Swanky Panky - Good Versus Evil

Let me preface this weeks issue of Swanky Panky by saying, my intention is not to offend but to beautify and entertain. I'm just blessed with a wicked sense of humor.


I love a little irreverence in my accessories. Lookin Good For Jesus - Lip Balm and matching King Sized tote. Available from Jest Jewels.




Whether you fancy yourself as Snow White or The Wicked Queen, this is the nameplate necklace to end them all. Also from Jest Jewels.



And for those days when the Queen is feeling particularly evil, this Lemon scrub soap from Cute As Hell will be better for the complexion than poison apple alone.



What does trouble smell like? According to Eve L, "How about Cannabis, White Flowers, Whiskey Tobacco and a good dose of brand new, stiff leather... black leather, of course!" From Perpetual Kid.


Lastly, but quite possibly my favorite of all, is The Good Book, also from Perpetual Kid. What a way to get filled with the spirit.

Drama Queen

I know some of you secretly love playing dress ups as much as I do, but it's not all fun and games. After enduring the pain of those sharp and spiky heated rollers, Joan started to come alive. There was much teasing and hairspray involved, which started to bring on fume induced flash backs. I had no idea what I was actually planning to wear until a few short hours before hand, but I knew I needed big hair and lashing of Coco. In the end I went with this original 80's knitted cocktail dress and huge, vintage white fur coat.

I admit, taking these shots and trying to keep a straight face, (not come over all smiley like I usually do) was a challenge. While to party was a hoot, and there were a few stand out performances (Slash, Magnum P.I and a few school uniforms) overall, it looked less like we were at an 80's party and more like a sad bunch of people who had just not updated our wardrobes. Talking to a lot of the guests, that is exactly where their outfits came from! Although we were a motley crew, (ha ha) it all came together to look eerily like a period film rather than a Halloween type event. I was asked multiple times during the evening why I hadn't dressed up! Fair enough, I had never met these people before, but does this say more about me or them?

Becoming Joan

Okay. I am literally on my way out the door to the 80's party, but I couldn't leave without a teaser... Stay tuned for party shots tomorrow.

Editorial-eyes

I don't often buy magazines. I get so bored with the sameness of them all and the fact that so many are really months behind with the fabulous fashion we find online. But occasionally (like when my internet is down) I do actually buy one or two. In my latest, there was quite a spread on the Australian Fashion Week, and in particular, showed some gorgeous eye make up. Given that I like to experiment, I wanted to try out some of the more extreme looks. So until I can get my hands on some gold leaf and an airbrush, I had to make do with what was in my drawer. So here is todays effort based on this advertisement for Max Factor.

Makeup notes: Laura Mercier Mineral foundation in Tender Rose, Natural glow bronzer as blush, Eyes - Lancome no.308 purple, Bourjois celeste no.31, Pink jewel powder by The Face Shop, Liquid liner in black by Sheseido, Mascara Loreal lash architect in midnight black, Black Cherry gloss by Missha.

Tomorrow, the Mr and I are heading to an 1980's theme party. I am planning to go a'la Joan Collins in Dynasty. So I have to work on the smoky, heavy eyes and big hair. I can hardly wait, I just love an excuse to play dress up. And the Alexis attitude? Well, I don't think that will be too much of a stretch for this drama queen.

Daily Outfit

Jacket - Everlast, Tank - Jag, Pants - Supre, Shoes - Puma

Not every day is filled with glitz and glamor. Some days its just off to the gym and there is only so fancy I can go there. Well, that's not really true, but they don't allow feathers on the equipment. So as I promised (especially for you Enc), here's a look at some very basic gym wear from this morning. It's nothing cutting edge with dry tech, super speed stripes or a in built heart monitor, but it does have a pistol on the thigh. So in my eyes it's a winner. I'll admit, I do wear a little makeup, (just a bit of mineral foundation, mascara and gloss) but with all those mirrors around, I don't want to die of shock every time I catch my reflection.

Excuse Me But Your Style Is Showing.

Get our your glad rags girls, Mama has a new project and it's all about you. Introducing...

Uncommonly Fetching Mamas

My latest project is for all you other Mamas out there who either have style, or need some inspiration. I get a lot of emails asking me all about my personal style, and how I find the time and motivation to dress the way I do every day, while also juggling two kids, ( I know some of you have many more). All of these got me thinking; often times we don't dress to our best because we don't feel we have an 'audience' for our look. This may be because you spend most of your time at home, or have a workplace filled with Tweety bird T-shirts (as one poor reader told me). So I have decided to create that audience.

Uncommonly Fetching Mamas is a new Flickr group for you to post your best and brightest fashion creations. Somewhere you can check out other's style and find out how they do it. There are lots of unforeseen fashion challenges with children, (read nursing, food and Dry Clean Only) but that does not mean we have to live in jeans and T's, or (heaven forbid!) Juicy tracksuits, on a daily basis.

Now there will be those of you reading who don't have children and probably think you can give it a miss, but we need you too! Who are the Uncommonly Fetching Mama's in your life? Is it your best friend, your work mate or your own Mum? We want to see all fabulous mamas here, so get snapping.

So Mamas', your mission is to dress for You, even if you can only do it one day a week, and show us the best of your creative endeavors. Now, no pushing, who's first? You may even just end up here as Mama of the Month.

Flickr Favorites

1. Snow Girl, 2. Baby Silhouette, 3. Chandelier at Tavern, 4. Pink Chandelier, 5. The Old Library, 6. Miss Bianchi, 7. Voodoo / ... " Im so Sorry Fred " ..., 8. summers garden, 9. My Kitchen, 10. Agent Provocateur NY Christmas 2006, 11. berlin, 12. my home., 13. Remnants, 14. IMG_4061.JPG, 15. Craven 'A' Cigarettes, 16. IMG_9645

Today has been a big day; more decorating and the like. So I'll admit I am being a little slack but my perspicacity is lacking this evening. Therefore please enjoy today's Flickr Favorites. More vivacious posting will resume tomorrow.

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.

Farewell to a Fashion Innovator

Image courtesy of Getty Images.

After retiring as a designer in 2002, Yves Saint Laurent has died, aged 71, at his home in Paris. Born 1st August 1936, he began his illustrious career at the House of Dior. As Mde. Chanel and Christian Dior are also remembered, Mr Laurent will forever be hailed as an innovator, and symbol if you will, of 20th century fashion. But I don't need to tell you all this, I am quite sure that both his name and famous 'Le Smoking' suits, are etched permanently in your minds.

Farewell to a Master.

Swanky Panky - In The Bedroom.

Swanky Panky is short but Luxe this week, as I am on a mission to revive my boudoir. My furniture is now a lovely glossy black, with beautiful cut glass handles and I have spent the entire weekend stripping the walls of there horrid early 90's Liberty Print wallpaper. The undercoat is a vast improvement on that nasty nana pattern. So of course having now gone through the rigors of stripping the old, I am thinking about replacing it with the new. I just love a bit of drama in the bedroom.

I am so in love with these divine designs from DeGournay (not to overload on the alliteration there). Exquisite hand painted papers, with prices to match, these may only grace my room in my dreams. I adore chinoiserie, but the somewhat Deco monkeys are just the perfect bit of crazy for me, and I know Shanghai Lil would approve. (There's those damn monkeys again!)

This flocked black velvet on duck egg blue background, stopped me in my tracks. It says, "Come on in Sir. Now bring me my Cuban and a deck of cards." I can just envisage this creating a perfect backdrop for some bedroom antics worthy of Scarlet O'Hara.

Image - Girl Meets Glamour

For a more demure, but no less dramatic option, this stunning Peacock Wallpaper by David Qian (sadly not yet commercially available) is just gorgeous. I think that something this beautiful would have to inspire you every morning.

While on the animal theme, these Othello Hooks, by Lladro are almost too fabulous to hang your hat on. But now, after all that stripping in the bedroom, Mama needs a rest! So it's goodnight from me while I dream some more decorating dreams.

Goodbye May; Hello June

Here are some of my favorite things that happened in May.

Surprise packages from my Best Friend. Vintage story books to read to the girls. Playing dress ups with Miss Three. My Mothers Day flowers. My Mothers Day breakfast by Miss Three. Having a tea party with Miss Three dressed as Mulan. Taking the girls to 'outer space'. Playing Mulan with Miss Three. Watching Miss Three's art work develop with this picture of a snowman and a whale.

For those of you keeping up with the progress of my tattoo, I now only have one session left to go. After another 3 1/2 hours, my Koi fish now has some colour to him. There is pretty much only the peony and cherry blossoms to finish off. When choosing the colour for the blossoms, my artist brought me lots of lovely soft pink inks, very feminine. I, of course, have chosen to go with the hot pink and magenta instead.

Answers to the questions I have been asked so far are:

Yes, I spent ages researching just what I wanted.
I worked with the artist to custom design the image.
Yes, it is expensive.
Yes, it hurt but it has nothing on childbirth twice over - (and they weren't even natural births!) So no bitching from me.

On another note, I have a little housekeeping to do. Firstly, I have been having a problem with my emails where some have been indiscriminately sent to a junk folder I rarely check. If you have sent me mail and not heard back, I am sorry. Please don't think me rude. If you would like to send me a message, all mail should now be received.

Secondly, I have lots of new links to add, and many to tidy up. If I haven't linked to you and you would like your blog to appear here, drop me a line so I can check you out. I can't promise to add everyone, but if your site tickles my fancy and is relevant to my readers, I'll see what I can do.

There will be some new features and surprise's coming in June, and I can hardly wait to get started!

"Dreams come in a size too big,
so that we can grow into them."

-Josie Bisset