I really like this Helen Berman Pleated Flower Fascinator which is available from Urban Outfitters for  £59. This would look great with some red lipstick, your hair in a bun or chignon and a retro outfit.

Or go for another kind of vintage look with this bowler hat which is a snip at only £20 from Asos.com! It can go with a boho girly dress or blouse and high waisted skirt or you can also work an androgynous look with a jacket and jeans combination.

I have also picked out this black wool floppy hat to keep the sun or rain off your precious locks.  I like the brim on this hat and it is great for long hair and allows you to work a casual effortless look without trying too hard.

For those of you who are millinery enthusiasts, check out Stephen Jones’  website. If you managed to catch his exhibition at the V&A last year then you will be familiar with his work, he is truly one of the greatest hat makers from the UK – perfect for inspiration!

An antique can be defined as an old collectible item, which is often made desirable by its age, beauty, rarity, condition or many other unique features.

If you enjoy browsing such things at your leisure or are looking out for something in particular head down to Old Spitalfields Market on Thursday 22nd of July. Here you will find a diverse array of one off pieces of art, vintage fashion, jewellery and many more miscellaneous beauties.

Whatever you’re looking for there’s probably one kicking about the stalls – maybe even a coal holding bedpan or other night-time accessories to go with your new bedroom attire!

Here at Thinpurse we like to be thorough so in case you are otherwise engaged on Thursday fear not as there are plenty of vintage goodies to buy on the net as well, and below are some of our picks.

Taking vintage back to the times of Robin Hood and his merry men is this large leather purse belt from Topshop for £32. Which is perfect for festival goers and those of you who love the hands free revolution.

These fancy frill lace gloves show the more aesthetically pleasing side of vintage and can be obtained from New Look for just £4 in black, grey or sophisticated off-white.

Last but not least and a bit more retro than vintage, this Wonder Woman t-shirt is a fantastic find for those of you who like to reminisce. It’s from Yukka and is currently reduced to £14.

So whether you pop down to Spitalfields or grab one of these old time pieces let’s all take a step back in time and get in touch with our youth – or ancestors!

So let’s talk about nightwear.

Just because it’s dark and we will spend most of the time in varying levels of unconsciousness, there’s no reason to forget about fashion when you snuggle up in bed.

After all, locking yourself out of the house while grabbing the paper, dressed in tatty shorts and your ex-boyfriend’s stained t-shirt is not a good look for anyone.

So, here’s a range of summery night pieces to keep you looking great at your next surprise sleepover or retro pyjama party.

Lets start with a little bit of romance; this ruffle cup baby doll nightie from Charlotte & Co (£89) is flirty and feminine making it perfect for a blossoming romance or revitalising an old one.

This Angelica baby doll from Myla, currently reduced to £59 is a cute floaty option and the silk satin will help to cool your skin on those hot summer nights.

Getting a bit more basic we have this satin spot chemise from Oasis, which has been reduced to £20 and is made for comfort with the bow detail and rouched straps adding a splash of style.

Finally this Emmaline printed cotton nightshirt is perfect for those of you who love everything vintage and have a lot of style. You can get it from Bhs for the reduced price of £12.80.

Maybe if you wear this you’ll finally be able to pull off using that beautiful coal filled bed warmer that’s hanging around, or pick one up at a bargain charity shop.

With such a diverse array of nightwear on offer and soon to be in our closets, maybe we will finally stop having that naked at work nightmare!

Here at Thinpurse we aim to give you the best fashion tips and advice. We are prepared to go the extra mile (or thousand) to ensure that you are on trend wherever you go.  So here are some tips that I picked up last week in Hong Kong.

With a population of 7 million you have to go big if you want to standout in Hong Kong; despite this the beautiful woman of HK like to maintain their dignity and perfect skin with the help of umbrellas and lace.

With the hot and humid climate in Hong Kong trends must coordinate with the weatherman and there are plenty of styles back here in the UK to keep you looking and feeling cool too.

Starting simple we have this Miso Lace Blouse from Republic for just £19.99. The delicate piping and lace detail help to elongate your figure whilst the back-tying bow will pull in your waist giving a feminine and summery look.

This sheer ruffle tunic from Oli costing £33 offers you a way to cover up without overheating, the front ruffle and cute bow bringing a vintage vibe to a simple piece.

As well as sophisticated lace items, many draped pieces featured in Hong Kong, like this multi Mirjam Nitramorse print top from my-wardrobe.com. It’s a bit pricey at £165 but is a versatile piece and can be worn to dress up to dress down.

This final piece is my particular favourite, a waistcoat from All Saints that costs  £47.50. It has an interesting cut and beautiful detailing making it elegant and lovely like many of the women living and working in Hong Kong.

So even though east is east and we are west why not bring an oriental twist to your wardrobe and embrace your inner grace.

Everyone’s in short shorts

Legs are the new black – you better pray that your pre-summer squat and lunge regime has paid off!
The US girls are getting their tanned gams out, in the shortest of short denim cutoffs, and if you’ve got the guts, you can follow suit in a set of these:

These Bleach Frayed Hotpants, £25, are just the ticket for boho looks from Topshop; while the Stud Distressed Mini Shorts, now £15 from Dorothy Perkins are a little bit rock and roll, with an Americana flavour.

And *everyone* has their pockets out. It’s the ‘beyond distressed’ look – where it appears your shorts are actually falling apart. And the Soul Cal Deluxe Ripped Hotpants, £24.99, from Republic definitely have the look going on! They’re only available in size 14, so if that’s you – get in quick!

Wedges are the way to go

If there’s one thing New York is rocking right now – it’s the wedge! Seriously, if Carrie was strutting the streets, it’s what she’d be wearing!

We’re talking a classed-up wedge – without a platform heel, sleek and skinny is the look. I’ve found a little treasure trove at ASOS:

These Randal Buckle Wedges in black are just tough enough to work with pretty layers for summer days, and they’re a resonable £40.

The Bertie Stockholm Wedge Strappy Sandal at £75 is a little more pricey, but totally classic, so you’ll wear them ’til they’re worn out.

And for a pair that’s a little more expensive, but is undeniably cool – you can’t go past the Pace Buckle Wedges, £135 at Topshop.

And the last shot is a pair I spotted in an Aldo store in the US..but I can’t find on the website. Let me know if you spot them somewhere, I’m having major regret – I should have snapped them up when I saw them!

Other trends I spotted in America

• Handkerchief dresses are everywhere, and they look gorgeous! Who knew they’d make a return?
• Headbands. Apparently they’re still cool.

Love them or hate them, gladiator sandals are everywhere right now. Whether you want to show off your newly painted toenails or rock a bit of a boho chic kind of look then a pair of gladiators are the thing to go for.

But if you don’t want to follow the crowd – here are a couple of looks that’ll keep you cool without having to go glad!

Try these sandals on for size – with beaded detail, they are a pretty alternative to the classic strappy design which you can see all over the shelves in Topshop. These ones have been popular this season as Office’s online store is down to it’s last few pairs, at £55 reduced from £110, don’t be the one to miss out…

Or, you could check out these nautical sailor style espadrilles,  navy blue are my favourite colour from the choice of red and white alternatives and with a stitched on anchor as a quirky feature I think these really are a bit of fun. For only £15 these are an absolute must-have for a hot holiday as they will come in handy when you want to save your feet from the hot sand.

Or if you want a pair of slip on shoes for walking round and seeing the sights on a city break then these gorgeous pumps are to be snapped up immediately! I spied these a while ago when they were full price and now they have hit the sale I think I’m going to have to treat myself. These are a definite winner for this weeks bargains, at £20 who says that looking like Carrie Bradshaw has to be expensive?!

You might love them or hate them, but it’s hard to deny that they are a perfect item for keeping your legs cool in the summer heat.

The word itself is Turkish and refers to a forbidden place; which is to be expected as Harem pants are traditionally worn by belly dancers in the Middle East.

Like most items of clothing, inspiration has been taken from this traditional style and adapted for modern use. And after popularization of the pants in the 80’s by MC Hammer, they are back for a summer revival and below are some of our favourite picks.

In keeping with the suggestiveness of the original harem pant a lot of the current styles are making use of a wide variety of animal prints. At New Look they are no exception with these two great looking pairs; buttoned animal print trousers (£25) and printed harem pants (£20).
Continuing on the animal themed pants is Boohoo, which have these Python print harems for £15. This is just one example of the many harem styles at Boohoo, including some beautiful Princess Jasmine (from Aladdin) like harem jumpsuits.
As an option for those of you who are not on board Noah’s Ark, Warehouse has these ditsy printed trousers for £45 with a tailored shape and stretch waistband, the more feminine option.

So whether you want to get sexy and belly dance the night away or just relax in style, harem pants may be the perfect way to celebrate those hot Arabian nights.

There is an essential accessory that we at Thinpurse have failed to mention so far this summer and I’m sure you know what it is.
Sunglasses! An item that is much needed for all men and women out there, looking to impress in the summer sun or hide their eyes after a long night out.

One of the best things about sunglasses is the endless variety that is available, in an array of shapes, sizes and colours; allowing everyone to feel a little closer to the stars in some classic ray-bans or Kanye West inspired grill lenses!

I don’t think there is anything better than having a different pair of sunnies for every occasion in a range of colours, so below we have listed some of our favourite picks right now.

Firstly to bring a splash of colour to your outfit are these coral ‘classic fashion’ glasses from chemicaluk for £4.99. They would not look out of place at either a rave or just chilling on the beach.
Another bright offering from chemicaluk are these neon pink shutter lens / grill lens glasses for £4.99. They don’t offer much in the way of sun protection but sometimes looking cool is more important!

If you are after something a little more classic but still full of style there are these shades from Marni, which have been reduced to £135. The ripple-rim gives the frame something extra and the neutral colour will allow you to coordinate with an assortment of outfits.

My favourite pair from our selection are these high impact transparent geometric specs from Go British for £145. They are sure to impress, complete with great detail and fresh styling.

So now that the sun is appearing more and more lets welcome the old chap with some spectacular spectacles.

Wednesday night was the grand opening of a brilliant new jewellery exhibition called ‘Bling, Jewellery Stories from the East End’ at the V&A Museum of Childhood.

The opening attracted fashionistas, and locals alike, all in the name of celebrating the fabulousness of body adornment.   Based in the East End location of Bethnal Green this exhibition shows work from established jewellers modelled by locals as well as student work and work by schoolchildren.

The rich cultural and creative history of the East End means that this is an ideal location to demonstrate the diverse practices of  jewellery making.

Tatty Devine is part of the exhibition at the museum and their new collection references the bling and extravagantly glitzy outfits of the East End pearly kings and queens.  Their jewellery is still characteristic of the Tatty Devine we know and love but the theme was distinctly rooted in the historic location of the East End which makes this collection extra special.

Here is a selection from the exhibition which you can purchase for yourself by browsing though their online shop or popping in to their real life boutique right at the end of Brick Lane.

I love Tatty Devine’s Gilbert & George range which was on display and I particularly like this blue silhouette necklace which is priced at £24. Both the artists Gilbert & George live locally as they have been based on Brick Lane for a number of years and so are particularly appropriate for inclusion within the ‘Bling’ exhibition.

I also spotted this Pearly King brooch £33 with sewn on buttons; it’s a great statement piece. I like the way it incorporates quirky emblems such as a horseshoe which symbolises luck, and bells which represent the East End church of  St Mary Le Bow. This brooch is just gorgeous to polish off an evening outfit and has a great story behind it at the same time.

Complete the set with this Pearly ring £33 which is definitely worth saving your pennies for. This ring is a little bit chunky but pretty and dainty at the same time, it features a white button and white border on a black background which would coordinate perfectly with the Pearly King brooch.

So go get inspired at the Museum of Childhood this summer, feast your eyes on the wonderfully decorative jewellery they have on display and then become a part of the bling revolution, and who says you have to be from East London to join in?

In the days of old, modesty was key and even though we want to get tanned and minimise our white bits it’s important to keep our decency.

Take Marilyn Monroe for example or Brigitte Bardot – these women were known for their beauty and seductive manner without having to flash a nipple or incur an up-skirt pap shot!

So for this summer let’s take a leaf out of their book and keep the men guessing about what’s underneath our swimsuits!

There are plenty of beautiful one-pieces and classy tankinis out
there; and below, you’ll find some of our favourites.

Urban Outfitters have a fantastic range of classic and quirky swimwear for the classy lady and these three items are the cream of the crop.
This Bondi bathers one piece with a front bow is a bit pricey at £75. However, I’m sure that despite the plain colour you will be the only bather rocking such a stylish take on a classic.

Another offering from Bondi bathers is this Sally crossback bikini with high-waisted bottoms and a thick strapped top which is perfect for those with a lighter skin tone.

The final offering from Urban Outfitters is this sailor bikini for £64. The nautical theme is all the rage right now and teamed with a high waisted style it really brings that ’30s vibe to your beach attire.

This last find is from House of Fraser, an amazingly beautiful Ted swimsuit for £59.

It has a ’40s theme and the flowery pattern is really on trend at the moment.

So don’t worry if you’re a bit shy by the pool, there are still plenty of ways to flaunt your beauty and style whilst maintaining your dignity.