Living just off the Gloucester Road in Bristol I am totally spoilt for independent stores. In fact it’s one of the reasons I moved here. I love that when I have a friend’s birthday coming up I know I can walk just five minutes up the road and pick out a present made and sold by a local designer or craftsperson.
I am really happy then this month to be bringing you a competition from The Dressing Room to celebrate Independent Retailer Month. The campaign highlights the important role smaller, local, independent retailers play in the communities they serve, the local economy they contribute to, and in the retail sector as a whole.
According to the Centre for Local Economic Strategies for every £1 that is spent with a local, independent business, between 50p-70p circulates back into that local economy. Buying locally supports local traders, their suppliers and the people they depend on to run their businesses. Buying locally boosts the local economy, rebuilding confidence in the community, enabling local businesses to prosper and grow.
Besides, isn’t it just nicer to know you are supporting a real person, their livelihood and their family, wherever they are, rather than a massive faceless organisation?
In the spirit of all things indie The Dressing Room, an online indie fashion boutique, are giving one of my readers £150 to spend on their gorgeous American Vintage range. The range is full of really stylish but practical pieces in beautiful colours. One of my favourite items is this jacket, called the ‘Fayettville printed pineapple jacket’ because, believe it or not, of all the places in the US, I have actually been to Fayettville! It’s just down the road from where I drank my milkshake.
If you’d like to win £150 to spend on new clothes (obvious question of the day) then just get friendly with the little widget below. The competition will close at the end of Indie Retailer Month on 31st July.
My favourite item of clothing has to be a pair of vintage jeans ( they must be vintage now due to the time I have had them) Sometimes, you just find the perfect fit and never want to part with them!
These last few days – my maxi dresses.
My fav item of clothing is a vintage lace minidress I bought in the late 90 s in LA!
i love my maxi dresses
i love my maxi dresses look good little effort :)
I love my jeans, so comfy but sadly not to be too much longer on this earth.
My favourite item of clothing is my red bandeau dress, it really hides all those lumpy bits!
My favourite item is my vintage, black broderie anglais wrap dress. It is so 50’s, I love it!
I love my maxi dresses, summery without having to worry what my pasty legs look like!! x
It will be t shirt. I like free and easy.
I have a gorgeous vintage Cath Kidston tea dress – it is so comfortable and feminine!
My favourite item of clothing has got to be my print dress. Very flattering length and really cool for summer. Has such nice comments about it.
Mine is the pair of jeans that i’ve had for about 30 years and yes i can still get in them!
my levis, had for years & love them to bits
LEGGINGS BECAUSE I CAN DRESS THEM UP WITH A LOVELY TOP FOR THE EVENING OR HAVE A SLOPPY T-SHIRT FOR CASUAL WEAR.
I love my maxi dress as it is very feminine and flattering
I love summer as I get to wear lots of floaty dresses that cover everything – always a bonus when you’ve had two kids!!
Goodness me – this will bring a lot of comments! I loved wearing my 40s style vintage – y dress to a wedding on Saturday. Had a lovely bow all set for my hair too but was told by my daughter that it was an accessory for a 3-year old…
My favourite item of clothing is a purple tunic from Wierd Fish that I bought last summer on a lovely beach holiday in North Wales. It’s flattering and reminds me of my hols.
My black skirt as I can wear it with any top.
Love the vintage jeans!!
I love wearing my topshop paisley maxi dress as a skirt by tucking the top part in
I am frazzeled looking after the kids and would love to get some new threads
my favourite item of clothing is my denim dungaree shorts i love ’em!!!!
It’s not very interesting but I love my skinny jeans. I feel most comfortable when I’m wearing them and I know I can dress them up or down to suit any occasion!
A pair of jeans size 24 – I am now a size 14 and look at these jeans as motivation….to never go back to my previous size!
my jeans
i love my maxi dress perfect for any occasion
I LOVE American Vintage! My favorite item right now is the King Sweater – it’s so comfy (and not too warm, but just warm enough for cooler evenings.) Perfection. :)
My favourite item is a vintage dress i bought from a charity shop
I love my leather jacket, it has to be my best purchase, it goes with everything, adds warmth but still stylish and adds some edge to girly outfits! x
I love my tea dresses. Cath Kidston strawberry print being my favourite :)
My jeans :-)
Probably the size 8 50s glamour style wedding dress I have never worn ( I found out I was pregnant not long after buying it and was 6 months pregnant when we got married!!!) and now i am a size14 so doubt I will wear it to renew our vows (which I continue to say I will!).
JEANS!
Love vintage dresses with lace on
I love thick warm winter jumpers
I love to wear a vintage leather or suede jacket!
Ooh gorgeous jacket – perfect for this lovely sunshine we’re having! Lush! x
jeans and t-shirt
I love my maxi dresses, so cool and flattering x
My favourite item of clothing right now is my black yoga bottoms from M&S. They are lovely, soft and comfortable. Plus they look smart too so I can easily wear them to work as well.
love the little black dress… you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion!
My favourite item is a coral tea dress which has been perfect for this little summer we are having!
a nice christmas jumper. so cute
A maxi dress I very nearly didn’t buy but am so glad I did as have had lots of compliments when I have worn it!
i love my skinny jeans and how well they fit me makes me feel good in them
My playsuits, I can wear them in the summer and in the winter with tights, so versatile
Love my maxi dresses – just put on and off you go
my fantasie bras being a gg/h cup i need good scaffolding and always feel so much more confident in my fantasie bras but as they on average cos me £40 i have to buy some cheaper ones too
I have a black long top with a huge crystal cross on the front which I absolutely love
I have a vintage Laura Ashley ditsy tea dress, I wear it to 1940’s re-enactments & other times too, timeless!
I still love my mini!!!
Now the weather is hot my purple maxi dress is my favourite. Cool and stylish x
My favourite item of clothing is my red dress. Red is my colour!!
Love the black broderie anglais wrap dress :)
I have a lovely summer dress I bought many years ago. Admittedly, it did cost me a fortune, but it is so beautiful. The bright colours have never faded and it doesn’t date. Every year I get asked where I purchased it.
Leggings that I’ve still got from the 80’s! They’re still in good condition and are so versatile
Sad I know but it is my pj’s
I’m a bloke so I don’t like wearing dresses, but entering for my much better half
its got to be shoes that shimmer
and tops that glitter
all these clothes are a winner
My favourite item of clothing is a lovely summer dress that I have had for more years than I can remember from M & S. It’s bright yellow with pink and blue flowers and always makes me feel summery and happy
my wife would look great in the black broderie anglais wrap dress
My wife has a great racing green blazer
I love my Hawaiian shorts I live in them daily.
My Sloggi boxers as they aren’t a pretentious style statement, but mould well and only one special person gets to see me in them
i love my very lived in pair of jeans that have been with me many years and i still love them x
My Ted Baker skinny jeans :)
my favourite part of my wardrobe is my leathers! I have everything, trousers, long skirts, short skirts and dresses!
i love the maxi dresses especially in this weather. xx
I love my jeans, as I can dress them up or down. Over the last few weeks though, I’m particularly loving my white jeans as it’s not often the weather’s good enough for me to wear them without getting them muddy!
I love my 10 year old Topshop jeans bought. Bought them whilst in uni such a nice fit to them and the length is perfect for my long legs.
My fave item is my cobalt blue vest top – sounds silly but I feel more confident in it and brings out the redness of my hair which I love
love maxi dresses in this lovely weather
Anything loose for my wife, she don’t do tight lol
My favourite item is my Ralph Lauren chambray shirt dress I bought in the States about 10 yrs ago. It is comfy and stylish and is perfect for any summer occasion.
A great pair of jeans is my fave…feel amazing in them!
My favourite item of clothing is a black jersey maxi skirt.
I have a purple and lilac silk pashmina which is gorgeous and always makes me feel special
My favourite item at the moment is my original 70s Brutus denim waistcoat.
I have a pink summer top that I’ve owned for years and love too much to chuck!
my fave item is my denim jacket its perfect for chilly days out in the UK !
I love my skull and roses dress – unfortunately it is too small for me now so I need to drop 2 dress sizes before I can wear it again – thats incentive!
My favourite piece of clothing, would have to be my jeans. they go with everything, and I seem to live in them!
I have a 1950’s blue and white dress which I adore
I love my jeans- but a bit hot for them at the mo :)
A pair of denim shorts I bought about 10 years ago and I still wear them – and haven’t found any I like more! :)
my rockabilly dress
My black and white mullet skirt. Especially in the recent weather we’ve been having. Can rock it with any top and a nice pair of heels or trainers.
A pair of flowery patterned skinny silky trousers from H&M. They are so comfy, and can be worn smart or casual.
My favourite is my 1980s vintage green zipped jacket. I don’t wear it very often but when I do, I feel great!
My favourite item of clothing is an ancient black t-shirt with a butterfly on the front. It’s pretty faded but is really comfy and I still love the print.
an vintage clothing I love
Just ONE item?!lol I love my studded leather jacket. It’s just so versatile & I would wear it 24/7 if I could! I’ve only had it since xmas-a present from my beloved, carefully ‘selected’ by me & a bargainous £40 from ASOS! I just know it will look even better with age & I can pass it on to my daughter one day. :0)
At the moment I am always in my bright turquoise shorts so I would have to say they are my current favorite!
A RALPH lauren black jacket, picked it up in a charity shop and it goes with evrything
My Barbour Jacket for dog walking
My favourite item of clothing is my floral Summer tunic. So feminine and retro, super cool for this weather. I am loving the AMERICAN VINTAGE Fay Printed Skirt – Indigo. Gorgeous x
……. my linen trousers
My favourite item of clothing is my jeans
At the moment it’s my long black maxi dress perfect for this weather and looks good with some cool sandals
I love tropical print leggings :)
http://www.the-dressingroom.com/item/American-Vintage/Jacksonville-Short-Sleeve-Top-Blackberry/2VQG this looks to be SO flattering! With love, Faye xx
I have a lovely black and cream chiffon dress that I’ve had for almost 10 years. It’s never gone out of style and is flattering even on the worst days :)
I love my maxi dresses ,and I am so pleased they are still in style this Summer !
my stripy vest top
American Retro Terry Sweater – Grey! :)
I love vintage clothes and especially like the pineapple jacket from The Dressing Room. Perfect for the summer worn with a vintage dress.
My massive fluffy jumper!
A top I got from H&M the other day, pretty and covers all the lumps and bumps!
Lincoln Silk Shirt because I’m obsessed with anything Hawaiian inspired! :)
Dresses, all year round.
Match them with cute flats in summer and boots, tights and jackets in the winter. Sorted. (:
At the moment – my maternity combats – they’re so comfy, even at 39 weeks pregnant!
My favourite item of clothing is my Summer dress which I have finally been able to wear in this lovely weather
a good fitting pair of jeans!
I have a beautiful black skater dress covered in tiny anchors & I love it.
My favourite is my leather jacket – so versatile, it works with anything!
My wedding dress
All my maxi dresses – they are so cool – in more ways than one !
A warm snuggly jumper for the winter.
my denim short- can dress them up or down
I am quite enjoying slumming in a onesie on a Friday night with a glass of red lately
My favourite item of clothing just now is a gorgeous vintage black dress my sister bought me.
My favourite item of clothing is a pair of jeans I got from freecycle! Someone was offering them and they were size 14 long next jeans, I really like next jeans, they’re a good fit! Anyway I collected them and at first glance thought they weren’t very nice but when I put them on they looked fab! Really stylish flares and just look unusual! Sadly hole in the knee now and it would be really hard to get another pair the same style.
My jeans…they are so comfortable
my fave item of clothing is my leather jacket love it
i love my old hoodie
I have a long black sheeny see-through jacket I have had for years. When I go to a party I usually wear it over a nice dress. I still get asked where I got it from as they like it, so it must still look quite nice,but its a part of my wardrobe I could not be without
My favourite piece of clothing is a jumper I stole off my dad! It’s big, grey, soft and cosy and reminds me of my childhood!
I have a purple top that I love.
my Gap skinny ankle grazer jeans dressed up or down :D
A black maxi dress with butterflys on it. Use for evenings, beach, hot days.
I have a lovely dress that is velvet and net, a friend bought it in an expensive boutique and did not like herself in it, her loss and my gain, as I love it
I have an amazing pair of original 1950’s stiletto’s. They’re awesome!
My jeans, rolled up with sandals in warm weather, with ankle boots when it’s colder. They go with everything!
love my jeans
A pair of leggings, great on a warm day or with boots in the winter
Have a dress I bought for a christmas party – it’s dark pink and just great. Now I just need to lose a bit babyweight again to fit into it!!
Love American vintage the best tees ever!
Fav item has to be my pair of Toms, I’ve had them about 5 years now and even tho they are cream they are still going strong. Whenever they start to look grubby, I pop them in the wash and they come up like new. I have been wearing them so much this summer I’ve developed a Toms tan line across my feet :-)
my skinny jeans, bit too hot for them at the moment though
Its my Spanx as they hide my sins lol x
My fave item of clothing has to be skinny jeans – can’t live without them x
My fave item of clothing has to be skinny jeans, ripped and vintage
my black skinny jeans!
Got to be jackets for me, they change the look of an outfit so easily.
My favourite item of clothing is my grandmothers lace gloves, beautiful.
My summer dresses :)
my stretchy leggings, had them for years!
i love my maxi dresses look good little effort
I have a Monsoon skirt that I’ve had for about 8 years that I adore. It’s white with a big, bold black floral print. It comes out every summer without fail. the best thing about is that it’s the only item of clothing I have that still fits after having the children!
My super mario world hoodie. Its big and warm and reminds of when I first met my boyfriend
My favourite is a Beige outfit I got for my nephew’s wedding
Loving my big floaty maxi dresses at the moment, cant possibly stay cool in trousers in this heat
Mine are my Hunter wellies! They are so good when it snows in the winter and perfect for festivals during the summer!
@prettybluebirds xxx
A white embroidery anglaise blouse.
An original Biba blouse in black crepe with a Peter Pan collar and frilly front
A comfy pair of jeans, they go with anything and can be either dressed up or dressed down
I have a black and purple dress that is so comfy for work but still always gets me compliments.
At the moment my favourite item of clothing is a Levi’s denim dress with a studded collar. I can wear it all the time without feeling uncomfortable, which is weird since I’m not a person who generally wears skirts or dresses in the day time. I found it in Tk Maxx so it was a bargin too!
My favourite item of clothing is a shawl that my Dad bought for my Mum in Italy on a business trip, I inherited it when they divorced, it’s 30 years old now, but still looks fabulous
Oh wow that vintage range is amazing! x
Oasis dark blue jeans – so slimming :)
My favourite item of clothing is a cardigan my mum knitted for me back in the 90s when I was all about the grunge look. I still love it!
My favourite item is my brogues! I am a bit of a brogue fanatic and I have a few pairs in different styles but its my brown woven ones that are my ‘cant live without’ pair!!
My fave clothing are my cardigans. They are a ‘must have’ for covering up my dinner lady arms :)
old shirt, which belongs to my Mum; she bought it about 30 years ago, while still at Uni
Just plain blue diesel jeans that fit like a glove. xx
My favourite item is a cute Laura Ashley dress I found in their outlet store. Paid £20 for it and it’s just gorgeous, fits beautifully and always gets a comment.
My black going out dress,it’s the only time I think I look nice is when I’m wearing it.
I love my unique vintage garments won on eBay!
I love my black blazer, goes so well with lots of outfits.
A simple black V-neck jumper. It fits me perfectly and feels like an old friend.
I love my jeans and couldn’t live without them!
my linen trousers !
my LBD that i bought in harvey nichols
My Karen Milllen Maxi Dress – its so floaty and light
My monsoon skirts which I have had for ages but which I can update with new tops
my floral vintage dress
I heart my jeans :)
a beautiful black clutch bag with a big diamonte bow that i bought from coast a few years ago
The shoes I wear to work – so comfy!
jeans and t-shirt
My wife’s little black dress!
My miss selfridge play suit- cool and comfy!
My new rag and bone jeans :) I love them! Super super soft and fit perfectly :) x
Mine is a gorgeous red dress that I bought when I was 17 (do I have to admit how many years ago that was?! More than 20 so it’s a vintage item now!) that still fits and flatters. It’s one of those dresses that’s just right for me, my hubby loves me in it, my kids don’t hate it … and I love the way it looks and the conidence boost that it gives me
my fav piece of clothing is my punky fish jacket :) its comfy and also trendy
I’ve got a gorgeous lightweight maxi dress with a pleated chiffon overlay. It’s really floaty and cool and perfect on hot summer days
I love my Collectif Stella dress
My fave piece is my zebra onesie!! It never fails to make my boyfriend smile at me even if he is in a grump and if I feel cold, tired or poorly I curl up on the sofa in it and instantly it starts to make me feel a bit better! I haven’t worn it for a while with all this hot sunshine!! I am looking forward to winter so I can snuggle up in it again! Don’t shoot me but I prefer the cooler climates lol xx
A well worn denim jacket, I love to wear it with maxi dresses.
my favourite item of clothing is a pair of white cropped jeans that go with absolutely everything :)
love my favourite tea dress it makes me feel so feminine
My pink ‘biker’ jacket :)
A cat print dress I bought from ASOS 3 summers ago, I absolutely adore it and eagerly await the warm weather for an opportunity to wear it :)
My fav item of clothing right now is a white Maxi dress by Zara
my favourite items are clothing are my body warmers, hate jumpers with sleeves so this suits my weirdness.
my favourite item of clothing is a vintage french connection jersey dress, looks great dressed up or down xx
My leather jacket because it goes with everything ;)
My maxi dress = so versatile
My coat is my favourite clothing item. I am quite fussy about coats and when I find one i like it makes me feel cool and confident and interested in fashion again!
My favourite item is a pair of jeans which fit well, so hard to find with jeans!
Just brought a new dress from Laura Ashley, it’s lovely
Denim dress
I had two favourites: a 1950’s lilac dress with a white print (that I used to call my ‘tablecloth’ dress as this is what the fabric reminded me of), and a dress made from soft hessian in two tones of ‘yellow/beige’ – it made me think of ‘sack cloth and ashes’ and was like a middle ages pinafore…….both of them were very beautiful indeed in their own way, and they made me look beautiful!!
I love my coral flowery maxi dress :)
My white jeans work really well with any top and look good at summer parties.
My levi jeans
my maxi dresses @MummyFever
A really beautiful kimono style top with an amazing butterfly print…always gets compliments and makes me feel great despite it being older than I am!
maxi dresses
Got to be my jeans, so comfy and can wear them anywhere
I have an affinity with my cotton trousers, they are loose fitting but hang”just right” the fact they are a little loose on the waist is great.
love my organic, cotton jeans
My maxi dress
My favourite item of clothing has to be my leather jacket! Goes with anything, summer and winter :)
A very clever semi fitted summer dress – it makes me look thin
My purple nightshirt – lovely colour and very comfy
my jeans. Comfy and classic!
I love my petite vintage leather jacket – the only decent item of clothing in my wardrobe that fits after having the baby.
My red cowboy boots, i wear them with everything x
a black and white maxi dress I wore for a friend’s wedding last year
My black leggings!! I couldnt live without them! x
My bleach washed skinny jeans. I love them; I wear them as much as I possibly can, haha x
I adore my ebay special, a Jasper Conran Deep blue denim jacket that i won on the auction site about 4 years ago for £3.99 i have worn this more than anything, there was nothing wrong with it just someone outsized it, i love it with summer dresses or my linens!
My favourite item of clothing has to be my 50s style dress I managed to pick up from the charity shop. We passed it and I knew I had to go back for it, when I got there the lady said she thought it was for display only!! Eek…I was gutted! Another lady came out though and said to sell it so I got it in the end……phew!
Thanks for the chance to win, spending that much on yield would be a dream come true!
Predictive text is a pain ….it was meant to say ‘myself’ not yield!! lol