Just in time for christmas

Today is the day when I get to see behind the big white barricades at Westfield Southland and get to step into the latest addition to the Cotton On family - their new mega store where all the fashion brands will be under the one roof just in time for Christmas.  

So what you may be thinking but now when you looking at that great dress you can actually try it on with those new shoes you were also thinking about.  Plus you can also great the right lingerie to make sure your best assets are keeping the dress in place.  Ok so this all may be a bit 'first world problems' but hey when your a gal on a ticking clock to pick up that outfit for a girls night its gonna be very handy.    

So you can come and enjoy the exciting first days with jam-packed with fun activities & giveways.
 

Friday November 16

FREE Photobooth from 10am to 8pm 
FREE Rubi Nail Bar from 11am to 4pm 
Promo staff handing out Cotton On Cupcakes from 1pm to 5pm 
FREE Body Active Demonstrations from 5pm to 7pm   
DJ Danny Clayton from 4pm to 7pm 

Saturday November 17

FREE Photobooth from 10am to 5pm 
FREE Rubi Nail Bar from 11am to 4pm 
Promo staff handing out Cotton On Cupcakes from 1pm to 4pm 
Frozen Yoghurt Cart from 1pm to 4pm
DJ Ryan Wood from 12pm to 4pm 

Sunday November 18

FREE Photobooth from 10am to 5pm 
DJ Lauren Mac from 12pm to 4pm 

So if your in the area and in need of some retail therapy go have a look. Hopefully I'll be able to post up some images once I'm through those door early tomorrow morning.

tik tok....countdown to zara!!!!

As I head to bed to night it is with the excitement of a child on Christmas eve as tomorrow the long awaited opening of the Chadstone Zara store is due.  It is claimed that Zara needs just two weeks to develop a new product and get it to stores, compared to the six-month industry average, and launches around 10,000 new designs each year.

Its not very often I count down to a store opening like this however I have been following the fashion trend from Europe for awhile and now I get to have one a lot closer to home than before.  With a great range of clothing for all ages I will happily attend the opening to see just whats instore for us all in their new double level location.  So stay tuned for pics and probably a couple of purchases. 

Walking home and I saw....

You never know what you can find when your walking home from walk and last night was no exception.  I am a big fan of window shopping as the right window can inspire a new look or at the very least get you to walk into a store you may of never considered before. 

As we head towards the warmth of spring here in Melbourne we are starting to see the first burst of 'happy colors' hit our stores.  I am so glad to see so many pastels hitting our designs that breath new joy into a wardrobes.  These shots were taken as I walked past Forever New and its clear to see that there are still lots of vintage inspired pieces are coming back again with beautiful soft color touches such as the above felt 1940's style hats and quilted ballet flats.  I think a trip instore might be needed for me tomorrow.

Oh no there goes more of my wages *giggle*, so keep your eyes peeled.  

Hell Bunny @ Beserk

I think I've told you about Bersek a great Brisbane based store before but as they have just added some great new items from the designer Hell Bunny.  If your wondering who Beserk are well they're an Australian based Online Store that has been operating in the Alternative Scene for the past 10 years. 

They currently stock brands from around the world including :: Beserk Clothing . Demonia . Tripp NYC . Lip Service . Hell Bunny . Kreepsville 666 . Sin in Linen . Pleaser. Iron Fist . Bordello . Manic Panic . TUK . Sourpuss . Folter . Poizen Industries . Cupcake Cult . RQ-BL [Red Queen's Black Legion] . Too Fast Apparel . Lux De Ville . Leg Avenue . Sugarpill . Lime Crime . Music Legs . Pin Up Couture . Jessica Louise . Kitsch Kaos . Accoutrements . Liquorbrand . Sin in Linen . So So Happy . Six Bunnies . Hollywood Mirror . Avelina De Moray . Rock Rebel . Tentacle Threads . Sin in Linen . Sullen . Rollerbones . Akumu Ink . New Breed . Switchblade Stiletto . Rock Steady Clothing . H&R London . Chic Star . Contact Lenses . Corsets 

And now for my fav winter picks...... 

Sarah Jane Coat 
Gorgeous Red hooded coat with Black trimming made from polyester & wool mix fabric so it is super warm!
Fully lined with a quilted satin effect polyester, with a double breasted front with button fastenings and a thick black faux fur collar, cuffs & hems and a super cute detachable hood with matching fur trim & drawstings & pom-poms. It has two waist pockets with bow details and a fully adjustable corset lacing on the back.

Myrtel Skir

Red taffeta skirt with flocking in a Victorian wallpaper style.
Channels in the front and back of the skirt with ribbons which can be pulled to gather the skirt.
V-shaped inserts on the front with ribbon detail.
Underlayer in self fabric which shows below the top layers.
Both layers have 2 ruffles on the edge in self fabric.
Corset style detail in the centre back with bronze coloured D rings and black satin lacing.
Zip in side seam.
 

 
 

B-Movie 50'S Dress

Printed 50's style dress with B-movie posters in black, red, green, yellow and white. Seams come over the bust for shaping & there is a full circle skirt. Black cotton halterneck strap which can be adjusted by tying at the back to fit wearer. Waistband and collar detail on front bodice in black cotton. 3 black cotton covered buttons on centre front of bodice. Collar detail on back & zip in centre back seam.

So now to figure out which ones to order.....jump online to see even more fantastic items

xpost!!!!

 

How do you get me to fall in love even more with Felicia Day and steampunk?  COMBINE THEM!!!!  After watching this weeks episode of the flog (yep I'm addicted and can't wait till i get home on a tuesday night to see whats up) I have had to hide my wallet so I don't go shopping crazy at Clockwork Couture.

 

So after watching Felicia it was time to hit the  Clockwork Couture website and wow I'm so glad I did.  The clothing is amazing but it doesn't stop there look at this.....

How amazing is this glycerin based soap  and its a  truly a Clockwork Couture exclusive. This rust colored soap is infused with your choice of oils made for Clockwork Couture by an independent blender using any one of our oils.  Skeleton key is vintage and unique. Style will vary. No animal products used.  Soap is packaged in gift worthy label and bag.

Looking for more than just soap and clothing how about these wonderful rings!!!!  

Maybe your after the the Hi-voltage Toric Generator Ring (left); or how about the Dr Von Rosenstein's Induction Principle Ring (centre) or maybe your after something a bit more dainty with the Tea Cup ring. Well lets just say I so want to jump on a plane right now and go shopping.

It really makes me smile to see how many people out there are still making beautiful pieces of clothing that really are pieces of art.  Ok I know your all just scrolling down the pages for the corsets, so here you go with a couple of my favourites.

1. Crimean War Steampunk Overbust Corset

Sweet heart Overbust pattern perfect for long ,medium & short torso female.  I just adore the Antique metal clasp opening and the Tan Faux Leather trim with antique metal chain with button.  It even includes 6 suspender loops at the bottom. 

2. Military Corset with Tails - a Clockwork exclusive

Created for Clockwork Couture us by one of the most amazing corsettiere's I've seen in ages.   This is a high quality tight lacing corset suitable for extended wear. Exclusively for Clockwork Couture, an underbust corset made of cotton denim with hand-sewn soutache on the tails.

Ok so get that steampower pumping and check out this amazing site.  I dare you....

Style Icons

It's not very often you drop into the shops to pick up some milk and cookies and find some dresses you would tackle a burly security guard for. However this is exactly what I found last night at Chadstone Shopping centre. In fact what I found was an exhibition of some of the clothing from MAD MEN!!!! Yep thats right Mad Men costumes so close you can almost touch.

Just in case your not a local to the Chadstone shops I'll share some pictures of what I found. Ok so its not a big exhibition but it does feature some great pieces from the wardrobe of Peggy Olsen, Betty Draper and the amazing Joan Harris.

See what I mean, how cool is this!! I did find it quiet refreshing to see such stunning gowns even if I was surrounded by mass produced modern pieces. It was funny as I did imagine these garments a little more fitted, but it does go to show its all about the woman in the dress and that we don't all need to be the same to make clothing look wonderful.

And have a look at the wonderful barbie dolls. It did almost make me want to take my collectors edition 1950 barbie out of the box and re-dress her ass Joan. Its ok the craziness didn't make me do it.

And just a couple more of the great gowns worn by Peggy. I so wish I had these outfits to wear at work instead of my uniform. Oh well time to day dream.

So keep your eyes peeled as you never know what you will find when you go out for milk and cookies!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

Just ducking out.....

Now I know I should be working, but when you have a few vintage stores within walking distance and you have a lunch break….yep that’ right you just have to go and check it out.

Part of me thinks just how much can I a) fit in my luggage and b) is it worth planning another trip to buy up and then resell my great finds that I can’t fit.

I picked up a very similar dress like this at the Salvo’s for ….wait for it….$10. What more could you want? A great retro dress, cheap and in great condition, hence why I just had to have it. This reminds me of what my buddy AK always says “you never know what gems you’ll find unless you hunt through the racks”. And this time it paid off, now to add a few petticoats to this and the right shoes and off we go!

Why do I shop at Op-shops? Firstly it reminds us that one persons trash is another’s treasure, and secondly when you shop there you are actually helping the non-for profit that owns it. For instance by buying dresses I adore I can help the RSPCS, Salvation Army, Oxfam, St Vinnies and various other oraginisations. Each dollar I give them and not a mass produced big chain can help them do what they do best, help others in a worse situation than me. Sure I do shop in vintage stores and help the independent owners to make a living but I just think it is good to help everyone. So next time your walking past an op-shop have a look in you will never know what you can find.

A quick trip to heaven!

Raven Black Feather Hair Piece

While on a random trip around South Yarra I stumbled into a stunning little store only to find Julie Fleming. Regarded as Melbourne's leading Milliner it was a joy to be able to walk around her own store on my afternoon off. If your looking for something to make you smile, finish off that wedding outfit or your just after something pretty then you need to get to her Malvern Road salon.

The Wonderful Julie

I admit I did have to walk away with a couple of things, not to mention a very big wish list for this race season. Oh well better start saving now. Not only can you walk into her store you can also read about what she's up too on her blog. Or why not just pop into her store located at 456 Malvern Road, Hawksburn between Williams Road and Chapel Street in what was once a Victorian house.

'Spring Day' Headpiece

Antons Melbourne

Even in a shopping centre you can find very different fashion if you know where to look. This weekend I ended up with Kitty and BamBam at Anton’s. This is an amazing store, a little on the pricey side but well worth the money! Especially as they offer unlimited lay-by and can even custom fit your clothing for you.

Think funky retro gangster. I adore this store as the cuts and styles are not the norm and they will ensure you stand out in the crowd.

So jump on the train and have a look next time your in the city.

Antons Melbourne
Shop 224, Level 2 Lonsdale St Building
Melbourne Central
Phone: 03 9663 8610
Opening Hours: normal Melbourne Central hours