My Goodness What a Year!

I know that many of you would have given up on me ever returning to the blogging world and I feel terrible for having neglected you for so long....

My world has been rather a whirlwind of late. It may have had something to do with the following arrivals within 14 and a half months:

Yes, I have been rather busy kittens!

I have two beautiful additions to my family - which means that vintage clothing has been hanging, unworn in my wardrobe for some time. Oh, how I've yearned for the waistline to be able to fit into my vintage dresses again.

However, as my latest arrival is only 14 weeks old, you will understand that I am now in possession of some extra curves on my already established ones! But I live in the real world too, so I'm not overly concerned and in the mean time, I've "made do" with this gorgeous number by my new favourite dress maker: Grace of Autumn

So my promise to you is to update more regularly, share my latest handmade, vintage or wonderful new discoveries as I am even more exposed to them now I am officially a Vintage Style Mamma!

Christmas kisses, Kittens!

xx

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?

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

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?

Stop Staring! Ok, You Can Look!

As per my previous post, last Sunday I got together with some wonderful Australian bloggers to meet, share blogging tips and tricks and have just a jolly good afternoon.

I pulled out a dress that I have only worn once to the races a couple of years ago and decided it needed another outing. From the US label Stop Staring Clothing, this dress has a vintage 50's look, with modern fabric and detailing. The bengaline fabric has just the right amount of stretch to be both flattering and supremely comfortable.

Slightly over-exposed photo, but a good indication of the 'new look' shape of this dress.

I love the opportunity to wear my crinoline (petticoat). Click to make all my images larger Kittens.

Neckline and tie/button detail

Bright red lips were the order of the day!

I'm only posting this photo because if you look carefully, you'll see a butterfly flitted past just as the shot was taken. Can you see it?

Stop Staring make some really lovely vintage reproduction dresses, which is very handy if you, like me, are not strictly a vintage purist. As I am not a collector of museum pieces, I see nothing wrong with altering a vintage piece to suit or fit me better. Clothing is (IMHO), after all, meant to be worn.

A Very Vintage Wedding

Everyone loves a wedding!

C'mon Kittens - admit it. Every time you see a car hood adorned with ribbon you hope to catch a glimpse of a bride on her big day as the car sails by. You crane your neck when you see a happy couple having their "candid" photos done on the beach or in the park with their various attendants traipsing along behind them, bouquets in hand.

The most interesting thing I find about weddings is the fashion. Of the guests and bridal party alike. Pick up any of the massive bible-thick tomes dedicated to selling the marriage day dream and you will see interesting interpretations of what to wear on "the biggest day of your life" (well for most, it is only the biggest day so far Kittens, remember that...).


What's in vogue now may not be what our grandmothers wore, but ever since Queen Victoria chose a white gown that was specifically intended to only be worn on her wedding day, Western brides around the world have followed suit.


White silk gown circa 1910


Silk Damask gown circa 1946


Groom Wears RAF uniform, circa 1947 (don't you just love their happy expressions and all the confetti?)



Hand crocheted gown circa 1972 (check out the fab velvet bow tie and white suit on the groom!)

For me, with my adoration of Dior's "New Look", I just love the modern reproductions and interpretations:

The original:

Audrey Hepburn, 1954

The Modern Reproduction:

Dolly Couture "Milan Dress" 2009

All these photos got me thinking.... Did you or would you wear your mother, grandmother or other female relative's gown on your own wedding day? Why or why not? Should the day be a pure reflection of the couple's own style and taste, or is there room for family tradition or sentimentalilty?

I want to know what you think Kittens.

Every Girl Deserves: Red Shoes

Don't you just love statement shoes? I've posted before on my love of them. Without a doubt, I think that a pair of red shoes has the power to lift, not only your entire ensemble, but your confidence and mood. Red shoes say "I have flair, style AND the confidence to pull them off" plus, I have never, EVER heard a single person say anything negative about any of the four pair I personally own and wear.

I think we all need a few more Dorothy moments in our lives!

Here are my newest additions:

Red patent leather, kitten heels and bling! What's not to love?

What are your "statement" pieces and how do you style them? Share your thoughts with me Kittens.

The One That Got Away...

Have you ever looked at something a couple of times, gone back and forth, ummed and aaahed, then finally made up your mind to go ahead and buy it, only to find someone has beaten you to it?

Oh the misery!

Here is the object of my covetous desire:

While waiting for an answer from an overseas seller on the postage options available, someone else snatched this one away from me.

I even have the shoes to go with it!

To make matters worse, I have a looming deadline for an important event where not only am I a VIP, but the theme is "Vintage Glamour". I almost cried as I kicked myself for not buying it yesterday, when it still could have been mine.

I'm off to lie down and have a Bex. Maybe drown my misery in Champagne. *sniff*

It makes me want to know Kittens: how do you make yourself feel better when you've had a less than perfect day? I'm in dire need of inspiration!

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.

Sunny Sunday

There are lots of classic designers of beautiful vintage clothing but there are a couple that I just love. One of those is Alfred Shaheen of Hawaii. Shaheen was famous for his stunning prints that were all made in his self built Oahu printing workshop and his designs of men's and woman's clothing were made by seamstress trained by his mother. From humble beginnings, Alfred became one of the most creative and prolific manufacturers in the post WW2 fashion boom.


Some of you may know of the gorgeous eBay store, Whirling Turban who base many of their reproduction styles on his designs from the 50's & 60's.

When I first saw this dress I knew I had to have it. The halter neck that buttons at the neck with three self covered buttons. The low back, the wrap around tie at the waist, the beautiful rose print (with famous "Shaheen" signature) and maxi style skirt it screamed "love me all summer long". I jumped at the chance to snap it up. Ok, so it was a little on the small side, but lately this Vintage Vixen has been a very good kitty kat and as a result it fits now (cue applause please).




I've tried to capture the low back that is attached to the belt that wraps around to the front:

I was so excited to see that it came with rare matching shawl, so rare that these two high quality pieces have not only survived beautifully, but have not been separated.

Tea For Two

Happy New Year Kittens!

Sorry it's been a while since I posted. I have been rather caught up with Christmas, holidays and celebrations (but more of that later) !

And, wouldn't you know it.... as soon as I return to the office, brilliant sunshine streams down a lovely 29 degrees! I suspect that many are still on holidays, judging by the lack of traffic and the quietness of my phone, not that I'm complaining!

But I digress.... the gorgeous Melbourne summer has arrived and so it's time to break out the comfortable cotton Tea Dress:

I've been told that bold prints are de rigueur at the moment and I love the 50's style of this Vintage reproduction dress that I found at Velour in St Kilda (where the delightful Trish Hunter Finds works).

The cross over sweetheart neckline, the pleats in the full skirt and wide waist band make it comfortable and very easy to dress either up or down:

Those of you with an eagle eye may have noticed a brand new "addition" to my left hand in the first photo.... let me know if you require details!

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!