Whatever she said then I'm that......

I've been off with the fairies

2011-05-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hello All, it's been such a long time since I have blogged and I honestly have missed it terribly.
Now that my life is starting to regain a semblance of normality I will resume blogging regularly!
Until then here are some pictures of my Birthday party in March.

I wore: A costume from a 'Vegas Showgirls' online store and bodypaint by the MOST amazing artist (Will post her link after I ask her permission). Oh and some prosthetic ears :)

My Amazing cake

Fire twirling with Poi's staff and sword - thanks to my Cousin and her Boy (will link their entertainment company soon too - pictures do no justice).

PS: the party theme was fractured fairytale's and Mythological creatures.
I won't bore you with all the costumes but it was so much fun!

Styling Amy

2010-08-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Alright well not actually styling Amy but Amy Hungerford designs.
This post is long overdue and many of you will have already seen some of the photo's.

I went to Canberra recently and styled the below shoot.
Partners in Crime are:
Amy Hungerford of Amy Hungerford Designs for allowing me to style for her. It was a pleasure.
Robert Coppa the Amazing photographer Copyright © 2010.
Photographer's Assistant: Hoan Dang
Joolz for supplying themost of the Amazing 'Joolz' check out her website!
Precious little treasures in Bentleigh Melbourne for supplying some of the luscious designer shoes.
Jolina O'Hair on makeup
Hair Styling: Sheryn O'Connor

WARNING IMAGE HEAVY POST ! Click on the pictures for a better look!

So where have I been?

2010-06-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

New job has kept me at the point of exhaustion for quite a while now.
Finally things are settling down though and getting back to normal!

I've got some exciting little events coming up soon which will of course warrant blogging about.
I've also made tonnes of purchases that are in line for a photo session so I can show and tell on here too.

This weekend I am off to our Nations capital to style my first photo shoot!! Which I am very excited about and more than a little nervous about too so wish me luck on that one.

I have some interviews in the works too and some more fashion history posts to keep you informed on the history of stylish men and women throughout the ages.

First historical fashion article: Installment 3 - Shaping our style...

The prettiest apple in the tree?

2010-03-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

So as some of you may be aware I won a giveaway by the lovely Diamonds in Champagne a little while back.

The comp was for a voucher for the online store Apple Tree Boutique. I won a $120 voucher and since then I have been wracked with indecision!

So lovely readers is you could help me choose one or a combination of items from my shortlist I would be very grateful!

First up is the Fate Grace spot dress at $79.95

and the Sass stripe Tee dress at just $50.00

The White Suede Backless lace dress $252.00

The Sass Christie Tierred dress $69.95

The Seven year itch dress $149.00

Otherwise if you are in the mood check out their store and make a suggestion :)

The most wonderful shoes in Finland

2010-03-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Designer Du Jour is the wonderful Minna Parikka

this time I was recently lucky enough to interview my current favorite designer; the talented Minna Parikka.
Minna's designs came to my attention about a year ago and I've been stalking her website ever since and admiring her work.

I was so excited when she agreed to answer some questions for my blog and I hope that you all appreciate her amazing work as much as I do. I'm currently saving up for some items in her latest collection!!

Thank you so much Minna!

Note: the clothes, gloves and masks are also available under at Minna's website

www.minnaparikka.com

First of all can you describe your personal style and the influence if any that it has on your designs?

I design things that I can wear myself. All the designs come from me and they resemble my personality and the idea of beauty I have.

Is there anyone in particular who has influenced your personal style? My mother. she used to change my nappies in red lipstick and red varnished nails.

What made you decide to become a fashion designer, have you always felt drawn to this career?

I have know that I am going to be a shoe designer from the age of 15.

Favorite colour? leopard print

Did you face criticism from relatives or friends at your choice of career or were you supported throughout the process?

My sister was the one who had the idea that i was to become a shoe designer. My family and friends have been extremely supportive throughout the whole process of having my own brand. Without them i would have given up a long time ago.

How would you describe the aesthetic of the label? Sensual, fun and high quality.

What fabrics do you favor? leather. my shoes are all in leather: uppers, linings and soles. my favorite is high shine leathers or on the contrary buttery soft nappa or suede. I like to mix hard fetich image and innocent soft image.

What is the fashion scene in Finland like? Fashion scene here in Helsinki is tiny. We have only few brands that have international potential and that are ambitious. The good thing is that everybody has their own style and brands are not copying each other, everybody knows each other here.

Do you perceive that there is a pressure on you to conform to local idea's of fashion and style; does this limit your creativity? Not at all! it is totally the opposite. Here I feel like I don't need to run after seasonal trends or other influences. Here I have space to create the things that I think are beautiful and what i would want people to wear. My style is not Finnish at all. It is really difficult to spot the origin of my design style. Mostly people think that i am from London.

Do you ever draw inspiration from fashion history? I love history and nostalgia. My collections will always have a hint of the past. I used to have a very vintage look but now my style has grown up more and I am going into a more high class and elegant look without losing the enjoyment of designing.

Who do you see wearing your collection? I have so many different kinds of women as my fans here in Finland as well as internationally. It can be a sharp business woman, fashion victim, older lady or a rock star. Pretty much any woman with attitude and personality.

What would you like to achieve for the company over the next 5 years? We are working hard to get the brand known internationally. I am well known in my own country we have a boutique and a webshop and we are stocked in 10 different countries. I want to get more retailers internationally.

What’s your take on the plus size model debate? Luckily shoes don't have this problem. A pump will fit a size 0 or plus size model.

If you could give an aspiring designer one piece of advice what would that be? Find your own style, stick to it but always remember to follow your time and keep your senses open. People will have so many opinions and suggestions what you should be doing. Trust yourself.

Do you ship worldwide? we ship nearly world wide.

Anything else you would like to add?

I want to design shoes that are fun and attractive. I find that sometimes when men design shoes they are bit too over the top. They are not actually something that I as a woman would like to wear. It is important that there is a certain sense of wearability. There is always some elements that can be added to shoes to make them just that little bit more comfortable.

At Madame Brussles a little worse for wear!

2010-02-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

So what have I been up to lately? well last weekend I caught up with some bloggers/friends for cocktails and cupcakes and despite my state I had a wonderful time !

It was such a beautiful day, ut the wind destroyed my hair!

Madame Brussles is one of my favorite hangs in Melbourne and I dragged myself down there last Saturday afternoon after an impromptu night out on the Friday.

Some of the cutest customers at Madam B's that day!

'Undress me sloely' and Pimm's kick started out afternoon!

It was hot, sunny and I was not so fresh but the company was fantastic and so were the drinks!

I met up with the fabulous 'Fashion Romance', 'Sarah Style' and 'House of Turtle' along with some other lovely ladies.

Thankfully they hand out little parasoles on sunny days

I wore a 'Stop Staring' playsuit which I plan on featuring in a proper outfit post in the near future.

Oh you can see I had a big night on friday lol

Outfit details: Stop staring playsuit

random assortment of bracelets - markets, mum and prouds

shoes were wooden clog type heels from a few years back but I don't have any pics of the full outfit!

I'm over the top ...If you don't know - now you know ;)

2010-02-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

I have some great new posts lined up - some more outfits and designer reviews (I'm bringing back Designer Du Jour).

Following up on Rubin Singer (above) by delving into his famous fathers past as a parisian born designer who became one of the soviet unions most celebrated designers and modist to one of the worlds most infamous dictators.

I've also got another installment of the history of the crinoline in the works and I'll be going back the the days of the Farthing wheel and the Pannier.

Also I have a very exciting interview lined up with a desinger I adore and I just know you will too.

For the moment however I have an award!

The amazing Porcelin Blonde has awarded me the 'Your blog is over the top award'.

Included with this award are some questions which I am supposed to answer with one word and of course I have cheated lol I also deleted some Q's because I have answered them in other tag posts.

1. Where is your cell phone? Handbag

2. Your hair? RED!

3. Your dream last night? Actually very strange I was trying to snap a photo of Michelle and Barack Obama at a resort hotel in Sydney … yeah weird (I’m in) Melbourne BTW

4. Your dream/goal? Happiness

5. What room are you in? Office

6. Your hobby? Fun

7. Where do you want to be in 6 years? gleeful

8. Where were you last night? Dinner at friends

9. Something you aren't? Rested!

10. Muffins? Homemade

11. Wish list item? endless

12. Where did you grow up? I spent my childhood in tropical Townsville far north Queensland, Australia and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

13. Last thing you did? Interview

14. What are you wearing? Black singlet, black and white ruffled skirt and a black, white and green blazer.

15. Your TV? Barely watch TV – life is too short

16. Your pets? R.I.P Oengus I miss my little cockatiel

17. Your friends? My precious! (lol lord of the rings ref)

18. Missing someone? Yes

19. Something you're not wearing? Anklet

20. Your best friend? The insanely talented Analoha since we were little girls – Love you girl xx

Sosume

2010-02-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

The Goddess dress - I want this one!

PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR A BETTER VIEW

Recently I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview some of the members of a fresh and relatively new label Sosume.

Sosume is no ordinary design team however the members met in New York and the member reside in Melbourne, Sydney and New York
They also have a strong commitment to Eco friendly fashion which is what really caught my attention.
My long term readers know I am very interested in 'fashion that cares'.

As their website states
all collections are made with organic and natural fabrics from the most accredited mills in the world

all garments are manufactured in Australia

three percent of the proceeds of each garment are donated to a small number of charities which
promote and aid sustainable development and practices

So without further ado here is my little Q&A session with the lovely designers from Sosume

Tell me about Sosume’s commitment to charity and eco friendly practices; was this a focus when creating the label or did it come about after the fact?

Sosume’s commitment to bringing awareness to the sustainable movement is deliberate. We are a young, cool brand that cares about the world we’re growing up in. Our focus when creating the label was, and still is, to utilize eco-friendly fabrics, reduce our carbon footprint, and influence our own generation to do the same. We have always given a percentage of our profits to environmental agencies.

Do you see the future of fashion moving towards a more environmentally and socially conscious model?

Definitely. There are so many different industries - such as energy, automotive, and even beauty/health products - that are using new technology and developments that sustain resources and are a more responsible and healthier option. Fashion has been moving in this direction for years and it finally seems to be transcending the hippie/earth mother stigma into an exciting new way of dressing for the fashion and environmentally savvy.

The Sosume team is spread between Australia and the USA how did you all come together to collaborate on the label?

Alex (Melbourne based) studied and graduated from college in New York City, where we all met a few summers ago. He wanted to start a fashion company and, after various meetings and much consultation we came up with Sosume and started developing our first season. Soon after SS 9/10, Alex relocated back to Australia and we continued to develop our second, and now third, seasons.

What challenges if any are presented by the location of your colleagues?

Communication is essential and it is very demanding to sync schedules across different time zones - sometime deadlines in Australia are literally one day ahead of NYC, so time management is crucial. We video chat regularly and send emails everyday around the clock. We all have Smartphones so sending and receiving emails between all entities involved is easy. Of course, traveling is often necessary since we are on opposite sides of the world; we all do what's necessary.

Do you draw inspiration from fashion history? Tell me about the inspiration behind the collection?

Fashion history is very important to understand and reference, especially when trying to understand the way trends cycle over time. Right now, while working on our new spring collection, we are looking back at utility dress and military uniforms, focusing on the functional aspect of the designs.

How would you describe the aesthetic of the label?

The current aesthetic of the label is a very modern, clean look. All of the pieces in the collection can be layered over one another. This aesthetic is meant to reflect the way people live in a post-modern world, giving the option of making unique, individualized put-together looks with a palette of easy pieces.

Who do you see wearing your collection?

Anyone! We purposely designed a collection ranging from basics to more fashion-forward pieces to satisfy every young, eco-conscious person; whether you're a die hard environmentalist, or just discovering your inner sustainable fashion self. We even invited young guys to take part by adding a small men’s line to this collection, plus many of our pieces are genderless.

Potential clients: Aygness Deyn, Cameron Diaz, Rihanna, Kate Moss, Natalie Imbruglia, fashion blogger muses of NYC/LA/Sydney/Tokyo

What made you decide to become a fashion designer, have you always felt drawn to this career?

Paulina: My Mom was always well dressed and took me with her while shopping. I've always been obsessed with clothing, playing dress up, making dresses for my Barbies, buying second-hand things and cutting them up... I never thought about other options; fashion was always what I saw myself doing. I would devour fashion magazines as a teenager and love to find antique and vintage items - now I have collections of random things and references, like a library of inspiration.

Rachel: How I got to this point is just by doing what I liked, really. I lived for arts and crafts as a kid and that eventually led into making my own clothes. I didn’t really pay attention to fashion like I do now; I just loved to sew. Figuring out how to make something was the funnest kind of puzzle to me. It’s when I moved to New York at 17 that I really understood that I could do what I loved as a career.

How cute is this playsuit? Anyone want to buy me one?

Can you describe your personal style?

Paulina: My style is constantly changing-it’s always quirky, but balanced, and I have the right mix of vintage + modern pieces.

Rachel: My style is experimental; I have fun with clothing, it's playful-I never take myself too seriously.

If you could give an aspiring designer one piece of advice what would that be?

Paulina: Be passionate, work hard, listen to your gut instincts, and develop a point of view.

Rachel: Don’t pay attention to limits…there is always a way to make something work!

You can check out the Sosume website (they have an AMAZING sale on at the moment 50-80% off some of the items in the SS09/10 collection. They also have a list of stockists there.

Like Marvin said ... what's going on?

2010-01-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

Today's post is a mixture of fashion related news and a photo tag.

Before I begin I just want to remind everyone to do what they can for the people of Hati.

For information on making a difference in the face of this disaster contact your local red cross.

Australian Red Cross link here: http://www.redcross.org.au/howyoucanhelp_Haiti_Appeal.htm

Olivia Rouge Boutique

thanks to Olivia for permission to use this photo

Firstly I'm very excited to announce the delectable Olivia Rouge store is now available in English! Some of you might remember my earlier posts on her design work and burlesque career.
Although the website appears to only offer postage within Finland; Olivia assures me that this is due to the automatic postage calculator not being compatible with international postage. To order something from her online boutique you can simply send her an E-mail at info@oliviarouge.com
Olivia creates some truly beautiful vintage inspired garments and accessories.

Photo Tag -Kuwaii

Photo taken by me (can't you tell by the quality)

Second cab off the ranks today is a tag! I have been tagged by the lovely Humpty Dumpty I'm supposed to go to a photo folder and post the 10th picture and the story behind it.
So the above photo was the 10th one in one of my photo folders (closed my eyes and randomly clicked on one).
It's from the Kuwaii runway show from Melbourne Spring Fashion week 2009 one of the ones I didn't post here for some reason. I was right at the front standing in giants stitts trying to ignore the pain in my feet and focus on the show.
I have to say that I am kind of in love with the Kuwaii collection and I was even more pleased to have to chance to meet the designer of the line at the pop up store 'Insert name here' in Melbourne at 'Georges on collins'.

Joolz Darling!

Thanks to 'Joolz' for permission to use these photographs

Next up I'd like to just say that I am loving the new line from Joolz a Melbourne local who creates amazing accessories from vintage, recycled and eco-chic materials including pearls and vintage kimono fabric, buttons rose petals and all manner of other items. Check out her blog and her website for some really unique and beautiful 'joolz' at very reasonable prices!

The line has even caught the attention of the new york fashion set and 'Joolz' has been invited to attend New York Fashion week! Congratulations are in order!!

Alright that's a wrap for today but stay tuned because the blog posts will becomming more frequent as the month rolls on and I have some exciting interviews and announcements in the works along with more personal style posts and a few reviews of some new products and more!

Do you remember the time?

2010-01-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Me at 6 or 7 years old
Rocking the pale pink PJ's
Accessories include the first dog I remember owning my darling German Shepherd Beau.

Well I thought I'd take a stroll down memory lane before I get 2010's outfit posts rolling.

So here are some old school pictures of my style or lack there of over the last 10 years :)

My own personal fashion history Part 1.

I hope you get a good giggle out of some of my 'looks'.

Me at about 17 at a school art exhibition - wearing BRIGHT Pink dress from a place called 'Kimberly' in far North QLD where I grew up.

At 18 on a visit to Melbourne wearing a full denim bodysuit from some surf wear shop in my QLD home town. The little satin bowler bag was from Cab55 from memory.
Terrible photo of me but I had to post it anyway!

Not really sure what to say about this look ....but take a look at the make-up I was obsessed with silver eye shadow!

terrible!

Head scarves were a minor obsession for a while

Visiting Canberra wearing white denim halter top (Pervert - the label lol)
Denim Skirt by Aztec Rose (hadn't quite let go of my beach-side roots yet)

Trying to be arty styling my own B&W shoot at a photography studio in south yarra (melbourne)the hairstylist was terrible to say the least and the make-up artist not much chop either!

Ok no make-up hungoever but I still like this shot - even though it's not at all flattering!
Hat - Vintage fabric made into a reversible little bonnet/cap
glasses - Prada from memory
Long sleeve T-shirt dress - Myer I think
black singlet over the top from MNG

I'm going to look for younger pics of me to post in a follow up post because they might be even funnier!

What's your personal fashion history? Would love to hear some stories in the comments (even better some photo links!).

Soles for Souls

2010-01-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

I wish I had found this a little sooner!
Now in it's last week this charity aims to distribute 50,000 pairs of shoes to people in need.
To help out all you need to do is visit their website and for just $5.00 you will buy TWO pairs of shoes for someone who can't afford ANY shoes

I had to post this once I read about these lil guys
Maria is 5 and lives in Reynosa, Mexico. She is delighted with her new pair of shoes but didn’t wan to take them out of the box. . “I just want to look at them right now,” she said, “These are not the kind of shoes you should get dirty.”

Roberto is 10 and lives with his uncle’s family in the City Dump outside Tegucigalpa. Each day he gets up at dawn and sorts through the trash looking for items that he can clean up and sell, or for suitable things to eat. “This is my first pair of real cowboy boots,” he repeatedly said.

So please check out http://www.50000shoes.com and donate if you can

Kim K talks about the charity on the video below

All images and the video on this post are property of http://www.50000shoes.com I have borrowed them in the interest of raising awareness of the charity.

American president John Adams was a snappy dresser

2009-12-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Abigale and John Adams

Or so the TV series would have me believe! I've just started to get into this show and the main reason to begin with was the costumes!

The costume department has done an amazing job and the series is a visual feast.
I thought that while I was working on some personal style posts and reviews I would put up these stunning scenes from the show.

Don't forget to click on the images for a better view!

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson

Mr and Mrs Adams again

love her parisole

Mrs Adams

Of course the best part costume wise was the diplomatic visit to France!
I wish I could find more shots of this but check out episode 3 for all the fashion action!

Mid week update

2009-12-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

I'm currently in the process of preparing some exciting new posts.

I thought in the meanwhile I would just post a quick update, with Christmas fast approaching my calendar is full of festive cheer (read Christmas drinks)
I will do my best to take lots of outfit pics as I know I have been terribly slack with my outfit posts.

Also I noticed I have a new Nuffnang ad on my blog >>>>>>
Win a Cherry I-Pod ! I really really want one now that I have seen them - so if anyone is feeling generous ;)

The Ad is actually for Australian Cherry Growers and it got me thinking.
I make a Christmas Pudding with black Cherries, and caramel apples and I have had some requests for food posts so I will do my best to find time to post this years pudding.

Here's some Polyvore eye candy

What I would like to wear to the races:

Why Hello There by whatevershesaid featuring Prada shoes

I love purple and grey

Lady V by whatevershesaid featuring Francesco Biasia bags

Summer fruits:

How do you like them apples? by whatevershesaid featuring Pollini bags

PS: Feel free to buy me any and all of the above items for Christmas - really won't mind lol

Life through the viewfinder

2009-12-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Click on any picture to enlarge it - all photo's were taken by me (unless otherwise stated)so please ask permission should you wish to use any of them :)

Some local wildlife of the feathered variety

I haven't taken any outfit pictures lately, there are shots of me at a recent event but I am awaiting the photographer's permission to use their photo's on my blog.

UPDATE: one pic - not so flattering but I love the jumpsuit :) by this stage my hair had gone flat (darn Melbourne wind) and the free alcohol was taking it's toll!

Photo by Hamish Crawford of T-Shirt Garage

Silk Jumpsuit by Seduce clothing
Belt - gift from my best friend

Other than that I have this little snap shot which was not taken for blogging purposes but will suffice for now. Taken at a party in the pop up store .

Hat - can't remember
Dress - Portmans I think?
Singlet under dress - can't remember
Earrings by Joolz

I love this pic because I think if I had any photoshop skills whatsoever I could look like a vintage Hollywood starlet with a little work (ok maybe more than a little work lol).

Nor have I written any articles on delicious historical fashion items.

I have however taken a few shots out and about in Melbourne that I thought I would share since most of my readers are not from Australia.

A little glimpse into my view of the world if you will.

A View over the Yarra

These were not taken for the blog but rather because I was playing with the camera settings!

Graff Art near Lygon st

Somewhere in Fitzroy ....

The bar staff are friendly (these guys actually found my camera and took this shot of themselves before tracking me down and returning it)

Would anyone like to see some outfits from my past? I just found some funny pictures of what I've worn over the years ... perhaps I'll put it to a poll!

'O' Vintage handbags!

2009-11-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

For the last 71 years The Oroton name has been synonymous with luxury, quality and style in Australia.
Creating everything from Sunglasses & lingerie to Jewellery and of course beautiful leather, mesh and crystal bags.

I have been recently informed that Oroton will for the first time ever release some items from the vault.

Some of these bags have been locked away since the 70’s! Some old favourites and one off samples too expensive to go into production at the time will be available.
This means you could score yourself a genuine one of a kind vintage bag!
The V-50 Clutch will also be on the list (made to celebrate Vogue’s 50th anniversary).

New items will be released weekly until Christmas and for Australian order shipping is free!

There will also be two “very special” items released where 100% of the sale proceeds will be donated to the charity of your choice if you buy one!

A little brand history on Oroton (well historical fashion is my thing!)

Oroton began as a sole trader business in 1936 and emerged as a public company in 1939 under the name of Boyd Lane & Co. Pty Ltd. By importing luxury fabrics and materials from Europe in the early days of Australia’s fashion scene Oroton distinguished themselves as a brand of class and elegance from the outset and has scrupulously kept to their ideals of quality and timeless classics; unaffected by trends.

Note: This blog post was not in any way paid for by the Oroton Group. I was contacted and informed of this shopping event and being a fan of the brand felt it worthwhile sharing with my readers. The images displayed are used with the permission of the Oroton Group. It is unfortunate that I don’t have any pictures of their leather bags but check out the link above to see their range.

A Very Vintage Christmas

2009-11-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a little poem I wrote for Super Kawaii Mama's Vintage Christmas competition.

Part one of my entry -

The night before Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas and all through the land
Super Kawaii mama readers reviewed the vintage Christmas they’d planned

Seamed stockings were hung beside a real Christmas tree
Not an ornament plastic, only crystals, ribbons and canes of candy to see.

The cookies and puddings were baked and prepared

Hand made with home grown ingredients no effort was spared

The candles are lit; not a fairy light to be found
Time to cheer our hearts with a mellifluous sound
Now Bing Crosby’s silent night from the gramophone blared

Lovers young and old under the mistletoe meet
Holly and ivy on the door bound in a wreath

The family gathers round to sit by the hearth
To share stories of the cheer from Christmas’s past

The children to bed
Their heads filled with dreams of St Nick
While we candy the apples and
make sure the decorations look schmick.

Third time is a charm!

2009-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

For the Melbourne spring racing carnival I attended one event this year and that event was Oaks day.

I had a stunning one of a kind Anna Campbell dress that was created for Melbourne Spring Fashion week.
However when I was getting ready that morning the straps (on the brand new dress) both broke.
With no time for repairs I went to my back-up dress.
A lovely Betty Page dress in Navy with a white collar, only to discover once I had the dress on that there was a bright red lipstick stain that the drycleaners had failed to remove!

I hit the panic button! with my hair and make-up done I had one 20 min's before the car arrived in which to find a suitable dress and accessories for a warm sunny day with very chilly winds.

So here it is an old Kamikazi dress I dug out (it's kind of my emergency dress).

Not the glam ensemble I had in mind but passable!

Details:
Dress - Kamakazi from about 5 years ago
Belt - Alannah Hill (hooker in the Alley belt)
Heels- Custom made
Pashmina - Borrowed from a friend
Necklace and Earrings - Joolz
Bracelet - Vintage
Headband - Anna Campbell
clutch - unsure

Had a lovely day in the birdcage but the wind played havok with my hair!

A. Hill - Hooker in the Alley Belt

Joolz Necklace - got so many lovely comments on this one. I LOVE it!

My earrings were by Joolz too (Pic below)

hehehe check out my moon tan lol

Here comes the sun ...

2009-10-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

Sun Cloth from the Crags in South Africa.

I have recently discovered an inspirational business called Langa Lapu (Xhosa for "sun cloth") created by Pru Bolus and her team of local artists.

Working in a machine free environment with non toxic and recycled materials the ladies of Langa Lapu have combined creativity and environmental awareness with a successful business model

Langa Lapu’s cloth can only be created on very still, hot days and due to the weather requirements the production is limited to the months between September and May.

The cloth is laced with light sensitive (non toxic) dyes and laid out in the sun with a selection of native leaves, seed pods and ferns placed on top.

After a few hours in the hot South African sun the leaves are removed and the design is revealed.
Each bolt of fabric is a one of a kind artwork due to the unique method used in creating the patterns.

Langa Lapu has stockists all over the world; for a list of stockists click here. just imagine all the beautiful dresses you could create with this kind of fabric.
If someone sent you a bolt of fabric from Langa Lapu what would you use it to make?

Contact details are as follows
PO Box 119, The Crags, 6602, South Africa
Tel/Fax: +27 44 5348827
Shop: +27 44 5348612 (Teresa/Barbie/Pru)
Mobile: 072 904 8819 (Pru)
E-mail: info@langalapu.co.za
www.langalapu.co.za

Please note that this post was in no way sponsored by Langa Lapu however I did obtain permission to post pictures of their work and to publish this article on my blog.

I won't go breaking your heart

2009-10-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

Arriving at Dani M’s launch party for her new collection ‘I won’t go breaking your heart’ I was so excited I made my way through the crowd to the display case like I was at the Boxing Day sales. I love jewellery.

As I reached the display case I spied designer and moved in for a chat. Danielle Maugeri has been coaxing delightful figures from hand coloured porcelain and sterling silver since 2001 and her jewellery is now available from a selection of stores in Melbourne and around the country or online.

This collection is a treasure trove of love hearts, triangles tear drops and more. On first impressions the porcelain appears to be a modernised portrayal of Gems shaped in the style of Ancient Egyptian cuts. They are however inspired by Art Deco shapes (which were in turn inspired by the Ancient Egyptians). The many facets of these porcelain treasures sparkle in the light every bit as dazzling in their own way as the ruby or the sapphire.

The inspiration for her other pieces in this collection come from an entirely different place…Wonderland. Alice in Wonderland that is! After having been involved in a project for which she created biscuit shapes for a ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ theme Dani then revisited the shapes she used for this exhibition to create an enchanting collection of shapes.

This young Australian designer is definitely worth another look.

The original article can be found here - with more pictures of her work.

Unfashionably late

2009-09-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hi All, I've been going through another rough time in my personal life lately and while I don't like my personal life to get in the way of my blog there are times when you just can't help but neglect some things in order to take care of others.

Some lovely girlfriends have given me some spectacular make-overs during the last few days (some attractive options and some just plain hilarious) unfortunately I've taken no pictures to show you.

Such a shame since I have yet to debut my new hair (massive changes) and some pretty vintage dresses, I still have some Melbourne spring fashion week pic's I wanted to put up too.

So while I pull myself back together I'll be a little slower on the posting.

But I will leave you with some of my favorite pics of the Hopeless hotel runway show from Melboune Spring Fashion Week - as mentioned in my article for style Melboune which can be found HERE ( the photo's on here are of a much higher quality) enjoy.

Such a darling collection - if only my photo's did the garments some justice!

Mid week memo

2009-09-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Alright I have a few things to post about today - the first installment of Melbourne Spring Fashion week posts, an award, a competitiion and a guest blog post. Enjoy!

Fashion Week
First up as part of Melbourne Spring fashion week I attended Pandora's Wonderland Spring Fashion & Racing Carnival Launch last Thursday night on behalf of Style Melbourne (you can read my article here).

CLICK ON ANY PIC TO ENLARGE

Kuwaii

I discovered that fashion photography is hard work (and not my strong point). All photo's in this post are by me - if you want to see some professional shots click on over to Style Melbourne and check out my post there (including some fantastic shots by a real photographer). For my blog I have just posted some of my favorites (where the pictures turned out alright) as above and the following pic's:

K.B.A.D (Karin Bochnik Altman Design).

In my next post I will share the resortwear, lingerie and menswear portion of the parade.

Award
The Amazing and talented JoolzGirl creator of Joolz jewelry has honoured me with the Kreativ Blogger Award.

Now instead of listing another 7 facts about myself I thought I would link to a previous post for those who are interested to have a look at.

Now to pass on the award I'm only passing it on to one person(I'm not much of a chain mail person)and that is Hexotica who is a very creative person and so I think she deserves this award. She creates some very cool accessories - check out her blog and Etsy store (link on the blog).

Giveaway
Over at 'The Diary of a Vintage Girl' the lovely Fleur De Guerre is offering a giveaway. Visit her blog for details.

The history of the crinolin - Part two: what's that blowing up my skirt?

2009-08-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Continuation of the history of the crinolin (link). On to the victorian era.....

A young Queen victoria

The Victorian era begins
With the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne in 1837 the fashionable women in Britain looked to their queen for affirmation of new fashions and indeed to set trends.

Under the influence of the new queen the style of dress changed from the voluminous billowing sleeved confections with bonnets covered in ribbons to lean toward a more austere elegance.

1859 fashion plate of both men's and women's daywear, with seabathing in background. He wears the new leisure fashion, the sack coat.

A low waist and sloping shoulders characterised the style, along with wide sweeping skirts which required layer upon layer of crinolines to keep their shape.
This was both uncomfortable and unhygienic and most likely the full production was only endured for visitors and outings. At home an abbreviated version would have been worn in most cases.

Technology brings change
With the development of sewing machine in the 1850’s the production of women’s clothing was made immeasurably easier and much faster.
As such new designs could be experimented with as demand could more easily be met leaving room for experimentation.

Early advertisment for a sewing maching from around the 1950's

The focus shifted from the waist to the skirts during this period and skirts became wider and wider leaving the crinoline unable to bear the load.

A satirical cartoon by the great George Cruikshank of an early version of the inflatable crinoline published in ‘The comic Almanac’ in 1850 before inflatable crinolines were widely used.

Enter the inflatable crinoline. Patented in May 1856 this baby had to be inflated with a bellows; then deflated when you sat down and reinflated when you got back up again!
Due to the fact that inflating, deflating etc was so impractical this invention soon developed into steel cage or whale bone structure.

There is a common misconception that these structures were cage like and led to women being restricted in many ways, such as being unable to climb a narrow stairway or sit down easily.
This however was not the case; the steel cage was actually far lighter than the old horsehair crinoline and incredibly flexible.

Cage crinoline, with spring steel hoops covered in off-white linen. British, from about 1860

This allowed ladies a freedom of movement as the cage would simply move and bend should a lady sit down or brush past a solid object.

Fashion plate from the Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, 1865.

To be continued...

Masqurade

2009-08-09T01:05:00.000-07:00

pictures from my sister's modern masquerade birthday. Please note that these pictures are drunken happy snaps and were not intended for the blog (hence the awful shots and blurry pictures, but I had to post this anyway because it was so much fun and it was the debut for my tailcoat (even if I didn't get a good picture of it).

I wore a vintage swallowtail coat with velvet accents (bespoke)
Silver and black structured dress from seduce
black leather gloves
A mask of course (hand made and decorated and imported from Venice so the retailer tells me).
Bronze custom made leather peep toe sling backs and a white lace fan.

Black and white is so much more flattering!

It seems to me you lived your life like a candle in the wind

2009-08-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

Marylin Monroe died on this day in 1962.

She was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on the 1st of June 1926 in Los Angeles California. Later baptised Norma Jeane Baker. In 1946 she changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.

Although she died long before I was born she is an inspiration to me.
She was a size 14-16 and proud of her curves, not to mention being one of the biggest sex symbols of all time. Without realising it she has given regular women everywhere hope and a healthy body idol.
I'm sure you all know well her story and so I leave you with this small tribute on the anniversary of her death.

So throw on some red lipstick, a hot dress and your best sex kitten pout today and pay tribute to the divine Miss Monroe :)

The history of the crinoline part 1 – an overview (shaping our style)

2009-07-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

the origin of the word is debated to be either from the latin words Crinis and Linum (meaning hair and flax respectively) or the french words Crin (horsehair) and lin (meaning linen).

Horsehair and Cotton Crinoline from the 1840's

Whatever the origin of the name; the Crinoline has changed the shape of fashion and the concept of feminine beauty. What seems like a simple and perhaps to some outdated undergarment actually plays a vital role in fashion history.

Over a few posts I will investigate the history of the Crinoline and how it evolved from earlier contraptions worn by women in the quest to create the illusion of the perfect silhouette

The original Crinolines were made from horsehair (weft) and cotton (warp), this fabric was first created around the year 1830 and later this term continued to be applied to any caged or hooped underskirts.

Not dissimilar to the Farthingale which originated in the 1580’s and remained popular in its many forms until the 1650’s (I will write a post on the Farthingale in the near future)

Example of a French Wheel Farthing

after which the Pannier (or the side hoop) followed as the favored skirt shaping undergarment.

An example of The Pannier

Then came the French revolution and the subsequent aversion to all elaborate styles of dressing as these eloborate gowns and heavily constructed silhouette's represented the gulf between the have's and the have not's at the time.

The French wanted to distance themselves from the excess represented by Marie Antoinette and the Aristocrats of the day in order to avoid the bloodthirsty revolutionaries notice.

This change in French atitudes toward fashion changed trends throughout western Europe which in turn led to the demise of the Pannier all over Europe(Parisian fashion being very influential in western fashion at that time).

At this time in Paris simple Grecian and Roman styles were favoured as they reflected the simplicity of dress favoured by the revolutionaries which brought a natural female silhouette back into fashion for the first time in centuries.

Fashionable post revolution dress in Paris

But this simplicity did not last long and around 1810 gores and bustles began to appear which eventually led to the rise of the crinoline.

Bustles

Often associated with the fashion of the 1950’s due to the reintroduction by the fashion house of Christian Dior (in 1947 the ‘New look” collection featured full skirts and cinched waists) the crinoline then became a permanent fixture of modern fashion. Creating with less pain and effort the hourglass illusion once again.

From Dior's New look collection

Previous to this Poiret’s influence, followed by the shortage of fabric created by the world wars had changed the shape of a ladies silhouette and rendered the crinoline unfashionable. Christian Dior’s reintroduction of the crinoline was very successful and the hour glass silhouette though transformed had made a permanent comeback

To be continued....

Dress Number 2 - Ebay

2009-07-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I am selling this cute little vintage Mod dress on E-bay for minimum bid of AU14.00 or 'buy it now' AUD30.00

Item Number 220456857566

If you win and you message me and mention my blog I will include a little bonus prize.

It's quite small and nicely shaped - all details are on the E-bay listing feel free to ask me any questions and I will answer ASAP.
I will accept anything over $14.00
Make sure you refer to the auction for details for details.

Tagged - Honest Scrap

2009-07-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by the lovely Norwegian A Red Lipstick

The rules are:
Copy the logo and place it in your blog. Link it back to the person who gave it to you. Pass it on to five fellow bloggers and list 10 things about yourself.

1: I secretly wear my sneakers under my desk at work and only wear my heels when I leave my desk.

2:I like to bake all types of pastries and cakes and I do so very successfully without measuring cups or recipes. It's one of my few natural talents!

3: I'm terrified of thriller/horror flicks
I know it's all fake but it still get's to me! Last one I saw gave me nightmares for weeks!

4: I love peppermint tea ...

5: Emerald Green is my favorite colour

6:I love African American gospel music - but not out of religious devotion - it's just beautiful to listen to and it moves something primal in me.

7: I am currently addicted to Ham, Cheese, Tomato and Pineapple sandwiches - like a hawaiian sandwich - sometimes with roast chicken and carrot in there too - sounds weird but it's awesome.

8: this is random - but this child frightens me that look in her eyes is super creepy!

9: I want to be a fashion designer one day but I don't know how to make patterns

10: I want to be an Archaeologist as well!

I would like to tag:

Heart Of Pearl
Topaz Horizon
Hexotica
The Freelancers fashion
The Vintage Kitten

Has it really been a year?

2009-07-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

After a long Hiatus I am finally back blogging!
I've just noticed it has been a few days over a year since I began this blog and I thought I would take the opportunity to say a big thank-you to the readers - I've really enjoyed your company on the blog ride!

We've had some delicious dresses

And delicious men (stricly looking at the leather Kilt lol)

Historical fashion

Crazy Celebs

Crazy Wanna be Celebs

Funky Shoes

Burlesque Dancers from Finland

Personal style

and much more - So join me for the next 12 months and see what I have in store :)

The passing of a legend

2009-06-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

The passing of a legend

I’m at a loss for words today; this doesn’t even seem real.
Michael Jackson, music legend, dancing phenomenon and fashion icon (say what you will he brought military style to the masses) has passed beyond our reach.

Michael was voted number 31 of the most influential people in fashion ( including designers etc)no mean feat for a recording artist.

This post is disjointed as I feel as though I have lost someone dear to me - all my life he has been there to inspire me and renew me when I felt jaded.
His passion for making the world a better place made me strive to be a better person.

I woke up today with 'Man in the mirror' in my head and I hope that with his passing the message Michael tried to spread gains momentum

Fallen Star

They could never understand
what you set out to do
instead they chose to ridicule you
when you got weak
they loved the sight
of your dimming
and flickering starlight
How could they understand what was so intricate
To be loved by so many, so intimate
they wanted to see your lifeless corpse
this way you could not alter the course
of ignorance that they have set
To make my people forget
what they have done for much too long
To just forget and carry on
I had loved you forever because of who you are
and now I mourn our fallen star

By Tupac Shakur

R.I.P Michael you brought sunshine into so many lives, even while you lived through some dark, dark days. I pray that you find peace and happiness.

Oh thank-you!

2009-06-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog I really did not know what would become of it.
I had no clearly defined ideas about what I would write and I guess it still is a work in progress.

One person though has been a reader since quite early on and I have been an avid reader of her blog since discovering the online world of blogging.

That blogger is Frances of Topaz Horizon who not only blogs about her perspective on fashion but tackles real issues such as the excessive new tax being levied on all imported books in the Philippines, domestic violence, health and many other issues. I admire her blog and the person that shines through that blog.

Frances has honoured me with the Neno blog award
'For bloggers that clearly enjoy blogging and love encouraging friendship through blogging'

When it comes from this lady it means a lot. So thank-you very much Frances I am very happy to receive this award from you!

I would like to pass this on to Morena of 'Too Haute to handle' and Proudly of 'Mom and Son'

Although there are many other deserving bloggers out there I did not want to start an avalanche :)

I'm selling this on E-bay

2009-06-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I am selling this cute little vintage Mod dress on E-bay for minimum bid of AU14.00

Item Number 220429089990

It's quite small and nicely shaped - all details are on the E-bay listing feel free to ask me any questions and I will answer ASAP. I have two of these dresses and the next one will go on E-bay in a week - unless someone else wants it.
I will accept anything over $14.00 and I'll post measurements soon.
Make sure you refer to the auction for details though.

Shoe love from the history books

2009-06-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

The platform shoe brings to mind the funkadelic 70’s disco scene … right?

While the platform shoe had it’s revival in the 70’s (and subsequent mini revivals) the platform (a shoe formally known as the chopine) was originally fashionable all the way back in the 14th century and hit the height of their popularity in the 1600’s.

Originally used as an ‘overshoe’ (literally worn over the dress shoe) to prevent damage to delicate hems of gowns and shoes from mud and dirt the chopine was worn as a status symbol.

The Chopine allowed women to ‘tower over’ other women and thus the higher the status of the wearer the higher the chopine should be.

Often reaching 5 - 9 inches tall, the Chopine sometimes reached up to 3 ft tall!

Servants were required to provide assistance to the lady in donning the Chopine's and often there would be two attendants to assist the lady in balancing herself whilst walking in these prodigious shoes.

The below are the remnants of a 29 inch Venetian pair from the 16th century (these shoes were most popular in Venice for obvious reasons).

And the below pair is on display at the Bata shoe museum and they describe the shoe quite well so here is a portion of what they have to say:

"This pair of chopines is in surprisingly excellent condition considering that it was made and worn sometime between 1580 and 1620. Each shoe is carved from a solid piece of wood, probably alder, that has been hollowed somewhat to make the shoes lighter in weight. Since the chopine is such a large shoe, it provides a grand base for decoration with luxurious fabrics and ornaments. These in turn advertise a family’s wealth and position. This pair is covered in gold velvet, and is decorated at the base and at the toe with delicate, silver Maltese lace (which is now very tarnished) called “reticella”. Each shoe also features silver tacks and long silk tassels. The leather insole of each chopine has been tooled with a concentric square design, so that the viewer sees every surface holding a more luxurious decoration than the last."

Another example from the 1740's

Although some women required attendants to enable them to walk in these tremendous (in both senses of the word)shoes it has been said that ladies of the day who wore them regularly managed to walk and dance with elegance and grace.

Now I know I've promised you more outfit posts but I just had to post these shoes! Also I can't find my camera cord but I have taken some pics which I hope you will like. To be posted this week!

Some housekeeping

2009-05-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Alright this is just a quick post before my next personal style post (I know about time right).
Thank-you to everyone who is following me I appreciate the support and I will be posting more in future with a mix of historical fashion and influential designers in history and personal style, a little music and anything else that comes to hand that may be of interest.

I've also been tagged by the lovely fröken lila a little while ago - sorry for the delay. So here are my answers.

the rules are:
1. answer the questions on your blog
2. take away one question you don't like and add a new one.
3. tag 4 other people
1. which perfume do you use?
A few but Christian Dior’s Hypnotic Poison has been a favourite for years

2. song of the day?
Aretha Franklin’s version of Sam Cook’s classic ‘A Change is gonna come’.

3. what's for dinner today?
Tonight I’m having roasted vegetables with wild pork in a home made Cranberry, Pomegranate and Mandarin sauce (which is leftovers from last night).

4. Current fashion lust item
Flat suede over the knee boots in a dark grey

5. what whould you really like to learn?
To speak fluently in a few languages, millinery, and more sewing skills.

6. what was the last thing you bought?
Another bottle of Chandon

7. what's your favourite animal?
Oh tough one but I’d have to say the Elephant

8. what's your most important goal at the moment?
Getting into a new hobby to stop me getting lazy!

9. what do you think of the person who tagged you?
Wonderful sense of style and a wardrobe to match – she has a beautiful blog!

10. what's the colour of your eyes?
hazel (green and brown)

11. if you could change something with yourself, what would that be?
I would make myself more motivated!

12. if you could be anywhere in the world for the next 4 hours, where would that be?
In my hometown at my favourite swimming hole (it’s always warm there and I’m SO homesick.
Here are some actual pictures of the place I love !

13. what do you find important with your friends?
respect, loyalty and kindness

14. who would you like to meet sometime?
Boudica

but since that ship has long since sailed so I’ll say Nelson Mandella

15. what's your dreamjob?
Archaeologist love my ancient history.

16. what's your favourite piece in your wardrobe?
Wow that is difficult I’m not sure I can choose – maybe my latest purchase

(still waiting for it to arrive).

17. do you have any favourite models?
Sure do I’ll take a tall glass of Tyson Beckford please!

18. three things that make you smile
Sunshine on a rainy day (sun showers)

Cuddles
Breakfast in bed!

19. what's your favourite song at the moment?
Oh wow that is really tough – I guess it’s ‘A change is gonna come’ by Sam Cooke – it’s just so soulful and moving!

20. what's your favourite tv-series?
I rarely watch tv to be honest – I’m not sure I have a favourite show.

21. what are you wearing at the moment?
a blue maxi dress from Witchery a few years ago with grey long sleeve top and grey cotton tights, black leather ballet flats a tan woven leather belt and a white leather handbag with a black headband.

22. what's your favourite sweets?
Cranachan

23. who's your role model for style?
I honestly can’t pick anyone as a style role model – I am influenced by everything I see.

Oh and I Tag :
http://www.topazhorizon.com/
http://clothesbeforehoes.blogspot.com/
http://blackvanillarose.blogspot.com/
http://chicheroin.blogspot.com/

Poiret - the Picasso of fashion - image heavy post

2009-05-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

All images are clickable and the details are worth it!

Perhaps not as successful as Ms Bertin; Paul Poiret is no less significant.

Paul Poiret is credited with releasing women from the curse of the ' s bed corset' of the Edwardian era, advocating a more slender less curvaceous look.

Poiret introduced the Turban

(one of Poiret's original's)

Harem pants

(more original Poiret)

and the kimono coat

(yes again another original - I love that his designs are still around)

to western fashion.

Born in Paris on the 20th April 1879, Poiret was the son of a cloth Merchant.

He was apprenticed to an umbrella maker by his parents “in an effort to rid him of his natural pride” where he began designing clothes using the scraps of silk leftover from the umbrella making as inspiration.

Soon Poiret was selling his designs to prominent dressmakers of the time and eventually he would work for the prestigious 'house of Worth'.
However Poiret's designs were too flamboyant for the clientele of the house or worth and eventually Paul Poiret branched out on his own in 1904.

He made stunning items with a view to please the eye from afar, as such often the workmanship would suffer which would eventually end his career when fashion houses like Chanel opened and begun selling simpler, more well made clothes.
Poiret found himself to be out of fashion.

Now does anyone much read these posts or should I keep the information to a minimum?
I have a lot more information on Paul but I need some feedback please?

Here are some more images of his work !

"there is nothing new except that which has been forgotten"

2009-04-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

In that case is Marie-Jeanne Rose Bertin the new black?
NOTE ALL PICS ARE CLICKABLE AND I URGE YOU TO CHECK OUT THE DETAIL!

Born 02/07/1747 Died 17/09/1813.

Many of you will not have heard of her but you would have seen her work in paintings at the very least.

this for example is some of her work:

A true business woman Marie-Jeanne Rose Bertin rose from very humble origins to become no less than Queen Marie Antoinette's personal Milliner and Modiste.
Bertin became a friend to Marie Antoinette almost from the moment the Dauphine arrived in France.

Almost every new dress Marie Antoinette had made from their meeting was concieved and made by Marie-Jeanne Rose Bertin.

Bertin had become apprenticed to a milliner, Mademoiselle Pagelle as a young woman and eventually became her business partner. It was during this time that Bertin had a chance meeting with the princesse de Conti whom she had mistaken for a servant whilst delivering gowns to a client.
The princesse de Conti began talking to Bertin and asked to see the gowns, she was most impressed with the gowns.
A servant came upon the unlikely pair and Bertin discovered that her companion was indeed the princesse de Conti.
Bertin, who after begging forgiveness for her informal manner earlier became a favourite of the princesse de Conti's.

She set up shop soon after, Au Grand Mogol, on the Rue de St. Honoré. The shop was painted yellow with purple accents, and Bertin kept pretty shop girls to help as costumers.

Bertin was almost single handedly responsible for every fashion trend from France in her era.
I could endlessly rattle off details but I know you are all waiting for the threads and here are some glorious examples of her work:

This dress was for Marie Antoinette. The dress dates back to the 1780's satin fabric, silk floral embroidery, ribbon appliqués, spangles and glass stones. Due to its delicate nature, the dress can only be exposed to light for short periods of time. This is the only surviving gown I can find I'm afraid.

hats and hair 'poufs' were also designed by Bertin, including the famous the the "Belle Poule," which was also in the Marie Antoinette movie starring Kirstin Dunst.

The fashion at the time was to create hair and hat arrangements depicting current events. Everything from a husbands infidelity to current gossip was portrayed on the heads of the wealthy ladies of the day.

Bertin was also nicknamed the 'Minister for fashion' by critics of the french monarchy and spent many hours in talks with Marie Antoinette. She became a target for hostility during the early stages of the revolution and eventually moved to London after many of her customers were executed (her gowns were costed at more than 20 times the average annual salary of the time) and the wealthy were prime targets of the revolution.

Marie-Jeanne Rose Bertin is a fascinating historical figure and I urge you all to investigate her if you are interested in either fashion or history.

Here is an article on her from 1913

Burlesque Beauty spot - Olivia Rouge

2009-04-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am captivated by burlesque and the adorable style of it's stars.

So when I came across an online store filled with Vintage inspired garments and accessories of the glorious burlesque star Olivia Rouge I was very excited.

Olivia is one of Finlands pioneer Burlesque stars and is making quite the splash in the european scene, she has been making clothes since she was 12 years old and is now quite accomplished.

Some of you might remember an earlier post in which I featured some of her brooches that I am mildly obsessed with.

In this post I have included pictures featuring Olivia's designs and only one costume. Although her costumes are AMAZING I don't want you having to wait forever for the page to load so please go to her blog and her website and check out the pictures there - they are amazing!

Well Olivia has agreed to answer some of my questions and so without further ado here is my very first interview post as a blogger:

When did you begin to practice Burlesque and what inspired you to do so?

Olivia -I have been doing burlesque for a bit over a year now and first I started as a pick-up girl in the first Helsinki Burlesque Festival. The first inspire was Dita Von Teese, as it might have been for most of the new performers. Nowadays I have other performers that inspire me.

How do you feel Burlesque is perceived in Finland and do you feel that it is culturally acceptable there?

Olivia - It is still such a new thing in Finland, but spreading so fast. It is becoming very acceptable here, which I am quite amazed, since finnish people aren’t usually the most open ones to new things. But yes there are starting to be a lot of events and also performers.

What inspires your choreography and costumes?

Olivia - For a choreography, mostly it’s the music and most of the time I hear a nice tune and want to use it in my show and then I start to imagine what I could do on stage. The costumes just pop into my head and the other way of getting an idea for a show is through the costume. Sometimes it is quite hard to get people to understand the story behind the costume, but as long as I’m happy with it, I’m satisfied. But for general inspiration, old technicolor movies are propably the number one inspiration.

On average how long does it take to get into costume and make-up for a performance?

Olivia - Umm well the hair thing is the trickiest, usually I put some hot rollers on my head during the morning or before afternoon and then I just hang around in them as long as I have to go to the venue, where the event is being held and then I start to put on some make-up and that usually takes about an hour if I’m lucky enough to have that much time. But sometimes when I have to go to work during morning and then have a show in the evening, I really can’t have the actual rollers in my head, so I roll the hair and then pin it with some bobby pins for the whole day and put a scarf on my head. It works out quite nicely and gives a sort of 50’s rockabilly look. Getting into clothes usually takes about 15 minutes or more so longer than the actual show.

Do you feel that your Burlesque career influences your dressmaking or vice versa?

Olivia - They go hand in hand, I have been working with theatre and such so I love big costumes and so I realised I could make those amazing outifts for myself through burlesque and then if you think of my online shop, I do get some inspiration from burlesque, but I try to keep the main thing with the Olivia Rouge Shop quite traditional, so more people can wear the clothes. But I’m planning on doing a burlesque inspired line as well.

Any funny stories from your performances?

Olivia - Well the first actual burlesque show that I ever did, was in a corporations Sauna event and the person who had booked me, was the only woman and knew what was going on. The rest of the group was guys and they were not getting it so when my show ended there was only few applauses. Oh and I fell on my butt during the show, so not such a nice starting of my career, I could say. But hey here I am stronger than ever!

Do you make all of your own costumes?

Olivia - Most of them yes, one for my Edward Scissorhands show, was made by my dear friend who owns a company called Illusion Costumes. Other than that the costumes are all by me.

photo by Aliisa Piirla

Burlesque dancing puts a focus on a flawless complexion do you have an extensive beauty routine to keep your skin in shape?
Olivia - I seriously am not the flawless performer and to be honest, it really isn’t about being “perfect”. People mostly know Dita as “the” burlesque peformer and it is quite sad, since there is so much more to being a burlesque performer than looking like her. Like me, I have big thigs with lumps on them and I don’t have the tinyest waist, nor the perfect skin. So if you take a look at burlesque performers in a bigger scale, there is only few who are so called “perfect”, but then again, I love being me and wouldn’t change it for anything.

How do you keep your body in shape, is dancing your only form of exercise?
Olivia - Honestly I don’t really do exercise that much other than in my real job by carrying heavy boxes. I’m not saying that people shouldn’t exercise, and I do like to do some astanga yoga or dance but I don’t have the time nowadays. But do your exercise people!

Describe the style of the garments that you produce?

Olivia - Well the garments for sale have a hint of 40’s or 50’s in them and I like to use cotton as the main material since it is very easy to take care of. My inspirations vary very much so next collection is going to be something a whole lot different. The only thing that I think, I’ll always have on my collections are the fifties bell skirts, or whatever they are called in english. But they are pretty and very easy to use and combine.

Who is your style icon?

Olivia - Most of the old hollywood stars, in general I do like people who wear vintage or vintage inspired clothing and have the look of 40’s or 50’s, but I really can’t name one person. Well ok Dita von Teese does have a very nice style, I can’t argue with that, but so does Immodesty Blaize and that is for some celebrities. But then I have to say my dear friend and milliner Fiona Timantti is the number one person to look up to when it comes to being stylish.

What are your top 5 must have wardrobe items?

Olivia
- Seamed stockings, and not tights, but stockings. It is always nice to go to town and think that you are the only person on the streets that know what is underneath your skirt.

- Minna Parikka shoes, who wouldn’t love to have these in their closet?

- Pencil skirt ,gives you an hourglass figure to die for!

- small hats, gives that little “it” to the outfit, and if your hair isn’t at it’s best, just put it in a bun and add a hat, all the eyes are on the hat then.

- lovely lingerie that is the right size! Don’t be afraid of bigger cup size, usually the cup size in a bra is small and the measurement too big. Try a smaller measurement and bigger cup! Oh and put some money on a good bra, you will thank yourself later when your boobs aren’t so saggy.

What advice would you give to anyone who might be interested in becoming a Burlesque performer/ dress maker?

Olivia - Just be yourself, don’t think that you have to be a certain type. Almost everything is possible in burlesque and everyone is welcome so just get up on that stage and do your thing! And don’t let anyone get you down, remember my first show and how am I doing now?

Thank-you so much for your time Olivia and for answering all my questions in English!! All the very best for the London Burlesque Festival.

Monday I have Friday on my mind ....

2009-04-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

My Latest Purchase is so very cute and although I have yet to wear it I am in love.
It’s a ‘Bettie Page’ Dress in black and white and I have the most perfect shoes to wear with it but they are in storage and will have to be dug out!

The dress is very similar to the one in my last personal style post but there are some major differences too.

I am falling in love with this style of dress because it's so chic and flattering.

Here is a sneak peek at the dress - I will be posting this beauty very soon.

Photo credit - Bettie Page website

I hope everyone has a great week. xox

Thank-you!

2009-03-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say thankyou to everyone for the birthday wishes and lovely comments on my last two posts.
I will have another proper post up by the end of the week an outfit post and perhaps another one too.

Until then I hope you all have a wonderful week! xx

Oh I've posted this pic before but I love it - Lisa Fossingraves

Outfit post - Stop Staring!

2009-03-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

For my Birthday I went with some friends to a couple of bars here in Melbourne

I wore a 'Stop Staring' dress, I love this dress and got so many lovely comments. The purse is some no name brand but cute.

An antique(Edwardian Era) engraved love heart locket, engraved with beautiful flowers. The picture does no justice.

Some tony Bianco leather heels (which were a BARGAIN!)

I kept the make-up simple because I was running very late after a delicious seafood dinner. My hair did not want to play ball either and I ran out of hairspray right after I started to curl my hair !! eek!

All in all I had a wonderful time !

Hold on there!

2009-03-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

Well well well aren't some people lovely!

Today is my Birthday and so I got up early and put on something a little special for the occasion and headed off to work.

Whilst on the crowded tram ( on Smith st for Melbourne locals) one of my fellow travellers who only got on the tram at the last stop, got off the tram.
Problem is they tried doing so with my purse!

Now I was having none of that!! I quickly twisted their wrist

and pulled my purse while a fellow passenger helped by shoving them off the tram.

So be very careful with your purses ladies and your personal safety! I suppose with the current economic climate this sort of thing will become more prevalent in our society.

If you don't know how to defend yourself, now might just be the time to look into classes - I studied martial arts and took daily classes ( up to 4 hours a day) for over 10 years. But I know so many women who have no clue how to protect themselves!

Anyway I just hope that my day gets better - I was quite shaken up by the whole experience.

I'd like more of this in my day :)

Delicious Birthday Cake!

Music

and beautifully wrapped gifts!

PS: I will answer all of your lovely comments ASAP things are a little hectic at the moment sorry!

Have a Magical weekend!

2009-03-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted today and I'm off to sound relief tomorrow!

After a comment posted on a cat of impossible colour I recalled a minor obsession with the uniform for the Beauxbaton Academy from the Harry Potter movie 'The goblet of fire'.
The caplet, the pretty blue silk of the dress and the adorable little hats.
I wish my old school uniform was half as nice!
A real post to follow ...

All images are property of Warner Bros. Pictures or their original owners. This site is meant for fan research only and no copyright infringement is intended.
Please notify me should these pictures be required to be removed.

Bustles and Brooches

2009-03-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so the fug girls have fugged Milla J for this dress but I am personally kind of in love with it.

I crave it and adore it and I don't care that there is a mini bustle.

- in fact it makes it all the more special!

I know she is at the Roberto Cavalli show here but is she wearing Roberto Cavelli? I hope to find out!

Photo credits go to Milla's official website and the Fug Girls

PS: I also want this brooch from Olivia Rouge

So cute!! If you could imagine it on a white background or even a yellow or green - Divine!
Incase you are wondering, no I don't have a deal going with this shop (I wish) but I am a little bit in love with a lot of their stuff!

and these brooches from www.tizzalicious.com

Blog Lovin + Winter dreaming

2009-03-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Ok so I've decided to claim my blog on blog lovin - and I've discovered that it's on there twice .. hmm not sure what this means.

Follow my blog with bloglovin´

Does this new layout/ colour scheme look ok or is it all too candy?
I thought my blog needed a facelift but I'm not sure this is what it needed??

PS: I love this cape on Rosario Dawson!
She looks so snug in that baby and I need one just like it for winter

+ this coat on Kylie is amazing too!

I want these facinators from Olivia Rouge.

They make me think of Super Kawaii Mama and Porcelain Blonde's style.

I almost can't wait for winter!

When crazy and fashion collide - Phoebe Price and Bobby Trendy

2009-02-24T19:45:00.001-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen prepare your eyes for a fashion disaster of astronomical proportions.
I’m not sure what to say about this atrocity except that this picture makes me physically ill.

(click to zoom - if you dare)

There is a ‘man’ (Bobby Trendy) in leopard print leggings as pants.

Argh it’s the apocalypse!

Maybe he wore them to distract us from the rest of this train wreck.

The ‘Posh’ boots, the ‘Artist formerly known as Prince’ sunglasses and the giant glaring Chanel insignia on the front of the vest… is his collar on too tight? Perhaps a little more oxygen to the brain would help with your dress sense?

Phoebs looks like a Mexican piñata made by a 12 year old filled with I presume crack (what else would possess her to wear a rainbow striped, tasselled, puffy sleeve shirt with what would otherwise be quite a nice little black dress) it's all too 'look at me'. what do you think?

PS: I got my camera back in action so I can FINALLY do another outfit post! hoorah :)

It makes me smile, yeah it makes me smile....

2009-02-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

The lovely Syana of Eurasian Persuasion has tagged me with the below survey:

The theme is ‘Six Things That Make Me Happy’

I’ve decided to avoid the obvious shopping/fashion answers so here they are in no particular order:

1) The smell of a tropical rainstorm (I'm from north QLD originally) there is nothing quite like it.

2) Watching the sun rise or set (this is a pic of an actual sunset from my home town).

3) Being out in the country on a clear night watching the stars

4) Playing DJ – whenever I get the chance.

5) Walking fully clothed in the pouring rain (again in the tropics it’s far too cold here).

6) Spending time singing with my guitar playing friends.

I would like to tag the following bloggers:
Diamonds in Champagne
Peeptoes and Pedicures
Fashion Adaption
Saskia The Fairy
Topaz Horizon
Porcelin Blonde

Here are the rules of tag:
1) link back to the person who tagged you.

2) post these rules on your blog.

3) share 6 things that put a smile on your face.

4) pass the tag along to 6 other fabulous blogs.

5) let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs

Here are some pic's I've just been holding out on

Let them eat cake

2009-02-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

She never really said it (well so far as we know).
But Marie Antoinette certainly lived the sentiment.

While on one hand it is hard not to admire the decadent lifestyle she enjoyed, it’s also impossible to overlook the pure selfishness and cold-hearted indulgence.

That aside Marie Antoinette personifies decadent fashion and in a fitting tribute Christian Louboutin has joined forces with Jean-Francois Lesage and created a line of shoes dedicated to Marie Antoinette. In these trying economic times I cannot help but think how very appropriate this collection is (that and the fact that they are only available in Paris stores).

I can almost see the likes of Paris Hilton now donning these shoes and shouting ‘Let them eat cake’ from the balcony of her hotel room.

They are delicious though ... I'm not sure they would ever make it beyond the specially designed box complete with accompanying book.

Still they are a wonder to behold, are they not?
The nod to hairstyles of Marie Antoinette's day is evident in the delicate weaves on the ankle straps (note the darling little ship!) Yes yes I am a sucker for over the top fashion!

Be the light of hope in their hour of need

2009-02-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

This post is not about fashion, style or music.
It's about the human spirit and how we who are able should do all we can to restore it.
I'm sure all of you Australian's would know by now about the horrific tragedy that is occurring here in Victoria. This is the worst bushfire disaster in our recorded history.

I’ve decided against photos for this because I think we all know the devastation a disaster like this can cause.
At the time I am writing this 108 are confirmed dead, many more are hospitalised with terrible injuries and hundreds of homes are lost.

The fires are still raging out of control and who knows how many more lives will be lost or destroyed.

I am writing this to urge anyone who is able to donate whatever they are able.
Most survivors have lost everything and you could make the world of difference to someone who has been through hell and is wondering how they will ever re-build their life.

To donate to the Red Cross State Government Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund:

* Visit www.redcross.org.au
* Phone 1800 811 700
* Any NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Bank branch
* Any Bunnings store
* By direct deposit to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund - BSB 082-001, Account number 860-046-797

Myer Bushfire Appeal
* All proceeds to the Salvation Army. Donate at any Victorian Myer store

Happy Friday Sweetie Darling

2009-02-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

My camera is STILL out of action!!
So here are some pic's of my two favourite homegirls.
They know how to party darling :oP

I will promise you all a REAL outfit post again very soon - as soon as I get my camera back into action.

Lisa Fonssagrives

2009-01-22T14:22:00.001-08:00

It’s finally Friday
After a long week with little sleep I am pleased that the week is coming to an end.
Best of all it’s a long weekend here in Australia (because it’s Australia day on Monday!).

I spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in Newcastle this week (for work with no time at all to shop, which was really very annoying). I’ve been unable to arrange any pictures for today so instead I decided to do a post about Lisa Fonssagrives

Born on the 17/05/1911 Lisa Fonssagrives is considered by many to be the first supermodel a contemporary of Sofia Loren
she moved from Sweden to Paris in order to train for the Ballet only to become one of the highest paid models of her time.
But enough information lets take a look at the dreamy pictures and glamorous fashions of her day:

You may recognise the Silhouette here, can anyone name the designer who was inspired by this picture very recently?

Have a fantastic weekend!

Designer Du Jour: Rubin Singer

2009-01-15T16:45:00.001-08:00

Mr Singer comes from some impressive fashion stock, his grandfather (for whom he was named)was a Parisian designer before WW2 and emigrated to Russia, where he became one of the Soviet Unions most celebrated couturiers and even dressed Stalin.

His father was also a successful designer and designed costumes for one of the oldest and greatest ballet companies in the world, the Bolshoi Ballet & The Stanislavsky Theater, before moving to New York and opening his own store in Manhattan in the 1980's. Rubin’s fashion debut was at the tender age of 5 when he made his first dress for his mother.

His fist major debut was made at New York Fashion week in 2007 and it was then that he first appeared on my radar. I have since kept my eye on this delectable designer (not only are his designs beautiful but the man himself is none too harsh on the eyes either).

For a look at Rubin's latest offering check out his website
Or this youtube video of his Spring Summer 09 collection at the Mercedes benz fashion week.

Until next time have a wonderful weekend and I shall be back on Wednesday to post pictures of my trip to Newcastle.

The return at long last!

2009-01-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Well I have been gone quite some time now and although things aren't quite right in my life just yet I have decided to push aside my personal issues and get back to my blog!

So tomorrow I will return with a new post and an update on all that has taken place over the last few months (if indeed anyone is still interested.

Until then I hope everyone is having a wonderful New Year!

Apologies

2008-10-16T23:46:00.001-07:00

I'm going to be offline for a while because of some personal issues.
When I am feeling better I will be back.
Sorry everyone.

Country Weekend

2008-10-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went away with the boy to a small cottage just outside Daylesford (a small country town near Melbourne Australia).

I didn't end up getting many photo's taken as we were so busy shopping, horse riding and sightseeing!

We also enjoyed a meal at the famous "Lake House" which was lovely.

It was a perfect sunny weekend and I was convinced that I wanted to move to the country and never return to the city!

We stayed in this beautiful little cottage surrounded by beautiful farm land and bush that was teaming with new life (well it is spring!).

The only outfit pictures I got were these.

I can't remember where I got this dress and the details are not really captured n the picture, but it was so sweet and perfect for a picnic by the lake.
The shoes are some I had custom made - a bronze leather sling back, peep toe heel.
They go with everything and I love them.
The glasses are Giorgio Armani and the bag is an old Guess bag that doesn't really go so well but I packed in a hurry and forgot not only a selection of bags but my hair straightener! (yes that is my excuse for the messy hair - that and the wind).

Apologies for the poor photo's it was my first attempt at self photography...

Good enough to eat!

2008-09-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

I've come across the ultimate choc-o-holic gift for a lady!
The designer is Lindka Cierach from bespoke.

With over 79,000 calories and 1000 chocolate balls (these lindt ones are to die for)and priced at $3,500 I don't think I'll indulge this one craving!

Back tomorrow with another post (very busy today)and I am going away this weekend to the country with my Boy.

The trench dress and Mariah Carey

2008-09-22T20:10:00.001-07:00

Ok I found these photo's of the screeching songstress some time ago and I almost forgot all about them.

I have mixed feelings about good old M.C but all in all I secretly kind of love her.
More for her old school tracks and her crazy melt down than her more recent pop tunes and forays into the acting world (stick to what you are good at).

But I am completely enamoured with this dress she has on!
I want one in Purple, Scarlet, Navy, Grey, Pink and Black.

I love the way she needs two people holding her up in this shot, is that because the floor is slippery or Miss Canary has been indulging in cocktails all afternoon??
(she is after all wearing sunglasses at night)

I am not always a fan of her outfits though - as I'm sure you would agree some of them are all too frightening. But in the interests of shielding you from the harsh realities of life I will put a more mild example up here today.

Alright if I am totally honest then this one is more for my own amusement once again (like the Britney shot)

The Peacock Dress

2008-09-18T19:22:00.001-07:00

I've searched high and low for pictures of the actual gown and sadly I have failed to find more than these dodgy pictures which hardly do justice to the gown.

However I feel this dress deserves it's own post, don't you?

As mentioned in my previous post :

Lady Curzon Durbar and her 'Peacock dress' which was made by the House Of Worth at the Delhi Durbar in 1903 (to celebrate Edward the VII being named Emperor of India)

In wikipedia the dress is described:

"stitched of gold cloth, embroidered with peacock feathers with an emerald in each eye, and many precious and semi-precious stones sewn into the fabric. The skirt was trimmed with white roses and the bodice with lace. She glittered with diamonds, pearls, and precious stones as well as a huge diamond necklace and a large broach of diamonds and pearls. She wore a tiara crown with a pearl tipping each of its high diamond points. It was reported that as she walked through the hall the crowd was breathless."

This dress is a stunning example of old world glamour and a rich source of inspiration. The house of Worth still make perfume today - sadly however they are not making these sumptuous gowns any longer.

I did come across a few of their other dresses and thought that I would include them for your daydreaming pleasure.

Sigh such a shame we can't still dress like this sometimes!

Butterflies and pretty little things

2008-09-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Luly Yang has created this beautiful dress that I am coveting.
If only I could get my greedy little hands on this number I would go to every formal event I could possibly find to show it off! As far as I can tell Luly Yang only has a boutique in Seattle and so I must content myself with dreaming (that and plotting to get some fabric printed up like this to make my own copy).

(click on the pics to enlarge - highly recomend the second pic has fantastic detail)

What an amazing tribute to one of natures most delicate and beautiful creatures.
Lulie creates some truely amazing garments.

This dress go me thinking and I decided to look for some other tributes to mother nature in the world of fashion. I did a little googling and found this Peacock dress:

Eva looks amazing in this stunning dress.

Peacock feathers are so glam and they always remind me of Lady Curzon Durbar and her 'Peacock dress' which was made by the House Of Worth at the Delhi Durbar in 1903 (to celebrate Edward the VII being named Emperor of India) - would that I were alive back then and could have caught a glimpse of the affair!

Her dress stopped the show alright she was described as:

"A rose of roses bright
A vision of embodied light."

By the Indian Poet Ram Sharma and

"Like a diamond set in gold
the full moon in a clear autumnal sky."

by another.

What flowery, lovely compliments!

In wikipedia the dress is described:

"stitched of gold cloth, embroidered with peacock feathers with an emerald in each eye, and many precious and semi-precious stones sewn into the fabric. The skirt was trimmed with white roses and the bodice with lace. She glittered with diamonds, pearls, and precious stones as well as a huge diamond necklace and a large broach of diamonds and pearls. She wore a tiara crown with a pearl tipping each of its high diamond points. It was reported that as she walked through the hall the crowd was breathless."

I can but content myself with a visit to Kedleston Hall where the original dress is kept on show!

A celeb a day keeps the boredom away.

2008-09-02T16:19:00.001-07:00

Britney Spears:
Okay so she is not really on my list I am shamelessly using this excuse to put this picture on my blog because it's funny!

(note that all pics can be enlarged by clicking on them)

Whether it’s their dress sense or lack there of.
Or if they are just plain crazy and thus funny!
I wanted to do a post on those celebs that fascinate me and they are:

Nicole Richie
Nicole has a fantastic sense of style and is one of the more interesting ‘it’ girls out there.
To my mind she has far more substance than Paris (not a hard task I know – but still).

Nicoles effortless style is an inspiration.
Not to Mention her family is full of facinating celebs:

Who didn't want to dance on the ceiling all night long back in the day! Okay that was terribly lame but I couldn't resist!

Lil Kim
Now this is a lady who get's it oh so wrong most of the time and every once in a while oh so right:

This Versace outfit is SO right (even if the expression is a 'lil vacant').

Stunning here and I'm going to assume this outfit is fab because she looks great in this shot!

I love this outfit! so demure. I want it for myself!

Then we come to the OMG section the creative shots:

Hey that's the same face I make when I see some of these outfits your wearing in public.
Hmm I would like to do an imitation of this pic, I think there could be some very amusing results!

David Lachapelle's work I think, love his work such amazing photography!

LV Kim

This green outfit could have been awesome but somehow didn't turn out right.
Maybe it was the red shoes and red belt (you are not a Christmas tree).

This is a tough one for me because I secretly think she looks feirce, but I know those jeans went horribly wrong at the bottom.
They look like they were in a fight to the death with some American eagles (who's feathers were left caught in the shredded bottoms - perhaps this is the real reason they have the American Bald eagle??)and won.

Well minus the pale blue glove this could be cute if a little skanky but hey who am I to be anti flesh if I had ab's like that I'd rock tiny tops sometimes too!

Might make this a regular spot with more wacky celebs

Polyvore

2008-08-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post some of my polyvore.com set's. Think of them as outfit posts for the outfits I wish I owned ! :

Step back in Springtime :

My first ever set (had no idea what I was doing) :

60's Min (the green scarf is for your hair under the hat):

Away with the fairies :

Frills and spills :

Planet Balenciaga:

Moonlit walk:

Lets go shopping:

Too cool for school:

Toga party

2008-08-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ok since my camera is out if action (costume party at my sisters place, I went as Ab Fab's Patsy and was true to my image for the night - hence I lost my camera there)I've decided on a post about my new interest de jour from the fashion world.

The toga - is a difficult one there are so many TERRIBLE versions of this tricky little number and I had to do a monumental amount of digging to find something I liked!

Katie holmes looked 'ok' in this little number - although I think it was a little 'boxy' (note : I do like the dress I just think she doesn't have big enough hips to carry it off - personal opinion don't shoot me).

In 2003 J-Lo did the 'Formal Toga'

as did Claire Danes recently which was not quite the look I am searching for

But at last I have found the dresses I want (after much googling!) and the winners are :
The far left in the blue by Thayer - the other two I don't much care for.

These are both cute but are screaming out for accessories!
The one on the right is cute but perhaps a little short and tight for the style I'm looking for.

If I can't find these dresses online or in stores - dressmakers of Melbourne beware ... fiddly draping will become your springtime chore if I should get my greedy hands on your contact details!

PS: I promise to be nice if someone will offer me the contact details of a good dressmaker - I'm yet to find one since I have moved here.

Prime Scottish Beef

2008-07-27T19:14:00.001-07:00

No I have not changed this to a foodie's blog.

But I just had to use these pics for a post.

Kilts are not universally popular but I love a man in a kilt (if worn well) and Chris here wears them beautifully!

(leather kilt = so hot .... yes I am of scottish origins).

This man is so popular he is being used in ads for scottish beef and I have to say it makes me want a steak!

The question is - Kilts hot or not .... my vote is HOT

Smith St Chic

2008-07-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

My weekend was hectic but I did manage to spend a little alone time shopping.I bought some great old records (I collect) Roberta Flack (hits such as 'Killing me softly' and 'First time ever I saw your face'), Sam Cooke ( the inventor of soul music with hits like 'You Send me' and ' a change is gonna come' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Cooke)

UPDATE : had to add this live film clip of Sam singing 'you send me' what a hunk a spunky man .... or should I call him dreamy?

and a motown collection along with a few others.

Bliss..... soulful tunes with real musicians playing real instruments!

So I have set myself the task of creating a look to match the mood of these tunes.
I don't have the pictures yet but I have made my selections. I also bought a fabulous wooden broach from 'Happiness' near the corner of Gertrude and smith st and a new top from the same store which is very cute and forms part of my 'oldies' look.

Also I want finger waves in my hair - if only I knew how!!
BONUS I bought a hand made 20's style bonnet/hat that goes perfectly with my outfit!!!!!!!!
pics to be added ( I know I know) but it was from 'Little Salon' shop 1, 353 lill Collins (Melbourne) I must have walked past this place a million times and never seen it before. The stuff in there is so cute!! rero with a modern twist very funky

Today I am wearing: Grey three quarter sleeve stretch top with black pants and a black, white and grey blazer with a 60's style high neck and large collar.These shoes (photo to be added tonight when I get home).My black and red leather bag (picture to be added).

Asian Persuasion

2008-07-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Obsession De Jour : Japanese Lolita and Punk/Goth wear (well some of it)..

Cute dress and top and I love the hat - really it's just the makup that I don't like here but these items are so cute!

Love the socks on these and the dresses are cute in a costumey way!

Cute gloves and top (with someting other than this dress)

Sure the makeup is OTT and all of these looks are extreme but they are funky and cool and some of the pieces individually with more toned down clothes have potential!

Couldn't find the pics I was looking for but will post them when I find them!

Anyway I bought some knee high socks at Shibuya today (which inspired this post) I will post pics of my outfit once complete!

Scarf face

2008-07-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today I am wearing : Black and grey pin stripe pants (I know I know I wear them a lot but I have a few pairs and I love them) with a black V neck looseish cotton top. Blue and white scarf (with a little gold on it) bought from a Gypsy in Rome (thanks mum) and my custom made blue sling back heels.

Silver 'celtic love knot' cuff and on the other wrist a silver 'fob link' braclet with silver hoop earrings and my standard thumb ring.

Makeup today : MAC foundation (yay they got my shade back in), MAC Lilicent blush, MAC Brule eyeshadow all over with Paradisco on the lids and in the crease and clear lip gloss. Oh and my Diorshow mascara in black.

Purchase of the day : Armani sunglasses - on sale at Siricco BARGAIN! (in the above pics and below) ...

Got my hair done last night and I am loving it!
Darker blonde and more shape! Thanks Nikki you are the best hairdresser! (even if I was too slack to style it today!)

I got it !!!!!!!!!

2008-07-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

The 'historical fashion in detail 17th and 18th Centuries' book I have been waiting for arrived courtesy of the good people at Dymocks Collins street (the huge one downstairs in the Collins 1.2.3 building) and I am itching to read it and look over all the glorious photos and sketches.

Argh I just had a sneak peak and it is BEAUTIFUL! now I know this is going to lead to me buying many more books like this!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511RQDXYCCL._SS500_.jpg

Couldn't let this one lie...

2008-07-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

Well I checked one of my favorite Blogs http://www.gofugyourself.com/ I have to my horror discovered that Lindsay Lohan has a new line of leggings!

But not just any leggings noooo we have these atrocities aptly named ' Mr. President leggings'

All class.....

Not to mention the 'Leopard Ankel Gloves' which just might be the ugliest thing I have seen all year.

If these things take off I will never again pay any attention to ANYTHING that is considered 'fashionable' and will take to wearing nothing but tunics and peasant skirts with hippie beads for all eternity.