The 12 Days of Christmas - Miss Alice Donnelly

I am a young nurse in the making with a penchant for tattoos and red lipstick. When I’m not being a nurse, I love to show off my teeny weeny waist in clothes of the 40s, 50s and 60s. My icons include Dita Von Teese, Marlene Dietrich and Frida Kahlo. Strawberry milkshake and fried chicken is my staple diet.

The roots of my love for the vintage style stems from when I moved to London to study. Inspired by the masses of culture here in the capital of England, I decided that I needed a change. I started pin curling my hair, wearing bright red lipstick and wearing dresses so tight I had to waddle down the street (seductively, of course!) I am constantly learning new things about the vintage look everyday through social media sites such as Tumblr and Instagram and also through vintage-style blogs. 

 What I couldn’t live without in my day-to-day life:

• Lipstick (in case you hadn't guessed)
• Vintage clothes - anything from wiggle dresses, to swing skirts to high-waist capris!
• Eyeliner flicks (they are never perfect, and never will be. It is all part of the charm).
• Curled hair - My hairstyle of choice is the page, as shown below.

We apologise for the change of schedule...

In order to comply with some of the other beautiful ladies in the UK vintage scene, we have made the collective decision to re-brand from 'shells to Belles. 

As we are still in the early stages of our little journey, we hope that agree with us when we say this will not affect things too much!

Nothing but our name is changing (even our initials are the same!) and we hope you will continue to stick with us on our exciting adventure.

The 12 Days of Christmas will continue as usual tomorrow with our wonderful Alice.

Love and sparkles,

The 12 Days of Christmas - Fifi Von Fosse

"In the July heatwave of '94, Sophie Elizabeth was brought into this world with joy in her heart and music in her soul. 20 years later, her vintage vixen of an alter ego -Fifi Von Fosse- brings the same joyfulness and musicality to a small suburb in North London, spreading her mid-century magic wherever she goes (which is mainly the local charity shops).

A lingerie consultant by day and an enthralling songstress by night, Fifi takes inspiration from women such as Paloma Faith, Imelda May and, of course, Marilyn Monroe. But performing isn't where it stops, oh no. Considering herself somewhat of a Domestic Goddess in Training, Fifi loves anything 'crafty' and greatly enjoys cooking and baking, making felt trinkets for her small business and a spot of interior decorating."

The 12 Days of Christmas - Rachel Frances

Hi Lovelies, I’m Rachel Frances and I am the only Blondie in the Belle Gang.

I love Sewing, Designing, Disney Princesses, Old Hollywood and all things that include Vintage Loveliness.

 I like to share my Outfits, Hair, Make up, My Costume Designs, My Sewing Creations and just Everything that interests me on my Instagram. I am from the North West of the UK and study Costume with Textiles at University. Currently on a placement year where I am working in the industry meeting lots of new people and having  fabulous time!

A Very British Christmas Gift Guide - What to buy someone who has everything...

You know the type. Someone who smiles politely when they unwrap their second jumper, fifth pair of socks, tenth Thorntons selection box, mutters another somewhat forced "Thank you..." and chucks it on the pile with the rest. It's an age old question. 

What do you get the person who has everything?

Well ponder no longer, because Highland Titles are here to answer.

We could definitely see ourselves relaxing in this absolute picture of tranquility!