Bobby & Dandy Vintage

March 31, 2012

This week, i realised a childhood dream! With business partner Simon Bridger,  i have opened up a vintage clothing boutique! Simon also co- owns Immediate (Sydney Street, Brighton), a shop in which i have been involved with for some time now.

We shall be selling men’s and women’s fashions from the 1940s to 1980s. Presently for the ladies, we have 1980s party dresses, 1950s day dresses, elegant gloves, frame handbags, faux fur coats and net fascinator hats.  And for men, Harris Tweed blazers, wax jackets, cable knit sweaters, Church’s brogues, loafers and a great selection of Levis. Simon’s wealth of knowledge in menswear is exceptional and, combined with my 20 years of wearing vintage, i feel we make a formidable team!

Bobby & Dandy is situated at 18 Blatchington Road, Hove, (East Sussex).  It is just along from Department Flea Market - this is full of vintage gems such as bric- a-brac, furniture and clothing and also well worth a browse.

Our Bobby & Dandy boutique is already taking shape, so i thought i would post a few photos taken on the first day of opening…

We are also stockists of The Chap magazine, so feel free to come along to pick up your copy of the brilliant bi- monthly publication.

Please check out the lovely Vintage Brighton feature on Bobby & Dandy.

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Vintage Clothing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Vintage Life Magazine

February 23, 2012

There is a three- page article on the brilliant Southern Retro, which features myself, in this month’s Vintage Life Magazine. Southern Retro is the project of Brighton- based designer and photographer Mat Kellar.  The collection is an on- going venture documenting individuals whose passion for the past extends beyond fashion trends and is a part of their everyday life.

Over a year ago, I was pleased to be Mat’s first subject and it’s exciting to see how far the project has developed since. If you “live and breathe vintage everyday of your life” and would like to be involved, contact Mat at info@southern retro.com.

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Modeling, Photography, Vintage Clothing | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Setting up a Vintage Boutique

February 16, 2012

 

 

I have given some tips on setting up a vintage boutique, alongside fellow enthusiasts Beyond Retro, Kate & Aud, Super+Super, Hope & Harlequin, Wooden Hill Vintage and Lovely’s Vintage Emporium.

These handy tips can be seen on the brilliant Vintage Brighton website.

 

Photo: by Kate & Aud

 

 

 

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Russ Bell Photography: Shoot to Kill

February 13, 2012

 

Brighton photographer Russ Bell has a new website!  It features some fabulous pin- up and burlesque photos, as well as quirky portraits of local characters such as Dolly Rocket, Boogaloo Stu, Michael Attree, Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer, Gustav Temple and Honey Moon.

Having worked with Russ myself, i highly recommend him if you are looking to have some cool photos taken!  Email: photos@shootstokill.com

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Brighton Fashion Week: Sussex Fashion Society

December 7, 2011

I thought i would show you some images taken at last week’s Brighton Boutique Fashion Show.  All garments were sourced by Bobby Sox Vintage and are available for purchase at Immediate, 34 Sydney Street, Brighton.

Photography by Malcom Tam.

1950s Striped Cotton Day Dress, £40.00.

1980s Hand- Knit Wool Cardigan, £18.00.

 

1950s Lilac Checked Day Dress with Matching Bolero, £40.00.

1960s Lemon Chiffon Neck Scarf, £4.00.

 

 

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Photography, Vintage Clothing | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Vintage Brighton Advent Calendar

December 3, 2011

Vintage Brighton have hand-picked 25 gifts perfect for Christmas – one for each day of December, including a stunning 1940s Whiting & Davis evening bag from Bobby Sox. All products have been locally- sourced, traded or produced.

Each day this month, an individual advent calendar item will be featured on the Vintage Brighton website, as well as their Twitter and Facebook page.  Illustrations are by Estelle Morris.

    1. 1.Crocheted bird necklace by Thread Army, £25- www.vintageowlboutique.com
    2. 2.Gold lame crochet collar by Amy Phipps, £60- www.etsy.com/shop/missamyphipps
    3. 3.Owl bangle by Kate & Aud, £14.99 – www.kateandaud.com
    4. 4.Hand-made cake stand by Lost & Foundry, £25 – www.lostandfoundry.co.uk
    5. 5.Up-cycled Ladybird notebooks by Bookish England, £12 – www.bookishengland.co.uk
    6. 6.Felt fox key-ring by Little Things I Make, £5 – www.etsy.com/shop/LittleThingsiMake
    7. 7.Pudding bunting by Handmade by Lucy Lu, £25 – www.handmadebylucylu.co.uk
    8. 8.Santa Baby knickers by Frantic about Frances, £40 – www.franticaboutfrances.co.uk
    9. 9.Holly bunting by Handmade by Lucy Lu, £25 – www.handmadebylucylu.co.uk
    10. 10.Printed cushion by Laura Oakes, £75.00 – www.lauraoakes.co.uk
    11. 11.Bernie jumper by Lady K Loves, £35 – www.lady-k-loves.com
    12. 12.Gold bag by Bobby Sox Vintage, £49.99 – http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Bobby-Sox-Vintage-Clothing
    13. 13.Retro biker couple print by Micro Niche, £7.50 – www.etsy.com/people/microniche
    14. 14.Epos cat eye glasses by Frames in the Lanes, £199 – www.framesinthelanes.com
    15. 15.Vintage fabric cufflinks by Jessie Jumbles, £7.50 – www.etsy.com/shop/jessiejumbles
    16. 16.Feather headband by Little Wings, £20 – www.littlewingsaccessories.com
    17. 17.Limited edition Vogue paper-cut by Lou Taylor, £50 – www.lou-taylor.co.uk
    18. 18.Velvet shift dress by Tramp, £85 – www.trampvintageclothing.com
    19. 19.Vintage fabric hairclips by Jessie Jumbles, £4 – www.etsy.com/shop/jessiejumbles
    20. 20.Silver prom dress by Super+Super, £60 -https://marketplace.asos.com/seller/supersuper/collection
    21. 21.Vintage pin-cushion teacup by Vintage Owl Boutique, £12 – www.vintageowlboutique.com
    22. 22.Fox face tote by Little Things I Make, £12 – www.etsy.com/shop/LittleThingsiMake
    23. 23.1950s enamel casserole dish by Nana Dobbie, £25 – www.nanadobbie.com
    24. 24.Flowers for Life lampshade by Laura Oakes, £45 – www.lauraoakes.co.uk
    25. 25.Love Scrabble broach by Bookish England, £8 – www.bookishengland.co.uk

 

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Publicity, Vintage Clothing | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Brighton Boutique Fashion Show

November 25, 2011

 

Sussex Fashion Society’s first fashion production is here. Brighton Boutique Fashion Show takes place on Thursday 1st December at The Basement, Kensington Street, Brighton.
It features collections from Immediate Clothing & Bobby Sox Vintage, Tramp Vintage, Beyond Retro, Snooper’s Attic, Vacant, Oh My Honey and Beyond Skin.  There will also be a live performance from the University of Sussex street dance troupe Voom Ka.
The event will be at The Basement, Kensington St, Brighton. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Tickets cost £7 and include entry to the after party at Green Door Store and all proceeds go to Breast Cancer Care.

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Vintage Clothing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Dancing Debuts

November 1, 2011

Brighton’s White Night took place on Saturday, with an evening of more than 70 quirky and creative events in the city. I am so pleased to have been involved in the festival this year, by performing as part of both Venus Fly Taps and Vintage Chorus Line.

Each of the troupes had their debut at the event.  It was so much fun dancing Busby Berkeley- style to ‘We’re in the Money’ with all the Vintage Chorus Line girls! We shimmied and twirled our giant gold coins in the scenic surroundings of Pavilion Gardens, as part of Hope Springs Eternal. And our choreographer sweetly gave us gold foil- covered chocolate coins to say thank you!

But, more nerve- wracking than that, was the public debut of Venus Fly Taps!  We danced as part of Sussex Swing at The Alternative Village Fete. I had been rehearsing the 1930s/40s- inspired choreography for several months and really wanted to perform well.  Thankfully, stage fright was overcome and Flo, Crystal and myself were pleased with our performance, as well as its reception.  Probably due to my time touring as a circus costumier and showgirl, i felt quite at home in that polka dotted Big Top!

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Follow Venus Fly Taps here or, if you would like to book us for an event, please contact Crystal on 07783 866126.

And if you would like to attend one of Flo Harman’s Vintage Chorus Line Workshops, you can find information on classes here.

 

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Burlesque, Cabaret, Performance, Tap Dancing, Vintage Dance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Frockabilly & Vavavavoom!

July 20, 2011

Brighton club nights Frockabilly and Vavavavoom! will be joining forces to kick off Pride weekend, with an ‘Out of This World’ extravaganza!

In aid of raising money for MindOut (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Mental Health Project), the night will feature a cornucopia of delights including Stella Starr & the All Stars, a Sailor Jerry- style tattoo parlour, two dance floors, burlesque cabaret… and a vintage clothes stall by Bobby Sox!

As well as this, DJ Lonesome M, Citizen Lane and Dusty Groove Jukebox Show will be spinning 1950s rock ‘n’ roll tunes to keep us dancing.

Space age fancy dress is encouraged and a prize will be be presented to the best-dressed (think astronaut/intergalactic explorer/space-babe/alien/​robot).

The event takes place at the Latest Music Bar, Friday 12th August, 8pm- 2am.  Tickets cost £8 (in adv)/ £10 (on the door).

 

What a treat!” (The Source)
“…a guaranteed good time.” (Curve Magazine)
‘Pick of the Week’ (The Guardian Guide)

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Burlesque, Cabaret, Vintage Clothing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

1930s Chorus Line Workshop

July 20, 2011

Have you ever watched the chorus dance in those old Hollywood musicals and thought “That looks like the best job in the world”?

My friend Flo, from the Venus Fly Taps, is inviting you to live the 1930s chorus girl dream for an afternoon!

In this workshop, you will be taught a short routine inspired by the chorus lines of Busby Berkeley. Fantastic patterns and shapes will be created by working together and using simple steps, all done with 1930s flair to a vintage soundtrack.

The workshop costs £10 and takes place in the Hanover area, Brighton.

To book your place, contact Flo at flo_harman@yahoo.co.uk.

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Burlesque, Cabaret, Film, Performance, Vintage Dance | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Boogie Woogie Bugle Girls

June 22, 2011

I’ve had quite an exciting start to the week, having performed in not one but *two* dance shows!   As part of the Brighton College end- of- term show, my tap class performed a routine, expertly choreographed by Drew Wood.

Our outfits were in keeping with the chosen song, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, famously sung by The Andrews Sisters during World War II.  I enjoyed wearing the military costumes, especially the little army hats.  All topped off with a slick of bright red lipstick for some vintage glamour, of course!

Learning to deal with stage nerves, by viewing my feelings of fear as excitement instead, was great practice- Especially with a forthcoming Venus Fly Taps‘ debut! (pictured above).

 

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Performance, Tap Dancing, Vintage Dance | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

I Heart Vintage Acrobatic & Novelty Dance

June 7, 2011
YouTube Preview Image

Since taking classes as a child, i have been enthralled by dance.  Tap, Ballet, Lindy Hop, Jive, Charleston, Broadway, Disco… i love it all.

Then, following working as a costumier and dancer in a traveling circus, i became charmed by the acrobats, trapeze artists, rope walkers and contortionists… These amazingly talented people left me awestruck.  As did the costumes involved- leotards dripping with sequins, diamante encrusted jackets, tailcoats and feather headdresses.  I loved the showy otherworldliness of the whole experience.

As soon as i returned home from tour, inspired the idea of by performance and skill, i began to learn tap dancing again.  I’m intending to perform later this year with The Venus Fly Taps.  (Unfortunately, acrobatics will not be involved as i cannot even cartwheel.)

It comes as no surprise then, that i feel i’ve found my passion- Vintage Acrobatic and Novelty Dance!

This combines my love of circus, costume and dance… as well as my interest in vintage film, glamour, 1930s- 1950s music and vaudeville- all with a heavy dose of humour too!

Here are a selection of some of my favourite film clips of acrobatic and novelty dance.  If you haven’t already seen them, you’re in for a treat!

 

YouTube Preview ImageChain Gang Tap Dance by The Holst Sisters (Amuse Yourself, 1936)

 

YouTube Preview ImageThe awesome acrobatics of Miriam LaVelle (Seven Days Ashore, 1944)

 

YouTube Preview ImageThe tap dancing majorette, Betty Atkinson (Night in a Music Hall, 1939))

 

YouTube Preview ImageAn acrobatic dance troupe (1937)

 

YouTube Preview ImageDrumming and tap dancing, Denett & Dae (Varsity Vanities, 1940)

 

YouTube Preview ImageThe Dior Dancers (Sunday Night at the London Palladium, late 1950s/early 1960s)

 

YouTube Preview ImageTap dancer extraordinaire, Eleanor Powell and a trained Dog (Lady Be Good, 1941)

 

 

 

 

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Burlesque, Cabaret, Film, Performance, Tap Dancing, Vintage Dance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Featured in Grazia Magazine!

June 5, 2011

 

I am very excited to have appeared in this week’s Grazia magazine (6th June 2011).  In her column, Lauren Laverne speaks about Wayne Hemmingway’s Vintage Festival, which comes to London’s Southbank next month.

“Vintage isn’t just about clothes these days,” says Lauren, “It’s become shorthand for a creative spirit and an informed but independent mind.  From music and dance to furniture, fashion and film, the past informs our present culture in mind- scramblingly multi- layered ways.  I’m no nostalgist- it’s about raising our rose- tinted glasses to the future: celebrating great ideas and adapting them to suit a new world.”

The photo featured is one of myself and Michael Atters Attree at last year’s Vintage at Goodwood.  I am wearing a vintage 1940s Pierrot playsuit which has been on long loan to me by Natasha Khan of Bat For Lashes.

I shall be attending the festival again this year as part of The Chap Magazine, taking part in “Britain’s most eccentric sporting event”, the brilliant Chap Olympiad on each of the three days. Do come along and join in the games!

 

 

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Photography, Publicity, Vintage Clothing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

A Paranormal Performance!

May 10, 2011

Last night, i enjoyed being a part of Atters Attree’s Paranormal Terrors show, as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival.  The Alive And Swinging show took place at the Komedia and featured several local burlesque artistes.

Flo Harman and myself, both of the Venus Fly Taps dance trio, had a lot of fun performing as conjoined ghost twins, resurrected from their 1930′s grave.  It was no mean feat, dancing attached to each other- and beneath a sheet- but i think the obscured view of the audience may have aided the stage nerves!

The show also featured the burlesque delights of chanteuse Miss Spooks (Laura Nixon), The Flirtinis (unveiling a brilliant new cross- dressed routine), Miss Honey Moon and the Ophelia Fancy Girls.  A spooky and chucklesome time was had by all!

 

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Burlesque, Cabaret, Performance, Tap Dancing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

A Right Hoot at The Regency Hotel

May 2, 2011

 

I had lots of fun last night at the Regency Hotel, Brighton. Burlesque acts such as Coco Deville, Lady Jardin, Therese Le Tease and Miss Honey Moon performed at ‘A Right Royal Hoot’.  And, alongside Frankie Cluney, i modeled some of Ophelia Fancy’s gorgeous bridal lingerie. http://opheliafancy.com/news/

Photos by Lucy Clougherty.

By Donna Grimaldi | Posted in Burlesque, Cabaret, Modeling, Performance | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)