Time to go shopping

Its no secret that I love vintage inspired homewares and my new online store that I'm in love with is Alice Jean's Soda Pop Shop. I first met the amazing Ms Alice Jean when we were models together up at Wintersun last year. A year later and a lot has changed as the online doors of her store open.

When you jump online you will be greeted with so many great treats its hard to know where to start. For me it was jumping straight to the bath and beauty page, I just can't help myself when I see such stunning items. For instance who can resist a soap that looks like a chocolate cupcake!!!! I will just have to remember its soap and not a snack for when I'm relaxing in the bath.

If beauty and bath products aren't your thing then check out the beautiful childrens clothing, books, games and handmade art and even car hire. So if your looking for something special to brighten your day or the day of someone you know make a trip to Alice Jeans Soda Pop Shop.

Liptember Countdown

Ok so I have been hinting about the word of a few days but what on earth is Liptember you may be asking. Liptember is a month long campaign run in September every year to raise awareness and funds for women’s health. Funds raised will be donated to the Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Lifeline Australia. But how are funds raised you may ask and what can I do? Its simple we are encourage women to buy and wear the ‘Liptember’ lippy in the month of September, gaining sponsorship from family, friends and co workers.

So our mission is to raise the awareness of gender specific mental health issues for women, funding research and programs that can be implemented to achieve optimal health outcomes for women.

You still may be asking WHY?? Here are just a few reason why we are raising money.

• Providing a new approach to addressing women's health equity.
• Improve the health and well being of all women in Australia.
• Gain valuable insight into women’s mental health issues and the reasons behind them.
• Breaking down the barriers to accessing women’s health care.
• Promoting that women and men have different mental health needs.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles and participation in health decision making and management.
• Promoting female social inclusion.

The official Liptember Lippy is Burt's Bees Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm which can be found on the counter of the Essentials department at any Myer store nationwide. However My personal aim is to always be wearing my Liptember lippy or another great color and as proof I will be blogging my lippy choices each day.

Now the big question....How can you help? I have an online profile and if you follow the link you can donate online, or simply go into Myers and pick up your lippy, or if you see me you can make your donation in person and I will ensure it gets to the liptember fundraising department.

And just so you know here are The Rules I will be following

The rules are simple listen here,
A month is all it takes my dear.
All you girls out and about,
Always display your Liptember pout.
Whether it be work or play,
The lipstick must always stay.
When the weekend comes around,
Show it off out on town.
But don’t forget rule number one,
Liptember is all for having fun.

Women participating in Liptember must wear the lipstick throughout September at work and when out and about.

Tarantula Clothing Company

Are you like me? Often looking in that wardrobe and thinking I have nothing to wear. Yep its a common problem us ladies often have. However I have recently found a new clothing label that will answer your prayers. The great team at Tarantula Clothing Company are hear to answer to all your sexy prayers.

If you haven't heard of the Tarantula Clothing Company its the brain child of David C. and partner Albert R. David is the main designer and pattern-maker. Everything is hand crafted in Downtown Los Angeles. All pieces are 100% originals. Many pieces are considered collectibles as once they run through fabric it is not guaranteed they will find the same fabric ever again. No other company is quite like them and if you buy a piece of tarantula you’ll know why! Tarantula continues to work with only 3 members of their crew, who live the lifestyle and so should you!

So I highly suggest that you jump online and have a look at their stunning designs, hey its almost christmas so why not treat yourself.

Geek Goddess Part 2

Since I mention Ms Felicia Day yesterday I thought I would put her youtube clip for the series she stars and write otherwise known as The Guild. Simply called "Do You Wanna Date My Avatar" you will smile if you have ever played online games. So sit back, listen and smile.

On the Bookshelf

Due to my many hours on public transport going to and from work I have been able to pop in my head phones, tune out and read some great books. Yep I'm the gal singing to herself hiding behind books with pink covers on the trams.

This week I have been indulging in a great read called Dreaming of Dior by Charlotte Smith, and yes I do love the fact the front cover is bright pink!!!

A Bit of a Book Description from Haper Collins

Charlotte Smith has had more than her fair share of fabulous dresses and adventures. Born in Hong Kong and raised in the United States, she lived life to the full in London, Paris and New York before falling in love with Australia and discovering she had inherited a priceless vintage clothing collection from her American Quaker godmother, Doris Darnell.

Then the boxes started arriving, with more than three thousand treasures dating from 1790 to 1995, from originals by Dior, Chanel and Balenciaga to a pioneer woman′s daintily mended best dress.

But when she unearthed her godmothers book of stories about the dresses and the women who wore them, the true value of what she had been bequeathed hit home. This wasn′t a mere collection of beautiful things, it was a collection of life. Women′s lives. Tiny snapshots of our joys and disappointments, our entrances and exits, triumphant and tragic.

Personally I find this book a great read as its part history and part inspiration. For most of us lovely ladies our dresses hold memories of tears, joy, youth; some even hold the memories of first kisses and first heartbreak. After reading the 'Secret lives of Dresses' by Erin McKean this true life tale from Charlotte makes me smile with every page I turn. So please put of your favorite frock, head to the bookstore and get reading.

Excited beyond belief!!!!

I am so excited to tell you about a great espresso bar in Sydney which will shortly open their doors to the public, and yes I will be there sipping my favorite blends in full pinup gear.

So who are they you may ask??? Well its the wonderful team at Whole Bean who bring this dream hideaway to you to enjoy. I have been a massive fan of Whole Bean coffee who a number of years now, in fact its because of their coffee I was actually tempted away from tea.....I know shock horror. Ok now that you've picked your self up off the floor have a look at the joy that is to come. Oh and for your retro gals I can tell you know there will be some fantastic pinup treats instore for you to look at, but until then here's a sneak peak.

Geek Goddess

Yep I'm looking for more style icons. However this time I'm not hunting down more 1950's gals from around the globe. Instead I am looking for inspiration to help bring my inner geek gal goddess to the surface, try saying that after 4 champagnes. Yep you guessed it, I'm having a minor identity crisis thanks to the new 9-5 job I've taken on. That's right I now get to spend a good part of my week playing with technology!!! Don't panic yet there is still plenty of space for my red lipstick and victory rolls, just now I also get to play the uber geek card.

My first go to gals are Felicia Day from my favorite MMORPG inspired web series The Guild and Pauley Perrette from NCIS. Felica (the redhead) is great as see has the cool geek vibe with a real sweetness to her character and her avatar as Codex is super cool to me. Pauley taps into my inner goth with a great 'dark preppy girl' feel as well.

As I said before the trick I now have to do is to combine my rockabilly gal style with my geek. Hey who said you always had to be the same, I might even through in a bit of pyschobilly or steampunk into the mix. Right must start making hair ties that combine old computer parts and ribbon.

So I'm off to find out more, wash my new uniform and liberate my kawaii accessories and get ready for work.

Sunday Craft-a-noon

After a few hours of sorting out my craft room - formally known as the room of boxes - I decided it was time to reward myself with a bit of a craft-a-noon.

Last year at the Melbourne Craft Show I came across a few really cool pieces which were wooden cutouts in the shapes of dress makers models, cogs and corsets. I've been trying for ages to figure out which project I could use them for. Needless to say as I dug through boxes it all started coming together.....

I managed to lay my hands on some basic black craft paper, Kaiserkraft - dressprint cardstock, my wood cutouts and my basic black A4 frames I had left over from my Vintage Vogue project. This was another very easy project to do and really you could do any theme you like, you just need the bits LOL

All I did was cut out and A4 size backing with the black cardstock; then added a small rectangle of the dressprint cardstock. After that it was an easy task to simply glue in place the wood cutouts.

Then pop into the simple frames and its done. Now I just have to figure out where I'm going to hang the pieces. My first instinct is in the craft room, so that's were I'm sure they'll end up, it just depends on the wall space once I've finished my other projects for that room.

So watch this space for more updates on the craft room.

One Day with Anne Hathaway

I've been a fan of Anne Hathaway for awhile so when I saw this trailer for her latest movie I was hooked. Ok so I'm sure its no 'gone with the wind' but what the hey a girl needs a bit of dream time in the movie department.

So have a watch of the trailer and maybe I'll see you at the movies.

Whats coming

As we creep closer to spring my diary seems to already be getting full of 'things to do', 'things to see' and basically a multitude of ways to fill up what little spare time I have.

I wont go into too many details but do watch this blog for more info on the various ways to spend your time, and in my case my money as well. So over the next few weeks you will find out about ......

Liptember
Round She Goes - preloved fashion market for women in Melbourne.
Hello Sailor - fashion market
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week
Special Events in Spring Fashion Week
White Wedding Dress Exhibition in Bendigo
Gallery Exhibitions at various Galleries
International talk like a pirate day
Fashion Targets Breast Cancer
And so much more

Excited??? I know I am.


So go grab your diary and lets start planning.

My cup of tea

Sometimes you just have to promote those around you and that's exactly what I'm doing.

Its no secret that I'm addicted to having Yum Cha at the Oriental Tea House, just likes it no surprise that I adore reading the blog of Candice DeVille aka Super Kawaii Mama. So you can imagine my delight when reading Candice's blog and found out that the two were combining.

Candice and The Oriental Teahouse say it best so what follows is from their facebook page

In a New World twist on an Old World tradition, Candice DeVille will guide you through the etiquette and elegance of a vintage High Tea with all the charm, flavours and delights of East meets West. Experience the time honoured traditions of the tea ceremony in this afternoon workshop, set in the fragrant ambience of the Oriental Tea House's vintage Shanghai vibe. With a banquet selection of Yum Cha morsels and a superior selection of tea offerings, this exclusive offering is a feast for the senses.

Places are strictly limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Dress - Vintage Shanghai

Cost - $65 per person including a delightful selection of Yum Cha, fragrant teas and take home gift bag.

Event Date - 4th September

Time - 2pm - 4pm

For Bookings Ph: Susan Wilks 03 9804 7963 during business hours.
Or to register your interest outside of business hours,
please email Susan@orientalteahouse.com​.au

*Please note - Payment must be made at the time of booking to secure your place. Bookings are fully refundable up to 72 hours prior to the event.*

Brought to you by - http://www.orientalteahous​e.com.au/

I hope to see you there with your twist on this fabulous theme supporting our local gals in their journey to bring amazing style to all.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Sometimes you need a big of an escape, for me it was watching Breakfast at Tiffany's. I read the book a few years ago and loved it, so when feeling a bit down I do love to pop this movie on. Sometimes its for the story others its simply for the clothing. So late last night with a nice glass of red wine I snuggled up on the couch and let my troubles dissolve.

Thanks Mr Capote and Ms Hepburn
Lots of Luv Tikidoll

Have your cupcake......

If you didn't already know Monday the 15th is Cupcake Day for the RSPCA where Cupcake Cooks across Australia will descend on their schools, workplaces and social groups with batches of truly scrumptious homemade cupcakes that will be exchanged for donations to the RSPCA!

So I thought I might post a couple of my latest cupcake images

I must admit that I have also discovered the great show 'Cake Boss' and have been watching it like a crazy girl, and ok my cupcakes aren't anywhere near as stunning but at least they taste good. LOL

However if you missed the chance today to get involved why not go and grab a cupcake tomorrow and donate to the RSPCA online. Can you think of any better way to help support animals in need and eat something yummy.

Work Wake up

Sometimes its hard to find inspiration for a work outfit, especially if your like me. I say the same thing over and over again while starring at a full wardrobe "I have nothing to wear!!!"

Hence I thought I'd put a few pieces of inspiration for those monday morning blues. The key I have found is to have a couple of simple dresses (like the one above) and add some stunning extras. Sometimes it can be as simple as a few pieces of WOW such as bracelets, earrings or an ultra chic bag. For the outfit above I took my inspiration from a dessert, so you can take yours from anything that makes you smile.

With all this in mind I'm off to play dressups!!!! Hope you are all running to your wardrobes to see what you can create

Inspired

Since I mentioned being a decadent housewife yesterday I thought I would put a couple of images of the attire I think best suits the lifestyle. Its from my favourite English lingerie company called What Katie Did, they make amazing lingerie, corsets and so much more. So if your feeling in the mood to swan around the house like a hollywood starlet I suggest you jump online and have a look at their stunning garments.

So ladies start shopping for your inner starlet

Afternoon reading

Well I'm in the last few hours of my 'staycation' so what better way to spend it than reading about being a Decadent Housewife.

I picked up this book a few months ago, and you may of seen it on my twitter or instagram, and I still adore reading it. It's a very cute and fun way to spend your afternoon especially if your reading with a good cup of coffee in your hand. Its basically how to live a lavish life on someone else's budget. For all you strong ladies out their I do stress this book is a bit of fun, not serious. There are some great ideas on how to live like a decadent film star with some part that will really make you giggle.

So I'm off to lounge around indulging today in my free time, while I still have it.