A skill that really impresses me is the ability to make your own clothes. Honestly, as a human that can barely re-attach a button before it unceremoniously pops off again an hour later, it blows my mind that there are humans in this world who can create beautiful garments out of flat rolls of fabric – which is exactly what Edinburgh based vintage store owner Rachael Coutts did for her recent Virtual Boudoir Shoot. Combining true vintage pieces with a bra and tap pants set created from a vintage pattern, I’m so excited to bring this shoot to the blog today for your viewing pleasure.

Rachael’s Virtual Boudoir Shoot took place using the back facing camera of her iPhone. Technology officially rules! No matter what device you have available to you, as long as its wifi-connected and has an in-built camera, we can make a virtual boudoir shoot happen for you. Read all about Rachael’s experiences below…

Rachael Coutts

Occupation: Owner of a Vintage Shop

How would your best friend describe you? Tenacious, intense and caring

Name three things that you always carry with you? Phone (coz it connects me to people!), about a million lipsticks, cat hair

What was the last book you read? I’m reading Rebecca now, and just finished The Time In Between about a seamstress in the 30s and 40s.

Do you remember how you originally found me? So many people recommended you!

What inspired you to book a virtual photoshoot? Wanting to feel like I was a glamorous lady in the 30s!

Who would play you in a movie of your life? I hope someone who is intense as me!

Whats the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? The internet knows A LOT about me. But I don’t talk all that often about the fact I’m still trying to write a book about running away to join the circus.

Tell us about one of the outfits you wore for your virtual boudoir shoot – why do you love it? Can I tell you ALL about my outfits? Outfits are a massive part of the shoot for me. The first is a 30s rayon nightgown, from an estate sale. The second is a bra and tap pants combo I made myself from vintage silk. The last is an incredible 30s capelet with gelatin sequins that I should have sold in my shop, but stole instead!

Describe your virtual boudoir shoot experience? Amazing! But jeez was I sore the next day. You made me work lady! So much fun and I felt amazing afterwards. Shoots with you are such a great experience and ego boost!

What song gets you on the dancefloor? I love dancing so it doesn’t take much. But I’m a big fan of Northern Soul so You’ve Been Away

What are you most proud of in your career so far? Just bloody doing it! Opening the damn shop and just getting on with it.

What is your top body confidence tip? Learning to love your body and reprogramming your brain away from what the media portrays as ideal. And damn good clothes.

What will your autobiography be called? Kitten Heels and Cobblestones; The Ups and Downs of Life 

If you could be a model for any brand, which brand would it be and why? Vintage Vandalizm. The first brand in a while to blow me away.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about booking a session of their own? DO IT. DO IT NOW. Don’t overthink this.

What do you think is the BEST thing about lockdown? Time to be in my house with my cat Boo.

What do you think is the WORST thing about lockdown? The loneliness of living alone

What are you most looking forward to doing when lockdown is over? Seeing my friends and family

What exciting project are you working on right now? The shop will be re-opening on June 29th, so please pop in! I’m also listing some special pieces most nights at 5pm via my Instagram!

Want to show off your vintage wardrobe like Rachael Coutts? Then book your own virtual boudoir shoot with me today – have a read of my all the details here and then email me with some potential dates. I’m so excited to work with you!