When I first started delving into the world of blogging, Retro Chick was the first vintage lifestyle blog I found and I was entranced by the mix of vintage, retro, reproduction and modern clothing. The blog was started by Gemma Seager all the way back in 2008. She's the girl to help you find the perfect red lipstick and help you get the best out of your thrifting adventures, so let's get to know her...

Despite not living in the city you always seem to find the best sales and events. What's the best way to find on what's going on in your local area? I'd love to try some more thrifting and head to a car boot sale but I just don't know where they are.

The key is just to keep your eyes and ears open. The local free paper often has listings for jumble sales and car boot sales in the back pages. When you're out and about pick up leaflets and free magazines.

Online make sure you join Facebook groups and follow local people and sites on Twitter. It's a good idea to use the lists function on Twitter so you can seperate out people from your local area and keep an on what's on!

On that topic, what are your favourite things about your local area and do you have any top tips for places to go?

I'm live in Norwich and I run a website, Vintage Norwich (www.vintagenorwich.co.uk), that showcases all the best local shops, cafes and bars with a vintage friendly vibe. If you pay us a visit you have to have afternoon tea at Biddy's Tea Room, check out our great vintage shops, Antidote, Prim, Retreat and Lulu's are some of the best, and definitely pay a visit to our huge local Antique Market, Aladdins Cave on Magdalen Street.

When did your love of vintage and retro clothing and style begin?

It's hard to say! When I was little I was obsessed with books about WWII and I loved Poirot! I've always dressed far more smartly than a lot of people do, and taken inspiration from the 40s and 50s but I didn't have what you would really call a proper vintage style until I discovered the internet and found other people who dressed that way! It's like I didn't know you were allowed!

Do you have a favourite vintage era that inspires you, and if so why?

I'm particularly inspired by the mid 30s - mid 50s. Each decade has a different style and I like to pick and mix! The 40s and 50s nipped waists and fuller skirts suit my figure more, but I love the look of the slinky bias cuts from the 1930s.

What is your top tip for buying vintage clothing?

Don't pay too much for it! Keep your wits about you and remember that just because it's in a vintage shop doesn't mean you should pay over the odds for it. Check condition carefully before parting with your money, check seams, buttons and hold it up to the light to check for moth holes.

Bargains can still be found on eBay and in charity shops, if you know what you're looking for.

Do you have a favourite method or style for retro hair? I've become obsessed with rag curls recently.

At the moment I'm favouring a more 30s waved style. I use sponge rollers and setting lotion, rolled forward at the front of my head and then form it into waves with my hands and lots of pins! Keeping curls in my hair has always been a problem for me, so I have to wet set it!

What inspired you to start blogging and has your motivation to carry on changed at all?

Initially I started blogging as a way of promoting my online shop, but it's become more and more the focus of what I do. I love the interaction of blogging and it's the people that read regularly, even those that don't comment, that make me want to carry on!

What the hardest challenges to solve or work around in your early blogging days?

Gosh, it was so long ago now I can't really remember! Finding my own voice and my place in the blogging world was probably the biggest challenge. I wasn't sure whether I was a fashion blogger, a vintage blogger or a lifestyle blogger. Then I realised it didn't really matter. I could just be me! Things really changed when I stopped trying to fit myself into a niche and started only writing about things that inspired me.

What is the very best thing from your blogging experience?

The friends I've made and the people I've met. There are so many other bloggers, commenters, twitter followers and Facebook "likers" that I've got to know and can now count as friends. People are so supportive and helpful, I think it's an amazing online community.

Do you feel your style has evolved at all since you began blogging?

Definitely! I've got so much more confidence now than I had when I started blogging. I feel like I dress how I want now, rather than how I felt I should. I've moved towards a far more "vintage" style, but I still mix things up a bit, I don't restrict myself to what's period correct, I wear what I like.

Could you tell us a little about the Campaign for Clear Clothes Sizing?

I've written about vanity sizing several times, and from the responses I've had it seems a lot of women are incredibly frustrated by the variations they find in clothes sizing between different brands, and sometimes even in the same brand!

The Campaign for Clearer Clothes sizing isn't about making all clothes shops conform to a standard sizing model. Womens proportions vary, so to standardise sizing would make it harder for people with proportions outside of the average to find clothes that fit. The campaign is about asking brands and shops to be clearer about the measurements of the patterns they cut to.

We'd like the measurements the garment is cut to fit printed on the labels, and for shops to clearly display accurate size charts on their websites and in store.

What's the best piece of blogging advice you've been given and would you like to add some wisdom of your own?

The best advice I was given was not to obsess over your stats. They may go up or down, but if you're confident you're writing good content then it's ok.
My advice is to be yourself. People like to read blogs where they feel they connect with the person behind the writing. Think about *why* you like reading the blogs you read on a regular basis and take inspiration from that, rather than the actual content.

Intrinsically Florrie x

Written and attended by Florrie Clarke

I was delighted to be asked to attend the private view of the new Masters of Style:Celebrating the Stories behind Italian Fashion. exhibition at Somerset house on behalf of BSB. You can always guarentee that Somerset House exhibitions will be of the highest quality and the subject really interested me. The show is sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro. The brand, which loves to celebrate Italian lifestyle, worked with curator Colin McDowell on the exhibition which marks the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.At the party there was a wonderful, excited buzz of a contented crowd and it was lovely to hear Colin McDowell himself speak about the work he curated so brilliantly.

Designers spend six months tirelessly working up to a fashion show that lasts mere minutes, but the collection lives on. This exhibition explores what happens after the last model walks down the catwalk, when the designers have to consider how they want their collection to be taken forward into the new season, creating a very personal brand identity by working with photographers and models. The exhibition hosts a fascinating range of images from illustrations and glamourous black and white shots of decades past to more recent iconic images I am familiar with from my magazines, such as Madonna as a domestic goddess photographed by Steven Mesiel. It's all a visual feast and the rich histories of the fashion houses are really intriguing.

The designers involved are all renowned for their style and high quality of workmanship. They are: Georgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Missoni and Prada. Each designer has personally chosen their favourite images, making it a very special exhibition.

Sherin started the blog HiFashion back in January 2009 with Leia, who now blogs at a separate project, Leia's Delights. She's a 20-something Politics graduate with a gorgeous smile and a love of both music and fashion. At HiFashion she captures her adventures round her home city of London and her travels further afield. Here at British Style Bloggers she's our resident Stylescopes columnist. So let's get to know her...

Living in London must be handy as a fashion blogger, what's your favourite thing about the city?

I love everything about London. I guess the fact that there is always something going on, whether something fun at the theatre, or a good gig, or even fashion week. It's just an incredible city, and you're always bound to meet someone interesting.

I guess always making an effort, beforehand, to find out a bit about the company who's press day you're going to, and always trying to have a proper conversation with the PR who invited you when there. I always try to take as many pictures as possible, so I can either post them on the blog or on facebook, so I can share everything with readers.  

It was my last lecture of the term at college today, and Christmas music filled the town. Even the weather is behaving properly 'Christmas-y' as apparently a white Christmas is becoming more and more certain (if you're reading this on the 25th itself and there is not a spot of snow outside I apologise profusely). Doesn't little Dior, one of my guinea pigs, make the cutest little Christmas helper?

Christmas is important to me as a Christian celebration, and it's also a wonderful time of friends and family. I'll get my dad back from his hours at his new art gallery and friends will be home from university making it the perfect chance for a good catch up. This may be my first Christmas as an adult, but that in no way means Hello Kitty will be absent from my list. Actually, my HK collection has grown more than ever this year and whilst I was ill a couple of weeks ago I sat cutting out HK angels and sprinkling them with glitter for my new 2ft pink Christmas tree, which is from Paperchase and sitting on my bedside table. Christmas decorations are ridiculously good at making everything look pretty and cheerful.

Giving presents is also one of my great joys in life. I love nothing more than finding the perfect gift for someone and then wrapping it with love, even if neatness with wrapping paper alludes me. Then there's the inner struggle to not spoil what it is, or indeed hand it over immediately, but I'm getting better at restraining myself.

What my father and I on Christmas morning last year.

With the R N Clarke Fine Art tree at the St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival 2010.

Intrinsically Florrie

My Cause for Christmas:

Veterans Aid is a truly amazing and worthwhile charity, helping veterans in desperate need of assistance. I must admit I knew only a little about the charity previous to this year, but found out more about them during my time as a debutante. However, the stories of that they have helped get back on their feet are heartbreaking- I admit to shedding a tear at the London Season etiquette day during the talk- which provides a lot of motivation to help this wonderful cause. The difference they make in the lifes they touch is incredible and that's why they're my cause for Christmas.

This months theme is 'New Beginnings' and I don't know about you, but I believe that when starting a new project presentation is key and when I have pretty things to look at I feel much more positively about the task in hand which is great for motivation. A happy bunny makes for a productive bunny so if a fluffy pink sparkly pen makes me hurtle enthusiastically to my desk and scrawl away at my essay it can only be a good thing. Who doesn't love shiny new goodies for a fresh start? New Beginnings are also a fantastic chance to make your mark and decide how you want to represent yourself so get creative.

I share a love of stickers with Becky of http://www.bunnyhabits.co.uk/ who I had the pleasure of meeting at the BSB meet up and we rather delighted with the selection at Paperchase. Stickers are a perfect way to individualise folders and notebooks with things that make me smile whether it's the odd one or a complete sticker collage (you should see the first page of the large Hello Kitty notebook above!).

There's no denying that new beginnings can be nerve wracking experiences but I find that every pretty thing counts towards a happy and more relaxed Florrie.

Intrinsically Florrie

When I found this vintage dress it was love at first night. That night when I came home from my shopping trip, as I showed it my parents I called it my 'fairy princess' dress, making it ideal for this months theme of Fairytales.

The shoes are part of my own personal fairytale. I have actually loved them from afar for a very long time- ever since I saw those first images of Luella ss09 and it is no secret how much I adore that particular collection. And there they were, waiting for me at Bicester Village at a fairytale price. It was a near miss as there were none in a 40- I consoled myself by trying on the purple and orange colour way, but as luck would have it my usual size was too big and in a Cinderella moment I sighed with relief at slipping my foot into a perfectly fitting size 39 pink pair. Now that is a happy ending I like.

The parasol is also vintage, I know lace isn't all that good at shading from the sunlight but I couldn't resist it's frivolous girlishness, and I made the headband myself.

Intrinsically Florrie

This month's theme of 'Summer Loving' is made even more appropriate by the fact that my performing arts students are performing parts of Grease this afternoon!

Now personally for me, summer means florals. OK, I wear them all year round, but now they are no longer covered up by layers. Summer florals are cheerful and fun, whether it's a pretty ditsy print tea dress or a bold print maxi dress.  It always amazes me just what a variety of 'floral' prints there really are. And if you're feeling adventurous why stop at just one print?

So many of my own outfits unclude florals, in fact I'm far more likely to be wearing one than not. Which brings me to the fact that my own blog, Intrinsically Florrie will be one year old this week!

Considering my wardrobe obsession I'm having a floral themed celebration with a contest: Florrie's Floral Festivities. So I would absolutely love to see what floral pieces are lurking in your wardrobe waiting to get out into the sunlight: http://intrinsicallyflorrie.blogspot.com/2010/07/florries-floral-festivities.html

So, are you a fan of full on floral chic? Or maybe just a hint at the trend with a corsage?

Festivals, festivals, festivals.

Hippie headbands, cool hats, floaty florals and Hunter wellies.

Portaloos and muddy fields...

OK, I'll just get it out and say it; the type of festival that's in fashion at the moment, where the celebrities are photographed and end up on the style pages, just isn't 'me'. Sure there's the whole fashion experience and maybe it would be nice to use my Cath Kidston print tent and even my fellow debutantes of 2010 are festival mad! But the fact remains that my knowledge of current mainstream music is completely pathetic and I'm fine with that. Besides the fashion, and to be honest despite being a country girl I'd rather be in heels, dare I say some of the experience just sounds a little icky?

Mulberry is getting in on the festival scene right now. I could hardly not notice the huge 'GLASTONBURY' in the window whilst walking in Bond Street yesterday. Photographer Venetia Dearden has collaborated with the brand to creat a book of Glastonbury related photographs; the scene, the revellers, the performers. It is available for £30 online, at Bond St and New York Madison. Both Bond St and Madison Avenue are also exhibiting a selection of the images.

Having said all of the above there is one festival I regularly go to though and it involves to tents at all! The Lichfield Festival this year lasts from 8th-18th July and hosts a huge variety of acts. Now this is very handy as Lichfield is about half and hours drive away from where I live and my uncle lives there! There are all kinds of events each day. One of my very favourites was The Puppini Sisters at the Lichfield Garrick a couple of years back, their music is in the style of the Andrews Sisters and is just fabulous. My joint favourite opera (with the Magic Flute) is the Bartered Bride and it is so rarely performed so it was extra nice that last year the overture was played, most beautifully, on the last night which is always at Lichfield Cathedral.

Although there is a dress code as with all theatre trips I adopt a ladylike approach- well I am a debutante and a little glamour never goes amiss. For afternoon events a skirt and blouse are lovely. And for evening a dress with heels. On the last night there are fireworks and entertainment in the park so a change of footwear might be in order and a cardigan makes for a good cover up. As for the men a jacket is always smart and if you like ties, now here I must say my own Dad doesn't so it's a personal preference or whether you like them or not, it highly suitable, but it's not quite the occasion for the very best suit. 

So there you have it, an elegant festival with no worries of hygiene or sinking into the mud never to return. =)

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It is much easier to write about 'Keep calm and carry on' post-exams for me, because in practice it is something I am absolutely awful at! I have the type of personality which despite having gotten things started in plenty of time (revising on Christmas day of GCSE year? Yep, that was me) I am absolutely sure the majority of the time that I am going to fail!

However I am fortunate to have parents who are lovely and I know will be happy as long as I've tried my best.

OK so Emily just did a super-duper post with her exam time tips but here are mine. I love her tip on getting nice pens, it just makes revising a little nicer don't you think?

Things that got me through the week of hell exams:
Hello Kitty. Which is also a fabulous one because many items of this theme are under £1 and so a daily dose of Kitty cheerfulness is not too expensive. :) Lots of little treats along the way definitely help.

Regular food and drink. I personally had a supply of strawberry milkshakes and caremel waffles (the latter's from Starbucks, I wonder what the guy who served us thought we were going to do with them all!) for an exam breaktime treat to keep my brain going.

Exercise. At GCSE I actually revised from my notes on my exercise bike. It was quite calming and I have the kind of brain that works from writing out once and then reading, and reading until I've remembered it all and could churn out volumes on the topic. To quote Legally Blonde 'Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy!' and this will not only stop you from shooting your spouse but maybe prevent a breakdown or two.

Go outside. Fresh air and a stroll can do the world of good.

Regular hugs with my guinea pigs! They're little cuties, sadly Vuitton was ill during exams which didn't help, but they just have a calming effect when I have one on my lap and they're chuntering away.

Keeping to a regular sleep pattern. This isn't a waste of vital revising time as it will make your revision sessions more efficient!

Not becoming completely anti social. Facebook is marvelous and spare an hour or two every so often for an actual meet up. 'The best friend' is a blessing at times like these.

Wearing nice clothes. This is a little tricky for me as a lot of my exam prep and actual exam time was spent oil painting and so it wasn't the time to get out my very favourites, but when you know you look nice, you feel nice.

The London Season. I'm a lucky girl in that I have being a debutante to distract me. This is a really wonderful year in my life so I concentrated on that during exam caused low points.

A nice big reward at the end. At GCSE it was a Louis Vuitton bag, last year it was Chanel shoes and this year it was a retro game console & games. Yes seriously- it was what I wanted. And some light hearted gameing which takes me back to the happy days of primary school is the perfect opposite of dreaded exams.

Summer plans. This is a good one for collective group spirit as well. If your brains' aren't dead from all the revising get together and compile a list of all the things you want to do. Personally this means a trip to see S&TC2 next week when the best friend's exams are also over and I'm really excited about an upcoming trip to Manchester. The good thing about being tied down for a while is the savings to be spent at the end!

http://intrinsicallyflorrie.blogspot.com/

Well it just so happens that I look more to fictional characters for my personal style inspiration and I really admire the wardrobe of Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl. However silly the story gets I stick with the show just to see her next outfit. Make up wise Blair's hair is always pristine and curling tongues never go amiss, plus lots of lip gloss. Fresh blush or I suspect at times they opt for bronzer instead and eyes contoured in natural eyeshadow colours and defined with a black eye pencil. Now my hair's a bit more 'Serena-y' and to say that kohl eyeliner doesn't suit me is a mjor understatement.

 I adore the way Blair Waldorf, a character from Gossip Girl dresses. I must admit (please don't all come after me with your stilettos!) I'm not loving Season 3 at all but Blair keeps me turning to ITVplayer, maybe it's our shared headband addiction. Still it's not the same now she's not living in her family apartment with it's regular supply of beautiful flower arrangements! In the first two series she's still at school and the basic uniform guidelines seem to be a navy skirt and white blouse. In general at this point Miss Waldorf favours a nautical colour palette, adding in red and always topped off with a headband.

 Outfit one: If Blair was put on the British high street and favoured slightly softer colours, but also saved up for a bit and managed to get to the Luella store for her headband fix. Topshop skirt, New Look top and shoes, Oasis tights, Marks and Spencer skirt. As it happens the sixth form at the school I went to had a uniform guideline of a navy skirt suit with a white shirt or blouse, but sadly everything else had to be black. Accessorize always have a fabulous selection of headbands at not unreasonably prices.

Some clothes for the day:

I personally love it when Blair branches out colour palette wise and goes for something soft and pretty:

Outfit 2: Miu Miu headband, Luella blouse, Moschino Cheap & Chic skirt, New Look shoes.

In season 3 Blair also has some lovely though quite bold shoes, I particularly adore a pair of pink strappy Louboutins she wears. In this series she is also at university and though she hasn't quite got the hang to dressing to fit in with the other college students, but then again to a lesser extent neither have I, her style does change to fit in with that of her businessman boyfriend Chuck.

 In the evening Blair's style is still classic with lots of black and monochrome with some metallic tones and the occasional jewel colour.

And to complete the look? Why a beautiful headband of course!

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