Tuppence Ha'penny

{Style Inspiration} 1940s Summer Dresses

2013-06-09T18:14:00.000+01:00

For this week's Sunday style inspiration I give you a selection of colourful summer dresses from the 1940s. These are all from "Everywoman" magazine.

Interesting use of stripes, from 1942

Loving these sweet styles and adorable prints from 1945

Styles on the cusp of the New Look era, 1947

Paintbox Colours

2013-06-05T08:30:00.000+01:00

This weekend Landgirl Charly organised a little get together to meet up with Tasha of By Gum By Golly at the end of her trip to the UK. We passed a pleasant afternoon in the cosy library of The Victoria in Paddington, where apparently Charles Dickens spent time writing "Our Mutual Friend" - how cool is that? The group photos were on Charly's camera, so check her blog over the next few days.

Meanwhile, shall we take a moment to talk about my dress? Now that I'm working a nine-to-five (and yes, I spend a lot of time humming Dolly Parton to myself) and am required to look vaguely "normal" on a day to day basis, I kind of make the most of the opportunity to have fun with my clothes at the weekends! This is the 50s party dress I wore to my sister's wedding two years ago - the one I bought at a car boot sale for £2, my best ever car boot bargain ever ever. It's super cute, but kind of formal for afternoon wear, so I dressed it down a touch with a casual cardigan, and accessorised in red, coral and orange. This is possibly my favourite colour combination right now.

After I got home we went for a walk in the meadow in the sunset - I don't want to speak too soon but summer might just finally have arrived!

50s taffeta party dress, car boot sale; Earrings, Primark; Plastic bead necklace, car boot sale; Lovebirds necklace, gift from Matin; Cardigan, New Look; Clutch bag, charity shop; Bakelite and plastic bangles, various; Shoes, Office.

{Style Inspiration} Novelty Buttons

2013-06-02T13:37:00.001+01:00

Anyone who sews vintage (and many who don't) will probably admit to a slight (or major) obsession with novelty buttons - also known as figural, goofy or realistic buttons. Schiaparelli in particular helped popularise the idea of buttons as a type of costume jewellery, her wild designs including oversize insects, mermaids, vegetables, carnival horses and pianos - among many, many more.

Evening ensemble by Schiaparelli featuring "Chinaman" buttons, late 30s

Evening jacket by Schiaparelli with vegetable embroidery and mismatched vegetable buttons
The development and rise of plastics in the early 20th century made novelty buttons cheap to manufacture, and they enjoyed a heyday in the 1930s and 40s. All the examples below are from the Sears & Roebuck catalogue archive. This is a rather picture-heavy post, there just were so many adorable examples I couldn't bear not to share them!

It was common for novelty buttons to be produced in co-ordinated rather than matching sets, such as the Roman numeral buttons on this 1936 dress.

1937: Loving the nautical stars. I also like how those cute clothespin buttons are a bit more subtle than some novelty buttons - they'd just look like ordinary toggle-style buttons until you took a closer look.

Beautifully ornate carved Catalin (Bakelite) button and buckle sets from 1937. They're all three lovely, but Bakelite bird buttons and matching buckle? Be still my beating heart!

Novelty zoological buttons (including another Catalin bird design - I have one of these, but I'd so like to have a set and make a sweet shirtwaist), again from 1937

1938 designs included Disney characters (how much would those early Disney collectables be worth now?!), flowerpots and carved fruit shapes, as well as an unusual 'stitchable' design.

Disney's Snow White was released nationally in 1938, becoming the highest grossing sound film at that time and inspiring these Seven Dwarf buttons. The "Swing Band" set also reflects popular culture of the era.

1939 - I have a set of these "Lovebirds" buttons waiting for the perfect project, and I'm constantly on the lookout for a set of the "Ensemble" buttons - they're always way pricey on ebay and etsy.

Check out the novelty plastic cherry shaped hook-and-eye closures (R) - 1939

1939: I've counted five Scottie dog designs so far - testament to the 1930s love for Scotties.

Colourful designs from 1940

Button, buckle and matching thread sets from 1942

Oversize statement buttons for 1945 - as fabric rationing had taken its toll on garment design and manufacture, buttons were one of the few remaining ways to add flare to clothes.

Good Hair Day

2013-05-30T20:17:00.001+01:00

A little outfit post from a few weeks back when we last saw some sunshine! The British weather has been really living up to its reputation these past few weeks (months!) and it's been pretty horrible. But back at the beginning of May we had a very brief respite from the cold and grey, and I managed to grab these pics. Mostly I'm proud of my hairstyle - I have no idea how I got it to do that and I'm sure I couldn't recreate it, but at least there are photos.

This skirt you've seen before - it's a firm favourite and been in regular rotation throughout winter and spring - it's fun trying to find new ways to wear it. I love that the fact it's quilted makes it completely winter-appropriate, but the floral print and fresh colours mean it's not too heavy-looking for spring so I can continue wearing it long after my beloved telephone skirt has been relegated to the winter wardrobe.

Yeah, I totally got photobombed by next door's cat Coco.

Outfit details: 50s quilted circle sirt, etsy; top, charity shop; necklace, I've had it since I was five; Gloves, car boot sale.

{Style Inspiration} Colourful Stockings

2013-05-26T16:21:00.000+01:00

Yes, Style Inspiration Sundays are back! This week I thought I'd introduce a lingerie fad which increased in popularity over the 1950s: coloured stockings. It started in the early 50s with novelty 'coloured seam' stockings, before developing into a trend for tinted nylons to match one's outfit colours.

1950

1951

1955

1958

1958

1959

Lots of Changes

2013-05-23T21:39:00.000+01:00

Hello lovely readers! By way of explanation for my rather sudden disappearing act, I've been going through a whole lot of changes over here. First I got a new job, which I really enjoy - yay! Unfortunately I'm still getting used to the dramatic shift in my daily schedule, which leaves little time and opportunity to take outfit pictures and write posts. My personal life has been a bit hectic of late too - long story short, I'm going to be moving house quite soon.

In the meantime, I have managed to put together a few little outfit posts. As you may recall I'm a bit obsessed with bluebells. They were really late this year because of the disgusting weather we've had for the last few months, but I did get the chance to visit the bluebell woods of the delightful Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park.

I love this dress and wear it a fair bit, but for some reason it's escaped being featured in an outfit post before now. I especially love that it's neutral colourway means that unlike most of my novelty-printed wardrobe, it provides a bit of a blank canvas to let accessories take centre stage.

Vintage 50s/60s hat, came in an ebay bundle as I recall; Green feather bird, Now, Voyager; 1950s cardigan, from an estate; 1950s dress, ebay; Belt, purchased in Thailand; Gloves, can't remember; Basket handbag, purchased in Thailand; Cherry petticoat, ebay (with a new waistband); Shoes, Office.

{Style Inspiration} 1939 Spring Fashions

2013-03-12T21:30:00.001Z

Yes, I'm back from my little unplanned absence, which was due to slight technical hitch (my laptop power supply went kaputt! Luckily the computer is just fine, I just couldn't switch it on til the replacement arrived). To celebrate, I bring you some fabulous pre-war early spring style inspiration from Vogue magazine, 1939. I love the incredibly detailed trend report for 1939's spring suits.

Some suits come in a wave of colour - lipstick-red jersey, for instance. An amethyst tweed suit chimes in perfectly with the grey hair of older women. Or you might mix colours - putting a cinnamon jacket with a black skirt, or a corn-yellow jacket with a navy-blue skirt. Grey is a colour that's heralded for spring - and, as a deviation from grey, try a pink-and-grey plaid jacket with a grey skirt. Plaid-and-plain is a strong contender, perhaps a blue-and-white plaid jacket with a blue skirt. Navy-blue and black are eternal.

Architecturally, spring suits are up to no freakish antics, but every one of them will give you something new to think about. Shoulders are strong, but not bombastic. Revers fairly high. Closings often hidden away under fly-flaps. A newcomer in neck-lines is the oval one shown [below]. Square neck-lines prosper. Jackets are mostly short - boxy boleros, or nipped-in basques. Here and there, a long jacket turns up - happiest choice for an older woman. Skirts stay quite short, and range from plumb-line straight ones to full, pleated or gathered ones. The skating-skirt carries on.

The trend report is even supplemented by a handy guide to the fashionable fabrics of the season. There are accessories too, but I'll save those for a future post.

{Vintage Kitchen} Sausage Cobbler (1947)

2013-02-26T09:30:00.000Z

It seems like most of my Vintage Kitchen recipes so far have been from 1947 - I'm not sure particularly why, since I've consulted my entire collection of magazines for recipes.

This week I served up "sausage cobbler", which is in fact actually Toad in the Hole by a slightly more country-cottage-chic name.

I made it exactly as directed, using spicy beef sausages from the local butcher instead of pork. And obviously not in a Yorkshire pudding tin. And do you know what? It was delicious. I'm actually slightly surprised how good all the recipes I've tried so far have turned out to be - most of them are great storecupboard stand-bys, and in fact I've already made the fishcakes again since (using smoked mackerel fillets - worked great). This recipe is another that's headed onto the to-make-again list - it's dead easy, requires almost no preparation and makes great winter comfort food - the only thing I'd do differently is to caramelise the onions a bit first to add a little more flavour.

London Town

2013-02-22T09:30:00.000Z

A while back I was contacted by Swagger & Swoom to ask if I would be interested in one of their bow ties or cravats. They sell a vast selection of silk and cotton bow ties in both self-tie and pre-tied, and a wide variety of cravats in traditional silk paisleys, wool tartans and more - as well as other gentlemen's accessories including braces, handkerchiefs, cummerbunds, cufflinks, and some rather snazzy socks.

With so much choice I found it difficult to narrow down my selection, but eventually opted for the London Icons design.

I didn't think I could carry off the Marlene Dietrich androgynous look, so rather than wear it the traditional way I lengthened the adjustable straps and wore the bow tie as a headband. I like repurposing items and finding new ways to wear them. I mean, I know it's hardly revolutionary, but it's good to remind oneself to think outside the box when accessorising - whether it's a scarf for a belt, a brooch as a buckle, or a bow tie as a headband.

Printed cotton bow tie (worn as headband), Swagger & Swoon; Wool cardigan, estate of a family friend; vintage cashmere sweater, charity shop; 90s skirt, charity shop; Belt, can't remember (car boot or charity shop); Gloves, Tesco; Shoes, from my own shop stock (some sizes still available - enquire if interested).

Do you have a top tip for outside-the-box accesorising?

Think Pink

2013-02-21T13:07:00.000Z

Oh yeah, so I have pink hair now. I had actually envisaged a more pastel pink shade, but I wanted it done for the Vintage Mafia Valentine party at the weekend and didn't have time to order online, so I thought I'd give this shocking pink a whirl since it was what was available on the high street. I confess I'm not altogether convinced on the wisdom of the idea - I think I may have gone a bit overboard on the size of the section. I suppose I had hoped it would give me an instant effortless cool. It hasn't. But I think I like it all the same.

This is one of my very favourite dresses, and I've shown it here a few times. Sadly the delicate rayon fabric is starting to show strain at the shoulders. I've reinforced it with iron-on interfacing and darned over, but I try not to wear it too much - tough when it's so damn adorable! Unfortunately it's one of the major problems with vintage clothing, and aficionadoes are faced with a dilemma, our loyalty divided between a duty of care to preserve vintage and antique clothing, weighing against a desire to wear them and enjoy them and bring life to them.

1940s dress, ebay; Sash, made by me; Necklace, car boot sale; Gloves, Spitalfields vintage fair; Crochet tights, New Look; Shoes, Clarks via charity shop.

So... what do you think of the hair? (another outfit post coming soon)

And how do you feel about wearing delicate vintage clothing?

{Vintage Kitchen} Fish Pancakes (1947)

2013-02-12T09:30:00.000Z

Today's recipe is in honour of shrove Tuesday, pancake day! I promise it tastes a whole lot nicer than it looks - unfortunately my food photography skills could do with some work. The recipe came from a 1947 magazine, which also helpfully provided instructions for pancake making.

I used tinned red salmon (which made it all a pretty pink colour) and added peas. I didn't have any prawns. Not much else to add except it was very yummy!

Because I'm basically a total novice in the kitchen (I know, how bad is that? I can bake, but actual food is a bit beyond me - hence this series) and don't even know how to make a white sauce, I consulted another magazine - this one from 1942 - for instructions.

{Style Inspiration} Eastern Promise

2013-02-10T09:30:00.000Z

In honour of Chinese New Year, here are some beautiful vintage Chinese adverts and posters dating from the 1930s to 1950s - I love that in some the girls are dressed in traditional style Chinese clothing, and in others western fashions.

{Vintage Kitchen} Famous for your teas (1947)

2013-02-07T12:21:00.002Z

It really isn't difficult to become tea famous and tea can be made quite a delicious meal with very little trouble. Tea-time baking is one of the most enjoyable forms of cookery, too. Nothing gives a cook a greater sense of satisfaction than to take a batch of golden scones or a perfect cake from the oven, and every housewife knows the glow of pride she has when her visitors round the tea-table exclaim, "Nobody has teas like yours!"

So here are some recipes to help you become famous for your teas.

Bear in mind that this is not long post-war and food rationing is still very much in force, so these cake recipes are light on sugar and fat, and heavy on cheap flour (although flour rationing had just been introduced the previous year due to Britain's disastrous wheat harvest) - compare the proportions to a classic Victoria sponge which uses equal measures of flour, sugar, butter and eggs. Also note: NO CUPCAKES. Despite their acquired reputation as a 'vintage' tea-time treat, cupcakes were rarely seen on tea tables in the 40s and 50s - if they were made at all, it was for children's parties and they were called fairy cakes.

I put it to a vote, and the ginger cake won out. I used double the amount of ground ginger in the recipe, adding two generous teaspoons - and it could even do with another one for a richer ginger taste. I used wholemeal self-raising for about a quarter of the flour, and also replaced some of the caster sugar with soft light brown sugar for a more molasses-y flavour. Other than that I made the usual substitutions - real butter instead of margarine, and real eggs instead of dried. Oh, and I forgot to add sultanas - oops.

The result was more of a tea-loaf than a cake - as you might expect the proportionally low sugar and fat content leaves it somewhat drier than a classic sticky ginger cake (adding sultanas would probably help combat this), but goes very nicely with a cup of tea.

Oh, and in case you're wondering (I had to google it), a "gill" is a quarter of a pint - 5 fluid oz or 142ml.

{Style Inspiration} Colourful Winter Dresses

2013-02-03T09:30:00.000Z

I love bright colours all year round, but I feel it's especially important in the grey days of winter - a splash of colour helps to lift one's outfit and one's mood. And who could help but be lifted by these wonderful war-era dresses?

Beautiful bright dresses in Sears, 1939 - love the green one!

Sears, 1940

Everywoman magazine, 1943

Everywoman magazine, 1945 - I love the slimming contrast panel on the brown suit jacket.

{Vintage Kitchen} Macaroni Curry with Green Peas (1947)

2013-01-30T10:00:00.000Z

Yes, really. Many of the recipes in my 40s and 50s magazines are variations on fairly traditional fare - pies, stews, meat 'n' veg, that type of thing - even though Indian style curries were popular as far back as the Victorian era. But, particularly from the later 40s, people were starting to get a bit more experimental with foreign foods - only it seems that these foreign foods were largely viewed all in the same bracket, which occasionally results in some rather unexpected combinations. Enter Macaroni Curry. With tinned peas. Yes.

Also all curry must involve sultanas. Why? Still, I thought this somewhat wacky Indian-meets-Italian-meets-the-British-palate recipe would make a fun experiment for my vintage kitchen series, so I figured I'd give it a go.

I used wholemeal penne instead of macaroni, and made it pretty much as directed (only without the sultanas, and I forgot to add the peas, can you believe?!) Anyway, it turned out tasty enough, although I don't think I'll be rushing to make it again. Perhaps without the pasta though - the basic curry recipe is sound enough, but I think it'll go better with rice.

The Fan Museum

2013-01-28T09:00:00.000Z

When I posted of my resolution to get out more in London, I was delighted to receive an email from reader Suzie suggesting a meet-up and visit to the Fan Museum in Greenwich. This bijou little museum has a collection of fans numbering in the thousands, which are displayed in themed exhibitions lasting a few months each. Previous exhibitions have included "Fans in the Age of Plastics" last year, which I'm very sorry to have missed, and "War and Peace", which would also have been fascinating (I was able to snatch a glimpse of the programme from that one, in the gift shop). The current exhibition "The Fan in Europe 1800-1850" certainly didn't disappoint however, and we sighed and swooned over intricately carved fans of translucent horn set with shimmering cut steels, fans of delicately carved ivory and bone, and exquisitely painted paper fans with gilt details.

The Fan Museum also has a delightful Orangery where they serve afternoon tea, which I thought would be a lovely for a vintage social. If you would be interested in such a thing (it would be £10 per person, which includes entry to the museum) please let me know by email or in the comments.

They also do fan-making classes for £20 - how cool is that?!

{Style Inspiration} 1940s Sweater Girls

2013-01-27T10:00:00.000Z

Sears & Roebuck, 1942 - my current ambition in life is to make a sweater just like that green one, with the Scottie dog embellishment

Puff-sleeve knitwear in Sears & Roebuck, 1942

Triple bow sweater knitting pattern

Sears & Roebuck, 1943 - love that gathered, stripey yoke on the red sweater

Jumper with diamond pattern yoke

Bucking bronco, plaid and squirrel sweaters in Sears & Roebuck, 1943

Sweater with striped cuffs and bow tie

Gorgeous Scandinavian style knits in Sears, 1946

Playing Deck of cards fairisle sweater, Bestway knitting pattern

Advert for Femina knitting wools, 1948

Cherries in the Snow

2013-01-24T09:02:00.000Z

Did I mention I love snow? It was coming down steadily all day Sunday, and I couldn't resist going out for a little promenade in the swirling flurries of snowflakes. There's just something so, so fun about crunching through freshly fallen, powdery snow. It was cold though - colder than the previous day - and I can tell you I was glad of my layers of cashmere and wool.

We wandered to one of the two nearby Victorian cemeteries, which was so wonderfully serene covered in a soft, sparkling layer of white. We strolled around a while, enjoying the peaceful stillness of the place and the quiet beauty of carved Victorian memorials under the still-falling snow.

Rabbit fur hat, ebay; Wool cape, charity shop; 1950s wool skirt, etsy; Cashmere cardigan, Hobbs; Leather gloves, Christmas present; Crochet tights, New Look; Shoes, New Look via charity shop; Handbag, purchased in Thailand; Umbrella, New Look.

Sadly the snow has all since melted, but fingers crossed it might snow again before the winter is over - snowy outfit posts are fun!

Shop my hat collection!

2013-01-23T09:26:00.000Z

Hat storage was starting to become a real problem, so I've selected some of my collection for sale: I've listed several on ebay - the first lot ends tomorrow, so hurry and get your bid in!

1950s red velvet and sequin "Juliet cap" cocktail hat

40s-50s cellophane straw topper with millinery berries

1940s-50s black velvet asymmetrical Dutch cap style hat with cocque feather trim

1950s black satin bonnet with polka dot rose

1950s straw and tulle pillbox cocktail hat with millinery rose

1930s fur felt topper with Art Deco trim

1950s - early 60s pink petal covered pillbox

1950s wool felt hat with faux pearl trim and huge bow

1950s white straw 'platter' sunhat with millinery cherry/berry garland

1950s black velvet beret

1980s wine velvet veiled pillbox

c1940s navy blue straw hat with a huge bunch of celluloid cherries

A note on shipping: As hats are easily damaged, I'll have to ship them in boxes. This inevitably raises the postage costs as cardboard boxes can be quite heavy, though of course it also means that more than one hat can ship in the same box for very little extra. All the postage costs listed are rough estimates (I'll refund any excess if it turns out I've overcharged) and include tracking (£1 within UK, £5 international).

{Vintage Kitchen} Hungarian Goulash

2013-01-22T09:30:00.000Z

What embodies winter comfort food better than a good old-fashioned stew? This week's Vintage Kitchen recipe comes from a 1950 magazine feature all about stews of the world - Belgian Beef Stew, Italian Veal Stew, Rabbit Stew and an Arabian Stew that, ironically, uses pork as the main ingredient. I decided to try the Goulash mostly in honour of Michael McIntyre's utterly hilarious herbs and spices sketch, which still makes me giggle even after seeing it at least a dozen times.

Hungarian Goulash
from Everywoman magazine, November 1950

To serve 4 people
1-1½ lb stewing beef; 2 large Spanish onions; 2-4 oz lard; 2 heaped teaspoons paprika; 1 clove garlic; ½ pint water or stock; ½ cup sour top-of-the-milk cream or yoghurt; cornflour.

Melt the lard in a saucepan. Chop the onions finely and cook them very gently in the fat until they're soft and transparent. (Keep the lid on the pan). Meanwhile wash the meat, cut it free from fat and gristle and chop it into squares. When the onions are half-cooked remove the pan from the fire and stir in the paprika. (I sometimes use even more paprika than this – some kinds seem milder than others.) Blend in well but do not fry. Add the meat and the stock. If you like you can add some carrots at this stage, and some tomato puree. Cover and cook slowly until quite tender; how long will depend on the meat – probably about 2 ½ hours. When it is ready the meat will be soft and the gravy should be quite thick, but you can thicken it with a little cornflour if necessary. Stir in the sour milk or yoghurt and boil for a few minutes longer, stirring all the time. Accompany, if possible, with beans or peas and serve in a ring of rice or mashed potato. Dust the goulash with paprika and chopped parsley before serving.

Since there's just two of us I used half quantities (except I did use about half a pint of water, and I also used a couple of cloves of garlic to give it a bit of a boost). As usual I switched out the lard for a couple of generous knobs of butter because that's what I had. I threw in a few roughly chopped carrots as suggested, and a good squeeze of tomato puree.

And the result?

So good! The paprika gives it a nice kick (I used quite a lot), and the long, slow cook leaves the beef super tender. It went very well with leftover rice from the night before - and maybe next time we'll have it on mashed potato.

This is so much fun, this vintage cookery lark. In fact I'm enjoying it so much that I'm going to start trying some of the more 'out there' recipes. Next week: Macaroni Curry and Green Peas - a real recipe from 1947.

SNOW DAY!!!

2013-01-21T09:30:00.000Z

Yes, snow requires capitals and three exclamation marks: It's that exciting. It also requires an appropriately snow-bunny outfit.

I've previously extolled the virtues of skirts and dresses for cold weather, and I stand by it all 100% - for weeks now I've been rotating various wool pencil skirts, my two vintage quilted skirts and my me-made London Calling circle skirt. A full skirt with insulating layers of petticoat underneath is excellent protection against the chill - add a pair of knee-high socks and I'm cosy-warm for a stroll in the snow.

I love the pink, grey and navy tones in this circle skirt, and I picked them up through the rest of the outfit. For a different way with a beret, I styled the front of my hair and wore the beret over the rest like a snood.

(secret tip: the lucite brooch and a few strategically placed safety pins kept the scarf draped 'casually' in place)

Outfit details: Nylon & angora sweater, ebay (99p!); 50s circle skirt, etsy; Gloves and angora-mix beret, Tesco; Bracelets, Primark; Scarf, Christmas present a few years ago; Belt, purchased in Thailand; Argyle socks, Topshop (circa 2004!); Shoes, New Look via a charity shop; Handbag, can't remember; Earrings, made by me from vintage buttons; Lucite brooch, ebay.

Although we live in London (we've got a proper London postcode and everything!), there's a surprisingly country village feel to this area. We're literally yards from the Grand Union canal, and just on the other side of this lies a large meadow which is a lovely place for a stroll. This is how we cross the canal - I'm sure you can just picture me in my heels, edging across that narrow, snow-covered lock gate, inches from the icy water, clutching my handbag in one hand and camera in the other!

But, on the other side...

{Style Inspiration} The News in Tartan & Tweed

2013-01-20T09:30:00.000Z

In honour of the upcoming Burns Night celebration on the 25th, this week's Sunday Style Inspiration is all about tartans, plaids and tweed from the late 50s. In case you're wondering the difference, the term plaid covers all woven checked fabrics, while tartan tends to be applied only to those associated with a particular Scottish clan, group or organisation (though in fact anyone can register a tartan).

Love the colours! 1958

A tweed suit with the right accessories exudes understated elegance, 1957

Tartan and tweed skirts, 1958

I'm in love with the little shoulder capelet on the left-hand jacket! 1957

Variety in plaid and tweed skirts: Slim, circular, gathered or unpressed pleats. 1957

Winter Woolies Knitting Pattern - 1945

2013-01-18T14:44:00.000Z

IT'S SNOWING!!! It's been coming down thick and fast since about 9 this morning and I can't wait to get some snowy outfit photos!

In celebration of the winter wonderland, I thought I'd post this knitting pattern from January 1945 - how cute is this for a snow day outfit? The intro's so sweet: "The problem of coupons often means you can't stretch them to a coat for the country, so why not copy our cover girl and wear an attractive sweater, cap and mitts?"

The sweater is sized for a 36" bust, but if you're a clever knitting lady you'll no doubt be able to figure out how to size up or down.

A Hat to Match

2013-01-17T10:24:00.000Z

Just a little out-and-about outfit, featuring one of my final sewing projects of 2012, a beret to match my teal pencil skirt. I used an early 50s hat pattern, which also has another two designs in the same envelope (which I hope to make available as PDF soon).

Although it's still waiting for a new set of buttons (you'd be amazed how hard it is to find a set of seven 1" black Art Deco coat buttons), I wore my lovely 1940s coat, giving it a furry makeover with the cuffs I wore ice skating and a faux fur cowl collar to match.

Wool beret, made by me from a 50s pattern; 1940s coat, ebay; Wool skirt, made by me; Gloves, vintage fair; Faux fur cuffs and cowl collar, Christmas gift from Mother; Peacock rhinestone brooch, given to me by my sister; Shoes, Marks & Spencer.

{Vintage Kitchen} Mackerel Fishcakes

2013-01-15T09:04:00.000Z

This week's vintage recipe comes from 1947, and is another one which makes use of storecupboard basics. That's one of the greatest things about vintage recipes - they generally have just a few main ingredients, and you don't have to rush out and buy half a dozen different spices. It's also all seasonal (plus preserved foods like tins), and furthermore - best of all - very cheap.

Fish and Potato Cakes
from Everywoman magazine, December 1947

To serve 4 people
½ lb boiled, well-mashed potato; 4 oz self-raising flour; ½ lb fish (smoked haddock, tinned salmon, pilchard or sardine); 2 tablespoons very finely minced onion; 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley; salt; pepper; a little lard or dripping; fine crumbs, crisped and browned; tablespoon or so of milk, or the oil or some of the liquid from the fish.

Mix the mashed potato and flour well together, stir in the fish (tinned varieties give a stronger flavour than cooked, white fish, but smoked haddock is very good when procurable), onion and parsley. Add seasoning. Use either a few drops of milk, or some liquid from the tinned fish, to make the mixture soft enough to mould into flat cakes. Press each flat cake into the crumbs until well covered. Grease a baking tin, put in the cakes and bake in a moderate oven for 25 minutes, when the outsides of the cakes should be crisp.

I used tinned mackerel in tomato sauce, plain flour (because I didn't read the recipe properly) and fresh breadcrumbs (a couple of slices of bread whizzed up in the blender) rather than toasted.

Since the method basically involves mashing the ingredients together, once the potatoes were cooked it came together very quickly. The mixture was a great consistency for forming into patties, and good and sticky for the breadcrumb coating. The recipe made 15 fishcakes, and I baked them at 200°C for about 15-20 minutes.

And the verdict? Success! The fishcakes had a nice texture, quite dense, and were plenty filling for lunch or supper. The magazine suggested serving with an anchovy sauce, but I just went with mayo. If I'd been shopping beforehand and had the ingredients I would have made a tartare sauce, which would have gone very nicely.

We'll definitely be having these again - they're a really good standby meal, which takes hardly any time to prepare.

Oh, and say hello to my kitschy salt and pepper Dalmatian puppies! I haven't named them yet - what should I call them?