Fun In The Sun

I made a lovely discovery at the St Kilda Night Market, which will be back in action in the new year: Perfect Parasols.

I think they are positively the loveliest way to stylishly shade yourself from the sun's burning rays. Don't you agree? Although I must admit to enjoying a good dose of vitamin D every now and then, there is nothing worse than being unable to find sufficient shade when out and about.

These parasols were available many different designs and colours and could be that perfect summer accessory for the vintage enthusiast.

Merry Christmas Kittens!

Lots of love,

Vintage Verve (and the Puppycat).

See you in 2009!

St Kilda Sights & Sounds

Last Thursday night I headed out to the St Kilda Beach Night Market, held in the O'Connell Gardens in the shadow of Luna Park's roller coaster:

I managed to get a couple of quick shots of blue sky before the clouds and rain set in (again).

The night market is held on Thursday evenings from 5 -10pm. There is a break over Christmas so the next one is on the 8th of January 2009. If you are in Melbourne, I highly recommend it.

There are loads of stalls selling home made and vintage goods. The food stalls are unbelievable, trading in everything from Paella, organic felafel and veggie burgers right through to Argentinean BBQ! Delish!

There were a couple of vendors of major interest for vintage lovers, but I'll leave them for another post.

I didn't come away empty handed, I couldn't resist snapping a pair of these gorgeous little ruffled bloomers for my brand new niece, Emme, who was born last Tuesday:

Soooo cute! I can't wait to see them on her little tushy!

Blooming Romance

As discussed before on this post, I was looking forward to seeing Baz Lurhmann's epic Australia. I don't care what anyone says. I don't care if you are a critic, I don't care if you think that Nicole Kidman is woeful or otherwise. I sat through the whole 165 minutes glued to that screen. I laughed. I cried. I loved it.

I wanted Lady Sarah Ashley's wardrobe and to pash Hugh Jackman:


Oh Hugh...kiss me you fool!

Sigh.... Where was I? Yes, the movie and it's costumes. I am now obsessed with gardenias. So I had a custom clip made by this lovely eBay Lady

It's very rockabilly, which isn't usually strictly my style, but sometimes you have to branch out of your comfort zone and widen your horizons, don't you think? Besides, casual Friday on my last day in the office for the year is the perfect opportunity to try it out!

Cheap Frills

Tonight after work, I am heading into the city to meet some friends for a cocktail and dinner at fabulous Asian restaurant Seamstress. I needed something dressy enough for dinner and smart enough for work so I ended up combining both new and old pieces of my wardrobe:

The jacket you might recognise from my previous post here and the skirt is an old one from Portmans. I love the skirt for it's cute knife pleats that line the hem all the way around. The ruffle flicks out as I walk:

Finally, I've added an old scarf knotted at the neck to add a little flair. I hope it doesn't scream "trolley dolly" too much, what do you think?

Naturally, because I live in Melbourne, I have matching red pashmina and a black three quarter sleeved jacket to keep back the after-dark chill. Oh my! What has happened to our Australian summer?

Dress Up

Here is the dress I discovered at the Poppet Christmas drinks last week:


The floaty chiffon has a lovely swish to it and moves so nicely when you walk.

Jet black with diamante details on the shoulder, I added my own patent leather skinny belt and matching wedges. I think it says "sophisticated cocktail hour".

Unhappy with the light yesterday afternoon, I attempted to find a better spot for some photos. Unfortunately the Puppycat insisted on having her head in every shot and I soon gave up trying to fix things:

Maybe I'll get better photos of the details another day!

J'adore....

Bernie Dexter.

Bernie Dexter is one of my style icons. She is the epitome of the modern rockabilly and has modeled extensively for many reproduction vintage clothing lines including What Katie Did, Whirling Turban, Stop Staring and Babygirl Boutique.

A former make-up artist with MAC cosmetics, she one day found herself in front of the camera rather than behind the scenes. She entered into the Viva Las Vegas (VLV) Pin-Up competition and the rest, as they say, is history.

Known for her modern pin-up girl look, Bernie has been compared to 50's wild child Bettie Page whom passed away last weekend:

The similarity is spooky don't you think?

Bernie has taken her popular image and in partnership with other designers has developed her own signature lines of lingerie, shoes and furs across the US and Europe.

Meow Kittens!

I love her bad-girl glamour - those pouty red lips, smokey eyes and the glossiest hair I have ever seen! Now if only I could get even close to her 32-24-35 measurements! Hmmm. That would mean no more chocolate or Champagne. NOT going to happen!

Hello Poppet!

I was invited along to Poppet Vintage's Christmas party last night by owner, the lovely Jules:

The Lovely Jules from Poppet Vintage

I do recommend all Vintage Fashionistas pay her a visit in North Fitzroy if you are in Melbourne for some really gorgeous vintage clothing treasures. I couldn't resist a floaty black chiffon frock that I snapped up quick smart as I browsed amongst her stellar choices:


A multi talented woman, Jules also sells a range of her own delightful hand made crafts:


And naturally, it was great to see some of Melbourne's premier bloggers there too:

Esme & The Laneway, Super Kawaii Mama

Unfortunately I had to dash off early, but I plan to be back in the not too distant future!

Nifty Thrifty

When browsing at the Camberwell Market on the weekend, I spied a cute little red linen cropped jacket hanging in a stall. Its vibrant colour caught my eye and I thought it would go well with a camisole, jeans and red heels:

It nips in at the waist and is almost like a vest with capped sleeves. Best of all, it fit me perfectly! $12? Who could say no???? Certainly not me!

Then, as I was about make off with my newly found treasure, I spied something else in a similar hue of red, with some embroidered coconut palms:

I unfolded what I thought was part of vintage table cloth to find out it was, in fact, a great 70's wrap skirt. With the help of two very enthusiastic stall holders, I got wrapped and tucked and tied into it. Wouldn't you know it, jacket and skirt looked like they'd been made for each other:

The stall holder had never put the two together, but once she saw them both on me she knocked 50% off the skirt. Happy days! So it looks like I have a new 50's looking outfit for the office Christmas dinner this Friday night for the princely sum of $27.

I just love hunting for a bargain!

Giving All You Can Give

I adore Christmas. I put it down to the wonderful childhood memories I have of this time of year.

The smell of pine needles indoors, big family get togethers, excited children, long lunches and longer dinners. Delicious food everywhere. What's not to love?

Waking up on Christmas morning to see all the lovingly wrapped gifts under the tree was always a highlight as a child. Giving and receiving presents is, lets face it a whole lot of fun.

But now that I'm all grown up, my take on Christmas is slightly different.

While not wealthy by any stretch, I am comfortable. I have a roof over my head and cupboards of food. I have a close, loving family and a wonderful group of friends. I don't want for anything in my life. I don't need more stuff.

So while giving and receiving gifts is still part of my treasured Christmas routine, I no long buy lavish gifts. This year each member of my family will receive a small, inexpensive gift plus a donated gift, in their name, from one of these charities:

• School Supplies for a Child from ADRA Australia ($11.00)
• A chicken or goat from World Vision Australia Smiles ($6 & $39 respectively)
• Gift of Sight Card from Fred Hollows Foundation (min $25)
• A toy for a hospitalised child from Starlight Children's Foundation (from $15.50)

So, I'm just putting this out there. I'm not a perfect person by any means, but I do know how truly lucky I am and this is just my small way of sharing the Christmas love.

xx

To Market, To Market

I had a bit of an adventure yesterday, as I explored the Camberwell Market in advance of hosting a stall there next weekend.

While I was there I picked up some rather excellent bargains, including some that shall be dutifully wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree for others. Yay. Don't you just love giving presents? Watching someone open gifts from me is actually my favourite part of the whole Christmas experience.

Here is a sample of my haul:

Christmas Baubles: $2 per box

Silver Bag: $5
Freshwater Pearl Necklace: $29
Silver Ballet Flats: $12

I only realised after I got home that most of my purchases were silver. Weird. But pretty - no?

I also found the most AMAZING 70's red linen wrap skirt and separate cropped jacket that matched, but that's for another post.

Retro Friday

Like many corporate offices, mine embraces the "Casual Friday" tradition.

There's nothing quite like rocking up to work in jeans and an old t-shirt. But casual shouldn't mean sloppy!

My special touch was this merle grey bonds t-shirt that I decorated myself with a fab retro iron on transfer from the 70's:

While I'm not exactly a Bulldogs fan (I'm actually a Tigers girl), I love the glitter outline, the slick print and the fact I took something new and gave it it's own retro look.

It just goes to show, even if you think you're not creative, there are a myriad of ways to incorporate your own personal style into what you wear. Sew old buttons onto fingerless mittens and jacket lapels, take that costume jewelery piece and turn it into your own custom brooch for your jeans, berets, scarves headbands. Tie that neckerchief around your belt loop or hair bun. There is no limit to your imagination - give it a try!

T-shirt - Bonds, decorated by me
Jeans - Jag
Sequin ballet flats - eBay

And The Winner Is...

Thanks to all those who left me their fashion disaster stories over the last couple of days in response to this post.

As promised, I chose what I thought was the best fashion disaster story. You know what? It was a difficult choice!

There were some of you who wrote about the outfits you are now embarrassed about, but I don't think these were disasters. They were expressions of your influences and those of the times and should therefore be embraced - you were at the forefront of fashion at the time!

Although honourable mention must go to Cat of Impossible Colour, I have awarded Rosey my cute hoop earrings with heart, squiggles and pink details for her true fashion disaster, from which she recovered with true fashionista aplomb:

"When something so wrong becomes so right....

All I knew for sure was the color; I wanted to wear something soft lemon to a x-mas party a couple of years ago. I envisaged a dress; gorgeous, flowing, sexy and a bit quirky, so I raided my cupboard in search of something to work with....(rather something that my miracle-worker dress maker could work with) I came across a fabulous vintage - lemon color - nightie(!) from the 50's that I had bought at Hunters and Gatherers years before.

I took it to my dress maker and asked for an ethereal, flowy yet sexy design and sketched it with lots of arm movements to support my vision. I bought some really good quality silk for the lining and she dutifully worked her magic.

A week later I went back for a fitting and I've got to tell you, I was disappointed. As I took it off in the dressing room I noticed that the lining material and stitching was so immaculate - the inside was perfect!!
I put on the dress inside out and it was STUNNING! In her 30 years as a dress-maker she had never made a dress perfect by turning it inside out! It was a one of a kind dress that stole the show on the night! Moral of the story - yes, buy that fabulous quirky piece, have a good dress maker and always spend money on good quality lining!! "

Congratulations Rosey, these babies are coming your way:

It's All In The Details.

I shrugged on one of my vintage cardigans to brighten up my outfit today.

Click on images to see them enlarged. Sorry about the state of my lighting and location today!




It's one of the reasons why I adore vintage clothing. It's all in the details. Soft lambswool, hand stitched lining and thousands of tiny beading over the front, collar, cuffs and waist band, without the 'bedazzler' look. They certainly don't make them like they used to.

Here's a close up of the white version of my earrings, courtesy of Lady Melbourne's Vintage Emporium that I posted about the other day. Once again it's the detail of these that really make them special, don't you think?


Don't forget, you still have a whole day to tell me your fashion disaster story and secure your chance to win a prize from you to me.

Things That Make You Go Yay (Follow up post)

And then.... I broke a g*d@mn nail.

Could this day get any worse?

Well, as it just so happened, no it didn't. In fact, it got a whole lots better.

In the mail a little package was waiting for me, some darling earrings from Lady Melbourne's Vintage Emporium - Hooray!

There were two pairs, one red (which I put on straight away) and one white.


And it got me thinking. This a little package in the mail lifted my spirits and made me smile.

So I thought I'd share the love with you, my dear reader.

In light of my confession of a fashion disaster in my previous post today (the one about the LBD and lack of Hollywood tape), I will award the best fashion disaster story with this gift from you to me:

In order for you to win these cute hoop earrings with heart, squiggles and pink details, leave your story in the comments section of this post, Then email your postal details to me at vintageverve@hotmail.com.

The winner will be chosen solely at my discretion and announced on Friday 5th December 2009 on this blog. My decision will be final and no discussion will be entered into.

My comments section is open to anyone and everyone so tell your friends! However I can only post these babies to addresses within Australia or New Zealand. Thank you for understanding.

Things That Make You Go Arrrgh!

Sigh. Today is one of those days.

You know the one: you over-sleep, forget your lunch, the traffic is a nightmare and the boom gates to the parking are not working.

You end up running late for your first meeting of the day and then someone points out this:

ARRRRRRG! How did I not notice this? While I understand that it is not the end of the world and more of an annoyance, it took away from my black skirt with the cute pleats at the back:

"Dry you eyes, Princess" I told myself sternly. After all, it isn't the most embarrassing fashion misfortune to befall you. That award is strictly reserved for the time I wore a cute LBD I bought in Italy to an awards dinner that should have been accompanied by Hollywood tape to keep "the girls" contained..... but that's another story!

Skirt - Portmans
Turtleneck - Portmans
Black Cardi - MNG (London)
Shoes - Midas

Cocktails & Cupcakes

I had the most divine afternoon on Saturday, spending a few hours with some of Melbourne's premier female fashion bloggers.

We shared stories, laughter, ideas and our experiences regarding blogging and how to keep things interesting!

The unpredictable Melbourne weather had me in a spin as I flitted between a lovely light cotton tea-dress or a warmer, high waisted skirt and jacket. In the end, the warmer outfit won and in true Melbourne fashion, on arrival at our stylish venue (complete with faux grass and waiters in tennis gear) the clouds gave way to brilliant sunshine. Oh well. My tea dress will keep for another sunny day!

I had such a lovely time in the company of women who were all so different, so stylish and so talented. I highly recommend you drop by the blogs of each - they give a multi-layered perspective of how diverse Melbourne is. They each add unique colour to the rainbow of style found in and around our city:

Lady Melbourne & Super Kawaii Mama


Circa Vintage, Fashion Hayley Hits Home, Peeptoes & Pedicures, AusStyle


Super Kawaii Mama, Esme & the Laneway, Porcelain Blonde


Esme & the Laneway with Ditta Von Tesse's new book


The always glamorous Super Kawaii Mama


Stylish Stockings of Esme & The Laneway


The perfectly shod feet of Porcelain Blonde


Fashion Hayley doing what she does best!

x