Postal Goodness

…My world has been hot and cold, my friend Lil had a party, and I’ve been ever so tired. I’ve had a horrible virus since last weekend, and I basically still don’t feel…. Right. I can’t shake the sheer exhaustion.

Still, thought I’d just pop in for a little bit, remind you I’m alive and sort of well, and share a little goody or two with you.

I received a little goody package in the mail today from the UK. Whatever could it be? Oh yes, those wonderful prints I ordered from the very talented, Hidden Eloise. Her artworks are just so creepy and calming and childish and deep all at once, and I love the forest animals succumbing to envy and seduction and weariness. When I saw she had 50% off for the festive season, my heart skipped a beat! The Australian dollar is going strong, a fantastic sale? What else could I do? Nothing but order some prints. It was only logical.

With packaging this cute, I actually squealed with delight! I’m going to have them framed in the New Year; I can’t wait to get them up on the wall!

Oh, and just to get you in the spirit, Christmas is in a month! I figured it was time to start the festivities.

In September, the lovely Astin Kirby gave me a book of Christmas poetry from the 1950s. It even smells like an old library book!I figured I’d share, as they’re quite quaint and American inspired – all about winter Christmas. Australian Christmas is nothing like that – we equate Christmas with bbqs, swimming, cicadas chirping, swatting flies off our lunch and the distinct possibility that Santa makes his visit wearing board shorts and holding a beer. Ok, I kid, that’s a very stereotypical view of Australian Christmas (well, the Santa Claus part, anyway...)

Still, to begin the fun, a little poem from 'Christmas Bells Are Ringing' Selected by Sara and John E Brewton, Macmillian Publishing Co., Inc, New York, copyright 1951.

When Santa Claus Comes

A good time is coming, I wish it were here,
The very best time in the whole of the year;
I'm counting each day on my fingers and thumbs-
The weeks that must pass before Santa Claus comes.

Then when the first snowflakes begin to come down,
And the wind whistles sharp and the branches are brown,
I'll not mind the cold, though my fingers it numbs,
For it brings the time nearer when Santa Claus Comes
- Author Unknown.

Feeling like a bit more Christmas cheer? Watch the Muppet’s A Christmas Carol. I watched it while home sick and it made me so cheery!

Love WTP x

The purchases you’ve waited for…

I walked into Tresors on Thursday night – it’s the cute little antique corner store when you come in off the Pitt Street Mall into The Strand. The store manager, Jennifer, knows me now. As in, sees me and laughs as she says, ‘Back again eh?’ As I came in, one of the store assistants noticed my cute shopping bag and admired it. Jennifer looks at her and says pointedly, ‘This girl gets great finds’. (If you ever pop in there, do say you heard about them from me!)

I’ve had a tonne of new vintage come home with me lately. Figured I’d document some of my newest, loveliest pieces for all to see.

Firstly, some new hats. This beautiful black 1930s stunner is fantastic! I love the bow and diamante detailing at the side. I think it will look fantastic with my 1940s evening dress here. The owner before me bought it in New York and it’s made from lovely black velour. The seller assured she’d never seen another like it. She described it as having a sort of daring look! Couldn’t agree more!

Up Close:

I’ve also bought another beautiful hat from the same seller on ebay to match the fabulous dress I bought at the vintage fair. It doesn’t get more fifties than this! I love that the hat and dress coordinate so well. Now all I need is a fur muff… and potentially some kind of ball to attend?

I’ve also gotten this uber sexy 70s maxi dress from Bowerbird Vintage (new stuff up again, check it out!). I love shades of blue and green lately, and boy this dress is fantastic!

And there’s also this uber 80s number, also from BBV. I think it would work well on a sci-fi show, as well as in my wardrobe. I feel like I should have trekkie ears – in a sexy way.

And of course…. New handbags…. These were from the vintage fair as well.

So anyway, there you go kiddlets. I’ll be back sometime this week with more goodies for you :)

Love WTP

Happy Tuesday!

The weather is warm again, the children are practicing piano next door, and I'm reading up on creating an organised home. The irony isn't lost on me.

Does anyone else agree that the Harper’s Bazaar for December is stunning? I’m not a huge fan of Miranda Kerr, but that Collette Dinnigan dress!

Saturday night I headed out to Ribs and Rumps with my boyfriend. It’s a great place to eat if you don’t mind spending a little more than usual and having succulent saucy steak! (Or ribs, yeah, wearing a bib). I decided not to go too girly for this one (after all, it is a steak house). Of course, I couldn’t resist a touch of class…

Top: Miss Shop

Skirt: Tokito

Belt: Natasha

Shoes: Senso Diffusion

Cardigan: SES

Earrings: Myer

70s mesh bag: Tresors

I really love going to Manly for a meal. The beach is always spectacular, no matter what the weather is doing. After all, the weather has been so unpredictable lately!

Anyway, in terms of sales last week, I ended up only getting to Senso. I was a little disappointed to see so few shoes in my size. Senso sample size is actually 37, meaning that they have walls and walls of gorgeous shoes in that size (so jealous) while the 38s were a meager offering.

But, I still succeeded in finding cute shoes.

I’m not hugely into the whole roman sandal look, but I couldn’t pass on these (all leather) for $60. I don’t really mind them all that much. Oh, and please take the time to admire my pedicure too :P

The second pair I got however has my little heart all beat-y! I love the black rose embellishments all over them! They’re going to be my ‘I’m going out but it’s that in between out where you don’t wear heels but you’ve still got to look uber’. They cost me $80.

And for dear LN who asked what a $500 pair of shoes looks like.... these are for you :) 'Berenice' by Innovare - available through Myer. They're all made to the same quality as other designer shoes in Italy, they're just cheaper.

Oh, and I know I’m the little voice of panic, and that it’s probably juvenile of me to be counting down, but…. Less than 7 weeks till Christmas!

Have a happy week kiddlets! I’ll be back soon, but I leave you now with a picture of some of my wardrobe. Do not judge me for colour coordinating my clothes…. x

My name is Roberta Hood, and I steal from the rich to fund my shoe habit

Why yes, I am back with all the goodness that Tuesday brings. I’ve been insanely busy lately, and unfortunately my room has become overrun with stray bobby pins, crushed clothing items, a pile of clothes to be hand washed, a large selection of tote bags, a crazy supply of fabric and a mountain of empty shopping bags and recycling. And don’t start me on the books. There’s also an odd smell – like the windows need to be left wide open. Luckily, I am spending a lot of time this week cleaning… (Did I say luckily?)

Now, to the good stuff. Today was Melbourne Cup Day in Australia – basically the nation stops at 3.00pm to watch a horse race. Everyone gets in the spirit, including me. I figured, ‘Why shouldn’t I wear a hat at work? A 1940s pink felt hat with a feather, no less?’ of course, this hat earned me the title of ‘Roberta Hood’.

Hat: artdecowoman ebay
Dress: Basque
Shoes: Wittner
Earrings: handmade
Barbie Horse: childhood toy

Oh, and another thing. Here’s a heads up for Sydney shoppers. Basically, my two most favorite labels ever are having sales in Sydney this weekend. Sadly, my budget only allows me to go to one. The big question is – which one?

Alice McCall is having her Vintage sale. It will have pieces from her 15 years working as a stylist in London, so they’ll be some great finds. Prices start at $20.

Where: level 2, 25 Cooper St, Surry Hills.
When: Fri 6th: 4 pm- 8pm, Sat 7th: 9am - 1pm

And for those of you who are shoe obsessed, my all time favourite shoe brand is having a sale this weekend too. Senso will be selling flats, heels, sandals etc. Prices start at $30.
Where: 20 Hutchinson Street (corner entrance) Surry Hills.
When: Thurs 5th: 10 am - 7 pm, Fri 6th: 10 am - 7 pm, Sat 7th: 10 am - 5 pm.

But for now, I'm going to cool down from the 38 degree heat with a nice cold shower, some cool water, and with some tidying. Guess I should bring in the washing too.

Psst! Less than eight weeks till Christmas. YAY! Yes, I’ve bought heaps of presents already. I’m so sad I can’t show you (for the obvious reason that people who read this might spot their Christmas present!).

Happy Halloween

Helloo, Helloooo!

Well, no pics this post, as I'm about to run out the door on this insanely beautiful day. I got up at 8am to go for a walk and already the humidity had built, the sun was biting at my skin, the cicadas were buzzing, birds were talking, and people were mowing their lawns. Thank goodness for summer weather. Nothing like a 30 degree day (that's what, 85 degrees F?)

I have to admit, we Aussies really don't "do" Halloween. We treat it as a very commercialized American Holiday and trick-or-treaters aren't a very common occurrence. Still, tonight, around dusk, the local children's play group has told us they'll be trick or treating, so we'll leave the porch light on and have a basket of candy. One house had gotten into the spirit though. They had fake cobwebs everywhere, skeletons and paper pumpkins. It made me smile.

See you at the end of the weekend :)

(PSST. 8 weeks til Christmas.... )

It's not easy being blue

So, we had frocktober at work. I give myself a little pat on the back as we made $180 in donations. Yay!

Dress: Nu + Nan, Shoes: Peeptoe Shoes, Flower brooch (in hair): Bowerbird Vintage, Earrings: From mum, Flowers in hand: From Odette, my work colleague!

The Frocktober morning tea went well too. As I said though, it's not easy being blue. I was told multiple times I looked just like I'd stepped out of a fifties movie, but with all the other things happening at work, I was a little tense and stressed and well, I think I managed to ruin my Napoleon mascara effort. Not that it matters - Napoleon makeup is terrible. I never recommend it. Ever.

My hair got a lot of compliments, and I hope these pics show somewhat what it was like. These were taken at the end of the day, so my hair had gotten a tad messy.


Anyway, pics to come soon from the fair - I have been so busy!

It's been a long time...

...and I'm awfully worn out. I have spent today at the Sydney Vintage Clothing, Jewellery and Textiles show with fellow blogger and friend Astin Kirby. I haven't had a chance to photograph my gems yet, but let's just say I got a magnificent blue satin fifties dress dubbed the 'Alice in Wonderland' dress by the previous owner for $50, an amazing earring and necklace set for $25, a faux crocodile skin bag for $35 and a beaded bag for $25. I will photograph them when I get a chance.

I also bought some very 40s and 50s inspired dresses at Tree of Life yesterday. They really are very sweet. I suggest that if you like vintage style dresses but not the care factor, then take a look at Tree of Life. I'm wearing one of my dress tomorrow in fact! (in theory, the weather will be warm. In theory.)

Anyway.... best be off and be jolly (and slightly panicked) in the news Christmas is less than 10 weeks away.

(You just got that panicked feeling too, didn't you?)

Tea and {twin set}

Lots of things to cover this post, my, my! So we’ll start with a relaxing cuppa. This tea did also have a chocolate biscuit companion, long gone ;)

Popping in for the weekend with a nice little update. How is the long weekend progressing for any Australian readers? I’m relaxing joyously! It’s been a busy weekend, what between driving to the airport, having good cuddles with two wee scottie dogs, and watching more Dark Angel than one really should. Now, onto the post!

Angela D’Alton of LeeLoo.com.au sent me a press release last week about her new online venture – {twin set} and I wrote to her to let her know I wanted to feature it on WTP. To give you some background, {twin set} is an ecologically friendly vintage online boutique set up by Angela and Renee Baker. Their collection of off-beat vintage is beautifully shot by local photographers.

The pair believes that rather than letting mass produced items go to landfill, they’d much prefer to re-style a retro piece, or snag themselves a lovely vintage piece. Here’s a selection of their first collection. I’m looking forward to seeing what else they will produce!

Photos courtesy of {twinset}

Aside from the new shopping place, I want to share my lovely evening on Friday with you. It was my boyfriend and I’s anniversary, and he’s getting pretty good at planning lovely monthly dates. This time we went to Wild Fire at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. The food was delicious – and I branched out with a cocktail concoction called, ‘Straight Ahead’. My boyfriend had Wagyu beef with button mushrooms and I had a pork cutlet with beetroot and brussel sprout. Yum!

1980s black cocktail dress – Bowerbird Vintage, Vintage Bangle – Tresors, Shoes – ‘Miss Santa Cruz’ by Peep Toe Shoes, Gold Vintage Glo-mesh bag - Bowerbird Vintage (Oroton), Perfume - Anna Sui Signature :)

The cocktail dress is the one I mentioned two posts ago. Here’s how it looked with the seed beads on the front. While Joanna and my mother were a little sad to see the extra shiny stuff go, I like the simplicity of the plain black beads around the neckline on their own.

We caught the ferry into the city, and unfortunately with all the storm weather the rocking and swaying was quite ‘eeek!’ for those of us with temperamental stomachs. Still, I was fine on the way over, and even took a few shots of the city.

On the way back however there was purple sheet lightening, lots of boat swaying, and when we got off, the heavens opened on us! We were soaked by the time we reached the taxi rank, and I think my glomesh bag has some slight.... rust. It didn’t help some girls jumped the queue and stole our taxi! Luckily my shoes came out completely unscathed – and I ran around like a maniac in them, yes, RAN. Peep Toe Shoes really are a wonderful brand.

Now, as the final point of this post, I thought I’d share a little piccie with those of you who know I also do photography when I get a chance. In case you’re utterly confused, my dear friend LN has a lovely mother who wrote a book about their beautiful dog Max. I took some pictures for the book – I love my photo went on the back cover! But sorry guys – the book I believe is only available in HK and in Chinese. So, it’s not really all that accessible to the majority of us! Just have to brush up on my Chinese I guess :P

Anyway, enjoy the rest of your Monday, and have a little cheer for daylight savings :)

Dessert dinner and other frocky goodness

Well, dessert dinner came and went, and what a yummy dinner it was. We had chocolate tart, white chocolate and raspberry muffins, Angelic cake, pavlova, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate dipped strawberries and rocky road, as well as orange chocolate sticks, and hot chocolate!

White table cloth, wooden place mats and runner, scotch glass with orange flavoured chocolate sticks, floral patterned tea lights.

The guests were happy with all the sugar, even if one or two became comatose.

Also, I gave Astin Kirby her birthday present: two prints by Matou en Peluche. I think I should become Samantha’s sponsor at this rate :) In return, Astin Kirby gave me a lovely book old of Christmas poetry (My favorite time of year - I'm already excited!)

Other goodness has abounded this week. Here are two new prints I picked up from the framers – yes, still sponsoring Samantha. Elizabeth in Pink and Nancy – I think they’re lovely! Visit her blog here.

Aside from that, I got inspired by Lady Melbourne to join Frocktober! I am organising a Frock Friday at work, and I’m very excited about this event for two reasons – I think fundraising for ovarian cancer research important, and secondly, frocking up!

I am now planning my outfit, and of course, accepting donations from people. Check out Frocktober’s website www.frocktober.org and make a donation to this cause. I’m not sure if you have to be an Australian resident, but any donation over $2 is tax deductible girls, and you can even donate via paypal. There's a little icon on the right hand side of the page saying 'Donate Online' and it will take you through to paypal.

I had a successful night of shopping last night with my mother. Mum bought some lovely black suede heels, as well as a pair of flats. I also got a pair of flats from Wittner, a lovely Cue top, and I put a pair of $5oo Italian shoes on layby. Don't cringe at the price, they're.... divine!

Anyway, my fellow teapartiers, I will be back on Monday with a new place to shop online, some possible vintage purchases, and some pictures... I leave you with something that might make you giggle. I suggest you click on it to read it!

Vintage Trunk Sale

Just a heads up kids, the next Ivory Bangs Vintage Trunk Sale is on again.

The 6th Vintage Trunk Sale on Saturday 3rd October will include some beautiful original international vintage lithograph posters, as well as the unusual ex theatrical costumes and vintage/retro clothing that makes the sale exciting!

Visit the sale at The Hughenden Hotel at Woollahra. www.IVORYBANGS.com

And just for that little tingle... I got a new vintage dress in the mail today. It's wonderful and fits like a gem, but I want to make a few little adjustments to get it ready. When I have some pics of it, i will gladly enjoy this latest Bowerbird Vintage purchase.

Oh, and as a side note, I promise dessert dinner pictures as soon as is humanly possible - I got kudos for my table setting, so I must've done something right.

Okay, off to do some work - yes, I know!