A Wild Tea Party

Autumn in Summer

2012-02-10T10:45:00.001+11:00

Dress: etsy (store gone)

Belt: Anthropologie

Bag: Mimco

This summer is proving disappointing. I'm pretty sure it's buggered off and gone for a holiday itself while it leaves us with wet, overcast weather. Still, I'm trying to make the most of it by wearing cotton dresses and 70s Brazilian heels. I've also been carrying this bag with me everywhere. It's from Mimco and I'm in love with the cognac leather and the way it fits all my paperwork, iPad, camera, wallet and cosmetics without a problem.

Love WTP x

I'm a grown up

2012-02-08T10:50:00.001+11:00

Over the weekend, I had my new settee arrive. It's beautiful, but no pictures as of yet until I've finished decorating (hint: I'm going chinoiserie in style). However, when I saw the huge, gigantic box the settee arrived in I realised I might've regressed a hint when my first thought was: "Cubby!"

Needless to say, there was more than a few hours spent on my front lawn in the cubby house, nick named 'Casa De La Bobs' after my faithful pup, Bobbles.

Love WTP x

I don't like spiders

2012-02-06T19:16:00.007+11:00

Here's a fact about me. I have an insane, irrational, impossibly persistant fear of spiders - a phobia called 'Arachnophobia'. I see a spider, or even a web, and I lose it completely. Spiders make me have nightmares. If I know there is one in the house, I have trouble going to sleep, sure it is scuttling it's way into my bedroom to get me, so I lay awake in a panic in the dark because now I can't even see the spider to ~~defend~~ run away screaming from it.

Basically when I see an eight legged death machine, I turn into a blubbering, screaming mess. Really. I think it's the legs that does it, but I can't be sure.

A few weeks back, there was an epic few nights of spotting a, later identified, White Tail spider in my bathroom, but paralysed by fear I could not even bring myself to kill The Spider of Death, so it escaped after a few nights, and decided to leave me alone. In my fear, I wrote my parents notes in the middle of the night about encountering this creature of unholy grusomeness. Please excuse my appalling, fear driven hand writing.

For example:

I did manage to take a photo of The Spider of Death while standing on the opposite side of the bathroom, hyperventilating, with the zoom so it could be identified, but even looking at the picture makes me feel uneasy and traumatized, and I certainly won't inflict that on anyone else either.

So why am I talking about spiders today on the blog?

Two reasons:

Arachnophobia is a GENUINE problem. Please do not mock those of us that go from rational, sane people into hysterically crying blobs in the corner of the room upon sight of a spider.

Today, the worst happened. I went to lunch with my coworkers, Victoria, Erin and Lauren, and we get back to Victoria’s car after sushi. I sat in the front passenger seat, put my bag down, did up my seat belt……….. and felt something crawling on my arm.

I look down.

There was a big spider crawling up my inner arm.

At this point I start to scream like I’m being MURDERED (Victoria described it as ‘blood curdling’). I couldn't stop screaming, and I didn't know what to do. The creature of my nightmares was ON ME.

Finally realising I can't just sit there screaming, I switched tactics to screaming AND hysterically flicked the spider towards the back seat where Lauren and Erin are sitting (as in my terrified state the capacity to open the door beside me and flick it out is beyond me).

Meanwhile, the guys in the next car are all concerned at me screaming and look over alarmed. Victoria just says, ‘SPIDER!’ and they begin to laugh.

I undid my seat belt and flung myself out of the car in hysterics as Erin begins her rampage to kill the spider from the back seat. She squishes it successfully as I have a break down in the car park.

It took a little while to coax me back into the car. Then I cried, back at the office. I actually had to take shock remedy to stop myself crying and trembling. I was trembling for about two hours straight.

So the moral of the story kids?

We should just look at something pretty to take my mind off it. These are the cupcakes myself and my friends were eating at a party over the weekend. MMMM Sugar.

Love WTP x

Notes on other spider encounters:

- I have actually been bitten by a White Tail Spider before while bush walking, and the venom made my skin start to rot. You should see the scar on my back. Ain't pretty.

- My brother once tried to kill a Huntsman for me. They do not like being sprayed with deodorant as an alternative to bug spray. They get filthy angry and run behind furniture after waving their horrific legs at you.

Sunday Cleaning

2012-02-05T13:08:00.009+11:00

Wearing:

Top: Anthropologie

Shorts: SES

Deco necklace: Jean Jean Vintage

Deco Ring: Gifted (from Lauren Rose Design)

In all reality, a tee and a pair of shorts is about as exciting as it gets on a Sunday. Most Sundays are spent cleaning, changing sheets, hand washing, and wearing pretty jewels to distract from the fact I've got unwashed hair, and I'm exhausted from a party the night before. Happy Weekend!

Love WTP x

Video Games

2012-02-01T19:54:00.002+11:00

I know I'm a bit late hopping on the Lana Del Rey train, but wow! There's something nostalgic, sad and familiar about this song, I think we've all been there are some point. She's also pretty rocking, a 'self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra' with Betty Boop lips and beautiful hair. I find her fascinating to look at and hear interviewed. I simply can't decide what I feel about her beyond that she's, very simply, captivating.

Love WTP x

They will!

2012-01-24T21:50:00.011+11:00

On the weekend I attended the wedding of a dear friend of mine. Seeing him in a suit, marrying the love of his life was just such a weird, wonderful and heart warming experience. The reception was held at Bondi Beach, and the sun came out just for it, as we'd had rain most of the day!

I had the amazing company of Astin & LN at the wedding, and we had a blast! It was also fun all three of us being dolled up together.

I, of course, love any excuse to get dressed up. I wore a Cue dress with my Innovare heels from Myer. Only downside to this dress is that it always crushes. I hate that. I was, however, particularly in love with my 50s compact clutch from Studio 1950. It's covered in antelopes. Antelopes!!! How cool is that? My cards fit behind the mirror, and the little cosmetic slots now hold coins, notes, lippy, etc. So handy!

I loved the combination of my 50s cameo bracelet from Jean Jean Vintage, deco earrings from Pinguim and my 40s amethyst glass ring from Lauren Rose Design.

And yes... I'm a goof at the best of times! I always snort with derision whenever anyone describes me as 'elegant', 'well polished' etc, because most of the time I'm being a total klutz/goof/undignified shambles.

Love WTP x

A dilemma

2012-01-20T12:00:00.001+11:00

Trying to decide what to wear to a wedding does my brain in! The weather is going to be raining interspersed with sunshine, humid, but windy. Oh me, oh my!

And now my room is a mess of clothes, shoes, dresses and jewellery. Yay! Don't worry, you'll see the outcome of this mess soon.

Love WTP x

Blackout

2012-01-19T12:10:00.005+11:00

I know you don’t come here for the ‘important’ stuff - you come here to look at pretty things, so I’ll keep this brief. Several websites (most notably, Wikipedia) are currently undergoing a ‘blackout’ to protest SOPA, a bill currently being debated in the US senate. This is the first attempt at introducing a US internet censorship bill and I'm sure more will follow. While you might be inclined to say, ‘I don’t live the US, this doesn’t affect me’, think again. It will potentially affect websites you read on a daily basis. But don’t take my word for it. Research this, make your own mind up, and if, like me, you think this is a dangerous step in the wrong direction, please sign the petition HERE.

Love WTP x

P.S. This photo was taken several years ago by a lovely friend of mine, Amy. Additionally, I’ll be back to regular posting after the weekend – new years adjustments have made getting my time in order very difficult!

I feel ashamed

2012-01-08T19:49:00.000+11:00

I’ve had an Anthropologie binge lately. I hadn’t bought anything in a long, long time, and suddenly I have 16 items since October. I’m actually appalled at myself. But, then, I shouldn’t be because a) I’ve been spending a lot less on etsy/ebay etc these days, b) they’re all things I will wear to death and needed, like lounge wear that was suitable for yoga and new cardigans to replace worn out ones, and c) these are damn pretty.

Please don’t judge me.

Love WTP x

Let's talk about... Hair

2012-01-06T10:25:00.004+11:00

If you've been reading my blog, you've probably noticed I have a lot of hair. It's long, and without tooting my own horn, it's really healthy. As a result, I get asked a lot what my secret is. I'm blessed with fast growing hair, and there's not much that can really be done about that for people who don't. But I can certainly tell you how to make your hair healthier because healthier hair is shinier and more manageable hair, and that's what we all want. So, I figured I'd share my hair care routine for the benefit of everyone who asks.

I don’t believe you need to spend a million dollars to have shiny, healthy, happy hair. You just need to know what your hair needs. Here’s my list of products, but what you need might be different. Feel free to ask for recommendations if you need help with a specific hair problem – I can probably help.

Original & Mineral’s ‘Seven Day Miracle Mask’ is best hair mask I’ve ever encountered for keeping your hair shiny, soft, healthy, and manageable as well as free of split ends. Just leave it in once a week for anywhere between 2 – 10 minutes (about how long it takes me to shave my legs lol) and you’ll be left with luscious hair. It has made the biggest difference to my hair of everything I use. It’s $29.95 per bottle and lasts me about 6 - 8 months.

Lush's Ultimate Shine, $13.50. I know you're looking at it saying... is that a bar of soap? That was my first reaction to this product too. But then I tried it, and I was hooked. You just rub it into your head like you’d rub soap onto your body, work it through (it has a super duper creamy lather), and ta da, shiny, perfect hair that smells fantastic. It lasts up to 100 washes and works perfectly in conjunction with...

Veganese, a liquid conditioner from Lush. It's very hydrating and leaves your hair soft. It smells INSANELY like lemons; it's such a fresh scent to wake up with of a morning. It really helps with tangles too. I normally use about three good squirts of this stuff per wash, so the 250ML bottle lasts awhile. It's $23.50.

Batiste Dry Shampoo, about $9.50 from supermarkets. The blush variety smells a lot like baby powder and is perfect for keeping oil out of my fringe, as well as those days I'm running late and don't have time to wash my hair before I run out the door for work.

After every wash, I get out and work through Prive’s Leave In Treatment. It helps a lot when it comes to combing the knots out, and leaves you hair manageable and soft. It’s $39.95 per bottle, and my bottle lasts about 9 months, so shorter hair would get even longer out of it.

Another fabulous, cross my heart, hope to die favorite is Godiva by Lush. This $13.50 per bar is a solid 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, perfect for days when you are in a hurry and need to get straight into the shower and out again and still have beautiful hair once the wash is over.

So my total hair care costs for 6 months supply is about $100 AU. Not too bad when you think about what salons ask for shampoo, conditioner and treatments! To compare, when I was buying the John Frieda range, I was spending about $150 for 6 months, and my hair wasn't as nice.

Other tips...

Take it easy on harsh dyes and heated implements like straighteners, irons, curling wands and blow dryers - they damage the hair quicker than anything else.

Always brush gently - pulling too hard on knots just causes breakages along the hair shaft. A brush is better than a comb for getting knots out too. Trust me!

Don't rub vigorously with your towel after a shower, just pat. I find using an old t-shirt works better too than using a towel, it leaves your hair smoother.

Regular trims, even when growing your hair, are essential. As damage in your hair worsens from neglect, the damage moves further and further up the hair shaft, meaning when you finally do go for a trim, the hair dresser will have to take more hair to get rid of the damage, which defeats the purpose. My hairdresser normally only trims half an inch at most to get rid of any dead ends when I visit her once every 8 - 12 weeks.

Do you have any hair care suggestions of your own? What products do you love? Have you tried any of these? Let me know!

Love WTP x

P.S. This is not a sponsored post - I genuinely love and use these products. But I must thank the fabulous PR team over at Lush for originally introducing me to their hair products.

Turning 23

2012-01-04T12:25:00.002+11:00

Age is funny, isn't it? At work I'm the 'baby' because I'm the youngest. At home I'm the big sister. Among friends I'm just averagely aged, and as of next birthday I'll be mid-20s. But I've never thought of myself as 'old' until recently when I was told one of my tutoring kids has finished university in architecture. At first I was chuffed, and then I was like, 'Oh dear me. I feel so old. Wasn't I his HSC English tutor... uh, yesterday?'

Oh well.

Birthday went by with lots of fun, including a night on the town with 15 of my fellow averagely aged friends. Here's just some pics of the fun, as well as some pressies, cards and treats to me. In case you're wondering, I was wearing a Senso dress, 60s beaded bracelet and 60s rainbow silk clutch from Allen Company Inc for my night out. The necklace is a Victorian seed pearl and enamel piece from Ast for my birthday. So adorable!

Love WTP x

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T13:11:00.004+11:00

Welcome to 2012 on the blog. I've been such a busy bee lately I haven't even posted about my birthday, that will be this week. In the meanwhile, I'm enjoying my last day before I'm back to the office with a good book (Kylie Chan's Blue Dragon) while wearing my amazing 1930s Asian-print pjs from Bread & Butter Vintage. I don't actually sleep in them, they're more 'lounge wear' - what to wear when you don't have to wear anything but feel obligated to get out of your nightie for the day. Hell, I might even wear the top out with a denim skirt.

Love WTP x

P.S. No New Year's resolutions this year apart from not letting myself getting burned out like I did this past year. What about you guys?

Fun & hilarity

2011-12-28T15:41:00.008+11:00

Well I'm back from my holiday break, and feeling a little fatter, fuller and happier! I hope you had a great time too. Christmas was such a fun time for my family. We went to visit my aunt's property, and they live behind a golf course so we went scooting about the empty golf course on their golf cart. Hilarity ensued!

Last night was my friend get-together for Christmas (post Christmas, why not?). I wore one of my all time favorite vintage dresses, this strapless 50s number from Hunny Bear Vintage. It's such a comfortable dress, and everyone always comments on it. I'm wearing it with enamel fish earrings from Pinguim, a forties black glass ring from Jean Jean Vintage, an Anthropologie belt, and Senso flats. Loved it the whole night. Also loved my friends serenading me with 'Happy Birthday' at midnight.

Today I've been spoiled rotten with pressies, texts, lots of love and even a lunch outing as it's my birthday. Can't wait for my birthday dinner... :)

Love WTP x

Merry Xmas

2011-12-24T18:49:00.008+11:00

50s dress: Nod to Mod Vintage

Edwardian hair clip: Jean Jean Vintage

Another year down, another Christmas Eve. I’ve been home today, playing with my dog, looking at family photographs with my grandmother, watching Muppets Christmas Carol and being generally excited about Christmas, then later, off to see Christmas lights. I wish you and yours all the best, have a beautiful day tomorrow, and don't forget to tell the people that matter that you love them. That bit is the most important. Especially when you want to stab them with your fork for asking when you're getting married. Especially then.

Love WTP x

Childhood haunt

2011-12-20T22:24:00.013+11:00

When I was a kid, we always spent holidays down the south coast at a town called Sussex Inlet. It lies smack bang between the inlet to a river and the ocean, and is so picturesque.

These days it’s become a huge summer holiday destination, and so many aspects of it have changed now. Returning, walking along the river front, my brother and I both shared the same sentiment: This place is like a mythical fairytale land, with legends and adventures etched into our brains. When you return as an adult, the whole realm is smaller; everything is shrunk down and different for seeing it with adult eyes. And yet, when we saw a group of kids playing on the same tree by the river we used to, I realized that it’s not a different place, it’s just changed childhood custodians.

Despite this, it was still exciting to see the water, smell the salty air, and see my aunts and uncle on the weekend. We had lunch by the river, and enjoyed an afternoon stroll in the sunshine.

Love WTP x

P.S. If you are looking for Great Gatsby pics, scroll on down!

Black glitter

2011-12-19T18:25:00.000+11:00

Remember I mentioned The Iconic a few posts back? Well, I ordered the black glitter flats I had my eye on. They're super comfortable and sparkly, and arrived overnight with free shipping, so that was a huge plus too. I'm pretty chuffed on that front.

Because I love my shoes so much, and I want to give all my Australian readers a little pressie, The Iconic team have been nice enough offer a little discount. All you have to do is spend a minimum of $99, pop in the discount code XMAS04, and you'll get $50 off! This code is valid until 31/12/11, and is one per person. Go on, why not treat yourself to a little something special for Christmas?

Love WTP x

A Black Russian

2011-12-17T21:46:00.008+11:00

50s dress: Salvage Life
Wedges: Boutique in HK
50s glass earrings: Jean Jean Vintage

Yes, I’m back! Slowly, but steadily, my tail bone is getting better. I’m able to move much better than I have in a few weeks, but the doughnut pillow and I still haven’t parted ways yet (Yay for full skirts ~_^ ). Still, a Black Russian and a little festive celebration at my place always helps. I’ve been waiting to wear this dress for awhile, especially with these wedges. I picked them up in Hong Kong when I was there, and only realized when I got back to Sydney they were a perfect match in colour and design. It's like the Shoe Gods know what I need.

And yes, that headless specimen is my brother showing off his muscular arms. He's a bit of a legend with the protein shakes.

Love WTP x

The Great Gatsby?

2011-12-15T23:50:00.005+11:00

The film stills of The Great Gatsby have started to filter through. I'm in so much agony over this. The Great Gatsby is one of my all time favorite books, but Baz Luhrmann is my least favorite director. The only film I've liked of his was Strictly Ballroom, and that's because I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer and OTT it definitely is. I'm struggling with the casting on this one too. Carey as Daisy? No. Tobey as Nick? No. Isla as Mrytle? No. I dunno, I guess I'll wait and see. But isn't Carey's purple dress pretty?

Love WTP x

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-15T22:24:00.006+11:00

I'm fairly sure I've mentioned before that my mother is awesome. Yes, I definitely have.

We went shopping on Monday night together to round up some of the stray presents. We normally do this together every December, it's become a mini-tradition. After all, my mother is a civilized shopper. We always stop for a cuppa in the cafe in Myer (an Australian department store) and then find ourselves 'ooohing!' over the Christmas decorations in the trim department. The photos here though are of the David Jones Christmas display windows and the amazing three-storey-high tree and Swarovski Santa Garden in the Queen Victoria Building.

My mother also may or may not have puppy dog eyed me into buying her a Royal Doulton snow globe for Christmas. Who am I to say no to that?

Love WTP x

My favorite time of year

2011-12-11T12:08:00.007+11:00

I'm really happy that the weather this weekend is pretending to be summery. We've had the coldest start to summer in 51 years here in Sydney but this weekend has been sunny, warm, humid and raining, all in one. It's feeling much more like Christmas (even though I'm sure to all the Northern Hemisphere people that sounds like a crazy concept). It makes me happy, especially when I see all the bright colours hanging in my wardrobe.

Mum and I have been planning plenty of fun Christmas stuff for this year - we're off to see carols together, gawk at the David Jones window displays, visit a family friend to see their amazeballs Christmas display, as well as make a gingerbread house together again.

And yes, this week, I'm officially back for outfit posts. Can't tell you how excited I am by this fact!

Love WTP x

My latest obsession

2011-12-07T23:17:00.003+11:00

I've been wearing these fabulous Art Deco celluloid bangles a lot lately. I love how they clank together when I'm wearing them. Do you sometimes find yourself collecting certain pieces?

Love WTP x

L-R pieces came from: Oxford Jewel, Pinguim, Jean Jean Vintage

Settle down

2011-12-04T16:54:00.005+11:00

Firstly, Happy December!

And secondly, while I'm still out of action, I thought I'd share another fabulous film clip. This is by Aussie artist Kimbra. She's pretty rockin' and this film clip is amazing. The song is 'Settle down'.

I'll be back in no time at all. I will be glad to get back down to business (and sitting on chairs comfortably).

Love WTP x

Thank you

2011-11-25T08:37:00.004+11:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American readers! Thanksgiving isn't something we celebrate at all in Australia (we're not big on stealing other people's holidays, after all) but whenever it rocks around I do take a moment to realise how awesome my life pretty much is.

So I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who follows my little adventures on the blog. Every comment does indeed make me smile - especially this week. I've been home the whole time with a dislocated tail bone (ouchies, yes) and have been plotting things to do on the blog, which has been keeping me sane.

Love WTP x

P.S. Once I'm back on my feet, quite literally, I've got shoes, dresses and even an Anthropologie order arriving for a little show and tell. Oh yes!

P.P.S. This photo was taken early this year, and that my friends, is Sydney Harbour behind me. I am always truly grateful to live in such a beautiful city.

Quite Iconic indeed!

2011-11-17T21:23:00.012+11:00

One of the things I love about Australia is our unique style - we have diverse fashion tastes. Being in the opposite hemisphere to most of the major fashion houses, we've had to take our twist on things.

Melbourne is well known as the city of monochromatic dress sense - black and white all the way. Sydney is a little different in style - we are a more relaxed bunch, all for the laid-back approach where no one takes themselves seriously. From the hipster looks of the Inner Western suburbs to the ultra kawaii of the South West, we see a distinct blend.

Recently, the lovely people over at THE ICONIC contacted me to let me know about this fabulous and Australian focused fashion store. I was in love almost instantly. Seeing labels including Peeptoe, Nicola Finetti, Minty Meets Munt and my all time favorite shoe label, Senso, pop up made me a little giddy. Even though I'm a vintage girl at heart, I really am trying to shop 'locally' these days. We've got some great talent here and there's some worthwhile investment pieces taunting me from the shop.

So what would I buy if I had all the money in the world? These five things, of course!

'Jurgen Teller' dress from Ellery, $719.

'50's Sleeveless Shirt' from Neuw, $99.95.

'Elrie' from Senso, $139.

'Jersey Drape Dress' from Nicola Finetti, $389.

'Sabina' from Senso, $239.

So, what would you pick? Any pieces you're hankering for? Let me know.

Love WTP x

P.S. THE ICONIC offers free Australia wide shipping and 3 hour express shipping. I can't argue with that.

Hair and now

2011-11-15T21:44:00.009+11:00

Over the weekend I had a little disaster involving a candle and the front section of my hair. Needless to say flame + hair is never a good combination. Thankfully (!!!) it only affected a tiny bit of my hair, and it has now been cropped into a little side fringe. I will show you shortly. However looking at my hilarious new hair addition, I started to look at a few of my previous hair looks. Which is your favorite from over the years?

Birdy

2011-11-12T20:29:00.004+11:00

I wanted to show you this beautiful film clip. It's by British singer, Birdy. She's 15 and she's got the most heart-breaking voice. The cinematography of this film clip is also stunning - there's something romantic about run-down houses and soft light. The song is 'Skinny Love'.

Enjoy,

Love WTP x

WTP brought to you from...

2011-11-09T09:00:00.008+11:00

...Here.

And sometimes...

...Here.

Love WTP x

Saturday afternoon

2011-11-07T18:51:00.006+11:00

After a relaxing lunch with an old friend I came home on Saturday to my dog all wet from a bath. She wanted to play ball. So out I went into the garden for a game of ball and some quick photos of her, oh, and me. How very teenage Myspace pose of me!

Btw the river is not actually in my backyard, though it may as well be. Every day I walk this footbridge over the river to get to the train station. I figured I should snap a picture on such a beautiful day. Living about 100 metres back from a river is fantastic – cool breezes!

Wearing:

50s dress: Becky Drolan

Shoes: Senso

40s sailor necklace: Jean Jean Vintage

Bangle: Mango

Glasses: Dotti

Earphones: attached to my iPod ;)

Black nails: Rimmel

Love WTP x

Giddy up

2011-11-05T09:38:00.004+11:00

So, it was Melbourne Cup on Tuesday and I'm a little late on sharing this with you, but this week has been chaotic. I love those kinds of weeks. I've got a busy weekend ahead too, so plenty of pictures to come.

Melbourne Cup is one of my favorite dress up days of the year – an excuse to wear a beautiful, frou frou hat indoors without judgment while watching a horse race on the TV? Love it. My beautiful hat was a lovely 30s one from Dear Golden. It's one of my absolute favorites. It won me 'Best Hat' on the day - and a bottle of wine.

Otherwise, I'm wearing:

Dress: Charlie Brown

Pearl & Enamel cuff: Tresors

40s black ring: Jean Jean Vintage

Pearl earrings: belonged to my grandmother

Love WTP x

(You can see what I've worn on previous years here & here)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:34:00.001+11:00

Halloween is upon us! We had the Trick or Treaters at the door on Saturday night in their adorable outfits, and I went to a dear friend's for her Halloween party. Last year I was a vampyre, but this year I went as a much cheekier kind of creature - the woodland nymph! Thankfully I wasn't chased by any Satyrs, nor bewitched any young lads my way. I didn't even pinch people like a naughty fairy, rather I got lots of looks from the people in Woolworths while shopping before the party with Dorothy, aka, Astin (you can see her outfit here).

I wore a forties green gown, and porcelain pansy earrings and an art deco bracelet from Jean Jean Vintage with my hair piece from Sportsgirl. I'm thinking this hair do may also deserve it's own hair tutorial - what do you think?

Love WTP x

Friday has come

2011-10-28T16:33:00.004+11:00

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you're having a glorious day and a great weekend ahead. I sure am... Halloween here we come!

Just popped by to tell you I've got a little mention over at Pocket Change on their Best of the Web section. You can see it here. I'm feeling pretty lucky to be included amongst some other informative blogs!

Love WTP x

The Love Vintage Show

2011-10-21T06:28:00.005+11:00

Wearing:
50s blouse: Sew Charmed
50s skirt: Cats and Crickets
Shoes: Miss L Fire via Anthropologie
Bag: The Vintage Mistress

I can't believe how fast this week has flown by. Was anyone else having an epically fast week? Guess it must have been all the events, "dramas" and looking at pretty furniture that did it.

Last weekend I was over at Canterbury for the Love Vintage Show in this get-up. It's been a year since I was last here, and I had a great time again. Astin was my loyal companion on the hunt for bargains (snapping one up herself) and I came away with a marvellous aqua coloured 50s dress... There will be pics soon, I promise ;) I also swung by Barnhouse Antiques to say hello, and bumped into a few familiar faces including Louise from Digs Frocks and Books. (Yeah, so this is where we all hang out...)

Next year the show will be at Moore Park - that will definitely mean it will be bigger. It will be interesting to see if that doesn't mean more expensive.

Love WTP x
(P.S. Sorry the pics are a bit blown out - it was insanely sunny and I'm really fair...)

Icons of Style: A Mad Men Display

2011-10-13T19:46:00.003+11:00

Even though this display is over, I wanted to share a few snaps I took of it. The Icons of Style exhibition was in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and I managed to catch it on the last day in Sydney. I love the costumes from Mad Men of course, and seeing some of them up close was such an eye-opener (January Jones = tiny). It was amazing seeing the signs of age, wear, frays, etc that went with all of these clothes, get a feel for the size of the actors, etc. I especially love the white, yellow and blue chiffon dress Betty wore. The chiffon had pulls, frays, marks. You could see she really spent some time in this.

Love WTP x

P.S. I know you're like, where the hell have you gone lately... did you just vanish? The truth is it's just been a little bit of this, and a lotta that. I'm working on a rather time consuming, fun, challenging and slightly crazy personal project lately that's taking a lot of my energy but we're not talking about it yet. Maybe in a few months. Do I seem mean telling you that? Probably, and no, I'm not opening a brick and mortar store, launching a new business or having a baby. I hope that narrows down the options for you ;) In the meanwhile I've also had a little staycation with my mum's side of the family. Life is sometimes like that. But the Love Vintage fair is this weekend, so keep an eye out for lots of pics on Monday!

Oh Miss Marilyn

2011-09-26T22:01:00.005+10:00

Whenever I watch a Marilyn film I get struck every time by how amazing this lady was. In the past I didn’t really get the Marilyn thing, didn't understand the fuss. But now I get it. She’s mesmerizing to watch and beautiful beyond belief. And yet she’s even more, more than I can even put my finger on. Long live Marilyn.

Love WTP x

P. S.Images from Dainty Rascal - all of these dresses she custom makes! I see a cherry print dress in my future.
P. P. S. Just to put the undying rumor to bed, Marilyn was not an Aussie size 16. She wasn't any kind of 16, except perhaps a vintage size 16. According to her seamstress, Marilyn was 35-22-35 inches. Absolutely tiny! Usually she weighed 54kgs.

Not quite nautical

2011-09-20T21:44:00.003+10:00

Top: Review
80s silk skirt: Becky Drolan
Belt & Scarf: The Vintage Mistress
Shoes: Senso 'Selena'
70s Jorgen Jensen earrings & silver 50s bangle: Tresors
Trench: Portmans

I’m a bit of a sucker for the nautical trend coming through this season so when I saw this vintage striped silk skirt I knew I needed it. It’s not quite time for an anchor motif and splashes of red though, so I decided to keep it a little low-key, at least until summer. But my co-workers had the same idea it seemed, as we had all rocked up to work in blue and white stripes unintentionally.

Love WTP x

A touch of the Orient

2011-09-18T21:31:00.004+10:00

I went to Yum Cha on the weekend with two old friends. Never one to turn down an opportunity for themed dressing, I added a few 'eastern' inspired pieces to my outfit.

I'm wearing:
50s shirt dress: Becky Drolan
Shoes: Zara
40s bag: Violetville Vintage
30s celluloid bangle: Oxford Jewel
Jade pendant: Inherited from grandmother

Love WTP x

Sunday technicolour

2011-09-11T22:04:00.005+10:00

50s shirt and sash: Novella Bleu
Denim skirt: don’t remember
Baby pink sneakers: Wittner
60s cardigan: Dear Golden Vintage

Astin and I went down to the park with Bobbles to chase some tennis balls today. It’s Bobbles’ favorite thing in the world, the only thing that really matters in her little head (apart from being fed). I think as she sits waiting for said outing a stream of thought runs on: “I just have to go to the park and chase the ball; I just have to go to the park and chase the ball. Chase ball at the park? PLEASE?”

Love WTP x

Like Candy

2011-09-07T18:48:00.007+10:00

These are my latest Art Deco necklaces, and I'm swooning. They're feminine and geometic and feature all the things that I love about that period from a design sense. They remind me of candy, just far too sweet for my own good. My teeth might begin to hurt from these, I swear, especially for that blue necklace. I melted when I saw it! Like a kid in a candy shop.

Top picture, L-R: Simulated Chrysoprase Deco necklace from Oxford Jewel, Simulated Lapis Lazuli Deco necklace with multi-colour glass beads from Oxford Jewel, Jugendstil design necklace with tongue and tube clasp from Oxford Jewel, Deco glass and brass necklace from Jean Jean Vintage.

Love WTP x

Spring has sprung

2011-09-04T21:23:00.006+10:00

Tee: Miss Shop
Skirt: Dear Golden Vintage
Trench: portmans
Peeptoe shoes: Novo
Victorian brooch and 40s ring: Jean Jean Vintage
Art Deco Enamel Cameo Locket: Shooting Creek Jewelry

Firstly, Happy Father's Day to all our fantastic dads. I've just gotten back from a delicious meal with my family, wearing this get up. We've finally reached my second favorite season after Autumn, and I am loving wearing light weight coats and sneaking in the odd occasion without pantyhose. I'm also wearing these black pieces of jewellery together more than any other combination because I'm a sucker for gold and black. I especially love the hidden locket back of the cameo pendant. I have a lock of hair in there.

Love WTP x

La Boheme

2011-09-01T21:47:00.002+10:00

Another trip to the Opera, this time I planned it as a surprise for Astin’s birthday. We went last Friday night to see La Boheme, a Puccini Opera that was re-set in 1920s Berlin. Astin and I both loved it.

I wore a silver Calvin Klein dress I bought on ebay. Isn’t it beautiful? Silver lame on black chiffon. I just adore it. I bought it for a bargain too (yes, under $40 including shipping!), which makes me very happy.

Shoes: Wittner
Cardigan: Friends of Couture
Weiss 60s ‘Firework’ earrings: Jean Jean Vintage
Bag: Dear Golden Vintage

Love WTP x

A week in wool skirts: Thursday & Friday

2011-08-31T21:31:00.003+10:00

Apologies for the delay! I was that idiot who swapped my memory card into another camera for my weekend travels and brought the wrong cable with me, so no uploading any images from my memory card… whoops! So, getting on with things, here’s Thursday:

I had dinner with Astin and her family for her birthday that night, so the belt got ditched by that point. Mongolian Lamb. Mmm.

Skirt: Still Ill
50s Dalton Merino Knit: Brown Bag Vintage
Shoes: Stylebrazil

And here’s Friday, my favorite skirt of all the week. I get compliments on it every time I wear it. Talk about perfect for winter!

Black v neck top: Miss Shop
Skirt: Swannee Grace
Belt: Miss Shop
Shoes: Wittner
Scarf: Accessorize (HK)

Love WTP x

At the cemetery

2011-08-27T18:08:00.000+10:00

Last weekend Astin and I made a trip to Bronte Cemetery. It was very sad to wander among the graves of people who died early, following the family trees and being slightly creeped out by the angels.

Love WTP

A short disruption

2011-08-26T08:54:00.006+10:00

I'll be back on Sunday with pictures of Thursday and Friday outfits - there's been a technological hiccup on my end. So I'm going to leave you with a Paint rendition of a photo of Astin and I from back in January. Our lovely friend Lachlan did it and I super dooper love it.

Love WTP x

A week in wool skirts: Wednesday

2011-08-24T21:17:00.004+10:00

I was going to wear beautiful brown heels with this outfit, but with a trip to the chiropractor in the evening I decided on practical but pretty ballet flats.

Oh, and a hair do pic. This is much like the birdsnest bun, but even easier if you can imagine it! You simply put your hair in a ponytail and then get a hairnet and scoop your hair in it. Then you simply pair the hair in the hair net into the desired shape.

60s houndstooth skirt: Seamsclassic
Knit top: Events
Leopard flats: De Bonis Orquera
Bakelite earrings & 70s hair clip: Jean Jean Vintage

Love WTP x

A week in wool skirts: Tuesday

2011-08-23T19:21:00.006+10:00

I love baby blue with black, it’s such a contrast. I especially love this blue wool pencil skirt - it's so warm and I love the colour. And of course, still in love with deco jewellery and inspired by watching Underbelly Razor on the weekend, my insanely long black beaded necklace with a (detachable!) rhinestone and celluloid charm got a work out.

Merino top: Portmans
50s pencil skirt: Dear Golden Vintage
Shoes: Nine West
Forties cocktail ring: Jean Jean Vintage
Dyed blue jade bangles: Hong Kong Jade Markets
Beaded and celluloid charm necklace: Boylerpf

Love WTP x

A week in wool skirts: Monday

2011-08-22T21:38:00.006+10:00

Seeing that we’re in the last stretch of Aussie Winter I decided that this week I’d wear wool skirts to work and post my outfit piccies for you everyday as a sort of peace offering for my extended absence. Life gets in the way of blogging sometimes. So, here goes with today’s outfit.

Top: Portmans
Skirt: Vintage Chanel from Vanity Fashion Boutique
Shoes: Wittner
Scarf: Cotton On
Deco necklace: ebay
art deco bangle and pin: Jean Jean Vintage

Love WTP x

Pretending

2011-08-07T21:07:00.004+10:00

I went out nearly a fortnight ago now for my friend K’s birthday (she's the red head). I can’t believe it was two years ago we were celebrating her 21st with a Noir themed party (read here) and now it’s her 23rd birthday and we hit the pub.

This is the outfit I mentioned on twitter* that I was nervously trying out for the night. Normally they go with much softer items in my wardrobe (and a tank top underneath that blouse). But I decided to try something so different just to shake things up for once. Life is too short not to just try something different for a night. The blouse is Natasha and the ankle boots are Modcloth, the suede mini skirt is 80s from Allen Company Inc, and the necklace is from 40s lucite from Jean Jean Vintage. I think of this really as ‘vintage mix’ and it was fun for just the night to pretend I was a slight bit of a rock star or something.

Love WTP x
*(oh, you don’t follow me on Twitter? Find me here)

A few of my favorite things

2011-07-28T16:02:00.003+10:00

I've been home from work with the flu again. I hate being away from doing everything I normally do. And I hate not being able to get dressed. But I try to cheer myself by surrounding myself with a few of my favorite things (ok, now I'm humming it!).

I only wear three prefumes. I love these three so much that I have back up bottles so I never run out. From what I've heard though Anna Sui has been discontinued, which I hope isn't true. But just in case I bought an extra two bottles for myself this week. I can't really defend myself on that count. Whenever I'm sick though, I like to have a bath with the Chanel No.5 bath gel, lather myself in the Velvet Body Cream and then spritz the perfume on and feel slightly less disgusting in bed.

This rather worn out specimen of a polar bear is Teddy Russ. He's been my companion since I was a little girl, and he's a bit worse for wear. He's been restuffed at least once, and he's lost patches of hair, but he's probably the first thing I'd grab in a house fire. Apart from my dog, of course.

These are my new shoes. The Beatrix heels from Wittner. They look so damn good with 50s style dresses and skirts. They're just too pretty to look at - all shiney patent and pointy toed.

I know you've seen the icecube necklace before, but these are a few of my other favorites. They're art deco which you know I'm nuts for. From left clockwise, Creme Caramel 20s necklace and Ice Cube Necklace both from Jean Jean Vintage, the paste bow necklace was a gift, and the rhinestone necklace is from Decoschmeco.

70s wedge heels from Maries Vintage. I love these so damn much. At the present in fact I'm crazy about all 70s wood heeled shoes. I'm just waiting for warmer weather to wear them so my toes don't freeze off.

What are your favorite things that make you feel better when you're sick?

Love WTP x

Feeling Rosey

2011-07-25T21:31:00.003+10:00

Just a quick hi, hi, hello! I’ve been having the most chaotic week and a half of my life, but I don’t like to neglect you. I recently got a little more tech savvy with my very own iPad which is helping me stay in touch with everything, though barely. I do rather like how light and portable it is, so I wander around a lot using it. I’m resisting taking it to the bathroom with me though. I wear this outfit more times than is advisable; it’s a go-to outfit. You know the one, the ‘I feel fat and ugly and none of my clothes look nice on me and I have nothing to wear, wah wah wah!’ outfits. I’m a huge fan of this 50s wool skirt from The Church of Vintage. It’s the pleated back section that does it for me with the cute pink button embellishments. And of course, I teamed it with my Allen Company Inc 50s rose appliqué cardi. My earrings are from Jean Jean Vintage.

I'll be back soon,
Love WTP x

Happy Bastille Day

2011-07-14T10:02:00.005+10:00

I work for a home decorating magazine that has a distinct French flavour to the décor choices. As a result, my tastes have become a little Francophile in nature. Given that I missed Independence Day to wear something red, white and blue, I decided to use Bastille Day as the perfect excuse.

Love WTP x

I’m wearing:
Dress: Jessica Red
Shoes: Zara
Beret: etsy
Belt: Natasha
Camera necklace: Kate Spade

Hong Kong (again)

2011-07-10T18:20:00.006+10:00

Back from another trip to Hong Kong. I really love the East Meets West Vibe of this place, even if trying to communicate to taxi drivers where you want to go gets a bit confusing at times! I did a lot of shopping, stayed at the exceptional Traders Hotel (I can't recommend it enough -if you go to HK, stay there) and shopped a small storm up. It was so nice to experience a summer not unlike a normal Sydney summer - glorious heat, sunshine and not a drop of rain really topped off the experience. I spent a lot of time in the hotel pool as a result. I figured I'd share a few happy snaps of my time there.

Love WTP x

Crime Solving

2011-07-01T12:51:00.002+10:00

Lately, I've been reading lots of Agatha Christie. I do love a good mystery. But just so you aren't wondering about the mystery of why I'm disappearing for a week, I'm taking a well-deserved holiday and will be back next weekend kids. Take it easy and pip pip!

Love WTP x

I'm wearing...
40s velvet blazer: Dear Golden Vintage
60s dress: Flour Clothing
Shoes: Wittner
Scarab earrings: Pinguim

Fashion Less Waste 2011

2011-06-23T18:05:00.001+10:00

I was in The Strand Arcade over the weekend with my friend Ritchie when we spotted a tarp dress. We decided to investigate. Turned out they were the Fashion Less Waste entries for 2011. I think, given they are made from non-fabric materials they really are something else! You can read here about this fantastic eco-chic competition.

Love WTP x

Sunshine and cameos

2011-06-21T17:30:00.004+10:00

Over the weekend Sydney had the most glorious weather, Sydney winters really can be amazing! Saturday I spent sans stockings in fact, enjoying the sunshine with my dog Bobbles. She loves people being in her backyard. She uses the back trees as an obstacle course and barks at imaginary things in the trees. She also loves a good cuddle, which isn't great for black clothing!

Dress: Becky Drolan
Cardi: Ses
Belt: from another vintage dress
Cameo: inherited from paternal grandma
Shoes: Senso

Love WTP x

Tresors

2011-06-19T21:15:00.005+10:00

This is my favourite shop front for vintage jewels and gems, antiques and accessories. It's a little treasure trove of goodies. I can spend ages staring in the window seeing more and more amazing items (today I spied an antique coin purse). I didn't take in-store shots because they were shutting up, but it's a tiny hole in the wall place with space for only maybe 6 people or so which can get a little cosy I admit. I'm always worried about swinging my bag into a shelf and demolishing several items in a go. But I always find goodies. Always.

Love WTP x

Could she be any more attractive?

2011-06-14T21:24:00.002+10:00

I love Christina Hendricks. It's true. She's marvellous as Joan, but she's more awesome as herself.

Love WTP x

Hiatus

2011-06-06T21:04:00.003+10:00

Please excuse my absence lately, there was recently a death in the family so home life has taken priority. As sad as things have been, it is nice knowing that I have such a tight knit family; its a blessing. Blogging will return at the end of the week with plenty of outfits and shiney new things.

Love WTP x

The Birdsnest Bun

2011-05-25T18:22:00.007+10:00

I get told quite frequently how complicated this hairdo looks - but it's so easy! If you've got shoulder length hair or longer you can definately do this do. I decided this morning that I'd show you how quick it was with a few snaps while still in my dressing gown and sans makeup. 'Scuse the pic quality, they were taken with my tiny point and shoot.

You'll need:
Plenty of hair pins
Brush
Hair spray

Step 1:

Start by brushing out your hair and making the part where you prefer. Taking some bobby pins, criss cross them along the back of the hair near where your hairline is, creating a cross-hatch pattern that secures the hair together.

Step 2:

Divide the hair into three sections and begin from the ends to roll the middle section of hair in a large, not too tidy roll up towards your head. Depending on the length of your hair you may have to do this a few times or just the once. When you reach the top, pin the roll up by pushing pins into either side of the roll.

Step 3:

Roll one of the outside sections in the same manner as above, then follow with the other side in the same manner.

Step 4:

Use plenty of pins to secure the bun, as it will be loose, messy and need support.

Step 5:

Pin down the sides of the outside rolls so they stay closer to your head and looks a little tidier: this also helps support the hair. Hair spray the style into place, smoothing any fly aways into place.

Step 6:

Ta Da! Style as you see fit. I like it with various hair clips or flowers, or style it with a wide brim hat or beret.

Love WTP x

Pink

2011-05-22T21:40:00.004+10:00

Plaid? Pink? Clogs? Yes. I love these baby pink Karla Spetic heels so much. They go with winter pencil skirts or sun dresses and they're baby pink. Did I mention that?

Love WTP x

Wearing:
Dress: Capricious Traveler
Stockings: Jonathan Aston
Bag: Collette
Bracelet: Vintage Fabulous

What's old is new...

2011-05-17T20:43:00.011+10:00

I will admit I have a little soft spot for Mimco, and today I got a little waylaid while looking up something else and was browsing their jewellery. I nearly fell over however when I saw how 'vintage inspired' their pieces are. If you love these fabulous pieces but don't have deep pockets, why not try the originals?
Mimco products are at the top, the vintage pieces below. Click on the images to be linked to the Mimco & Vintage products.

Pearl Explosion Wrist :

Manhattan Glamour Choker:

The Dandy Bow Brooch:

Now there's really no excuse not to be blinged up!

Love WTP x

(All images shown here are the property of the respective etsy store owners)

My favorite necklace

2011-05-09T21:59:00.004+10:00

I love this necklace. It’s a 1940s lucite necklace threaded on a chain with gold gilt beads and it's beyond marvellous. I’ve been wearing it non-stop since I got it. I have to admit, when it first arrived, I was wearing it around the house with my flannelette pjs. But don't worry, I now save it for trips out of the house instead. People have even stopped me on the street to ask about it!

It came from Jean Jean Vintage. I'm amazed that the delightful Duff let this go, but boy am I glad it came to live with me.

Love WTP x

My Mum

2011-05-08T10:45:00.003+10:00

In this photo, it's 1989. I'm wearing a sailor dress, and no doubt, socks and sandals. Can't have cold baby toes! My mum, at this stage in her life, was a competitive ballroom dancer, hence the red cropped hair. Ironically, since then, she's grown it out, changed the colours, and... cropped it all back off again. These days she sports a fetching pixie cut.

Mum still wears the Nefertiti pendant in this photo. I always loved that pendant, so my gran got me my own. I remember as a kid too she had this white sundress with bright large coloured polkadots on it and I thought it was fantastic! These days, strangers see my mum dressed for work in elegant tailored suits with gorgeous heels and tell her she's a 'fashionista'. I quite agree, and I'm always a little proud when I see my mum decked up for work. She rocks a suit. Truly.

When I was about 10, my mum took me shopping and bought a blue paisley skirt and a cute blue singlet top to match that I ended up wearing to death. When I thanked her for them, she said, 'That's ok. I like you to be in nice clothes'. She's always been like that and I've been ever grateful. She even indulged me occassionally with lovely high heels when I was a teen. I still remember the first pair she bought me - caramel suede peeptoe sling backs. It's her fault I have a shoe addiction. It's genetic. When we see a nice pair of shoes we squeal at the same time, 'Ooooooooooh! Those shoes!'.

Happy Mother's Day, Mum.

Love WTP x

Think of her as your mother

2011-05-05T17:02:00.005+10:00

Being the Madmen addict that I am, I see old ads and I find them fascinating. I figured, for Mother’s Day on Sunday, I’d share this American Airlines ad from 1968 with you. Sure, it's sexist, sure you wouldn't want your mother staring at you like that, but it still is hilarious. Click on the ad to see full size. This ad was originally shared on Modern Mechanix.

Give your mum a big kiss for Mother’s Day.

Love WTP x

Vera

2011-05-03T15:50:00.002+10:00

Saturday night I went to another 21st (yes, two in one weekend!) at The Italian Village at The Rocks. When the occasion called for cocktail dresses and lounge suits, I immediately knew I needed to wear my Vera. When I saw this Vera Wang dress on Prance and Swagger, I snaffled it up. I couldn't resist those back slits! My co-workers are determined to steal it though, and to make ‘wang’ jokes too, ie. ‘Your wang fits perfectly’, ‘Why don’t you show us your wang?’ and 'Can I stroke your wang?'. The jokes go on forever.... I wore the dress with Miss L Fire heels from Anthropologie, art deco earrings from Pinguim and a Natasha blue suede belt.

Love WTP x

Ahoy matey!

2011-05-01T18:50:00.005+10:00

It was my friend’s 21st on Friday, and she was having an ocean themed party. So what did I wear? Well my Bettie Paige sailor dress of course! There were a few other sailors in attendance too, and I loved how different our styles were.

Love WTP x

Mad Men & Martinis

2011-04-26T19:28:00.011+10:00

It was a Madmen night at The Victoria Room on Thursday night and as soon as my fine self heard about it I got really excited and knew that the martinis were calling my name. Ok, and a Banana Split. It was a delicious banana split.

My lovely co-workers were my company for the night, and we had a great time. I actually picked their dresses from my own collection, which was wonderful to see my dresses on other girls.

After much umming and ahhing, I decided to go with my beautiful pink silk dress from Bowerbird Vintage (it’s one of my favourites), Wittner Luscious heels, a Dear Golden Vintage mid-century patent handbag, and jewels that I inherited from my grandma. My outfit won me Best Dressed on the night and I took home a signed copy of the delicious High Tea at The Victoria Room book. I feel I'll be mixing a few of my own drinks and cake mixes soon.

If you want to go along the final Madmen night at The Victoria Room, then here are the details.

Love WTP x

P.S. We girls had hoped that the handsome Don Draper would take us home, but sadly he didn’t show ;)

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:32:00.000+10:00

Nothing seems to change, I still love pink and I still love easter eggs. I think the photo of me as a kid was taken around Easter, 1992. The other photo was taken on Thursday at work where I was enjoying the bottom of a meringue rabbit.

I hope you are having a joyous Easter. I certainly am! My basket of goodies is overflowing, much like my waistline will be tomorrow! Happy Easter lovely readers, I hope the bunny was generous.

Love WTP x

Madame Butterfly

2011-04-20T20:10:00.003+10:00

So, you know I’m a ballet and opera buff and on Monday night I went to see “Madama Butterfly” (the ballet version, not the opera) with Astin and her mother. Of course, as per usual, the costuming, the dancing and the music were divine, and I spent the whole show sitting bolt upright in my seat, watching in awe. Ok, the bolt upright may also have had something to do with my undergarments, but how else do you get a wasp waist?

Speaking of waists… The skirt is from Dear Golden Vintage and it swooshes as you walk. I wore it with a beautiful 40s silk blouse from Allen Company Inc (Kristina is such a gem to have priority mailed this to me in time), and deco earrings and ring from Jean Jean Vintage. I also wore Senso suede heels and fishnet stay ups which failed at ‘staying up’. The right one ended up below my knee as I was walking up to the Opera House and I had to stop to hoick up my skirt to my mid thigh and pull up my stockings in front of a table of diners at some schmancy restaurant at the Quay. One male diner in particular was fascinated. Attractive, I know.

Love WTP x

Cable and Lilac

2011-04-16T15:01:00.005+10:00

My office is a creative space so we’re not tied down to wearing traditional suiting everyday. All the same we have to look ‘smart’. I decided to pop on my cable knit wool skirt on Thursday with my awesome Anthropologie boots and my deco dangling ball earrings from Pinguim. I love these earrings, they are very versatile. You can wear them on a night out, or to work. I also wore my divine simulated lilac amethyst and gold 40s ring from Lauren Rose Design. I feel like a movie star with this ring on, like I have a little slice of Hollywood. Love WTP x

In the shop...

2011-04-11T14:05:00.013+10:00

...You'll find some themes.

The air is nippy here, so indulge in some autumn tones:

If you've got a cocktail party coming up, then brown and black is the way to go:

And of course, if you wish to be ice queen belle of the ball, then you'll need a suitable dress and bling:

All of these are in the shop! Most of them have come directly from my wardrobe, the poor things that don't get outings or don't fit right. Can you make room for them in your wardrobe?

Love WTP x

P.S. I've also got some pretty pieces to come soon...

P.P.S. Sorry if this post looks funny in your browser... coding issues!

Cheri

2011-04-07T09:01:00.016+10:00

I watched the most delicious film on the weekend and am feeling a bit disappointed I missed it when it first came out. Cheri is set in the belle époque period of France, all art nouveau beauty and Edwardian style clothing. I can’t even begin to tell you what a feast to look at it is. Michelle Pfeiffer plays a high class courtesan who falls in love with her younger client. He, however, is betrothed to a young lady leaving everyone involved miserable. Look out for insanely beautiful furnishings, clothing, jewels and as all period films require, the ridiculous goings on of Cheri’s mother.

Love WTP x

P.S. I still need your votes to be a shape ambassador. To read about why I want to be an ambassador click here and to vote for me click here! Thanks to those that have already voted :)

What I found and my 1st birthday

2011-03-30T14:24:00.010+11:00

So, it’s my shop birthday tomorrow! My little shop has been great fun to run and I’ve sold some sweet pieces to some sweet people, and that makes me glad. So I’m having a long weekend sale (ends Monday 6am Sydney time) to say ‘Happy Birthday, have some fairy bread!’ to all of you. For 30% off everything in my shop, just enter the code WTPBDAY.

On to the new old (this is what I call any new pieces of vintage I receive/buy), I went thrifting on the weekend with Astin, and we were both pretty lucky. This girdle wasn’t for sale technically, but the shop lady ended up selling it to me. For $4. I nearly did a jig. I also found a real fur scarf (perfect for winter) and a 70s wool skirt for me. Have I mentioned how much I love 70s wool plaid skirts? I really do.

And then for the shop, these gorgeous evening bags. They’ll be making their way there pronto!

Love WTP x

P.S. If you’ve got a photo of something you’ve bought from me on an outing, I’d love to see it!

It's all about the curves

2011-03-23T21:04:00.008+11:00

I'd love your help to become the ambassador for my shape. Triumph Shapewear is looking for an ambassador for the Rembrandt shape, and I'd love to promote how healthy and fantastic curves can be.

When I was younger, I was a lot thinner, unhealthily so, and it's taken a little work to realise that being the weight I am is both healthy and beautiful. I don't have many pictures of myself from this period, but as you can see from this picture around the age of 16, I was a bit painfully thin. I had tiny thighs and arms and my hips bones stuck out. I barely ate and I was miserable.

So even though there are those days I look in the mirror and feel like the incredible blob, I've learnt to be much more positive and proud about what I've got. And yes, I'll tell you a secret... I wear shapewear! Sometimes nothing but a little smoothing here and sucking there makes your wiggle dress look right (don't we all know that?).

Anyway, I'd love the support from you to be a shape ambassador! I'd really appreciate the few seconds it will take you. You can vote for me here.

Love WTP x

Somewhere over the rainbow...

2011-03-16T21:08:00.006+11:00

I've been cleaning this evening, and to make it go quicker I've been singing along to my 80 song compliation of Judy Garland. She was such a talented performer. She was a pretty stylish looking lady too, don't you think?

Love WTP x

Hair & Cats

2011-03-13T18:46:00.006+11:00

Yesterday I went with Astin Kirby to have my hair and make up done at Judena Taylor in the Swiss Grand at Bondi Beach. I had a trim and I think it did my hair good. We then decided to snap some piccies. Astin's kitties decided to join in for a portrait or two as well. Oh, and yes, I'm a goof.

Love WTP x

Gentle and Feminine

2011-03-09T19:19:00.006+11:00

With the change of the season comes the change of my mood. I no longer want greens and yellows, now I want blues, pales, violets and soft pinks. All things that speak volumes of feminity and softness. I am looking forward to wearing some of these again, and some for the first time.

Love WTP x

Top to bottom:
Allen Company Inc, Jean Jean Vintage, Allen Company Inc, Dear Golden Vintage, Lauren Rose Design, Pinguim, Jean Jean Vintage, Dear Golden, Stillill Vintage, De Bonis Orquera, Dear Golden Vintage last two.

Noms and Song

2011-03-07T21:38:00.006+11:00

I've had the busiest few days! I've spent days away from home and that's a probably a good thing as my whole family has come down with the flu. But because my life is more sunshine and rainbows than that I've been at the Opera and at a fancy dinner!

Opera was with the lovely LN, and she was nice enough to take a snap of me in front of the Harbour Bridge wearing my Dear Golden Vintage dress before we went in to see Madama Butterfly. Oh, it's a weepie alright, but I held it together...

Then on Saturday it was navigating our way around the Mardi Gras crowds for dinner at Cruise with Astin Kirby. And naturally, dresses played a large part. Astin wore Alannah Hill, while I wore my 60s ostrich feather hem 'Holly Golightly' dress again with Jean Jean Vintage jewels. So much fun, even though we got rained on!

I'll be back soon with more antics...

Love WTP x

Waving goodbye to summer

2011-03-02T21:52:00.002+11:00

And so another season is over. Today is the second day of Autumn and it really feels it at a high of 25 degrees after yesterday’s 36 degrees. I’m looking forward to wearing my trench, woolly knits and hats, definitely hats. Oh, and this coat. This coat is hanging in my wardrobe, being all... appealing. You know what I mean!

Love WTP x

Not quite Autumn...

2011-02-22T19:43:00.005+11:00

Every February, despite being our hottest month of Summer, there is always a faux Autumn day. February chucks a March and is 15 degrees cooler than normal, give or take.

You know it's faux Autumn when:

There is the smell of burning in the air. Not because of wood fires burning cosily in someone's house, but because there's back-burning. Nowhere near as romantic.
Girls are wearing various combinations of stockings, ankle boots, trench coats and scarves. These are items they picked up last month when retailers figured they'd bring in A/W2011 gear during a heat wave.
Nearly every conversation you hear begins with, 'Isn't today chilly?' and continues with something mentioning 'bed', 'bath' and 'hot chocolate'.

What do I wear on faux Autumn? A 60s cotton shirt dress, a fake Hermes scarf, and a pair of beautiful Ksubi heels I borrowed from Astin Kirby.

Love WTP x

Ok... and just one more...

Smart Shopping

2011-02-16T20:30:00.003+11:00

Recently I won a $200 Westfield card from Super Kawaii Mama thanks to Nuffang and CBA and was super excited. At first I was tempted to rush into Max & Co and buy that skirt I had my eye on but then I decided to re-think my choice. After all, a skirt isn’t really an investment in fashion, lovely though Max & Co is. So I started to think of other items I’ve been pining over. My mind instantly came to this bag.

I’ve been drooling over this bag for a long time. It is part of Mimco’s Signature Collection and has the hefty price tag of $500. I love Mimco’s bags, they have the softest leather, and they last and last forever, but $500 still seemed a big ask on my bank account... Then Mimco had a Valentine’s Sale with 25% off. So between the sale price and the Westfield card, in total this bag cost me $174. A smart fashion investment indeed.

Love WTP x

I love...

2011-02-14T20:26:00.004+11:00

Happy Valentine’s Day. Even though today is about your sweetheart, remember to always be good to and love yourself equally. I’m treating myself to a hot bath with a good novel, a delicious candle and a cuppa. You can treat yourself too, with my Sweet Hearts Sale. Pick up a treat for yourself. Items will be on sale until Friday night.

And on another note... I'm now a national cover model. It's nothing to do with vintage as you can see! It's a bit disconcerting to see it in the newsagency and at first, I quite hated the cover shot. I looked at it and thought, geez I look HUGE (let's face it, I don't wear hipster pants ever for a reason). But then I realised, hey, wait, it's ok I don't look stick thin! I'm a size 10-12 Aus, 36F, non-airbrushed girl on a national magazine cover. About time isn't it?

Love WTP x

Little Oddities

2011-02-08T20:53:00.008+11:00

Vintage jewellery continues to amaze me with the dazzling array of ways it has been designed. Two unusual specimens I’ve discovered this week are Duette Pins and Lace Pins/Coils.

Duette Pins are a set of dress clips that interlock into a backing to also make a brooch. Here are just some of the ones I found on etsy.

1. Vintage Jewelry Plus
2. Vintage Fabulous
3. Keep Sake Jewels
4. Pretty Vintage Jewelry

Lace Pins are clever little coiled pins with decorative tops that just coil into a lace shawl or collar. Aren’t they sweet?

Pins from The Curio Cabinet by Lciernia

Love WTP x

Albert & Friends

2011-02-06T18:18:00.005+11:00

One of my passions, aside from vintage clothing, is art deco rabbit figurines made by the likes of Sylvac and Avon Art Pottery Company. This is just some of my collection. They come in a range of colours and sizes (I'm still looking for a lemon coloured one) with the blue by far the biggest I've ever found (hiding on the top shelf of an antique store cupboard waiting to come home with me) and made between 1930 - 1939. I named him Albert and he sits on my desk with his little companions. And when they don't like what I write, they all turn their tails on me!

Love WTP x

P.S. I'll be back this week with clothes and jewels galore. We'd been having a heatwave this past week, and clothes were the last thing on my mind. Cold showers and dips at the beach were about all I could think about.

Brunch?

2011-01-30T17:40:00.005+11:00

I went to a brunch on Australia Day with Astin Kirby in this lovely Modcloth dress, Innovare heels and my pre-WWII Cameo set - every cameo is a different Greek God. I love it!

Love WTP x

A summer day hair do

2011-01-24T19:24:00.009+11:00

Today I wore my hair like this because it was disgustingly hot. At 37 degrees Celsius, I knew my hair down my back or on my face would be stifling. However, it seemed to attract a few queries, so I decided to re-do my do and show you how it's done. Anyone with hair long enough to put into a bun can do it, and best of all it takes maybe two minutes? Great for getting out the door of a morning.

You will need:

A hair brush
Bobby pins
A hair elastic
A hair net in the same colour as your hair
A square scarf, that can be wrapped around your hair.

Begin by brushing out your hair and creating a side part. Then brush your hair into a ponytail that sits relatively at the middle of your back of your head - not too low or too high.

Take your scarf and fold it into a triangle. Then wrap it into a thin strip.

With the ends in your hands, wrap the scarf under your pony tail and around your head and tie it in a knot where your part is.Tuck the ends of the scarf under itself and use pins to secure it to your hair as it may be slippery on your hair, depending on it's texture.

Take your ponytail and loosely wrap it around the ponytail elastic. My hair is thick and long so it goes around a few times, but if your hair is shorter try to make the bun as big as possible without too much effort. Secure the hair net over the top of the bun and begin to pin around the bun to secure it.

Ta da, your hair is done! Throw on some big black sunnies and pink gloss and you're set for hot weather. Hopefully without my sunburn...

Love WTP x

I left my heart in Max & Co

2011-01-16T20:09:00.004+11:00

This weekend I made the mistake of going into the delicious and divine Max & Co and falling in love with a number of items, but mainly outfit 1. It's calling me. Shame my bank balance isn't responding in the same favourable manner...

Outfit 1: My ultimate winter in the country outfit!

Outfit 2: A bit of a work outfit, yes? I can't believe how 60s this cape coat is... in fact, it's not far off one currently on Dear Golden Vintage!

Love WTP x

24 Hour Sale Time!

2011-01-13T20:36:00.004+11:00

All the dresses in my shop are on sale for 24 hours only! Get in quick if you like something! Above are just some available!

Love WTP x

The colour I love right now

2011-01-12T16:02:00.000+11:00

Lately, I've been madly drawn to one colour - yellow. Whether it's mustard, canary, pastel, bright, it really doesn't matter. And I have suddenly noticed just how much of it is in my wardrobe too! It's bright, summery, cheery and quite fun!

Left to right: Jejune Wiggle dress from Dear Golden Vintage, Butternut 20s ring from Jean Jean Vintage, Kinship Hip Bag from Mimco, Forties Mustard Blouse from Coldfish, Sunglow Cotton Skirt from Dear Golden Vintage.

Pretty much every outfit I wear lately involves a shade of yellow, and often involves these pieces, which are my favorites. What colour are you mad about lately?

Love WTP x

New and Shiny

2011-01-10T16:58:00.016+11:00

I've been home sick today (don't worry, I have my glamorous bed wear on and warming cups of tea) so I took the chance while laying in bed to update my etsy store. All of these pretties are now available.

Love WTP x

A notable absence...

2011-01-09T16:47:00.002+11:00

It's my final day of holidays today. I've been relaxing, eating way too much, getting sunburnt, enjoying wearing cotton 50s dresses and sandals and drinking tea (well, that's normal).

I will return to normal programming shortly, but in the meanwhile, I will pretend I look like this in a swimsuit, and not like Christmas/Birthdays/New Years took it's toll on my waistline...

Love WTP x

*Image via Sweet Sassafras

Happy Birthday Me!

2010-12-29T13:05:00.002+11:00

I've been having such a marvellous time celebrating my birthday, I've barely been online I know. In the past three days I've been to pancakes with 15 dearests, been drinking with 6 dearests, been to high tea with my dear mum, and had spaghetti from a can for breakfast (kind of my favorite breakfast ever...)

And I was kind of spoilt rotten as you can see. Thanks friendlies and families! Don't you love the felted rabbit ring holder? And ring from Astin Kirby is even inscribed with a date, '12/25/31'. Someone's Christmas present in 1931, marvellous! I've also got some pretty nighties, which is something I always appreciate.

Christmas got by as good as it could, thankfully. I only have family pics so I will spare you those, but I was in a very, very cute 50s backless halter dress :)

Right, off to watch Sherlock Holmes and eat another tasty treat that Jen of Pretty Little Pictures baked for me ;)

Love WTP x

Having a merry break...

2010-12-28T21:18:00.003+11:00

Returning to normal programming shortly. I hope you all had a great Christmas day! In the meanwhile, don't you love the Gingerbread Village at the Observatory Hill Hotel?

Love WTP x

Christmas Eve (Sale)

2010-12-24T09:29:00.007+11:00

Yes, it’s Christmas Eve! I’m hoping Santa brings you goodies tonight. I'm unbelievably excited, even with the last minute craziness to deal with (like my car breaking down and that last present I need to buy....). Christmas Eve for me, is a time with friends and family, playing Monopoly, eating pudding and listening to carols. Oh and putting on n epic 40s gown, indeed it is epic to get into, and prance about giving candy canes to the kids.

I wanted to say a big thank you to my lovely readers. I do appreciate that you keep coming back. I hope this Christmas is a healthy, happy and merry one for each and all of you.

As this is the time of festive cheer and giving, I wanted to give a little something back to you. Everything in my store is 50% off to blog readers! Just use the coupon code ‘WTPHOLIDAY’ at the checkout! Valid until today until midday Boxing Day Sydney Time (to allow my USA friends a look in all Christmas).

Wishing you much festive cheer,

WTP x

My best friend

2010-12-20T21:16:00.005+11:00

You don't much hear about my best friend Ritchie on this blog, because she's not a vintage gal like me. But all the same, she's a stylish vixen and more to the point, she's the funniest, sweetest, most generous gal around. She puts an instant smile on my face and we both get up to the craziest antics together without a care in the world. As this Friday night piccie shows.

Love WTP x

Hanging out

2010-12-17T15:14:00.000+11:00

I’m noticing lately that days are flying by. Last weekend evaporated, but Astin Kirby and I did squeeze in making a gingerbread house, watching It’s a Wonderful Life, and taking a walk to see the neighbourhood Christmas lights in between a large party at my house.

I also went to the framers to pick up this Christmas print. It’s a Scottie and a Westie getting romantic under some mistletoe. Actually, it’s a 1940s ad for Black and White Scotch, but it’s perfect for the season, isn’t it? Now I just need to hang it.

Love WTP x

Ballet at the Oprah House

2010-12-15T22:35:00.004+11:00

Mum and I went to the ballet together last night as a Christmas Treat. Mum has always wanted to see the Nutcracker, and so have I!

We had to navigate all the Oprah fans who had congregated at the Opera House, so that was hectic! I wore my Holly Golightly Dress (that’s what I call it), though my co-worker calls it my escort dress as a little jab at the lovely Holly.

60s ostrich feather dress: The Vintage Mistress
Shoes: Stylebrazil
Bag: Chanel 2.55 reissue
Earrings: store gone

Love WTP x

Too cute to ignore

2010-12-08T18:06:00.001+11:00

Alright, so I wouldn't normally spam my own blog with a video totally unrelated to vintage, but I can't help but share this to lift my dwindling spirits over Christmas and to share some cuteness with you. Sad news has come for my family, but we're trying to stay positive and make this the happiest Christmas it can be for everyone.

Love WTP x

Reading and shoes

2010-12-06T19:57:00.010+11:00

My favorite place to set up for a little read is in the front garden on the edge of the garden bed. Here I am reading a genuine early birthday present, given to me by a coworker who saw it and knew what my reaction would be, 'OOOOOH'. Naturally, she couldn't wait until the last day of work to see that reaction! Shoes? Yes, they make my little heart flutter. Kind of like the Senso flats I'm wearing.

I love the pages with pictures of vintage gals in stylish heels. I think some of those heels would sneak their way into shoe shops these days!

What is this book?

I'm reading Shoes: A Love Story by Tim Blanks, published by Hachette Australia in association with PQ Blackwell.

Love WTP x

P.S. 20% off everything in my store with the coupon code 'WTPLOVE' until December 10th.

Happy December!

2010-12-05T22:55:00.006+11:00

Phew... we've made it to summer! Unfortunately the weather hasn't been as obliging, nor has my health. This weekend I developed a very sore throat and a cold and didn't get to go out wearing a marvellous 60s dress that I will definately wear soon. But I did help Astin Kirby put up her Hanukkah tree, while my lovely red and gold tree has taken pride of place in my lounge room, while my house is a Christmas wonderland. Here are just a few of my favourite deccies on the tree.

I'll be back this week with some new etsy updates and some outfits, of course!

Love WTP x

P.S. 20% off everything in my store with the coupon code 'WTPLOVE' at checkout!

Etsy Shop Update and Sale

2010-11-29T18:46:00.009+11:00

New pretties are in the store of the jewels and accessories variety. Look out for dresses and associated items in the next fortnight.

And, as some love for you and all WTP shoppers, I'm offering 20% off everything in my store with the coupon code 'WTPLOVE' until December 10th. Get in quick if you like something!

Love WTP x