An Ode to Reverie

Thinking of you

2011-10-24T09:56:00.000+10:30

Hello everyone :)

Well, I' have been a very busy little bee! Wedding planning, working and studying full time is certainly enough to keep me occupied and then some. But I'm happy to say things are falling into place! There is only about 5 months to go, and I'm sure it will go quickly.

I'm sorry things have been so quiet around here, and I hope to be back with more posts soon.

Just thought I'd share with you Katy Perry's video for Thinking of You. Love or hate her music, theres a whole lot of 40's inspiration here. I just adore all those outfits; the playsuit when she's on the bike, the red floral dress and saddle shoes, the darling pink bathing suit, the swing outfit (and her hair, my goodness), and that incredible tailored suit at the end.

If you loved her hair at the end, you might want to take a look at Miss Amethyst's tutorial here, at the Pink Retro Powder Room.

Have a lovely start to the week,
x

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow

2011-09-20T00:32:00.000+09:30

Yesterday my family met with Jordan's family up in the Adelaide Hills. We went to Stangate House, a beautiful 1940s National Trust homestead nestled in the heart of Aldgate (one of the most beautiful parts of this corner of the world where I live). The house sits in between two little hills, has tiered lawns, a creek running through the middle, a big giant oak tree, and a huge glorious garden of camelias, which yesterday was open to the public. And in true springtime fashion, the flowers were in full bloom.

Jordan's lovely sister Lauren

Flower's have the strangest names, sometimes.

I have a confession to make. The trip to Stangate House was for more than just a lovely sunny afternoon out, though it was definitely that too.

Jordan and I are getting married here :)

It will be next March, in the Autumn, so the garden will look almost completely different, with more leaves on the trees and a little bit more red and yellow colour around. But it will be just as beautiful! It was pretty exciting to visit knowing that it's all going to happen somewhere on those lawns :)

My handsome husband to be :)

And here's what I wore for the day :)

Day dress in Pearl Harbour Print - Trashy Diva

Cardigan- Cotton On

All my love, until next time

My whole heart for my whole life

2011-09-19T00:05:00.000+09:30

Just a quick one, lovelies, as it's almost past my bedtime and I'm lacking sleep as it is. But I just couldn't wait to show you my beautiful new engagement ring :)

Remember in this post, when Jordan proposed he gave me a temporary ring because he wanted me to be able to choose a ring that suited me? Well, we took a design to Fili, a custom jeweller in Adelaide Arcade. And a couple of months later, when we returned, this is what they'd come up with.

I am absolutely thrilled with this ring. It's so classic and elegant but certainly very different. A little bit vintage / antique but also quite ethereal, almost elven.

They've done such an incredible job :) I'm so happy.
Thankyou Fili, and Thankyou Jordan for allowing me to choose something so beautiful :)

We went up to the hills today. Spring has certainly sprung in my part of the world, and there are flowers everywhere! I have lots of beautiful photos to show you, but that will have to wait until another day.

Goodnight, everyone x

I J'adore this...

2011-09-14T13:54:00.001+09:30

I saw this Dior commercial the other day on Alice Jean's and I thought it too breathtaking to go without mentioning. Grace, Marlene and Marilyn in all their glory, next to the modern beauty of Charlize Theron. Oh, what I'd give to be standing alongside those glamourous goddesses of yesteryear. Truly remarkable.

I've been awfully sick the last two months. Forgive me for not posting :(

I get my engagement ring on Friday, I'm so excited, and I'll show you as soon as I can.

Much love x

Love and lace over the ages

2011-08-12T23:52:00.000+09:30

It would be fair to say that for the last few weeks I've been thinking about weddings. Just a little bit :)

I went to a bridal fair a fortnight or so ago, and came away with a tonne (literally, I could barely lift it all!) of literature - magazines, books and the like - full of images of brides in huge foofy meringue dresses, bejewelled with crystals and sequins in funky patterns. Seems the vogue at the moment is bigger is better?! While those gowns may suit the fairy tale princess, to be honest none of them particularly catch my fancy.

They aren't really my style though, what I have in mind is much more sleek, elegant, classic... and, of course, a little bit vintage inspired :)

While looking through old family albums for a tafe project, I stumbled across these old prints. My grandparents, great grandparents and other relatives; all very real, and very beautifully dressed, on their own wedding days. These photos are such treasures; truly, there is a lot of inspiration to be had from my own lineage.

Greatgrandparents Heinrich and Wilhelmina Prenzler (my mother's father's parents), 1920s.

While not the style I have in mind for myself, I absolutely adore the silhouette of this gown purely for being so very quintessential of the era.

Greatgrandparents Carl and Lotte Pfitzner (my mother's mother's parents), 1930s

absolutely breathtaking, right?

Myrtle Hage and bridesmaid, c. 1930s

Not a direct relative (I think she was an uncle's grandparent's friend or something :S), but this photo was so utterly stunning I just couldn't leave it out.

My nanna Maureen (Dad's mum) and cute, weedy little grandfather Albert to the left. (He was a jazz singer, by the way) :) c. Late 1940s.

I absolutely adore her neckline, the wide collar and buttons. And just LOOK at her bridesmaid. immaculate hair.

My Grandmother Renate and Grandpa Ted, c. 1950s.

Grandma was so young here, only 20. She died when I was 8, but she's one of the most beautiful people I've ever known :) You can definitely see her poise here. And how cute were her bridesmaids? Their dresses were so lovely; mum told me they were all different pastel colours- apricot, mint green, soft pink.

Grandma again with her mother, and her sister Grace.

And finally... not a wedding dress but an outfit just as lovely- this is grandma's going away outfit. so cute :)

Thanks for sharing these with me!

The start of something wonderful

2011-08-03T23:55:00.000+09:30

I'm so sorry I haven't seen you in so long, blogosphere.
These past few weeks have been the craziest, loveliest, best of my life.

On the 18th of July Jordan took me out to the most wonderful breakfast of blueberry waffles at a beautiful fancy restaurant on Hutt St called Chanti. Then we went to the zoo, and I wandered around like a starry-eyed child; smiling, laughing, pointing out all the beautiful animals and rambling about their statistics. And then we went for a walk, around botanic park and found the spot they hold the moonlight cinema. It was there, almost four and a half years ago that it all began, and it was there, that Monday, that he asked me to marry him.

And I, of course, without a shadow of a doubt, said yes.
Words cannot even express how excited and happy and in love I am right now :)

The picture above is of the ring he gave me on the day. A placeholder, he said, because he wanted me to be able to choose the perfect ring. We're getting it designed, and its going to be stunning. I promise I'll show you when it's done :)

SO. Please excuse me for not being around, dear lovely readers. My life has changed for the better, and its taken me a bit of time to get my head around it all! :) I'll try to be back more often now, and no doubt I'll have some lovely wedding inspired posts to share with you as the planning unfolds.

To my Jordan, I am completely in love with you, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. It's going to be SO AWESOME. Thankyou, more than I can ever say, for the incredible, inspiring, beautiful person that you are.

Hope you've all had the most wonderful month!
x

Violet femme

2011-06-27T23:59:00.000+09:30

Hello there, lovelies. My goodness, it has been a while :)

Well, assignments are, for the most part, over. I have just one to get in by this thursday, but other than that, I'm a free woman! Theres a big weight lifted off my shoulders, and it's wonderful. I can feel all that hair I lost from stress growing back, finally, haha!

I've been meaning to show you this dress for a while now. Like many other vintage-inspired ladies out there, I spend a lot of time perusing repro web stores, and one of my favourite haunts has to be Able Grable. I've always loved glancing over the custom frocks, dreaming one might be mine someday, but on my student budget it wasn't ever going to be a reality. So imagine my excitement when I saw this stunning purple Iris Henderson gown pop up on adelinesattic, for at least half the usual price, and with the tagline 'if you love it, get it before its gone!'... well, really, how could I resist?

I've put on a lot of weight over the last couple of weeks and I feel a bit pudgy and scrappy. I don't lend the dress the kind of Fleur de Guerre type elegance it deserves, unfortunately. And I'm not sure I'll find somewhere special enough to wear it out in its full glory. But it's the most 'Hollywood starlet' piece of clothing I own, and though rocking it may feel a bit beyond me right now, it makes me feel a little bit pretty. And the way it swirls around my knees is divine :)

Until next time,

oh, my aching head!

2011-06-22T09:22:00.000+09:30

photo via corbis images

Hello everyone!

This is pretty much how I feel right now. Ugh.
Only two more days of assignment work, and I'm a free woman! (well, for four weeks anyway). So it's back to work for now, and i promise I'll see you again soon.

Love
x

Feeling Blue

2011-06-13T23:20:00.000+09:30

Afternoon, everyone.

A week of hard study and being ill has had me feeling a little blue lately :( And I've still got a good solid couple of weeks of full-on assignment work until I'm free for 4 weeks holidays! Its so tough, but I'm trudging along through.

Though feeling blue is not so great, these inspiring sapphire-hued pictures are. Seems like they almost make up for all the stress I've been feeling, and I can't get enough of blues; blue type, dresses, design, photos! Thought I'd share some with you. Enjoy!

Dita, via vintagegal.tumblr.com

deco typography, source unknown.

found on ebay, seller unknown

rococovintage on etsy

Marilyn in Korea, via classiccinemagold.com

etsy, seller unknown

Shooting starlets, via Vintage Allsorts

Hayden Harnett Leda two-piece bathing suit

victorian houses on tumblr

Alison Trentelman

etsy, seller unknown

Gemma O'Brien, fortheloveoftype.blogspot.com

etsy, seller unknown

Vogue, 1949, via myvintagevogue

etsy, seller unknown

vogue, february 1959, via myvintagevogue

etsy, seller unknown

Dior Couture, Spring 2011

etsy, seller unknown

Vogue, 1950's, myvintagevogue

themagiccarousel on etsy

Ilovedust design

myvintagevogue

Lena Hoschek

simplicityisbliss on etsy

studio mik mik

Old Panam advertisement

Sleeping beauty! <3

Cinderella

Vintage coat! Source unknown

victorian houses on tumblr

xtabay vintage

traven7 on etsy

plottac on flickr

traven7 on etsy

imaginary animal on flickr

Ava Gardner, via kittenfeathers

Most of these photos came out of my inspiration folders on my computer, and some of them, I hate to admit it, were carelessly thrown in without sources. If you know where one of these came from, and I haven't credited it properly, do please let me know so I can! :)

May your blues only be good ones,
Love x

The flavour of colour

2011-06-04T00:36:00.000+09:30

Tonight Jordan and I went to the Adelaide Central Market for tea! We'd been talking about going for weeks, but hadn't been able to go until now- I have an uncanny habit of being rostered on to work Friday night for weeks and weeks in a row :S But we finally made it!

Jordan took me to this little Asian restaurant off the side of the main fresh food area. I had yummy Japanese Udon, with the tastiest chicken (though I had hokkien noodles in my soup), and Jordan had seafood laksa. He said it's the best laksa he's ever had, and though I was skeptical at first, after a taste I had to agree! I'll definitely get it next time :)

The Markets are such a treat for the senses. The atmosphere on Friday nights is buzzing; there are so many incredible smells and sounds, and the colours just blow me away! I find them so inspiring :)

Aren't these chairs gorgeous?!

I bought two big pots of Arcadia Spice Chai (the orange one in the background). It tastes just like the vanilla Chai in the foreground, only less sickly sweet and more 'cinamonny' if that makes sense :) Chai is becoming my go to drink for whenever I'm feeling cold (so, increasingly quite a lot!). It's hearty and comforting, and reminds me of open fires and homecooked goodies baking in the oven :)

The smell here = <3

The HUGEST chocolate crackles I have ever seen!

I came home with a very happy tummy and some delectable dainties for later; some poppy seed bagels (which are a scarcity in supermarkets here in Aus, unfortunately, because I love them!), a bag of little chocolates from the amazing array above (which have miraculously survived the night so far :P) and my first ever macaron! It was chocolate, with a chocolate cream ganache inside and I must say macarons are heaven on the tastebuds. And not only that, they're the prettiest little sweets too! Oh my! I'm totally hooked!

Have I made you hungry? hehe. Do you have markets close by, or somewhere you go on a night out, just for the atmosphere? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

A very good night to you all!

Announcing: the giveaway winner!

2011-06-02T11:28:00.000+09:30

Hello everyone!
I'm sorry, before I knew it Wednesday night turned into Thursday morning! Sorry about that. But it is indeed time to reveal the winner of my little Elk Balloon brooch giveaway!!!

The entrants' names were written on individual little pieces of paper and placed into one very spiffing top hat. They were swirled and shaken, and then I pulled one out at random (I swear I didn't peek :D). And the winner's name is hiding in the strawberry patch :)

It's Lexy Mademyday! Congratulations!

All you need to do now it send me an email with your details to anodetoreverie@gmail.com, and I'll have your little brooch flying all the way to Paris just for you. I wish I could fly to France along with it, but alas :)

Thanks to all who entered and my biggest thanks again for following my little blog. I feel so privileged to be part of such a wonderful online community!

Normal blogging will resume soon, I promise. I haven't been very well lately, and that woozy feeling combined with too much study has me feeling quite down in the dumps. But I think theres a light at the end of the tunnel and I have some nice posts lined up for when I have time to post them. Soon!
Much Love!
x

100 Followers! And flying away with a giveaway!!!

2011-05-27T23:32:00.000+09:30

I'm so excited, my little blog has reached a hundred followers! I want to say thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read what I have to say, take a peek at my pictures and leave so many heartwarming comments. I really feel a part of this little bloggy community and it's all thanks to you.

So what better way to celebrate than with a giveaway?

Is your head up in the clouds? Sometimes feel like you're floating? Or maybe you dream of heading off on wonderful new adventures to far off distant lands?

Then maybe this little Elk air balloon brooch is for you!
Designed in Melbourne Australia, it's made of dyed wood, with a little stainless steel cloud embellishment. And it's in my very favourite colour to wear; a brilliant cherry red.

To enter:
~ Become a follower of my blog if you aren't already, and leave a comment below :)
~ To earn another entry, promote the giveaway on your own blog, and let me know in another comment.

And thats it!
The winner will be drawn on Wednesday night.
Entry is open to anyone, worldwide.

Thanks again, from the very bottom of my heart.
And good luck!

An afternoon in the garden

2011-05-21T17:05:00.000+09:30

This afternoon it's been warmer than usual so, because I had a rare day off work, I meandered around the garden for a bit. Today I wore my new dress, and for once it wasn't covered up under a million layers :) I've been feeling awfully body conscious of late; I've put on all my extra winter weight and winter hasn't even started yet! I feel a bit gross about any photos of me, so I've been avoiding them :S But i thought I'd show you this dress as it really is beautiful.

Kitty cuddles :)

Dress- 1940s vintage, from myfavoritevintage on etsy

Stockings- fully fashioned from What Katie Did

Heeled oxford brogues- Target

My favourite thing about this dress is absolutely the Peter Pan collar. I'm a sucker for them, especially when they're trimmed with lace like this. I feel like a little girl again :)

Mum's just started us a little vegie garden! We have two big styrofoam boxes out on trestles in the back yard filled with goodies. It's exciting, we've never really grown our own produce before (apart from a massive pumpkin which we found in the bushes, but that doesn't count because it was totally by accident!). Things seem to be going ok so far; we have cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots and strawberries - I'm most excited about those!

Do you grow your own produce? Can you give us any tips? I'd love to hear them!
Good afternoon!
x

One dress, Three ways

2011-05-14T22:27:00.001+09:30

Well the cold is well and truly setting in in my neck of the world, folks! Not that I mind; I'm a winter girl myself, I love cosying up with a good book and a hot drink, while the rain falls outside.

I realised just a short time ago that there was a 'hole' in my wardrobe selection for winter; that perfect black dress that I could pull on whenever, that would match with anything. So I set out searching for such a dress.

My search led me to the Trashy Diva website, perhaps not surprisingly as I spend a lot of time there perusing those gorgeous frocks and their lovely prints :) There are quite a few suitable (and gorgeous!) black wintery dresses (the Sweetie Sleeve, Joan Studs, Mansfield, Americana and the Courtney Coat), but in the end I settled on the Jenny Long Sleeve; I loved the pleating detail on the bodice and the gathers across the bust.

It arrived to me in the same order as the 1940s dress in this post. And it was everything I had hoped for!!! The cut is lovely and flattering, and the weighted knit can only be described as luxurious to wear. My only problem is that the seams split in a few areas, but that didn't bother me as I'm good friends with my trusty sewing machine, and I had them together with a stretch stitch in no time. When I let Trashy Diva know, they responded with a whole lot of kindness and professional integrity, a real testament to how great a company they are. The service is second to none, and I'll keep buying from them for a long time to come.

Here are a few pics from this week, showing just how versatile a wardrobe staple like my pretty Jenny dress can be. So versatile, in fact, I may not take it off all winter... Just kidding :P

Scarf and gloves- Paisley Boutique, Glenelg

Shoes- Barkins

Belt- from my Trashy Diva Sadie dress

Shoes- Rubi Shoes

Hat- erachel on etsy

Umbrella- reproduction Parisian 1920s style from the Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne

Beret- my mother's

Gloves- vintage, gifted

Cardigan- Sparkles at Glenelg

Stockings- fully fashioned, What Katie Did

Shoes- Wittner

xErin

Cobwebs in the corners, perhaps?

2011-05-12T23:48:00.000+09:30

Oh poor little blog, you've been so neglected for the past couple of weeks :(

But it hasn't been for no reason; I've been in Melbourne! I was getting all inspired at the 21st annual AGIdeas creative conference, wandering through galleries full of wonders and streets scattered with autumn leaves, stocking up on arts books and magazines, and, perhaps my favourite- seeking out the best coffee and chocolate I could find!

I found these at San Churros Chocolateria at QV. Don't you just love that 'Mug'? The chocolates are raspberry, lime and rose.

Thanks everyone for bearing with me, and a very special welcome to my new followers; I am overjoyed you're here! Normal blogging with resume shortly. I have some lovely things to share!

Stay tuned!

'For the Finest Hair Styles'...

2011-04-29T13:56:00.000+09:30

Good afternoon!

Whenever I do a pincurl set, I usually set my hair with bobby pins, mainly for lack of something better. Though a bobby pin set works fine, sometimes the little curved bits of the grip of the pins leave furrows in the curls which show as little ridges when the hair is brushed out. I'd been on the lookout for some flat grips for a while now, and the other day I found a wonderful vintage 1950s set on etsy, at LivingOnVelvet. They arrived yesterday, and last night I had the chance to try them out!

They were packaged so lovely, with brown paper and ribbon, and a wonderful little note. Thankyou Lisa! Isn't the box nostalgic? Pretty enough to sit on my shelf :)

This is how the set looked this morning after I had slept on it. Messy, I know! Because it was late last night that I curled my hair, I used no real pattern, just rolling each side towards my face and pinning flat. Three barrel curls stood upright on my forehead (but unfortunately they got a bit squished, I must have slept funny).

And here are the curls brushed out!

They look very similar to my bobby pin set, but smoother and I don't have those little ridges. Huzzah! I also liked that these were quicker to put it, with little squeezy handles, and I don't have to wreck my teeth opening the bobby pins (naughty me, I know I'm not supposed to do that anyway!).

So that's that! Get yourself some pincurl clips if you can, they really do make a difference! LivingOnVelvet actually has another vintage set listed on the shop, and the box is just as pretty, if not more! Have a look if you're interested.
See you again soon!
x

7 little facts

2011-04-22T14:59:00.000+09:30

Probably a good week ago now, I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by the very gorgeous Mrs Amber Apple! I'm so sorry it's taken me this long, Amber, and thank you so much :)

Amber is such a gorgeous girl with an undeniable eye for vintage style. Her blog is one of my favourites to read; I love how her tea-loving, bibliophile, crafty, intensely creative personality entwines itself through each one of her posts. You really get a sense that you know her, and it's such a pleasure to read about her latest projects, culinary delights, or share a walk around her city. I strongly recommend you pay Amber a visit, I'm sure you'll find something you love over there, too!

The Versatile Blogger Award Rules

Acknowledge the person who awarded you, and link back to them in your post.

Share 7 random facts about yourself.

Pass the award on to 7 new found bloggers.

Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you've done so.

Let the giver of the award know you've accepted!

And now for my 7 facts :)

Fact number 1:

I have always been, and will always be, a very animally person.

When I was younger, I'd often spend more time with my friend's pets than with my friends themselves when I visited their houses. I happily watched documentaries and filled my brain with facts about animals and their habitats, food habits and lives. I think I naturally have an intense curiosity and fascination with the world and the creatures that inhabit it, they are so varied, each so unique! I think it's wondrous.

Since I was very young, I have had a particular affinity with cats, that I can't explain. Perhaps because they are just too darn adorable. This is Charlie, one of the two cats that own my house. I do believe you've met him before :)

Fact number 2:

I may like animals, but I am completely phobic of moths. There is nothing that scares me more. I find it hard to explain; I know it's awfully irrational but when there is a moth in the room I am completely wracked with terror, I get the shakes and I cry and it's almost like a panic attack! Do you want to know something stranger? Butterflies don't bother me at all!!!!! I think they're pretty and I wouldn't mind at all if one were to gently flutter past me. But a moth? ICK. I think it's because they're hairy and they fly fast, irratically and more often that not in my general direction. *shivers*

This has to be perhaps the scariest thing I've ever seen, and it's in AUSTRALIA!!! Thank goodness it's up north in Queensland, FAR away from me.

Fact Number 3:

My family are very nerdy. My mum is a trekky and I was raised on Star Trek, Stargate, and Doctor Who. But perhaps most of all, we all go a bit nutty over the Lord of the Rings. I remember mum pointing to her copy on our bookshelf when I was little and telling me, ' You'll love this one when you're older.' And I do!

In 2002, when I was 12, we went overseas to New Zealand, and as well as seeing lots of the normal touristy sights we went mental over movie sets, locations, props, memorabilia. For example:

This is a photo dad took, after climbing over a fence into someone's private property, because a scene from one of the movies was shot here.

This is my dad and brother in front of the backdrop used for Isengard (Saruman's tower was completely CG).

Here we are at Hobbiton...

...Infront of the party tree (which still had streamer's stuck in the branches)

...And at Bag End, or what is left of it :)

It was all so fabulous.

Fact Number 4:

I kissed Jordan for the first time on Feb 16th 2007, after a night out at the Moonlight Cinema (We now count this as our anniversary :D). This was after telling him at school that I wasn't sure whether I liked him, and could we perhaps just be friends for a bit? A family holiday away where I missed him every second of every day made me change my mind, and I have never ever looked back. He's my best friend, my soul mate. We are four years and two months down the line, and I want to be with him for the rest of my life.

Face Number 5:

At the beginning of 2009, in the middle of a routine health checkup, my doctor heard an extra noise against my heartbeat. It was probably nothing, he said, but it concerned him enough to check up on it. Turned out, I had a hole in my heart, between the left and right atriums, that hadn't closed up properly as I grew. If it had been left unchecked until I was pregnant, I might have died giving birth, I was told. In June of that year, I had surgery to fix it, and truly miraculously they were able to do the operation up through the vein in my leg, rather that through open heart surgery (which i had been told, due to the complication of the abnormality was the likelihood, with all its risks and a big ugly scar all the way down my chest). As is stands, I have no scarring, and my heart is now back to normal. I honestly believe that there was no way this could have been resolved without godly intervention, amazing people to support me and lots of prayer.

When I first heard the news of my diagnosis, I sent a message to Jordan, saying 'I have a hole in my heart.' His first message back was ,'I'll fill it for you.' I thought that was sweet :) And then I got another saying, 'Wait, seriously?!' Funny.

Fact Number 6:

I love to draw. I spent much of my childhood sketching and scribbling, but when I got to art at high school, I got seriously discouraged. I had a teacher or two who believed art was what the artists of the renaissance painted, not what children were producing. Therefore my little cartoons had no interest, no worth, and I stopped drawing. In the last couple of years I've had my own renaissance in the way I view art, illustration and creativity in the world, and I've picked up my pencil again. I want creative expression to be a part of my life. Art adds vitality to any space. It makes things interesting and stimulating.

I'm re-learning how to draw again. 5 years is a long time to lose, but its ok. I'll get there :)

Most of these are unfinished and in progress. But anyway.

Fact Number 7:

I have been blonde all my life, except for when i was born; I arrived as a red head!

But it didn't last long. I've been naturally blonde ever since.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Oops. These were more like 7 mini autobiographies than 7 facts. I'm sorry! But I had a lot of fun compiling this :D Just like a walk down memory lane.

And now, I pass the baton to you, If you want it:

Ghost's Waltz

Lexy Mademyday

Thursday's Child

For the Vintage Fahionista

Ramble On

Little Love

Ketty

I'd love to hear your answers!

Have a blessed weekend x

Just like that old time Rock n' Roll

2011-04-20T18:54:00.000+09:30

Hello everyone!

I'm so sorry I've been AWOL this last week! Firstly I was frantically trying to finish my final assignments before the end of term, and then once everything was behind me and I had time to blog, our modem decided it had had enough and crashed, so for the last few days we had no internet. It's horrible isn't it, how much we rely in the web; I certainly felt it's absense, with no googling, no facebook, no checking etsy, and no blogger reading list to check for wonderful vintagey posts! Oh no! needless to say, there was lots of catching up to do today when we got it back :)

On Sunday afternoon, Jordan and I drove to Birdwood (nestled about an hour or so into the hills from Adelaide) for the Rock n' Roll Rendezvous. I'd never been before, so I was pretty excited! Unfortunately, I slept well past my alarm so we were only there for the last couple of hours. But we had so much fun! The day was beautiful, and the country surroundings were stunning!

I've never really been a car person, but these vintage hotrods were really something else. I found myself falling in love with the colours, the chrome, the detailing! Jordan and I got really snap-happy. A photographer's paradise!

Jordan's poses make me laugh so much!

Anything to get the photo, right? :)

The colours are so beautiful!

This was my favourite of the day, a gorgeous 1956 Buick Century, in black and white with red on the tyres. So classy! I wouldn't mind a ride in it at all :)

Amongst all these stylish cars, there were also some very stylish people.

I loved all the matching couples!!!

I told Jordan that he and I are going to be like these two and match when we're old! I think he thought i was joking. I'm totally not joking :P

Right in the centre of it all was a stage and a giant wooden dance floor, which for the whole time we were there was a flurry of circle skirts and tapping of black and white brogues. Though Jordan and I didn't dance ourselves, we enjoyed watching for a bit.

I hope I am as cute as these girls when I am their age :)

And that was our afternoon!

We drove back home to stunning autumn leaves in Stirling and Cherry Gardens, and as we came down the hill the setting sun made the sky rainbow! It was so pretty.

Wait a second, Erin, I hear you all ask...

What was that you're wearing?

Why, it's perhaps the best little swing dress EVER!*

*I know, big claim.

Please excuse the ridiculous grimace on my face in this picture, but it really does describe how i feel about this dress! Its a 1940's dress in Mardi Gras print, from Trashy Diva, one of two dresses I bought from them recently. Isn't it perfect? It seems so suited for a bit of Lindy Hop, perfect for swinging out! I adore the print: little mini masks and fans. Its so playful!

Until next time friends,

It's my Blogiversary!

2011-04-11T21:53:00.000+09:30

Hey everyone :)

Guess what? My humble little blog is 1 year old! Who would have thought it?

Thankyou so much to all my followers, old and new. You really have made this a joy to me! I appreciate your interest and lovely comments so much, I baked you a cupcake! Don't eat it all at once now :)

I want to share with you a super easy little sweets recipe that I love to make for celebrations, and people love to eat them! Honestly, these little gems only take 10 minutes or so, once you have all your ingredients! And they look so cute, and of course, are so yummy! You can never stop at one!

CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW CUPS

You will need:

Your favourite milk chocolate! Tastes best with really good couverture chocolate, but most often I use Cadbury Milk chocolate, because its cheaper and so easy to get.
A bag of marshmallows
Smarties or m&ms (or other small colourful candy)
Mini patty pans

Okay! First, melt the chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water, or in the microwave (but if you do it this way, be careful! chocolate burns at a really low temperature, so only put it in for short bursts, and stir well.)

Lay out your patty pans, and spoon a dollop of melted chocolate into the bottom. Make them a 1/3 to 1/2 full.

Push in a marshmallow, so the bottom is submerged in the chocolate.

Put another tiny dab of chocolate on the top of the marshmallow, and stick your smartie on top. Repeat with as many as you need, or feel you can eat.

Leave to set. Try and avoid putting them in the fridge, unless you want to eat them really fast, otherwise when you take them out, the condensation collects on the chocolate and the candy, and it can dull and fade the colour. They look best when they're bright, like a rainbow!

Don't they look so cute?

Thanks again everyone, for taking the time to read my ramblings and take a peek at my pictures. I'd like to ask; is there anything you want to see on my blog? Do you have any ideas for posts? What do you like best about An Ode to Reverie? I'd love your feedback!

Much Love!

My new linen love

2011-04-09T14:32:00.001+09:30

It's a beautiful cool Autumn day here. The light is so mellow and soft, and the rain droplets paint the leaves like little sparkling, hanging crystals. It's so pretty.

Figures that I notice the beauty of these things all the more when I'm procrastinating from doing all the homework I need to get done this week :)

I told you about my new dress yesterday, and now I want to show it to you!

I bought this red linen dress from myfavouritevintage on etsy at the end of last month. It arrived a day or so ago, and I can't tell you how happy I am with it. It's so perfect! (Yes, I know... more red and black, i really can't help myself!).

1940s Red Linen Dress- myfavouritevintage on etsy

Belt- from Sparkles at Glenelg

Sky high heels- Sportsgirl

Slouchy hat- my mother's

I'm just getting back into the swing of setting my hair in pincurls. Rather pleased with how these turned out!

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

xErin

How jazz was born

2011-04-08T23:21:00.000+09:30

Hello there everyone!

Firstly I want to say a huge welcome to my new followers, I've had quite a few new ones in the last week, and I want to say thanks so much! I hope you find something here that you like :)

I've recently got a gorgeous new dress in the mail, and I'll post about it soon, when I have a little more time. For now I just wanted to share with you my latest favourite video on the net, a snippet from the 1948 film 'A Song is Born'.

I have to be honest and say I haven't seen the whole movie; I hope to find the time in the holidays, when study is over (if only for a week or two). But I've watched this over and over. Isn't it just incredible? Full of the best kinds of things; sharply dressed men, fabulous fashion (SO FABULOUS! I especially love the lady in dark green at 1:48, the printed turquoise and purple frock on the woman at 3:28, the amazing black feather hat at 3:39, everything about the lady behind Louis at 5:05, and of course, the elegant Virginia Mayo as Honey Swanson), all the best most talented jazz musicians and their toe tapping, hip swinging, danceable jams, and the effervescent Danny Kaye.

I cannot get enough of this, and i wish I could squeeze myself into every scene :)

On a somewhat related note; Virginia Mayo was particularly fabulous in general. Don't you agree?

I will never look as perfect as this. So. Pretty.

See you again soon!

Would you be Impressed? I WAS.

2011-04-05T19:21:00.000+09:30

Good afternoon everyone!!! Hope you had a great weekend!

I am super happy, as I'm still coming down from the high of an INCREDIBLE few days of live music here in Adelaide.

On Saturday night Jordan and I went to see Area 7 at the Squatters arms hotel. Originally a madness cover band, Area 7 were big in the late 1990's/ early 2000's; Aussies might remember this song being everywhere.

This for me, is a part of my childhood, a memory of growing up. And it's quintessentially Australian, down to earth, poking fun at everyday suburbia. Its wonderfully, unashamedly danceable. And yes, Australia is full of people like this :)

This one's up here for Jordan :)

Anyway, the venue was a little corner pub opposite Bonython Park, and they packed it out! People went mental, there was so much dancing and pushing and people were crowdsurfing indoors, kicking the lighting rigs and everything. I don't think they expected it at all! A few times Stevo (the singer) got his phone out to record us all. I'm so proud of the ska fans here, giving them such a reception; hope they come back soon!

Sunday day was recovery, and in the evening Jordan and I met up with a couple of other friends, and we went to Enigma to see perhaps my FAVOURITE BAND OF ALL TIME play.

The first supporting band was local guys Son of Dad (they also supported Area 7 the previous night so I got a double treat). They are always amazing; they definitely make me proud to be a ska fan in Adelaide! Always tonnes of fun and stacks of energy.

photo courtesy ninjahopeedutainment on fasterlouder.com.au

extra kudos to any band that begins a song with a ukelele :)

Second band was a new one to me, Sydney based Chris Duke and the Royals. Along with some crazy-catchy original tunes, they played ska-ed up versions of songs from the Lion king. Considering when i was little i watched the lion king sometimes up to 3 times a day, they had me at 'I just can't wait to be king'. Freaking amazing! I'll definitely keep an eye out for them in the future.

photo courtesy ninjahopeedutainment on fasterlouder.com.au

Third band was a bit of a dampener- i don't know why the promoters chose to put a hardcore/metal band in the mix but i didn't like it one bit! Luckily there were couches, so we could rest a bit before the main event.

Streetlight Manifesto are way more than just ska punk. Based from New Jersey and fronted by Tomas Kalnoky, they are everything that epitomises good music. Upbeat guitar, changing tempos and styles, horns that interweave with complimentary but unique contrasting melodies, performances with masses of energy and vitality. They are the only band I know of that produces music you can sing every part ; not just the vocals but the guitar riff and the brass sections, and even the drums.

I had seen them twice before; once at hq with Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake (where they were only supporting but they were by far the highlight of the night), and once at the end of 2008 when I drove 8hrs to Melbourne with some friends to catch their headlining show, as they weren't coming to Adelaide. It was more than worth it. And on Sunday night they were better than ever.

Mr Tomas Kalnoky himself :)

all photos courtesy ninjahopeedutainment on fasterlouder.com.au

I absolutely lose myself in their music; I have never danced so hard, sung so loud, had so much fun.

I didn't take a camera with me this time, I can never make up my mind, because whenever i don't take one, I regret it, but when i do, i can't dance anywhere near as much because i don't wan't to break it! I'm so happy there are pics on the internet i can show you :)

all photos courtesy ninjahopeedutainment on fasterlouder.com.au

I don't know if you can see, but theres me around the lower left corner above, the epitome of sweaty frazzled glamour (not!) in my red bandanna and navy blouse. Jordan's behind me, with the red hair, glasses and sideburns :) Our friend malcolm is the tall red head in green next to me, and that teeny little dark speck in front of me is Esther.

Heres a video of what Streetlight sound like live, so that you may share some of my joy. INCREDIBLE.

And THAT, dear friends, was my amazing weekend. Thanks for bearing with me! I'll be back to good old vintage posts soon.

I strongly suggest you check out more of Streetlight Manifesto. They have a few really amazing animated videos worth checking out, like this one, full of vengeful animals, BEWARE!

How did you spend your weekend? Hope you had just as much fun as I did!
x

Going green

2011-04-02T14:47:00.000+10:30

The photo above is of me walking into the main township of Ubud, in the centre of Bali, earlier this year. Just look how green it is, it's incredible! It was in Ubud that I bought this dress I'm about to show you; its definitely my favourite purchase of the trip, and my number one regret is that I didn't buy more.

While the shopping in Bali is definitely abundant, I found it somewhat difficult finding clothes that were my style; namely generously cut (in length particularly) and a little bit vintage inspired. The majority of shops are geared either to the surfy type crowd - with torn, distressed, bleached denim short shorts and super stretchy paper thin tees with little fit, and barely-there bikinis; or they sell highly cultural one-size-fits-all batik-printed pull on dresses (the loveliest of which I actually did buy, you can see it in the picture above, or in this post). But in a little boutique off Monkey Forest Road I found this gorgeous frock.

It's a swing-style wrap dress, in green homespun cotton. It has a slight sheen to it, and I am absolutely in love with the texture; it has little nicks and areas where the thread varies, and some patches where the dye has stayed more than others. These little 'abnormalities' make the dress truly unique, I love them.

They had these in multiple colours, and I can't say for sure why I chose the green (as it isn't a colour I would tend to lean towards usually)- but perhaps it's safe to say it was the influence of the lush rainforest surroundings. And it's true that whenever I wear it I'm reminded of being there. But as I've said before, I really do wish id bought more!!! Maybe one in deep blue, one in rich burgundy, oh dear.

Guess I'll have to go back someday :P

Fully fashioned stockings and Harlow suspender belt- What Katie Did

Shoes- target

This is my Beagle, Barney. While I spun in my dress, he rolled :P

Hope you all have great weekends!
x

Medicine for the soul

2011-03-30T20:22:00.000+10:30

This week I haven't been feeling so well :(

I haven't felt like getting out and about at all, and I haven't made it in to tafe the last couple of days. My forced confinement to my bedroom has meant I've got quite a lot of homework done though, so there is somewhat of a plus side.

Today, I had to take some time away from the Mac, to rest, just for myself. And I must say, when you're feeling yucky, theres nothing quite so comforting as a good book.

I have a huge obsession with books. Particularly nice big fat (healthy-sized!) ones with pretty covers. I hoard them like a crow does with shiny things! My collection has far overflowed my bookshelf. And at the moment, I'm especially enamoured with clothbound books, and ones with ribbons :)

These are just a few from the pride of my collection; 20 clothbound penguin classics released a year or so ago, with fabulous cover designs by Coralie Bickford-Smith.

(In posting these pictures on the internet i discovered there are actually more to be collected! Gulliver's travels, Inferno, and A Christmas Carol are on their way to me now, and there will be three more after they are released in a couple of months. The collection grows!)

Of course, a good story can be helped along with a nice hot drink, chai perhaps?

... and maybe a little chocolate or two :)

Jordan and I bought these from the Central Markets last Friday night. I have to admit they didn't actually last until today :)

As you can see, I'm well on my way to being mended!
xLove

2011-03-24T22:52:00.000+10:30

Follow my blog with bloglovin

A quick little outfit post...

2011-03-24T19:45:00.001+10:30

And the realisation that I wear a WHOLE LOT of red and black. Well, what can I say, they are my favourite colours to wear :)

knit top- thrifted

screen printed brooch- a gift from a lovely friend :)

1/2 circle skirt- handmade by me

A side note; so sad to hear about the death of Vale Elizabeth Taylor. She was a stunning beauty in her prime, with those incredible violet eyes, and a screen legend. She will be sorely missed, and i'm sure her immaculate style will inspire countless women for years to come, as it has inspired me. RIP.

It never rains, but it pours.

2011-03-20T20:22:00.000+10:30

I havent had the best week this week. I'm quite behind in my tafe studies, because I thought i'd be really smart and work some nights and weekends as well as study. This meant I ran out of time for homework, and I didn't sleep enough, and so I got sick. On Thursday morning, I was heading in early to chat to my lecturer about the work I was missing, and my car broke down in peak hour traffic. I had to wait an hour for roadside assist, then longer for a tow truck, and I didn't make it to tafe at all.

Today, I'm feeling much better. I have my car back, and the repairs cost slightly less than quoted. I got a concession refund for my tafe fees, and it turned out to be more than expected! And today is beautiful, grey, overcast and cool. I can smell the moisture on the air and it's wonderful.

Dress - Stop Staring

Vintage 1940s jacket and beret - my mother's

Mary janes - Novo

It's going to pour tonight! I can't wait, i love the rain! The first drops are starting to fall now.

I have to mention here that I really have a wonderful boyfriend. When I was upset, he came to see me with a big hug, a box of chocolates (which went very quickly!) and not one, but two bottles of iced tea :) Both peach and raspberry, he said he wasn't sure which I felt like, so he bought both! What a gentleman! Thanks Jord, I love you.

Hope all is well in your world xo

A Wonderful Weekend

2011-03-15T19:49:00.000+10:30

On Saturday night I went out into the city with the marvelous Andi B Goode and our lovely friend Abi.

We went to see World War Wonderful, a cabaret on as part of the Adelaide Fringe festival.

The show was superb. We, the audience, were treated to a USO style show presented by the 'Wonderful Sisters', a trio of songstresses not unlike another boogie-woogie wartime group of girls you may have heard of :) The voices were incredible; and the original songs were funny, sometimes a little naughty and in the end intensely thought provoking and moving.

I didn't take any photos in the show (wasn't sure whether I was allowed to or not :S), but I have found this video of the girls promoting their show earlier this year in Federation Square; gives you a glimpse into exactly what we saw.

We went out for food/ dessert for a little while after too, and took the rudimentary outfit posts. Aren't these girls lovely?

This is a view of the Rundle Lantern from the east end of Rundle Street. It's effectively a facade to cover up the ugliness of a carpark, but I think it's lovely! Adds so much extra colour to the city.

And this is how I did my hair and make-up for the night! Rolls and a hair rat at the back.

xLove

Woman according to Disney

2011-03-10T23:40:00.000+10:30

Came across this via (Lindy Charm School for Girls founder) Chrissy Keepence's facebook a day or two ago, and thought it deserved to be shared. It's an informative video from 1946, for young girls about what to expect when the *ahem* hormones kick in :)

Riding the Wave...

2011-03-07T11:59:00.000+10:30

I spent the whole of Saturday at the Soundwave Music Festival! I've been the last 3 years now, and it never fails to be an amazing day out.

For one thing, the people-watching is amazing. It's somewhat of a past time for me; I find it fascinating the diversity of people in this world, and at an alternative event like Soundwave the contrasts between personalities stand out even more than usual :)

There were punks,

photo courtesy snappy tom

Death metal kids and goths;

photo courtesy snappy tom

photo courtesy triple m

Extreme body-modders (some with amazing tattoos, some with terrible ones :S)

Metalheads (so much hair);

Photo courtesy Nic Bezzina

Hardcore kids:

Photo courtesy Nic Bezzina

...Scene kids, quintessential Aussie bogans, Rockabillies, one or two vintage honeys, and everything in between.

There was also a pirate;

Photo courtesy Nic Bezzina

And even a mexican or two.

But it's not just about the people, right? It's about the MUSIC!!!

Due to the fact DSLR cameras weren't allowed in, and because Jordan and I ended up seeing most of the bands we wanted to see on a stage under a giant tent, most of my feeble little point-and-click photos ended up like this:

So disappointing!!!!!! *sigh*. But i do have one or two passable snaps of my most favourite bands of the day.

Less than Jake are one of my favourite bands of all time. I've seen them countless times and their particular brand of 90's third wave ska-punk is addictive and so fun to jump to!

My other favourite band of the day was the Mad Caddies. Also third wave ska, but with countless other influences, like polka, swing, vaudeville, spanish, reggae (they even have a pirate song?!?!), and they're SERIOUSLY DANCEABLE.

I have to include two songs from the Caddies, apologies! But you have to hear this one too :)

So much fun, so silly :D

The rest of my day was more pop-punk; the other bands I saw include New Found Glory, Pennywise, Anberlin (who I LOVED but only saw for a few songs before we had to RUN over for the Caddies), The Ataris/MXPX and Veara.

I can't wait for next year :)

Hope you all had a great weekend, too.

xErin

My first bali buy

2011-03-04T14:34:00.000+10:30

I must admit I'm just a little bit excited it's Autumn. I'm really not one for sweltering summer weather, and I'm so thankful we only had one or two days over 40degrees celsius this year. It's unseasonable for it to be so mild, but I'm not complaining :)

Today is one of those perfect days, not too hot, not too cold. Though I'm pining for colder days so i can get my lovely big coats out again, today the weather really is beautiful! I have a day off from tafe study, and I wish I could pull you all here through my computer screen, and we could all go out and have a picnic somewhere.

Its the perfect opportunity to pull out this dress. I bought it in Bali, from the markets in Ubud. The design is one that you see almost everywhere over there, rows upon rows of stores selling the same. Despite its mass production i thought the batik print was beautiful. It's elastic at the top, and a very soft cotton so it's comfy; and to me it was just a little bit 'tiki'.

Batik dress - Ubud markets, Bali

Shoes- Target

Beaded necklace and earrings - gifts from beautiful friends :)

My hair is up in loose rolls, secured with bobby pins but nothing else. It makes a nice relaxed look, I think :)

Wishing the nicest of days for you, too!

Love xo

Feeling Foxy

2011-02-23T01:14:00.000+10:30

Thought I'd share with you my birthday present from my brother; a brand new pair of Red Fox earrings from A Skulk of Foxes. For so long I have been admiring these in the pages of Frankie magazine and online, and now they are mine! So happy!

Great hair needs to be shared!

2011-02-15T00:12:00.001+10:30

Don't you think?
Pardon the rhyme, I do apologise.

I also apologise too, for how quiet it's been around here. I'm so sorry! I feel like i've virtually dropped off the map in the last week or two! Tafe has started with a bang, so unfortunately my mind has been on other things than this blog, namely typography, learning to use adobe illustrator and trying in vain to manage a vaguely realistic self portrait; I've always been a cartoony type illustrator so my drawn eyes are looking kind of huge and buggy. Nevermind. I'm having a ball.

I was browsing through some old photos recently, and I stumbled upon this one. My hair here is kind of fantastic, if I do say so myself :). To be honest I think it's because I didn't technically do it! This was from 2009, after a huge night at the Helpmann Academy Gala dinner as a 1959 model/usher/hostess/auction-helper/whatever. This was part of a costume assignment for Tafe; we designed and made dresses to fit in with the theme, got all dolled up by the hair and make-up students and just generally wandered around looking fabulous all night. It's was a hard job, but someone had to do it :) I must say though, this sultry little wave only came into being after the evening's festivities, after i pulled all 50-something bobby pins out of this sculptural creation.

I mention it, because i haven't managed to get a wave so perfect since. I'm having a tremendous amount of difficulty keeping in a curl now that my hair is so long. As I've mentioned before, though, I just can't bring myself to cut it shorter. I think I still have childhood dreams of mermaid hair down to my butt :)

Any of you lovelies have tips for keeping curls in long hair, or methods of setting to get that perfect veronica lake wave?

Love, and thanks for bearing with me :)
x

PS- For those of you who are interested; this was my dress. It's the first one I ever designed, patternmade and constructed all by myself. YAY :D

worn with seamed stockings, sky-high Sportsgirl stilettos, 1950s diamante jewellery and navy embroidered vintage gloves.

A wall full of inspiration

2011-02-06T23:40:00.000+10:30

Hello again!

With the start of a new year comes all sorts of new inspirations. I've decided to start a new wall collage as the new year of school starts, so I've cleaned off my old collage and put up a few new things. It'll grow as the year progresses, I'm sure.

Here's a look at last years wall, and the things that inspired me then. It's also a bit of an insight into part of who I am as a person. Maybe there's something up there you identify with, too?

Uni SA Illustration graduate postcards

Jordan's 'Timber Toys' lino cut packaging design

The Master Sword (from the Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time N64 game, only like, my favourite game ever)

Free postcards found at cafes around the city

Just Another Agency

My Neighbour Totoro

Swing dancing

Timba Smits

The Australia Project

Business cards and letters from vintage etsy sellers

Hero Vintage swing tag

Wooden Toy magazine

Gary Seaman

Magazine Gallery

Love postcards from Jordan <3

A ticket from the Victor Harbour horse-drawn tram

Exit Through the Gift Shop; a Banksy movie

Peaches n' Gin Burlesque

My own little cartoon.

Most of these are linked. If you like art, illustration, or just want to click around a little, take a look :)

I'm really interested to know; what's inspired you over the last year? Do you have a wall? Or a folder, or scrapbook, or a file on the computer?

Til next time!

Upon my return...

2011-02-03T22:18:00.000+10:30

Well, hello again!

I'm back, and I had the most wonderful time away. Bali is beautiful. Steamy and green and full of amazing sights, smells, food and people! You think you've seen every colour, and then you go to bali, and there's more :) I'm currently in the process of sorting through the 2000 or so photos we took throughout the trip, and I'll have some beautiful things to show you soon.

For now though, I'll leave you with a taster; a video Jordan put together with some of our footage. Enjoy!

Note: best viewed full screen and in HD :)

Bali 2011 from Jordan Graetz on Vimeo.

Goodbye!

2011-01-13T11:19:00.000+10:30

I'm off to explore the world!

But only for a couple of weeks. I'm off to Bali with my boyfriend! I'm so excited, I can't wait!
Keen for a bit of a break before study starts up again.

Oh, did I tell you? I've been accepted into my graphic design course! Yay!

I'll miss you all! But I promise i'll return with lots of lovely pictures and stories to tell.

Much love! x

Queensland's disaster

2011-01-12T13:10:00.000+10:30

I feel like I need to take the time to be a little serious for a moment.

Over the last week, Queensland has been subject to torrential rain and floods that now cover 1/3 of its entire area. Thousands of people have lost their homes, 9 people have been killed and many more are unaccounted for. Buildings and cars have literally been swept away. Its all over the television here; complete utter devastation. So disturbing to see, so i can't imagine what the people over there are going through.

A website has been set up where you can donate to a relief appeal, if you feel compelled to.
You can visit it here.

People of Queensland, my heart goes out to you.
x

A lovely thing in the mail...

2011-01-10T11:45:00.000+10:30

A package arrived for me a couple of days ago.

I wonder what's inside?

Only the HUGEST bubble wrap I have ever seen!

...And something else?

OH! A new vintage hat!

Thankyou, erachel on etsy!

My 21st Birthday

2011-01-08T14:13:00.001+10:30

Hello everyone! Hope you've all been well!

Tuesday the 4th was my birthday, and I turned 21!
Here's what my day looked like:
(WARNING: Image heavy!)

I woke up fairly early and had presents with Jordan and my family. I got lots of lovely things, including money and vouchers. And then Jordan floored me with an iPod touch! I really wasn't expecting it! Wow!

This was part of Jordan's wrapping for my iPod. He hand designed the type for my name, scanned it into the computer and then vectorised it. It's immaculate. I wish I could sign my name like that all the time!

Seeing as going out to breakfast is probably my favourite thing to do in the whole world, I then headed into the city to meet up with some friends for breakfast :). We went to Al Fresco's East End Gelateria and Pasticceria. Their breakfast menu has everything a person could possibly need; bacon, eggs, crumpets, muesli, waffles, croissants, and even a bit of history :)

Heaven on a plate, in the form of mixed berry crepes with vanilla bean gelati. YUM.

I got some wonderful gifts from some very dear friends! These gorgeous flowers were from Ruth.

Books of every kind...

The most well dressed little notebook i've ever seen!

Stunning jewellery!

...and accessories.

... And a little bit of fun with Mario! woohoo!
Oh no, my inner geek has been revealed :)

After breakfast, I also had the chance to go for a bit of a wander around the shops, to spend some of the money I'd been given.

I bought myself a new perfume! After browsing (a lot!) I settled on this one; It's Couture Couture by Juicy Couture. It's young, light and a little bit fruity. Lovely!

This wooden wall hanging and GORGEOUS little pink flamingo brooch are from Bauhaus. Note: they don't have their own website, so I've linked to ladymelbourne's review of this beautiful gem of a shop :)

I also bought Curvy 7. This series of books seeks to showcase the best new female artists and their works from all over the world! I have a few previous copies. It's an absolute visual treat, and so inspiring.

I got home from the city to find a surprise waiting for me; a package with my new Trashy Diva dress! I was so excited until I opened it... and the dress was wet! Not just a little damp either, completely soaked through, so much so that when I unfolded it it dripped all over the floor!!! I panicked a little at this point, as it also had a bit of a musty smell. I still don't know what happened, maybe they dropped it into the ocean on its way over?

Anyway. I got onto it pretty quickly and gave it a good thorough hand wash. And much to my relief it came up just fine :) After it was dry, i tried it on.

Okay. New favourite dress alert.

The cut is BEAUTIFUL. It has beautiful wide shoulders, a beautiful low neckline and beautiful drapes at the front. And that waist; so nipped and tiny! And the cherry print! LOVELY.

'Sadie' dress in cherry- Trashy Diva

Hibiscus- from the garden

Red pumps- Rubi shoes

Not long now, everyone :) I do apologise for the length of this post, but it's almost over. I assure you!

For dinner I caught up with my family, Jordan's family and my brother's girlfriend Megan. We went to Good Life Modern Organic Pizza at Glenelg. The food there is fantastic; as the name suggests, it's all organic vegetables, local produce and free range meats. I forgot to take any pictures, so you'll have to take my word for it :)

Me and my lovely mother (and a glimpse of dad in the background).

Another awesome thing about Good Life is that they have brown paper table coverings. Not only are you allowed to draw on them, but you're actively encouraged to. We spent to evening trying to get as much table coverage as possible!

This was my corner...

And David's. I think he won for area covered.

...And that was my wonderful day. Thankyou for sharing it with me.

x

Let it snow...

2011-01-05T17:16:00.000+10:30

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Hope you all had a lovely festive season. I know i did!

First things first; I need to say a huge thankyou to Andi B. Goode for featuring me on her blog! I'm super flattered! It's all on her account that I get to meet all of you lovely new people. I can't wait to get to know you all, and I hope you find something on here that makes you smile.

If, by some miracle, you've never read Andi's blog, head over there right now. Don't even read the rest of this post! just go! She is a veritable queen of vintage with undeniable style (both sartorially and otherwise!), and to top it all off, she's a lovely person, too!

I made these snowflakes around Christmas time from folded paper. They were destined to go on the presents as gift tags, but after i'd done a few I decided they looked too lovely as a whole to be ruined with some sticky tape!

Due to the fact i find the Australian summer heat (and all that seems to accompany it; mosquitos, sweat, stress, etc) quite disagreeable sometimes - I'm really more of a winter girl, could you tell? :) - they're going up on the wall in my room for a while, to keep me nice and cool when the temperature gets more than i can bear :)

Until next time! xo

Outfit post: black and white polka dots

2010-12-29T18:18:00.004+10:30

This is the outfit I wore to the shops today after work. The hat is new (well, new to me; its 1950s vintage) and this was its first outing! Seems to be made for the dress, don't you think?

1950's hat- CorkSpork on etsy

polka dot earrings- gifted

1970's dress- Rewind Recycled Fashions

vintage gloves- my mother's

lace butterfly brooch- my mother's

heels- Wittner

I may or may not be dancing in this photo :)

I didn't buy anything at the shops, but it was a nice outing; I was called 'darling' by two different shoppers, and one lovely old man stopped me to say that he thought i looked delightful, and that more 'young ladies' should dress as i did! I was super flattered!

It's sort of hard to see here (especially because I managed to take these pictures after my excursion and I'm a little windblown) but I wore my hair up with one roll on the side and the back rolled up with a rat and pinned in place. SO quick and easy to do!

A closeup of mum's brooch. It has a few little stains here and there but it's so sweet. So glad i rediscovered it!

These beauties are LEILAH's from Wittner, bought on super- sale a few months ago. So pretty!

See you again soon

xox

A very colourful Christmas...

2010-12-27T14:52:00.005+10:30

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! I know I did!

My brother David and I iced honey biscuits. They're meant to be christmas coloured, but the 'pillar box red' turned out to be more pink.

My presents under the tree, and some of Davids. Don't they look wonderful? Rainbow wrapping from ikea.

A miniature gingerbread village, at my boyfriend Jordan's house.

So much incredible food!

Two of my cousins, and their ever-changing hair :)

One of my brother's presents, a frog from Haigh's (it has two little chocolates in its back). He's dubbed him Hector. I think he's the most well dressed little fellow I've ever seen!

My present from Jordan's family; a STUNNING quilt handmade by his mum. The colours are SO PERFECT, it's the most beautiful thing i've seen, ever. I was completely overwhelmed! Just a little bit happy in this photo.

He's such a graphic designer :D this made me smile so much, how he'd wrapped it.

And some more of my presents!

In the background, my new AMAZING print from Angelique Houtkamp! I can't believe it!!! Been wanting one of those for a while now, and Jordan really spoilt me with this one! Her name is 'Emilienne', and she's exclusive to Outre Gallery. Couldn't me more overjoyed!

I also got a tabletop easel for my illustration, art supplies, Coraline on dvd (one of my favourite movies EVER), a gorgeous little tin box full of chocolate coins, some jewellery, gift vouchers, movie tickets, renewal of my Frankie subscription and their SPACES book (which is beautiful, might i add!), a gorgeous little felt notebook and some money to spend in Bali, when Jordan and I go in January.

I've been well and truly spoilt! Hope you were, too!

I wanted to show you a picture of what I wore all Christmas; a gorgeous 1940's dress in a beautiful green print (you can see a little in the photo above with the quilt) which arrived on Christmas eve from salvagelife on etsy. I might leave it for a while, as I ate enough for five people over christmas, have blown up like a balloon and I'm a bit embarrassed by the pictures i took, to be honest. I think I know now what my new year's resolution is going to be! But I will give you a glimpse; this is the pintucked detail at the neckline, it's also at the top of the patchpockets on the skirt. More pictures later, I promise!

The print is perfect, So suited for the season!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Pincurls and Murphys...

2010-12-17T12:24:00.006+10:30

Hello again!!!!

Last night I finally made my way back to swing after a few months hiatus (due to working on my graphic design portfolio). Though I'd pretty much forgotten how to dance -It'd been so long!- it was an incredible night with some wonderful friends and made a lovely change from staring at a computer screen or a sketchbook!

I thought I'd show you how I set my hair for the evening. I've been experimenting a bit with curls lately, trying to find the best way to get the curls to stay as my hair is quite long at the moment (a few inches below my shoulder blades) and seems to be a bit too heavy for them. The easy solution would be to cut it shorter, but i just can't bring myself to do it! I love my long hair, and I think I'm a bit too sentimentally attached.

Last night I tried pincurls. So far I've found they have the best holding power, better than foam or hot rollers. This was only for about 2hours in between work and going out, so they're much gentler curls, set with only a bit of water and some hairspray. But i was pretty happy with the result!

Please excuse the work uniform and the dim bathroom :P

The setting 'pattern' I used. The curls are rolled towards my face on either side.

Just after taking the pins out - ringlet curls! They're a bit loose, as some parts were still damp.

And after a bit of brushing!

I was super pleased with the curls around my face!

Unfortunately it didn't stay this nice very long, thanks to a combination of lack of hairspray and a really fast dj set (and some brilliant live music thanks to the Keswick brothers). All worth it though!

I also had tonnes of fun on Wednesday at No Sleep Til! Danced like a fool to Me First and the Gimme Gimmes (a crazy-awesome punk rock cover band), flailed to Frenzal and sang my heart out to A Day to Remember. All a little removed from my ska/rockabilly/swing roots but still so much fun! But enjoyed Dropkick Murphys best, by far. They've been one of my favourite bands since FOREVER. I'll give you a demo; you might recognise this song from the Departed, or if you're here in Australia, you would have heard their music on the AFL ads for the last couple of years. I reckon they're brilliant :D

Finally, just a quick thankyou to the lovely Sasha of Astral Boutique for featuring my photo on her blog! You can see it here. Be sure to check out her store if you love beautiful whimsical things :)

Til next time!