Daily Outfit - Fading Away

Outfit Details: Chiffon top - Luca & Marc, Pants - by Me, Shoes - Havaianas, Duck print scarf - Chinatown, Rose ring and earrings - Diva ( a gift from the delightful AusStyle!)

It is 38 degrees here in the shade today, and tomorrow promises to be an even hotter 40 degrees or more. It isn't just the heat you have to watch out for here in Melbourne, but also the searing U.V. So it is wise to dress cool and stay well out of the sun, otherwise you'll end up looking like a Californian Raisin in no time! Today I took it easy, languishing about in a cool cream and chiffon ensemble. I'm still struggling with the wardrobe challenge that this broken toe presents, namely wearing thongs (flip flops for those of you not familiar with Australian slang) everyday. They may be standard attire in summer for most of our population, but for me, I find that they just don't work with the majority of my outfits or looks. So I have to adapt for now.

Happy New Year!!

Yipee! Welcome to 2009, a year that is sure to be full of more colour, laughter, style and frivolity. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me and had fun reading the contents of my head as applied to the page. There are some exciting changes afoot for the blog this year, and hopefully you should see it before the first month is out.

To celebrate the New Year, and the first NYE that the Mr and I have been free to hit the town in the last four years (!), I decided to wear something super cute, super colourful and warm. Our weather has been crazy here and it isn't even close the the temperatures we usually experience at this time of year. This great dress is a 1980's classic that I thrifted some time ago and has been waiting to be worked into an ensemble that gave it personality. I tried it with a few different combinations of shoes or strappy sandals, but each time the effect was too aging and a bit like I just hadn't updated the closet since 1985. But then inspiration struck and I am so pleased with the final effect. It is about fifty different kinds of awesome if I do say so myself!

Outfit details: Dress 1980's - Syndicate (thrifted), Stockings - Columbine, Platform Shoes -
Urban Originals, Four Leaf Clover hair clasp - a gift from Nana for Christmas, Super Kawaii Bag - eBay some time ago.

Here's to you 2009.
2008 rocked so you have a lot to live up to, but I already have a good feeling about your potential to amaze.

Silver Sixties

Outfit details: Vintage dress from my grandmothers wardrobe and gifted to me, Earrings - Vintage thrift find, Shoes - I can't recall the label but I bought them at Dimaru ages ago and with their white heels they only get to come out on special occasions, Stockings - Levante, Lipstick - Sangria by Avon.
*Apologies for the quality of the hair detail photo, it was very difficult to get the detail with the lighting.*

This outfit is a rather special little number. My Grandmother has a wonderful closet full of things she has kept all her life ( my hoarder tendencies run deep) . So when she decides to let things go, they always find their way into my hands as the only family member to appreciate them. It was she who began my love affair with vintage clothing, gifting me a delicious fuchsia woolen 1940's coat when I was about 12 years old. So a trip to Grandmothers house always means a little glimpse into the past.

This stunning silver dress is part of an ensemble with a matching swing coat. She bought this outfit especially for a family members wedding and it had very little occasion to make an outing. It was passed on to me with great pride and I am so pleased to have a piece like this in my collection. The dress required some alteration as it was rather large for me, but its simple lines made that a relatively easy task.

I was heading out to a little Christmas party and then on for drinks last night, when at midday I had not decided what to wear. I began thinking Christmassy thoughts of sparkles and snow, when this almost forgotten ensemble came to mind. It had been stored in my secondary wardrobe where much of my collectable vintage lives, and hadn't yet been altered. So it was out with the pins and onto the sewing machine in haste to make it ready for last nights adventures.

Now that the dress is ready to make it's debut, I think an update of appropriate accessories is due. In particular I would love a pair of 1950's style fabric covered pumps with just the right amount of sparkle. I'm not sure where on earth I'll find these, but if bridal trends are anything to go by, I can probably have a pair custom covered somewhere. It may sound a little decadent, but for an outfit like this, perfectly matching accessories should see it last another life time. So onto the Lust List they go.

A Matter of Perspective

I do love a little experiment. My head is full of all sorts of grand ideas that are occasionally somewhat suspect, but this time I've proven my theory. You may remember my shoe post from this time last week, where I asked for your opinions on two pairs of shoes that made their way home with me. It seems that the overwhelming consensus was that the first pair were a go, where as the second pair were viewed with scorn and derision. I also posted my finds on a vintage forum I frequent, where the second pair were meet with enthusiasm and glee. So it seems that it is all a matter of perspective.

You may be surprised to know that the first pair I have been somewhat iffy about, where as the second pair I adore. "WTF?" I hear you say. But here it is. While I have been looking for something to fill the summer gap, they had to be comfortable and fit with my penchant for vintage styles. I was tipped off to some great vintage style summer shoes online, and after hunting around realised just what they reminded me of. Yes, you guessed it, Old Lady comfort shoes. Thus I began to look at all the elderly Nanas for inspiration, ( as is often the case when I raid their wardrobes.) So many of the shoes available to them have been designed with the hey day of these ladies in mind, as it seems that the mentality is, "You don't fix what aint broke" when it comes to design. Check out the similarity between this pair of reproduction vintage shoes and the pair I posted last week.

So what exactly is going on in my head? I had in mind an image of a care free young girl in the 1940's, heading to the beach, hanging out at home, or perhaps what a starlet of that era would have worn on her day of to go picnicking with her par amour. And I found her in these shoes.

Made by Rohde, Both pairs of shoes were usually around the $200 mark, but due to amazing timing, I was able to buy 2 pair for $150. Given that most of the reproduction vintage shoes I was searching would have also cost me at least $200 a pair including shipping, I decided that being able to try them on, try them out and have the option to return them was more attractive; as was the price! As some of you pointed out, the ankle strap is not the most flattering feature, but with the right length pant or skirt they take on a whole new look. Given, this does make them very specific in terms on the context in which I can wear them, but it is so worth it. With a perfect red polish and top notch pedicure these shoes not only look exceedingly cute, but I will spend my summer blister free; which is an inordinately better look than rubbed red toes, that escape their prison looking like tortured animals.

The ensemble in living colour.

Outfit Details: Canary Yellow Shirt - Guess, Ultra High Waist Pants - Designed and made by Me (Please forgive all the creases, they are the result of a two hour car journey) , Earrings - Diva, Shoes - Rohde
Photos shot on location in Nana's backyard with authentic garden gnomes.

Just like the return of hammer pants (which I will not be doing by the by), mullets or fluro; it always takes one brave soul to tackle pieces that have been relegated to fashion purgatory.

So here I am, taking a stand; and I am exceedingly comfortable doing it.

A Matter Of Opinion

I am still on a mission to find my perfect summer shoes. Before I let you in on the details of these pairs, I'd like to garner your opinion. I'm going for comfortable, casual and somewhat vintage styling. So what do you think?

Would "Hot to Trot" Be Too Cliche?

Today is the second day it has been about 35 degrees C. here. And I am beginning to feel those dramas that always seem to come around my wardrobe in summer time. This year I am well stocked with great little dresses courtesy of my recent trip, but when I decided to head out for a very brief trip this afternoon I discovered one problem. Whilst I have more shoes than you can poke a stick at, I have only two pairs suitable for daily summer wear, (not including the ubiquitous thongs / flip flops)! I have sparkly sandals and stiletto party shoes for sure, but the practical day to day numbers that will see me through swimming lessons, trips to the park and the usual round of chores are sadly lacking.

So what I need are some comfortable (don't shoot me), well styled, goes with almost everything and very cool shoes. (Imelda please feel free to send your recommendations my way). I have been trawling my favorite shoe sites finding many many pretty things which are all on sale thanks to the different seasons in different hemispheres lark. But pretty doesn't meet all my requirements this time. However I don't believe that comfort and glamour must be mutually exclusive, so I am on a mission to track down my summer time saviour.

Vixen by Kumfs

I am told these aren't the best fitting shoes, but I'll be trying to track down a pair to try on tomorrow. I'm hoping that they have a bit more of a vintage look than orthopedic look in actuality. But so far, these are the only pair on my radar. So can any of my Australian readers help me with the perfect suggestion? Given the state of our dollar at the moment I'll probably stick to shopping locally, but still, perfection knows no bounds.

How Far Will a Girl Walk For Shoes?

After seeing these objects of divinity over at The Freelancers, I cannot get them out of my mind. What is it about the Finnish and their amazing sense of design? So I have been searching, and Googling, and emailing, but alas I cannot find these sublime treasures anywhere on our fine shores. (Imelda, I commission you to remedy this dreadful oversight).I couldn't possibly make a decision on one pair on the internet either and just have them shipped here. I want to see them, touch them, prance around the shop floor in them. And I may have the answer. After trawling the Minna Parikka official site (and giving myself palpitations), I discovered that they have one stockist boutique in Tokyo. So I may yet get my wish. Given that I have a few shopping days planned in Tokyo next month, these have made it onto my Must See list. I may yet get my wish!

All images from the official Minna Parrika Site

Swanky Panky

I'm doing some online fantasy shopping today as I am heading out to my brother's birthday evening and just feel like something other than what is presently in the wardrobe. When I found this dress by Jason Brundson, I knew it was the one. Luckily I couldn't buy it online to satisfy my instant gratification tendencies. Truthfully, almost all his latest designs made me rub my hands in glee. (And Jason, if you are by chance reading this, your designs would look much better on me than these girls. So when you need an ambassador, give me a call.) Instead I am fantasizing about how I might style this number as the runway look does nothing for me.

Firstly the shoes. Everyone seems to be buying gold runners or gold pants these days, but that trend really isn't for me. Instead, these Luzzi gold heels are more my speed. A little bit vintage and a little bit hoochie, but worn with the demure neckline of Brundson's dress they'll work a treat.


For a day time option I love these emerald green, suede peep toe platforms. With these shoes and that dress, I can just picture myself acting as Mr. Cary Grant's (circa 1950) personal secretary for the day. " Yes, Mr. Grant. Of course I can take dictation."


And because I couldn't arrive at the office with the wind blowing through my perfectly coiffed hair, I think a little mystery is in order in the form of this Hot Hollywood hat.



This pill box style Bell Hop Hat from Topsy Turvy Designs on Etsy won me over big time. With the gold heeled, plaid shoes - this would be my choice for party night on the town.


So now that is all in order, I am off to raid my wardrobe in the hope of creating something just right for the night. And Jason, my publicist is awaiting your call.

Daily Outfit

Outfit details: Red leopard top - The Coveted on Etsy, Teal top - Miss Shop, Skirt - SES, Shoes - Urban Originals on Ebay.

Firstly, let me apologize for today's rushed pictures. The colour and detail is somewhat lost here. It was a mad rush to get to kinder this morning. I'd like to get some better outfit shots with these shoes, but I just had to show you these lovelies. After my blue shoe obsession, these are one of the pairs I purchased on Ebay and they are a perfect fit. I am so please as it all worked out much more economically that I initially thought, particularly if I take into account the cost of petrol here at present and the time I would have taken to drive around and find something similar.

I actually had a day to spend to myself today. So I took the opportunity to book myself into the hairdresser as my visits tend to be marathon events. After 4 hours and the perfect colour (finally - thank you Brad!), I headed off happy to tackle a little shopping before my child free day came to an abrupt end. When you have a rare five hours to yourself, they go all to quickly.

I am about to spend the next week as a sole parent while the Mr. gallivants around in Thailand, hanging out at the pool and drinking Mai Tai's. He says it is a conference but I know better. *wink* But that is good news for you all, as I plan to occupy my time tackling many of the requests I've received for specific posts and concocting all sorts of surprises to come. And perhaps I'll start tomorrow with a Bloody Mary, just to share in that vacation spirit.

Daily Outfit and a Thank You

Outfit details: Charcoal Top - Miss Shop, Vintage Kilt - Ebay, Herringbone woolen stockings - Voodoo, Shoes - Wittner, Gloves - Vintage, Earrings - Vintage from the Op shop (50 cents people!), Belt - Vintage Ebay.

I am cheating today. I have been racing around like mad since 6.30 this morning, seeing Doctors with the baby, long dental appointments and all those other mundane things that make life happen. I haven't had a chance to take any photos of today's outfit but I am actually wearing; Wide leg indigo jeans, cherry red v neck top, dusty pink vintage angora cardigan and a little Louis Vuitton cherry blossom design neckerchief, with beige embellished spectator pumps.

Given that this is such a visual blog I couldn't possibly just tell you that and not give you another daily outfit, so this is a little something I wore to a casual lunch date the other day.

In other news, my new blue shoes arrived today! Yay for UPS and their fast international shipping. I could barely wait to get them out of their box and they fit perfectly. I now have lots of ensemble planning and playing to do, so you are sure to see an overload of blue shoe photos in the next few days.

I also want to say a big THANK YOU to all my readers. I feel very privlidged to be allowed some of the, no doubt precious little, free time you have in your day. I am quite overwhelmed by the number of emails and messages I have been receiving from you all, and I do read and appreciate every one of them. Yes, there will be a hair and make up post coming soon, and if there are any particular requests you have for posts, please feel free to send them my way.

Daily Outfit

Dress - Laura Lee for Top Shop (from Ebay), Cardigan - Body, Monkey Pin - Gift from Mum, Earrings- vintage, thrift shop find, Fishnets - Levante, Embroidered Shoes - Novo.

Mothers day began with a lovely breakfast cooked by my wonderful Man and styled by Miss 3. So with some black coffee and pancakes with cream and sprinkles, the day began. It was a tad chilly, so the new summer dress needed a little assistance to cope with the 16 degree weather. It was out with the cashmere cardi and some fishnets to dress things up a bit. I was exceedingly pleased that my latest Ebay dress fit like a glove, these things can be a bit dodgey, so to have a perfect fit can make your day.

The shoes I have had for ages, probably about 5 years, but I love them to death. I discovered after falling in love with them and taking them straight home, that they are a knock off of some designer pair. I have no idea which. They just have the perfect height heel to be comfortable all day, and a lovely pointed toe that isn't at all pinchy. The embroidery is my absolute favorite though. I adore coloured shoes and this was a wonderful way to have a neutral pair, that is still quite colourful without being overwhelming. The monkey pin, my Mum gave me on my last birthday as an homage to Shanghai Lil and her Fez wearing Monkey.

So after an indulgent day of much seafood and wine, it was back off to the gym for Mama this morning. Gotta keep the snap in those garters.