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

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.

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!