The Great 50s Cake Bake-Off

Its no great secret that I love to make cupcakes. They are quick, cute and always yummy, I'm still learning how to make them look super cute, but at least I have the 'yummy' factor sorted. Which is why I adore reading Bakerlla's Blog as there is always something to capture your imagination like these cake pop's inspired by Toy Story of Ham.

By Bakerella

So on a recent reading of her blog I noticed that she had been helping judge a cake decorating comp, which in turn reminded me of the one held by the Lovely ladies of the Lindy Charm School at Wintersun.

Entries from the Competition with Bakerella

It was fantastic to see so many people taking part both as cooks and as on lookers ohhing and ahhing over the yummy and inventive designs. All I can say is so much talent and I'm rather glad I didn't have to pick a winner as they were all very good.

So all of this made me wonder....at what point did we stop baking as art and start ordering from bakeries? Not that I have anything against a bought cake, as they often do so much better than I ever could, but I did start to think how many times I've popped to the shops for an afternoon tea cake instead of baking. Well new house new rules, yes that's right I'm heading back to the kitchen and whipping up treats for my house guests.

**Ms Candice and Mistress Chrissy

**The Winning Entry from Mimsy of Mimsy’s Trailer Trash Tattoos.

**Photos of Wintersun judges and cake from Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing and Miss Kim of Vintage Charm by Kim.

And here is the bake-off in action.

SCOTTY BAKER at Wintersun 2010

Scotty with all of the beauties from the swimsuit fashion parade I was part of.

Music has always been a big part of my life and one of the joys of Wintersun is seeing so many great acts in one place that you might otherwise not get to see. One of these acts was Scotty Baker! What can I say apart from AMAZING! I was also lucky enough to meet Scotty as he was the MC for our swimsuit parade *insert swooning motion here* - sorry gals he's taken by the simply stunning Alice Jean.

Scotty's sound (to be me) is classic, you can hear the influences of great performers such as Johnny Cash, and other Rockabilly influences like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly. But I am sure there are many more. For me the best thing was his pace and ability to keep the crowd moving, you just couldn't help but want to either a) dance up a storm or b) swoon. As it looked like many people took both options during wintersun.

Scotty and Alice Jean

I've read that Scott is still working on a full album of his own can't wait!!!! And yes I will be hunting that CD down.

Issey & Scotty

If you want to hear why we were all so excited click below to hear some great rock and roll.

SCOTTY BAKER sings "Set Me Loose On That Blonde" Wintersun 2010

MOVIE WATCH - My Name is Tallulah

As you grow up there are always movies that you adore and often watch over and over again. One of these for me is the classic (as I see it) Bugsy Malone starring a very young Jodie Foster and Scott Biao. For those of you who don't know the movie/musical by Alan Parker here you go....

A gangster movie set in 1929 New York City where all the gangsters are played by children. The story tells of the rise of "Bugsy Malone" and the battle for power between "Fat Sam" and "Dandy Dan" in a flashy world of would-be hoodlums, showgirls, and dreamers.

Yes this movie holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons, the kids, the clothing, the dancing, the fact that the bullets in the movie are cream pies, pedal cars for the kids to drive and most of all the music. Its funny looking back as a (I use the term loosely lol) grown up how much movies like this have played in my life. Especially as the fashion is one of the strongest memories I have of the film, which does make me wonder why I adore the 50's and not the 20's??? Oh well I guess I'll find that movie one day.

One of the most stunning characters in my eyes was Jodie Fosters character Tallulah, the lead show girl and Fat Sam's 'squeeze'. She had it all a voice, the clothing and those eyes that could tempt you to do anything. I still remember her song "my name is Tallulah" with very fond memories and was super excited when I found it on youtube. Sometimes the internet can be a wonderful thing!

So grab a friend or your kids and rent it out, it's well worth the watching.

You Shook Me All Night Long

Now I've spoken about Ms Ali McGregor before and after unpacking I found one of her CD's in my music collection, so I thought I'd share a bit more with you.

Apart from being amazing vocally she also has a wonderful talent of taking 'modern' music and giving it her own unique twist. Some of my favorites include Creep by Radiohead, Can't get you out of my head by Kylie and Sweet Child of mine by Guns and Roses with a few even done on the Omnichord.

And here is a taste as Ali performs ACDC's 'you shook me all night long'

Gallery Serpentine

While looking over various fashions of the past I found my way to an old favourite Gallery Serpentine. For those of you who don't know Gallery Serpentine is a Sydney based australian made corset boutique with amazing designs for both men and women. With styles from Gothic, Steampunk, victoiran and bridal.

One of my earliest corsets was from Gallery Serpentine just under 10 years ago and I must say its still as beautiful now as the day she was given to me. So if you are looking for a beautiful corset, hand made and 100% aussie then jump online and have a look. They even produce for ensembles such as this one known as the window ensemble.

Burlesque Bar - Friday Nights

Looking for something to do this Friday? Why not join us all in some merriment at the Burlesque Bar.

Maybe your just after a drink and a snack, or maybe you want some galmour. Either way its a great way to start your weekend! So grab a friend, some fishnets and head out into the night!

Bonnie Rose

In another twist of fate I have found that another great lady, Nicole, who help the bevies of beauties dress for the Wintersun is also the creator of Bonnie Rose Vintage Clothing. It wasn't until I turned up at The Way We Wear Vintage fair and actually bumped into Nicole that the penny dropped. Talk about a small world!

At Bonnie Rose they believe quality pieces of clothing are always in fashion and stock blouses, silk swing skirts, cool day dresses and gorgeous accessories including bags, sunglasses, and jewellery.

So when I found a stunning white ruffle tulle petticoat (like the one above) it was just natural that it had to come home with me. I do suggest you jump online and have a look as there are some stunning pieces to bring home to your own collections.

Lost/found and all in the details

On a recent trip to Chapel and Victoria Streets Mikii and I decided to quench our thirst and came across these fantastic places. The first being located half way up chapel street called Temperance Hotel and what caught my eye was the stunning details. Especially the use of silhouettes as detail and the re-use of shopping baskets as a lighting display.

Then we found this super cool place on Victoria Street, sadly I can't remember the name where some of the seats were actually from some old airplanes which were complete with working foot rests and tray tables. So of course we had to try them out.

Mikii in business class

It really is amazing what you can find when your not looking, so keep those eyes peeled. This as also given me lots of ideas for the redecorating of my new place (since right now I'm surrounded by plaster and paint and wondering what the final results are going to be). So many ideas, so much to do.....where do I start.

The Way We Wear Exhibition

Another fantastic feature of the Way We Wear was the exhibition which greeted you as you walked into the town hall. As the theme was “what the bride wore” it was brilliant to see all of these wedding gowns.

It was a great reminder that everything has a story. Every piece of vintage fashion was once worn, loved and cherished by someone else. From clothing to jewelry, it all has a story, especially wedding gowns.

It makes me wonder what the women who wore these were like. Who did they marry? Why? What was their life like? It has made me go back and look at all my vintage pieces again with a sense of childlike wonderment.

The Way We Wear = dangerous

When this is the first thing you see as you walk up to a venue you know your in the right place. Funny after all the cars I saw at Wintersun I didn’t see a stretch Chevy like this. So of course I had to take a photo.

Once inside it was wonderful to see so many stalls which such diverse treasures, everything from shoes to jewels, even collections of buttons. Plus I did stumble (ok not so much stumble as hunt down) Jacinta from Circa Hats.

And it was there that I picked up this little treasure. I divine little black velvet cocktail had that fitted perfectly on the crown of my head, now to figure out the hairstyle that will suit it best.

Also in my searching I came across this sweet little dress ring, as well as a pair of navy and white gloves. Perfect for this cold Melbourne weather, and lets face it nothing say a night out at the theatre like a pair of finely tailored gloves. I did manage to pick up a couple of full floral skirts and a super sweet pale green day dress. Thankfully the green dress will match wonderfully with my velvet heels that got a very good work out modelling and dancing at Wintersun.

A bit more on the amazing women

From the minute I left Melbourne I just knew I was going to be surrounded by amazing ladies who sense of fashion and style was more than most. This was clear as I met this lovely lady (above) on the flight up to the Gold Coast.

And once at Wintersun it didn't take long for all of us like minded women to gravitate towards each other and start happy snapping each others outfits. What was also really nice was the large amount of people who asked for a photo of me with the cars. It just goes to show when you are in your element the amount of people who really like that extra effort you went to is extremely high.

It really makes me smile to see so many ladies out there embracing the retro/vintage/50's what ever you'd like to call it style. And my oh my can some of them really cut a rug on the dance floor. Think its time to book in for some Lindy Hop lessons

Garry&Sandy Hambly Kirsty Pursch

So Ladies if you see yourself here please email me and I can send you copies

Kitty Cat Black

While on my travels I managed to pick up some great pieces from both local and oversees artists. So needless to say I was super happy to see some designs of a great local gal Sharon Walker of Kitty Cat Black

I first discovered Sharon's work many years ago through a gal known as Cassi (the designer behind Silk Orchid Coresty) and of course fell in love with her designs pretty soon after that. So when walking the stalls at Wintersun I was VERY pleased to see so many places selling her work, and of course being a supported had to jump in and buy a few pieces.

So who is Sharon, well...after majoring in Gold & Silversmithing at Queensland College of Art here in Australia, she started experimenting with polymer bead sculpting. Thus she began creating her own jewellery because no one was selling the kind of jewellery she wanted to wear.

What is also super cool is that Sharon has created a choker range for 12" fashion dolls called Kittycat Black Minis.

You Never Know Who Your Standing Next To

Tikidoll & Niki & Kesenya

You never know who your standing next to, especially at Wintersun. I knew I'd be modelling with a couple of my style icons however I had a serious surprise to find that the stunning Kesenya of the wonderful Alice Jean blog.

Apart from Kesenya sharing how style and grace, she also shared her good humor while wearing her 1970's mini bikini complete with 'modesty duck'.

So I urge everyone if you see an amazing lady next to you go and talk to them as you never know who's standing next to you.

Out and About

Yep that’s right I’ve only been back a few days and I’m about to go over to the other side of Melbourne in search of new-to-me fashion at The Way We Wear. Fingers crossed I get to catch up with Jacinta from Circa Hats and some one better hold onto my wallet as I am sure it will be overwhelming with choice which means I could utter the dangerous phrase “oh well I’ll get them all”. Plus I’m hunting for a purple outfit for a party next month so my eyes will be peeled as I hunt through the racks.

So if your looking for a great mix of vintage fashion, hats, lingerie and general all round greatness pop on your little cotton socks and come on over.

When? Saturday 19th June 10am - 5pm

Sunday 20th June 10am - 4pm

Where? Williamstown Town Hall, Ferguson Street

Cost? Adult $12 Child (10+) $6 Family $30

Catching up with friends

Day 2 Wintersun
Dress - Pinup Couture
Glasses - poodle clothing
Necklace - Kitty Kat Black

I am slowly getting back up to speed after a great weekend. Not to mention going through the 250 photos that I took. Apart from the great cars, fantastic music and amazing fashion I got to catch up with a few dear friends.

Day 1 Wintersun
Tikidoll & Kendiedoll

A big thanks to everyone one who made the trip down to say hi while I was in town. Thanks Kendiedoll, Modman, Kitty, Jedi, E.V. Mark & Lou, J&P, Sutty and of course Ret. Great to see you all and wonderful to catch up with what your doing.

Thanks for the support at Wintersun, and the much needed drinks after. Counting down to the next catch up and really glad you liked the shows. Miss you guys heaps already and can't wait to get to work on all the great business ideas that were put on the table.

Day 1 Wintersun Party
TikiDoll & Ret

I do admit it was very hard to get back on the plane on Tuesday after seeing you all, but I guess that's what makes seeing friends so special.