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.  

 

Oh no I have just stumbled upon some new essentials I think are a must for making this winter a bit more beautiful and hopefully warm as the warmth of the autumn sun is fading fast here in melbourne and winter is settling in very fast.  

So in an effort to keep warm and keep a smile on my face I jumped onto the Peter Alexander website.  If you unsure what I'm talking about they are on of my long standing favourite PJ store.  Its probably been 10 or 15 years since I first discovered Peter's designs back in the days when the only way to get their stuff was mail order.  Now if your lucky you can actually walk into Peter's dream world in one of his stores.

Now comes the hard task of finding my winters must have, sure I'll grab a few pairs of flannel PJ's as I don't think I've gone past a winter or christmas without picking something from there.  People close to me even know if you are drawing a present blank a Peter Alexander gift card will always bring a smile to me.  

Top 3 picks this winter (so far....) are  

 

Miss Daisy Gloves

$30.52 AUD  70% Wool, 20% Angora, 10% Nylon 

These classic knit gloves feature pretty bow detailing which are sure to brighten up your wardrobe this Winter! And in this weather there is no such thing as having too many sets of gloves if you ask me.

 

Thick And Fluffy Top

$50.92 AUD 100% Polyester

Now who can go past a jumper that is so super soft and can be worn around the house or out and about as it will surely keep you warm and snug. The jumper is slightly longer in length at the back and features a pink penny dog applique. It just says cuddle me doesn't it, plus you can pick one up in pink, grey and cream....see one for ever mood.

25 Year Celebration Penny Dog

$39.02 AUD Cotton with Polyester Trim

What could be better to celebrate 25 Years of Peter Alexander than the mascot herself, just like in real life this Penny is cute, cuddly and will be your friend for life...and who doesn't need one of those.

So with my shopping list in hand its time to go and start trying on if you ask me.

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

Your Misson......i

Well its in the mid-winter point of the year, sure most of us have been hiding under layers of our winter woolies however I'm setting myself a mission.

My mission is to hit the shops with $50 and revamp my makeup drawer. Thats right I only have $50 which means I have to find some fantastic gems.

Right time to get my heels on and start shopping.....see you at a shopping centre soon.

Back in the Cold

Ok so I'm back and in honor of the cold winters night and being home I was invited out for some treats. So heading to Lygon Street we ended up at Koko black for some much needed chocolate and coffee.

You have to love anywhere that gives you so much in just the right portions. Mikii and I indulged in the 'Belgain spoil' which has ice cream, chocolate mousse, belgain chocolates, mini muffin and shortbread plus a hot or cold chocolate. Mikii went hot and I went cold. Oh so yummy!!!!!

Discovering your home town

I am always surprised when people say “I didn’t even know that was there” when regarding places/events in this fair city of mine, Melbourne. Personally I am of the belief that Melbourne will not come to you, you have to go to her. You need to make the effort to walk down the alleyways, to read the papers and see what’s on. And here in Melbourne there is always something going on. So in an effort to explore and share my home town I thought I’d tell you about some recent gems in my home town that made me get out of the house
Dachshund U.N may not be words you utter very often but as part of the new wave festival celebrating and showcasing new artist this is quiet normal. Perth-based artist Bennett Miller has been camping out in a rugged West- Melbourne warehouse for six weeks constructing his Next Wave Festival installation, Dachshund U.N. He’s building a timber model of a United Nations meeting room to dachshund-scale because in Bennett’s performance piece, the 47 delegates, speakers and interpreters of the UN Human Rights Committee are represented by live sausage dogs. Dachshund U.N. is the third Next Wave Festival project that has been partnered by Melbourne Museum and is also supported by the Western Australian Department of Culture and the Arts, Australia Council for the Arts and the Keir Foundation. Performances will be held from 2 – 3pm on 15, 22 and 29 May 2010. The sculpture will remain on site throughout the Festival.

And if that’s not your thing…..how about a bit of light in the darkness with the federation square “light in winter” festival. Here you will find everything from large-scale light installations, projections and torch-led tours to Indigenous storytelling and Sudanese hip-hop, The Light in Winter celebrates the warmth of our community and shared cultural experiences. And of course the biggest part, which is also may favorite celebration (yep out comes the pagan hippie in me)
Solstice Celebration

19 June, 5.00pm - 8.00pm in the Main Square and The Atrium, FREE
Join us as we celebrate the coming of the Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year and the moment at which the days start to lengthen towards Spring. Fifteen community groups will offer their gifts of light, enlightenment and hope to the people of Melbourne, with traditional food, installations, music, dance and stories. From whirling dervishes and Sudanese hip hop to apple tea and origami, the free festivities will bring a special glow to the city's heart.

Rugged Up

As the weather turns cold the thought for many to leave the warm confines of their house seems crazy but for me as long there is a big jacket and some warm gloves its time to head out into the night and see what the crisp night air brings. Why am I heading out in the low temperatures you may ask; simply in honor of my old pal Ms La dolce Vita coming to town for a conference and it was my duty as a local to show here some of our hidden treasures.

Now I admit I adore winter for so many reasons: Roasting fires, hot chocolate, winter jackets, gloves, scarfs, hats and even red wine seems to taste better. With that in mind it was time to head to transport at Federation square for drinks and then to Tony Starr’s Kitten Club for some yummy tapas.

You have to love the fact that the locals will still rather be outside and huddle around the heaters just as much as be in the clubs. We headed to the Kitten Club which is one of those great places you can only find if you know where you are going. So after a brisk walk it was time to go behind the green door, up a flight of stairs and enjoy. There was much removing of jackets and gloves and scarf’s to adjust to the warmth and then decisions about food. If you haven’t been to the club its worth a trip, and make sure you climb the second set of stairs and find the bar above if for reason to check out the velvet covered walls.

All in all another great night with the hidden secrets of Melbourne.

Sweet and Innocent...so they think

MakeUp - Benefit & Mac
Cardi - Portmans
Dress - Peter Alexander Slinky Nightie
Flower - Made by C
Skirt (out of shot) - Route 66

Sometimes its less about the fashion and more about the details.

As spring fashion hits the world of Melbourne and stores are flooded with hats, feather and thoughts turn to frocks I've decided to see if I can bring some of that fashion fun and flair to work.
So today's outfit was aimed at being a bit sugar and spice. Apart from the usually lingerie inspired top which was actually a shortie nightie from Peter Alexanders Winter 2 Range worn under a tight black pencil skirt with blue trim from Route 66; I added my fav little handmade necklace and massive ivory flower.

Purple Princess

Well somedays you need to do something a little different. Hence I decided that to pin curls would be my challange. Overall it worked well, nice curls considering my hair never usually stays curled once I've undone them.

So in the mood of fun and purple inspired smiles I went for this little combo.

Cardi, Shirt, Belt and Skirt - Portmans 2008

Mellissa Q Headband

Legs Avenue Stockings

Shoes - Candy

Swallow Necklace - Made By C

Make Up
Mineral Foundation in ivory
Mac lipstick
Benefit RSVP eyeshadow and eyebrow powder
Rimmel Mascara

A little bit cute

Yes thats right I've gone the dreaded c word.....CUTE I have no idea why, but in the last few weeks the desire to put on a floaty frock in honour of Spring has been overwhelming . Don't fear I am sure that I will be back in the pencil skirts soon enough.

Black Wrap Dress Portmans 2008
Cardi Portmans 2008
White Petticoat - Made by C
Promo Shirt & Promo Hair Ribbon

so whats on the cards for today, as you may or may not of guessed I'm heading off to work in this loverly little number. Hopefully I will bring smiles to some and inspire others to get out of the work suit and into a spring number.

Make up is minimal and specially coloured to suit where I'll be working, which thankfully works well in photos as well.

I do love this outfit as it is just the right combination of sweet little girl and vintage princess.


EOD 28th - got loads of really good comments today. This outfit may get into rotation a bit more often this spring

The Melbourne Princess

Ok so its not lingerie based but todays entry is about beauty. Recently in the frosty streets of Melbourne Ms Tiki Doll decided it was time to get some Mendhi done. As a fan of this for many years it was an easy decision. For those of you who are unsure what I'm talking about Mendhi (also Mehandi, Mehendi, etc.) is the application of Henna as a temporary form of skin decoration in South Asia, Southwest Asia, North Africa and the Horn of Africa, as well as by expatriate communities from these areas. Mehendi decorations became fashionable in the West in the late 1990s, where they are sometimes called henna tattoos. Henna is typically applied during special occasions like weddings and festivals. It is usually drawn on the palms and feet, where the color will be darkest because the skin contains higher levels of keratin which binds temporarily to lawsone, the colorant of henna. Henna was originally used as a form of decoration mainly for brides.


So in the festive spirit I offered up my hand to be done and here are the results. I must say I'm rather pleased and think I will be investing in some more in many different places. Plus I am investigating getting some paste myself to start practising designs



Finished Design the next day after paste removed

Pass The Popcorn

Its time to brave the cold winter air and head to the cinemas. Not for the lastest big block buster action movie but for the much anticipated Coco Avant Chanel Rating PG Release 25 June 09

Synopsis

Audrey Tautou (THE DAVINCI CODE, AMELIE) plays the legendary "Coco" Chanel in an enthralling exploration of her early life before she rose to worldwide fame as the most celebrated fashion designer of the 20th Century. We meet the young Gabrielle Chanel, illegitimate daughter of a travelling salesman who learns to sew in a Catholic orphanage before following her singing ambitions lead her to a cabaret club. It is here where Chanel earns the nickname 'Coco' and also where she catches the eye of several high society gentlemen who would ignite her passion and become instrumental in the development of her remarkable career.

From director Anne Fontaine (NATHALIE), Coco Avant Chanel is the fascinating untold story of how one woman rose from humble beginnings to become one of couture’s most important icons.

Lingerie of the Week

So its time decided on what delicate piece of heaven I will start my week off with.

And the winner is......

This 1940 inspired bra and pantie set is another Peter Alexander gem. A soft style bra without underwire yet gives the body a brilliant 50's 'pointy' shape. The briefs are double layed and have a stunning gathered front.

Picked these up in the winter sales for a steal and was so glad i spent the extra time trying these on. These will be the sexy yet subtle layer underneath my winter angora cardi and long flowing skirts.

XXX to you all

So what is a lady to do on a frosty winter night....well the first thing after a hearty dinner is a warm cup of tea and a bit of time to plan.

As we head into June we approach the third year of The Light in Winter is Federation Square's annual winter festival. The Light in Winter brings together artists, designers and communities to explore their ideas of light, enlightenment and hope.

This year the Light in Winter will include thirteen light installations with all power supplied for lighting installations is certified as Green Energy.

"On 20 June, thirteen of Melbourne’s diverse communities will bring more light to winter and to the Square with The Gift of Light. Melbourne’s community is invited to share in this celebration with music and performance on the weekend of the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year which marks the heralding of longer, brighter days."

from www.fedsquare.com.au

I adore this time of year as its a chance to get back in touch with all the joys of a roaring fireplace, hearty soups, warm bread rolls, lots of soft fluffy blankets and the great excuse for me to wear hats, scarfs and gloves when ever possible.

So now that I have my Winter Solstice plans taken care of its just a case of dusting of the cookbook for soups and chocolate desserts.

Frosty Morning

Are you a morning person? I know I’m not but there are some things on these frosty Melbourne mornings that can make them worthwhile getting up for. Usually I focus on beauty and lingerie but in light of the colder weather I thought it was time to look at ways to warm up.

Firstly the stealing an extra 15 minutes snuggling under the quilt covers. I admit that even this lover of the silky things in life does love the ability to have flannelette sheets on the bed at the moment. Currently I have navy blue stars flannelette sheets from Morgan and Finch on the bed with the stunning Peter Alexander Navy quit cover which is detailed by navy sequins on the main body of the quilt.

So once you’ve managed to drag yourself out of the warmth its time to get a spring in your step with a warming breakfast. Now if your like me the idea of ceral does not inspire the appetite then winter offers a few yummy morsals instead. To get you going a couple of toasted English muffins covered in butter and honey will always warm you up. Then of course there is always the wonderful porridge covered in cinnamon and apple pieces. But what to drink, for some its coffee all the way and for others juice. For me the only thing is Tea.

There is nothing better than travelling around the world in one cup. With a crisp lemon herbal to start and get the body awake followed by a traditional English breakfast to get ready for the day.

But what to wear…..

Easy PJ’s from my favourite designer Peter Aleaxander. Right now I’m decked out head to toe in his winter range (more photos to follow), with flannelette pants in pastal colours and a light pink long sleeve waffle top with of course the needed home boots.

So now that the days started I will head off for my cuppa and see you tomorrow for more winter sleepwear.