Here’s a quick look at the window display we have had in April, before it changes tomorrow! We went for a bit of 1950′s inspired domestic bliss….

This included a 50′s fold down table, 60′s tv, 1922 singer sewing machine, 50′s rolls of wallpaper, vintage hairdryer and 1920′s tiki cabinet.

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This month, with new intern Verity on board – we set about relaunching our ASOS marketplace boutique under our shop name, as opposed to the old ‘Cherry Closet’ label. We decided this was the perfect excuse for a big photo shoot look book opportunity!

We approached local historical venue Shelley Manor Theatre in Boscombe – currently undergoing renovation and not open to the public, and were delighted to be granted permission to be the first ever people to do a photo shoot there!

The Theatre

Sir Percy Florence Shelley bought the property of Boscombe Manor for his mother Mary Shelley – author of the gothic horror novel Frankenstein – shortly before her untimely death in 1851. Sir Percy, a keen thespian and playwright, soon added the theatre to the west end of the house. Many notable poets and authors regularly visited the manor including Robert Louis Stevenson!

This stunning venue was a perfect backdrop to our photos, and we can’t wait to see the theatre come back to life in future.

The Team

We had a superb team on board – with Nicki and Verity styling, Rosie Niblock, Olivia Huntingford, Emily Taylor modelling to perfection (despite the f-f-freezing weather!) Our photographer was Nicola Smith and hair and make up was provided by the awesome Chanelle Harrald. On hand was Joseph Kent capturing the days movements on video for us, and Solent student Hannah Newman snapping ‘fly on the wall’ shots for a magazine she is producing about the boutique.

The Brief

We wanted to show our vintage collection is fun, feminine, quirky, eccentric – as well as playing up our Alice in Wonderland styling. The models adopted our own unique vintage interpretation of Alice characters – including; Alice, The Queen of Hearts, Tweedledm & Tweedledee, The Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit.

The Results

Here are a small selection of the final edits, with plenty more still undergoing the editing process.

Watch the video

Shop ASOS now!

If you are not local to our Bournemouth based boutique you can order online at ASOS Marketplace – like us on Facebook and twitter to find out when we are offering flash sales and discounts on our vintage.

The 1920′s are set to be HUGE in the fashion and styling world this spring/Summer – with the much anticipated movie ‘The Great Gatsby‘ from director Baz Luhrmann being released in May, we are getting more requests for 1920′s styling and attire at the shop.

In store we have created a delightful collection dedicated to the roaring twenties, bursting with pearls, drop waist dresses, silk, art deco homeware and lingerie.

“A fashionable flapper had short sleek hair, a shorter than average shapeless shift dress, a chest as flat as a board, wore make up and applied it in public, smoked with a long cigarette holder, exposed her limbs and epitomised the spirit of a reckless rebel who danced the nights away in the Jazz Age….”

~ fashionera.com

Alice Tips on getting that 1920′s look …

* If you don’t want a short flapper length hem look for dresses with uneven, scalloped and handkerchief hemlines in floating fabrics – or tassles!

* The 1920′s silhouette was all about simple, clean straight lines with less emphasis on womanly curves. Dresses were looser fitting, chests flatter and the overall effect was  a more masculine shape

* Women wore cloche hats pulled well over the eyes

* As an alternative to a hat – don a jewelled headband, beaded chain across the forehead or feathered / beaded tassled headress

* Accessories include: Beaded, small hand held handbags, strings of pearls or glass beads, gloves, art deco hair grips, feather boas, fur capes and brooches

* Coats often had fur shawl collars

* T-Bar shoes with low heels are key – The Mary Jane ankle strap button shoe was the style of the twenties

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This past week in Wonderland has been full of pretty little animals and insects!

Customers have been going crazy for our ever growing selection of china and collectable ornaments,

a delightful mix of quirky, cute and kitsch.

From butterflies to bunny rabbits, we will post these lovelies on our Facebook page regularly -

and we can post out and take payment via paypal if you dont live near the store.

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We have been posting to our Facebook page a vintage gift idea a day to help inspire those of you looking to buy a unique, one off present at a time of year that is totally saturated with big shop advertising campaigns and the stress that goes with both spending – and finding something your loved ones will truly treasure.

These are our first weeks advent calendar suggestions…..

1. Vintage pipe case, with hinges and red velvet lining (£6)

2. Vintage 1960′s Handbag (£15)

3. Light up glow globe lights (£20)

4. Assorted vintage hats (Starting at £10)

5. Selection of creepers from our newest brand in store ‘Voodoo Doll Vintage‘ (£30)

6. Vintage chine tea set (£15)

7. 1950′s massager in original box – still works! (£20)

There you have it – some gift ideas for guys, gals, friends, family, colleagues and neighbours!

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more daily suggestions

This Christmas have fun shopping – shop vintage!!!

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Our latest window was curated by our lovely intern Melissa Rose, inspired by the upcoming Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival.

Magical mermaids and metallics mixed with pearls and posters of the festival.

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This month’s window is inspired by traditional folklore and Gypsy Romance.

The summer months here in Dorset offer some great folk festivals, with a relaxed vibe set out in the heart of the countryside, and atmospheric music.

Whilst listening to acoustic folk guitar music we filled our window with the whimsical delights that we associate with the historical elements of bohemian travellers, living close to nature and not so much the Swarovski covered ruffled dresses a’la ‘My big fat gypsy wedding’ as seen on television.

Think of Johnny Depp in ‘Chocolat‘, and Noomi Rapace in Guy Ritchies’ ‘Sherlock Holmes 2′…..

We are also showcasing in the window  local artist Lynette’s rather awesome pin up table from her ‘Petit Moi‘ decorative range. These collectible tables would make a great addition to your home and each one is unique!

Email Lynette for more details or commissions! {thecottonclub@btinternet.com}