Walking in May

As we run towards the end of 2013 and welcome Christmas on this rather cold winter day, my thoughts have started wandering towards the year ahead. This not only means adding to my Qipao (Cheongsam) collection for Chinese New Year....in this particular instance, it also dawned on me that I should make a list of dreamy goals as well as things to look forward to in 2014, because one of my girlies suggested that we take a trip to the seaside to make a wish in the new year. Never really been one to create a long list of resolutions and rarely ever making a wish list on my blog, I have been inspired to do a bit more this time. And what better way for a little shopaholic like me to become more positive about the year ahead but through a special Christmas Wish List of things I have fallen in love with and will want to get....if the penny saving plan permits in the coming year that is! So here are the 13 items (since Walking In May's blog anniversary is on 13th December and it is still 2013) on my Christmas Wish List (in no particular order):

1. Wool Qipao (Cheongsam - Chinese Evening Dress)
by Cozy Lady Wear (Online Shop)
Link: www.cozyladywear.com/wool-qipao-cheongsam-winter

Wool Qipao (Cheongsam) for winter by Cozy Lady Wear

With the current windy winter chills and remembering February frosty moment in London, I would love an ultra warm wool Qipao that is both stylishly chic and utterly unfussy. Though I would probably style this piece differently...and the old dear in me may be nodding towards a pair of cosy tights. It will be brilliant for practical day to day life as well as glamorous occasions....which also means staying warm whilst looking glamorous!

2. Li Cheongsam
by Lady General (E-store)
Link: www.theladygeneral.com/li

Since discovering the Lady General, a new online store specialising in Qipao or Cheongsam with unique designs...I have fallen in love with quite a few of their pieces! One in particular is the gorgeous Li Cheongsam, which has a full vintage 50s style midi length circle skirt with a clean cut mandarin collar, lovely navy sheen to the purple fabric and sash to take in the waistline. What is especially creative about this Cheongsam is how they have managed to make the usual darting in the midriff a pretty design feature....now how can you not love the beautiful Li!

3. Velvet Cheongsam Dress
by Tara Starlet (Online Shop)
Link: www.tarastarlet.com/velvet-cheongsam-dress

Velvet Cheongsam Dress by Tara Starlet

Must admit that I am yet to have a red Cheongsam (Qipao) in my collection, as being the traditional Chinese bridal and celebratory colour has made me approach it with some caution, but the simple cutting and rather Westernised peek-a-boo detail has taken the edge off a traditional feel. In fact it feels more like a sociable Christmas party dress that is both fun and glamorous...of course also warm enough for winter with the soft velvet material.

4. Pin Up Double Lilac Orchid Hair Flower
by Sophisticated Lady Accessories (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/pin-up-double-lilac-orchid-hair-flower

Pin Up Double Lilac Orchid Hair Flower by Sophisticated Lady Accessories
Photo: Damona Art & Model: Acid Doll

One of the nicest things about vintage style has to be the prettiness of flowers. More often than not, you might find flowers printed on a beautiful dress or be able to match a vintage hairstyle with fabric flower clips...which I saw quite a lot of at the Chap's ball. So I just need some lovely lilac orchids to add to my collection!

5. Amber Crystal Honey Bee Jewel Vintage Style Earrings
by Red Truck Designs (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/amber-crystal-honey-bee-jewel-vintage

Amber Crystal Honey Bee Jewel Vintage Style Earrings by Red Truck Designs

Aren't these honey bee earrings just the darling? Ever so pretty, and they somehow remind me of the famed Egyptian trend in the 1920s....which I think will be just perfect with a vintage styled 1920s to 1930s elegant evening dress.

6. Delicious Apple Bag
by Ollie & Nic
Link: www.ollieandnic.com/delicious-apple-bag

Delicious Apple Bag by Ollie & Nic

Now this Delicious Apple Bag is almost crunchy enough to eat....with pretty rattan-like detail that can inspire a Tiki dream. More importantly it is so cutely kitsch that it should match any floral 50s full skirted day dress perfectly, and even the (above) Li Cheongsam!

7. Winter Cotton Long Cheongsam
by Momo/Rock Roll Refresh (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/winter-sleeve-cotton-long

Winter Cotton Long Cheongsam in red polka-dots by Rock Roll Refresh

As you darlings may know, I have love the Qipao quite furiously but there are still days when I wish I could don a simple one and not need to schedule a hand washing day. So this cute red polka-dot cotton long length Cheongsam is just the ticket, especially for winter warmth, and much more washing machine friendly on a handwash cycle than luxurious silks or brocade.....which could end up as a wardrobe staple amongst my Qipao collection!

8. Pearl Art Deco Muti-strand Vintage Style Necklace
by Vinstyle Designs (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/pearl-necklace-pearl-choker-rhinestone

Pearl Art Deco Multi-strand Vintage Style Necklace by Vinstyle Designs

Being a fan of pearls and often matching them to a vintage inspire look, I was really caught with a moment of thought when I saw this listing for a Art Deco inspired pearl necklace.....which dress shall I match it with now? So this could very well be an investment piece that goes with even a Downton Abbey inspired outfit!

9. Violet Romance Classic Cheongsam
by Sissae (Online Shop)
Link: www.sissae.com/violet-romance

Violet Romance Classic Cheongsam by Sissae

I have found the 1960s beehive actually to be a practical vintage hairstyle to wear and must admit I have quite a few A-lined shift dresses above the knee....though not as mini as it used to be, in order to cover some modesty as I age. But I am yet to have a 60s inspiredviolet romance Cheongsam in such glorious embroidered detail of a shiny taffeta silk background.....oh, Santa baby!

10. Silk Classic Cheongsam
by Missey Pixie Boutique (Online Shop)
Link: www.misseypixie.com/silk-classic-cheongsam

Silk Classic Cheongsam by Missey Pixie Boutique

Seeing the floral print of this green silk Cheongsam made me think of a beautiful vintage curtain my grandmother could have had...or one print that I would like to keep in any form, so more the better it happens to appear as my favourite type of dress. This would make the prettiest addition for a spring Qipao....pretty piece!

11. Oriental Pink Peony Hair Comb
by Mindangel (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/oriental-pink-peony-hair-comb

Oriental Pink Peony Hair Comb by Mindangel

I absolutely love this Oriental Pink Peony Hair Comb.....not only is it a very pretty pink, the peony flower and chasing butterfly is just the perfect match to many a Qipao or Cheongsam! Traditionally peonies represent nobility, flourishing fortunes and good luck....whilst butterflies are often linked to love and happiness, so they are often embroidered on to Chinese dresses as a way of symbolism. And of course....I just happen have the perfect peony embroidered Qipao to go with this dress!

12. Vintage 60s Blue & Yellow Cheongsam
by Starving Dog Vintage (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/vtg-60s-blue-and-yellow

Vintage 60s Blue & Yellow Cheongsam by Starving Dog Vintage

Having seen my recent photoshoot with Caroline, and the 70s Qipao, you can probably guess my thoughts. Yes my darlings, I would also love to get my hands on this 1960s handmade Cheongsam found on Etsy....to start altering it to fit me! As the stunning yellow swirls on the shiny sky blue background is just mesmerising and with the right fitting, I could imagine a 'Mad Men' party ahead.

13. Connie Patent Bag
by Collectif
Link: www.collectif.co.uk/patent-connie-patent-bag

Connie Patent Bag by Collectif

The glorious red on Collectif'sConnie Patent Bag is just a siren for arm candy.....and the gold rose looking kiss lock clasp seems to be beckoning me to adopt it sooner rather than later. And so far, I must say I don't have a vintage styled red patent handbag!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Well...that's my lucky 13 Christmas Wish List, and you darlings might have caught on to a pattern or two....yes, my love for the Qipao (Cheongsam) as Chinese New Year is a little more than a month away, the festive Christmassy red and staying warm from the recent cold London weather! As those who are lovers of this Chinese dress might know that it was once typical to have Qipao (Cheongsam) made in different materials depending on the weather. Wool, velvet, padded cotton or flocked linen are all practical choices for winter Qipao, especially when longer sleeves or midi-like ankle length is added to the dress. As it is indeed Christmas day....here's wishing all you lovely darling readers a very very Merry Christmas!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

PS: Don't forget today is the final day to enter the 1920s inspired Great Gatsby GIVEAWAY! [here]

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In Our Bitsy Prints purple lace peplum Cheongsam...at Renaissance Hotel, London

As we linger on the last day of 2013, my thoughts swerved through a maze of memories from happy or content, to unexpected or gripping events that have passed. As I do believe in being happy and boosting what is positive....I often rant to those dear enough to tolerate my repeated lectures on how there needs to be much more hope in this big wide world....I cannot think of a better way to close the year than to share a recent happy event with you darling readers. A few posts back I might have mentioned attending my good friend Alma's wedding in London, and to celebrate the honour in being invited to share their very special moment of commitment in life, I decided to fully dress to the occasion. So I wore a special purple and black lace peplum Cheongsam that Our Bitsy Prints had sent me for a review a little while ago....after all Cheongsam (Qipao) are often worn to weddings as well as parties and formal events in our modern age to place emphasis on how much one respects the occasion. Another reason to get a Cheongsam or Qipao to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year if you haven't already!

A closer look at the lovely details of the lace peplum on the modern Cheongsam......

On the beautiful staircase of Renaissance Hotel, London.

I must say this purple and black modern laceCheongsam from Our Bitsy Prints Nikhita's Roses series was a lovely surprise to receive in the post, as only knowing that a Cheongsam was on its way but not which one or what style it could have been had kept me intrigued. Tracing the detail of roses on a purple soft lace with a slight shine that was brought out from the chic black lining, I was once again impressed by the highly handmade feel of the Cheongsam. The flirty unlined shoulder achieving a sort of cut-out effect, frilly feminine peplum to emphasise the waistline, loosely pencil-cut bottom and soft mandarin collar are designs that have pleasantly surprised me....as I did not expect them on a Cheongsam at all. Even though I doubted that a soft stand-up mandarin collar without either hooks or buttons to neatly close the back of the collar in the usual Qipao way was for me, wearing it made me realise that not having a hook or button catching my hair-do at the nape of my neck can be a benefit too...as it allowed me to move more carefree and dance the night away. This modern fusion Cheongsam also caught me off guard to some extent by inspiring a match with 1960s Mad Men like style of a simple bouffant-like up-do....and so it was perfect to add my Vintage Jane Shilton navy patent handbag to complete the look!

[Please note: This post may be considered a sponsored post because I did not buy the Cheongsam and received it with a request for a review.]

Here comes the absolutely stunning bride Alma.....

A celebration of love....the beautiful bride and handsome groom on Camden Town Hall's famous marble staircase.

Alma and Ruchir's formal registration ceremony was held at Camden Town Hall, where the stunning old marble staircase has been a famous feature for years. After that we headed over to the Renaissance Hotel across the street to celebrate with some champagne and were just dazzled by the beautiful interior....almost like entering an enchanting realm where Harry Potter met a Regency palace in a blended charm. The beautifully carpeted staircase and bold red walls scribbled with gold crested patterns captivated us....so hence the many photographs. It was just a simply beautiful wedding....with a winter theme of sparkles and navy blue...truly put together with love. From my amazing photographer friends Javed and Tim, to the talented cake making expert Jules from Jules Sweetart and Mireya as well as Yerka for the themed decorations!

At the Renaissance Hotel, London....

The staircase and brilliant structure of Renaissance Hotel...

My girlies and me....all overjoyed to celebrate the wedding!

The beautiful winter themed reception by our friend Mireya.....

The amazing cake my friend Jules created especially for the wedding! [Jules Sweetart on Facebook]

The beautiful couple Alma and Ruchir cutting the wedding cake....

My girlies and me....with Panama's Alejandro!

[Find Our Bitsy Prints modern Cheongsam on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OurBitsyPrints]

I am sure you darlings will agree it was a beautiful wedding....and Our Bitsy Prints' modern lace peplum Cheongsam seemed the perfect dress to attend such a special occasion. Almost like from one love to another, and I am sure it was a day that all who attended will not forget...so here's to Alma and Ruchir! As we are about to welcome a new year into our lives I feel especially grateful to be blessed with friends, family and my darling readers....but also excited that I shall be donning a new Qipao tonight to celebrate. Wishing all you lovely darlings a very very Happy New Year....may 2014 bring you all happiness, good health and peace!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

PS: Don't forget...you darlings can receive a special DISCOUNT of 10% off any dress at Our Bitsy Prints just by mentioning 'WalkingInMay'!

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BouBou dreaming with me....in his very first photo of the new year 2014!

Happy New Year 2014 my lovely darlings! I trust you darlings have been having a swell time celebrating our new year and are fuelling to make a stamp with all your new goals. Rather than being a resolution sort of girl, I have begun the year with some dreams I hope to achieve in the coming few years....deciding-ly writing them down and sealed in a tiny bottle ready for the open waters. As my girlies and I are planning a trip to the seaside town of Southend, where we hope to take a walk on the world's longest pier whilst watching the energies of the sea fuel us back to positivity and giving us renewed strength to carry forth our new dreams or wishes...weary of polluting mother nature, my bottled dream is the tiniest bottle I could find in the craft shop which perchance may act more as a time capsule for a stranger to find one day. Perhaps it is quite romantic, but I have actually begun this new year in a rather sweet waving my beau off to war sort of fashion that is inspired by the 1940s and taken my own unique spin by wearing a Cheongsam (Qipao) for solar new years (as well as lunar new year later). Having a New Year's Eve dinner to attend at my lovely friend Claire's beautiful home in London, I was excited to dress to the occasion and decided to wear the blue silk burnout 'Wang' Cheongsam [link] the Lady General e-store has sent me a little while ago for a review.

Close-up detail of vintage styled buttons and pretty floral pattern of silk burnout 'Wang' Cheongsam....

The striking purple Habotai lining that has been sewn into the hem of the dress....

I just love the muted floral pattern climbing across the beautifully soft light silk of this knee length classic 'Wang' Cheongsam from the Lady General [link] as it wrapped around me, and the functional Vintage style buttons across one side of the chest is certainly a pretty feature that makes it a tad bit more modern. Though slightly more tricky to iron because the material is so silky soft and mistaken creasing can be easily formed, it is certainly worth the extra little bit of care. Simply accessible with a concealed back zip and metal snap buttons at the back of the soft mandarin collar, it has an understated chic sheen of greyish blue and a short back slit...that ensures even the most novice of Cheongsam wearers will be able to avoid the challenges of overexposing oneself, which is more possible in the conventional side slit Qipao. A contrasting pretty purple lining ensures that one's modesty is protected and has been neatly sewn into the hem to ensure nothing is accidentally revealed through the light silk. It is a Cheongsam that though unconventional in certain ways with freshly unique designs...has somehow stirred 1940s inspiration within me and I instantly knew the handmade felt hair piece from Swell Dame I recently picked up at the Christmas Mid Century Market in London would go hand in hand with it. So curling the bottom length of my hair and with some pin curls set in place, I was perfectly matched with the Lady General's 'Wang' Cheongsam and ready for the exciting New Year's Eve dinner!

[Please Note: This post can be considered a sponsored post as I received the dress for a review and did not purchase it.]

My first photo of 2014!
(Taken right after the midnight countdown and Italian million lentils tradition.)

With my lovely girlies...our first New Year 2014 photo together!

Happy New Year 2014!

A 1940s inspired look to welcome 2014!

BouBou still fascinated by the Christmas tree...on New Year's day.

The unconventional single short back slit of the Wang Cheongsam....

The cutting allowed a wiggle form which will be good for boyish figures....

What was I wearing?

Dress:'Wang' Cheongsam by the Lady General [link]

Accessory: Handmade teal felt hair piece by Swell Dame [link]

Shoes: Navy suede Chorus Jazz by Clarks

BouBou had a slightly glazed over expression....probably surprised by the flash!

Closer detail of my 1940s inspired hairstyle with pincurls and hair piece by Swell Dame!

Back home on New Year's morning....presents still waiting under the tree for my sister in Singapore!

Returning home in my beautiful new silk Cheongsam that early morning of New Year's day, I felt blessed to have spent New Years with such wonderful friends, as well as coming home to an eagerly waiting BouBou and my family. I am also grateful to the many supportive darling readers who have take the time to read or get in touch through comments or emails, so as a special 'Thank You' to all you darlings and as a collaborative gesture with the Lady General e-store.....we are happy to offer a very:

Special ongoing DISCOUNT of 10% off any purchase

at the Lady General'sonline e-Store (link)

upcoming Pop-Up Store on 8th January 2014

(11am-2pm at Singapore's China Square Central)

by mentioning 'WalkingInMay'!

There shall be more to come with the Lady General in a Walking In May exclusive, which is all I can excitedly say for now. [Don't forget upcoming Cheongsam designs can be found at the Lady General's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/theladygeneral.sg] Also apologies in the delay of sorting out the 1920s inspired Gatsby Giveaway as the festivities have kept a tight reign over my recent schedule, but the winner shall be randomly selected and announced in the next post. As it is still early in the new year, I wish all you darlings a fabulous year ahead...and every good luck in hunting for that Chinese New Year Cheongsam (Qipao) if you should be looking!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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A 1940s inspired style with the Lady General's Wang Cheongsam.....

My latest buy at Spitafields market...blue patent Jane Shilton!

Hello my darlings...how was your Bank Holiday weekend? It was a busy three day weekend...from my ballet lesson to vintage shopping with the girlies in Brick Lane...as preparation for my 1920s birthday party at the Candlelight Club this Saturday! Followed by a full on week that kept me away from writing a little while, I will most definitely look forward to the weekend...not to mention being quite excited as I think all my girls will be looking absolutely gorgeous decked out in their 1920s Gatsby looks at my party....I almost can't wait! Rest assured...I shall definitely be snapping away with my camera like a mad woman and will hopefully have lots of wonderful photos to share! (Please do pardon the excess of exclamation marks...as you darlings can probably tell how excited I am about Saturday!) Also I have just returned from my very first Balboa dance lesson with one of my girlies Yerka, and I must say the vintage six step is much trickier than it looks! So there will be lots of practicing on the dance floor this Saturday...in the meantime, I thought I would share some Vintage shopping Hot-Spots in the trendy Brick Lane area of London with you. Though I must be honest in saying that you are unlikely to find authentically vintage and affordable 1920s garments even at these Vintage Hot-Spots. After all, treasures in the form of fabric or accessories from the 1920s are becoming even rarer by the day....and even if you find one, the issue of size, price or how to care for the precious item might prove to be a tricky case. However...other treasures for a steal price can still be found...whether you are into your 1950s classics or want to grunge up from the 1980s it is still worth a shopping day out. So here are a few of my favourites:

Spitafields
Location: Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA
Website: www.spitalfields.co.uk
Spitafields market is walkable from Liverpool Street Station and on a gorgeous day it can be such a treat with lots of yummy cupcakes, sweets and tarts....I haven't even started on other yummy eats yet! When we were there last weekend, only parts of the market was open but the mixed array of stalls selling true vintage to modern wares kept us occupied for quite some time. Rummaging at one of the small stalls in the market, a few vintage looking purses caught my eye and after circling the market like an eagle...I decided on a beautifully good conditioned blue patent Jane Shilton box bag, which reminded me of the 1960s, for a bargain steal price! (Photo above) As for the yummy treats, it would have been a crime not to take some delicious Portugese Natas Tarts home with me...so I ended with four!

Spitafields - Source

Absolute Vintage
Location: 15 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR
Website: www.absolutevintage.co.uk/sister-stores
Absolute Vintage always gives me the feel of Aladin's magical cave...as you will be able to find vintage Channel purse to glittery 80s power dresses with extreme puffed sleeves. Like a vivid sign of entering the trendy Brick Lane area, it is almost hard not to be drawn in by the heights of vintage wares and stumble into this store accidentally. There is a wealth of vintage bags, purses and shoes...almost more than clothing and its unlikely that you won't find a bargain to bring home!

Absolute Vintage - Source

Blitz
Location: Hanbury Street, London E1 5JP
Website: www.blitzlondon.co.uk
Blitz is trendy in the trendy Brick Lane area, with a mixed variety from vintage t-shirts to leopard print dresses...there is a certain media vibe about this store as unlike many vintage shops it is well decorated like the shops inside a shopping centre. From cowboy looking boots to scarves and shoes of a different agenda, as well as jewellery from a bargain price, there will be much to see across the two floors.

Blitz - Source

So what do you darlings think of my bargain buy? Jane Shilton is really a love story that began in London during 1933 and the family have been making handbags for more than 80 years....so I really do hope it is a vintage Jane Shilton, which seems to be the case with details of the zip as well as clasp, rather than a reproduction. [To find out more about Jane Shilton: www.janeshilton.co.uk/about-us] Another bit of good news to announce is that.....Walking In May has been featured on Deborah's lovely blog Hellcat Vintage and she has used the cutest title...'Reading in May'! Deborah is far too kind of course in her praises and ever so sweet...so please do head over to her blog to take a peek my darlings! One last bit of recommendation I have is for the Balboa dance class I joined last night near Waterloo (London), which is run by the great people at Swing Patrol (Waterloo) and you can find out more about them on their website: www.swingpatrol.co.uk/waterloo If you have never tried swing dancing and fancy the idea of footwork to some hot jazz, then you really should have a go....you don't need a partner as the group rotates and it was so much fun! I can't wait for Saturday already....in the mean time have an utterly fabulous weekend my lovely darlings!

Until the next time,

♥May xx

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Hello my darlings, how has your new journey into 2014 been so far? Though mine has been filled with a few unexpected surprises and a little busy, I am still quite excited for the year to unfold...and of course for the Chinese New Year celebrations ahead!

A few weeks ago, I promised to tell all on the Chap Magazine's 5th Anarcho-Dandyist Ball 2013 at London's grade listed Bloomsbury Ballroom in my 1930s inspired Shanghai girl post [here] with talented photographer friend Caroline Opacic [Photography Page]. What I forgot to mention was that part of the photoshoot was done outside a warm reddish mosaic wall of the Childhood Museum in Bethnal Green, and I have included those photos here. I must admit that I really liked how Caroline was able to effortlessly and swiftly capture my different expressions, which you will be able to see below. [Find more photos on: Caroline's photography blog] After the photoshoot with Caroline I rushed off to help my girlies Yerka and Naoko get ready for the ball...deciding on the vintage style of their choice we quickly got to work. Within an hour Yerka emerged glamorously in her 1920 to 1930s look and Naoko shone in her 1950s to 1960s look equipped with a mini beehive...literally grabbing our coats as we dashed, we popped on to a red double decker and headed towards Art Deco clad Bloomsbury Ballroom to meet Rachael and Nigel....

A 1930s inspired Shanghai girl outside a beautiful mosaic wall of the Childhood Museum in Bethnal Green, London.

Laughing again as Caroline clicked away.....

Trying to recover in seriousness....

And snuggling back into my faux fur coat....the 1930s inspired Shanghai girl ready for the ball!

Arriving to see discreet giant stone pillars lining the pavement to mark our lovely central London venue made me smile in anticipation and once at the door we were greeted by a warm hostess through to some stone walled stairs leading towards Bloomsbury Ballroom...which of course we had to stop for a photo moment! Rachael was dressed in the amazing Art Deco inspired dress she made (which won a prize at the Candlelight Club last time - here), whilst Nigel looked dapper in his black and white ensemble. Throughout the night there were several official as well as unofficial photographers snapping away whilst we danced and mingled....there was even a quick lesson on the Charleston! Not to forget the fun 'knobbly knee' competition where I was surprised to see even ladies participating in, though I must say with all the excitement the one man play seemed to have got lost in the pool of disturbed noisy thoughts that I couldn't really follow much. Meeting gentlemanly characters that seem to have stepped out of my favourite book Pride & Prejudice, I felt my cheeks reddening in girlishness and...perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was actually meeting the famous 1940s blogger Fluer McGerr from Diary of a Vintage Girl (you can actually see how surprised I was from one of the photos below)! With a cocktail in hand and the favourite vintage gang around my table, we had made a real ball out of the Chap's Ball 2013.

Photo time on the staircase leading down to Bloomsbury Ballroom....

My beautifully dapper gang....at the Chap's Ball 2013!

Could that possibly be incarnation of Mr Darcy (Pride & Prejudice) next to Yerka?

My beautifully vintage inspired girlies and me....at the Chap's Anarcho-Dandyist Ball 2013!

Golden jazz hands to the Charleston!

The fun 'knobbly knee' competition contestants.....

Dancing away in glamorous flapper style....love those smiling faces!

Caught by surprise in meeting the famous 1940s blogger Fleur McGerr!!

Gorgeous 1940s blogger Fleur McGerr and a very star stuck little me.....

So here's to waiting for the next Chap's Ball or Olympiad, as we will definitely be ready with more outfit planning and brushed up Charleston skills by then! In other news....I have been in contact with the Lady General e-store about the upcoming 'Walking In May exclusive Qipao (Cheongsam)', and don't forget there is still time to get your fabulous Cheongsam with the 10% off discountoffered to my readers. Also its time to announce the winner to my blog-aversary 1920s Gatsby inspired GIVEAWAY (link)....and the winner that BouBou picked out of a cloche hat is.....(drumroll)....Kizzy from the Dainty Dolls House! Right, I am off to set my hair in finger waves for an exciting new photoshoot with the talented Caroline tomorrow....have an absolutely fabulous weekend my darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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Candlelight, gangsters and Art Deco inspiration......

Happy Bank Holiday my lovely darlings! As this shall be a photo intensive post, I shall try my best not to waffle on too much....but the one absolute thing I must say is that I highly recommend the 'Candlelight Club'! For those in the know, or might have heard whiffs of whispers on one of London's most popular vintage nights, the Candlelight Club would be a candle lit event to look forward to every fortnight. A different 1920s theme and a different secret location every time....with the purchase of the ticket you will be guaranteed a name on the guest list and sent an email with the secret location a few days before the event. And getting there was every bit as exciting as we imagined....not even including the fact that we were running late and I quick marched down a busy London street in a floor length velvet dress, black suede shoes as well as oversized grey faux fur coat with the backdrop of pouring rain, brollies and grey pavement puddles. Arriving in the rain on a discreet street behind Angel station we saw a gold horse head sculpture above a semi-circular big black stable door, with only the Candlelight Club logo flanking either sides of the smaller rectangular opening. Stepping through mysteriously to check our names against the guest list, I noticed a fire lit lantern, a dapper group of gentlemen in their braces and hats right before we raced through the cobbled courtyard and into the party venue. No doubt without the beautifully dressed hostess in a chiffon embellished number and the glow of the many candles that lit up the big room in a beautiful golden hue...the steel pillars, simple grey cement floor and crass ceiling would look like an old warehouse rather than a gallery of art. But that is exactly what is magical about the Candlelight Club, aptly named because every venue is lit entirely by candles....and hence allowing photos to be captured with the gloriously beautiful golden hue (which is very evident in this post I might add)!

Our complete 1920s outfits....at the Candlelight Club's Great Gatsby night!

A dapper group...I must say!

The lovely Rachael and me...with a slight captured candlelight!

Some posing had to take place....after the weeks of preparation for the night!

And some signature pouting with the beautiful Naoko in teal chiffon and pearls....after a glass of champagne I suspect!

My beautiful Deco Dolls Rachael and Naoko in the glorious golden glow of candlelight!

In the midst of finishing some yummy scallop and fries, I just had to capture a photo of the beautiful Yerka and Naoko!

The beautiful Yerka in a stunning Flapper styled dress with a low back and detailed embellishments....looking every bit the Daisy Buchana!

Here's a little visual taster and recommendation of the Candlelight Club from ILoveLondonTown.com:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxzlLnd-UQI

[To find out more about the Candlelight Club, take a look at their website: www.thecandlelightclub.com or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Candlelight-Club]

The brilliant all singing and tapping Jazz band, the Top Shelf....at the Candlelight Club's Great Gatsby party!

So proud of our Deco Doll Rachael who won the 'Best Dressed Lady' title of the night....so well deserved as she had made her headband as well as gorgeous dress from a lovely Deco inspired fabric in an authentic drop waist style!

The beautiful Rachael in the stunning Deco inspired dress she made, which was matched with glitzy brogues, feather, pearls and pretty Kimono jacket...utterly 1920s in every sense!

Merry with the champagne and taking a rest from all the flapping on the dance floor....mind you we did do the bees knees too!

With my stunning girlies....at the Candlelight Club's Great Gatsby night!

The utterly beautiful Yerka and me......

As some of you darlings who have been following might know, last year my Birthday outfit was a 1920sflapper inspired mini number in navy blue chiffon and detailed embellishment. When I do make the effort to dress in vintage style, I often think along the lines of.....what would I wear if I truly did live in that particular decade...in this case it is my favourite decade, the 1920s! I won't go into the massive rant of why I love the 1920s as you darlings have probably heard more than enough about it....but this time I was inspired by the long sweeping evening gowns that marked the decadent era of glitz, glamour, jazz bands, Art Deco and bootleg liquor. It was certainly true that most of the 1920s dress hemlines had see-sawed to different heights and it did remain at knee length for the famous Flapper period for a short while, but most of the era was still governed in below the knee Deco-like floaty hankerchief hems or sweeping floor length frocks. Besides a wealth of luxurious fabrics and beads to play with, there were also the lowering of V-like necklines and the emergence of the naughty lower bare back. Since I had to admit I was not getting any younger as indeed one does add a year to every birthday, I decided to bravely move away from the Flapper girl outfits I had worn previously and planned to wear the never-before-worn floor length navy blue velvet bare back Asos dress I had hanging in my closet unworn for a little while (with tags still attached). I decided to set my hair in finger waves the night before and adorn a style of pin-curls around a bun at the nape of my neck with a simple gem-like hair clip. I must admit I was almost entirely dressed in Asos quite by accident, as the gem tassled long gold necklace was also from Asos....and perhaps my bad shopaholic habit of spotting vintage styled items on Asos needs professional help of some sort, but that could be a matter for an entirely different post! Anyway, please do take a peek at the photos and see what you think.....

By candlelight at the Candlelight Club!

Saved by candlelight...which seems to generously forgive all blurring imperfections!

Smiling by candlelight.....

Peekaboo....

May at the Candlelight Club....with a Deco inspired 1920s look.....for a Vintage Birthday celebration with friends!

[To catch up on my vintage themed 1920s Birthday last year at the Black Cotton Club, please click here: www.walkinginmay.com/2012/looks-flapping-deco-dolls-in-1920s]

Hopefully I have managed to honour the Great Gatsby in a little bit of Deco style and truth from the glorious 1920s! The Candlelight Club is definitely worthy of a smashing 4 ♥♥♥♥ out of 5 lovely hearts and a must try if you ever fancy dressing up to the 1920s for glamorous night out in London! As I eagerly wait for the hype to die down, dutifully ignoring all reviews of the movie so far, I am hoping to catch the Great Gatsby in cinema the week after! As this coming week I shall be off to a little adventure with my girl Judita in, hopefully sunny, Santiago de Compostela (Spain) for a few days....and there is still part two of my birthday celebrations at the Great Gatsby ballet to reveal! Here's wishing all you lovely darlings an utterly fabulous long weekend!

Until the next time,

♥May xx

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Hello my darling readers! Have you darlings got your new clothes or celebratory Chinese dress ready? As Chinese New Year of the Horse arrives in two days, I have been trying to finish altering my new Qipao....there has been lots to do with starting a new job and spending time with my sister who is visiting from Singapore. But it hasn't stopped me from noticing some gorgeous Qipao (Cheongsam) appearing online, so I have decided to compile a 'Chinese New Year Cheongsam Wish List'! I must say I have been happy to find a new emergence of blogshops or e-Stores bringing out their own creative Cheongsam (Qipao) designs, and answering my old rant of making the Cheongsam more accessible in not only being worn during Chinese New Year or special occasions. Such independent smaller stores seem to be infusing creativity in the traditional Chinese dress market, as they seem to be fueled by a real passion and genuine love for the Cheongsam....often creating limited numbers of each design through an impressively beautiful handmade quality. Truth be told, I don't own a Cheongsam from each of the stores mentioned in this post....though I would love to if money were no object and I didn't have plans to save for BouBou's college fund....so I cannot make claims in terms of quality. Though I am sure you will agree the photos alone are enough to evoke an appreciation of the individual designs, without further ado here is my Chinese New Year Top 7 Cheongsam (in no particular order):

1. Zanse Retro Sequined Embroidered Cheongsam
By Sayamo
*Prices are in Malaysian Ringgits and a currency conversion may be necessary.
Link: www.soyamo.com/zanse-retro-sequined-embroidered-cheongsam

As Sayamo has been the leading fashion retailer in Malaysia, the wide selection of ready-made Cheongsam that they have really is quite impressive. From everyday cotton Cheongsam to classic or more formal evening Qipao...browsing through I was attracted instantly to this sweetly pink full length modified Qipao. Almost seems like a ballgown that one would learn how to waltz for...it will definitely be lovely for the next Vintage ball!

2. Vintage 1950s Cheongsam
By Greedy Seagull (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/1950s-cheongsam-dress

I am swooning for this gorgeous 1950s floral blue number, which only needs to be matched with my blue patent Vintage purse for a lovely day out. Perhaps even infusing me with in a mood for a more beautiful spring...need I say more?

Yokihi in Zaffre & African Print Batik
By Larks and Peony
*Prices are in Singapore Dollars and a currency conversion may be necessary.
Link: www.larkandpeony.com/moderncheongsam/y-kihi-in-zaffre-and-african-print-batik

Fueled by the romantic story of one of the four great Chinese beauties in history, Yang Gui Fei or Yokihi (in Japanese)....it is a Cheongsam that blends African, Japanese and Chinese influences. Like their romantic name Lark and Peony brings alive the story behind their designs and works towards making the Cheongsam more accessible to daily wear. Focused on simplicity....I just love the contrasting vibrant blue and unusual African Batik print which seems more Japanese....that somehow inspires imagination of a dreamy summer day picnic within me....

Jarrell Jacquard Cheongsam
By Love Bonito
*Prices are in Singapore Dollars and a currency conversion may be necessary.
Link: www.lovebonito.com/4032-jar

This Jarrell Jacquard Cheongsam is simply too cute not to like, produced by a fashion chain in Singapore called 'Love Bonita', it is an interesting blend of fun, vibrancy and playfulness. And for times when I want a little more freedom and flexibility, this could really be just the dress to wear......

Dainty Maroon Arc Knits
By: Our Bitsy Prints
*Prices are in Singapore Dollars and a currency conversion may be necessary. (Don't forget you darlings can get 10% offby mentioning 'WalkingInMay' when you order.)
Link: www.ourbitsyprints.com

Having been a fan of the handmade quality of Our Bitsy Prints' modern Cheongsam dresses, it has been a joy seeing how their design portfolio has grown from collection to collection. The Dainty Maroon Arc Knit Cheongsam is just adorable with the cute printed wrap skirt....nostalgically reminding one of the sweet fabric fish-shaped wind charmers put out as decoration in Japan, and often seen in cartoons...but also detailed enough to emphasise a shapely feminine silhouette that a boyish figure like mine might lack. As the red top is a lovely deep maroon decorated with two small pink buttons, it makes it lovely enough to wear to the office for work and accessible enough to attend tea or a special date. To complete the look, it will be perfectly matched with a stylish 1960s Beehive!

Vintage 60s Pink Cheongsam
By Robs Vintique (Etsy)
Link: www.etsy.com/vintage-60s-pink-cheongsam-dress

With a few stitches to take it in at the darts, this silky pink embroidered beauty will be ready for a spin! A simple yet versatile vintage Cheongsam that could have easily ran between 1950s to 1960s, but with a sweet elegant air of pink blossoms...this lady-like Cheongsam is really a piece that belongs in my collection.

The Heart Breaker
By The Happy Cheongsam
*Prices are in Singapore Dollars and a currency conversion may be necessary.
Link: thehappycheongsam.com/collection-1/heart-breaker

A daring number in chic black Thai silk with a cute heart shaped cut-out back and slightly puffy lantern skirt conspicuously forming a fuller hip....called the Heart Breaker. This is certainly most far away from a Cheongsam of the conventional sense....not only is the playfully sexy peek-a-boo back different, but the flirty length reminds me of the mini in the 1960s. I love the ingenuity and am pleasantly surprised by it! A creative design from this new 'Happy Cheongsam' blogshop in Singapore, who are a mother and daughter team, that pledges to infuse their customers with the happiness of wearing a Cheongsam and a dream to continue the tailoring skills of one generation to the next. Another thing that noticeably impressed me is the thin gold piping emphasising the mandarin collar and waist, as most sewing enthusiasts may know that piping can be a rather time consuming and painstaking task to embark on....which is also why the piping on traditional Qipao can seem like such an art form....now if only I can get my paws on a Heart Breaker Cheongsam!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hopefully you darlings will be inspired by my 'Chinese New Year Cheongsam Wish List' for 2014....in finding that perfect Qipao that will love your form, and most of all discovered a few more avenues in terms of Qipao styles. I hope to return shortly in the new year of the fire Horse to share with you my most recent collaboration with photographer friend Caroline Opacic....and for those who have been following on Facebook; yes it will involve a gorgeous Japanese Yukata! So I wish all you lovely darlings a very very Happy and prosperous Chinese New Year....Gong Xi Fa Chai!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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Arriving ready...in nothing more than a petticoat and under kimono...
(This is quite easily one of my favourite photos of the day....love it!)

As I hear the wind roar past my window on this chilly Sunday, I hope you darlings are wrapped up warm and having a pleasantly sweet day of rest. Indeed there is much to look forward to and much to tell....especially an exciting bit of news I have kept under wraps the past few days until it is officially published in this post....my amazingly talented friend Caroline Opacic from Caroline Opacic Photography has agreed to become Walking In May's official photographer! I am sure you darlings have heard me rave on about how amazing she is and witnessed her beautiful photography work in the past few posts, but I must tell you how thoroughly impressed I was when we had our recent Yukata photoshoot. For once, arriving half-dressed with only a big long cardigan to keep my modesty, I felt as though I was experiencing what a bride might do on her big day. As my dear friend Naoko busied herself around me to get me dressed as authentically as possible with what limited resource she had in that restaurant's wash room, and I worried over where I misplaced some string or parts of fabric as restaurant guests swamped through with amusement, Caroline worked diligently with her camera to capture the refined process without us even realising she was actually there. Most of all, I was really impressed with the beautiful level of detail and thought her photographs revealed....even though she had just dashed around us effortlessly snapping away whilst making lovely comments to calm our nerves. I dare say that...if I should have been a bride getting ready for her big day, then I would have nothing to worry about where wedding photographs are concerned if Caroline should be my photographer....it will certainly be fully captured in the most natural and magical way! Right, it is finally time to reveal something of the much anticipated Yukata that I brought back from Japan...when I visited Tokyo, Kyoto and Sendai last summer....

Step 1: After dressing in the white collared under kimono garment and petticoat.......

Step 2: ....a towel was wrapped around the waist and tied securely with string.

Step 3: Putting on the Yukata, the white under kimono collar needs to be adjusted and slightly revealed.....whilst restaurant guests looked on!

Step 4: The Yukata is wrapped neatly to create a straight column form, secured with a string around the waist area and the length is adjusted by pulling over excess fabric that can be folded to tuck or hide the string underneath....which also ensures the long floor length Yukata hemline is pulled up to slightly above ankle length.

Never thought my hand could look so pretty amongst that floral print.......

Having watched what seemed like a straight forward video on how-to wear a Yukata online, I was still totally lost by the procedures that needed to follow and utterly glad Naoko was able to make it to our lunch at London'sBraserie Zedel....otherwise I really would have sat in the glitzy Art Deco restaurant dining room in not much but my finger waves, petticoat and under kimono! Don't even get me started on my memory of embarrassing moments, and thankfully none of the other guests noticed how racy I was waltzing in with that long cardigan, so I was really very lucky to have Naoko and Caroline as well as a beautiful Art Deco ladies wash room to get properly dressed up in. Though crisis did hit when we couldn't find two of the fabric ties that were meant to keep the garment in place and literally had to cut a string of yarn in half to make ends meet...so to speak. As traditionally the Yukata is not meant to be a garment that shows one's figure, the waistline is usually padded out with more fabric (or in my case a towel) in order to create a straight column shape. Then Naoko made me realise that the Obi sash I had bought in Japan whilst at Tokyo's Asakusa Temple was not a proper Obi, she really had to make-do in working meticulously to create that pretty bow for me.....so my journey to transform into a 1920s Modan Garu (Japanese term for 'modern girl' that describes ladies following flapper styles, or mixing traditional Eastern with modern Western styles during the roaring twenties) has been utterly fascinating that day!

Step 5: Tying the Obi or sash on top of the folded extra fabric....Naoko demonstrating the traditional way to tie the Obi.

First forming a ribbon-like bow......

.....and then wrapping the drop-down remainder around the knot of the bow to create a very pretty full bow!

And I was ready to tuck into an Art Deco lunch at the Brasserie Zedel restaurant!

But first a few more photos in the Art Deco tiled ladies.....and I remembered this pose from a beautiful ceramic doll my father brought back from Japan when I was little......

Imperfections aside, though I have tried to be as authentic as possible without actually being Japanese, I really enjoyed dressing up in the Yukata, having lunch with my girlies in such a pretty Art Deco place and roaming about central London with Caroline. More importantly, I simply wanted to wear the Yukata because I fell in love with that gorgeous gold gilded pink floral print across a vivid blue turquoise-ish fabric....and how could you not. So I am looking forward to getting a proper Obi and wearing my Yukata when we head to the Candlelight Club for April's 'Sakura in Tokyo' night....can you imagine what a sight it will be with all my gorgeous girlies dressed in Yukata within the backdrop of candlelight? There shall be more to reveal on the Yukata shoot with Caroline (link) and Modan Garu in the next few posts. On a different note, my dear friend Therese shall be strutting down the justice catwalk to raise funds for a legal charity at London's Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday 13th February 2014 (7pm)....where there will also be a nail bar and some vintage stalls selling some lovely second hand gems....so please do get a 'Justice Fashion' ticket [link] to do a good deed and pop along for some gorgeous vintage fun! Have a fabulous start to the new week my darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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Finally looking like a 1920s inspired Modan Garu and ready for a spot of lunch!

After Naoko helped me dress in the ldies.....

Stepping into the glitzy Brasserie Zedel from the bustling crowds and constant traffic of London's busy Regents Street...is really like stepping back into time. The instant the doors closed behind me, noisy clangs of modernity was silenced with a serene murmur of gentle chatter and whiffs of dark coffee against a backdrop of black and white photographs on the old wood laden cafe wall...it seemed I was in 1920s Paris rather than 2014 London. Passing through the small cafe to the next wooden doorway, I was caught by the gold and cream canvas interrupted by black, white and brown highlighted Art Deco carpet enticing me to follow the golden rail downstairs. Moving past the spacious white tiled and chandelier-ed hall towards the glow of a bright dining room, I was instantly hit by the magnificent marble columns and gilded ceiling....it was indeed as decadent as you would imagine the flapping Jazz age to be. And I could certainly imagine myself wearing a floor length silk number matched with my finger waves for a lovely Deco dinner at Brasserie Zedel on another fine day.....as we umm-ed over the menu a smartly dressed waited appeared to fill my glass with water and take my order....

After getting dressed in the Yukata.....catch up with Part 1 to find out how to get dressed in a Yukata!

With my cute fish shaped drawstring purse.....

How amazing are those stairs! (Brasserie Zedel, London)

Following the lit-up Deco staircase....at Braserrie Zedel, London.

The cuisine at Brasserie Zedel is French, and though the menu only runs across one big card rather than an extensive booklet, there was definitely enough choice for four girls on a Deco lunch! As we chatted and zoomed through the menu whilst taking appreciative glances around the gorgeous room, we were both excited to try the food and looking forward to the photographs we will be able to take around the restaurant. Still too timid to try frog legs or snails, I stuck to the safe option of a rather posh crumbly battered fish and chips....which I must say was both very filing and yummy. Actually all three girlies....Rachael, Caroline and Naoko agreed that the food was not only surprising affordable, but it was also rather good. The waiters were attentive and aptly came to fill up our glasses with water as well as to check if everything was in order. Sitting in Brasserie Zedel for most of the afternoon, we lost track of time and forgot how big the dining room actually was....as though the atmosphere of being in such a glitzed up Deco decor was enough to sustain us. I suppose one thing I would criticise is the lack of an afternoon tea option, though being French rather than English cuisine perhaps a wider selection of sweet treats might have been good. Anyway, this London Hot-Spot which is Brasserie Zedel gets a glitzy 4 ♥♥♥♥out of 5 lovely hearts from me.

[Find out more about Brasserie Zedel here: www.brasseriezedel.com]

Love the pink tablecloth and napkin with distinctive Brasserie Zedel....

Glamorously decadent...for a ceiling! (Brasserie Zedel)

Love the cute detail of the red lamps in this photo....Caroline can be so insightful!

Brasserie Zedel....

1920s inspired Modan Garu in the deco style Brasserie Zedel (London)!

Love how the mirror captures the different perspectives!

After that lovely lunch I decided to return a week later with my sister who was visiting from Singapore, and it was just as lovely as before. So if you are ever around Picadilly or Regent's Street, do try to venture into this Art Deco styled gem! Also if you want to find out 'How-To' get dressed in a Yukata (Japanese summer kimono) as authentically as possible, then take a look at the step-by-step dressing transformation in Part 1 (link)....and just in case you missed it; Caroline Opacic is now Walking In May's official photographer. Last but definitely not least, here's wishing all you lovely darlings a fabulous weekend ahead!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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~Photos by Walking In May's Official Photographer:

Caroline Opacic Photography

Absolutely love the lighting in this photo.....makes my yukata so pretty!

Hello my darlings, how has the end of February been for you? Following on the ~Part 1~ 'How-To' and ~Part 2~ Braserie Zedel posts on the Modan Garu (Japanese version of modern girl or flapper in the 1920s), I thought I would go on a bit more about how it all came about to tie in any loose ends....so its time to unearth a little article I did for 'Hey Doll!'Vintage Magazine some time ago! I found it really interesting how different parts of the world incorporated some Western trends into their own lives or customs throughout time, almost creating a complete new unique style at the time and took fashion into their own hands.A fascinating tie I was inspired to re-capture when I got myself a very first Yukata (summer cotton Kimono) on my trip to Japan last year....and hence my very own Modan Garu inspired look captured by Walking In May's lovely photographer Caroline Opacic (photos below). You can catch up on 'Hey Doll' here or read the article below:

The Roaring East

The 1920s...a time of flowing decadence and renewed freedom witnessed by growing speakeasies under prohibition laws and dress hems climbed above the knees in America as well as the UK. Unknown to some...the jazz, glitz and glamour had travelled across the seas through a variety of imported goods and written publications to spark a new trend in equally gangster ruled Eastern cities like Shanghai. The West sought inspiration from the Eastern luxurious brocades of goldens or reds for shawls or kimono jackets, and elaborate headdress of feathered jewel turbans or sisal zig-zagged cloche hats. But the East began to awaken an interest in foreign culture and styles through industrialisation and trade, which created more opportunities with the new emerging Western department stores, factories and giant steaming ships travelling to far off lands.

In Japan modernisation was taking place and more women joined the workforce resulting in 80% of the 500 workers being women. New thoughts questioning a woman’s role started spinning in the birth of Modan Garu (modern girl)...Japan’s answer to the flapper girl! By 1921 advertising posters painted girls in kimono matched with distinctive European finger waved hair known as ‘Yohatsu’. The Modan Garu in Japan were empowered with buying power, and seeked clothing that were more practical as well as easier to wear for day to day work. The rich began collecting luxurious Art Deco furniture to decorate their mansions and automobiles to parade across town. The privileged Clara Bow fans who were brave enough, even went as far as cutting their silk long hair into short and fashionable Western bobs, which tradition shunned in earnest.

A little further away...China was a newly formed Republic (1912-1949) with a shaky central government and uncertainty dominated through a competing presence of warlords, military and gangsters. It was a time when guns spoke as loudly as the law, and there were so many grey areas to muddle through that surviving no longer was a simple line of following rules. Just like the role they played in society, women in 1920’s China were a mixed existence between the cultural tradition of keeping a conventional home and a foreign modern desire to do more either for themselves or their husbands. The movie ‘Raise the Red Lantern’ by Gong Li may probably give a taste of the intense friction in a roaring 1920s China, but the details of why women dressed the way they did is sometimes overlooked. What made the rich wives match imported Western suit jackets, woolen capelets, short pearl necklaces and finger waved hair to a traditionally Eastern Qipao (Cheongsam) dress? What made women save up months on end just to buy a bottle of French imported perfume at the rich frequented department store? The blend of Western imported garments, accessories or furniture into traditional Chinese lives was a game for the immensely rich and powerful, as it was not only about status but a bold step towards Western ideas. Making 1920s Shanghai an alluring Paris of Asia in every sense, and drawing in a new generation of educated elites as well as Europeans...into a city that sparkled through the night with an uproar of racy clubs with dancing girls, alcohol and clashing big bands.

As we roamed through Regents Street towards Picadilly turning an averted disregard to any staring eyes or questions from strangers, we tried to capture the contrast of both East and West in a fusion of photography. What could have been before and what could be now....thoughts churning through my mind. Remembering how...as Naoko dressed me she commented on how beautiful the Yukata was and how the light blue-ish turqoise vividly reminded her of what her Great Grandmother had worn in the 1920s....I smiled in little bits of bliss. Thank youNaoko for dressing me as authentically as possible and allowing me to show my readers how-to do it....thank you Caroline for your amazing talents in photography and taking the time to be with us....also thank you to Rachael my loving vintage friend who discovered the Brasserie Zedel and always exploring vintage adventures with me....I felt gratefully blessed with such fabulous friends. What more could a girl ask for? As I wrap up the final Part 3 to the Modan Garu, I am looking forward to March....more Qipao (Cheongsam) surprises to excitedly unveil...and a beautifully blooming spring. I wish all you lovely darlings a very fabulous 1st of March!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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~Photos by Walking In May's Official Photographer:

Caroline Opacic Photography

Sources:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2007/05/10/arts/modern-girls-and-outrage/#.UXwEB6LQpmM

http://www.fashion-era.com/hats-hair/hats_hair_7_fashion_history_1920_1930.htm

http://www.forgetthetalkies.com/2009/02/1920-flappers/

http://rachaelgibson.co.uk/2010/07/12/my-whole-life-was-like-a-picture-of-a-sunny-day

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=BxQxkiBqXrsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=modern+girl+around+the+world&hl=en&sa=X&ei=I292Ub2NAYectAbl-4Fw&redir_esc=y

http://history.cultural-china.com/en/220History7712.html

http://www.historytoday.com/janet-hunter/japanese-women-work-1880-1920

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China_(1912%E2%80%931949)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_girl

http://www.po-holdings.co.jp/csr/culture/bunken/muh/12.html

It's a Vintage Tea Party! (London 2014)

On a sunny day in the very beginning of 2014, my girlies and I all gathered at Rachael's home for a lovely vintage tea party as a belated Christmas celebration. The code was....'wear your best tea dress' and since it was a sunny weekend it became the perfect day to snap some fun photos in the garden. Draped simply in my navy midi tea dress with purple and pink flowers, I decided to match up with a purple cardigan....as purple happened to be one of Rachael's favourite colours....and enjoyed the fact that it would be a relaxing afternoon of just sipping tea with a bunch of lovable people. Then I dashed out the door forgetting to bring my tea stash with me, informally reminding myself of where I had to go. Luckily the girls had brought some tea and Rachael had a collection for us to go through....in the end we ended up with several gorgeous teapots holding an exciting range from Chinese Flowering Jasmine to Popcorn and Earl Grey!

Christmas is still here!

Rachael bringing out the tea....look at that amazing vintage brooch necklace!

Love my girlies!

Rachael and her husband Nigel have been absolute darlings....not only did they prepare some yummy savory tarts to go with the tea, they also made some fabulous sweeties to spoil us all! Following the Christmas theme we were surprised with a selection of sweets from candy cane cheesecake to santa hat (strawberry) brownies. With stunning teas and yummy treats we had a marvelous afternoon with Rachael and Nigel... chatting away about all the quirks of life. Rachael being a fellow vintage blogging enthusiast and having a background in fashion...wore one of the amazing vintage brooch necklaces she made for her soon-to-come little online project. To get a glimpse of Rachael's amazing style and a sneak peek of my annual Chinese new Year Tear Party a few weeks ago, check out her blog: Real Women Real Style

Yummy......

Candycane cheesecake cupcakes!

Nigel bringing out the Santa Hat Brownies!

As some of you darlings may know, I love a simple day without make-up clad in comfy pjamas as much as a glamorously polished floor sweeping night at a vintage ball....it's often who I am with that makes me smile or giggle. In other words, it was a thankfully perfect afternoon with some of the loveliest people....which was a brilliant start to the year. On that happy note, just in case you might have missed the sneak peek of my 1940s inspired photoshoot with Caroline over the busy weekend....when we took one of The Happy Cheongsam's designs for a test spin...on the Walking In May Facebook page, you can catch it here on Caroline Opacic Photography (Facebook)! I can't wait to tell all on our adventurous photoshoot and reveal some new ideas that you darlings might enjoy. Have an absolutely fabulous mid-week my darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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On the first lunar day on the year of the Horse....BouBou was a little less than amused!

Happy new spring days my darlings! As the daffodils have been blooming it really has announced the arrival of Spring in London and the grey skies seem to have lifted with even more fresh moments of sunshine. Having chirped on about my annual Chinese New Year celebrations with friends several posts ago, it is finally time to tell all on what we got up to this year...and what better time to do it than the arrival of a new spring. Chinese customs generally see the establishment of spring as an important new start because a festival called 'Lap Chun' (or 'Li Chun' in Mandarin) is usually celebrated either a few days before or after Chinese New Year, depending on how the 24 term solar cycle coincides with the particular year. It literally means the start of spring as it was historically important because of agricultural reasons, but it is also important for cultural reason...as a year that is without or skips the 'Lap Chun' date is seen as unlucky for marriage. Since 2014 happens to be what they call a double Lap Chun year it is likely to be full of weddings....I suppose it could make sense as double the luck might mean double the happiness! [Find out more about the 'Lap Chun' festival here] So hopefully I am not too late in telling you darlings all about our adventure with the vibrant year of the Horse...which consisted of two parts on the same day during early February. The theme was something vintage or something Chinese, and set with finger waves I wore a new white textured Qipao (Cheongsam) encrusted with ornately embroidered pink peonies which I purchased on my holiday in Malaysia last summer.....

Smile...it's Chinese New Year! ^_^

With my lovely friend Rachael...who especially dressed up to a Malaysian Chinese theme for me!

Could we have been in the 1920s or 1930s?

My new Spring Qipao (Cheongsam) with sweet pink peonies embroidery and pink piping...sitting in a gorgeous rattan arm chair that brought me back to my childhood in Malaysia!

More tea and cake with my girlies at the Vintage Bean....

My gorgeous girls turning up for tea and cake with me at the Vintage Bean in Shoreditch, London.

[Find out more about the Vintage Bean Cafe in Shoreditch, London: here]

Part 1:Tea at the Vintage Bean in the afternoon...was nothing short of sweetness and relaxation. Quite the best way to blissfully begin the year of the Horse I believe, as all that upcoming galloping must be a tiring journey, plus throw in a piece of chocolate cake and a tall glass of yummy homemade fresh ginger with lemon tea it almost seem to hold the chaos of the world at bay. So much so that I forgot how my hair became tattered tail feathers on my rush of a journey, as outside the Vintage Bean was still a frenzy shower of windy rain and a constantly buzzing Shoreditch, which has been known as one of the hippest places to be for design-y, art-sy or vintage-y minds alike. The main cafe area is upstairs, whilst downstairs the basement is filled with an eclectic mix of quirky furniture such as large sack-clothed sofa with a crate-stacked coffee table that almost seems like a cosy living room. The highlight for me was the discovery of two rattan made arm chairs, which reminded me of my childhood in Malaysia...where eventhough we moved houses we had a sofa-like set of natural rattan chairs that always followed from home to home. Sailing the afternoon away in the hidden basement area with my lovely girlies, pampered with fresh tea, cake, chat, hugs and photo taking sessions...we were well looked after by the Vintage Bean. So the Vintage Bean definitely qualifies as a London Hot-Spot and deserves a high 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ out of 5lovely hearts from Walking In May!

Could we be in New Orleans...or is it Nola's in London?

Having one of Nola's famed cocktails...the Hurricane!

All ready for a night of cocktails.....at Nola in Shoreditch!

My girlies dressing to the theme of something vintage or something Chinese.....

Mini photoshoot with Naoko....

Catching up with Salla....

Time to head home with a smile!

[Find out more about Nola Bar in Shoreditch, London : here]

Part 2:Cocktails at Nola Bar in the evening....started promptly as we just headed round the corner, through the entrance of the Bedroom Bar, passing the yummy corner of Jubo and sneaking up a hidden staircase to the 1st floor glowing vortex that is the vintage New Orleans styled bar called Nola. It really is a truly interesting haunt with lots to offer the stylishly hip lot in Shoreditch. When hungry one can first grab some tasty buns or yummy Korean Fried Chicken at Jubo, which I promise will totally give you a new definition of the K.F.C acronyms...then sneaking up the staircase to have cocktails at Nola's could be the perfect date, especially if your beau might enjoy a puff on their cigar terrace that is equipped with blankets and cosy chairs. The staff at Nola's are friendly and helpful...to the point of recommending me a gorgeous cocktail called the Hurricane that really did go down a storm. The decor is full of vintage inspiration that creates a dreamy evening of times gone past, the only thing to note is that Nola is not too big so making a booking in advance is probably a good idea and after midnight they tend to close to the public so that only members can have access. As Nola became the perfect end to our lovely Chinese New Year celebration it really does deserve to be a London Hot-Spot and definitely should get a whopping 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ out of 5lovely hearts from Walking In May....don't forget to grab yourself a booth at Nola's!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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Meow....Reaching Cafe Neko in Vienna, Austria!

It has been no secret that I am a massive fan of cats, and have a Garfield looking handsome boy that I adore to absolute bits...so saying how I love cats might even be slightly understated. Seeing the recent enticing photographs as well as articles about the newly opened cat cafe in London called Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium, has made me want to rush straight to the next available booking slot, but considering the mixed reviews I have seen I wanted to let the fuss die down a bit before visiting. There are a few reasons for this....one; I would probably love to have a cat cafe one day when I'm much greyer...two; I can't bear it if I were to dislike a place that is meant to be a happy cat place....and three; I've actually really enjoyed visiting the cat cafe in Vienna called 'Cafe Neko' last autumn! Whilst I can not tell you much about the new cat cafe in London, I can tell you a little bit more about my miraculous cat day in Vienna and how a cat cafe can actually work positively too...

Though having a love of travel, there are times that I often get home-sick or BouBou-sick when off in a far away land (in fact BouBou just agreed by jumping on to my laptop to type 78)....so when Judita took the day off to take me to Vienna's very own Cafe Neko I was so excited I could barely stop myself from jumping about. Being conveniently located, it was easy enough to find and travel to....there was a certain sweet simplicity about this cafe. Entering through two set of doors I was welcomed by a clean cream interior lit by a warm yellow glow and a scatter of tables with seats, but what caught my eye was the make-shift cardboard fort in the middle of the room, which must have been a fun play area for the residents of Cafe Neko. Sitting down we were presented with a menu as well as an introduction card about the varying personalities of the different resident felines, which we found very cute. Ordering a very reasonably priced Macha latte (Japanese Green Tea) for myself and a cappuccino for Judita, we sat studying the introduction card for a little while.

With the eagerness to coo over some kitties our first instinct was to try and spot where the cats were, then we observed how others were moving over to individual cats to say hello quietly or to gently stroke them....as though they were already friends and knew how they needed to respect the resident feline. Seeing there was a little man of the name Thomas who looked a bit like my BouBou, we decided to move to his table...mind you I did ask him if he minded before we sat down. Occupied only with a few other cafe-goers, I was aware of the staff gently hovering around with a friendly smile to ensure no one gets out of hand with any of the cats. After all a cat cafe is not like other cafes, it is an environment where cats can become or feel vulnerable if care is not taken, and it was really impressive how Cafe Neko offered a home-ly vibe rather than the zoo-like entertainment feel. Perhaps this is why the usual visitors of the cafe seem to have such care and respect for the cats...so much so that the visitors on the next table started whispering when they realised the nearby resident feline was snoozing. As for me, I was excited to share a table with the lovely resident felines and enjoyed watching them snooze...well also stroking a few new feline friends. So when in Vienna you can find your way to Cafe Neko following this address:
Blumenstockgasse 5,
1010 Wien,
Austria
[Find out more about the lovely Cafe Neko: here]

Can you spot little Momo who came to hide under my chair?

BouBou's almost double in Vienna....the lovely Thomas!

Meowing a Bye...outside Cafe Neko!

After a cat morning, we ventured to the Belvedere museum to have more tea and see the famous Gustav Klimt paintings....mainly the Kiss. The cafe at the Belvedere actually makes a Klimt cake which we tried, but I must say I was more taken with the painting of the Kiss as marzipan happens not to be one of my likes. In fact, I was so taken by Klimt's Kiss that I started crying silently as I stared into the wonderful painting, and even made a promise to myself that if I should ever have a daughter one day I shall have to take her to see this beautiful painting. It was strange as I had never been moved to cry tears by a painting before, but the miracle didn't stop there. As we stepped out of the Belvedere we saw a rainbow and I knew something special would happen....but little did we know that it would have something to do with cats!

The chocolate and marzipan Klimt cake at the Belvedere Museum cafe in Vienna....

As we were getting ready for bed that very same night after seeing Cafe Neko and Klimt's Kiss, we discovered a buzzing fly in Judita's flat. Not wanting to kiss or kill the fly, we dimmed the lights and decided to try to lure it out through the balcony door. As we stood silent near midnight, I suddenly heard meowing from outside and almost instinctively knew it was a kitten. Throwing a coat over my pjamas and wrapping a scarf over Judita's full head of curlers, we raced downstairs to investigate. The meowing had stopped, so like the cat-mad lady that I am I started meowing-out towards the dark abandoned waste ground in front of us...surprisingly a little meow answered me back! Then from the top of the raised ground we saw a little fluffy tuft run towards us. Darting over I picked up a shaking and wet little fluffy kitten in my hands. Racing even quicker upstairs we wrapped the little one in a towel, Judita held him close to the radiator as I ran a bath and prepared some milk we had in the fridge. Combing through the tangled bits of grass as well as mud, we realised that the kitten was actually very young (probably only 3 or 4 weeks old) and still had baby blue eyes. Cuddling the little miracle as we fed him warm milk with a teaspoon, we decided to name him Gustav in honour of Klimt and the unusual day we had. Perhaps just like the Kiss, little Gustav represents a lot of hope, beauty, love, warmth and kindness...there is a lot to be learnt in the unexpected happenings of life.

The miracle that is Gustav!

Finally I must apologize if I have bored you darlings with this longer than usual post, that has taken me longer than usual to write...and next up shall definitely be something a bit more fun as well enticing....if you have seen my 1940s teaser with Caroline Opacic Photography on Facebook then you will know what I mean. Have a positively cat-abulous start of the week darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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Having a peek-a-boo moment whilst strolling by the canal....

It's finally time to tell all about my lovely day with Caroline around Camden Passage Antique & Vintage Flea Market (London)! Set with my massive victory rolls, a new Qipao (Cheongsam) from the Happy Cheongsam [here] and some sunshine in every step, we started strolling from Angel tube station down to the canal. Often my photoshoots with Caroline never seem like work at all, as we tend to chat and giggle along our path stopping occasionally to snap a photo when inspiration strikes....so the lovely photos really are down to Caroline's natural talent in photography. Not being a real model by any means and more often than not a little rough around the edges, I am learning even more as the years go by that an acceptance of who I am and the imperfection that is me can be just as important in the growth to become better. Embracing the fact that my victory rolls were less than perfect with baby strands flapping about, I contented myself with the knowledge of rolling my waist length hair into a 1940s inspired up-do and set about enjoying the sunny day in a beautiful new Qipao (Cheongsam) I have been sent to review by a creative online store called the Happy Cheongsam. You darlings might be right in thinking this Qipao looks a little bit familiar....as it is indeed the very same 'Heartbreaker' that I placed on my Chinese New Year 2014 Wish List back in January!

By the canal in Angel, Islington......

It might not be a plane....but its still one of my favourite photos of the day!

Discovering some 1940s bakelite bangles.......

Trying to recapture a vintage photograph moment.....in an original 1940s hat from New York!

Discovering a new online store based in Singapore called The Happy Cheongsam through another Qipao (Cheongsam) admirer, I fell in love with one of their designs called the Heartbreaker and wrote to ask for permission to feature it in my Chinese New Year 2014 Wish List [Catch up here]. The Happy Cheongsam kindly agreed to being included in the wish list and decided to send me the Heartbreaker for a review right away...which was a good thing too as the Heartbreaker sold out shortly after my post was published and I might not have been able to get my paws on it in time! [Dress: Heartbreaker] Made with light and crisp black Thai silk, the Heartbreaker is structured with a slight lantern shaped bottom, simple front and almost knee length (for me)...but the highlight must be the thinly golden piped mandarin collar and surprising heart shaped peek-a-boo cut-out. It literally is a show stopping number...as from the moment I took off my faux fur jacket to walk along the canal, passer-bys and even further away groups stopped in their tracks to shout out praises for this dress, so thoroughly impressed that some even started taking photographs of me in the dress. And what a dress it is! I love the combination of chic black and a dash of gold matched with peek-a-boo playfulness...it infuses a fun aspect into a traditionally demure dress. The criticism I do have is that the light crispy silk might be too thin for colder weathers and the lining seemed not willing to blend with the dress as it did a little peek-a-boo in revealing itself whenever I sat down. Though I was certainly impressed by the technical ability to create the thin gold piping and the well evenly synchronised back....perhaps a longer floor length skirt with a soft fluid silk could make it an evening gown to die for!

Exclusive Offer: Get 10% off your purchase with The Happy Cheongsam by using the code 'WalkingInMay'

[Note: Prices are in Singapore Dollars and a conversion may be required]

What I wore:

Dress: The Heartbreaker by The Happy Cheongsam [here]

Accessories: Vintage 1940s hats and brown corded clutch by Rosie's Hats (Camden Passage Antique & Vintage Flea Market)

Which vintage hat do you like best?

Next we headed to the hidden treasure trove that is Camden Passage Antique & Vintage Market ....sorting through the line of stalls for all sorts of curios from vintage dresses to antique brooches and even befitting 1940s Bakelite bangles from France. We came towards the end of the passage and met a lovely lady called Rosie. In finding out that Caroline and I were on a 1940s inspired photoshoot, she kindly brought out some 1940s vintage hats and a delicately hand corded clutch to show us. Helping me style the hats over my massive victory rolls and telling us the story of each item we held, Rosie was incredibly knowledgeable and utterly lovely. So if you ever go through Angel (London) and wish to do a spot of vintage shopping, head on over to Camden Passage Market and stop by at Rosie's Hats! [Find Camden Passage Antique & Vintage Flea Market: here]

Sporting the lovely vintage hand corded clutch.....

A closer look at the Heartbreaker dress by the Happy Cheongsam!

As a little pre-Easter surprise, as I am sure you darlings will be thinking about outfits for that mini-break, don't forget to grab the 'WalkingInMay'code for your 10% off purchases at the Happy Cheongsam online shop! Next up....there shall be more stunning photos of this 1940s inspired shoot with the talented Caroline....plus our fun night at the Candlelight Club's Sakura in Tokyo night. I should probably hurry to do an all important search to find a spectacular new Qipao to wear to my special 1930s Birthday Bash next month....it's been so busy at work that I haven't had time to figure out an outfit yet, and there is still a photoshoot to plan when Caroline returns from holiday. Its going to be an exciting month ahead....have an absolutely fabulous weekend my darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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Link

Hello darlings....I trust you have had a lovely Easter break! With some Birthday celebrations in Brighton and Seven Sisters Cliff over the Easter break, it has been a fruitfully happy and fun time with some much loved girlies of mine. Even though the break will be over as many of us head back to work tomorrow, I should certainly hope to inspire a more glamorous and stylish start to the week....this time it is with the second half of my 1940s inspired look that Caroline Opacic Photography captured so brilliantly! [Catch up with the first half here; Qipao Love ~ Part 14 ] There must be not many more iconic 1940s hairstyles than the cute braided style or glorious Victory Roll; which some say originated from a World War 2 fighter plane maneuver, whilst others claim it gained its name from the shapely V that can be formed by the rolls on top of ones head. [Find out more about Victory Rolls; here] Nevertheless there is no mistaking this hairstyle when it comes to the 1940s....when war has made resources such as fabric, bobby pins and chocolate scarce, women had to become more creative to form their individual stamp of style in demure times and hence the distinctive victory roll. Not only was height created from the rolls, it was also a way to keep hair away from the face when women had to do practical work and rationed bobby pins often doubled as a pretty decorative item as well as a styling tool to hold the rolls in place. Of course there were also many women who wore other hairstyles such as braids or wavy curls that loosely flowed depending on the length of one's hair, which inspired me to combine the victory roll with braids to create a simple up-do hairstyle for this 1940s inspired look. Matched with the gorgeous black Thai silk 'Heartbreaker'Qipao by new online store The Happy Cheongsam based in Singapore, I was ready for a scene of decadence.....where better to go than Hoxley and Porter in Angel, London!

Entering Hoxley and Porter on Upper Street, Angel, London......

Love this wallpaper!

Hoxley and Porter in the increasingly trendy are of Angel (London) is certainly impressive when it comes to the glorious vintage decor and and rather powerful 1920s vibe....but there are other aspects that simply takes your breath away. It is really a place that has stepped out of a decadent dream, from the leather looking folders that reveal a fascinating menu of cocktails to the actual cocktails, a great deal of detail has been infused. Staff are not only attentive and friendly, but have really put in the effort to dress in vintage inspired styles. Not certain what we wanted, both Caroline and I chose an interestingly daring number where the bar tender concocts a drink from a description of how you feel or where your mood takes you...so you will have no idea what is in it but only know how it tastes. I went with 'floral' and 'sweet'....surprisingly an utterly yummy combination that caught me with delight and even went as far to match the colour of my dress! With a deliciously refreshing cocktail in hand, we had such a fabulous time shooting, chatting and giggling away that we even thought about when we could possibly plan a party there next. Hoxley and Porter has to get a highly recommended and delightful 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ out of 5 lovely hearts from Walking In May....it is definitely a London Hot-Spot for a stylish vintage night out.

[Find out more about Hoxley and Porter; here]

Spying through to a 1920s lunch party at Hoxley & Porter, London.

Don't forget you darlings can get a lovely 10% off discount offer at The Happy Cheongsam [here] as well as a brilliant 5% off discount for portrait or wedding photography with Walking In May's official photographer Caroline Opacic Photography [here].....just by mentioning "Walking In May". Meanwhile I hope you darlings have enjoyed my new discoveries, as with dress, venue and style ideas....the makings of your very next party is not too far away at all, and I hope you have been inspired for an even more glamorous week. Have a fabulously dazzling week my darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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~Photos by Walking In May's Official Photographer:

Caroline Opacic Photography

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Popcorn anyone?

Discovering that the gorgeous Vintage Mafia trio had planned a fabulous night at the British Library, I just had to round up my girlies to see who was free to take a twirl at 'Puttin on the Glitz' at the very last minute. I mean how often will a girl get to be amongst the dazzling at the great British Library. Lucky enough Naoko and Rachael were able to join me and we dashed online to nab a ticket before it was too late, still not knowing what we were going to wear to the event the next day! Busy so it was, that it wasn't until my journey home from work in order to change for the event that I had the time to start thinking about what to wear, hence dashing about my room like one eternally insane I pulled out a black coarsely laced dress with a playful frill-like hem above the knee. Of course when I think of glitz and glamour I have to start from the 1920s, so shaping my long locks into a bun, putting on some feathery earrings and simply slipping a beaded headband over my forehead, I was ready to flap to the British Library (London) for a night of glitz and glamour.

And what a glitz it was! Greeted after the great large doors, it was an impressive sight to behold already, as the grand staircase and layers of walkways framing an elegantly large white space in the British Library was almost like a Cinderella story setting. Rummaging through my phone to locate the ticket whilst I queued, having forgotten to print it out in my haste, I was lucky enough for the lovely Fleur McGerr from the Vintage Mafia as well as the 'Diary of a Vintage Girl' (Blog ) to remember me once I got to the reception table. After greeting Fleur and saying a warm 'hello' to the rest of the Vintage Mafia, I went though the crowd in search of Naoko as well as Rachael whilst taking in the buzz of excitement that surrounded the place. Together we headed to the fabulous pop-up beauty parlour to get Naoko's hair done for free and bopped along to the orchestra in another long queue. Snacking on old fashioned popcorn and sipping orangeade later, we watched the crowd waltz as well as laugh.....spotting the most spectacular dresses as well as ladies. It was then that I spotted Miss Cherrylicious the vintage model and stylist, so a picture had to be snapped....especially when she was wearing such pretty shoes! There was an abundance of photographers around and it was really the perfect setting, but alas....we forgot to have a fun snap at the photobooth which I had been looking forward to earlier. Except for the long queues for drink, hair and so on, it really was a fabulous event for a very affordable price and we had a really a roaring time!

At the British Library......

Miss Cherrylicious and me....

'Puttin on the Ritz' with Fred Astaire

I shall most definitely look forward to the Vintage Mafia's next event and I loved the idea....of how 'Puttin on the Glitz' can be a personal interpretation of wearing whatever you feel most gorgeous in! It really is about your inner Moxie, as often in life we may not get the choice of everything, but to have the audacity to believe as well as work for what you believe in or want makes it a beautiful journey. This can be true for many, and most certainly so when I see vintage lovers of all walks of life gathered in the same place for a similar passion...a reason to enjoy vintage events too. I shall also be looking forward to Judy's affordable vintage fair in Bethnal Green this weekend, in preparation with the girlies for my special 1930s Birthday bash in a little more than 2 weeks time. Here's wishing all you lovely darlings a very fabulous Bank Holiday weekend!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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The beautiful Vintage Kimono fabric used to create the Walking In May exclusive Cheongsam.....

It is with pleasure and great excitement for me to announce Walking In May's EXCLUSIVE vintage Kimono X Cheongsam by The Lady General (post) has finally been launched!

A little while back, I discovered the classic Wang Cheongsam by a Singapore based online shop specialising in modern designs of Cheongsam (Qipao) with a love of fabric as well as tailoring. Receiving the dress for a review I was struck by the chic sheen of silk and wearable lovely wiggle cut....the enthusiasm for the Cheongsam then took on life in my discussion with owner and designer Elaine....leading to a Walking In May exclusive. [Catch up with the post here: review-2014-lady-general] What I really like about The Lady General (here) as an online shop is the ethical vision and desire to make a difference, which is more than evident in this new range of Cheongsam for Walking In May....not only are the fabric beautiful vintage Kimono silks found in Japan which means they are highly prized up-cycling limited edition pieces, each piece is actually handmade by a tailor from a social enterprise called'The Mother and Child Project' (here).

Please do not be mistaken, as I have not received any money in order to share the 'Walking In May' name with this Kyoto range of Cheongsam, and I will only receive one single dress for the purpose of a review as well as to ensure the quality lives up to expectations. (The price of the dresses are in Singaporean Dollars, which very roughly divides by about 4 to find the British Pound value, and is actually affordable for vintage material, plus a very reasonable flat rate shipping fee of Singaporean $15 to anywhere in the world.) I shall try not to give away too much, but I am very excited to receive the dress and of course there will be a lovely photoshoot with the talented Caroline. I went into this collaboration because I believe in the quality of and passion for the Qipao that The Lady General has, and now it has become even more meaningful to me personally. Having grown up in a single mother household, I know how hard things can be for a mother to make ends meet and bring up her children as best she can. 'The Mother and Child Project' equips a group of underprivileged mothers living in Singapore with the skills to make a living for themselves and their children....also many of them happen to be single mothers or mothers recovering from an illness. The project also makes other things which can be bought from their online shop, such as the silk rosette necklace seen in the photo (left).

So hurry over to The Lady General (link) to take first pick of the Walking In May exclusive Kyoto range, as once these Vintage fabric are gone, they will be gone and it won't be possible to source the same fabric again. Don't forget your 10% off discount by mentioning 'Walking In May'....now there is no reason not to treat yourselves! Wishing all you lovely darlings an absolutely fabulous mid-week!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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Welcome back my darling readers! Apologies for the larger than usual gap in delivering this post, as my Birthday week was filled with theater, dancing, friends, family and a 1930s bash....so I was delayed in my writing. Thankfully I have picked up with a taster of the fabulous photoshoot I did with Caroline early in May, which is inspired by the groovy 60's looking print on my new Cheongsam (Qipao) from Singapore based store Lark and Peony [here]. The colourful turquoise bouquet of floral print and the significance of the 60s made me even more sure that we should take a stroll down London's Chinatown ....even though it might have been a busy Sunday where tourists as well as local Chinese families gathered for Dim Sum (probably an equivalent of Chinese Afternoon Tea but with lots of savoury dumplings as well as sweet treats). Being spontaneous I decided to invite my dear Rachael along for some fun in Vintage inspired dress up, and Caroline was introduced to her very first Bubbletea (concoction of English tea, sweet milk, ice and tapioca jelly balls). And I absolutely love the unconventionally fun and yummy Bubbletea which we did end up having with some Dim Sum. Ever wondered when Chinese restaurants and takeaways captured the taste buds of Ol' Blighty? Or how Chinatown has come to have such a presence in London today?

Location: Cafe de Hong Kong, Chinatown, London

Dress: Hsi Shih in Turquoise Vintage Floral...Cheongsam by Lark & Peony [link]

Bag: Vintage...1960s styled

It was only in the late 1960s that London's Chinatown really became established landmark as we know it today. Many Chinese migrants arrived in London's dockland area as seamen in the 18th Century and gathered their livelihood in Limehouse, but when the Blitz hit London and the shipping industry began declining a new livelihood was sought through food. By the 1950s men had return from war with experience of Eastern cuisine and craved the exotic tastes of the Far East. A few saw the opportunity to make a living and started some Chinese restaurants on Gerrard Street which already had a reputation for interesting cuisine. So when people started seeking out the newly exotic Chinese food it proved to be a success, and more Chinese flocked to the street to set up their own Chinese restaurants, followed by Chinese supermarkets for the local community and then gradually building the Chinatown that we know today. Having lived in London most of my life and sharing a Chinese origin, I know how important Chinatown has become for the modern day Chinese community. For those who live in the suburbs it can be the place to travel to for groceries from Asia, especially if no Chinese supermarket is in sight. For families who have put down British roots it becomes a known place to gather with friends or family scattered further afield on a weekend Dim Sum or dinner meet up (as almost every family happens to have a favourite restaurant in Chinatown), or even a karaoke party to celebrate an occasion....which is usually what I do with my family to celebrate my birthday. [For more on the history of London's Chinatown/Source: www.chinatownlondon.org]

So what better place to start off our 1960s inspired photoshoot than London's Chinatown! From there we continued on to a landmark of London....which I shall reveal in my next post, as well as how I have put together this 60s vintage look, and I will also tell you darlings what I thought of this Lark and Peony Cheongsam (Chinese Dress) in a proper review! Then there is more to tell on my 1930s Shanghai Birthday bash of course, and as I excitedly prepare for my photoshoot this Bank Holiday weekend with Caroline....for the 'Walking In May Exclusive' Cheongsam with the Lady General....I wish you darlings a fabulously sunny May weekend!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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~Photos by Walking In May's Official Photographer:

Caroline Opacic Photography

London's calling....as Big Ben chimes in a distance!

Having just returned from a little sunny break in Greece, it is time to fully unwrap my 1960s inspired look with Lark and Peony's Hsi Shih Vintage Turquoise Cheongsam (Qipao) as promised! As times moved from the elegant 50s Parisian New Look to the rebelliously Youth-shaken 60s, London took the world stage with big names such as Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Andy Warhol, Mary Quant, Barbara Hulanicki and of course the Beattles....it was even more apt for Caroline and I to continue our photoshoot from London's Chinatown to London's great landmark Trafalgar Square. So what inspired this look? Try as we may, there is no escaping the idea of 60s fashion being a highly wearable and classic workhorse hidden in many wardrobes across the globe....even today. There is just something simply flexible about the A-shaped shift, albeit mini or midi, to flatter most female forms with a skimming and youthful glow that keeps it circulating in the fashion radar. Possibilities from Western fashion were injected into the Qipao design by tailors to modernise and keep up with popular trends influencing the new woman with the ability to work as well as spend in places such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia or even England and America. In fact the Qipao herself became a booming trend from the late 50s to 60s...in Hong Kong the Qipao was daily wear for most women, and if you watch Audrey Hepburn's"Breakfast at Tiffany's"close enough, you will spot a dazzling party Qipao. [Catch up on how iconic the Cheongsam became during the 1960s, with Nancy Kwan here: www.walkinginmay.com/qipao-love-part-7] Ignited by the utterly groovy floral turquoise print and above knee hemline, I created my 1960s polished Eastern Pearl meets slick Western Mods look with a dash of plastic fantastic turquoise and leopard print furriness....topped with flower powered beehive and eyeliner cat flick.

Under the pavilion in London's Chinatown.....

With the elegantly groovy Rachael in 50s styled full petticoat......

Close up of my 60s beehive....

The first time I saw Lark and Peony’s Hsi Shih in Turquoise Vintage Floral I was captivated by the vibrant colours and floral grooviness of the pattern….it just screamed a fabulous 1930s turned 1960s flower power vibe! The design itself is simply minimalistic in a non-fussy low mandarin collar, A-shaped main and above knee length. The fabric is light and soft against one’s skin, which is best for spring or summer and will work well in countries with warm climates, as it is unlikely to stick to you even if you happen to start sweating and should dry easily too. As it is also lined with a simple white layer, it is likely to become a wearable and versatile daily piece in any wardrobe. I can see myself wearing it again and again….whether it is dressing with pretty accessories for brunch with the girls or a slicking up to smart day at the office under a blazer….the Hsi Shih Turquoise Vintage Floral Cheongsam will live up to positive expectations. My criticism would be a greed for more choice of fabric types, as I would love to see Lark and Peony experiment with linen or perhaps even chiffon with beautiful prints. From the Hsi Shih Cheongsam I have come to understand that Lark and Peony is about the glorious prints on fabric, the showcase of vibrantly bold landscapes, which is accentuated by the classical and simple cutting of the dress…I am sure you can see from Caroline’s lovely photos that the print tells a beautiful story of its own. Inspired by the Chinese legend of a beautiful female spy Hsi Shih, but creating a new story for each modern woman to conquer her everyday life….so grab the Hsi Shih and be inspired today!

[Please note that prices are in Singapore Dollars, which is very roughly divided by four to find the price in British pounds…please check current conversion rates. Lark and Peony (here) is an online shop specialising in modern Cheongsam designs and produce limited pieces of each design.]

Dress: Hsi Shih in Turquoise Vintage Floral...Cheongsam by Lark & Peony [link]

Bag: Vintage...1960s styled

Shoes: Jean Claude Monderer from La Fayette, Paris (past season)

Coat: Glamorous (past season...with buttons I sewed on)

Umbrella: Fulton

Sunglasses: ASOS

From 1950s to 1960s......

Hopefully you darlings will like my 1960s inspired look worthy of a fashionably tailored Mod, and be inspired to create your own looks with the Cheongsam...which really can be as wearable as you make it! [Just in case you have missed it, catch up with what we got up to in Chinatown here: www.walkinginmay.com/qipao-love-part-15beehive-bubble-tea] Coming up next will be some exciting posts from my recent 1930sBirthday bash, as well as revealing my very special one piece Walking In May Exclusive Cheongsam by the Lady General. Have an utterly groovy and fabulous weekend darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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~Photos by Walking In May's Official Photographer:

Caroline Opacic Photography (Link)

Was I being crowned the silliest 1930s Shanghai girl by Mr Cecil himself?

As promised, it is time to reveal my Birthday celebrations at Cecil's 1930s Shanghai night last month....which I accidentally discovered whilst Google-ing something else. Needless to say, it was the perfect night to don a Qipao (Cheongsam) and get my girlies to wear one too! Preparations started weeks ahead....where I started talking about outfit inspirations, then planned a shopping weekend day to Judy's Vintage Fair as well as Brick Lane to find my girlies something to wear, and finally on the day we got together to dress in my living room as chirpy as birds can be. There was tea, sewing, cake, hairspray and curling tongs, but most of all there was laughter, fun and hugs of happy wishes. Once all dressed, we set off into the unusually warm May weather and took the train toLondon Bridgein order to walk to the nearby Cecil's which was slightly puzzling to find. Crossing the road as we saw a sign for Cecil's under a bridge, we walked up to a unassuming concrete step to a warehouse looking brick interior. Once we stepped pass the door guardian who matched our telegrams to his name list and into the shadows of Cecil's, we were presented with an enamelled mug of a special Tea Cocktail we did not know the name of. Then Mr Cecil himself appeared from behind a screen with a bellowing welcome and praises for the beauties I had arrived with....1930s Shanghai glamour, we were ready! Silly as it sounds it hadn't crossed my mind that Cecil's really had a Mr Cecil. So when he introduced himself, it took me a few seconds to realise who he was before breaking out in laughter, but he was a gracious and highly entertaining host indeed.

Meeting THE Mr Cecil!

Cecil's was certainly an experience and I absolutely loved that they were running a regular 1930s Shanghai night called the Oolong Tea Experience....what better opportunity for a Qipao lover to be clad in her finery! There is much to be liked....as the paper framed screens, Shanghai girl vintage posters in the ladies washroom, rattan set sofas, tea inspired cocktails, exotic potted palm trees and the Cecil's logo looking like an authentic Chinese seal (used in the old times to stamp one's name on a legal document) set up the inspired Shanghai 1930s theme quite well. Though I was surprised that not many actually dressed in a Qipao (Cheongsam), and most had either 1920s or modern attire, our party was certainly the main group showcasing the glamorous golden era of Shanghai. At Cecil's they make it their business to know their guests, from whether it is a reservation for a special occasion or making it a point to sing Happy Birthday to the several Birthday girls of the night. And make no mistake, Mr Cecil is more than a simple host....as he was actually the singer of his swing band too. But I did wish Mr Cecil and his band would play some hot Jazz numbers, or that the DJ in the corner could have played some mixes of old Shanghai sounds from the 'Shanghai Lounge Divas' album during the intervals. The limitation of the food menu, actually collected from the nearby Chinese restaurant, and presentation of the food in takeaway boxes did leave us a little disappointed....though the yummy tea inspired cocktails helped to soothe some discontent and we started a train of conga around the dance floor in the middle of one song. It was an unusually warm night in May, so being in the basement whilst Cecil's air conditioning had broken down was challenging to say the least; with me in an ankle length green velvet dress and the girls needing to take breather breaks outside just to fend some less than glamorous sweating off on a special night out. They should really have brought in some temporary fans, air conditioning units or even scattered paper hand-held fans for guests to use, and ensured that each table had at least one or two bottles of water throughout the night, as it really was the only kink in a fun 1930s Shanghai night! All in all Cecil's 1930s Shanghai night gets a noble 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ out of 5 lovely hearts from me, and definitely recommended for a classy night out, especially when the air conditioning is working and if Jazz is ever involved.

[Find out more about Cecil's in London here: www.uff-tea.com]

Video: Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s (Source YouTube)

Bias cut hem of my modified Qipao....

From a mini length 60s style Cheongsam to a 30s looking Qipao with bias cut...

Unwrapping presents.....BouBou does vintage too!

Who is taller?

Presenting my very beautiful girlies....in 1930s or Shanghai style!

[For inspiration on dressing to 1930s Shanghai style: www.walkinginmay.com/qipao-1930s-inspired-shanghai]

To tell the truth, my Qipao was actually still a work in progress when I wore it that night. Having spotted a green velvet ankle length dress with bias cut and mandarin collar on EBay, I decided I would cut off the button to replace it with some white frogged buttons and started to embroider around the little cut-out near the neck line....being short of time I could not fully embroider the neck line and the mini-cape I started making to match the dress was left unfinished. Thankfully with some natural pearl earrings, finger waves, marcasite watch, gold beaded purse and a simple vintage enamelled comb I sneaked into a less than perfect 1930s Shanghai girl look. Most of all I was so happy that my beloved girlies all rose up to the occasion to either dress 1930s or in a Qipao....they looked absolutely beautiful and I am sure you will agree. Also, announcing an exciting little project I have recently started...an interactive community to post questions, style ideas and share all things about the Qipao or Cheongsam, so don't forget to join me on the 'Qipao Love' Google+ Community (here). Have a fabulous weekend darlings!

Until the next time,

♥ May xx

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THANK YOU so much! ♥

May's Christmas Wish List...2013!

Review/LookS: Alma & Ruchir's magical winter wedding....and my purple lace peplum Cheongsam!

Review: Happy New Year 2014....with the Lady General's 'Wang' Cheongsam!

London Hot-Spots: Swinging by for Vintage treasures on Brick Lane.....

Review & LookS: The Chap Magazine's 5th Anarcho-Dandyist Ball 2013!

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Qipao Love: Part 12 ~ May's Chinese New Year 2014...Cheongsam Wish List!

How-To/LookS: Part 1 ~ Becoming a 1920s Modan Garu....through dressing in a Yukata!

London HOT-SPOTS: Part 2 ~ 1920s Modan Garu meets Art Deco Brasserie Zedel for lunch...

Part 3 ~ Modan Garu in London...and the Roaring East in 1920s!

A post Christmas...vintage tea party in the New Year!

London Hot-Spot/Qipao Love ~ Part 13: A sweet spring Qipao in the Year of the Horse...Chinese New Year 2014!

Travel-Bug Tales/Review: Cafe Neko....and my cat day in Vienna!

Review/Qipao Love ~ Part 14: Hats off to 1940s victory...with a happy peek-a-boo of Camden Passage Market!

LookS/London Hot-Spot: The victorious Heartbreaker....at London's Hoxley & Porter!

Review: Flapping to 'Puttin on the Glitz'....at the British Library!

Featured In: Announcing Walking In May's EXCLUSIVE by the Lady General....Vintage Kimono X Cheongsam!

Qipao Love ~ Part 15:Beehive and bubble tea with a Cheongsam....in London's Chinatown!

LookS/Review: Mods to the East...with a 1960s swing on Lark and Peony's vintage inspired Cheongsam!

London Hot-Spots/Review: May's Birthday at Cecil's 1930s Shanghai night....the Oolong Tea Experience!