Daily Outfit & New Ebay Finds

Black top - Miss Shop, Red Cardigan - Katies (pinched from Mum), Black velvet pants - Postie, Shoes - Pura Lopez, Apron - Dandi.

Another cold day. Just the right weather for staying inside and tackling some housework and a little sewing. So today's outfit called for something casual and practical. When I'm sewing I tend to spend a lot of time sitting on the floor designing patterns and cutting out fabric, so I have to wear something stretchy and comfortable. As for the housework, I always try to wear an apron so that I can still wear something decent underneath, rather than wearing nasty old clothes just for cleaning. Besides, who knows when "Hello!" magazine may come knocking.



A couple of my new Ebay purchases arrived today too. A very cute Laura Lees for Top Shop dress, all flirty with little hearts and ruffles everywhere. This will probably be my choice for a Mother's Day outfit, with a cardigan and possibly coloured stockings to cope with the cool Autumn weather.


I picked up this vintage 50's dress too, and can't wait to see what it looks like in the flesh. I think this one will have to be carefully styled, but could be a real gem.

I did have one rather odd disappointment though. I purchased a great vintage 50's house dress pattern that arrived today. When I picked up the envelop it felt like it had nothing in it, and I thought perhaps it was sent in error. When I opened up my package, I found a cover page from a pattern. It was the complete instructions but no pattern! After I emailed the seller, asking what the story was, she told me she had bought it from someone else on Ebay and, not being someone who sewed, didn't notice anything wrong with it! She is very kindly refunding my money, but still, a very strange thing not to notice.

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!

Daily Outfit

Top - Viviennes Collection, Black tank, Pants - made by me, Purple pumps - Novo.

I'm not 100% happy with todays outfit. The top I have had for ages and hardly worn. I has been living in the pile of things to go on Ebay but I thought I'd give it one last chance. Although I like the colour and styling, the height of the waist bothers me. I think that on looking at these photos, that the whole thing is rather aging and makes me look larger than I am - definitely NOT what I want. I was quite happy with the way my hair worked out, so I think that was the biggest winner of the day.

I am quite over a lot of older things in my wardrobe, but somehow they keep on making their way back in. I figure the best way to get rid of them is the wear them once, see if they make me feel good, bad or otherwise. Then I won't have a problem letting go if I just can't make them work. It is days like these when I am very happy that there are quite a few vintage Ebay piece making their way to my letter box. With any luck, I'll have some lovely new dresses for Mothers Day to show you.

Daily Outfit

Blue dress- Basque, Myers (purchased as a maternity solution but still going strong), OTK's - Johnathon Aston, Shoes - Wittner, Purple Flower - Corsage pin worn in hair, made it myself.

It was off to Grandma's house today. So I got my girls all fancied up and headed out for tea and biscuits. Now it is time to tackle some little sewing projects as I am in search of some instant fashion gratification, and while I wait for my latest Ebay indulgences to arrive, I can work on some new accessories for them.

Thanks to everyone who has commented so far, remember there is one more day to go until I have to pick just three of you wonderful individuals to dress. I know there are loads more of you who read, (either that or Mum is at home pressing the refresh button all day) so drop me a line to say Hi, and you never know what fashion miracles may await you.

The Makings of Mama - Part 1

Back in the days before fashion was Fast Fashion, before any 14 year old and their babysitting money, could purchase the latest piece of cool from Groove, I loved fashion. In those days, there were no girly days out at the mall, except those with Mum, and these were usually for fairly functional outfits.

My Mum used to create the most wonderful outfits for me, hand sewn, painted and styled. While it took me almost 25 years to learn to sew from Mum, (just lazy I guess) I did learn lots of styling tricks to completely transform an outfit. Even though I couldn't hem to save my life, I'd tackle a pair of slim legged black pants with double sided tape, to turn them into the perfect peddle pushers for a barbeque after church. Given that I probably only had one pair of black pants at the time this was probably an excellent choice. I would wear things inside out, back the front or upside down, if it gave me the look I desired.

I would pour over Studio Collections, my magazine of choice, hauled home from the local library. Then I would put on my school shirt, trying to make the collar sit 'just so' like the photos, and layer it with skirts, scarves and various bangles. Wearing a uniform to school meant that my opportunities for self expression through fashion were somewhat limited. But when Sunday rolled around, it was church day, otherwise known to me as My Own Personal Catwalk. Keep in mind that I was under 10 at the stage, and the style at the time for girls of my age, was not much more than a Laura Ashley pinafore and a Peter Pan collar. Certainly no Hannah Montana or Mary Kate & Ashley ranges for the formative fashionistas.

Each week, before church on Sunday, I had a ritual. I would sit at the end of my bed and flick through the pages of Studio Collections as if it were my own personal wardrobe. When I found an outfit I liked, I would pull any piece resembling it from my wardrobe and set to re-creating the look. I had no sense of age appropriateness, so what looked stunning on Helena or whoever it was then, must have looked exceedingly odd on me. I remember feeling fabulously well dressed in a mixed plaid, cropped jacket and natty green beret knitted by Nana. I felt oh so glamorous the day I wore Mum's vintage floor length red cape. My favorite purple suit had shoulder pads that nearly poked my eyes out and was much more Joan Collins that 12 year old school girl. But I didn't care. I loved it, it was my own little Nirvana.

Images from Studio Collections December 95, one of the last copies I stole from my school library.

** Don't forget - If you want to be dressed by me, you need to leave me a comment over the remaining two days to go into the running. **

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.

Daily Outfit

Hat - Caterina Luci, Coat Dress - Friends Couture ( from Mr.A), Indigo jeans - Target, Embroidered shoes - Novo ( many seasons ago).

It is strange in-between weather here in Melbourne at the moment. Pouring with rain one minute and a little sunny the next. Not freezing, but just a bit grey. Today was an afternoon of errands and Mother's Day shopping, nothing special but I felt it needed a little punch, hence the red hat.

My Two Lovely Chaps

I have two very stylish men in my life, neither of whom I am married too. (Sorry Honey, your talents lie elsewhere). Those of you who have been reading for a while will have heard me refer to these two before. My brothers. Seen above at my birthday, (1960's cocktail party) a couple of years back, these two handsome devils have quite the way with fashion. Mr. S (seen left), does cutting edge refinement with a casual and witty air. A man who appreciates good tailoring as much as a good cigar, as does his sister, truth be told. And then there is Mr.A (seen right), with an eye for colour and texture, as well as being very handy with a sewing machine. So it is with them in mind that I am so often disappointed by the questionable efforts of many a lad.

I find myself wishing for just a little more effort from the Average Joe, both in dress and manners. Although I have my preferred fashions, I honestly don't mind what your style is, so long as there has been some consideration and flair. My hero in this respect is none other than Beau Brummell (1778-1840).

Thank you to Mr James Purefoy for your beautiful portrayal.

Credited with being the creator of the Dandy, the illustrious Mr Brummell was nothing if not stylish. After becoming friends with the Prince Regent, Brummell was pivitol in popularizing trousers for men as opposed to the more French style of knee breeches. In a time when fashion for men was bright colours and high heels, Brummell went out on a limb, creating a new style. More sober than that of his aristocratic peers, Brummell's style relied more on the quality and nuance of his garments. The perfect way to tie a tie, the amount of cuff showing past the end of a coat sleeve or pleasure of a beautifully ironed shirt.

Whilst I am not saying that Mr. Brummell's style is the be all and end all, it is the principle of defining your style and executing it with flair that I admire. So when I came across The Chap Magazine, I breathed a sigh, somewhere between relief and pleasure, that creatures like the wonderful Mr Brummell exist.



I particularly loved this article on Civilizing the City. I highly recommend them for some enlightening and entertaining reading.

So whether you are a Goth, Punk, Dandy or Diva; I salute you and your sartorial splendor.

Swanky Panky

Today's Swanky Panky is all from the treasure trove that is Etsy, and yes I guess I am a bit biased. I hope that even just looking at these little pieces of wonder will give you as much joy as it did me.


This stunning piece is the Anhinga Bird Pin by Adam Smith. It is made of hand-cut, weathered steel and has a 24k gold heart. I see a fragile, somewhat morbid beauty in this pin. It makes me want to wear it over my heart, while sitting back reading Poe in a candlelit library.


I am very taken with the work of Valentines Attic on Etsy. Using vintage photographs, myths, legends and surrealist art as her inspirations, this lovely lady's beautiful work has stolen my heart. Using photo manipulation techniques, she seeks to combine vintage photographs with images and feelings recollected from her childhood. You can read more about her work on Valentines Attic.


The work of Contrary uses lots of recycled materials combined with fine jewelry to create one of a kind pieces. I particularly like this Skeleton Key necklace, as I think it would always make me wonder what mysteries lie behind its door.

And to leave you with a little whimsy, this gorgeous little Wishing Chair necklace from Hoolala. Inspired by the Enid Blyton story of the same name, this piece is no less than magical to me.

Vintage Finds

While I wanted to bring you a new Daily Outfit today, it is nothing to write home about. I spent yesterday having more colour added to my tattoo, so today is comfort clothes that don't cling and lots of lying about on the couch. (Yes, new photos will follow soon). So instead I have a couple of my recent vintage finds and a question or two for you.

I cannot resist an Op shop, Vintage shop, Thrift store. If I have more than 50cents in my pocket I am bound to take a quick twirl through and see what treasures are lurking there for me. It stems from a school girls dream to be an Archaeologist and Treasure hunter - which were quickly dashed when I discovered just how lonely and fashion challenging this career path could be. So I soon honed my destinations of choice from the deserts of Egypt to the musty workings of the Flea Market.

After a quick trip to the doctor on Monday, I popped into the Thrift store next door hoping to find something warm for this grey Melbourne weather. What I found was this.


It's a stunning Emerald green, pure wool jacket, made by Maxi Librati Creations in Paris. It was all of $4, but I think it will look a million bucks. After an extensive Google search I can't come up with any information on this label. Can anyone help me? I am trying to figure out just what era this is from. I have a feeling it is 1980's does the 1940's. Also it appears that someone has salvaged the buttons from this lovely jacket, so I am on a hunt for something appropriate. If I can't find something that grabs me, I am likely to make some large covered buttons, but if you have any suggestions for purveyors of wonderful buttons, or you are one yourself, please leave me a comment and point me in the right direction.


A couple of weeks back I found these fabulous clip earrings for a whole 50 cents, which simply made my day!


And to complete my sudden penchant for red in the kitchen, I picked up these cute Tea towels for $1, and the Cow salt and Pepper shakers, along with the vintage Finnish Tea Pot from Ebay.

Ahh Thrift shopping; your joy is so sweet!

Love & Hate

I recall a time a few years ago when I was invited to hit the town with a few older girlfriends. We found ourselves in the most stunning little club, complete with a very well stocked bar and some excellent music. There was one glaringly obvious difference to many of our haunts - the other punters. Everywhere we looked there were gorgeous young things in neons, sweatbands, suit jackets with the sleeves rolled up and early Rod Stewart hairdo's. Although this look subsequently made it into the fashion mainstream, at this time it was very cutting edge and new to me. At first I thought that perhaps we had crashed a themed 80's party to which the guests had made a decent effort of costuming, but as the evening progressed a little, it became obvious that this was not the case.

As a group of these young guys (looking about 16) danced on over to us in all their skinny - tied glory, my friend remarked, " Wow, you all look just like Duran Duran!" to which was replied, "Who??" ('Excuse me madame, but your age is showing').
At the time I simply hated the look. I looked upon its wearers with something between pity and anguish. "Oh you poor dears." I thought to myself. "One day you will look back on these photos with a sense of sartorial horror as we too have once done." But then I was over taken by another emotion, I began to love the look. Not for it's startling luminescence, but for the part of myself that was suddenly illuminated. For the first time I didn't feel like the odd one out. I had no desire to run out and fill my wardrobe with neons or clad my butt in spandex. This is not to say that I specifically followed every fashion trend, but it didn't stop me lusting after it and was often only stopped by my budget or body type.


Now, it made me feel good, just to be me, with me own sense of style. It was empowering to know that I was able to walk into my own wardrobe and create a look that was uniquely my own. Not one designed for me by Anna Wintour and her peers. I felt a sense of One well informed by fashion, as if by all the years of learning the rules, I now had license to break them. And off I went. Feeling older, happier and infinitely better dressed.