reason I love these dirndl skirts is because they’re just so easy to wear. Jumpers, cardigans, t-shirts, crop tops – they all look good with this skirt. And I’ve mentioned I’m going for a Melody-Casual sort of look these days, which means these suit me perfectly. Effortless dressing is what makes good style, right?

And finally, accessorise with Vendula London! I love this Biscuit Shop (sold out) Grab bag, the white colouring seemed a little less me than some other designs, but I use it so often! And doesn’t it just look great with gingham?

So what are your thoughts, guys? Would you like a tutorial to make your own version? Or maybe you’d like to commission your own if you don’t sew? Comment below!

Have a wonderful weekend darlings!

Scarf; Vintage | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Necklace; Vintage | Brooch; Luxulite
Bangles; Splendette | Top; Collectif
Skirt; Handmade | Shoes; Miss L Fire
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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26th November 2017

{ Style } Red, White and Perfect For Autumn Days!

Do you ever have certain outfits that you wear over and over? Ones that you put on and just go “Yes, perfect.” This is certainly one of those outfits! So I’ve got a bit of plus size style for you – with some school vibes!

This is an eShakti dress I bought roughly two years ago, and I adore it! I love any sort of grid patterned fabrics, as you could tell from my Gingham Obsession in the summer and my tartan love through the winter.

It’s one of those dresses I wear all autumn and winter long because it takes so little styling to look great! Because it’s two years old now, it’s sadly not available on their site anymore – but they do have the Puff Sleeve Plaid Shirt Dress and the Tie Neck Windowpane Shirt Dress which are similar!

The thing that I love the most about eShakti and their products is that each garment is customisable. On the site this dress had short sleeves, a pointed collar and a short skater skirt. I was able to extend the sleeves to below the elbow, the skirt to a midi and add a peter pan collar! I mean, how often do you find an amazing dress that just isn’t quite what you want? eShakti makes it so easy.

I think they’re US only, which is the biggest pain ever. When I ordered from them I shipped them to my US friend and she shipped them to me (Thanks again, Sarah!) so it took roughly two months to get to me. But, after two years there’s so much life in them, so you can’t complain, right?

So after last weeks post talking about my personal issues with parts of my body and body image, I wanted to say a few things. Mostly thank you – as much as it sounds ridiculous and overly vain, your comments and love was quite amazing. And it does help hearing other’s positive affirmations, since it helps you suddenly believe these things about yourself and for yourself.

My feelings towards my body have been so much more positive because of that post and the interaction. It just goes to show how the internet isn’t all bad – we can all support each other in our self love and body positivity journeys, and it’s just so beautiful to see.

I love you guys.

Earrings and Brooch; Bow and Crossbones
Dress; eShakti | Bolero; Collectif
Shoes; Miss L Fire | Bangles; Vintage and Splendette
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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18th November 2017

{ Style } Nope, Nope, Nope… Aaaand A Pencil Skirt

There’s one thing you might notice about this image. That thing just might be a pencil skirt. It might just be this pretty bloody amazing velvet Boohoo Plus pencil skirt!

So if you’re following me on Instagram (@MelodyMae if not!) you may have seen over the Halloween period that I sported something scary – a pencil dress! I became a bit obsessed with Boohoo during my Halloween Lust List, and I bought the Skeleton Midi Dress. It fit perfectly, and for the entire evening I felt somewhat amazing.

But because of my insecurities surrounding my tummy, I’ve not worn a pencil style in years. I touched upon this with my post on a straight skirt here, but not too much has changed in my actual feelings towards my body. I love myself, I do. But part of that loving myself has been wrapped up in an image of myself in flared dresses. Therefore I’m pushing myself to change.

These photos can be hard to look at in moments. I notice my tummy more than anything, how my butt isn’t an ideal shape, and how I really wish I’d worn a corset to cinch me in more.

Don’t get me wrong; I love this skirt. It’s super stretchy (go a size down) and feels like a dream on. Plus it was £15, and I’m not joking when I say Boohoo quality is phenomenal. However, there’s still this part of me that believes that my body is not good enough for a pencil skirt.

Part of challenging myself is being able to stand in front of this camera in the middle of a park and invite people to look at me and wonder what I’m doing. It’s being uncomfortable and building up each moment of courage. It’s sticking the photos up on my blog and allowing the world to see me, lumpy butt and overhang tummy and all.

So then there’s the moments that I look at myself and think; “Damn girl you look fine”. And it’s all worth it. Because this body is MY body and it’s fucking wonderful in all it’s fatness and beauty.

Unrelated to that, though, is my new favourite accessory;

The NOPE beret of dreams! After the Cactus tie on hat I made in October, I was thinking of more winter-appropriate hat to customise. As a result, the NOPE beret was born! Using some gold trim and a pre-made beret I can now ‘nope’ my way out of all situations by proxy. Likewise, it’s a great retort for catcalling. Point at your hat and swan away!

Even more, I’ve got a tutorial ready for you so you can make your own!

Beret; Handmade | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Necklace; Primark (old) | Brooch; Luxulite
Top; Primark (old) | Skirt; Boohoo Plus
Shoes; ASOS | Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

11th November 2017

{ Style } Please Drink Irresponsibly With Vendula London

I took a little trip to my hometown of Fareham the other month for a bit of R&R. It was a lovely week of catching up with family and friends, and of course – drinking. Now you guys know I love a theme, right? How perfect was it that the town’s local pub just so happened to match the Vendula London Crown design?

After the success of The George (featured in this and this post) we needed a new pub on the Vendula Block. And thus The Crown opened, inviting us into its cosy little boozer with chintz armchairs and roaring fire!

When I saw the design in it’s early days, the roof was different, and I have to say I thought the whole bag was ugly. Then once the roof had been changed to this amazing faux snakeskin (Remember, all Vendula products are animal-friendly!) and it took on a whole new light for me. It looks traditional and a bit more muted than some of our other Shop Front designs, whilst keeping the Vendula Charm!

Because of the tones in this bag, I wanted to create a dark outfit to make the bag stand out – and boy does it! Against a black background the features are shown so well, my favourite details include a sleeping bulldog outside and a portrait of good ‘ol Liz!

I so love this outfit, I was mainly using it to show off my amazing new shoes from ASOS (that I can’t walk in but shhh), but the little gold details worked so well. Makes it so much easier to deal with a pub-full of people laughing at you when you look this good, too!

Now the Shop Front ranges come with four bag and four purse styles. The style I’m wearing is the Box Bag, but my sister in law also wanted in on The Crown action!

Therefore we have a guest showing off her Pouch Bag; My sister in law Emily! Proof that no matter the size, The Crown range looks amazing!

Most noteworthy; please remember if you ARE drinking irresponsibly, I’m not to blame. I’m not to blame if I drink irresponsibly, come to think of it!

Hair Flowers; Handmade
Necklace & Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Bangles; Vintage | Brooch; Luxulite
Cardigan; Collectif (old) | Dress; EShakti
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Shoes; ASOS

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21st October 2017

{ Style } Hey Ma, I’m A Rockstar With Vendula London

Okay, I’m not a rockstar. Although I did always expect I’d turn out to be one! But sadly, I’m just a girl in a (faux) leather jacket who sings emo tunes from 2005 like it’s current. Thank god this Vendula London Music Box Bag makes me look a bit cooler!

Recently I find I’m becoming more and more casual in my style. I still love set hair, petticoats and heels, but I really need to give my hair a rest at the moment. So when I’m not beating my hair into curled submission, I think the rest of my style follows.

I’ve also been suffering quite severely with my mental health the last two months, and curling my hair and making an effort can be difficult. Does anyone else find this when they’re dealing with a less-than-ideal mental state? Regardless of whether its depression, or exhaustion or just a bad day, it really knocks me out to the point that getting out of bed is hard enough.

Anyone have tips on dealing with it?

Anyway. It’s not exactly jeans-and-t-shirt casual, and will be overdressed for some people, but this is definitely my casual! Melody Casual, if you will, haha!

I’ve mentioned before how much I love this jacket, and it’s still the best £10 I’ve spent in Primark. A little punk rock, a little cutesy, and the perfect place to display all my pins! There’s a mix of cheap eBay finds, some pins picked up when travelling in China and Japan, and an amazing Game of Thrones one from Pin Game!

I also purchased a little group of cute and body-positive pins from Punky Pins back in September when I was at Autumn Fair. They serve as a great reminder to be looking after myself, which is something I’ve been finding hard to do lately.

Vendula London’s Music Box Grab Bag (and matching Coin Purse) is the perfect addition to my Shop Front Collection, and also the newly-branded Melody Casual! Mixing a record shop and punk elements with black and multicoloured glitter for a girly edge, it’s such an eye-catching design. It dresses up any outfit, but also looks at home in a less-flashy style outfit.

It’s a winner for me!

Sunglasses, Top and Jacket; Primark
Necklace & Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Skirt; Handmade | Bangles; Splendette
Shoes; Melissa | Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Jacket Pins; Punky Pins, Pin Game

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7th October 2017

{ Style } Looking Sharp With A Cactus Hat!

Last weekend I went to the wedding of the CENTURY. We headed up to Norwich to celebrate the gorgeous Rosie Alia get married. It was as colourful and amazing as her and her new husband, and we had so much fun I want to do it all over again! And since it was a wedding I could easily get away with a silly hat. And boy did I try! So I’ve got some plus size 50s style for you – with a cacti spin!

I’ve been holding onto these ‘hat bases’ for about a year and a half now. I’d seen the tie-on sun hats on various people over the years, and made in interesting discovery – they are actually place mats! So I bought a pack of four place mats from Wilko and added some cacti. Because cacti. They’re made from felt, sewn on with a prick stitch and embroidered.

It wasn’t quite as perfect in execution as I’d hoped, but it did catch the eye of a lot of people there, and you guys on Instagram loved it! Most importantly, I have a hat with cacti on it. That’s high on the priority list.

I’m actually going to put together a little tutorial for you guys to make your own tie on hat soon. So keep those eyes open!

I’ve had this Lindy Bop Lana dress for about a year now, originally bought as part of my Ariel Disneybound in Shanghai. The dress is great, don’t get me wrong, but I hardly wear it. Green can look a bit too festive against my hair, which is such a shame!

The original plan was to appliqué black cacti to the border of this dress to tie it all in. Because you guys know I just LOVE a theme! However, that never conspired, so I just went plain instead. I feel like I accidentally dressed as a witch, but hey, maybe there’s some Halloween inspiration in here?

Hat; Handmade | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Brooch; Luxulite | Bolero; Collectif (old)
Dress; Lindy Bop | Bangles; Splendette
Shoes; Primark (old)
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

30th September 2017

Design Your Accessory Yourself With Vendula London!

It’s been so difficult to keep this one quiet! Vendula London have just launched a brand new feature – Vendula D.A.Y! But what is D.A.Y? Design Your Accessory Yourself – You can customise your own Vendula London Shop Front!

This is not a drill. Have you ever wanted The George in white? Or maybe the Tea Rooms in pink? Maybe you fancy having your name on your bag for all to see? We’ve got that sorted for you in this new feature!

Now, creating your own personal Shop Front bag has never been easier, but I’m going to show you exactly how to do it!

Click D.A.Y option at the top of the site and you’ve got a second menu. Selecting ‘Choose A Bag Shape’ will give you the option between our classic Grab Bag and Box Bag styles. So first off, you’ll need to choose your bag style!

Designing a unique bag is easy from this point. Simply click each option on the left hand menu and you can choose your colours! You have the choice of seven body and roof colours, including the cool thatch style you see on The Book Shop and George designs.

And all your selections pop up in real time so you can see your design come to life before your very own eyes! At the moment the artwork designs are a small selection of favourite existing Shop Fronts, but we’re hoping to expand both the colours and the designs.

The main event of this feature, though, is the fact you can add a signature! It can be anything you want – your name, the name of a friend you’re buying it for, or a hilarious in-joke. It’s completely up to you!

Once your design is finished, its sent off to to be made JUST for you! How exciting is that? It means a six week wait, which I know is a long time. But hey, you’re getting Vendula London quality and style with your name on – and you can save your design to stare at until it arrives!

So let’s talk about my bag for a moment, shall we? I chose the Boutique artwork with the burgundy body colour, burgundy and cream striped roof and the burgundy straps. Anyone who is surprised, raise your hand. No one? Alright!

My design took exactly six weeks from order to door, due to it being handmade to order. As with all the Shop Front styles, the short handle is removable so you can change to the included long strap. Because they know a good handbag is interchangeable!

The bag also has the signature Vendula London lining, sturdy metal clasp, and stud feet to protect when its set on tables or the floor. My bag’s artwork is the same as on the original Boutique range, with all the same embossing, appliqué and print!

It’s just a gorgeous bag, and looks so good in my colour way! But most of all, it has my name on, and that’s the coolest thing!

So, my dear readers, which designs are you going to make?

Top&Sunglasses; Primark | Skirt; Handmade
Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Bangle; Vintage | Necklace; Handmade
Shoes; Yours Clothing
Bag; C/O Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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17th August 2017

{ Style } A Pin Up Picnic… In A Bar!

Every year, The British Belles put on a little meet in London of pin ups and vintage style lovers. It was named Pin Up Picnic In The Park – since there was pin ups… in a park. But we’re British and rain moved the event from Hyde Park to cocktails at Barrio Shoreditch. And so it was a Pin Up Picnic.. In A Bar!!

I always have big ideas about making special themed outfits for events like these, since they’re a great excuse for real dressing up. The problem with that idea, though, is I’m too lazy and busy to do that, and I end up picking out whatever is clean on the morning of.

I ended up picking up my Check, Please! dress, because in my world, gingham is a neutral. I made this dress in 2013 and it’s the only one from my early sewing that I still wear!

It’s been so long since I went to any sort of event that I feel like I’ve forgotten how to socialise! I spent a lot of my time with my housemate Ellie outside sheltering from the rain. But don’t think that I didn’t have fun! Barrio Shoreditch was a great, colourful venue that was the perfect backdrop for cocktails and meeting friends old and new. Plus, there was a lot of tips about hair being thrown around – and I love hair tips!

I’ve mentioned my anxiety before, but I was wondering if you guys deal with it and any tips and tricks? I need to push myself to go to more events, but that pesky anxiety really gets in the way!

I know I’ve posted about The George bag before, but it’s still my absolute favourite designs we do. I’d suggest grabbing a George item now if you’ve wanted one! We do have a new pub design on pre-order, if you do miss out.

Hair Flower&Necklace; Handmade
Cardigan; Collectif (old)
Dress; Handmade
Brooch; Luxulite
Bag; Vendula London
Shoes; Melissa

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{ Style } A Christmas Elf With We Love Colors!

{ Lifestyle } Introducing… Vendula London Covent Garden!

{ Sewing } Hang On Now, Gingham In Winter?

{ Style } Red, White and Perfect For Autumn Days!

{ Style } Nope, Nope, Nope… Aaaand A Pencil Skirt

{ Style } Please Drink Irresponsibly With Vendula London

{ Style } Hey Ma, I’m A Rockstar With Vendula London

{ Style } Looking Sharp With A Cactus Hat!

Design Your Accessory Yourself With Vendula London!

{ Style } A Pin Up Picnic… In A Bar!

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