Another Discovery

The St Kilda Night Market is back, as featured in my previous post in December.

While perusing the stalls I was stopped dead in my tracks by this:

De. Vine.

Although the dress was a squillion sizes too small for this Vintage Vixen, I couldn't help notice the racks of gorgeous vintage men's and ladies clothing accompanying it either side:

Awesome men's shirts


Flirty woman's clothing from the 50's to 80's

The stall was being run by Melbourne costumier Amanda Fairbanks. Amanda sources vintage pieces for theatre, film and television and has created costumes for circus and stage performers here and around the world.

The exciting thing is that Amanda is on the cusp of launching her own online vintage clothing store, so those of you not fortunate enough to be based here in Melbourne can access her wares. She even has a hire service (for those fabulous pieces she cannot bear to let go) for those who are local. I'll let you know when it's all up and running!

How lovely is this 1960's French made jacket?

A close up of the label:

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.

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!

National Velvet

On Tuesday Night Mr TMS and I joined his parents and their friends for a nice casual dinner at Lau's Family Kitchen in St Kilda for their 8pm seating. If you have an opportunity to dine there, I recommend the Patagonian Toothfish - Mmmm delish!

Now even though I wear mostly dresses and skirts, I also happen to be a fan of jeans. I believe they can be incorporated into a look that says casually classy and can be as feminine as you want to be. You just need to team them with a key piece and the right accessories.

I've already established my love of wearing pearls, so I won't bore you with that again, but my particular statement piece for this outfit is the black velvet blazer:

I teamed it with a lace top and some red high heels (all girls should own at LEAST one pair of red shoes) and embellished the blazer with a vintage brooch that I constantly swap onto just about everything black that I wear.

Below is a close up of the detail of lace top:

Peep toe heels go well with a pedi and jeans!

Close up detail of vintage brooch:

Remember, you can click on any of my photos to see them enlarged.

Lee jeans - South Melbourne Market
Shoes - Tony Bianco (via eBay)
Lace Top - Witchery
Velvet Blazer - thrifted
Freshwater pearl necklace & earings - brideslave gift from my sister years ago!

Clutching At Straws

I was recently in the market for a new clutch purse to complete my "40's Glamour' outfit for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

I needed to replace the leeetil satin one that I had been using up to that point with one that was large enough to fit all the necessary accouterments that every lady needs:

• House keys
• Mobile phone
• Cash/Cards
• Lipstick
• Compact mirror
• Pen
• Raceday first aid - band aids, Hollywood tape, aspirin

And then I found one:

This cutie actually has a hard outer shell, so it protects all your girly must-haves and closes with a magnetic clasp.

I was rather pleased with my find!

The lining of the bag was a lovely combination of black and white striped and polka dot material. The inside also contained a secure zipper compartment as well as a little pocket for your phone and another for your tickets.



The black raffia clutch has sensuous curves that make it so comfortable to hold (or you can use the sweet chain link strap that comes tucked inside)


Morgan & Taylor Clutch - Corner Closet, Acland St, St Kilda