Spring Surprises

Firstly, thank you to every one who commented on the 200th post competition. To ensure impartiality in our draw, I have enlisted the services of Miss 4 as the delightful barrel girl. And the result is in, the winner is The Vintage Housewife!

Given that Miss 4 is making a cameo appearance today, I thought I'd go all out and let her give you the daily outfit today. (I have quite a number of requests to see what the girls wear) We spent the morning finishing this dress off for her, which at first she was a little worried why I'd make her a boys dress. A boys dress? Ah, that would be because of the black then. The fabric was left over from a gorgeous spring skirt I've made for myself, and you may remember my thoughts a little while ago on making matching outfits for the girls and myself. This dress is part two of the set. When I have something completed for each of us, I will post some appropriately cheesy and hysterical shots for your enjoyment.

I'd be out and out lying if I told you I dressed her like this everyday. More often than not I am begging her to put on track pants before she rides her bike, or that floor length skirts and slides don't mix. But she always wants to be a princess and just adores her dresses. So I've given in and just decide to make her a bunch that she can play in and enjoy. I'd love to dress her in true vintage, but honestly I couldn't stand to see it get ruined and I hate to be too precious about things. So instead, I've found a bunch of vintage patterns and am making them up in modern fabrics to keep them edgy. So here she is looking swish and dancing around the garden.

And that is how my Marie Claire was delivered this morning!

Thriftage and Giftage

I got a bit of a surprise when I looked at my blogger account this morning, yesterday was my 200th post! And I could not possibly let such an occasion pass without some kind of celebration. So of course there must be thank you presents for my readers. All you have to do is leave me a comment over the next four days and I'll be drawing a winner to receive a special Super Kawaii gift pack, including a customised SKM original piece, (like those seen in my etsy shop) made to your specifications!

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When it came to wearing the cute blue dress I had made for my birthday, I had one tiny problem. Being that it was a wrap dress with a separate front and back section, it ended up being quite revealing if I took more than a small ladylike step. So stairs were out of the question, and I wasn't quite sure how I was going to remedy the situation until my Mother in her infinite wisdom, suggested a fashion solution that has long been off my radar. The Slip. The full length petticoat that was a staple of every woman's wardrobe not all that long ago, but has since faded into fashion oblivion. I think that I may have been on the tail end of this underwear essentials lifespan growing up, as I have vivid memories of wearing them to primary school, but I'm not sure when they disappeared.

But buying one was an entirely different matter. While they seemed to be commonly stocked in departments stores, finding one smaller than a size 20 was just not going to happen. Uh oh. Charity shops to the rescue. I found several lovely little numbers to fit the bill, but in typical fashion I spent most of my time searching out other treasures too. I had such a serendipitous day, and kept stumbling upon treasure after treasure. So for under $70 I brought home a haul of biblical proportions, a selection of which I have prepared for your viewing pleasure. And for good measure I've included a few other little gems that appeared as birthday treats. I am in heaven this week.

1. Kawaii treats - gifted from my brother. 2. Flocked Organza fabric - Thrifted. 3. Vintage baby doll nightgowns - Thrifted. 4. Pure silk Liberty scarf - Thrifted.

1. The perfect Birthday card - gifted. 2. Pink silk slip - Thrifted. 3. Pleated satin evening bag - Thrifted. 4. Patent leather bow shoes - Thrifted.

1. Strawberry table cloth - Thrifted. 2. A very appropriate vintage styled sign - gifted from my Mother. 3. Cowboys cotton bandanna - Thrifted. 4. Vintage hand made table cloth - Thrifted.

** Thank you to Hammie for coining the new term "Thriftage" which I am finding a very handy descriptor these days. **

Playing Dress Ups With - The Lil Midget

Finally, the third winner of my 'Dressing Up' contest, is The Lil Midget. As a fellow Australian, The Lil Midget is coming into Winter and lives in an area that can be rather chilly at times. Her special outfits requests were to help her look taller as she is only 5'2", and outfits for both everyday, (Lil Midget is a university student) and out on the town. I also happen to know that she loves both Gothic and alternative fashion, so as a Goth from way back, I have a bit of an advantage here. It is my opinion that Goth can also be sophisticated. Cliche Goth really doesn't take all that much creativity and can be quite formulaic, I suggest showing your darker side with style. Besides which, this is one Goth look you can take from Den to Dinner.

Firstly, in my aim to create both an elongated and elegant look, I have aimed for a lean silhouette. I don't want to swamp her small frame with long, flowing skirts or trailing sleeves. Floor length flowing skirts can create a 'pillar' look, with the heaviest part of the silhouette at the bottom, they draw the eye down and can get quite weighty. Rather, I want to draw the eye inward and upward, so I have allowed for volume in the sleeves and shoulders.

Also (and I know she probably won't like this idea), but to help her look taller I suggest getting rid of the long hair. Long hair, while beautiful, can also be quite weighty both literally and visually. I'd love to see a sharp, asymmetrical bob; something a little avante garde and edgy, for our Lil Midget.

First up, a rather special 'Evening at the Opera' or perhaps Graduation outfit.




You'll notice in these sets that I have worked with block colour from head to toe, (with the odd splash) which if done correctly, will also create an elongated look. This fabulous dress has the added advantage of the vertical stripes running from top to bottom, and the square neckline continues the vertical line. The snake skin bangle and fur shrug, push this whole ensemble from office to opulence.

This one is Gothic Mistress at cocktails, or an evening of seduction.



Once again, you'll notice the use of a single predominate colour, even keeping with a dark red, (black could also work, but is much more predictable) for the tights rather than chopping her off at the knees with skin tone. The ruffled cardigan allows a little width at the shoulders, but the skirt and heels allow the eye to travel all the way up without stopping. I do love the Hare Cameo and skull clasp clutch. If you're budget doesn't stretch to some of these designer picks, check out Etsy for some fabulous near matches on the cameo, or customize your own clutch.

After these stunning looks, I can't forget that Lil Midget is a student after all, and will need some practical solutions for everyday. Thus; The Sophisticated Goth goes Casual.



Okay, same thing with the block colour, I have chosen two tops here as I couldn't go past the ruffles, but I know how cold it is where Lil Midget lives, so I have thrown in this beautiful muted purple trench for good measure. Keeping the interest, I have added this fabulous leather corset top with big button detail, a more modern take on the studded cuff and (this time) all the puff is in the bag. The wonderful linen, buckled boots should handle walking all over campus, but still give you a lift with their square, stable heel. The Victorian Momento Mori brooch should be just the conversation starter with that dark, brooding chap in the cafe.



And to show the versatility of all these pieces, I have taken something from every look, paired with a pleated red satin flat, and created yet another casual look. How's that for bang for your buck? I can see so many combinations of all these pieces, it is really just a matter of sticking to the rules and keeping that eye traveling upwards.


And If you do decide to cut your hair, please let us know.

Playing Dress Ups - With K.Line

It's one thing to dress someone with no real sense of style, it is however, a totally different challenge to dress someone who is already a very stylish individual. So it is with this in mind that I had a little fun dressing the wonderful K.Line. After giving me her particulars and some lovely photos, I was asked to dress K.Line in a chic, yet not formal manner, for work or play during the Spring and Summer months. I, of course, chose to do both.

While looking through K.Lines photos, I was struck by how she reminds me of the beautiful actress and dancer, Leslie Caron. So in creating these outfits, I not only considered K.Lines individual body requests but also imagined dressing a young Leslie Caron for 2008.

The best outfits are the ones that can do double duty for work or play. So by changing the choice of shoes and accessories I have created a few different looks.

Looking for a sunny choice for work, I love this silk jersey wrap dress. I have chosen mainly wrap style tops, as K.Line has a larger chest, but I don't want to swamp her small frame. For work I have added a lovely cotton jacket by Donna Karen, and some killer peep toe heels from Nine West. K.Line has amazing legs, hiding them under trousers would be a crime in Summer.
Thinking of her weekends, these low heeled shoes from Kurt Gieger are a perfect match. I've also added a wide brimmed raffia hat, lucite bangle and pattern purse for those long relaxing lunch dates.



For very warm work days, I have chosen this corset style top. It is light weight, and keeps just a little bit more formality by not being sleeveless. The volume of the skirt helps to balance the volume in the sleeves of the top, while the fitted bottom of the top, gives an elegant waist shape. The shoes and the hat bring the whole ensemble into a more creative territory and tie each piece together, making the mix and match of the patterns more cohesive.



Another fun look for work and play. Once again, the deep V of the wrap dress will help to balance K.Lines chest with the rest of her frame. I have added a little black shrug for those cooler spring days. The striped shoes ( which I LOVE) will make the most of her wonderful legs, while the flat red, peep toes make the whole look a lot more casual for weekends. Throw in the over sized dark glasses and broad brimmed black hat for some instant Caron glamour.




Now for something really fun. I know that K.line can do colour, but I haven't yet seen her in anything with quite this much punch. I've chosen this outfit especially for Girls Day Out with her daughter. Whether it be a barbeque with friends, (hence the sandals) or perhaps drinks in the foyer of a fancy hotel, (Mocktails only please) K.Line is sure to be the most stylin' Mother there. Oh, but she may have to fight her daughter for the gorgeous Tarina Tarantino bag.

Can't wait to see what you think K.Line!

** To see details on any of these items, simply click on the ones you like for instant linkage. Ahh the magic of Polyvore.**

Playing Dress Ups - With Tizzalicious

I have been having lots of fun over the past few days doing some virtual shopping for my competition winners. While I have found it very hard to resist temptation myself, I have found lots of wonderful new shopping haunts to add to my go-to list.

Today I bring you my outfit selection for the lovely Tizzalicious!

Tizzalicious hails from Holland and is looking for a cute outfit to take her from Spring through to Summer. Unlike Australia, they don't get extreme heat, so making this transition is a little easier. She is also looking for something to flatter her stomach and thigh area. Tizz simply adores the 1950's and all it's gorgeous fashion offerings. She is also a beautiful red head, so it is with this in mind that I looked to one of my favorite screen sirens for inspiration. One of the most famous red heads of all time, Rita Hayworth.

This beautiful baby pink cheongsam from Posh Girl Vintage is a perfect piece for both Spring and Summer. It can be dressed up or down, depending on how you choose to style it. This style of dress if perfect if you are trying to camouflage's the tummy and thigh area, as it lightly skims both, rather than clinging to every bump, and gives you a lovely waisted shape. The trick is to find one in a light weight fabric that is tailored to your size, rather than something skin tight. A large size print also plays a part in visually distracting from those areas. I particularly loved the colouring in this one, as I think pink and green on a red head is a dynamite combination.



For a cool and casual option with a similar feel, try these lightweight vintage styled Palazzo pants, from J Peterman; with a mandarin collared silk blouse. This one is from Ancient Moods. Perfect for a movie star on her day off.

As a girl not too keen on my own thighs, I find that heavier thighs tend to go with heavy ankles. Which is why in choosing a gorgeous spring shoes, an ankle strap is just not going to work. Rather than cutting off your leg at a wide point, instead visually elongate the leg, by showing as much of the foot as possible. I've chosen a stacked heel for both height and stability, so you can dance those balmy summer evenings away. This beauty from Pinup Girl Clothing has removable bows, depending on just how vampy you feel that day.

A vintage look demands some genuine vintage accessories, and I couldn't go past this Haskell glass bead, 1940's bracelet from Morning Glory Jewelry. I just love its pale minty green goodness.


And for carrying around all the love letters from your new admirers, I suggest this woven straw bag from Create Jacksonville's vintage collection on Etsy. It will take you from long lunches to picnics on the beach.








As any classic beauty will tell you, the sun is the enemy of youth. So keep wrinkles at bay AND make a classy fashion statement all at the same time with this wide brimmed straw hat from Julie Fleming.







And the total screen goddess look would not be complete without some dark glasses for when you want to go incognito from the adoring fans. I found these genuine 1950's beauties from Klasik, one of THE places for genuine vintage eyewear.

And speaking of beach time, what Spring / Summer look would be complete without a killer swimsuit? I am a big fan of Jets by Jessica Allen. Not only are they beautiful, they are engineered like the Empire state Building - able to hold it all up. I really couldn't choose between these two stunners from Jets, as they both meet Tizzalicious' criteria. The high cut leg visually slims the thigh, while the graphic print creates an hourglass waist. The steel blue pair is a brilliant modern take on a vintage look with a cut away back and rouching to distract from tummy issues.

So even though I have been shopping for Spring in Holland while it is Autumn in Melbourne, I hope these picks make your day a little sunnier too.



** My apologies for this layout. Blogger is just not showing me an acurate preview to work with **

And The Winners Are......

Thank you to everyone who left me a comment over the last three days. While there are a few hundred that are still shyly lurking around, hopefully they will soon join the fun.
As promised, I have selected three people by random means, ( closing my eyes and pointing to a name on the overall comments list) to dress. And so I congratulate Tizzalicious, Lil Midget and K.Line.

Now, my wonderful winners; please email me a full length photo showing your figure, list any figure flaws you want to minimize, tell me a bit about your current climate and which occasion you would like me to dress you for. Then over the next few days I will post your new outfit selections here for your own personal shopping fantasy, and for everyone else to enjoy.

To be fair, I have had a few private email requests too. So if you don't find yourself on the winners list, and are having a style crisis, feel free to drop me a personal email and I'll see what I can do.

I can't wait to see what I come up with!

Want to Come Shopping With Me?

I have a little surprise for you all. I have been trying to think of an interesting and fun way to encourage all you lurkers to get in on the action, (there are A LOT of you) and I think this may just be it.

Virtual shopping. I love to play dress up with myself and others, and would love the chance to dress some of you. So all you need to do is leave me a comment over the next three days, after which time I will randomly draw three names. I will publish the winners and contact you by return comment. In dressing you, I will consider your silhouette / shape, climate and special event. And I don't only dress women, so Lads, get those fingers typing too.

Once I have dressed the winners, their outfits will be published here with all the relevant information. If this proves really popular, you never know, I may make it a regular feature.

For my fellow bloggers who think that their readers may also be interested, please feel free to send any entrants this way. (Yes, this is my first shameless plug. I'm just having so much fun I want to share it with you all.)

So please, don't be shy, leave me a comment while I get my virtual shopping shoes on.