Doll House Bettie Spring Treat

One of my new favorite international lingerie houses Doll House Bettie has just released for spring (our autumn) a number of stunning vintage slips perfect for the light weight fabrics and pastel colors of the season.

My favorite from this collection has to be the stunning sage green nylon deemed " Van Raalte Satin Suavette". Now normally I’m not a green person but this piece is just to stunning not to love especially as it is gathered under the bust and has chiffon trim at the V-neckline and hem. As well as large lace appliqués adorn the bodice front and center back while a matching asymmetrical insert trims the skirt front.

Now you may be wondering why in this modern time of jeans and hoodies I’m talking about slips, personally I think these are a staple in any woman’s lingerie drawer. They can be worn under any dress so in the blustery Melbourne weather the fear of showing everyone in the street your frillies is reduced. So I think its time to embrace the slip and enjoy the breezy weather.

Bargins!!!

Now these days there seems to be only two types of prices when it comes to underwear. Firstly there is the very lovely and very pricy (usually my weakness) and then there is the cheaper and often short living option. Don’t get me wrong I own plenty of both; but I have stumbled on some great little finds of late.

Cotton on body – not your normal cheap and short lived. They are quite well priced av$12 for briefs and $20 for bra’s, with some really flattering designs. I hold a particular weakness for their Warner bros designs especially with BamBam and Pebbles from the flintstones. Also when they do their ‘ruffle’panties/bloomers they are simply a must have – so soft and yet so fluffy.

And the other is brasnthings. For instance below is a steal at $30.

So its time to hit the shops girls and grab a bargin or 2.

Highway Princess

Just a quick one today.
I was feeling a little bit rockabilly today so I dug out one of my favorite western shirts and my new find from Highway Princess. This super cute satin double button skirt is great for work especially when teamed with heavy black stockings and little boots.

Skirt - Highway Princess
Shirt - Portmans

St Kilda art, food, writing what more can a gal ask for.

Melbourne can be the most amazing blend of fashion/styles/thoughts and people in general. This week I made my to one of my favorite streets, Acland in St Kilda. I have always had a soft spot for St Kilda/Elwood/Balaclava as they were always this great blend of artist/boho/hobo/trendy and yet they all seemed to mix without any problem. So this week with pen and paper in hand I headed to my fav street for some writing, photos and of course yummy food.

So with my little rockabilly dress it was time to wander and work up and appetite. It can be a bit weird to have chain store next to a independent trader next to a restaurant, yet it seems to be the best way you can describe Acland with its mix of styles both in trader and customer.
What did I write you may ask? Yes a little for this blog but a lot more for me. That was until an author friend of mine turned up with yet another crisis in their latest project. It was funny to have a discussion about their ever growing book (currently in edit #3) when my current writing style is this sharp short blog. Needless to say the fact that they turned up with laptop in hand trying to edit while discussing it made me laugh more than a little. Thankfully there came a break and a dinner, so for a moment the editing had to stop.
Maybe next time I won’t answer my phone when I’m out.
Who am I kidding of course I will ;)

100th post! Tripod Vs The Dragon

A perfect way to celebrate my 100th post with comedy.

Get ready to laugh as we are officially in the funniest time of the year. The Melbourne international comedy festival!!! So many acts so little time….so far my wish list looks like this

Tripod, Ali McGregor, Henry Rollins, Arj barker, David O’Doherty, Josh Thomasand about another 30 acts

But first up is Tripod on my calendar as I’m going to one of the pre-season shows at the forum. Always a good laugh and this time its Tripod versus the dragon. Which of course brings the question what do you wear to a D&D inspired comedy show? Thankfully I’m going with my friends Cupiedoll and Warlock, so there will be much laughing at ourselves as much as Tripod.

I have always adored Tripod, from back in the day when they did tend to dress a bit like the Wiggles – sorry boys to there current stuff. Best songs, in my opinion include Lingering Dad, Is it ok if I stalk you and the this one

I watch a weary old man with his brief case, each year of city life a wrinkle on his tired face

Is this the man I will turn into? and then I think you

Somewhere across the city you are on a train, looking at wrinkled lady

We should get out of here baby

We’ll take the road out the countryside my dear,

Where the mountains go forever and the birds are always near.

We’ll build a better life we’ll leave the city far behind us

Living where the outside world will never find us…..

Stockpiling weaponary

Lye lye lye bazzokas lye lye lye

Lye lye lye hand grenades lye lye lye

Lye lye lye Booby traps Lye lye lye

Lye bunker network Lye lye lye

Lye lye lye Lye lye lye Guns

Lye lye lye Fadeout Lye lye lye

Lye lye lye Black helicopters Lye lye lye

So with their music ringing in my head it was time to channel my inner geek and find something. After much indecision I decided on black stockings with boots, little black shirt dress, extra black and white check scarf and black leather jacket.

So what is the show, according to the boys its

"Tripod versus the Dragon combines classic old-school character comedy and a bunch of great songs with liberal references to the great operas, the bible (all three testaments: old, new and Superstar) and the other bible: the D&D Player's Handbook. It's the "Ring Cycle" meets the Three Stooges meets stats."

And the verdict.....Brilliant is all I can say. You'll love it if your a) a tripod fan, b) ever played or know someone who plays D&D or c) have a great sense of humor. Plus you gotta love it when there are shadow puppets in a comedy act. Keep and eye out for Yoni's orc inmpression and Gatesy's wizard with pointy hat. GO SEE IT NOW!

Nail Art

Ok so I am starting to become a little addicted to nail art. As I was in the mood for a bit of bad girl fashion (i blame the Traci Lords shirt) I figured it was time for a little black and white art. Short square nails with rounded edges and two white and silver designs. I am also considering a diamond or two, but this is a start.

If you want to see really amazing nails check out Ms Violet
I so want the Alice in wonderland ones!!!!

*The Swell Season*

For anyone out there who has seen ONCE you will already understand why I adore The Swell Season.

I first discovered Glen and Marketa in the independent 2007 Irish film ONCE about struggling artists, which slowly won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Within this feature the music was a bigger cast member than any actor and I needless to say fell in love with the lyrics; and about 10 minutes after watching the film was in the car heading to JB HiFi in search of the soundtrack. Now most people would know their song which won the Oscar for Best Original Song, Falling Slowly. However it is songs like The Hill and Leave that always leave me week at the knees. I admit in my weaker (and only one in the house moments) I have belted out these songs via the Xbox/sing-star.
I think the biggest thing for me about this group is the raw passion that flows thru the music. We all know I love my raw music (Ani Difranco, Amanda Palmer for example), to me singers may be the best in the world but if the passion can be heard in the lyrics and performance then that’s all I need to connect”

So when I heard they were in town it was a quick jump online for tickets. Then drive on down to on of my favorite suburbs, St Kilda for dinner at KL and over to the Palais to sit back and enjoy the wave of music wash over me. Sadly as the only way to get there on time was to go straight from work I ended up ending a rather soulful concert as a bit rockabilly. Oh well….some times you just gotta dance to the beat of your own drum.

Wish you were all here!

Art is in the air

You can find some amazing art if you keep your eyes open. These were a couple of posters I found in the dressing room of a little rockabilly store. I just adore the color and graphics in these. Simple yet powerful.



Then I came across these movie shots on the window of a cafe. They are just so great, and i'm not even sure why. Needless to say I just had to snap a couple.

In search of pretty

I admit I am a shopping addict at the best of times, and yes this is no exception. With the up and coming trip north for a fashion shoot it’s about time I made sure I had some options for myself. So with the promise of cupcakes, sparkles and maybe an afternoon wine I made the trek into the back streets of Melbourne. Ok so these backstreets come fully equipped with lights, cafes and sometimes parking maybe trek is the wrong world; stroll then.

First off to hit Chapel Street, now I love the area known as Windsor. Bit grubby but well worth it especially when you hit Chapel St Bazzar. This is on one of the best 2nd hand stores I've ever frequented. Its a maze of little stalls under one big roof, with everything from clothing to posters to furniture. My mission was for clothing, however I did come across these great photo's of Bettie Page, the Bunny Yeager /Irving Klaw girls. A bit on the pricey side so they made have to wait a couple of weeks before they come home, but cute none the less

Next was a surprise SKM had mentioned a new store she was getting a few pieces from (and designing for ) called Friends of Couture. Ok so nothing amazing yet, but what surprised me is that its 2 doors down from chapel st bazzar.

And guess who's dress was in the window. That's right Ms SKM's. Great stuff but sadly not the things I'm looking for so it was on to the next store. From there it was onto Greville Road to find Route 66. One of my fav little store's, but sadly also no joy but I will be heading to their city store next weekend as my name is on a few pieces that they didn't have my size in. However I did walk away with a great little black bowling shirt.


Then I struck gold when I hit Dangerfield. My best budd MiiKii and I discovered this store a couple of years ago, its now a franchisee but this one on Greville always seems to have great pieces compared to the others. So throwing caution to the wind (you gotta love up to 50% off sales) I picked up a tight 'wiggle dress' , little black double button satin skirt, and a very groovy little tee. Ok so maybe its not everyone's cup of tea but its this image above but in black and white. If you don't know who this is its Traci Lords from the movie Cry Baby. A movie I can only describe as part musical, part comdey, part romance and all fantastic. You gotta love a movie with Johnny Depp, Traci Lords and Rickie Lake.

Then it was time to jump on my bike and head to Brunswick/Gertrude Street in Fitzroy to drop in at Faster Pussycate and Circa.

As always wonderful window displays and great pieces. It was hard to hold back, especially since I was really wanted about 10 pairs of stockings and gloves. Sadly through time was short and I will have to go back next weekend for more looking and shopping.

whats that up there?

As with most things in this fair city of Melbourne things aren’t where you’d expect; and we do love to create very puzzled expressions on people.

I mean who names a swimming pool after a prime minister who drowned – Harold Holt Public Pool or makes our city square in the shape of a rectangle or even builds a monument for two explorers who died of thirst (Burke and Wills) on top of a water feature. This list goes on but by I digress.

Most fantastic places are ones you find when your lost, and so the only way to find them again in to stumble into them or get lost again. And of course I just adore a rooftop bar; Miikii/Firedoll/Cupiedoll will all attest to as I have made them climb many steps in search of libation. So when a friend informed me of not only a rooftop bar, but one where the location was not only known but also easy to get to I just had to go. This place is about 20mins from the city and right on a train line so I was more than happy to pack my little bag and head out to find new fun.

How do I describe “The Corner” let me think…..a university house – complete with bar with yummy food and rather well priced drinks. I think it used to be one of those old shops that were shop-front on the street level and personal dwelling above and behind. Now its all open for us crazy people to enjoy.

The jungle room is a must with weirdly painted monkeys and jungle animals watching you as you play pool. Nothing like being able to use the excuse “the giraffe put me off” when not managing to pot a ball on the pool table. The music is a fantastic weird mix, and you get feeling that there is some drunk guy hovering around the stereo just waiting for a chance to put their music on. Yes the temptation to do that did cross my mind.

Of course with all bars some of the best reasons to go there is to be with the people. Naturally being with friends as made it a great place for me, but the crowd of late 20 to 30 something’s is relaxed and cool. Not cool in the look at this label but more the bohemian way I remember my University days, with a thousand different types of people all just being and chilling together. Like I said before – university house party. This would also be a great place to start or finish a night, as being by the train station means you can get there to and from the city for as little as $4.00, cheap considering cab fares in Melbourne.

office gal

*Just another day at the office*

Now I work in a pretty relaxed office these days, such a change from being on my feet in retail for the last 16 years. So I am still trying to balance my love of pinup/gothabilly/gothic Lolita style with some very ‘straight’ people. As we work in a trade style company (sparky’s, mech’s and sales reps) I can embrace my love of the fitted western shirt. I do walk a fine line of corporate pinup (which seems to come out a bit more saucy librarian these days) and western tradie. But it’s all a question of timing; especially as there seems to be this thing called casual Friday (ok so its new to me) but I am trying to get them to embrace the casual dress for a cause that we used to have at school. Like Jeans for Gene’s day, that or get the office in pink for Breast Cancer day. I’ll let you know how that goes, maybe I’ll just settle for everyone getting involved in things like the biggest morning tea.

So I ask all you stunning gal’s out there what do you wear to the office? Or what do you wish you could wear?

Nail Art

Ok so I have taken a leaf out of a couple of fellow bloggers books with my nails this week. Usually the most wild I get is a diamond on the corner of each of them, or colored tips. However after seeing the cute stuff SKM and Violet have done recently I decided to take the next step. They aren’t as way out as I plan to go but I figured I’d take it in stages. So off to my favorite nail bar to see Ms Jeni, and after a pedicure and refill I got my blue nails.

I let Ms Jeni to some ‘freeform’ I think she called it. It was amazing to watch as she perfectly repeated the pattern on both nails with the brush. Then it was time for some sparkle, we all know I can’t resist sparkle, so silver glitter paint and a single diamond was placed on each. I love the results and now really want to up the anti with the designs.

As I have acrylic nails there is also the option of getting new pre done tips. I was eyeing off the Louie Vouton inspired ones, not sure though as there were also some pink cherry blossom ones and I have a really weakness for that pattern. Or maybe just anything in pink...oh the choices

Amazing Autumn

We are officially in autumn, one of my favorite seasons in Melbourne. You get the nice cool days that are just warm enough to wear a party frock but also you can layer it up if you wish. It’s perfect for just walking around this fair city and stopping for coffee and cake wherever your weary feet need to rest. It does mean that I will be heading into the city this weekend to find a couple of new outfits (as I have an event in 2 weekends back up north). Such a shame I missed the worn wild market but I guess that just means I’ll have to hit faster pussycat, route 66 and Circa Vintage to pick up something. I’m thinking a new pencil skirt and cleavage hugging dress is a must.

Fantastic fashions and new friends.

Just wanted to comment on some of the fantastic fashion I have been seeing on my travels. I am always pleasantly surprised when I go around these city’s and see amazing fashion, tattoo’s and makeup. Having such a weakness for lingerie its no surprise that I was taken aback and stunning designs being worn by the girls at the alternative club on sat night. There did seem to be a lot of anime / hyme garu / alice in wonderland/gothic Lolita designs around. Ms Lou looked stunning in her black and red (so wishing I had the camera out) ‘red queen’ inspired outfit and Ms Servitude looked divine in her frilly black number with red accents. I ended up in my blue and white corset and long black silk skirt. I am now on the hunt for photos.

Well I’m back from my whirlwind tour of Qld. Thanks to all of you who braved the weather and came & said hi on sat night. It was great to meet Ms Servitude, Lou and Heidi (sorry if your names are spelt wrong), as well as a lovely Ms who showed me her amazing chainmail jewelry pieces.



So yes I did survive the working weekend, tired and more than little pleased to slip into bed very early Monday morning. If nothing else this was the sort of weekend where planning your fashion can really pay off; which makes me want to share my fabulous travel find with you. I am a strong believer, now, in packing the least possible (this only comes from having to pay excess baggage charges the last few trips that almost cost more than the actually flights). As well as trying to pack light I also love to have my laptop (no real surprise there) and a few bits and pieces on the plane with me. With this current climate of restrictions on planes and being me, I need a bag that allows me to get to everything in and show it all for customs. Usually I travel with my big cream canvas bag that is like the tardis and holds more than you would think, however it also means that I a) fill it so it’s heavy and b) spend ages trying to find things and panic thinking I’ve lost it. Not good when it’s your boarding pass for a flight. That was all of course until I found this delight…….



Now she may just look like a mid size bag, but she is more, so much more. This little gem was actually designed as a toiletries bag for travel, but I have found is the perfect travel handbag. It unzips to show two halves both with a clear pockets and a one side a cute candy stripped mini bag with mirror; now who doesn’t love a mirror in a bag.



Another fantastic feature is that the whole has an inner waterproof lining, well since it was a toiletries bag it makes sense which means when my bottle of hand cream leaked over the weekend it was really easy to clean and get dry. Plus there is a hook thing which means I can hand the bag open from a door handle when at a hotel so I can easily see that I have packed all my stuff as apposed to just guessing that its all there.



If you can’t tell yet I love this bag. I’m seriously considering getting one in red to so I can match it with all my retro gear.
So the upshot of this weekend is the bad has now been road-tested and pasted with flying colors. It survived spills, big wallets and makeup kits, still carried and protected my iPod/phone/camera; and I didn’t loose my flight info.

My hands grope for the light

I've woken up to what can only be described as an "Ani Difranco moment". I have spent the last 24 hours on the go, from my normal day job to hopping a flight and heading to set up for the gig we are doing this weekend. Sure this time of year with LFF in full swing and the Comedy festival in preview most people flock to Melbourne, not this strange little crew, we go where the work is and that being said we are all on the GC for one of the most intense work weekends I've had in a long time.

On the plus side I get to spend the next 48 hours with my bestie Mikii as we are working together and my new mate Ken (working with us too). There is nothing better than we you all get to work (although we are in 2 different venues) together and stay in an apartment together. There is just something amazing about it, the best way i could think is like being a band on tour. We work long days, late nights, live in each others pockets and LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

If you wanna see what we are up to www.cafeinabox.com

So why an "Ani Difranco moment you might ask? Simply for these lyrics......

"dilate" by Ani DiFranco

life used to be life-like, now it's more like show biz
i wake up in the night and i don't know where the bathroom is
and i don't know what town i'm in, or what sky i am under
and i wake up in the darkness and i don't have the will anymore to wonder
everyone has a skeleton and a closet to keep it in and you're mine

every song has a you a you that the singer sings to and you're it this time
baby, you're it this time

when i need to wipe my face i use the back of my hand
and i like to take up space just because i can
and i use my dress to wipe up my drink
i care less and less what people think
and you are so lame you always disappoint me
it's kinda like our running joke
but it's really not funny
i just want you to live up to the image of you i create
i see you and i'm so unsatisfied, i see you and i dilate

so i'll walk the plank and i'll jump with a smile
if i'm gonna go down, i'm gonna do it with style
and you won't see me surrender, you won't hear me confess
'cuz you've left me with nothing, but i've worked with less
and i learn every room long enough to make it to the door
and then i hear it click shut behind me
and every key works differently i forget every time
and the forgetting defines me, that's what defines me

when i say you sucked my brain out the english translation is
i am in love with you and it is no fun
but i don't use words like love
'cuz words like that don't matter
but don't look so offended, you know, you should be flattered
i wake up in the night in some big hotel bed
my hands grope for the light my hands grope for my head
the world is my oyster the road is my home
and i know that i'm better off alone

now off to work I go, I know the venue...GCCC, I know what we're doing ....juice, who were working for...not sure yet. Lets just hope we can hit the ground runninng.

And here is a little snapshot of the retro gal in her hospitality blacks very early in the morning.