Melody has been a friendly face on the vintage scene for many years now. Her effervescent attitude is clear in her photos, and she has recently been awarded third place in this year's Face of Le Keux competition. We caught up with Melody to find out more about her vintage inspirations and styling tips.
How did you initially get into the vintage scene?
In 2017, I went to Twinwood Festival and I was amazed by how beautiful all the girls looked in their vintage dresses, perfect makeup and amazing hair styling. I set about finding out how to achieve this look and make it work for me; I’ve been working on it ever since. There’s so much to find out and learn, it’s a never-ending journey that I’m so glad I started.
Which vintage events do you enjoy the most?
Twinwood will always be magical to me because that’s where it all started. Since then, I’ve been learning to swing dance, which makes the festival even better with all the amazing live music to dance to.
What is your favourite vintage style or era?
To begin with, I was into the 50’s style, very retro with bright colours and big petticoats, but as time has gone on, I’ve got more into the refined tailoring of the 1940s and the elegance of the 1930s. As I’ve got into more 40’s style, I’ve started going to more 40’s events and enjoy them. There are so many now I think I could be at one every weekend throughout the events season.
Do you have any vintage role models?
I’d say my role models are not so much the famous people like the movie stars from Hollywood but the friends I’ve made in the community. There are so many beautiful women with amazing style and such kindness and generosity; I’ve been so touched by all the help and support I’ve received over the last few years.
What is your favourite vintage piece?
I think I’m always looking at friends and wishing I could pull together a look as good. It is very difficult to choose a favourite piece; I can never decide between my skirt suits, dresses or a skirt blouse combination, that’s why I so enjoy creating a different outfit every day.
What is your favourite glasses style/shape?
Glasses can look cool, especially the 30’s and 40’s ones. I tend to go more towards a cats eye shaping but not too ’50s. I wear varifocals so unfortunately, I don’t get to change them very often. I love my new Retropeepers' Miller sunglasses - I wore them on my drive to work today and I'm looking forward to more sunny days.
Tell our readers what they can expect by following you on social media
Ever since I got into vintage, I’ve been sharing my outfit pictures on my Instagram page and various Facebook vintage groups. I’ve also over the last couple of years shared hair styling too, as mine has grown longer. Learning hair styling has been more challenging than clothes for me but I think I’m getting better.
2022 may be a bit of an odd year, but do you have any exciting things planned?
We’re all hoping 2022 is going to be a great year after the difficulties of the last two. Last year I modelled in the show Harborough at War with an amazing group of women. It was a wonderful experience and I’m delighted we will be doing more this year starting at Melton Mowbray on 14th May, I can’t wait. Of course, I plan on doing lots of shopping, there has to be shopping.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
I’m a frequent poster in the Facebook groups Authentic 1940’s Women’s Fashion and Beauty Forum, Vintage Updos for Modern Girls and other vintage groups. My Instagram profile is Melody Appleby. (www.instagram.com/MelodyAppleby)
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