1940's fashion - Keeping Well Dressed

If you liked my clip from the other day here is another one for you. Its clips like this that make you remember why our mothers and grandmothers were right.

So ladies sit back and take notes if you want to learn some great cleaning tricks

1940's fashion - A Vintage Guide to Glamour

The modern world holds many wonderful things, the internet for starters. Ok so that's a pretty broad statement, but dear readers sometimes you stumble on some rare gems of wisdom that make you glad for places like youtube. It was on one of my many 'surfing' sessions that I came across this following clip.

Enjoy ladies

The Help Coming Soon to the movies

I must admit that I am looking forward to September this year as the novel called 'The Help' has been turned into a movie with the same name. I'm yet to see this movie, so far I've only seen the trailers and read the book, but only hope they do it justice. Starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer with stunning costumes I suggest you grab some of your fabulous friends and go see it. Personally I will be going to this movie as part of my Liptember fundraising. (more on Liptember to come)

The Story
Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, Skeeter (Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives - and a Mississippi town - upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families.

Aibileen (Davis), Skeeter's best friend's housekeeper, is the first to open up - to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter's life-long friendships hanging in the balance, she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories - and as it turns out, they have a lot to say. Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say themselves when they become unwittingly - and unwillingly - caught up in the changing times.

Surround yourself with luxury

Sometimes getting dressed isn't just about the outfit, its also about all the treats that help you get ready. For me its a few of the unseen elements that make me feel stunning so I figured I'd show you a couple of treats that make me smile each day.

For body - Benefits "take a picture...it lasts longer" silky glimmering body balm. Its fantastic as it makes you feel soft to the touch and has just the right about of light shimmer to make you skin look fantastic without looking like a member of the Twilight cast

For Lips - Benefits "California kissin'" which is a smile brightening lip shine, with its subtle blue sheen its also makes teeth look whiter!!!!

For face - high beam luminescent complexion enhancer. It just adds that fresh dewy complexion you want in the mornings.

For scent - I'm addicted to "so hooked on Carmella" eau de toilette. According to the description it has top notes of lemon, grapefruit, rhubarb, middle notes of cyclamen, peony, tiare flower and bottom notes of vanilla, sandalwood, amber. All I know is that it reminds me of my favourite childhood chocolate Carmello Bears.

So with these as the beginning of the day what could be better. I know I've said it before but sometimes its the things no one ever sees or knows about that can make your day beautiful.

More Winter Ideas

Ok so I love playing on polyvore for my clothing inspiration. As I have a ladies morning tea next Tuesday I thought I might create a bit of inspiration. What do you think???

Staycation Movie Club

As anyone who has visited my home you will not be surprised to know I have a large and varied movie collection featuring movies from around the world and multiple genres. So as part of my staycation I have raided my movie collection and decided to watch Once.

This great movie came out in 2006 I think but it seems timeless to me. Its such a simple story about love, loss, music and the paths we take in life. If you haven't seen it I suggest you go and hire it, but I warn you after watching it you will need to get the CD as the soundtrack is amazing, heartfelt and raw but with so much soul. I know I last about the time it took to drive from my house to the music store for me to grab it.

Also if you like it you will love the CD's by the band The Swell Season who's artist list includes the two leads from this movie. So grab a coffee, some cake and sit back.

The Story
"An (unnamed) Guy is a Dublin guitarist/singer-songwriter who makes a living by fixing vacuum cleaners in his Dad's Hoover repair shop by day, and singing and playing for money on the Dublin streets by night. An (unnamed) Girl is a Czech who plays piano when she gets a chance, and does odd jobs by day and takes care of her mom and her daughter by night. Guy meets Girl, and they get to know each other as the Girl helps the Guy to put together a demo disc that he can take to London in hope of landing a music contract. During the same several day period, the Guy and the Girl work through their past loves, and reveal their budding love for one another, through their songs. Written by Charles Delacroix "

Birds outside my window

My favourite artwork

Now many months ago I came across this great piece of art in a store called TYPO, it suited my new room perfectly as it was a great blend of vintage fabric prints and I have a weakness for designs like this. So for many months it has adorned the wall above my bed and makes me smile everytime I look at it.

A few months later I was lucky enough to be given a mug by Kendiedoll that was the exact print. So I could sip my tea in bed with my matching artwork and mug, oh how decadent!!!! Personally I thought it was amazing that Kendiedoll had found a mug to match my art and showed real love and attention to my taste.

The Mug artwork!!!

So imagine my joyful surprise when I was presented with a notebook; and we all know my weakness for notebooks, by Twist. It was the exact pattern from my painting!!!! Turns out that he found it in the same store where I got the original painting last year. So now I can sit snuggled up in bed with my cup of tea and writing in my journal under my art and it all matches. Talk about a god start to the week!!!

The new notebook

cute winter

Its nearing the end of winter and here in Melbourne we wear alot of black in this season, so I thought I might post some black inspiration for a fun winter outfit you can wear to the office, lunch or just popping to the cinema.

Its a very simple collection featuring a black pencil skirt paired with a simple fitted tee. The main focus of this outfit is the ultra cute styling of the jacket and the hello kitty earrings. By having such simple key pieces teamed with 'traditional' pieces like the heavy silver link necklace you can have a bit of fun and still go to that work meeting.

Enjoy

Art on a budget

Ok so I woke up bitten by the art and craft bug this morning. So after a much needed planning session and a perfect excuse to have Bavarian Apple pancakes it was time to put on my 'arty' hat and create.

Now if your like me you have a lot of wall spaces and a limit on just how much you can spend at your local art gallery. So with this in mind it was time to get creative.

My answer to this......use what I've got. I like to collect patterns of vintage clothing so why not make this a cute feature in my home.

What you will need
- Photo frames.
- Patterns
- Glue
- White paper - used as a backing sheet
- Colour Photocopier - I went to my local Officeworks

First thing was to hunt around my craft room to find my box of patterns. For this project I've used ones I've collected over the years from Vogue when they have re-released their designs. The really cool things about these are the great images and they have a date of release on them.

I've gone for plain black certificate frames that I picked up at a stores closing down sale. In fact I managed to get a box of 2o frames for $5 so this really reduces the costs of this project. However you could use any frame that you desire which suits your home.

Then a quick trip to get color photocopies of each design, an even quicker bit of cut and paste and there you have it. Once all stuck down and in frames, simply hang and stand back to admire your work. Easy as!!!! The great thing is with this as the images are just photocopies you can change them with any new pattern you find or when ever the mood changes you.

For these designs I've hung them in age order starting with 1949 all the way up to 1957. Because of the cheap frames the total project cost me under $10 for all of the art work and materials!!!!! See you can have amazing art on a very small budget.

Movie Time - pass the popcorn

As part of my staycation I am trying to watch at least one of my favourite movies everyday. Today's choice is Kinky Boots (2005). I adore this music for the actors, music and most of all Chiwetel Ejiofor. Based loosely on a true story its a great sunday afternoon movie to watch.
The Story - Charles Price may have grown up with his father in the family shoe business, but he never thought that he would take his father's place. Yet, the untimely death of his father places him in that position, only to learn that Price & Sons Shoes is failing. While in despair at his failed attempts to save the business, Charles has a chance encounter with the flamboyant drag queen cabaret singer, Lola. Her complaints about the inadequate footwear for her work combined with one of Charles' ex-employees, Lauren, leads to a suggestion to change the product to create a desperate chance to save the business: make men's fetish footwear. Lola is convinced to be their footwear designer and the transition begins. Now this disparate lot must struggle at this unorthodox idea while dealing both the prejudice of the staff, Lola's discomfort in the small town and the selfish manipulation of Charles' greedy fiancée who cannot see the greater good in Charles' dream.

Planning my Staycation

Sure you may be wondering what on earth I'm talking about when I say I'm planning a staycation. Well for those of you unsure what I mean a staycation is when you have a vacation but stay at home. Due to my store being 'refit' I am having a forced break. Yes I'd love to be jetting off to some distant land to relax in the sun however the little piggy bank doesn't agree. So instead I'm going to use my break to relax, recharge and do all those little odd jobs I've been putting while my work/life balance has gone astray.

But what I am actually going to do with all this free time you may ask, well its a bit daunting if I'm honest. This is why I've decided to plan an 'itinerary' for myself so I can get the most out of my time off. Nothing is set in stone yet, hence my planning day today, but here is a list of things I want to do.

1. Sleep in


2. Catch up on my reading


3. Reorganize my office and probably my house too


4. Spend time with friends


5. Have a movie day (re-watching all my old favourite DVD's)


6. Re-decorate my house
(basically move stuff and maybe the odd bit of thrift store shopping)


7. Lots of Cooking

I'm sure there are going to be lots more 'to do's' added to my list as the days go on but thats the list so far.

You're Where?????

On a very cold Melbourne evening this born and bred AFL gal did a very strange thing......she went to the soccer. Yep I was lucky enough to be taken to the coolest pre-season match in melbourne (according to the guys I went with) the Melbourne Victory Vs Celtic game.

.

So armed with my own soccer info team of boys (Twist, Doby and Mike) we headed into the city. I can tell you now I still have no idea what 'off side' is, but at least they told me which were good players. The best part of this evening was being introduced to a sport I've had very little exposure to. Plus going with some fans of the Melbourne Victory team made it better as they taught me some chants to apparently 'help encourage the players'

My only advice is if your going to AAMI stadium on a wet Melbourne winters night, rug up warm. Hence the photo above is of me in a very heavy jacket, scarf and gloves. Oh and don't be surprised if your fantastic cheerleader hair style get ruined with the wind and the rain. (I will try and redo so you can see a photo less 'windswept')

Oh and learn where the hot chocolate bar is as soon as you appear, because after 77 minutes in the cold you start to loose feeling in your hands and a hot chocolate will help you reach full time.
Overall a great night and thanks Twist, Doby and Mike for taking me.

It all ends July 13

Nope I'm not talking about the Australian release of Harry Potter, I'm actually talking about something very close to my heart. I'm actually talking about the final closures of the Borders and Angus&Robertson bookstores.

Now regardless on what your personal opinions are on these brands my main reasons for mourning this day is the following
- the loss of places to buy books
- the loss of 1000's of jobs
- the harsh behaviour many of the staff received from people they didn't know

It is with a heavy heart that many staff will close their doors for the final time today. Saying goodbye to knowledge, loyal customers, co-workers and for many their income. My heart goes out to all the staff who were spat at, threatened and abused just for turning up to work. To all of you I wish you all the best in the future.

What also concerns me is the lack of places the Australian community will have to buy books. Sure many people will say 'go online' but what about those that can't or don't have access to the internet. Others will say 'go to readings or another book store'; sure go to another book store if you can find them. However remember that no store is safe and without our trade they will not exist.

So please put down that magazine and read a book. Remember that every dollar we choose to spend in a physical store keeps people in jobs, and please remember that the reason why store prices are higher than online are for reasons such as paying staff, electricity, stock, rent and a thousand and one other things most people don't consider when looking at a price tag.

They often say we don't know what we've got till its gone, so please think about the places and way you shop. And most of all remember that there are people with real feelings behind that counter. Hearing the questions "when are you closing?", "have you lost your job?" are doing nothing but upsetting staff. To be honest its none of your business about their payouts, closing dates, job status. If you want to help give the staff a box of chocolates when their closing or just a simple Thank you.

Ok so I've had my rant but I thought I would leave you with a poem which was read at the closing of one of the borders stores, which brings me to tears to think about the family that many stores created with their staff and have now lost.

"I sing to you for the final time
I send you my love via this terrible rhyme
How far we have come, its been a blast
Our time at Borders has just gone really fast
Be still for a second and look around
At the shelves, at the tree
At the friends we have found
Thank you all for being so amazing
For the good times, for the bad times
For the slacking and the slaving
I'm sure we appreciate just how lucky we have been
To experience a job like this
For the things we've done and seen
So my lovely lovelies its time for us to go
lets lock the doors for the last time
try not to feel too low
thank you for your hard work
thank you very much
Good luck, Farewell and all the very best
And try and keep in touch"

Hello Sailor Vintage Fair

Right so this month is going to be expensive but.... if your not able to make it to the Way we Wear fair you might be able to make it to this months Hello Sailor Vintage Fair being held at the hub of State Of Design Festival, Melbourne Central Shot Tower on Fri 22nd, 10am-10pm, Sat 23rd, 10-6pm and Sun 24th July 10-6pm.

Hello Sailor offers quality vintage items and recycled designer stock in good condition, at reasonable prices. This Event will specialise in 1950's - 1980's wares. The event will have 25 stalls over 3 levels.

Half of the stall holders will be selling vinyl and the other half vintage wares.

We have some of Melbourne's best vinyl collectors selling:

Blue Grass, Doo Wop, 60's Surf Garage , Soul Blues, Swamp Blues, Rhythm' n 'Blues, 60's French Pop, Tropicalia, Kraut Rock, 60's - 70's Hard Psych, Psyched Funk, Hard Rock, Glam Rock, Disco, Latin Jazz, Mariachi, Psychobilly, Punk Rock, New Wave, Post Punk, Folk Rock, Country, Industrial, Noise, Experimental, Hardcore, Doom core, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal, Sludge Metal, Black Metal and more

The White Wedding Dress

Sure its not quiet August yet but already I'm planning a road trip to Bendigo to the Bendigo Art Gallery for the White Wedding Dress exhibition.

"Wedding dresses also unlock memories and awaken emotions. Lovingly preserved, sometimes by several generations, their fabric and form conjure up the physical presence of the bride on one of the most momentous days of her life and form a tangible link between past and present. This exhibition highlights the histories of the dresses, revealing fascinating details about the lives of the wearers and offering an insight into their circumstances and fashion choices." from Bendigo Art Gallery

According to the website the exhibition comprises over more than 40 wedding outfits, including those of bridegrooms, alongside a selection of accessories including wreaths, veils, hats, shoes, corsetry and lingerie. Reproductions of contextual material, such as wedding photographs, will be shown alongside exhibits to assist in telling the story of the wearer. Also on display in the exhibition will be gowns by celebrated designers, including Vera Wang, Norman Hartnell, Christian Dior, Zandra Rhodes, Lanvin and Lacroix. Also included are sumptuous wedding dresses worn by celebrities Dita Von Teese and Gwen Stefani.

And we all know I'm a sucker for a vintage wedding dress but this exhibition will be well worth the 2 hour drive from my little house in Melbourne. Not to mention I will have attended the stunning The Way We Wear Fair the weekend prior and will still be floating on a dream of lace and taffeta.

Hopefully I can also help organize a group tour; probably with the VVLCG (Victorian Vintage Lingerie and Clothing Group) I'm part of, so if your interested please let me know and we can make a day of it all you vintage lovers.

Admission fees apply for this exhibition

Pedicure Mash Up

Ok so a Katey Perry and Pirates of the Caribbean are not to concepts that usually end up together in a mash up. Before you stress this isn't what you think.

As I am a massive OPI fan I recently indulged in a couple of colours from their 2011 collections. Firstly the cute pink of "Sparrow me the drama" from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection and then the stunning sparkles of "teenage dreams" from the Katey Perry collection.

Needless to say I was having an ultra cute 'barbie' inspired moment. So whats a girl to do when she has to super cute polishes at home and can't figure which to wear first. Yep that's right she wears both. So here's the result of using the both.

Basically VERY PINK and VERY SPARKLY, which was PERFECT for the mood I was in. So if your up for some sparkles and want to indulge your cute side go grab a bottle.

Lots of LuV from sparkle city

The Way We Wear

Its time to check the bank account, dress up in your favorite winter vintage garb and head to the 11^th Melbourne ‘The Way We Wear Fair’; which looks like the biggest ever. Not sure what your going to find well here’s a hint with dealers from all over Australia you’ll find vintage, designer and retro clothing for sale plus fashion accessories, jewellery, buttons and bows and linen and lace, fashion ephemera such as patterns and women’s magazine PLUS for the first time they are including retro and vintage home wares from the 1940’s to 1980’s.

Plus, as with each of these amazing fairs these a theme, this year Fairgoers will enter the foyer of the Town Hall to see the first part of the ‘Dressed for the Voyage’ Exhibition with original ‘Titanic’ era costume and the ‘stories’ that go with each of the costumes. On the stage, there will be the second part of the exhibition.

If that wasn’t enough at approximately 2pm on Saturday and Sunday there will be the ‘Dressed for the Voyage’ FASHION PARADE with original costume be modelled and the story about who would have worn the outfit aboard the ‘Titanic’.

Want to know more - then visit:

www.dressedforthevoyage.co & www.titaniccentenarydinneraustralia.com

SATURDAY 23 & SUNDAY 24 JULY 2011 See you there!!!!!

so your total is.....

A few days ago I decided to set myself a challenge to update my winter look with a $50 limit. Now as well all know I like value for my money and a few different colours so I can change the look to suit various outfits, so I headed off for my local shopping center. Normally when going on a make up makeover I would head to some of my favorite brands like MAC, Benefit and Napoleon Perdis however in interest of writing a piece about revamping on a budget I headed for a little store called Gloss.

Gloss is great and stocks many different brands including ChiChi, Revlon and MaxFactor. However on this trip I headed straight for another fav brand of mine BYS. Why do I like BYS??? Simple great colours, quality make up and at a sensible price. So this is what I got....

All of the items pictured came in under my budget, in total all of this cost me $48.10 but what did I get, well lets get up close and personal with the items

1 x Eyeshadow 5 Piece Horizontal Purples & Black - Smokey Purples
1 x Eyeshadow 5 Piece Horizontal Pinks/Purples - Spring Bouquet
1 x Eyeshadow 5 Piece Horizontal High Shine - Galaxy

1 x Shimmer Powder White Wonder 1 x Eyeliner Liquid Glitter Purple

Lipliner Pencil First Kiss (left)
Lipliner Pencil Red (middle)
Lipgloss Diamond Shine In The Rough (right)

Lipstick Long Life Lip Service (left)
Lipstick Matte Rumba (middle)
Lipstick Matte Tango (right)

So needless to say I am very happy in my finds, now I just need to try my new looks for you all see you soon!!!