Hipshakin' in Oxford...

 Sorry its been so long since my last post, but I simply haven't had anything exciting to talk about, I recently returned back to university for my second semester and have been working my little tush off everyday! Who knew that I'd have so much work?

 

However...

 

I found a 50's/60's rock' n' roll night in Oxford! *applause*

 

The Hipshakin' event is held once a month in an intimate little pub only 5 minutes away from my halls location, it provides all genres of music from swing, bop, jive, rockabilly...there's something for everyone!

 

I arrived with some friends around 8pm and first thing I heard was Gizelle- Voodoo, I knew I was in the right place! Everyone was so friendly and chatty there wasn't any hint of snootiness or arrogance, we all bopped and jived together until 1am and I can safely say that I will be attending the next Hipshakin' event...

 

But what did I wear?...

A nautical theme seemed to be the direction I was aiming for...

If you know me you'll know I love all things high waisted, and my old trusty Bernadette sailor trousers from Collectif clothing just had to be worn. I bought these early last year for around £50.00, pricey but a good investment considering the multiple times that I've worn them; if your like me and love to dance then I suggest getting a pair of swing trousers, as they give a big impression when your dancing!

This little navy striped bargain was from George at Asda, and only cost me £10.00! It is off the shoulders with an elastic neck line so that it doesn't slip, the navy happens to be a perfect match for my trousers...

The basket above is my all time favourite as it matches pretty much everything I own and was a cheeky purchase from the Rockabilly Rave last year, hopefully I'll be able to bag a few more at this years rave...

 

Accessories, what else but pearls?

 

Warning: Picture Spam Below...

Photographs below were taken by Jeff Slade

Next Hipshakin' Event

 Saturday 7th March

The James Street Tavern

Oxford

My first Rockabilly Rave...

For weeks I've been looking forward to the rockabilly rave, although it's my first I've been watching videos of previous years for months and feel like a child in a sweet shop! On the morning of Friday 13th June we (as in my sister, mom and aunt) set off from Birmingham at 12pm on our travels to Sussex, we were expecting the journey to take around 3/4hours but when in fact it took 8 hours; that's what you get for travelling on Friday the 13th! Rockabilly rave is held in a Pontins holiday centre at Camber Sands East Sussex. We finally got to the rave on the night, had some food, got ready and headed out for a wild first night. On the first night I wore my black animal print double breasted wiggle dress from Lindybop. Seeing the variety of dresses and take on rockabilly/1950's style that people had was crazy, whether it be in a wiggle dress or in a full petti coat circle dress no-one was the same.

There were so many couples who could jive I your socks off, I could watch them do there thing for ages. After a long night of bopping (and some uncomfortable blisters) Saturday arrives swiftly, for the Saturday I wore a navy trouser jumpsuit, white wedges, white cat-eye sunglasses and my large blue and white round sun hat (it felt like a real Jane Russell number!) as a mad car fan this was my only goal for the morning; there was such a variety of classic cars I was in heaven, the Pontiac was a car to die for. After listening to a couple of bands during the day we headed back to the room for a much needed siesta! Outside we had a mini part with a neighbouring chalet, ukuleles were out in revenge; it was so refreshing to meet so many friendly people. Saturday night i finally got to showcase my new mint green and white floral dress that's been waiting for the rave to come, I bought the dress off eBay from a lady in Yorkshire who hand makes them; if your interested her name is Sherrybaby. To ensure that my halter neck and bolero could be seen and fully appreciated I went for a curls on top hair do which I will include on another blog post. Although I'm not a keen jiver I'm a mean bopper, so comfies had to been worn on my feet and Bill Haley's classic 

13 women had to be asked for!

Had to get a picture with a classic Pontiac, favourite car of all time!

Sunday soon came along which involved car boot shopping and a browse through the upstairs market; managed to bag myself a new gingham top, western circle skirt, the most gorgeous blue lily hair accessory, new bag and bits of jewellery. After a bopping and drinking packed weekend it was finally time to head home, it was defiantly money well spent and I thoroughly recommend that anyone interested into the rockabilly/50's hype attends; as someone who lives in Birmingham there's very few events available so an event like the rave is really refreshing, I'm already saving for the next one and booked in for Rhythm Riot in November! 

My first pair of Freddie's of Pinewood jeans and im totally in love with the brand, they make you feel a million dollars! Defiantly not going to be my only pair!

Managed to haggle the man down from £25 to £20, as my nan said take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of you!