Rocket Originals' Blog Spot

Happy New Year etc

2012-01-06T19:15:00.000Z

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

We've not been very good with updating our blog recently, so just a quick update on what’s happening:

We have some new men’s sweaters due in stock soon. They’re a brilliant 1950’s design with a shawl collar, rather like the one a very young Elvis has on here ~

Ours will be in a pure wool mix which has different colour 'flecks' in it, and will fasten at the collar with a leather button.

We’re also having some more ladies sweaters in a fairisle pattern, the same style as we’ve had previously but in different colours, as well as other styles coming out during the year. Plus, we've got some great new shoes designs for both men and women.

Flashy 'Fifties' Socks

2011-11-25T23:07:00.000Z

We received our new men's socks this week. They've been on order for months now and the plan was to get them in time for the Rhythm Riot last week so we could take them along in the hope of selling some on our stall there, but unfortunately they arrived a few days too late. :o( We did have some of our others in stock so took them with us anyway, and they always sell well at weekenders.

The recent ones are an argyle pattern and we've also had a few other diamond patterns made over the years which we copied off vintage pairs. It's always good to sit down and decide which colour combinations to have next, and they give us loads to choose from. We have them made in a comfortable 80% cotton with 20% nylon to give them just the right amount of stretch.

ABOVE, THE LATEST ARGYLE SOCKS TO ARRIVE.

We first decided to have socks manufactured about 4 years ago, and after a lot of research we found one of the oldest hosiery manufacturers in England, they've actually been in business over 100 years (from 1895 to be exact, which is brilliant!)

ABOVE, IN SILVER GREY WITH MINT GREEN & BLACK DIAMONDS

THESE WERE COPIED FROM SOME ORIGINAL 50's SOCKS FROM USA

TTFN

Kaye

New Stock & the Rhythm Riot!

2011-11-14T00:01:00.001Z

We received lots of boxes of shoes again last Wednesday; our new saddle shoes in dark blue/beige leather and our Nancy style wedge in green. We've already had the Nancy style made in cream and red, and have had lots of requests for green.

More wedge sandals are underway, and we're waiting for samples to be made at the moment. They'll be in stock next year, along with lots of other new goodies.

We're working at the Rhythm Riot later this week, it's one of our favourite (and busiest) weekenders. It was sold out last year and sold out way back in September this year.

We've got lots of new men's shirts to take with us in some excellent fabrics from vintage rayon and cotton to some really flashy shantung. Here's just a few:

Northern Military Expo Event

2011-10-30T19:11:00.000Z

Just a quick update on an event we’re trading at next weekend.

It’s a one day event, the second Northern Military Expo and it’s taking place on Sunday 6th November in the George Stephenson Hall at Newark Showground, NG24 2NY. Doors open to the public at 9am until 4pm and admission is £5 per adult and £3 for seniors/children.

With up to 200 trade stalls they are hoping to grow on the success of last years show. There will be quite a few traders there selling 40's/50's vintage and reproduction clothing and accessories, and obviously lots of stalls selling everything military - from vehicle parts, military uniforms, army surplus, medals, patches, books and much much more...

The main show is fully in doors with a cafe. New in 2011, there is an Autojumble immediately outside the show building for those who have bits and pieces they want to sell and don't want to stretch to a trade stall in the main hall, plus some military vehicles in the vehicle sales pitches. For full info on the show, contact details, list of traders etc check out their website at http://www.northernmilitaryexpo.co.uk/

A few photos from last year's show, (we don't have any pics of ours or other similar 40's/50's clothing stalls at the moment I'm afraid, only military ones):

The Jukebox Jive Show - this weekend!

2011-10-18T00:14:00.001+01:00

We're trading at the very first Jukebox Jive Show this weekend, and are really looking forward to it. It's held at the Thistle Hotel, London Heathrow.

The Show will be open to the public from
10:00 - 18:30 Saturday
and 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday.

There's a packed programme for both days, loads to see and do. Featuring a special one off British Rock and Roll revival that will be headlining the show, there will be a ‘2 I’s Revival’ featuring Wee Willie Harris and Russ Sainty. They also have Matchbox singer Graham Fenton and backing provided by Shorty Kennett and the Goldstars. An exclusive performance by the Groove Diggers completes the bill for the weekend. (The Groove Diggers will only play on Saturday).

There'll be lots of exhibitors from all over the UK and Europe showcasing fantastic Jukeboxes, vintage and retro clothing and footwear, memorabilia, Vinyl and CD's, retro lifestyle and much more. And check out the vintage motors!

Plus, those lovely ladies from Lipstick and Curls will also be on hand for retro hair and make-up. They’re sure to be busy so if you fancy paying them a visit whilst at the Show you can book in advance at their website, or you can of course take a chance on the day.

Check out the Shows website for more details, programme, booking info etc.

Advance bookings and group tickets are on sale now!! Please note: Advance tickets will not be available after midnight on the 19th October, so hurry to grab a bargain! Adm prices are as follows:

Adult Day Ticket:

£8.50 on the door

£6.50 online in advance

Children Day Ticket:

(under 7's go free)

£6.00 on the door

£5.00 online in advance

Family Day Ticket:

(2 adults and 2 children over 7)

£20

£25 on the door

Or why not get a weekend ticket for entry to both days, it’s a great saving!

Adult: £10.00 Children over 7: £7.00
(Available in advance, online conditions will apply).

Kaye
Rocket Originals
x

Weekends Away - for Work & Leisure

2011-10-05T17:51:00.000+01:00

Last weekend we took time off work to attend the annual Prescott Hill Climb Autumn Classic, watching vintage sports cars and hot rods speeding up the famous hill. They describe this particular event as "Spills, Chills and Hot Rod Thrills", which sums it up nicely!

Prescott has been home to top flight motor racing as well as vintage and classic meetings for cars and bikes for approx 80 years now, and remain at the forefront of Hill Climb courses. If you're interested in watching vintage motors racing against the clock, like the smell of hot motor-oil, and the sound of a well tuned engine in full song this is definately the place to be.

The weather was lovely and sunny all Saturday and Sunday as well which was an added bonus. We're members of the VHRA (Vintage Hot Rod Association) and it was nice to meet up with fellow members there, and some of them took their motors up the hill climb. Perhaps next year we'll have our 1931 Model A back on the road so we can go in that!

Well, that was last weekend, but next weekend we'll be working at the Hemsby Rock n Roll weekender. We've been busy packing the van ready for that and will be there Thursday through to Monday. We're looking forward to it as we get the chance to catch up with friends we don't see that often.

Our stall will be in the usual spot with a great choice of vintage and retro from other traders in the same room, such as Ozone Clothing, Outer Limitz, Daredevil Clothing, Big Girls Blouse, Home Sweet Homestyle, Roundup Records, Prison Blue Jeans, Milkcow Magazine, Piplotex and Johnson Shoes. If you're not able to be at Hemsby you can check out their websites. There's lots of other stalls there, too many to mention, in other areas selling clothing and records (Freddies of Pinewood will be there and I'll be paying them a visit for some more jeans). The weekender line-up is quite good as you can see on the flyer:

Kaye
x

BOOTS

2011-09-25T17:05:00.000+01:00

We've finally got our bike boots/engineers boots (call them what you will) in stock. We’ve been working on them for quite a while, and did at one time enquire about buying them in wholesale (something we rarely do with any of our products). We couldn’t get exactly what we wanted, so we persevered and now we’ve got them just right and as near to the original vintage pair we copied as we can get, including the ‘right-role’ buckles and the soles.

Rocket Originals' Boots in Brown Leather

They're in excellent quality leather in both brown and black. They’re manufactured here in the UK, and we're really pleased to have them made with the famous Dainite soles. Now, you may not have heard of them, but Dainite products have been produced by the Harboro Rubber Company since 1894. The soles we use on our boots were introduced in 1910 and are called the Dainite Studded Sole. They’re hardwearing and provide comfort and grip in all conditions.

In a world of ever increasing change it’s important to us to be doing our bit in keeping original products and companies still out there. Our men’s footwear is from two different UK companies, one has been manufacturing since 1881 and the other since 1906, and our ladies knitwear and men’s shirts are also made in the UK by long established companies.

High Rockabilly

2011-08-31T00:07:00.000+01:00

We enjoyed the Twinwood Festival last weekend, although the weather let it down a bit at times. The sun did peek through a few times but on the whole it was more like Autumn than Summer! That's English weather for you, so unpredictable. Still, it was good meeting lots of our lovely customers and catching up with friends, and we enjoyed going out in the evenings there when we finished working. We arrived back late last night and are already busy preparing for our next weekender - we sail on the overnight ferry to Spain on Sunday for the High Rockabilly. We'll have a few days of relaxing in the sunshine (bliss!) before setting up our stall to trade there from Thursday onwards.

Kaye
x

Boxes boxes everywhere!

2011-08-24T14:11:00.000+01:00

We had loads of stock arrive this morning that we've been waiting for since last week, and it all arrived within half an hour of each other, so after a visit from both UPS and DHL we were inundated with boxes!

Quite a few of the boxes contained our 'Nancy' style wedge sandal, which has finally arrived in red (we've had them in stock in cream leather since June). They've had their photos taken and put on the website already within 2 hours of arriving on our doorstep! They're an exact copy of the original vintage pair we had, and are limited editions with just 300 pairs being made in this style/colour. Available in UK sizes 3 through to 9.

Also arriving this morning, our new buffalo hide belts. These are excellent quality, and have a hand-stitched design in cream. We've had these made with a removeable buckle to enable a favourite/different buckle to be attached within seconds.

Amongst all the boxes received this morning we also had some fabulous samples of our other belts, ladies saddle shoes and men's shoes that will hopefully be in stock later this year.

Apart from moving boxes around, today we're busy packing ready to work at the Twinwood Festival, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. We'll be there from Friday to Monday. Looks like it's going to be a busy one, we've been informed that despite increasing its capacity it's now sold out.

The Hot Rod Hayride

2011-07-28T00:06:00.000+01:00

This weekend we’re heading off for our annual visit to the Hot Rod Hayride. Though unfortunately this year we can’t go there in our own 1931 Model A as it’s off the road in the middle an engine change.

Us with our car in 2010

The event fills the massive site at Bisley to bursting with a spectacular array of Nostalgia rods, kustoms, vintage bikes; there’s also great bands, DJ’s, Burlesque, vintage trade stalls and the Wall of Death.

On Saturday there’s not much excitement on site as people fire up their rods and head off for NEW super Exciting Detonators Drags at Dunsfold Park Airfield! Old cars and bikes hurtle down the WWII runway. It's a first for the Hayride and we're looking forward to it.

On Sunday morning this year there’s a Flea Market and Swap Meet, where couples argue as to whether a handbag or an inlet manifold are more important. On Sunday afternoon one of the last things to take place is the hilarious Stromberg Sponsored Soapbox Derby.

Of course the Hotrod Hayride is not everyone's cup of tea; if you are offended by noisy hotrods, late night rockabilly bands, saucy burlesque and old style Soapboxes being raced by people old enough to know better... then best not go! But if you are into all of the above it’s definitely the place to be in the UK this weekend.

Kaye
:o)

New 'Diamond' Sweaters

2011-07-07T11:51:00.000+01:00

Our new diamond Jacquard sweaters are finally here! As with all our ladies knitwear, they're made in England from a vintage pattern and also knitted in limited quantities which will not be repeated once sold out.

We love the pattern and bought it ages ago with the intentions of copying it. We've been working on these for months before getting them knitted, and had quite a few samples done in different colours and wools before settling on a cotton acrylic mix and the black/cream and red/cream combinations. Our knitwear manufacturers have made an excellent job of them and we're really pleased with how they've turned out.

We've changed the pattern slightly as you can see from the original. Ours has gathered shoulders rather than plain as we love that look (it looks like the lady is wearing shoulder pads on the original), and we liked the sleeves in the same colour as the body. We've gone for a light knit as on the original photo, rather than a chunky woolly knit.

WHY WE'VE CHOSEN A COTTON/ACRYLIC MIX FOR THIS KNITWEAR
One of the reasons for not using pure wool is that a lot of ladies have said they can't wear it as it irritates them (I myself love pure wool, but must admit it is very itchy sometimes, and I've lost count of how many fabulous woolly jumpers I've shrunk to a ridiculously small size!).

Acrylic yarn is best seen as a man made alternative to wool. It is also a by-product of the petrochemical industry (its name comes from its chemical name of polyacrylonitrile, if you must know!), developed in 1944 by DuPont and offers the light, soft handle similar to wool. Pure acrylic yarn is still widely used in knitwear for its hard wear and excellent value. Cotton, on the other hand, is a natural fibre, cool and soft and comfortable to wear and touch. Cotton"breathes" and is hygienic and absorbent.

So there you have it - a combination of the two fibres gives the best of both worlds bringing you knitwear that is comfortable to wear, it's durable, it washes well and doesn't shrink and is colourfast.

Kaye
x

Vintage Life Mag

2011-07-06T00:12:00.002+01:00

Having subscribed to Vintage Life Magazine for quite a while now we’re happy to get a mention in a feature in this month’s issue.

Way back in March Vintage Life Magazine was invited along to Dolly Cool and Lady K Loves' Spring/Summer photo shoot. Brands involved (apart from clothing and jewellery of course from Lady K Loves and Dolly Cool), was Betty Flowers of You Make Me Blush, who also has her own range of hair adornments, the lovely Miss Jessica Orbit modelling, and the skills of Jon Bolland of Strobeme Photography for all the photos. We at Rocket Originals were asked if we’d be involved by providing shoes for some of the photo shoots, and here are just a few of the lovely pics from the day:

Back from the Rave .... & new wedges in stock!

2011-06-23T00:41:00.001+01:00

We arrived back from working at the Rockabilly Rave late on Monday; we’d had to stop off for meetings about our new men’s shoes and pick up some new stock on the way back home so was delayed by a few hours – we were both sooo tired by the time we finally got home. We had a great weekend though, busy in the day and really enjoyed meeting customers. We have some lovely people buying from us and really appreciate your custom, it makes it all worthwhile :o)
We enjoying going out in the evenings at the Rave as well, catching up with friends we don’t see often enough, and we always have a laugh with Fiona and Paul from Notorious Kitsch who we share a chalet with for the Rave and the Rhythm Riot as they have a stall at both. They sell some fab retro, vintage inspired and kitsch goodies, and have a great website for those of you who don’t get the chance to see them at the weekenders - http://www.notoriouskitsch.co.uk/

After the excitement of getting our new argyle belts last week (they're selling well already) and the weekender we've also got our new ladies wedge sandal in stock; we had a few dozen flown over quickly in time for the Rave and the rest of the order arrived this week. They're an exact copy of a pair I bought (which were deadstock at the time and in a deep red colour) and I loved them so much I wore them until they just couldn't be repaired anymore, so I then sent them off to be pulled apart and copied! Anyhoo, there’s just 300 pairs in total, they’re a limited edition in this style and colour as usual with our ladies shoes, and so of course no re-runs – once they’re gone they’re gone! These are in a lovely soft leather in a light cream colour, but we’re already thinking of doing them in red and maybe a nice dark green ……

(They're a light cream colour rather than the whiter colour they look here)

Kaye
x

Rockabilly Rave / New Stock

2011-06-12T12:28:00.000+01:00

We've been really busy here at Rocket Originals so not been keeping up to date with blogging as much as I'd like :-/

We have the Rockabilly Rave coming up in a few days and are about to start sorting stock and packing the van today on what should be our "day of rest"! The Rave is sold out yet again, and looks like it's going to be a good one. Here's the flyer to remind those of you that are going what's on at this brilliant weekender.

We had a meeting with a new belt manufacturer when we were in Dusseldorf at the trade show earlier this year, and the first of our designs has recently arrived. It's an argyle/diamond pattern in an excellent quality black and white leather with white stitching and we're really pleased with how they've turned out. We decided to have the belt made with a removeable buckle to give people the choice of keeping the one on or replacing it with one of their own (some people have favourite buckles we hear!) More belt designs to follow.

We've also been sourcing more fabric for our men's shirts; this will be for another short sleeved 50's design we're on with at the moment. Plus, there's a new wedgie 'playshoe' due in for the ladies within days - they're great! The complete delivery is due while we're away so we've had three boxes rushed through in advance so there's a few of each size at least to take to the Rave with us.

Kaye

Hemsby Rock n Roll Weekender

2011-05-09T23:23:00.002+01:00

I've been meaning to write something on our blog here for the past few weeks, but never got round to it obviously! There's just not enough hours in the day sometimes. One of the things we've been busy with is working on our new stock, so we'll hopefully have lots of nice new stuff available and on the website soon.

Next weekend we'll be trading at the Hemsby Rock n Roll Weekender in Norfolk, UK. It's the 46th weekender there and a twice yearly event, so in it's 23rd year, and apparently one of the longest running rock n roll weekenders in the world (if not THE longest!) It'd be interesting to hear of any others that have been going so long.

It's a great line-up, as you can see from the flyer, and we're really looking forward to it.

Kaye
x

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-22T12:04:00.000+01:00

We're busy packing the van ready to work away at the 1940's event at the Crich Tramway Village for the weekend, and thought I'd just pop by to wish you all a Happy Easter.

One of our favourite actors, James Stewart.

Kaye

Hep Hut All-Dayer

2011-04-12T22:50:00.002+01:00

As I sit here drinking a nice cold bottle of Desperados (one of my favourite tipples) I thought I'd mention the all-dayer we had a stall at last Saturday. It was organised by Booze, Battle & Ball Promotions and the first Hep Hut all-dayer at Ely in Cambridgeshire. We are pleased to have been invited to take part at this first big event of theirs, it was a great success and has had some really good feedback. We can report that it was well organised, a good venue, great bands (Jack Rabbit Slim, Kansas City Cryers & The Caezars), excellent DJ's playing some really good tracks throughout the day (Skinny Jim, Dave Crozier & Be Bop Kaz), loads of lovely vintage motors in the car park (and another bonus, the weather was brilliant and sunny all day as well!)

They're already planning the second all-dayer there for the 27^th August. Full details of their events are on their Facebook page. Unfortunately we can’t be there for the second one as we’re already booked to work that weekend, but can recommend it for those who can get to it and I'm sure it'll be every bit as good as the first one.

The Hep Hut hits the news! The organisers made it onto the front page of

the Cambridge News on Monday, giving some well deserved recognition.

Kaye :oD

Update & Future Event

2011-04-12T00:44:00.000+01:00

We've not had the chance to post anything on here for a few weeks as it's been quite busy, mainly because we've been away from home working for the past 6 weekends and have only had a few days mid week to catch up with orders and other stuff. We'll be at home next weekend, so are hoping for some nice sunny weather so we can make the most of it, and maybe get out into the garden for a change.

The weekend after next we'll be trading at the Crich 1940's Weekender which takes place every Easter. Crich Tramway Village is in Derbyshire overlooking the famous Derwent Valley and we love working there among all the trams and other vintage vehicles that are running throughout the day. There's a dance in the evening as well as the Red Lion pub - a vintage pub with a great vintage atmosphere and real ales. We work there twice a year in April and August and always enjoy it, more so when it's good weather as we work outside in the marquee! There's lots of other stalls there selling vintage and retro clothing, military and other stuff.

The National Tramway Museum there has one of the most comprehensive collections of trams and tramway history in the world, and is also home to a collection of fabulous vintage buses and period street furniture.

It's a great place to hold a 40's weekend, and well worth a visit if you have a keen interest in trams, transport or history. Trams run to and fro every few minutes as visitors ride over the cobbles of the period street, past the original facades of historic buildings from around the country, before heading up the valley to fabulous views. Hand over the old penny you are given on entry and you are free to ride the trams all day. :o)

Our Dusseldorf Trip & the World’s Biggest Converse

2011-03-22T00:03:00.002Z

We had a good few days in Dusseldorf last week. During the day we were at the shoe and accessories trade fair, we stayed in a great hotel, and we went out for nice meals in the evening. :o)

We weren’t able to take photos inside the venue at the trade fair though as a lot of the manufacturers had their top designer stuff showing their latest collections (Autumn and Winter collections for most of them), and almost all displayed a sign saying “no cameras allowed”, which is understandable.

Although it was interesting seeing the various new styles that are to hit the catwalks and high streets etc, the latest fashions are not what we’re bothered about to be honest, anything that's not 1940's/50's style is of no interest to us! We were there to have meetings with a few manufacturers who are hopefully able to copy our vintage shoes, and also some great leather belt styles that we’re working on.

Photos we were allowed to take at the trade fair was of a giant Chuck Taylor All Star. The oversized Converse chuck can already be sure of an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest shoe in the world. The official US shoe size is 845! The giant shoe is 5.5 metres long, 2.9 metres high and 2.11 metres wide.

Converse brought the world’s biggest chuck to the GDS Trade Fair in Düsseldorf

Not a great photo of me as I was windswept & looking a bit worse for wear due to lack of sleep!
Also, we were being quick with the photo as there was a guard nearby watching us -
did he think we were going to run off with it!!

A bit about the Converse Chuck:
The iconic Chuck Taylor style was the result of the pragmatic approach of company founder Marquis Converse who extended the Wellington range of his “Converse Rubber Company” established in 1908 to include a canvas shoe with rubber sole in 1917. This shoe was discovered in 1918 by basketball sports and basketball legend Chuck Taylor who gave his name to the shoe. This marked the start of a success story and the Chuck Taylor All Star became one of the most successful shoes of all times. Over one billion chucks in a virtually unchanged form have been sold worldwide.

Kaye
x

Busy busy week ......

2011-03-15T14:10:00.000Z

We returned from the Hep Cats’ Holiday weekender in the early hours of Monday, and have just 2 days of catching up with mail order, updating stock etc (as well as the boring but essential stuff like unpacking and housework), before packing yet again as we’re going to Dusseldorf on Wednesday for a few days on a business trip (we’re attending a trade fair there). We're really looking forward to it, but could have done with a few more days at home!

The Hep Cats’ Holiday went down well. Unfortunately because we had to be back early Monday we’d set off Sunday evening and missed one of the highlights of the weekend, Mike Sanchez and his band with Big Boy Bloater. We hear they were brilliant – as usual. No doubt we'll make up for it as we'll be seeing them at one of the other events we’ll be at later in the year.

We've just received a new batch of our round straw bags this afternoon, but as we're pushed for time we haven't done the photos and put them on the website yet. They're the same style, and some of the same colours, as we've had manufactured previously (see pics) and will be £25.

Men's Shirts

2011-03-04T22:56:00.000Z

We've finally got the first of our men's shirts in stock, as some of you may have seen on the website. The long sleeved styles are the first to be made with short sleeved and other styles to follow throughout the year.

To make them extra special all our men's shirts are limited editions, as we will only be having between 50 and 100 being made of each particular style and fabric. They're in 5 sizes (small, medium, large, x large & xx large). There's a choice of vintage rayon or cotton.

Out and About

2011-03-04T21:38:00.006Z

As well as selling through the website we like to get out there to sell direct and meet people, and we’ll be trading at 5 events over the next 8 weeks, with loads more during the year.
Here’s 2 that we’ll be at in March:

11th - 14th March 2011
Pontin’s, Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk, England NR33 7P.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF THIS WEEKENDER AND THEIR OTHER ONE IN JULY

On Sunday 27th March we’ll be at the Friends of the Forties Annual Retro Spring Fayre.

It’s open from 10.00am to 5.00pm and admission is only £2.00! There’ll be something for everyone -

Vintage and retro clothing and accessories, homewares, books, music, uniforms & militaria. There’s DJ’s Spinnin’ all your favourite tunes & dance demonstrations throughout the day. Oh, and for refreshments there's coffee morning & afternoon tea with delicious cakes, buns & biscuits served on vintage ware (proceeds to children’s charities).

It takes place at Denshaw Village Hall, Ripponden Road, Saddleworth, West Yorks OL3 5SH
(Just a few minutes off the M62 Junction 21 or 22). Ample Free Secure Parking.

For further details contact: 01457 875172 or 07506 317182

or visit their fab website at http://www.friendsoftheforties.co.uk/

Hope to see a few of you there!

Kaye

Knitwear

2011-02-28T00:59:00.001Z

We're in the process of deciding the next ladies sweater patterns we're going to have knitted. Our ladies knitwear is always from original 1940's or 50's patterns, with a limited number of each style and colour which we don't repeat when they've sold out.

We try and pick patterns that we don't see around so much, but here's one that we loved and chose to do a few years ago now that's readily available, called the Victory Jumper. It was first published in Home Notes in June 1945.

For all you that are clever enough to be able to knit you can download the pattern free of charge from the Victoria and Albert Museum website here.

We had the Victory Jumper knitted in red, white and blue as seen on the original pattern, and also in khaki, sage green and white. The photos below show our versions - now sold out unfortunately.
They're modelled by the lovely Fleur De Guerre, the trousers are from Heyday and the shoes are from Rocket Originals. The photographer is Tony Rusecki.

One for your Diary? For Fans of Marilyn Monroe.

2011-02-23T00:53:00.004Z

Exhibition at The American Museum in Britain
(Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD)

Each year a special temporary exhibition is on display in the Exhibition Gallery, in 2011 they will have a fascinating show entitled Marilyn – Hollywood Icon (it opens on 12 March through to 30 October 2011).

“I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.”

Marilyn Monroe (1926 – 1962)

The life lived by Marilyn Monroe is a tale of triumph and tragedy. Marilyn – Hollywood Icon is a celebration of the enduring legacy of the fabulous blonde. Unlike other ‘Marilyn’ exhibitions of recent years, the American Museum’s 50th anniversary extravaganza will be packed full of costumes actually worn by Monroe. The twenty costumes on display are not replicas but the real thing – just like the lady herself. These include:

The red sequined gown she wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), in photo above.
The pink ‘wiggle’ dress from Niagara (1952)
The green show costume wore in Bus Stop (1956), in which she won a Golden Globe.
The iconic cocktail dress from Some Like It Hot (1959)
The bikini she wore in The Misfits (1961), which was her last completed film.

Personal items owned by Monroe will also be exhibited here for the first time in the UK.

The full events listings for The American Museum in Britain in 2011 are due to be posted on their website at the end of February. The Museum and grounds open on 12 March.

Back from sunny Spain

2011-02-12T01:37:00.004Z

We arrived back from Spain late Tuesday night after attending the Rockin' Race Jamboree in Torremolinos. We had a great time, as did everyone we spoke to, and can recommend it. We'll definitely be going again next year.

There were pool parties and live bands in the afternoons as well as Thursday and Sunday evenings at an Hotel called Horarios; a lot of people we knew were staying there for the weekend. The main event on Friday and Saturday was at the massive Palacio De Congresos from 9pm to 6am.

The weather was lovely and warm, unlike the UK this time of year. There's loads to do there, it's a nice resort that has a lovely marina, some great restaurants, and of course it's not too busy with "ordinary" folk at this time of year.

With some lovely friends from The Originals Hotrod Club (we're on the right).

The Marina

The fantastic Hi-Winders put on a great show on Friday night
(or should I say Saturday morning as it was 3am)

We're looking forward to the next one!!

A Quick Update

2011-02-02T18:49:00.004Z

Thought I'd better put together a quick update while I've got the chance!

Following on from the recent give-aways mentioned in our previous blogs, I am happy to announce that I won the Dolly Cool Clare prize! I was thrilled as I don't usually win any sort of competition that I enter, and it was delivered super fast, so thanks again to Clare.

Last weekend we were working with our stall at the Militaria event. It's nice to get out and meet customers and always a good crowd there. Our friends Shona and Twan from Heyday had a stall there as well, so we got the chance to have a chat to them.

We're leaving cold (and raining at the time of writing) England tomorrow and flying off to sunny Spain for the Rockin' Race Jamboree. We're looking forward to it as it's one we haven't been to before. We're not trading there with the stall (we do at the High Rockabilly in Spain in September), this time it'll be a holiday. Hopefully we'll get some decent photos to put on here when we get back.

Well better get packing, I haven't even started yet and we leave in the morning (and there's a few orders to post before we catch the plane!) ;o)

Kaye

Excellent Giveaway from Straight Talking Mama

2011-01-25T16:44:00.002Z

Straight Talking Mama is hosting an excellent giveaway to celebrate having hit the 200 followers mark.

It's for a large hard-backed book called Fabulous Fifties. We already have a copy of this book that we bought years ago and it's brilliant!

Enter now by visiting Straight Talking Mama's blog.

For the Ladies: Two Great Give-Aways from follow Bloggers

2011-01-20T10:47:00.001Z

The first give away from The Kim Show

is a copy of the book

The Bombshell Manual of Style.

Winner to be drawn out of

a hat on the 27th Jan.

Plus, from Dolly Cool Clare A Dolly Cool

Fakelite fruity necklace and swallow

design handbag mirror. Go check it

out and follow her if you don't already.

Entries close on 25th.

Good Luck!

One for your Diary? Militaria 2011

2011-01-03T15:13:00.002Z

If you live in the UK and you’ve got a free day on Sunday 30^th January we can recommend the Militaria 2011. It takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, which is very convenient for the central motorway and rail networks. It’s Europe’s Premier Indoor Military Collector’s Exhibition. It’s in an award winning venue, which has 8,000 square metres of heated exhibition halls.

With over 350 exhibitors stands there’s loads to choose from, it’s a must if you’re into WW2 vehicles, uniforms, books etc. But it’s not all “military” we hasten to add, there’s quite a lot of stands specialising in vintage and reproduction 40’s and 50’s footwear, clothing and accessories. We’ve been working there for the past 3 years (we’re at stand number 245 and will have vintage as well as all our usual stock), and attended as visitors before that.

There are also WW2 Dioramas by Living History Groups throughout the day, as well as a vintage fashion parade. So, all in all there’s plenty to see and do, well worth a visit and there’s a restaurant and bar facilities as well. Also, for those of you who might want to make a weekend of it there’s a Swinging Blitz Ball on the Saturday night (link for details on the Militaria website).

For more info, map etc take a look at their website at http://www.militariashows.com

Preview of our Men's Shirts

2010-12-30T12:14:00.004Z

We’ve been working on having good quality men’s shirts manufactured for the past few years and have finally got round to it. We’ll be having them made with short and long sleeves as well as a gaucho style. All the patterns for the men’s shirts are from original late 1940’s/early 50’s American patterns, and are made here in the UK.

We have some fantastic vintage rayon fabric that we were lucky to get hold of and will be using for a lot of the shirts, as well as some other fabrics in a great flecked design in 100% cotton. The buttons are all genuine mother of pearl, on the first lot at least. The first of the long sleeved shirts will be available in 4 different colours, and should be in stock late January/early February, followed by other styles throughout the year.

The latest of 6 samples is shown here in some of our vintage rayon fabric.

Season's Greetings

2010-12-27T17:12:00.000Z

First of all, season's greetings to everyone.

We've just had a few days off from working (apart from answering one or 2 queries), and seem to have spent the time eating and drinking far too much! It was a well-earned rest as we'd been really busy throughout December, and it's been great catching up with family and friends.

We'd like to take this opportunity to say a big "thanks" to all our customers and to wish you all a very happy 2011.

Northern Military Expo Event

2010-12-15T13:25:00.000Z

On Sunday, the 4th December we had a stall at the first ever Northern Military Expo. This took place at the George Stephenson Hall at Newark County Showground. The choice of location was great. All the facilities in one place and all in doors. The George Stephenson Hall has been built in the last few years with just this type of event in mind, and with a bistro cafe it was ideal for a show in chilly (& snowy) December. Bearing in mind the weather, with some parts of the country still snowed in, the event was well attended. There were quite a few vintage stalls there as well as military and it was well worth a visit. It'll be on again next year, so one to put in your 2011 diary maybe.

http://www.northernmilitaryexpo.co.uk/

More New Stock

2010-12-10T22:06:00.006Z

We had yet another delivery of ladies shoes this week, our new ladies wedge which we are calling Lana (after Lana Turner by the way). As you can see, they're in navy blue and white leather with a tie ankle strap and a double bow on the front. We'd been hoping to receive them in time for the Rhythm Riot which we had a stall at last month, but unfortunately they weren't quite ready.

For the men we're waiting for a delivery of argyle socks which should be in stock very soon (they're actually long overdue), and also some new shoes styles.

Our New "Mitzi" Shoes

2010-12-09T23:58:00.007Z

Our new Mitzi style shoes arrived last Thursday. They should've been with us 3 days earlier but because of the snow around where we live UPS couldn't deliver.

We're really pleased with how they've turned out, it would be difficult to get them much more identical to the original vintage pair which we bought and had them copied from. We found the original shoes at the Rockabilly Rave car boot this year, they were new old stock and although the leather was still good the soles had become discoloured, quite hard and brittle (as they do!) We liked the colours so much we decided to keep them and managed to get a very good match in not only the leathers but also the sole, stitching etc. We did make a few improvements, we had ours leather lined with a cushioned footbed. They're sooooo comfortable!

Here's the original shoe on the right (minus shoe-lace) with our copy:~

As with all Rocket Originals' ladies shoes these are limited edition (300 only) and once they're gone they're gone!

We finally got round to it!!!

2010-12-09T23:23:00.000Z

We've been meaning to do a blog for ages, so here it is. We want to keep customers, friends and anyone who's interested up to date with what we're up to here at Rocket Originals.

We're always working on new products and styles, all based on, or direct copies of vintage 40's/50's shoes and clothing, and we thought it'd be good to share our ideas. Feedback would be welcome!