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

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....

Gone A Bit Dotty

I have found that over the years I have avoided polka dots.

Sure, they can be cute in small amounts, but I don't think I've ever had the confidence to choose the right piece that would last more than half a season. They tend to be one of those flash trends that only last a couple of months and then they are... well... dated.

I broke my own rules with this skirt, thanks to a couple (or three) glasses of Champagne and eBay.

What hooked me in were the massive white button detail on the back of it (remember, you can click on the pics to enlarge them).

Teamed with a black turtleneck and skinny belt, I hoped to move the outfit away from the cutesy to something a little more sophisimacated for work.

So tell me - What trends do you try to avoid (no matter how many times they raise their trendy little heads)?

Skirt - eBay
Turtleneck - Susan
Belt - Country Road
Brooch - Velour on Barkly St St Kilda

Skirting The Issue

What's a girl to do when faced with a sudden heat wave?

Melbourne was a sweltering 33 degrees celcius on Wednesday so a taste of Summer was certainly sampled.

I decided to dress for comfort for the office in clean, crisp black and white.

Cool cotton blend is the way to go and I love how this skirt sits. It has a bit of strench (which is always handy for the larger vixens amongst us) and has interesting detailing including piping down the front. The paisley print avoids looking like bad 70's wallpaper by remaining monchrome.

Faux pearls dress up the plain sleeveless top for work and my simple black shoes have very cute little bows in contrasting white. Apologies for the shoe shot, I'm not too sure how to turn it around for easier viewing and I wouldn't want anyone to get a crick in the neck on account of me!

Skirt - Swish in Clarendon St South Melbourne
Top - Country Rd
Shoes - eBay

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