It's Couture Kittens! COURTURE!

Oh my goodness, I think I may have to have a lie down!

The reason for my somewhat over-excited state is re-visiting all the gorgeous photos from the "Golden Age of Couture" Exhibition I recently visited in Bendigo with the delightful Nicole from Circa Vintage Clothing.

Once again, I urge you to visit this exhibition if you have the opportunity. I am based in Melbourne and it was worth every minute of the entire 4 hour round trip drive just to see it.

These were my stand-out favorites amongst an impressive amount of truly stellar examples. Click on the images for a closer look Kittens!

Dress and petticoat by Pierre Balmain: Perfect for a 50's retro bride don't you agree?


We saw this stunning, silk rose-print Pierre Balmain dress, sans black bow. Spectacular!


This above is the famous Christian Dior "Zemire". The V&A acquired this ensemble in 2006. It had been stored in a cellar by the Seine in Paris and had to be cleaned and repaired before it could be displayed.

This hand-beaded organza gown by Hubert de Givenchy was awe-inspiring in its detail.

But this was the gown that took my breath away:

This red silk evening dress by Cristobal Balenciaga is beyond divine. Quite plain and simple at the front, it is the covered button, bustled skirt and bow detail at the back that makes this gown the belle amongst a large collection of BEAUTIFUL ballgowns.

Photos courtesy of The Golden Age of Couture exhibition catalogue edited by Claire Wilcox and the V&A website.

Horses? What Horses?

One of the most fabulous things about Melbourne in November is of course the Spring Racing Carnival.

The shops are brimming with lots of soft, feminine dresses, hats, fascinators of all shapes sizes and colours, to say nothing of the multitudes of matching shoes and handbags.

I have been the lucky guest at racetrack car parks and marquees over many seasons and they keep telling me there are actually horses there somewhere. I don't believe them though.... Too many pretty things on two legs to look at!

Now as a seasoned race-goer, I must admit that I have also seen the very worst of the worst over the years in terms of what some young ladies consider as appropriate race wear. In many instances I have wanted to grab some poor unsuspecting girl , shake her by the shoulders and shout "nightclub wear is NOT race ware!!" But I digress...

My theme for this year's Carnival was "40's Glamour"

Now, you will have to excuse these reasonably non-descriptive photos as these were taken before I decided to start Vintage Verve, so I have no shots of the stockings, shoes, clutch purse or other close up details!

Sinmay, feather and netting fascinator - David Jones (from about four seasons ago)
High waisted skirt with button detail - Miss Hussy Clothing (eBay)
Sunny Girl Blouse with ruffled detail and ric-rac edging - InStore Clothing, Acland St
Witchery Black wool swing jacket - consignment store in Elsternwick
Faux pearl necklace - Corner Closet, Acland St