Wednesday 27 February 2013

Update to www.queenofthreads.co.uk

Just a quick little post to tell everone that we are now accepting card payments directly on our website www.queenofthreads.co.uk - up until now customers have only been able to use Paypal or Google Checkout so this will make things easier for lots of people. Do have a look at all our lovely items xx

Sunday 24 February 2013

Winter Warmers

I start longing for Spring around October 1st. The prospect of a long, shivery winter is really depressing and I am definitely more into sunshine and flowers than log fires and snowmen. That being said, winter does afford one big bonus, and that is the opportunity to rock a variety of big, cosy jumpers. Ahhh, jumpers - I've literally lived in either a onesie or sweater since November. I'm such a cold bones and so the bigger, thicker and woolier the better. I have tons and tons in the shop as they are just so popular. If you're a vintage kind of a gal then this cream aran wool cardi has got to float your boat. So easy to wear ( chuck on over a shirt or jeans, layer over a little dress...anything really) and supremely cosy

Vintage Aran Cream Cardigan

Likewise, this ribbed knit number in beige is just PERFECT for the 90s grunge revival and will keep you toasty as its 100% wool. Neutral beige, it will lend itself to a cute print collar peeping out over the neck.


Vintage Beige Wool Ribbed Knit Jumper

I know some of you though prefer something a bit more modern and there are tons of cute motif jumpers on the high street at the moment like this Exclamation Mark Sweater from New Look. As seen on Towie's Lauren Pope and now sold out - we have one ready for you to snap up!

New Look Towie Exclamation Mark Jumper 

I also love this pink chunky knit from ASOS. It has rows of iridescent pink sequin discs so adds a bit of girly glam as well as keeping you warm. A great every day jumper and in really brilliant condition

ASOS Pink Sequin Jumper


There are lots more jumpers on the Queen of Threads website - www.queenofthreads.co.uk or of course you can come and vist us at our boutique at 31 High Street, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8AR. Find us on Facebook here www.facebook.com/queenofthreads and follow @queenofthreads1 on Twitter.

Hope everyone has a great Sunday

Helen xx



Tuesday 19 February 2013

All about the vintage.....

Morning all. We have a photo-shoot for ASOS Marketplace planned today so I've been scanning through some fashion blogs and vintage boutiques for styling ideas. I love how ASOS Marketplace encourages their sellers to be fashion forward and edgy. All photos must be modelled and so I'm really trying to put together whole outfits for the Marketplace boutique photography and create some great looks. Check out the results of the shoot later today at https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/queen-of-threads later on today

Ok, so I think I mentioned that I was planning on doing a bit of upcycling yesterday on the vintage cabinets I picked up last week. I got as far as buying the primer, masking tape and brushes! I only have one day off a week from the shop so I try and cram everything in and alas, there wasn't time to get going with any ACTUAL painting. But I did think about it an awful lot, so that counts right? Just like I thought about making a lemon drizzle cake, sewing some repairs, tackling the laundry..... I can't wait for Spring and the lighter evenings so I can get more done. And I'm dying to wear something other than a jumper!

We got some nice photos for ASOS taken last week, mostly of our vintage finds. Whilst I love high street fashion, my heart really belongs to vintage. I just love the thought of finding a one off piece that no-one else will have and adding it to a Topshop/Miss Selfridge/ Primark piece and getting a really unique outfit.  I got this 
Vintage Embroidered High Waist Skirt

skirt a couple of weeks ago and styled it with a little Miss Selfridge crop blouse. So inappropriate for Feb, but y'know, I live in hope. 
Vintage 1990s Tribal Print Grunge Midi Skirt

Adore this 90s midi too. I styled it here with a gold lurex high neck crop, but it would be just as good for the colder weather teamed with a pair of tights,shirt and jumper and a pair of chunky boots like


Deena and Ozzy (Urban Outfitters) Chunky Suede Boots

these beauts from Urban Outfitters ( did I mention they are only £14.99? No? Well, they are - bargain!). I think quite a few peeps used to be a bit scared of vintage but its had such a renaissance in the last few years that now its the norm for any fashion forward chap or chappess to have just as much vintage in their wardrobe as new. Which makes my job SO much easier - hurrah!

Helen xxx





Sunday 17 February 2013

Early mornings and new finds

A very bleary eyed good morning all.....I am seriously sleep deprived at the moment thanks to a snoring husband on Saturday night and a poorly dog last night. At 5am I gave up all hope of getting any rest so thought I may as well do some work - I might be tired but today will be a productive one!

I have SO much to do in the shop as we picked up some beautiful new stock this weekend. It all needs to be photographed for ASOS Marketplace, Facebook and the website - I'm hoping the gorgeous weather we had yesterday will stay so I can get some good pictures with our model. Got some seriously gorgeous items so am looking forward to putting them out for sale. Amongst other beauts are

this Topshop lace bodycon skirt in a Size 8. I love the nude colour and slight ruching. Really pretty with a cream crop top and nude heels for a night out. Its available in store or on our website here http://www.queenofthreads.co.uk/ourshop/prod_2496212-Topshop-Lace-Bodycon-Mini-Skirt-8.html

I also got these fab River Island jelly sandals 
in a Size 8/41. I might be a bit optimistic in getting our summer stock in already, but these were so lovely that I couldn't resist. Buy those here http://www.queenofthreads.co.uk/ourshop/prod_2497066-River-Island-Tortoiseshell-Leopard-Print-Jelly-Sandals-78.html

To cancel out the summer sandals in February (!) I thought I'd better replenish our coat stock. Faux fur has been SO popular this winter and I got this gorgeous vintage leopard print number

I love the swing style and how cosy this looks. I also managed to get it for a great price which means I can sell it really reasonable at £25! Bargain - buy it here http://www.queenofthreads.co.uk/ourshop/prod_2496264-Vintage-Faux-Fur-Leopard-Print-Swing-Coat-Size-1012.html


I'm planning a bit of a revamp to the shop interior soon. When we opened we were really desperate to have the shop up and running before Christmas so some of our shelving and display ideas were temporary measures - which have now lasted over a year! We are always so busy that its been put off for so long, but no more! I really want to get it sorted properly over the next few weeks and have tons of ideas to get it looking its best. I picked up some vintage 1950s/60s display cabinets from a furniture dealer in London last week so am going to spend my day off tomorrow sanding and priming them ready to upcycle. They'll hopefully turn out how I want and will take pride of place in the main room of the shop to display shoes and accessories. I'll post the transformation progress on here - really looking forward to the creative process actually!

Ok, the sun is up so time for ANOTHER cup of tea and to get ready for a super busy day at Queen of Threads - speak to you all later 

Helen xx





Thursday 7 February 2013

www.queenofthreads.co.uk

Eeeeek! I can't believe its been so long since I posted on here. So sorry for the hiatus, but lots to fill everyone in on, so hopefully this will make for an interesting instalment to the blog at least...

Well, the big news is that we have launched our own website www.queenofthreads.co.uk ! Its very simple at the moment as I really just wanted to create an easy online shopping experience primarily for our Facebook followers. Its proving VERY popular already which is great. The idea is to allow those who can't get into the shop in Newport Pagnell to buy online - we deliver anywhere in the UK for a flat fee of £2.95 or buyers can opt to pick up in store at their convenience. Great for those who work during the week or have busy weekends and naturally for those who aren't local. I'm really pleased with it and hope lots of you make use of it. Its also keeping me very busy - there are around 150 items listed on it currently which is only about 20% of our stock so I'm adding more and more each day!

We also have been working on our ASOS Marketplace Boutique https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/queen-of-threads  . I started this just after we opened the shop and have been using it primarily to sell a few rarer vintage items which might not have the niche buyers here in the shop. I LOVE ASOS Marketplace - its far more fashion-orientated than Ebay and I love the variety of styles and looks. Here's a few of our current pieces

Vintage Biker Leather Jacket - £50
 
 
 
Vintage Cream Duffle Bag - £12
 
Vintage Pink Suede Skechers Boots - £20
 
 
 

 
So, we are kept nice and busy with online orders as well as off the peg purchases here in the shop. We are nearly a year and a half old now ( can't believe how quickly time flies ) and its onwards and upwards ! Hope lots of you take a look at the website and ASOS Marketplace - and if you haven't already, please like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/queenofthreads
 
Speak to you soon
 
Helen x