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A Walk Around the Garden in Vintage Laura Ashley

11/6/2013

7 Comments

 
I love seeing what other people wear, and have long admired the style of fashion bloggers like Vixen Vintage, Diary of a Vintage Girl and Everything Looks Rosie. Inspired by them, I thought I'd start sharing my own outfits here on the blog and show how I like to incorporate vintage clothes from my own wardrobe into my everyday life. 

I took these photos last week when we had a day of brilliant sunshine, and what could be better than a classic cotton Laura Ashley dress for doing a spot of gardening. This is one that I originally bought to sell, but decided that as it had been altered and wasn't in perfect condition, I'd keep it for myself. That's my excuse anyway! The fact that it is an unusual print and an early vintage dress by Laura Ashley with their Made in Wales label, might have also convinced me that it was a keeper! 
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One of the things I love most about our house in Cambridge is the garden. It extends right around the house and you can go on a short circular walk through the different sections that we have created. Here, you see me the wooden stepping stones in the 'jungle' which is full of hot colours and exotic plants. I went for a late 60s early 70s gardener look and accessorised my billowy print dress with long amber beads and a battered old watering can. For  added authenticity to the hippy style I am of course barefoot. Somewhat risky though as our resident grass snake has a penchant for sunning himself in this part of the garden! 
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The cold spring has had one redeeming feature this year by reducing the number of pesky pests that like to nibble at our plants. This ornamental rhubarb has never before reached these towering heights. 
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On the other side of the house we have a small meadow and our vegetable patch. The rambling floral and moth print of my Laura Ashley dress goes rather well with the wavering grasses and wildflowers. 
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I'm of the view that you should never miss an excuse to wear a hat, and a sunny day is definitely one. I picked mine up in a charity shop and it is a late 70s straw hat by Marida. And finally, here I am in my favourite spot to sit - on the swing seat in the shade of our Liquidambar tree. Right now it is a vivid green, but in the autumn in goes bright flame hues which you can see in last year's Autumnal Inspiration post. 
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So there you have it - my first vintage outfit post. Do you have any Laura Ashley treasures, or a favourite dress to wear in the garden? 

Sophie x
7 Comments
Rosie link
11/6/2013 01:50:36 pm

LOVE your vintage Laura Ashley dress, Sophie! Beautiful print and sounds like a rare find. I'm officially obsessed by vintage Laura Ashley hunting - any tips?!

Thanks so much for the lovely mention, so sweet of you to include me.

Rosie xx

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Retrovert link
11/6/2013 02:24:30 pm

Thanks so much Rosie! Looks like we are both Laura Ashley obsessives. Your floral dress in your Chelsea Flower show post was just lovely too.

My tips on finding vintage examples, apart from searching online, is to study their old pics and really tune into their prints and the shapes they used so that when you are out shopping you can eye up a jumbled rail and instantly recognise their designs. And of course I'll let you know if I get any more in stock!

I'd love to visit to be able to visit the archive, wouldn't you? http://blog.lauraashley.com/at-home/welcome-to-the-welsh-archive/

Sophie x

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Ros Davis link
11/6/2013 02:13:17 pm

Fantastic post Sophie - love the idea - looking forward to seeing more outfits! I spent most of my childhood in the 70's wearing so much Laura Ashley (long dresses and no shoes!)and have worked for them over the years - in the booming 80's selling beautiful garments and looking after one of their home stores about 10 years ago. I have some vintage items - dresses and blouses! I adore my garden and I am a firm believer in gardening in a dress or skirt - I can often be seen in one I like with my wellies - or looking after the hens! Yours is perfect. Keep up the good work...we love it! Ros @ Retro-On-Sea.

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Retrovert link
12/6/2013 03:24:10 am

Thanks for dropping by Ros! Hope things at the fabulous Retro On Sea are going well. Great to hear about your experience with Laura Ashley - I'd love to see some of your vintage pieces someday. Your attitude to gardening wear is very much the same as mine and I hope you have a lovely time in your garden this summer! Sophie x

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Claire ashman smith link
12/6/2013 03:49:08 am

Gorgeous Sophie! And what a lovely garden too! X

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Retrovert link
12/6/2013 04:36:44 am

Thanks Claire! Hope Waterbaby Flowers is going well. I bet you are busy this time of year. x

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Laura Archer link
4/2/2014 03:52:41 pm

This pattern is called "Floribunda". It was my bedroom wallpaper in the Victorian terrace house I lived in from 1980 to1985, age 7 to11. This was put up by the last owners of the house and I liked it, although the dark blue colour made the tiny room seem smaller. I think it had been their son's room. I put a Flash Gordon (Dino de Laurentis 1980) film poster on top.

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