New at Carousel: Introducing the Circus Charlotte dress!

circus charlotte dress retro vintage style anchors

Designed here in Ireland by the team at Carousel, there’s a new dress shape from Circus in town! Introducing the Circus Charlotte dress (available here), a fun shirt dress shape with a shawl collar. This dress is inspired by the shirtwaist dresses that boomed in popularity during the 1940’s, and continue to be popular with lovers of all things classic and vintage nowadays.

With a sleeve length that’s just right for the end of summer, and soon to be available in a variety of colours and patterns, the Charlotte dress will see you stylishly into Autumn. The best thing about the Charlotte dress? In our opinion it has to be that full, flared circle skirt! It’s so flattering to all kinds of body shapes. The Carousel team have all tried this dress on, and it looks great on everyone! Easy to wear, and made from a comfortable cotton fabric, the Charlotte dress is perfect for laid back lunches or catching a movie with friends.

Trends we love: The Versatile and Vintage Pussy Bow!

Bow down to the Pussy Bow!

While the pussy bow is a decorative accent that has been added to blouses and dresses for a long time now, this bow at the neckline really started to take off in the 1930’s and 40’s. It has continued as a beloved trend since then, popping up in every style era through the 20th century. A popular choice with both vintage and modern icons alike, we love the pussy bow because of it’s versatility. A playful, feminine interpretation of the men’s neck tie, a pussy bow blouse or dress is the perfect foundation for a vintage style look. The best part about it is that, depending on how you style it, you can take your pick of vintage eras to base your look on. Also, you can dress it for so many different occasions – work, formal events, casual lunches – the skies the limit!

pussy bow blouse vintage inspiration

For a 1940’s/50’s look, combine your pussy bow blouse with a retro flared skirt, like the Anita skirt from Circus. Tuck it into a pencil skirt and add a beehive for a smart 1960’s look a la Mad Men. 1970’s vibes are big news this summer, so add flares and suede to get the look. Or keep things simple by pairing the 1960’s inspired Twiggy shift dress from Circus with some sandals or colorful brogues.

pussy bow blouse modern celebrity style inspiration

Modern celebs and style icons love the pussy bow too. They keep their outfit simple, putting the pussy bow as the focus and flair of the look. Wear yours this summer over skinny jeans or shorts with sandals for a casual, laid back but polished look. The Anna blouse from Circus, available in several colors and patterns, would be perfect for this look. Alternatively, you could pop your blouse under a sleeveless dress, letting the bow peep out over the neckline, creating a whole new dress! Add some fun to your work wear by combining a patterned pussy bow blouse, like the Donna from Circus, under a slick suit or blazer, creating a feminine power suit!

With some many options coming from one little neck bow, we think the pussy bow is our new summer wardrobe staple!

First Ladies of Summer Style: Malia, Sasha, and Michelle Obamas Style

We have been taking lessons in chic, feminine summer style from the Obama ladies during their recent trips to London and Milan. We cannot get enough of Michelle, Malia, and Sasha’s mix of bright colours and bold patterns with elegant, vintage style shapes. Have you ever seen a more polished and put together family? They make looking this stylish look effortless, and we were inspired here at Carousel to recreate similar looks for you!

The fit and flare silhouette is clearly a favorite amongst the Obama ladies at the moment, and we can see why. A classic shape that was all the rage in the 1940’s and ’50’s, it continues to be a popular choice for many women today. The fit and flare flatters by nipping in the waist and giving you a great shape, but also allows movement and comfort with a full flared skirt. Team your fit and flare outfit of choice with sleek hair and pumps for that First lady look.

Fit and flare dresses are perfect for more formal occasions, but Michelle Obama nailed an easy to wear day time look when arriving in Milan. She combined a simple block colour top with a retro flared patterned skirt, a versatile look that can take you from work to a casual lunch. Keep accessories to a minimum, and your hair style simple, to let your chic, lady like outfits do all the talking!

 Get Michelle Obamas style at Carousel!
michelle obamas style inspiration

 (1.) Closet denim dress available here (2.) Amber chambray dress here (3.) Red Anna blouse from Circus here (4.) The Peggy sunnies skirt from Circus here (5.) Polka dot neck tie blouse here (6.) The 1950’s floral skirt here.

Michelle Obamaa style vintage fit and flare dress London

(7.) Closet floral pleat dress here (8.) The Brigitte star print fit and flare dress here.

Musicgals: The Inspiring Style of Women in Music

It’s no secret that music inspires our lives every day, not to mention the musicians and their own personal style behind it. Women in music, past and present, are a driving force of inspiration and expression in personal style for us here at Carousel. Whats cooler than an all-girl punk band in mini-skirts singing about how powerful women are? Kathleen Hanna once said ‘I believe in the radical possibilities of pleasure, babe.’ She was talking about buying dresses right? Or did I get that one wrong, I mean, a full wardrobe of new threads seems pretty pleasurable to me.

Or what about a 50’s Jazz beauty, dressed to the nines in a gorgeous midi dress, telling us stories of her long lost love? By emulating these stunning and powerful women, we can be transported to a different era. Style is timeless, and if you wanna pop to the shops on a Sunday morning in an Ella Fitzgerald-esque 1940’s frock, then we are all for it! Style is about having fun! If metaphorical dress-induced time travel doesn’t float your boat, you can always stay right here in 2015, “Shake Off” the bad vibes, and dance to the good ones in your favourite party dress á-lá Taylor Swift. And well, that seems pretty perfect too. Just do you, girl.

That girl thinks she’s the queen of the neighbor hood, well I’ve got news for you.. SHE IS!” (Bikini Kill, Rebel Girl, 1993)

aretha franklin vintage style soul singer

Channel soul sensation Aretha Franklin with 1960’s inspired A-line dresses and sweet floral sundresses. Finish off the look with some accessories that are ‘sweeter than honey’.
(Green Claudette Dress here, Twiggy Dress here, Sunglasses here, Earrings here)

sarah vaughan jazz women in music

Emulate the effortless 1940’s femininity and grace of jazz singer extraordinaire Sarah Vaughan, but stay cool and moody and true to her jazz roots in dark, cool colors and dark cat eye shades.
(Grey Lillian dress here, Blue polka dot Ingrid dress here, Necklace here, Sunglasses here)

solange knowles singer retro style

Get colorful and daring with some bright retro styling like the eternally cool Solange Knowles.(Butterfly Betty dress here, Red Ava 1940’s dress here, 1940’s Sunglasses here, Daisy print scarf here)

Taylor Swift style pop music singer circus

Grab Taylor Swift’s perfectly pretty style in gorgeous separates. Our Olivia skirt (Which just so
happens to be the name of one of Taylor’s cats… Coincidence? I think not.) and Marlene blouse just ooze preppy-cool. Simply add a pair of Taylor’s signature wayfarer sunglasses to finish the look!
(Burgundy Olivia skirt here, Rabbit print Angie shirt here, Blue Marlene blouse here, Floral 1950’s Anita skirt here, Wayfarer sunglasses)

kathleen hanna style riot girl carousel

Steal riot grrrl icon Kathleen Hanna’s unique and rebellious style in super cool mini skirts, shift dresses, and huge glasses!
(Peach Angie blouse here, Spot Skirt here, Black Shift dress here, Sunglasses here)

Exciting Times as Circus visits Pure London!

Vintage Inspired Style at Pure London

We are just back from a whirlwind trip to the UK’s biggest and best fashion trade show Pure London. It has made us so excited for the year ahead! We traveled from Dublin to London to exhibit the Spring/Summer samples from our vintage inspired Circus range that you know and love. We also brought along our new leisurewear range Kyte, a laid back and casual line that you’ll be hearing more about very soon!

Circus Kyte exhibit at Pure London Trade Show

Circus is Growing!

We are always looking for ways to make the Circus range better for you. One of our goals of traveling to Pure London was to find other stockists for Circus, so that it is even easier for you to get your vintage inspired style fix. Thanks to our trip to Pure, traders in Belgium, Germany, Spain, Scotland and England will all now be stocking Circus! So keep an eye out for us in a town near you very soon!

Circus at Pure London Fashion Trade Show UK

Exciting collaborations!

We are also delighted to announce that we will be collaborating with one of our favorite online retailers Modcloth in the future. This will make it easier for our American customers to find their most adored Circus styles closer to home . Modcloth already stock some of our dresses, some of which are almost sold out they are so popular! We are greatly looking forward to seeing the results of this collaboration.

Circus Samples Spring Summer Pure London

As always, our main aim is to listen to and be influenced by the needs and wants of you, the customer. Expansion of Circus makes it possible to continue producing a vintage inspired range that does just that. This is exciting times for Circus, and we hope you will come along for the journey!

 

Vintage Valentines Style Inspiration: The Notebook

Valentines day is just around the corner and it got us thinking about our favourite romantic films. Classics like Dirty Dancing, Casablanca and Roman Holiday all made the list! All of these movies have given us some serious Valentines style inspiration as well!

Get Vintage Inspired Valentines Style!

Vintage Valentines style inspiration the notebook

The Notebook has to be one of the most romantic films of all time. Part of the appeal (apart from Ryan Gosling of course!) is the amazing 1930s and 40s outfits Rachel McAdam’s character Allie wears throughout the film. The blue dress from the poster is probably the most famous outfit from the movie, but some of the other outfits are equally gorgeous. Many of the dresses remind us of our own Ava (See them all here) and Ingrid dress (here) from Circus. They both have that easy to wear, everyday glamour that was so prevalent in 1940’s style.  What do you think? Perfect for a Valentines date!

Carousel Christmas Elves & Rita Hayworth

It’s been a whole week since we last updated you of the goings-on in Carousel. and what a week it has been!

We had a fantastic 40%-off offer on for the weekend of Black Friday to Cyber Monday. You guys grabbed the chance to get yourselves a few Winter/Spring wardrobe additions and you certainly kept our CarousElves busy! We were up to our eyes with boxes, labels, tape and Pretty Pink Paper getting your purchases out a.s.a.p.

Carousel-Christmas-Parcels-Packages-Orders-Vintage-Retro-Fashion-Style-Circus

Rails and Rails and Rails…

Carousel-Christmas-Parcels-Packages-Orders-Vintage-Retro-Fashion-Style-Circus

Boxes piled high!

Spring is getting closer & closer, faster and faster so we’re now finalising our Circus designs! This includes our ‘Everywoman’ Circus Rita blouse, inspired by Rita Hayworth, one of the original everywomen. It comes in a classic silhouette with 3 different print options- Bow, Floral or Bird. The magic of the Rita is that it can be formal or casual. Dress it down with jeans or dress it up tucked in to a pencil skirt.

Circus-Carousel-Rita-Blouse-Shirt-Vintage-Retro-m2.ilovecarousel.com

The Circus ‘Rita’ Blouse Inspiration Board

Until Tuesday, All the best, <3 Carousel

With Winter Weather Comes Great Fashion…

We’re really starting to feel the winter weather this week! Sure, it isn’t exactly fun to be standing at a bus stop shivering but there is one great thing about cold weather…the clothes! Knitted jumpers, creative layering, scarves in gorgeous colours & patterns, hats… we love it. We’ve seen a lot of folks putting ‘over the knee’ socks over tights, and long sleeves under shorter sleeves.

Carousel - Photoshoot - Dublin - Casual - Urban - Kyte - Vinatge - Retro - Fashion - Style

Aisling modelling our NEW casual collection.

We’re working ‘layers’ in Carousel too. Just this week our Photographer, Lyndsey, did a photoshoot with our resident model, Aisling (above). We have a new range of casuals that were designed to be mix ‘n’ matched with each other. There are dresses, kimono tops, oversized pieces, and a whole host of other elements in the  collection.

We’re working on choosing new fabrics for the Circus Nancy skirt too. We were originally inspired by the sixties for this design. Nancy Sinatra, Daisy flowers and the colours of lomography photography were our main inspirations. As you can see from our collage, below, it’s *very* 1960’s.

Circus - Carousel - Nancy - Skirt - Vintage - Retro - Inspired - m2.ilovecarousel.com

The Circus Nancy Skirt, Inspiration Board

We’ll be back here with more updates on Friday. Until then, wrap up warm!

I <3 Carousel

Carousel-Circus-Vintage-Retro-Christmas-Window Display-Decoration

Carousel Goes Crazy for Christmas !

Who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn?

She was intelligent, graceful, charming and the epitome of class. That’s the exact reason we named the Audrey dress after her!

Circus - Carousel - Audrey - Dress - Vintage - Retro - Inspired - m2.ilovecarousel.com

The Circus Audrey Swing dress, Inspiration Board

As well as a pleated skirt we gave it two very different punchy prints to make this Vintage-inspired beauty a more contemporary look. You can get our Circus Audrey dresses here: http://bit.ly/1t8Xv9P

In other news…Carousel’s gone Christmas Mad!! Ali put our in-store decorations up and we had the fabulous team at ‘Display Is What We do/Decorate 2 Celebrate‘ in to create our AMAZING windows! We’re so chuffed with how they turned out…thanks team!

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Carousel’s Christmas Window Display!

Carousel-Circus-Vintage-Retro-Christmas-Window Display-Decoration

Carousel’s Christmas Window Display!

We’ll be back here on Monday for more news and Christmas fun…

Until then, love Carousel xoxo

The Circus Vera dress from Carousel, Ideas and Inspiration - vintage - retro - fashion -style

Circus Design & Inspiration Ideas, Vera

Wondering what the inspiration was behind the Circus Vera dress design? Well wonder no more….

Vera Ellen was a dancer starring in the likes of ‘White Christmas’ and ‘On the Town’. She danced with Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly,Danny Kaye and Donald O’Connor amongst others. She was graceful, vivacious and energetic and we think that sums up the Vera dress. Featuring 2 punchy patterns, one a bird design in an autumnal colour scheme and one a more Vintage-inspired navy & brown floaral pattern. The dance influence is in the pleats of the skirt creating a great little kick…very swishable 😉

Here’s the final design & inspiration for the Vera-

The Circus Vera dress from Carousel, Design and Inspiration Ideas- vintage - retro - fashion -style

The Circus Vera dress from Carousel, Design and Inspiration Ideas

In other news our Design team have come back with loads of ideas and different fabric swatches for the next season! You helped to contribute to this process by choosing your favourite fabric patterns and colours via Twitter and Facebook. As you can see from the pictures below there are a lot of really different prints and patterns to choose from so it can be a tough job!  We really can’t wait to show you our ideas for future designs. We know you’re going to love them.

 Ideas and Inspiration - vintage - retro - fashion -style

Our Design Team hard at work Finalising Designs and Fabrics

We will be back here in a few days with more news from Carousel Headquarters. In the meantime have you checked out our videos? We’re having a bit of fun talking about our Circus designs and showing you how to style yourself up! They are a work-in-progress but we’re learning quickly. Rome wasn’t built in a day and all that :D. Check them out here: Carousel on Youtube

Talk soon! Carousel, xoxo