All posts filed under: Archive

A curation of my historical blog posts, whilst writing under the moniker of The Mod Closet

Mr Right: 10 Reasons to Marry a Mod

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I recently overheard two men talking about their respective wives. There was nothing particularly spectacular about the conversation, in fact it contained all the obligatory clichés: Why does she need MORE shoes? Why does it take her so bloody long to get ready? I’m getting earache (adopts whining tone) “we never go anywhere?”… and it struck me that I couldn’t really imagine hearing George say any of these things (not within earshot anyway!). Later that same day I joked with a friend that, being the clothes obsessed shoeaholic that I am, being married to a Mod definitely has its benefits.  In all seriousness there are many reasons why I love my husband, and love spending time with him; none of them related to Mod. The bottom line is that time is best spent with someone who shares your passions.  However, it did get me thinking about the Mod Man and so, here is my tongue in cheek look at why every girl should marry a Mod… 1STYLING The Mod Man always looks good. Modernist Man knows how to …

Viva Lam-bretta!

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I feel thoroughly spoiled after my trip to Las Vegas. It was my first time visiting this truly bonkers bizarre city and, to be completely honest I had fully expected to chalk it up to experience and cross it off my ‘to do’ list. Instead, we already have plans to return next year! On the advice of friends we booked into the five-star Wynn. I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting but nothing can really prepare you for the Wynn (or Vegas generally for that matter!). As soon as we stepped inside we were bombarded with a sensory overload; an indoor garden, complete with trees and floral sculptures. And, that was just the entrance! In fact the hotel is, quite literally festooned with floral sculptures by the artist Preston Bailey, including a large air balloon sculpture and working carousel. After travelling for a day, and being awake for almost 24 hours we checked into a room, with a footprint greater than our own home and decided to head straight out to take a look around. The first thing that hits you when …

Icons & Influencers: Rachel Yarwood

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The Mod Closet has been in hibernation for a couple of months, enjoying some serious duvet time …actually, getting on with the business of real life (boo!). But, we’re back and ready for the new year! It may not be warm enough to wake up the scooters just yet but, it is definitely time to shake off the winter blues with some serious soulful sounds and talc-dusted dance floors! February’s Icon & Influencer will be no stranger to the Oxford (and surrounding counties) soulies, mods, scooterists & skinheads: Rachel Yarwood is the co-founder/organiser of Oxford’s Let’s Dance that, until very recently was hosted in Cowley, Oxford.  Thanks to Rachel, I get to enjoy some great nights, amazing sounds and an opportunity to catch up with friends on the dance floor in my very own home town. I also get to enrich my woefully inadequate music collection (and knowledge) because, at every event, included in the minimal entrance fee is a CD (subject to availability). The CD contains a compilation of the night’s playlist from the guest DJs. Our scene is driven …

Icons & Influencers: DJ Penny Lane

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If you ask me what Mod means to me, then I’m with Penny! To paraphrase: Mod gives me a wardrobe full of head-turning, confidence-inspiring pieces, and music to lift my soul and move my feet. It gives me a scooter for fun and freedom, and a community to share it all with. Mod is my dear friend. “Mod is my near and dear friend” …and, if you’re asking me what Mod sounds like? Well, it sounds like Penny. I mean, quite literally it sounds like Penny! DJ Penny Lane is the velvet voiced, talented broadcaster of the Mod airwaves, and Penny has been the inspiration behind many of my Mod adventures, including this Icons & Influencers series. Hearing Penny & Warren Peace interview Gill Evans made me reach out to the Original Mod, who I am now able to call my friend. This, in turn lead to me meeting Margot McClane and many other adventures in between (you can read more about Gill & Margot in previous Icons & Influencers posts). Penny is also the voice of my Mod Closet. …

How to Charity Shop (Top Ten Tips)

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I consider myself to be a semi-expert charity shopper. I spend a lot of time in charity shops. A lot! If I had to quantify the contents of my closet I would ‘guestimate’ that about a quarter of it is charity or thrift purchases; primarily jackets, dresses, skirts, tops and knitwear. I don’t tend to buy second-hand shoes, although I have bought one or two pairs. Similarly, for hygiene reasons I tend to steer clear of trousers, although I will happily buy jeans, which can be laundered at higher temperatures. For the purposes of disclosure I should state that I am a bit of a personal hygiene freak… I’m fairly confident there is nothing wrong in buying clean shoes and second-hand trousers! I have also volunteered in a charity shop, which was a lot of fun (but not particularly healthy for my bank balance!). I now know what I would do to fill my days if I won the lottery! Drawing on my experience I have compiled my top ten tips for charity and thrift …

Icons & Influencers: Claire Mahoney

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By far one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things about being active in a scene and on social media is the social aspect. Some friends, by virtue of distance or circumstance remain ‘virtual’ until such time that you find yourself at the same event. Claire Mahoney, journalist, broadcaster & Mod is one of those friends. Being a writing ‘enthusiast’, Claire (as the professional) is an inspiration to me.  In fact, if you’re in the Mod or Scooter scene yourself and haven’t heard of Claire, then shame on you! Claire isn’t just an active member of the Mod scene, as a journalist and broadcaster she is an influential promoter of the scene. An obvious choice for The Mod Closet’s Icons & Influencers series, I was absolutely delighted when Claire agreed to put virtual pen to paper and tell us a bit about herself. Claire also gave us a sneak peak into her Mod Closet to show us her favourite outfit, which you can see here! Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live? …

LOOKBOOK: Claire Mahoney

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Claire is The Mod Closet’s featured ‘Icon & Influencer’ for October. You can read all about this fabulous Mod icon here! In this Lookbook Claire gives us a peep inside her Mod Closet to show us her favourite outfit… Dress by Ossie Clark – My favourite dress; I adore the sleeves. The style is inspired by his designs from the 60s Black plastic mac from Boden – This jacket goes with everything and I wish I had bought one in every colour. It has a fantastic polka dot purple lining. Shoes by Orla Kiely for Clarks – From the first range Orla Kiely did for Clarks. A great example of modern styling with a 60s twist and I love the flower motif. Bag, a monochrome gem from Jools the Vintage Bag Lady Click on the picture below to read my interview with Claire…

Icons & Influencers: Serena Chamberlain

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When was the last time you joined a gang? Ok, maybe not a gang but a club or team? A well established one? It’s a bit daunting isn’t it? You hope you’re going to be welcomed on arrival; you torment yourself with the thought What if no one speaks to me? and ask yourself Why, exactly am I doing this? Well, Serena is the main reason my first scooter meet was the best possible experience it could’ve been. Last year, having just gained my motorbike license and, finally being able to ride my scooter (Beryl’s engine is too big for a CBT), George and I went on our first scooter meet. One sunny Sunday afternoon we headed north and rode a whole 4.3 miles up the road to Sturdy’s Castle in Kidlington. This wasn’t just my first scooter meet, it was my first time riding two wheels on a proper road, with other road users and everything! My first rookie mistake: I dressed to impress rather than appropriately and for safety; I haven’t made that mistake again! By the …

LOOKBOOK: ModTogs New Collection

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ModTogs has launched two new collections, both available NOW! The ‘Wear More, Pack Less’ range is influenced by Gill’s many weekend trips to Brighton: I’ve designed a range of interchangeable coordinating clothes that will enable the Mod woman to pack a capsule wardrobe of only four or five items and still be able to wear a different style for each event. This is a limited edition collection that is made to measure from a small supply of fabric. It’s designed to ensure you won’t turn up to an event dressed like everyone else! Below is a sample collection of available styles and fabrics. Please contact Gill at ModTogs for more details. In addition to the Wear More, Pack Less range, Gill has also designed a Swinging Psychedelic range for women who are passionate about the sixties. The Swinging Psychedelic range is also limited edition and made to measure. Contact Gill at ModTogs for more information…

LOOKBOOK: Introducing Mrs Gill Evans Catling

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Earlier this year Original Mod Gill Evans married her sweetheart Stuart Catling in a stunning, one-of-a-kind, top-secret, designed-by-Gill-Evans wedding dress. Even the daisy Guipure lace fabric was brand spanking new. There really was only one thing for it: A Lookbook edition of it’s very own… HOT OFF THE PRESS: Gill has added her wedding dress design to the ModTogs bridal collection. Contact Gill for more information…