Stacey Body

Many people now are looking to vintage when organising events, birthdays, weddings, burlesque nights or simply a love of an era – they’re all reasons to get dressed up in something different and head out looking fabulous. So where to go and what to do? Here's a five step guide to transport you to vintage perfection. 1. Do your homeworkManchester offers some great resources to help you on your way to being ready for a vintage event. Wander down to Platt Fields to the Gallery of Costume for inspiration throughout the decades or if you have a love of mid-century nip into the Manchester Art Gallery who are currently running an excellent exhibition 'Cotton Couture: 1950s Commissions from Manchester'. If you’d rather look at some books head to the Central Library. 2. Get your under structure rightGarters? Girdles? Corsets? Pop into Kiku Boutique in the Northern Quarter, they not only sell bespoke items they also do a fantastic off the peg range of lingerie and corsetry which will have you drooling. From bullet bras down to seamed fully fashioned stockings - if you want to create the perfect vintage shape to go under your outfit and give it that air of authenticity then Kiku is the place for you.   3. Pick the right outfitIf you decide to do it good and proper then head over to the Northern Quarter, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Retro Rehab the have some gorgeous gowns or beautiful day dresses if you want something a little understated, or if wearing true vintage isn’t your thing nip

Manchester has been the stalwart for burlesque in the North West since the scene exploded in a flurry of glitter and frilly knickers back in 2007. Whatever tickles your fancy there’s something for everyone in the variety of shows and events in our beloved city. The Rowdy Show 'The Slippery Belle presents……Burlesque!' has been running in Manchester for eight years and has seen debut performances from some of the best international and UK performers throughout its time. Showcasing talent from across the UK, this show is well known for its party atmosphere and rowdy crowd. Currently on the move to its new home at Joshua Brooks, the next event is August 1 and features headliner Verity Gray (as seen in GQ magazine). Tickets range from £9 for standard seating to £12 for allocated. The Theatre Show The team behind the Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival bring you 'Green Eggs & Glam' at The Dancehouse, an all-star internationally headlined theatre show full to the brim of the best burlesque and cabaret in the UK.  This theatre show is no laid back affair - the audience forgoes the polite applause in lieu of whoops, hollers and cheers aplenty. Headlining the next event on July 17 is Lada Redstar who won Best Debut at the world’s most prestigious burlesque competition, the Burlesque Hall of Fame, in Vegas in 2013. Tickets range from £14 (standard seating) to £15 (premium). The Northern Talent Show  'Cherie Bebe’s Burlesque Revue' is a great showcase for northern talent and currently runs

Manchester's rich heritage of textile industry nicknamed it 'Cottonopolis' so what better place to get crafting than this wonderful city? Whether it’s sewing, knitting, making jewellery, screen printing or anything else which takes your creative fancy you can find everything you need in our top listed crafting hotspots. Leon’s FabricsAn Aladdin’s cave is probably the best way to describe Leon’s. From their humble beginnings trading on markets this 80-year-old family-run business is the best for bargains in Manchester and there is nothing they don’t know about fabric. It’s a great place to go if you’re starting out on sewing or crafting adventures as they can advise you on suitable fabrics for any projects. Warning: you’ll be hard pushed to not walk out with an armful of fantastic fabric you never knew you needed.419 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton. Fred AldousFred's is your one-stop all craft shop. If you’re new to crafting and you need the tools of the trade or if there’s a craft you’d like to try but don’t know where to start then Fred's is your answer. They can not only provide you with the resources (books, supplies, tools) the staff there really know their stuff and, as a bonus, Manchester's Ministry of Craft are based in their basement classrooms, offering classes on a multitude of crafts suitable for the first timer and those more experienced alike.37 Lever Street, Northern Quarter. AbakhanIt’s hard not to know about Abakhan if you're from Manchester. It has long been the a

Whether you love gothic Victoriana, are obsessed with the swinging '60s or love a bit of mid-century modernism, Manchester has plenty of places for you to find a special vintage piece to add to your home décor. Levenshulme Antiques VillageHost to nine antiques businesses, Levenshulme Antiques Village really is a melting pot of different eras, styles and pieces. Set in the Victorian Old Town Hall, the building itself is impressive but prepare to have your breath taken away when you step inside this veritable treasure trove.  Find collectible and classic vinyl from John In the Yard, check out the gorgeous art nouveau fireplaces in Adlington Architectural Antiques, or nip into Soup for vintage clothing, curios and artwork.The Old Town Hall, 965 Stockport Road, Levenshulme. Planet Vintage GirlIf you're a mid-century obsessive this is the place for you. Specialising in 20th century items, Planet Vintage Girl will feed your fancy with their carefully selected pieces. You should expect to pay the price in this place so probably not the best if you’re looking for a cheap little trinket, but if you’re looking for quality vintage and have the cash to splash visit Planet Vintage Girl to buy the best. Alternatively, ogle their goods and add them to your wish list to save for a rainy day - but don’t be surprised if they’re snapped up sharpish.Empire House Vintage Warehouse, Oldham Road/Wrigley Head, Failsworth. InSitu Architectural SalvageStarting their business as a reclaimed door and fi