Flamingo Candles at Parma Vintage

As you know, we love all things retro here at Parma Vintage and what could be more retro than flamingos? For us, they just scream Miami Vice!! Recently, we came across UK based Flamingo Candles, and fell in love.

Funny enough, we were first attracted to their Parma Violet candle (our name sake) and after learning more about them, felt that their fun, vintage inspired vibe would fit right in on our website. We also love that they're all natural Soy candles - so no nasty toxins here! Here are a few yummy scents hitting PV...

Sweet and sugary Pink Lemonade is a rich combination of ripe strawberries & lemon juice infused with a Champagne fizz. Bursting with hints of pink grapefruit and a suggestion of smooth fruitiness. 

Buy here: http://www.parmavintage.com/pink-lemonade-classic-square-jar-candle

This looks and smells just fab !! - Asian Pear & Plum is a blend of orange and tangerine enhanced by mouthwatering fruits including apple, pear, pineapple and peach supported by a heart of freesia, rose, jasmine, osmanthus and plum. Resting on a sensual base of white musk, precious woods and dry fruits.

Buy here: http://www.parmavintage.com/asian-pear-plum-classic-square-jar-candle

Parma Violets - (OUR NAMESAKE) is a gorgeous powdery blend of violets and roses. Overflowing with nostalgia, its warm fragrance comforts and relaxes without having to unwrap the sweetie packaging. 

Buy here: http://www.parmavintage.com/parma-violets-candy-shop-classic-jar-candle

Oriental Lotus & Rose Otto Classic Square Jar Candle, Rich and sensual, Oriental Lotus & Rose Otto is a floral fragrance with powdery soft top notes of rose otto and warming nuances of sweet magnolia with elements of soft lily and carnation also present. Supported by a pillow soft base of rich, soothing sandalwood, orchid, musk and amber.

Buy here: http://www.parmavintage.com/oriental-lotus-rose-otto-classic-square-jar-candle

We're so excited and can't wait to put them in our own homes!!

Kyle Falconer at PV

We're all for a party here at PV and have had many a disco in the shop after a few gins in Gourock's local establishments. Last night, Kyle Falconer from The View did an acoustic gig at The Café Continental, and after hearing the tunes blare from PV next door, came in for a jam sesh with our good friend and talented musician Scott Beaton.

Drinks, fun hats, and a casual all-night performance from the lead singer of The View - just your standard night at PV haha!

Style Icon: Marilyn Monroe

When it comes to vintage, Marilyn Monroe is the ultimate bombshell. Think back to that white dress, that performance for US soldiers and of course, who could forget that walk? Known for her killer curves, blonde locks and bright red lips, she's a top style icon here at PV! Is it any wonder we're so inspired by Ms Monroe when hand picking for our website? Here are a few ways you can steal that bombshell style...

Nothing is more feminine than a dress that shows off your décolletage. Watch the jaws drop as you wiggle by in the Monroe Off Shoulder Dress.

Take your bombshell style to the beach and look like Marilyn in this amazing white swimsuit: The Marilyn Swim Suit

Marilyn wouldn't hit a night out without her fur stole! It's a glamour must have! Get yours here: Faux Fur Stole

Love a flapper style dress! When Marilyn moved in this, it really made an impact! Shake away in this flapper number: Fringe Flapper Dress

Marilyn is Queen!

Creating A Vintage Home

You have a great vintage wardrobe, why not make a great home to match? PV owner, Gillian gives her top tips on how to create the perfect vintage home...

1. Be Thrifty: Make sure to check out charity shops and car boot sales.

2. Don't be afraid to clash colours!

3. Do some research: If you want a real authentic vintage home, look up old interior books and magazines, you might come across some iconic pieces of an era.

4. Get Creative: Vintage is vintage, but with a little TLC anything can be as good as new.

5. Be Yourself: Your home should be a treasure trove of all your things and a reflection of your personality, so get it all out and HAVE FUN!!

A few favourite picks from Gillian's vintage home...

Meet Marti the Moose, he's made from recycled magazines! Such a fun welcome in our hallway!

Love this colour! 1930's Italian glass bowl from my Gran <3

Everyone knows I'm a fan of poodles! (Have you met my babies Rocco & Jude?) Love this 1950's decanter and my prized giant guard dog which was a house warming gift from my mum. PS: Got to have a Jo Malone candle too!

Stunning 1800's hand painted vase - a family heirloom from my Grampa.

Vintage inspired Diana camera just for fun! Oh and another recycled magazine piece! 

Vintage curtains and glassware in my relaxation room when the hubby is playing Fifa! PS: Charity shop finds!

Vintage Grundig radiogram (Grampa's prized possession) with retro telephone from hubby's mum and recycled vinyl cake stand.

Vintage trinket boxes where I keep all my special bits and bobs on the night stand.

Vintage hair brush set for brushing my locks at night - so pretty to look at and they make me feel like a mermaid haha!

No mess, no fuss! All of my beauty products are stashed away in this stylish vintage chest in the bathroom!

So there you have it! Want to make a start on your vintage home? Head over to the homeware section on our website: http://www.parmavintage.com/homeware

Meet Rocco & Jude

Just a quick introduction to the official mascots of Parma Vintage, Rocco & Jude - loving babies of PV owner Gillian! You'll often see them bouncing along the promenade with Gillian and hubby Jamie or peeking out the windows of their lovely sea view home.

Jude (the Tina Turner lookalike) has featured a few times in previous photo shoots, but has decided to take a break from modelling to spend time with her best friend Rocco! Now, as the official mascots of PV, they help Gillian with important admin work and even pick the winners for our exciting competitions!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Tumblr for more pics of our poodle pals!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For Vintage Lovers

Flowers & chocolates - it's the standard Valentine's Day package, but sometimes it's nice to change it up and treat your loved one to a little surprise. For all your pin up girls, Gatsby gals and mod queens, we've put together the perfect Valentine's gift guide for vintage lovers...

Pink 60s Style Cocktail Necklace: £9

A girl can never have enough jewellery and this 60's style pendant necklace ticks all the boxes! The beautiful pink stones are perfect for Valentine's Day too!

White and Gold Breakfast Set For Two: £10

Treat your loved one to breakfast in bed on Valentine's Day with this gorgeous breakfast set for two. Bacon rolls have never been more elegant.

Custard Cream Cushion: £17

If they're just your cup of tea, treat them to a biscuit too! This custard cream cushion is the perfect kitsch addition to any vintage home. 

Edwardian Parasol Umbrella:£5

You can stand under my umbrella-ella-ella! Cosy under this gorgeous pink Oriental/Edwardian-inspired umbrella for a little smooch in the rain.

Parma Vintage Online Gift Card: £5-£500

Buying for the girl who has everything and not quite sure what to pick? Our online gift cards range from £5 up to £500 (If you happen to be the ultimate Valentine!)

Make sure to check out our website for more gift ideas: http://www.parmavintage.com/

What to Wear on Valentine's Day

Love is in the air! Every year, couples all over the world get all soppy for a day of romance on the 14th of February. Whether it's a hot first date, a romantic meal with your loved one or a night out on the tiles with your friends, we've got the perfect style for you.

We know there are a load of cynics out there, but for us at PV, we love going all out and milking Valentine's Day for all it's worth. Cue the cheesy music, smoochy kisses and gorgeous hues of pink and red...

For all our classic vintage lovelies, we recommend the Audrey Vintage Style Dress in red (named after one of our favourite leading ladies, Ms Audrey Hepburn) What could be more perfect?

She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, bright red polka dot top? Anyway! Team this beauty with a cute skirt, shorts or even your favourite jeans! Pssstt- you can wear the sleeves up or off shoulder for a sultry flash of décolletage (ooooohh) 

For those of you feeling the chill this month, you can still take part in the Valentine's festivities with this darling 1950's style cardigan! Just look at that bow - CUTE!

This 1950's vintage-style tartan dress is easily one of those styles that can take you from day to night. Team with ankle boots and tights for during the day, and whip on your heels for cocktails. 

Aptly named after the most romantic city in the world, the Jane 50's Style Cafe Paris dress is a real show stopper! Keep the straps up or pull them down to make room for a great statement necklace!

Red is always the typical colour for Valentine's day, but we love appealing to our girly side in pink! Make the boys wink in the gorgeous Lola 1950's Style Pink Evening Dress.

Who comes to mind when you think of vintage glamour? Imagine the heads turn as you wiggle down the street in the Monroe off-shoulder dress. Marilyn would be proud!

Make sure to tag your Valentine's pics with #parmavintage - we'd LOVE to see how you style up your PV threads!