Friday Blog Crush - Lady Melbourne

I thought I'd share with you some of the wonderful blogs that initiated my own interest in blogging and continue to inspire me.

Lady Melbourne is a fabulous mix of style and fun. Not only is she in tune with what's happening in my gorgeous home town (and her namesake) but with her fashion writing and connections she's also across the movers and shakers here in Australia and Internationally.

From the Lady Melbourne blog:

Phoebe is a freelance journalist with a background in fashion design. She hails from her namesake city but has travelled the world and lived in Sydney and London. After running her own label for 7 years, she now focuses her time on the pages you are about to read, and freelance writing assignments.

LM does all her own styling and photography, is generous with her time for other bloggers and her readers too. Plus she really knows how to find a bargain and style it all so perfectly.

If she isn't already on your must read list, I highly recommend you follow her today.

Have a gorgeous weekend, Kittens!

Spring Racing Advice - Keep Yourself Nice, Kittens

The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is in full swing Kittens! I just love this time of year.

If you are lucky enough to be heading to the track this year, I have some advice to help get you through the long days and subsequently long festive nights in tip top shape.


Rule number one Kittens: Nightclub wear is NOT appropriate race wear. Decorum and etiquette go hand in hand. Remember, this is a day time event - try to head more in the feminine, pretty direction, rather than man-eating vamp direction. Less is definitely not more.



2. Colour is your friend. There is nothing wrong with the classic black and white ensemble (after all, B&W is the traditional theme for Derby Day), but this is a great opportunity to to let colours show off your skin tone:


Sigh. I just adore Nicolangela dresses (above).


3. Be prepared! Keep bandaids, Hollywood tape, tampons and aspirin in your purse. Generously offer them to others 'caught short' during the day.


4. Check the weather report well in advance. Don't freeze to death for the sake of fashion and for heaven's sake - wear sunscreen all over lest your shoulders and back end up matching your garish hat/sash/shoes:

(I have nothing nice to say regarding these ensembles, so I shall remain silent...)


5. (and this is a big one) EAT as well as drink. Imbibe H2O as well as the free flowing champagne.

You'll not only feel better the next morning, but you'll also avoid scenes such as the wreck below:

Not a good look Kittens. Not a good look at all.


Finally, rule 6. Think about your shoes. Try not to trial brand new ones that slice through your tender tootsies after an hour's wear. Wedges are ideal for standing on grass and there are many choices available this season. If you cannot get the right colour to match your accessories go for a neutral or nude colour - these will go with everything in your wardrobe and keep you looking nice long after the last race is run and the last train home has pulled away from the station.


What are your tips for keeping your self nice during the racing season?

The Way We Were - Vintage Magazines

A little while ago, I came across quite a magnificent find: an original copy of The Australian Home Journal from 1954! (click on the images to make them larger)

I just adore real vintage magazines. They are a true snapshot of not only the fashions of the day, but of the societal attitudes and cultural norms - so fascinating!

This one edition contained so many interesting stories, articles and advertisements that I want to share with you, kittens, that I have decided to do a series of posts on the "Way we were" topic.

The magazine was also a reinforcement of the fashion cycle theory - that past era styles come back into fashion every so often and that some are always in vogue (and thus, 'classics').

For example: The shirt dress:

First seen in the 1940's the shirt dress has been a staple fashion classic ever since. Above, we see the 1954 take, including the belted waist and flared skirt, as well as a more tailored look.


Here are two examples of the modern shirt dress, from Spiegels in the US and Dorothy Perkins from the UK.

What styles do you think never go out of fashion, Kittens?

Spring Trend Alert - It's all below deck...

Now, if you are like me, you are starting to think about this year's Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, and more to the point, studiously observing the latest trends to incorporate into your look.

One thing I have noticed is the emphasis on statement shoes and legs. Observe:

Bright red with polka dots on dark legs and Mary-Janes with bobby socks! I loved that gorgeous petti-skirt in contrasting royal blue too.

Diamante studded wedges with patterned stockings (I am still undecided about the open toes with stockings look - what do you think?)

Another fantastic example of statement pins! I just love these stockings - fishnets with roses!

More Mary-Janes with bobby socks. You can get those delicious Vivienne Westwoods here.

Creating interest in one's legs is never a bad thing Kittens!

What's your Spring trend?

Spotted.... The Age Tuesday 8th September 2009

Let this be a lesson to you Kittens:

Just because you may be down the back and unable to see the lovely fashions at Miss Green's Garden Party for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, don't think that you won't get noticed....

Much to my chargrin, my efforts to not damage either myself or the chair I was utilising was considered appropriate fodder for The Age's photographer and so this is what greeted me on Tuesday morning as I sipped my coffee:

As a veteran of many a Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, I have always been fastidious in my belief to NEVER remove one's shoes, even if they are like so many red hot knives slicing flesh from bones at the end of the day. Sigh. Trust my luck to be 'papped' when I was only being mindful of the furnishings!

Thanks to the ever lovely Ask Bronny (far left), Jess and my gorgeous friend Lisa (far right) for making the picture even funnier.

Blue & Green Can Always Been Seen

What is one to do on an overcast Sunday?

Why, head out to join the fashionistas of Melbourne at Miss Green's Garden Party, brought to you by Miss Greens Wardrobe of course!

It did send me into a bit of a dither. What does one wear to a races themed garden party?

Always a fan of doing things differently, I decided that blue and green should definitely been seen:

I also caught up with the ever beautiful Ask Bronny (above, right), took in some lovely cupcakes and of course a couple of glasses of Champagne (after all, what's a fashion show with out it, Kittens?)

I noticed quite a lot of new trends for spring, so stay tuned for another update to keep you on-trend for the coming season!

x

Making New "Classic"

I've had a couple of requests for some more shots of my wedding in May of this year. So if you'll indulge me, I just thought I'd share a couple of my favorites that I thought you'd like.

As I've already explained, we did not have a vintage theme to our day, rather, I chose 'understated elegance' as my guide when making my wedding day related selections.

Black and white photography can really help set the scene and these shots assisted me in producing a 'classic' look, as opposed to a modern one.

If you click on the images, they will enlarge for your detailed, viewing pleasure.

These next few are in colour, but again, reflect the look and feel I was trying to achieve, without trying too hard.

Enjoy, Kittens!

Photography: Glen J Nelson Wedding Photography

Shot on location: The Basillica of Our Lady of Victories, Camberwell & Quat Quatta, Ripponlea

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week - Giddy Up!

Hello Kittens

I'm so excited! Spring is in the air and you know what that means.....

Yes, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is almost upon us!

I've just secured my tickets to this year's must event: Miss Green's Garden Party.

This is a note from Miss Green:

"Miss Green’s Garden Party is an eco-minded fashion event that will be held in the lush surrounds of The Willows and is part of the official schedule for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2009.

Local established and emerging designers have been invited to take part in a fashion show and design an outfit worthy of the Spring Racing Carnival exclusively for the event. The difference is they must be created using only eco-friendly materials. Many of the pieces will be auctioned off at the Garden Party with 50% of the purchase price being donated to the designer’s favourite charity. Where else can you buy a one-off designer outfit fit for ‘Fashions on the Field’ completely guilt free?

The dream designer line-up includes: Jenny Bannister, Nicolangela, Miss Lyndel Yeo, Anna Campbell, Alexi Freeman, Sideshow Design, Leonard St, Made In Donald, DavisEyes, K.B.A.D, Sara Victoria, Lady Petrova, Eva Q, Tiffany Treloar, Nikolina Concepts, Messina Designs, Joolz, Hopeless and Hair Fascinators."

So if you are in Melbourne on Sunday 6th September and are looking for inspiration for your Spring Racing Carnival outfit (and who isn't?) here is a way to have a champagne, enjoy the surrounds and help charity all at once. At $35 a ticket (which includes a to die for goodie bag).


Don't delay Kittens, tickets are getting scarce, so visit Miss Green today - see you there!

Be Right Back Kittens

Hello Kittens!

Sorry for the unplanned hiatus! Rest assured, all is well.

I've been a busy bee in the office and I've got lots of exciting things planned for you all very soon including some fab outfit posts plus some lovely discounts and prizes for you too - stay tuned!

J' Adore: Suzy Perette

One can never have too many LBDs - Rather like shoes (but I digress).

I'd like to share my favorite with you.

I have spent an inordinate amount of time looking at vintage clothing online, both here and overseas and every so often you discover a name that you realise is synonymous with quality and style.

One of these is Suzy Perette. Here's a little bit from the Vintage Fashion Guild about this particular brand.

Imagine how excited I was to find one of my own.

I love this dress for so many reasons:

It's more Joan Holloway than Peggy Olson
It's in my favorite "Festive Melbourne Black"

It hugs my curves in all the right places

It has a deep V back

It has pockets, Kittens - POCKETS!!

Here is a slightly over exposed shot to show the bow detail at the front.

What's not to love?

The LBD can be dressed up or down. Killer heels for the inner vamp, diamonds or pearls for the sophisticate. Puurfect for cocktails, dinner or swanning around the office with a cute cardi and vixen eyes...

Be truthful - how many little black dresses are in your wardrobe, Kitten? What do you like to wear them with?

See This - Coco Avant Chanel

Last night, I escaped the wintry Melbourne weather with a trip to the cinema with some fellow bloggers including Fashion Hayley, Super Kawaii Mama and Sea of Ghosts to watch Audrey Tatou's portrayal of fashion icon Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.

What This Movie Is About:

The movie gave a very in-depth look at the background of Coco before her career in couture in Paris. It charts her rise from tavern-singer to hat maker and the people who influenced her including her sister and various friends and lovers.

What This Movie Isn't About:

The clothes.

This is a story for devotees of Chanel the woman, rather than Chanel, the fashion house.

There was one scene where Chanel clad models drifted down a mirrored staircase like so many pieces of brightly coloured confetti (I literally held my breath during this gorgeous visual feast), but this movie is about Coco the non-conformist.

I still enjoyed this film and thought Tatou's Chanel was executed very well. There were many scenes where Coco had no dialogue, but her thoughts and moods leapt from Audrey Tatou's eyes, carriage and subtle facial expressions.

Thanks to Nuff Nang for generously providing the tickets and my fellow bloggers for a lovely night out.

Super Kawaii Mama, Fashion Hayley, Sea of Ghosts and yours truly.

Resting now...

Michael Jackson - The man who warned us about going around breaking young girls hearts, gave us the Moonwalk and THE best excuse ever (blame it on the boogie) has gone.


And Farrah. As a young girl I dreamed of having your smile and your hair. I still want your hair.




People who die are never truly gone as long as we remember them. RIP.

And The Bride Wore...

Non-Vintage (Quell Horror!)

Hello Kittens! It's been a whirlwind of a month for me - first getting married and then jetting off on honeymoon.

But now I am back in Melbourne and settling in to married life (and attempting to get back into work mode....).

I've had a few requests for me to do a post about my wedding as there has been quite a bit of speculation as to what a Vintage Clothing blogger would wear as a bride.

Sorry to disappoint, but I decided not to wear vintage. Now before you run for the smelling salts, let me explain why.

First and foremost, a wedding is about two people coming together to celebrate their marriage. You hear a great deal about how a wedding is "all about the bride" but that is just not true, kittens (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise). The groom is equally as important and I detest the multi-billion dollar industry that breeds the attitude that they are merely an appendage on the big day.

Mr VV supports my vintage obsession with good grace, but it is really my, not his thing, if you understand what I mean and I wanted our wedding day to be about us - not just me.

I chose instead to wear very special heirloom pieces. Or, they will become heirloom pieces now.

My very wonderful and talented Mother Verve (MV) made my gown and my new Mother-in-law made my Cathedral length veil. MV also made the dresses for my brides maids, the flower girl and also made our delicious wedding cake.

If you look closely, you may be able to spot my something blue (that after 6 hours had to be changed lest they cripple me during our dancing).


With my adorable niece flower girl


Father Verve walking me down the aisle.


Back view of my train and veil


Mr VV and I during our bridal dance.

Having the women in my family hand make my wedding gown and veil make them even more sentimentally valuable to me. All the fittings, discussions and sewing in the lead up to our wedding day were lovely bonding experiences that we will have to share forever.

And who knows.... perhaps one day one of my own children or a niece or even a great niece or grand daughter may want to wear an heirloom dress or veil, that will just so happen to be a carefully stored and pre-loved vintage item.

Bridal Belles

Hello Kittens

I'm off to be married tomorrow and then Mr VV is whisking me away overseas for our honeymoon, so I'll be gone for a couple of weeks.

In the mean time, here are some classic vintage brides for you to enjoy.



See you in a month!

xx

Channelling Mad Men - The Secretarial Pool

I have firmly caught the Mad Men bug, especially now that it is available on free to air TV in Australia (8.30pm Thursday nights, SBS).
Here is my homage to the secretarial pool:

Black pencil skirt - so old I can't remember where it came from. White polyester (I know... I know...) sheer blouse thrifted from Hunter Gatherer eons ago.

As always the devil (and charm) is in the details. The micro-pleat texture never needs pressing (purfect for this Kitten, who lacks any skill with an iron) and ruffles on each sleeve is mirrored in the high neckline too.

The decorative button and bow detail on the front ties in nicely with the functional buttons down the back.

All I need now is a note pad and pen.... take a letter Miss Verve....