Style My Way: Join the Vintage Hair Accessory Blog Carnival

The 1920s tortoiseshell comb, with its gently curved teeth and hand-carved floral motif, rarely sits the same way on two heads. One woman tucks it behind her ear to anchor a low chignon; another slides it into a side part to hold back a cascade of loose waves. That quiet difference is what makes vintage hair accessories so alive—they invite interpretation. A blog carnival built around the theme “Style My Way” turns that invitation into a shared celebration. Here’s how the carnival works, why it suits British vintage hair accessories, and how you can join with your own distinctive look.

What Is a Blog Carnival?

A blog carnival is a collaborative event where multiple bloggers write on a single theme, and one host collects and links to all the contributions. Think of it as an organized gallery of ideas rather than a competition. For our community of collectors and stylists, “Style My Way” means showing how you wear a specific vintage piece—a Bakelite barrette, a velvet bow, a Victorian hairpin—in your everyday life. The focus is on personal expression, not perfection. Every submission adds a new angle to the same accessory, revealing how context, hair type, and personal taste reshape its story.

Why Vintage Hair Accessories Are Perfect for a Style Carnival

Unlike fast-fashion hair clips that are designed to be worn one way, vintage pieces carry decades of design history and often have multiple functional possibilities. A 1950s French hair comb can be used as a tiara, a side accent, or even a brooch substitute on a lapel. A 1970s acetate slide can hold a thick ponytail or be clipped onto a silk scarf. The “Style My Way” carnival encourages you to experiment and share those discoveries. It also builds a living archive of how British women today reinterpret heirlooms and charity-shop finds.

How to Participate in the Carnival

Participation is open to anyone with a blog, a social media account, or even just a photograph and a few sentences to share. Here is the process:

• Choose your accessory – Pick one vintage hair piece from your collection. It could be a cherished find from a Portobello Road stall or a family hand-me-down. The only rule is that it must be vintage (pre-1990s) and for hair.
• Style it your way – Wear it in a manner that feels natural to you. Do not try to copy a historical photograph; let your current wardrobe, hair length, and daily routine guide you. If the piece is delicate, consider a low-risk style such as a side clip or a half-up twist.
• Document the look – Take a clear photograph that shows the accessory in context. Include a close-up if possible, so readers can see details like patina, carving, or clasp mechanism. Write a short description: what the piece is, where you found it, and why you chose that styling.
• Submit your contribution – Send your photo and text to the carnival host (details will be announced on this blog’s homepage and social channels) or publish it on your own platform with the hashtag #StyleMyWay. The host will compile all entries into a single round-up post.

Finding Inspiration in British Fashion History

The United Kingdom has a long tradition of personalising hair accessories. During the Edwardian era, women often wore intricately worked silver and tortoiseshell combs to secure elaborate pompadours, but the same comb could be passed down and worn by a granddaughter in the 1960s as a simple hair ornament with a sleek bob. That continuity—the same object, different era, different wearer—is what the carnival celebrates. If you are unsure how to style a piece, look to the decades it comes from, but always adapt. A 1940s snood can be worn as a low bun cover with modern denim; a 1980s oversized plastic bow can be clipped onto a felt hat for a quirky touch.

Practical Tips for Styling Vintage Accessories Today

Before you fasten that Edwardian filigree comb, check its condition. Old metal prongs can be brittle, and celluloid is sensitive to heat. Gently clean the piece with a soft, dry cloth and avoid getting hair products on it. When styling, start with the accessory in your hand and let your hair’s natural texture guide you. Fine hair may need a small silicone grip band underneath a heavy clip; thick hair can hold a large comb without extra help. For a secure fit, insert the accessory at an angle rather than straight in—this mimics the way vintage wearers did it and reduces slipping.

What to Do After You Share Your Look

Once your entry is part of the carnival round-up, take time to browse other participants’ posts. You might discover that a 1950s plastic daisy clip you overlooked could be worn as a playful accent on a low bun, inspired by someone else’s styling. Leave thoughtful comments—ask about their sourcing story or the specific technique they used. The carnival is as much about learning as it is about showing. Over weeks and months, the collected entries form a resource that future readers can turn to when they wonder how to wear a particular piece.

Building on the Carnival Spirit

The “Style My Way” carnival is not a one-off event. It can become a recurring feature, with each edition focusing on a different type of accessory—combs one month, bows the next, then hairpins, then slides. If you are new to blogging about vintage hair accessories, participating in a carnival is a low-pressure way to contribute and connect with like-minded collectors. For those who already run a blog, hosting a carnival can grow your readership and position you as a community hub. For a deeper look at the philosophy behind sharing your personal collection, the guide All Things Dangly and Beautiful: A Guide to Vintage Hair Accessories offers practical advice on documenting and describing your pieces—skills that translate directly to carnival entries.

To submit your first “Style My Way” entry, simply tag your photo with #StyleMyWay on Instagram or send an email to the address listed on this blog’s contact page. The next round-up will be published on the first Monday of the month. Choose your favourite vintage hair accessory, style it in a way that feels true to you, and send it in. That comb, bow, or barrette has waited decades to be seen again—let it shine in your own light.