Disaster

Image from Nine MSN. Click to read the latest news reports.

I cannot write to you about fashion today. My home state is on fire. Multiple fires have been blazing across our country as a result of the extreme heat wave, but none is more affected than here in Victoria. The death toll is currently at 108 people and is climbing rapidly, hundreds upon hundreds of homes have been lost, entire towns raised to the ground. This is officially the worst disaster in the recorded history of our country.

While we here are in no immediate danger, fires have been occurring no less than thirty minutes from my house and the smoke is carried on the wind. We live in a forested area, so we have planned for evacuation should any danger appear, but it seems we are out of harms way. Saturday was our hottest day on record and reached 48 degrees here at home. The winds have been fierce, up to 90 kilometers per hour, and the sky like nothing I have ever seen before. As we sat at home, keeping out of the heat and out of danger, we watched the wind tear through and the sky turn an eerie ash white. No sign of the sun, blue or clouds, just a shade that spelt disaster. We knew things were burning but not how badly.

The scale of this disaster and the total loss of lives is still not known as the fires continue to rage. Entire families who could not escape in time have been lost. Parents have left children with friends, never to return. Husbands could not reach their wives and children trapped at home as fire rained down.

I can hardly tell you how devastating this is for people in our community, but as always people rise to the occasion, show their best selves and pull together to do what they can to help.

How You Can Help

Donate Blood
Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal
Salvation Army Bush Fire Relief Appeal

UPDATE 11th Feb
Thank you so much for your kind wishes, thoughts and prayers. Sadly the death toll has now reached over 130 and they are predicting to see it reach 300 in a day or two. At the moment the fires are still burning (much further from me), but in an area that is directly affecting my extended family with parts of their properties being burnt. Fortunately they haven't been injured, but as you can imagine it is very much on my mind. While business carries on in town here it is with somber moods and heavy hearts.

Pick of the Bunch

Porcelain poodle

While out shopping for school supplies the other day, we were disappointed to find the store we needed was closed. But there was a ray of light. A little Op Shop I'd forgotten about just happened to be next door. Given that I had two little ones in tow and was very short on time, I figured I'd pop in for a quick reconnoiter and come back when I had more time. It seems though, that my many years of bargain hunting have honed my eye well. In ten minutes I whipped around the store and collected all these goodies for the grand total of $30!

1980's sun dress with matching belt.

1960's Red beads that are the sister of those yellow ones I picked up the other week.

Matching peach peignoire set

Matching late 1960's/ early 70's baby doll peignoire set

Deco style patent leather clutch with faux tortoiseshell closure

As my friend recently said, I think I have very good shopping karma.

The Accidental Environmentalist

Image by Simply Memories

Growing up I always thought that "Environmentalist" was a bit of a dirty word. It was used as a put down, a slightly more acceptable version than "Hippy", but none the less it tended to be said with scorn. The people I knew who cared about trees and nature were a rather smelly bunch, all knee sock with sandals, unshaven in various forms. I secretly referred to them as "wholemeal people". Yet somehow their message reached me in such a gentle way I never knew it was hidden inside me until recent years.

I consider myself very fortunate to be of the generation that grew up right before the mad mad sense of consumerism we have now hit. There was no tween fashion, no fast fashion and the concept of buying something new everyday would have had people in stitches. Only the crazy rich people did that sort of stupid thing, we thought. Yet slowly, slowly this has become the norm. As everything has the bejezzus merchandised and marketed out of it, we seem to walk along in a haze of consumerist fog. But there is hope on the horizon.

Living in Australia, land of drought and natural resources, I have gradually become more conscious of doing my part. We have rain water tanks collecting what little comes from the sky, power meters to monitor and reduce consumption, and have even been known to do a little vegetable growing. Yet it was the change in my wardrobe that has surprised me the most.

While continuing with the major household purge project, I stood in front of my wardrobe wondering where all this space I was supposedly reclaiming had gone. And while it seems that my closet still runneth over, I noticed something very interesting. About 85% or more of my wardobe is recycled or made by me! This means second hand finds, vintage clothing, hand me downs and swaps, as well as the many items I have successfully made. Unlike some other ethical fashion bloggers, I did not set out of a particular mission to buy nothing new, or consciously boycott the need to consume, as you well know I am a legendary shopper. But somehow, the concept of waste not want not, and the belief that there must be a better way has painted itself in broad strokes across my wardrobe.

I consider myself fortunate that I want for nothing and can afford to go out and buy whatever I want at any time, yet I wonder if looking at a wardrobe full of new fast fashion purchases would make me feel as proud. I love the challenge of creating a stylish outfit from my treasure hunts and not looking like a bag lady or starving artist. There is more opportunity for creativity, art and personal flair when you are not lifting your look, item for item, from the pages of your favorite glossy; and indeed a much greater sense of achievement. But even more so to realise that your fashion choices are the right ones for generations to come.

Not only will I teach my daughters to dress well by example, but to learn the art of ethical style. Perhaps if we women, the biggest consumer group of all, learnt to change this one compulsion, we could single handedly change the course of global warming? We will without a doubt make a difference in the amount of product wasted; in poor working conditions and environmental damage; and in supporting our local economies.

It seems like such a small thing, looking at my wardrobe, and would have been nothing earth shattering to our grandmothers; but given the frenzy we have all been in, it is. Perhaps the title of Environmentalist may not fit me yet, as I am a long way off spending my weekends on reforestation projects. And my look has a lot more hip than hippy to it. So for now lets just say, Super Kawaii Mama - Giving A Damn.

Daily Outfit - School Gate Chic

It was the first day of school and the beginning of a whole new era yesterday. Miss Four was all fancied up in her little dress and black polished Mary Janes. Her bag was filled with snacks and her heart high with hopes as she went off to meet all her new friends.

No uniform for this year. They are "highly recommended" to wear the official school tracksuit, but in my opinion that is asking for trouble. Imagine teaching them this young that wearing a tracksuit for anything other than the gym is acceptable! (puts hand to forehead in a faint)

And while fruit is the standard snacking fare, something a little more cheerful was required for such a momentous day.

As for me, I knew I had a whole new challenge on my hands with school gate dressing. Given that where I live the standard mum attire is either capri pants and t-shirts, or the full Ed Hardy soccer mum look, I knew that whatever I wore I was bound to stand out. But not wanting to over do it, I did my version of jeans and t-shirt with these vintage style pants I knocked up and one of my favorite new blouses. It is actually even more comfortable than a jeans and t-shirt combo, and in my opinion looks a million times better. A quick twist with the hair and up into a french roll, and I'm done.

Outfit Details: Blouse - thrifted (no label), Pants - made by me, Shoes - Rohde

Now the biggest challenge will be adjusting to a whole new routine. Packing lunches, leaving early, parent teacher meetings, bake sales... I wonder how long the enthusiasm lasts?

A Vintage Afternoon Tea

A little peak at the goodies from my afternoon tea with friends on Saturday. All of my crockery and linen are vintage, gathered from various op shopping expeditions; that is except for these wonderful glasses. I found these the other day at Freedom of all places, and loved their retro styling.

It was far too hot to bake, but we did have cucumber finger sandwiches, and this colourful confection of cookies. Add a little tea, conversation with friends and it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Delightful.

300 Posts and it only gets Hotter!

Outfit details: Dress - Georgio Fiorlini (recycle boutique find), Shoes - Rohde, Hair flower - Wicked Sista.
Makeup: Base - Laura Mercier mineral veil in Rose Tendre, Eyes - Laura Mercier Vanilla Nuts, Eyeliner - Shiseido liquid liner in black, Mascara - Loreal Telescopic in Carbon Black, Blush - Mac, Lipstick - Avon colour wear in Plush.

Where oh where have I been these last few days? Melting, somewhat like that scene in the Wizard of Oz. The weather here has been the hottest I have ever known in this country, as testified by the thermometer on my back verandah. While the rest of the city has been suffering power outages for days on end in this heat, I've been fortunate to still have cooling, which meant that my plans for an afternoon tea with friends this weekend was still able to happen.

With all this super hot weather I've had a chance to break out some of the fab summer dresses I brought back from the USA. This one is by Giorgio Fiorlini and I love the bright green tropical print against the hot pink piping. It makes me think I should be kicking back somewhere nursing a Long Island Iced tea. Now there's a thought...

Today I'm trying to relax a little on our first cooler day in a long time, as Miss Four starts school tomorrow! So with another super hot week predicted and the challenges of the first week of school, this is bound to be one for the record books.

Yes, this is actually the thermometer on my back verandah, can you make out what is says?

Green Power

Image of the front porch in Duluxeville

One of the things I find most relaxing in summer is the power of a lush and shady garden. Huge, broad branched oaks, arms laden with leaves. Violets growing in the shade and the perfect seating to lie back and enjoy the view. While it is too hot out to leave the comfort of my lounge, I can at least look out the window and fantazise about the garden I would like to have. This shot of the simple, lush front porch over at Deluxeville really got me thinking about the power of greenery to calm the senses. I'll be off to add a confection of hanging baskets to my veranda this week I think.

I am lusting after this 1950's garden setting currently listed on eBay, but am loathed to pay the interstate shipping costs when I could probably find something similar searching junk shops here. Damn you eBay and your powers of instant gratification.

Image from Coast Ranger

I've been wanting to put in a pond for ages, however it is a long way down the list of things to do at the moment. But this beautiful specimen puts me in mind to bump the project up the list. From Berkely University's gardens, this is a stunning example of good design, using a single colour palette (aside from the blue of the Iris when in season), and focusing on form. You just want to float away..

It is dry as a bone here in Melbourne at this time of year, and our water supply is all but non existent. But fortunately we had rain water tanks put in last Christmas, and this year they are full. So aside from the scorch factor of the heat, I have some of that precious water and may just be able to start creating my summer oasis. Anyone have the number of a good gardener?

Cool as a Cucumber

We are about to hit a heat wave here in Melbourne. We've had quite a number of hot days already, but the prediction is for 40 degrees plus until Sunday. For those of you in the Northern hemisphere this may sound appealing, but I can tell you that the type of sun here is so scorching you can feel it stripping layers from your skin the moment your are exposed. It has a very nasty sting to it that is accompanied by super heated winds, making you think of life in the Gobi desert. In preparation for this unpleasant event, I've put on my thinking cap to provide you with some creative ways to stay cool this week.

Photo from Exotic Events

Host a Moroccan tent soiree and take advantage of the cool of the evening with friends. Drink oodles of iced mint tea and have several types of Turkish Delight on hand to choose from. All you need then is a handsome someone to hand feed you your choice of sweets, and peel you a grape or two.

Burlesque feather fan from Mame Clothing

Make like an Edwardian Lady and carry a large feather fan with you. Perfect for the still of the afternoon, just accompany with a scintillating mystery novel and a sneaky G&T.



Strangely enough, it seems that the practice of carrying a sun umbrella is yet to catch on with the masses here in Australia. A common scene in Asia where days are also long and hot, it makes sense to bring this one back into vogue. Hats and sunscreen are all well and good, but they don't help to keep you cool. A parasol with help save you from an early grave and keep you looking cool in both sense of the word!


Photo by Blary 54 on Flickr

You've heard me mention the powers of iced tea on a hot day before, a nice change to plain water and a million times better than soda (ewww). Rather than spending a bomb on the pre-packaged kind (although its thirst quenching properties are undeniable), here is my recipe that will only cost you a few cents a pop.

Iced Tea Recipe
4 tea bags ( I like to use White Tea or Orange Pekoe)
2 cups of freshly boiled water
Pop your tea bags into a large, heat proof 2 litre jug
Cover with boiling water, add 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and let steep for 20 minutes.
Discard tea bags and fill the remaining space in the jug with fresh cold water.
Refrigerate. Add ice cubes and lemon slices before serving.


Photo by Alaska Teacher on Flickr

The power of the mind on these hot days is something not to be ignored. Change you wallpaper to winter wonderlands, start planning a ski trip or research the lives of Eskimos. The more time we spend talking about how hot we are, the hotter we get. So close you eyes, feel the arctic wind on your face and think yourself cool.

...You could also...

• Have a water balloon fight with your boyfriend, children, employer, grandmother...
• Make a slip and slide in your backyard.
• Use old fashioned slang to amuse yourself, fanning yourself with your handkerchief if you get the 'vapours'.
• Eat tiny finger sized cucumber sandwiches for tea.
• Wear fancy silk bloomer style knickers under your long cotton dress.
• Sing sea shanties.

Her Chequered Past

Me at about 14/15 with my little bro in the dress mum made especially for my holiday.

In a bid to find a few more ensembles to add to my hot weather wardrobe, I came across this number. She was almost forgotten as she'd been living in the dress up box for some time. My mother made me this dress when I was about 14/15 years old, and I wore it on my beach side holiday with visions of Grace Kelly in To Catch A Thief, dancing in my head. Now, I am more than twice that many years old, she sees the light of day again! I gave her a bit of a clean, iron and she still fits!

I am so thrilled with the way this dress looks now. I always had a tendency to dress older than my age, (as my tastes haven't changed much) and it seems I have now 'grown' into my style. But today I had to wear things just a little differently as that pesky broken toe is still preventing me from doing anything other than posing in my heels. So I popped on a cardigan pilfered from mums closet, a super cute pair of wide eyed bear earrings and my new pair of shiny red thongs (flip flops) from Duchess. This is how I actually met the day and headed off to grocery shop with girls in tow.

Outfit details: Dress by Mum, Cardigan - Katies (recycled), Shoes - Duchess, Earrings - SIX

I'm off tonight to see my other brother's band play for the first time. They've been getting all these rockstar gigs, and I haven't had an opportunity to see him strut his stuff. So I'll be getting ready for a night on the town and preparing for a huge long weekend tonight. We've got Chinese New Year celebrations, dinners, parties and I'm even holding a stall at the Camberwell market on Sunday in my ongoing attempts to purge. So If you don't see me this weekend, just picture me sleeping, exhausted in a pile of clothes.

How to Dress With Confidence

Stripy goodness from stylish Nubby Twiglet

So many times I hear people say, "Wow, I would love to dress like you, but I just don't have the confidence to pull it off." Rather than responding with platitudes, I've decided it is time to let you in on a little secret. Yes, my confidence is down to my personality, but there are a few tricks you can use to manufacture a bit of style chutzpah for yourself.

What is it that stops you leaving the house in your favorite hat, tutu or monocle? It is all a matter of context and peer pressure for most. If you were heading to a gallery opening, chances are you would be bolder, and tap into your artistic side hoping to show the punters that you are indeed, an individual with artistic sensibilities. But take this same individual grocery shopping in the same ensemble and you'll see their confidence melt away before your very eyes. Now I am not addressing the larger issue of event appropriate attire here, as this is a longer and even more subjective discussion. I am instead, simply attempting to shed some light on why some people always appear their true, brave and colourful selves no matter the situation. This is the kind of confidence you want to have.

Let's assume that you have nailed your personal aesthetic. You know what looks good, what makes you happy and how to mix and match to your hearts content. But when it comes to stepping out in that electric blue suit, all the confidence you had whilst posing in front of the mirror is now in a puddle at your feet. So what has changed in this dynamic? Your audience. When it is just you looking appreciatively back at yourself, you only have yourself to please. But when the thought of Shelia from Accounts, the Check Out Girl or the School Gate Mum crosses your mind, you find yourself quaking as you see yourself through (what you believe to be) their eyes.

So what to do? Firstly, reevaluate your thinking.

You don't actually know what any of these people are thinking of your sense of style. They may throw you a negative comment but be secretly jealous, just like mum used to say. There may be whispers of "bold choice" tinged with sarcasm, as these peers seek to validate their own style choices through one mass mind and group acceptance. But this is not always way they honestly feel on the inside. Ask yourself why being accepted as one of the flock is so important to you and if perhaps staring your own trend may be more rewarding.

Secondly, change your audience.

If the biggest peer group in your life are all buttoned down and prim, where you seek to explore your wilder side, you need to find a more appreciative audience. Now, don't go rushing out to dump all your friends and start hanging out in biker bars, all you need to do is find your pals online. Your already here so, put your style out there and get some feedback. You don't need to start a blog as there are loads of online style diaries you can try. People will give you feedback (be prepared for positive and negative) on your style, helping you to refine it, and gain more confidence in your look. There is an amazing power hidden in this. If you have hundreds of enthusiastic peers with whom to exchange ideas, and to tell you how fabulous you are, you will carry these virtual friends with you all day. So when Shelia gives you the evil eye for your choice, you can smile a little smuggly in the knowledge that there a hundred people out there giving you a round of applause.

Thirdly, be the you YOU want to be, it is your civic duty!

Yes, we all have to make accommodations for our situations, be they work, cultural or religious; but you have the freedom to chose how you want express your style. This is an amazing gift you can give to others. As you feel the confidence and freedom to dress yourself the way you want daily, those around you will begin to see the power this gives you. No longer a slave to the sartorial conventions of the masses, you'll encourage those around you to start experimenting in their own way. This may seem small on the outside, but the change of attitude and to their own confidence will be immeasurable. Fashion doesn't just happen, it takes innovation, risk and daring. Raise the bar and others will follow.

So now you know the secret, add it to the stash of super powers in your fashion arsenal and go forth in style my pretties!

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Links to some great online style diaries:

My Style Diary
Chictopia
Mode Pass

The Original Wardrobe Remix on Flickr

There are plenty more of these out there. Readers feel free to add links to your favorite sites in the comments section.

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Note: Apologies to any Shelias' who work in accounts. Your name was used for illustrative purposes only, don't take it personally. I'm sure you're a very stylish individual.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Today I felt something that must only happen very rarely. I felt a part of history as I watch the inauguration of President Obama. I feel a sense of gravitas, of optimism and of patriotism. And I'm not even an American.



obama44-1486
Originally uploaded by Bo