Motel: Vintage dresses and sunshine

Motel vintage floral dress
Motel vintage floral dress

Last week I was walking down Park Street when I spotted Motel’s sale window, and I couldn’t resist popping in for a quick look. I’m pleased I did, because I found their £5 vintage sale rail and fell for this dress, above. As it was ‘£5 each or 2 for £7’ I thought it would be rude not to try on a few more vintage pieces, and didn’t find it hard to find another dress to take home.

I’ve been a huge Motel fan since I moved to Bristol for university seven years ago. Back then Motel’s shop on Park Street was called DNA and was the same brand, just a different name. At the start of every term, when my student loan got a top-up, I’d treat myself to a haircut from Toni & Guy and a dress or top from Motel. I loved the printed, loose tops and wore them until they were literally falling to pieces. Now Motel’s body-con prints are stocked in Topshops up and down the country, and the Park Street shop has shifted its focus to vintage and upcycled garments.

After I found these dresses I took them home to photograph, but my usual way of shooting in front of my huge windows just didn’t do them justice. And, since the weather was so glorious at the weekend, I thought it would be rude not to photograph them in the sunshine!

So, here are a few snaps of me in the garden, kindly taken by Mr Ship-Shape, who, despite a few initial protests, quite fancies him self as a bit of a David Bailey. I’m still quite new to being in front of the camera, so you’ll have to ignore my head tilts and hair covering my face, and instead focus on how gorgeous these dresses are! I love the floral print and cut of the first dress, and although the peach and white stripped dress (an old M&S number) is a bit large, it should be easy enough to take in at the sides for a better fit.

Motel vintage floral dress

Vintage floral dress, Motel / suede belt, vintage / grey knee high socks, H&M / tan cowboy boots, Primark

Peach and white M&S dress from Motel

Peach and white striped dress (originally M&S), Motel / black and gold belt, vintage / white canvas wedges, New Look

Peach and white striped Motel dress
Check out the blue sky - no Photoshoping required!

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10 Comments

  1. February 29, 2012 / 1:01 pm

    I love both the dresses and how you styled them! I’m not even sure which one I prefer, I love the print of the first one and the shape of the second. It was such a bargain too.

    I never used to go into Motel on Park Street in Bristol, I don’t even know why! But I went to their autumn/winter collection event and I now love the brand! xx

  2. February 29, 2012 / 7:32 pm

    Both dresses are gorgeous! What a great style of dress on you, they look lovely!

  3. February 29, 2012 / 8:14 pm

    I can never resist a peek in Motel when on Park Street!

  4. February 29, 2012 / 9:59 pm

    Thanks guys! I’d definitely recommend taking a look in store, as the vintage is very different from their seasonal collections. Can’t wait for warmer weather so I can wear these again : )

  5. March 4, 2012 / 10:58 am

    Both lovely looks – but I am so in love with the second dress! Great styling. X

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