I really fancy adding a vintagey / 40's / 50's tinge to my wardrobe. Not got much cash. Any tips /ideas?

[ThisTooShallPass]

Just started a thread about me love of red lippy and wondering about looking like a twat, but should just have shoved it in with this...

Anyway, I find that sort of look really flatters me, and I like it a lot. But, much as I'd love to go 'authentic' and just by a pile of fantastic swing dresses, a couple of pairs of this sort of trews and what have you, I can't. Not all in one go anyway.

I got a summer dress from H&M that somehow manages to fit the bill (on me) and I've spotted another there for autumn but I'm not seeing I can't burn chuck out the contents of my wardrobe and start again I'm a bit stuck. I can't really be buying clothes apart from the odd cheapy here and there so I was thinking accessories / hair / make up / ways of wearing stuff I have already

Any clues?

I did exactly this back in Feb when I turned 30, even the same style. I sold lots of my old clothes that didn't fit in with the style I was going for and spent the money on new (mostly secondhand) clothes from eBay and several vintage FB selling pages.
I stick to a rockabilly/pin up style, most of my clothes are either nautical, leopard print, cherry print, black, red or navy and I mix and match.
I accessories with hair flowers, cinch belts, themed jewellery etc.
I've found this blog and this blog really inspiring and I've picked up fashion, make up and hairstyle tips from them.

There's lots of stuff on my sister's blog about working vintage into your wardrobe, you might find some stuff in there.

You can pick up cheap tea dresses at new look and the supermarkets if you keep your eye out.

fridgepants i'm a size 20 so I'm too fat for VOH however Queen of Holloway do as nice dresses, blouses and tops for a fraction of the price of voh, the dresses come from china and are good quality and a good fit imo. Someone wasn't pleased with me recommending them on another thread but thread but I've never had any problems with them and can only go by my experience.

I also love the FB selling pages, the hefty hideaway is fab, there are quite a few sellers on there that do custom orders big girls blouse is supposed to be good. I like Collectif but can't really afford it at the moment so I watch their eBay shop and try usually have quite a few auctions a week which stay at the starting bid.

I'm always so envious of your outfits on 'what are you wearing today' threads stella, I'd love a rummage through your wardrobe
OP, practice some vintage inspired up-dos, that can make all the difference to a fairly average skinnies and tshirt outfit.

Thank you scented Today's wouldn't be quite so good, red denim shorts and a lurid leopard print vest I haven't left the house though

Oh and I just thought of another couple of brands I keep an eye out for on eBay, Ruby Rocks, Domino Dollhouse, Torrid and Chicstar.

Catch this Stella. I think I'm in love

Love it!!

I have this with these. They were in the sale and caught my eye as they are so retro, very comfy too :)

Wow! I do like me purple.

OP - you're getting some great advice, not a lot I can add really. Sorry to hijack you

Thank you all so much! Some excellent advice, shall get cracking