Wednesday 16 November 2011

A bible for Vintage Fashionista Bookworms

So I stumbled across this book a few weeks ago after I had heard the Queen Street Plaza was having a showing of costumes from the T.V series Mad Men, one that I have watched from season 1 to 4 three times over this past year. I have fallen in love with each character (a small secret-Mr Donald Draper is my phone screen saver, seriously). I have gotten too involved in all the dramas and yearned for a whisky whilst watching each episode. The set, the dashing Draper and beautiful Betty kill my little eyes and I feel like a school girl wanting to be them when I grow up, but alas the one thing that makes my heart tick throughout the whole series is, of course, the wardrobe. Hats, gloves, frocks and shoes. By golly it really is a minefield of glory in my eyes.

Anyway enough lusting, I missed the showing of said costumes which I then found out was a book launch for 'The Fashion File' which is a book on Advice, Tips and Inspiration from the costume designer of the series Janie Bryant. She was also the costume creator of the series 'Deadwood', which was another amazing watch. It's a beautiful book and I have a feeling is going to sit on my boudoir table for months to come.

It's a treasure trove for pretty pictures and also advice and tips on; a perfect colour chart, accessories (a favourite), flattering styles for all different shapes, even how to obtain your measurements for yourself and also how to do your own measures for the perfect fitting brazier.

I love what she has written as a send off at the end of the book:

"What I love about style is, it allows you to express yourself. You can reveal your wit or nostalgia or sense of wanderlust through fashion. And please don't let me ever hear you moan 'But I have no style". It's there, I promise you.
Having said that, I do have a couple of firmly held personal beliefs about looking and feeling great: First and foremost, fantastic style flourishes from a foundation of self-love. Remember those heart-thumping high school crushes that made you walk into walls? Well, now is your time to become infatuated with you. Buy a bouquet of Dutch tulips for your bedside table, dress up on a rainy day just to admire yourself in the mirror. In short, pay more attention to yourself than anyone else for once in a while.
Second, you must always trust your own instincts about style. If you love a certain piece or colour and it makes you beam, wear it. The confidence and exhilaration you exude in that outfit becomes a major percentage of your style.
And most importantly, always have fun with fashion. Look for cultivating your styles as a creative outlet and indulge in your inner fantasies"

Anyway here are some favourite parts of the lovely hardcover treasure trove.


The ever devine front cover of the book & the even more devine January Jones and Jon Hamm, swoon. There has never been a more creamy couple.


A passion for vintage from the 1920's to the 1970's. 
The 1950's being a favourite, organza gowns and gorgeous gloves <3


Followed closely by the 1940's. The War Bride era, seamed stockings, hemlines hit the knee lengths of seamed skirts, and the shoulder pads that helped create a silhouette. What a dream.


The dressing room. The foundations; bras to girdles to garters. Your silhouette starts with your foundation garments. 


Throughout the book it has lovely little checklists and cocktail chatter. 
Cute little tips, ie; devoting an hour or so varying the look of your little black dress with accessories like belts, wraps, add bangles or gloves.
I truly believe with accessories More is More. 
"Wink at yourself in the mirror before you leave the house and add one more accessory"
Ain't that just the dandiest thang.


Defining you silhouette and secrets for dressing your shape





As little girls, we play dress-up because we want to be someone else. Now we play dress-ups to show the world the amazing women we have become.

Ciao Bella.

Sunday 13 November 2011

Island Sundays

So this past weekend was spent (trying) to pack up my belongs to move, watching Broadwalk Empire, exploring the Island I have been living on and hanging with my nephew. I however had a huge burden on my shoulders, being that I had to study and write my speech for my accreditation of a course I attended in Cairns. I am to go back there in a week and anhalf to do this and with all the distractions (see above) it just wasn't getting done at home. So I packed my books in my car and went for a drive out to the side of the Island with all the pretty cafes, in hope of sitting there with a coffee and maybe some sugary treats and no distractions. Once I was there though, being a Sunday and the sleepy town that it is, everything was shut. So it was back home for me to pick up my little friend Batman and have a picnic in the park. So even though I didn't accomplish all I needed this weekend, it was still a blast.

Outfit: This dress I found at the Thrift store on North Stradbroke Island last year, how fitting as well, the sweet Hibiscus flower print, pastel colours, perfect for this Island gal. The belt I also found at the same thrift store and it matches in great, an outfit for under $5 nickels. My shoes I bought in Thailand, at this great market in a temple in Karon Beach (on the island of Phuket) which are only open on Tuesday's and Saturday's, they cost me all of 100bht which is around $3AU, so much love.

Accessories: The earrings I found online in a cute store on etsy : www.etsy.com/shop/belluga So sweet, I'm a sucker for anything nautical or silver so how could I pass them up. The bangles I have acquired all around the place. The red one I found last weekend at my local thrift store for a whole 30cents, the white ones I can't even remember, I think I found them in a pack with some red ones years ago in target, or one of those cheap jewellery stores. There are some great stores online (eBay also) that sell bulk bamboo style bangles that I just have to invest in soon, I have recently found a love for mismatched coloured bangles.

Pout: This is a sweet lipgloss that I wear day to day. It's Chanel 'Brilliant Le'vres shade 67'





How could I not share a picture of the ever lovely batman that I met in the park. This is my darling 4 year old nephew Archer. We sat all afternoon and talked about superhero's and what Danger is. Such a sweet little man. I especially loved how he asked me to slick back his hair like batman, fix his squished little nose from his magic mask and ask me to be his bat woman <3

Monday 7 November 2011

Ladies who Lunch

So this past weekend I went to Siroment Winery at Mt Cotton for a monthly 'Ladies who Lunch' luncheon where we gorge on delicious foods and random chit chat. It was such a beautiful day weather wise and we were served with far too many platters for a group of 7 and I had way too big a slice of cake, I don't feel guilty though, nope, not one bit.


Outfit: This dress I picked up a couple of weekends ago at one of my dearest friends stores, www.kittendamour.com . It is a piece out of the 'Prim and Proper" range. I have worn it without a petticoat as I didn't want to be too formal at a luncheon, it really is perfect with a few layered petticoat underneath but still sits out nicely without one. Watch out for your bosoms though you big busted ladehs because it really doesn't hide much in that department, not one for the faint hearted.

Accessories: This bag I picked up at a Thrift store I'm pretty sure in Sydney years and years ago, nothing better than picking up a bright little number for under $2.00. My earrings are a hand-me-down from my mother, she said she has had them since the 70's, back in her Sydney living days also. My ring is from Wallace Bishop Jewellers, when my marriage ended one silly thing I missed was wearing my rings, they were so beautiful and having diamonds on your hand just feel so, dainty. So I went out one day and splurged, sure they aren't real diamonds but it sparkles just as pretty and makes me feel just as special, if not a little more because I got it for myself with no guilt, a new kind of special, my very own kind of special. Actually that was a great week, I bought my first car, booked a holiday to Thailand and acquainted myself with a lovely piece of jewellery . The shoes are a gift from my lovely mother again, I think she picked them up at a boutique in Cleveland. See a pair of ballet flats in every colour come in handy, especially when you know you are going to be walking in a garden/winery drinking wine out in the sunshine, shoes with height would not be a smart idea.

Pout: I am wearing a lipstick my late Aunt left me (she left me all her unused makeup and perfumes) many years ago, yes it's probably out of date but it still wears well and isn't funky by any means. It's Estee Lauder All day Beautiful Pink R66, i'd actually love to know i they still make it. Looks like another visit to Myers is due.


Monday 31 October 2011

Nocte Boudoir

This post is dedicated to my favourite part of most days. When the sun's gone down, dinner is over and the dishes are done. When you get to relax in your comfiest of negligée's with a glass of your favourite poison and your most enjoyable of records.

Outfit: If I were ever to re marry it would only be to a selection of fine men, one being Mr Peter Alexander. What a divine gentleman he is, to create such beautiful pieces for your boudoir. I purchased this one a few months ago and it is so comfortable. I get surprised with how often new collections come up. A site you sure shouldn't pass up, just don't step into a store- it's sure to get you www.peteralexander.com.au
Anyway I can never pass up anything Gingham or anything a cute shade of pink.

Poison: My father treated me to a bottle of wine, he orders it from the Guide Dogs monthly and will usually get a couple of cases in each shade of wine. Tonight I had Tyrrells Shiraz Cabernet, the perfect concoction to warm the soul.

Record: I can not stop listening to of late Mariache El Bronx, just totally and utterly head over heels.Can not wait to hold another Mexican Fiesta soon.

Now I can't go through the week without setting my hair, 3 down the middle, 2 on each side and bricka-bracked down the back. Ladies these babies will be your best friend for life. Weather you are wanting some body in your lovely locks or curls to get the boys'a lusting, they are sure to do the trick. They take 10 minutes to heat up, 2 to put in (once you have it down pat of course) and around 30-60 mins to cool, if your feeling really game and want a set that stays perfect for days you can sleep in them, with a decent hair net or scarf to cover but let me assure you this is not for the faint hearted or the light sleeper.

Sunday 30 October 2011

Cleaning Sundays

Today was a stay home and do my washing and cleaning day. Was going to attempt to go through all my boxes and things I have to move, but, well that was way too big of a task so it was put on the back burner...again.

Lucky it was steaming hot out, my clothes dried within a moment out in the sun. As did my sheets, lucky me though, I put my back out re-making my bed with them so the rest of the afternoon was spent laying like a plank on my bed. If I didn't have my fresh sheets I may have been cranky about it.

Outfit: I picked up this lovely day dress at www.woolloongabbaantiquecentre.com  It is one of my all time favourite stores in this whole big world. It's always hard to stop at just a couple of purchases though. It has no tag so I am unsure who it is made by and where from.
I'm unsure where I picked up these little ballerina flats but I believe every gal should own a pair in every colour to go with every outfit when more dressy shoes are just not appropriate, like when cleaning and hanging out the washing. Although, there's nothing wrong with that is there. Life is better in pretty shoes.

Accessories: I believe headscarves are a gals best friend, for hot days and lazy days, just whip a couple of pins in a french twist and apply a scarf over and voila. This one I acquired at a thrift store years ago, too long ago to even remember which one.
My earrings were given to me by the lovely Lucy at Love Lucy Vintage Boutique   They are clip ones and stay on suprisingly well. I have a few pairs of vintage clip ons but find they fall off at the faintest touch, being over 50 years old will do that I guess.

So it's Monday already again tomorrow, I'm sure the weekend will be back around again as quick as it was over. It's meant to be 25 degrees and sunny tomorrow, If only I could go on a picnic, instead I'm back in my little clinic. One day closer to my next little holiday. Positive thinking, ha!
Ciao.

Friday 28 October 2011

Satadee Pink Lady

So today I am spending the day hunting for the perfect cottage for summer.

I awoke at 5:00am and boy oh boy was the hard, I am not one that goes to bed early so I didn't have as much beauty sleep as I surely needed.

Outfit: You will never guess where I purchased this lovely off the shoulder Tee from, Coles Supermarket, that's right folks apparently supermarkets now stock clothes and swimwear. We really are getting more Americanized by the day. Oh & the Tee was only $15, how I love a bargain.
My skirt is one I also purchased recently at *ahem* Valley Girl, I can't believe my whole wardrobe today is 'new'.
The fabulous scarf was a gift from one of my dearest & oldest friends Wahoo, she's been over seas for a couple of years & I miss her ever so, it's a nice little reminder of her, close to my heart.

Accessories: The shoes I purchased on eBay about a year ago (a gals best friend ye'ol eBay,everything right there at your fingertips).
My bag I found at a little op shop in Cleveland, I was having my nails done & day dreaming out the window (a favorite past time) and I saw it in the window o the shop opposite the salon & squeeled in delight. It was something ridiculous like $7.00 too.
My bracelets are a mixture from etsy and he large one I got bought for me when I was in Thailand. I was sitting at this little tiki bar talking to the bar gals, trying to talk about our lives, where they are from and their families brought very broken English. It was quite funny actually, sitting the for 5hrs sipping on Malibu, haggling at lady boys & having D&M's with ladies you can hardly understand. Abyway they asked why I was there in Thailand, a trip I'd planned for myself and also what I do for work. They were so estatic to hear of my career as a nurse & my further studies to become a midwife so they called over a local lass sellin jewels and showered me in them. So surreal but so special, they were all clapping and laughing wih tears in their eyes. Ha,then started a man hating conversation but we won't go there, that's something I've released from this little mind.

Pout: This is a lipstick I picked up whilst in NYC earlier this year, another trip I did all on my lonesome. It was so wonderful. Anyway I purchased it at Sephora and it's shade 'Rouge 10'. So delicious.

Have a Devine-o weekend lovelies.
Au Revoir.






Wednesday 26 October 2011

The life of a Lady in Love

Bonjour, Je m'appelle Laura. I am a 27 year old lady having a love affair with all thangs vintage.

I have made this here blog to store and share pictures of my favourite frocks and outfits that I have been collecting and all my secrets on where I find my treasures.

My love affair is ripe with 1940's and 1950's glamour. From the Betty home maker look to the Hollywood starlet.

I find nothing more fulfilling than accessorising an outfit (minus my day job that supports this habit). From the shoes, what shade of lipstick I will plump my lips with to the jewels and all the way up to how I''m going to set my hair, Oh and to pin back with what clip or flower.
These are all decisions some would say are a chore that a gal faces on a daily basis. One that I adore.

Welcome to my world of all things Kitsch, all things full of love.


These are a few of my favourite items and some 'must haves' I believe a lady should have.

Dress : The dress I am wearing is a cute little number my mother had sewn for me from a vintage pattern, made with love and from an era where all garments were made to hug and love all the right spots.
The bolero I am wearing is from Route 66 in Melbourne. A great shop that makes amazing repo pieces. www.route66.com.au It's a lovely blend of mohair and wool and I believe every gal needs one in her wardrobe for those autumn nights when all you need is something on your shoulders to keep you cosy.

Cocktail Set : For all those hot summer days lazing by the pool with your girl friends or heating up the night with a martini in expectation of dancing the evening away with a handsome man. This one I picked up whilst in Cairns recently at a Vintage store owned and run by a Lovely Lady called Lucy. She collects lots of lovely goodies from around the country and sells them both in store and online. You just must check her out, you'll be in for a treat www.facebooks.com/Love-Lucy-Vintage-Botique

Jewels : Every lady must own a string of pearls and if you're lucky like me you can even have the matching bracelet and earrings. These ones I picked up on my last trip to Thailand. I bought them on the island of Phuket, real sea pearls, what a delight.

Powder room : We all know how adorable it feels to have a splash of perfume on you neck and a bright little pout. It's sure to turn the heads of every man you pass. I can easily say most ladies I know have a distinct scent which is of course labelled by a perfume. It's funny how that also sticks with you, I haven't seen some ol'friends for years but when I smell  certain perfume I instantly am reminded of them. I think I have about 4 favourite perfumes. This one is currently my favourite, my 'scent' and was picked up duty free on one of my trips this past year. Now lipsticks, this is something each boudoir should not be limited, I believe every outfit must have it's own shade.