Miss Bobby Sox, vintage clothing seller and 1950s-style pin-up model, answers our questions on all things vintage and Brighton.

Who are you? Donna Grimaldi aka Miss Bobby Sox

What do you do? I run Bobby Sox Vintage Clothing, specialising in clothing & accessories from the 1950s-1980s. I stock at Immediate (Sydney Street, Brighton) and have an eBay shop. On my Bobby Sox website I write about vintage projects I am involved with or interested in. I also indulge in a little pin up style modelling, such as for The Chap Magazine, Ophelia Fancy and photographers Russ Bell and Mat Keller.

What does vintage mean to you? Vintage has pretty much grown into a way of life for me, rather than just a hobby! I very rarely purchase clothing from the high street and my house is also furnished in vintage style, discovered gems from boot fairs, fleamarkets, charity shops or handed down by friends and family. Most of the music and films I love are from past decades too.

How do you like to get dressed in the morning (and afternoon and evening)? I generally just slip on a 1950s cotton day dress, fitted cardigan and a a slick of bright red lipstick, then I’m good to go. In winter months, a pair of wooly tights and a faux fur trimmed coat and hat are added to the ensemble keep me warm.

What’s your favourite decade for style? I appreciate vintage clothing from all decades of the 20th Century but mid-century fashion & the 1950s attracts me the most. I love the bold prints, the feminine shapes suit my figure the most and I aspire to the glossy glamour of the icons of that period.

What’s your favourite vintage shop in Brighton (and the surrounding area)? Immediate Clothing on Sydney Street is a favourite. Although it is renowned for its fine range of menswear, I began selling there this year and am now responsible for the womenswear section. And Snoopers is fantastic for bric- a- brac browsing. I’ll often find a new 1950s Siamese cat ornament for my collection in there!

What’s your favourite online vintage shop? Ophelia
Fancy make beautiful bespoke & vintage- inspired lingerie.

Where do you like to go to eat and drink yummy things. Moshi Moshi and Murasaki for Japanese food, Terre a
Terre for a special evening out and Marwood Coffee Shop for cosy daytime tea & cake.

Where do you like to go to listen to awesome music? L’Amour Electronique, which plays brilliant French pop, synthesized & electronic tunes at the West Hill pub.  For
girl-fronted pop & post- punk, Witch! at Komedia is brilliant too. I’ve had lots of dressing up fun at the eclectic Playgroup parties, often participating with friends as a walkabout act. My lounge is also pretty cool!

Have you been to any tip top vintage events of late? I had a fantastic time at Vintage at Goodwood with The Chap magazine last year.  Doing the catwalk with Michael ‘Atters’ Attree was a highlight, as was the Chap Olympics. It was lovely to see so many people in one place dressed in vintage attire. The Let it Rock tent was a heaven for me –  jive dancing, 1950s tunes, a Tiki bar, meeting Wanda Jackson and some stunning vintage cars to drool over! Brighton Vintage Fair and Frock Me! have also been enjoyable to have stalls at.

What are your favourite vintage hangouts? Fairground rides & a promenade on The Brighton Pier or a trip to the Duke of Yorks cinema for an old movie and popcorn.

Where do you like to go hunting for second-hand bargains? Boot fairs & flea markets in Brighton & beyond. And I still find some lovely & reasonably- priced dresses for myself on eBay.

What has been your best ever vintage/second-hand/charity shop find? A vintage Chanel silk scarf which cost £3.00 from a charity shop was a bargain find! And my collection of second hand Diana Dors autobiographies from Amazon, all super cheap!

What is it about Brighton that makes you smile? I will always appreciate that, in Brighton, most people don’t bat an eyelid if you are wearing something individual or unusual – in fact many will compliment you on it!

Any other hints, tips or recommendations for vintage-lovers in Brighton and beyond? The pattern cutting course i did at Brighton College has helped me immensely. Being able to use a sewing machine is a big asset if you love vintage, as you can alter dresses if they are too big, take up hems or fashion your own garments from vintage sewing patterns.

Check out Donna’s collection of vintage clothing at her eBay store or at Immediate Clothing in the North Laine.