Last year, I was lucky enough to attend Salute To The Forties with my blogging partner, Flo – you can read about it here.

We had such a blast that we decided to head back again this year. Unfortunately for me, Flo was busy geeking out at home as she was starting a new job the next day (congrats love!). Luckily, my better half was more than happy to come along.

This post begins by looking at our outfits, then moves on to Salute To The Forties in photos.

The Outfits

I’ve previously blogged about the Peggy Lee dress by Vivien of Holloway – you can read about it here. I love the construction and design of this dress so much that I had to have another one!

The nautical print of this dress was perfect for the setting of Salute To The Forties – Chatham Dockyards, where there were boats and anchors a plenty.

 

Small red and white anchors over a navy background make this dress a real nautical staple. The white anchors also compliment the white pocket and collar detailing on the dress. This dress is my usual size 16 and it fits like a dream – if in doubt, be sure to check your measurements or ask the very helpful VOH team.

Pockets always make life better and the pockets on this dress are nice and roomy; you can easily fit in a phone, a small purse, lipstick and a powder compact.

 

What I love the most about the Peggy Lee is how it can be both casual and dressy. For a day of walking around, I decided to add comfy red Converse and a cropped red Sainsbury’s cardigan to keep the chill off. However, I could easily dress this up with red seamed stockings, red heels and a little navy cape – that’ll be for a less active day though!

For hair and make-up, I just did my usual combination of a brushed out wet-set with Kat von D’s Tattoo eyeliner and Outlaw liquid lipstick (now available in the UK – yay!).

@darktechsupport got into the spirit of things too, putting together a subtly nautical-inspired outfit. The cream shirt and navy-blue corduroy trousers are from M&S and the knitted waistcoat is vintage. I think he looked pretty darn good!

The Event

I loved Salute To The Forties the first time round and I’m so glad I was able to go again! This was my husband’s first time at Chatham and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only is the setting of Chatham dockyard gorgeously authentic-looking, but the event itself has such a friendly atmosphere. There is no snobbery or dress codes – whether you’re a full time vintage queen or a casual creature, I guarantee you’ll feel totally at ease. Also, the dockyards are easily accessible; there’s no need to worry about mud, footwear or picnic blankets and there is ramp access everywhere. There are lots of vintage and repro shops and, for those who aren’t that fussed about shopping, there are plenty of attractions and activities to see and do. We can’t wait to return next year with Flo too!

Thanks as always to fantastic photographer @darktechsupport – you really captured the spirit of the day!

Have you been to Salute To The Forties? What did you think of it? We’d love to hear your opinions!