In a little flea market in Berlin, Kerry of Yours Truly found a hidden gem: a castaway black and white photo of a couple at seaside. Since then, Kerry has started a mini anthropological project of scavenging and preserving seaside photos of “forgotten” people. This project, perhaps, is the best introduction of Kerry I can come up with because it is so quintessentially her; she’s a sort of cultural anthropologist who loves quirky relics from days gone by (cookbooks, books, dresses, you name it), Britishness, beehive hairstyles, and costumes from Tarantino films. We spoke to Kerry about the best vintage shops in London, the royal wedding, and why confidence is the ultimate accessory.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from a town in a countryside valley in the South of England, near London. In my job I sell mens shoes, which is how I met my boyfriend. However I’m also setting up my own textiles business utilising the skills I developed during university. I have auburn red hair, a penchant for vintage, and an unfathomably huge passion for days gone by.
I collect vintage photographs of people at the seaside, own a 1891 Singer sewing machine, and I have very ticklish feet. I severely dislike celery (to the extent I don’t even like it being near me!) and sing show tunes in the shower. My favourite colour is green and my dad nicknames me ‘Sparrow’ because of my small frame.
Describe your signature style.
I’ve found that dressing in a creative way is intrinsic to my own happiness. I obsessively love colour and creating tonal palettes in my outfits, trying to take the extra time pay attention to small details. I used to wear a lot of jewelery, which is something I’m trying to re-introduce to myself. A lot of the jewelery I currently wear is inherited from my late Nanna.
Like most British ladies, I mix vintage with high street and charity shop finds. I think it’s very important to rummage and hunt until your efforts are rewarded!
I currently have an insatiable affection for the 1950′s and all that those years evoke. I can’t get enough of full skirts, nipped in waists, and the natural elegance that icons of that era exude.
You obviously LOVE, LOVE vintage, and you find the most amazing gems at places like bazaars, charity shops, flea markets, etc. Any tips for buying vintage clothes?
You’re completely right! I do LOVE LOVE vintage! I suppose if I had any tips it would be the things I try to remember when I’m shopping, because it’s so easy to get swept away in the fantasy of it all!
I read once that the best way to shop is by touch first then sight, and to an extent this rings true. Quality of the fabric is so important! I try to never buy things which need multiple repairs or tailoring, as the chances are you’ll never get round to doing it. If possible, always try garments on, test zippers, and inspect the garment thoroughly before purchasing.
Be certain that it really is something you’ll wear, and love in years to come.
You also have a lot of clothes from major retailers like Topshop and H&M, but their clothes don’t look mass produced when you wear them. What’s your secret to wearing brand clothes without looking so “uniform?”
I suppose it comes down to you wearing the clothes and not vice versa. I think if you mix up high street trends with existing pieces in your wardrobe you can create a really individualistic style. It’s so important to put your own stamp on the things you choose to wear.
You also talk about your love of books (vintage cookbooks, old Penguin books, The Bell Jar, etc). What are some of your favorite books, and why are they your favorites?
Oh I adore reading! I have a great love for Maya Angelou and her phenomenal writing style. She is a complete inspiration for how to try and be a better, more accepting person.
Autobiographies of non-famous people are my recent passion in reading. I love to discover real life stories of incredible journeys or the strength of the human spirit.
I love George Orwell, (Coming up for Air is a favourite) Sylvia Plath, Roald Dahl (from youth!) Oscar Wilde, Harper Lee, D H Lawerence…I could go on and on! I personally just look (like most people) for escapism in books, and a reality that is different to my own.
You write a lot about “britishness.” What is “britishness” to you?
I think being born on this little Island has defined me immeasurably. I love the history, decorum and quirkiness of the British. I adore the mix of the tacky and the sublime, the crude and the prude, the constant juxta-posing nature of British creativity. British cliches like tea drinking or stamp collecting for instance, are so completely endearing to me. I even designed a collection whilst at university entitled ‘A Britain Long Lost’ which was a celebratory homage to faded British pastimes.
You describe yourself as being of the “petite persuasion.” Any style tips for fellow petite gals?
I think it’s just important to know your own figure and style, and stick to whatever looks best with that. I wouldn’t like to dictate what my fellow ‘little ladies’ should or shouldn’t do; after all confidence is the ultimate accessory.
You’re in a long distance relationship with your boyfriend, and you guys have started meeting up in the middle for “London dates.” What are some of your favorite places in London?
Brick Lane, Notting Hill, Angel Islington, Covent Garden, and Camden are amongst some of my personal favourite places to go. For our London dates, we’ve started exploring the innumerable galleries and museums that London has to offer. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Museum of London’ where we recently visited. I also love the quiet hush of the National Gallery, the eclectic exhibitions of the V&A, and the sculpture halls at the Tate Modern.
What are the best vintage stores in London?
Every time I visit, I end up stumbling into another basement or side alley shop and coming out with something incredible! The best thing is just to go to notorious vintage ‘zones’ and walk around! Having said that, some of my favourites include ‘This Shop Rocks’, ‘Absolute Vintage’ and the ‘Beyond Retro’ warehouse.
Of course I have to ask this question because you’re British, but what’d you think of the royal wedding and Kate’s dress?
I thought it was a great combination of traditional and modern interest. I loved the nationalism that became apparent on the day, and the feeling on the underground, amidst the commuters in the evening as I travelled through London to meet my boyfriend. As for Kate’s dress, I thought it was very elegant, feminine and timeless. It was a very beautifully designed dress.
If you could raid three fashion bloggers’ closets, who would you pick and why?
Without a shadow of a doubt, Nicole of Fashion Forestry. Her style is just so inspirational and visually awakening. I would love to get my mitts on some of her hat and handbag collection!
I recently discovered Harriett and Aimee from Bright Young Twins; they have such immaculate, beautiful styles! And Francesca from The Snail & The Cyclops has such an enviably adorable wardrobe!
Inspired?
