Tag: shopping

Weekend Style: We Style A Skirt 3 Ways For Every Day of The Weekend!

Around this time of the week, our minds often turn to whatever it is we’re looking forward to this weekend – and what we’ll wear! We decided to take one of our favorite pieces in the shop at the moment, and see how it can solve all of our weekend style woes, and get us through a busy weekend with ease. With its block red colour, this pleated midi skirt (available here) will go with almost anything. We adore its vintage inspired shape. We would wear it high on our waist for that classic 1950’s fit and flare look. So, let the weekend begin…

Friday night: Bowling Bonanza!

Ahhh work is finished for the week – now it’s time for the fun to begin. You’re joining your friends for the most retro of activities – bowling. You may not get a full strike every time, but this cute outfit is guaranteed to bowl everyone over! We unfastened the last few buttons on this cute bird cage print shirt and tied it in a knot to exaggerate this outfits retro vibe. You may not actually own a bowling ball, but this adorable bowling bag is just what you need to keep all your essentials in. Add some saddle or oxford style shoes, and you’re ready to hit those lanes! You can find the shirt here, and bag here.

styling bowling weekend style 50s carousel

Saturday: Shopping Trip

It’s Saturday morning, and time to meet up with your best friend for a relaxed coffee and a wander around some of your favorite shops or markets. Comfort is key here, but you won’t want to compromise on style. This gorgeous shirt puts a darling twist on the standard white shirt, with its dainty print and pretty pleating detail. Paired with the red midi skirt, this look is casual, but chic. Add a neckerchief to get a look reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday” (1953). You’ll need a bag that can hold all the precious new trinkets you may pick up on your shopping trip, and this shopper bag is fit for the job. It’s gorgeous blue colour will compliment the whole outfit. Add a comfortable pair of flats or loafers, and you’re ready to head into town! You can find the shirt here, and bag here.

shopping weekend style vintage skirt carousel

Saturday Night: Restaurant Date

It’s time for some romance, and you have a tasty trip to a restaurant planned. Don’t be afraid to make a glamorous statement. Use block colours to add a contemporary edge to the vintage inspired skirt, and pile on the bling. You can make sure your accessories aren’t too overwhelming by sticking to accessorising one area only. Here we layered some large statement necklaces over a black top, but left our hands and wrists free of any decoration. This top is anything but plain. It has a sparkling sheer pleated panel on the back, ensuring you look great from all angles! Add this black and white bag and some bright colour block heels to complete this look.

date style weekend style circus midi skirt

Sunday: Time to Relax!

Phew! After all of that we think you deserve a rest! So throw on those comfy pajamas and head for the couch.

Take care!
Carousel xox

Introducing Circus: A Unique New Vintage Inspired Label!

Introducing Circus!

We are so excited to stock this brand new label – we just had to share it with you! Circus make vintage inspired pieces for the modern woman, and is a result of collaboration between independent fashion retailers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Consisting of stylish separates and darling dresses galore, Circus is really something special!

Influenced by the classic and feminine shapes of the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s, Circus updates and puts a contemporary twist on old favorites. With colourful patterns, unique prints, shorter hemlines, comfortable fabrics, great fits, and a range of sizes, Circus is perfect for the modern vintage loving lady. The range includes a staple of fifteen shapes. More patterns and prints will be added all the time, mixing and matching as the line grows.

Circus vintage inspired dress retro carousel

Each piece is available in a size 8 – 14, and is so easy to wear. Circus make looking stylish and elegant a breeze! Made from cotton and cotton derivatives (such as rayon and viscose) these clothes hang beautifully, and haves a flowing, soft feel. This is especially evident in their dresses, many of which have full circle skirts. That extra swing makes them perfect for movement and dancing the night away!

Circus carousel retro dress style

We think Circus is made for the woman who knows what she wants. The collaborative nature of the Circus label means that retailers who can’t find the styles they are looking for can ask Circus to make them for them. Since independent retailers always love to get feedback and input from their customers, the clothing made by Circus is based on customers ideas and needs.

Circus clothing retro fashion carousel

Fun, unique, elegant, not afraid to be herself; a classic – does this sound like you? Then you’ll love Circus! Go here to see the full range, stocked exclusively in Ireland by Carousel!

Spring Style: The Deirdre Dress is Back!

One of our favorite styles of dress – the Deirdre – is back just in time for spring, and we just had to share it with you! With three gorgeous new floral prints to choose from, its the perfectly fresh update for your wardrobe. Whether you’re meeting the girls for a bite to eat in town, taking a stroll with an ice cream by the beach, or hitting the dance floor for a shimmy, this cute and comfortable dress can take you everywhere this spring summer season!

Spring Style floal dress carousel

Vintage Inspired Spring Style

With its mandarin style collar and adorable puffed sleeves, we think this dress has a 1940’s vintage vibe, but is kept thoroughly modern with its shorter length A line skirt and popping bright colours. With so much styling potential, you could make this dress extra pretty by adding a cardigan, sling back wedges and matching flowers in your hair. Alternatively, dress it down and grunge it up with some thick tights, boots and a denim jacket. Play around with your spring style with the Deirdre dress, because this dress is definitely made for fun! Available here.

Carousel xox

London Fashion Week 2014 Trends: Fabulous Floral!

We can’t get enough of floral!

We’re very fond of a gorgeous floral frock here at Carousel. It’s the trend that always comes back into fashion every spring/summer season. As the sun starts to peak out from behind the clouds, and the real flowers poke their heads up from beneath the soil, our thoughts turn to warmer days and spending more time outside. Slipping on an outfit that is inspired by nature is one of the best ways to induce happy spring feelings, even if the weather is still not the best. With the explosion of floral prints on the runway at the recent London Fashion Week, floral has again been confirmed as a wardrobe essential! As proved on the London runway, floral prints don’t always have to be dainty. They can be big, bright, and bold, or even mixed with other patterns for a look that makes an impact. Don’t be afraid to stand out!

floral trend spring summer runway

Vintage inspired florals on the Clements Ribeiro runway at London Fashion Week 2014

john rocha floral trend 2014 carousel

Gorgeous and bold florals on the John Rocha runway, London Fashion Week 2014

Get the look at Carousel

graphic black white floral dress carousel

Take a leaf out of London Fashion Weeks book with this bold and graphic floral print dress (above). It’s the perfect mix of tough and pretty, ideal for the transition from winter to spring. Get it here.

Bright floral pattern spring carousel

A vintage rose pattern gets a contemporary update with bright and unexpected colours.. With its flattering neckline and pleated skirt, this dress ticks all of the boxes, and is a spring wardrobe must have! Get it here.

floral shift dress carousel vintage

With an entire bouquet of colourful flowers floating and gathering around this dress, it’s as fresh as a spring breeze. Ideal for any special occasion! Get it here.

Keep your eyes peeled as we add more floral styles to our new arrivals section over the coming months!

Carousel xox

Kate Middleton style icon white headscarf

Steal her style: Kate Middleton edition

Kate Middleton has fully established herself as a style icon and all she had to do was marry a prince, easy.  Still, though her lifestyle is beyond the reach of most, her wardrobe isn’t, as she mixes designer names with high-street favourites making it accessible for everyone. Even if you can’t get your hands on the exact items she wears, it’s easy to borrow from her style.

Kate usually favours simple block colours and neutrals but when she wants to make a statement with a bold print, she knows simplicity is key. Simple shapes won’t distract, or detract, from the main attraction.

Here’s Kate in one of our favourite looks, a gorgeous simple sheath from Jonathon Saunders:

Kate went for a very vintage look but if you swap those accessories out for opaque tights and a great pair of ankle boots and you have a striking and modern outfit for work or an occasion.

Prints, well, they’re kind of our thing. We think this great wrap dress from the new Carousel collections hits all the right notes; a simple, flattering shape, a striking print, and a shot of vibrant green which Kate always looks so good in. http://m2.ilovecarousel.com/dresses.html

When she gets the chance to dress down, Kate, like most of us, sticks to her tried and tested skinnies. She knows that when you’re keeping it simple below, you can afford to have some fun on top. On a tour of North America she got in the cowboy spirit with this western inspired outfit:

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We might suggest you lose the hat but pair this Carousel blouse with jeans and a blazer for a chic daytime outfit.

http://m2.ilovecarousel.com/carousel-easy-fit-blouse-by-cato-textles-cream.html

One of Kate’s most famous looks is this McQueen tennis dress:

Most of us don’t have Sarah Burton on call but we can definitely steal elements of this style. The pussy-bow is a perennial favourite and this black and white print dress with pussy-bow detail inverts the palette for a sophisticated alternative.

http://m2.ilovecarousel.com/carousel-tie-front-dress-by-cato-textles-black-19950.html

A little Vintage Guide

Okie dokie everyone. We know how fun it is to go vintage shopping. It’s like going on a treasure hunt where you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for and not quite sure what you will return with(or how much money you’re going to spend!)
So In order to get the best retro gear – I have a few tips to share so here goes..
First of all – know your measurements! that’s hips, waist, bust measure everything and keep those with you while shopping. Back in the day people were generally shorter and skinnier than we are now so do your best to ‘try before you buy’ as a size 10 in 1960 could be alot different to a size 10 we have today.
Keep you’re eyes peeled for details – patterns ,buttons, trims, linings, hand sewing, piped seams. These will all be tell-tale signs of good construction. Do a little bit of research and over time you will be able to tell which styles come from which periods!
when it comes to taking care of vintage I always say the safest way to clean is to handwash otherwise if its made from a sturdy enough fabric you may be able to put it on a gentle machine wash. Hang on padded hangers, keep them out of sunlight and treat them with love and care – they are old after all.
Lastly,(this is only a quick guide after all) Look for textiles that still have strength and integrity and garments that are in good repair, without any difficult or iffy mending to be done. Look for clean clothing that smells good and isn’t heavily worn. Mint condition is extremely rare for any antique; frankly it’s rare for any period of vintage clothing. So happy shopping everyone! x Bj

If you are looking for a little inspiration from the comfort of your own couch take a peek at our very own vintage selection: we’ve done the hard work so you won’t have to!

http://m2.ilovecarousel.com/dresses/vintage-dresses.html