Twist of fate

Sometimes when you wake up you have no idea what life is going to throw at you. That's exactly what this week has done, hence the picture above. I keep thinking of the phrase when life gives you lemons make lemonade.

So like any good vintage gal I've straightened my seams, put on a fresh coat of red lipstick and decided to start again. Sure this wasn't what I was planning but at the end of the day if we knew what life had in store for us where would be the excitement.

Style Icon for today

This weeks style icon is Katy Perry. Ok so she's a bit more modern than my normal icons, but I'm drawn to her girly style with a bit of retro pinup va va voom.

For me the number one thing that attracts me to her style is her makeup and the definition of her expressive eyes. Maybe I'll play dressups this week and try to a bit more like Katy?

Fat Freddy's Drop Live at the Forum Melbourne

Sorry dear readers for the long radio silence. However I am glad to report I'm back!

Friday night finally came. Yep thats right the long awaited FAT FREDDY'S DROP concert. I've been counting down for months for this and finally at 8pm on friday the 26th the doors of the Forum Theater opened for all us fans.

With a great opening act to really get us in the mood it was no surprise it was a great night. It was one of those weird but cool nights. I saw staff member and their mates which was funny when I was introduced as "this is my boss", a funny statement to me when I'm out of uniform. I knew they were going, in fact this staff member was the one who actually let me know about the concert. So a big shout out to Hobbs for the heads up and what turned out to be my fav concert of the year.

However what was a complete surprise was seeing an old mate who I haven't seen in months. It was one of those see you across a crowded room, steal glances and see if its the right person. Then after the first act he made his way over and it was catch up time. It was fantastic to share the music and whats been going on in our lives over the last 6 months.

So my overall review. FANTASTIC NIGHT! cool music, surprise friends catch up, awesome location and finally got to see a band I love LIVE! Which makes me want to remind you all to take the chance and get out there in this big wide world. Even if you have to go alone you never know who'll you meet once your out there.

Christmas Party Crisis

Right people thinking caps on! I have to attend 2 work Christmas parties over the next fortnight and I'm having a dress crisis! The first one at least is going to be full of people embracing their won personal style so I will be going retro or goth. The only real challenge here is figuring out what exactly to wear.

The second, and in my mind scary one, is the major work party I'll be attending which has a theme!!!! Our theme is JUNGLE! Ok so not that bad I hear you say, but I don't own leopard print and I don't want to go dressed as Tarzan or Jane. Basically I need to find the perfect outfit that embraces my style and the theme I guess. Plus this work function will include my bosses and staff *insert scary music here* so I still want to be fun but staying true to the real me. Also add to the fact that this is my first Christmas with the company so the pressure is on as I don't really know what the dress standards are like for these events.

So time to put on my Blair Waldorf cap and plan the perfect outfit.

Goodbye

At the beginning of this week I had both joy and sadness. Firstly the JOY! My darling friends MsKitty and BamBam came down with the wonderful news...THEY ARE ENGAGED!!!! Lets just say I'm over the moon about this and can't wait to help plan the big day as it looks like its going to be held in Melbourne. So there were many hugs, tears of happiness and lots of talking as soon as we caught up.

The sad part is the reason of the trip. BamBam has got a job working in Tassie (joy) but this means MsKitty and he will be apart for the first 6 months (sad) or so until her life up north is all packed up before she joins him. So we had to pack up BamBam and put him on the boat to Tassie. It was like being in a movie as the tears flowed during the goodbye and the two of us yelling we love him and waving goodbye from beside the boat. This was one of the most emotional goodbyes I've ever been part of as the love they share is amazing and you can't help but feel the passion and love that surrounds them.

So we send all our love and well wishes to BamBam as he sets forth in setting up their new life in the land of Tassie.

Rockabilly Goth

So in the spirit of MsKitty being down I decided to rockabilly/goth it up, and I thought I'd share with you all. It was an easy and fun dress up day just added black sheer top to my favorite red skirt, as well as black and red rose hair clips. Of course a few healthy dose of deep red lipstick.

House Guests

I've spoken about making your guests feel at before, but this I thought I'd speak about keeping your sanity while they are here. Why this topic you may ask? In all honesty I've been feeling a bit like I live in a hotel the last month and its not slowing down.

So far I've had MsLele, Mr Noisewater, Mr Miki as well the 2 Mr G's. Plus I've still got Miss Kitty, BamBam, Kendiedoll and Modman to come visit over the next month. Now I'm more than excited to see everyone but what do you do when you seem to have guest, after guest, after guest. And at one logistical nightmare time I actually had one leave and four arrive!

The first thing to save everyone wondering "what's up" be honest about what's going on. Tell your people that you've had lots of people staying so you may be a bit on the back foot when it comes to thinking of new things to do. However do remember that just because you've already cooked that 'famous meal of yours' for the last few guests its the current guests first time.

Secondly make sure you let your guests know that although they me on holiday if you are still working that you will need to honor those commitments. Be sure to let them know what nights will be good for you for a night. For instance I have to specific days off each week so there are two nights that I can go out with no clock watching.

Thirdly, and most importantly, have time to yourself. Again honesty is the best option, let your guests know that you need some 'wind down time after work'. I often tell my house guests that I often need half and hour to turn off my work mind and relax, so if they can give me that time to get changed and have some space I'll be even better to be around. For instance when MsLele stays we have a routine of who ever gets home first makes sure there is a glass of wine ready for the other. We then also give each other 30 mins to 'relax' then we 'regroup' for a night of fun and chatting. It works for us.

Whats a girl to wear?????

Now Melbourne doesn't play fair when it comes to the weather. For instance the weather in the last week has ranged from 32 to 16 degrees C, then add in humidity, rain, hail, bright sun and wind it can make choosing very hard. Even in these days where I'm stuck wearing a uniform to work most days the options for long and short sleeved shirts can be tricky with the tempt rising or dropping dramatically during the day.

So I've been thinking about the classic 1950's day dress. With the simple shirt dress you can warm it up with a cardi/shrug or shawl or keep it cool with a wide brimmed sun hat. Whats even better as this style can be found in many modern shops such as portmans, sussans and even target. I can tell you know ladies there will be a lot of these dresses this summer for me.

Decorating at home

Sometimes a girl needs to spoil herself. Apart from the normal indulgence in shoes, clothing and handbags in can also bring a smile to your face when you bring something home to brighten up your house. Now you can hit the flea markets, jump online or even make what you after yourself. However sometimes its so much fun to have a package arrive with your name on it and some new goodies from overseas. This is where Crumpet and Skirt come in.

Lets start with a few cushions for the sofa or even the bedroom. How about an ivory cushion with a close up of the feisty redheaded Maureen. It measures 28 x 38 cm with a concealed zip at the bottom edge and has a duck feather pad.

Veronica brings a new meaning to the Tease Maid! She won’t do the washing up but might encourage the chaps to help. If not she certainly cheers up the kitchen. 100% Cotton Tea Towel. (Height: 81 cm x Width: 48 cm)

Or how about a bit of a sneak peak of Kim...The classic Blonde. Seen from the outside, the mug is virginal white bone china, but tip it up for a slurp of tea and there's a saucy pin up waiting for you at the bottom.

Oh dear I think I better make space for the new treats!!!!

Dollhouse Bettie

Now I've spoken about Dollhouse Bettie before but I thought it was about time I updated everyone on a couple of the stunning new pieces they have in stock.

First up is this beautiful slip with links to Vanity Fair, the legendary lingerie company that has been making fabulous confections for over 100 years. This perma-pleated delight is fashioned from nylon tricot and features a double layered chiffon bodice. Scalloped lace trims the neckline and underbust while a matching lace insert adorns the six inch pleated chiffon hem. Style is complete with adjustable ribbon straps. The design was produced in a range of hues and they are offered in a variety of colors and sizes.

Of course I couldn't go past this stunning Lily overbust corset from Burleska which has been imported by Dollhouse Bettie. With traditional construction methods, high quality components and beautiful styling make this a must have for corset lovers. Steel busk and boning offer fantastic structure and tight lacing capabilities, expect an immediate two inch reduction on your waist size. Ivory taffeta comprises the outer layer, style is fully lined in sturdy black woven cotton and reinforced with twill tape. Garter loops are provided for additional versatility, as well as a modesty panel if you choose to wear the garment with full coverage. Adorable box pleated black taffeta trims the bust and hip line, contrasting black casing highlights the structure of the panels and creates a slimming visual effect. Style is finished with a demure taffeta bow, strong satin ribbon and metal grommets allows vigorous cinching.

So jump online and start shopping everyone

Strike a pose

Just because you don't have a professional photographer at hand doesn't mean you can't take a great photo. The photo above was taken with my inbuilt web cam on my MacBook. Often the key to a good photo is to knowledge.

1) find out if you have a good side
2) With the wonders of modern digital photos you can keep snapping till you find what you like
3) Use the different settings in your photo programs or on your camera to see what works for you. All I did for this shot was to turn a color photo into sepia and fade out the edges.
4) Experiment - you never know till you try
5) Have fun with photos

A bit of cheer

Yes I've been bitten by the Christmas planning bug so I've been wondering what new traditions I can bring to my new house. Since this year has been a very big one for change and starting over I thought it may be time to forge a few new traditions.

My first idea is to hold a tree trimming party on Christmas eve with lots of bubbles, retro music on the and get everyone round to dress my christmas tree. Maybe a bit of baking like some yummy cupcakes and small finger food to feed the hungry masses.

Or how about a carolling party with a twist. Instead of all of the normal carols grab some karoke cd's and starting singing till your hearts content.

Gifts for others party. How about everyone bring a present for a charity and sit around watching our favorite christmas movies, wrapping and them give them to a local charity.

So whats the verdict? Maybe a few new traditions this year. I'll keep you posted on how things go.

kiss and makeup

One of my favorite cosmetics brands is Benefit, so with Christmas creeping up on us fast I figured it was time to hit the beauty bar and see what goodies might end up in people's stockings. Really who can blame me with such great products and super cute retro packaging.

So far my picks for this season are ooh la lift, bad girl waterproof mascara and of course their fabulous eye shadows in pressed powder with super rich colors. So little elves be extra good for santa to treat you with these little presents.

Nail Art

A couple of weeks ago MsJeni did this super cute design for spring for me. However with MsJeni on leave what is a girl to do when her nails need to be 'refreshed'. Well she goes out and buys herself a starter nail art kit.

I picked up this little kit for $16 which included 3 polishes (white, black and silver) and 30 designs to use. It was actually really easy to use. Just stick on the stencil, fill in the gaps with the polish, let dry for a minute then remove stencil and there you have it. I started with a simple design but I think a few more attempts and I'll start marking some really cool designs.

Thinking about Christmas

The stores are full of shoppers, christmas decorations and people scratching their head wondering why all this is happening. Personally I like to leave the world of Christmas to december but it seems the retail world won't let me. So I've put on my santa hat and started to plan.

This year I have the joy of hosting my family in my new home. *jumping up down with excitement here* so I'm in planning mode. At current count there will be a guest in every spare room and my theme is Rockabilly Christmas or maybe Vintage. Not sure yet but what ever I do its going to be big.

I'm thinking lots of 'merry' cocktails, cute little cupcakes and very cheery place settings. So time to hit the net for planning ideas.

Where's my pinny

With the christmas season in sight I thought I just might hunt through some old images and look what I found. This of course makes me wonder why more people don't wear pinnies/aprons. Sure there is the 'kiss the chef' and 'fake boobs' aprons that get dragged out at most BBQ's but where is the lost art of the beautiful apron?

So I'm on a mission to find/make and promote cute designs. Off the the flea market for me.

What katie did

WOW is the first thing that jumped to mind when I saw this new design from What Katie Did, then the next thing to jump in was "I WANT! I WANT!"

The Pigalle Laurie corset is another dramatic-looking gored-hip style, great on curvy vintage figures as it allows for maximum cinching with optimum comfort. With inspiration drawn from this range's namesake, the naughty Pigalle Quartier of Paris, and the vivid red satin and black floral lace overlay is decadent, elegant and more than a little bit saucy. Laurie is one of What Katie Did newest overbust designs, carefully cut to fit and flatter a wide range of bust sizes. The shaped cups will boost and uplift smaller busts, as well as supporting and enclosing larger cup sizes – up to a generous E. They've made this beautiful corset extra special, by adding a pleated ribbon trim at bottom and along the sweetheart neckline, with a little bow nestling at the décolleté, for that perfect finishing touch.

So jump online and start shopping

Exquisite life

Its that time of year again, when we start thinking of summer and swimsuits. Thanks to MsKendidoll and MsTC I don't have to worry about what to wear anymore. I just received a very cool package containing some 1950's navy inspired swimmers all from the fantastic boutique Exquisite Life.

Exquisite Life is a speciality fashion boutique, offering swimwear, beach apparel, accessories, and styling & image solutions located in Surfers Paradise QLD. Their collections feature, an interchangable mix of beautifully designed separates that take you from day to night. Every garment is carefully hand picked and sourced from quality Australian and European brands, brought into one convenient location for you to style your own personal look or two, for those special intimate occasions, a resort holiday, family poolside living, lounging on the yacht or simple beach fun.

With an emphasis on innovation, refined style, and a focus on artistic integrity, & design excellence, there is always something special in store. Choose from a variety of swimwear silhouettes, colours, prints, looks, for your foundational body shape, your image, your lifestyle, your budget.

So now to get that summer glow and find a pool. See you in summer.