The Vintage Year

Florals for all mankind

2009-11-25T05:39:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise when these bright things popped up on my doorstep early one morning. The boy and I are currently separated by several timezones, eleven hours and a few expanses of ocean; while I had to rush back home to start a new job in Sydney, he is continuing his travels on the continent for another month...

I always love getting flowers. It doesn't matter where, when or from whom - they always lift my mood. He wasn't always the flower-giving type. I did drop plenty of hints early on in the relationship.

My favourite used to be lilies. He would often drop by our brilliant local florist on his way home from work and pick up a bunch of lilies wrapped in beautiful paper. It was always a welcome surprise - but we now no longer get lilies because they are so toxic to cats. I was always a bit blasé about this fact until a horrible few weeks in England where we worked around the clock trying to save 3 felines from the same family that had suffered lily poisoning. Two didn't survive and it was heartbreaking. Lilies are so toxic to cats that they can be fatally poisoned just from grooming some of the pollen out of their fur. Suffice to say beautiful lilies now exist only in my imagination, and never in my house.

What about you? What are your favourites? What colours are you most drawn to? When have you been surprised with unexpected flowers?

Right now I'm enjoying real-life flowers, flowers on my dress, and maybe even one day flowers in the hair.

Blog reader

2009-11-21T23:38:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try and resurrect this blog. I've been really slack this year but have plenty of thrifting adventures to show and tell from my travels through Europe and New York. Recently I've been reading blogs like mad, trying to catch up with all the news, and settle back down into a kind of semi-routine now I'm back in Australia.

Though it is almost summer here, the past two days in Melbourne have been stormy, rainy and cold. Not that I'm complaining - flying low over the Victorian countryside in the plane before touchdown, it broke my heart to see how dry the landscape was. Six months of English countryside and European forest does a lot to make one forget about the drought-ridden, struggling Oz.

One good thing about rainy weather is it gives me a chance to rediscover some of my cold weather clothes before I move up to Sydney in 6 days, and end up stuck with summer for 6 months...

Dreaming colours

2009-09-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted, it was in the midst of an English summer. Now it's autumn, and I am in Paris. In the interim, I have had very boring outfits, mainly because I have to wear the same thing over and over and over again! Even worse, I did actually manage to thrift some vintage (out of the way English charity stores, flea markets in Amsterdam, raiding the op shops in Norway) but having such limited space in my pack, had to post it all home straight away. So I've had very little to blog about. Heartbreaking too, having to part with newly acquired treasures.

This skirt is secondhand ASOS (and no, we don't own a travel iron!), picked up for a song in an English charity store. I've reached the stage where I'm desperate for some colour, but also have to only obtained things which are light enough (and plain enough) to fit in with what I already have. So the tangeriney colour fits the bill - and also the mood, what with the golden light of Oxford.

I'm not sure how long I'll keep posting to this blog. It seems a bit irrelevent now that I'm traveling (and really have no new outfits to blog about). Also, my year of only buying vintage is over - although it's interesting to note how last year's habits have persisted (I'm still mainly buying second-hand). I could post photos from our travels, but that's not really the point - plus then my embarrassing re-hashing of the same outfits would become even more obvious...

Make hay while the sun shines

2009-07-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

We had some sunny days in England. We had some wild electrical storms in Norway. And we had some humidity in Amsterdam.

People here in the UK talk about the weather more than any other population group I know of.

I've done a bit of charity store shopping (only a few vintage treasures, but lots of H&M - op shops here are full of really new looking secondhand H&M!). I've decided that I'll only buy chain store stuff secondhand, hopefully I'll save enough pennies to actually afford some real vintage here...

I wonder if you can pick up my accent on the phone

2009-06-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

I really didn't mean for 2 months to pass, really I didn't. It's just that life got in the way, that's really no excuse, but I have no other.

Am in London at the moment, in the past few months I've moved thrice, flown overseas, shifted time zones, jostled with locals on the tube, and taken a shining to English ale.

When we arrived in London, the air was full of tiny little floating bits of pollen, that looked a bit like snow drifts. I loved it. People who have hayfever, not so much perhaps...

One thing I don't like about London is that there is absolutely no decent priced vintage in any of the charity shops. I went to Portobello and it was fantastic, but having so much amazing stuff in one place takes away the thrill of the find.

There is only one vintage dress in my luggage, and it's this one (I didn't want to run the risk of ruining anything else in my pack!) I'm finding it so difficult... can anyone tell me how you survive for one year with only enough clothes to fit into a pack?!

I'll try my best to update when I can, although it is difficult when on the move. If you're reading this, thank you for staying with me! X

A whole lot of hoop-la

2009-04-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since my last post! So much has happened, I have been run off my feet. We've finally booked round-the-world tickets, and we leave on May the 3rd (eek so soon!) but not before heading up to Arnhemland, NT to do some volunteer work first...

From the country, I've now moved back to my parents' house. Living in my childhood room is strange - it's bursting full of memories, mementoes and old childhood toys. This hoop I unearthed from languishing beneath a pile of old tennis rackets. I used to spend hours on end with this thing, trying to perfect the hula-hoop. It was fun to pull it out again, but needless to say I'm just as bad as ever!

I'm still here, somewhat...

2009-03-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

Huge apologies for my extreme absence of late. The truth is I've moved to the country for a while, and have very limited internet downloads... Which means I can't spend time perusing all of your lovely blogs. It's heartbreaking, I really miss it, but I promise I will catch up soon!

In the meantime, here is the country as I know it, for now.

I have much to tell, including tales of wonderful thrift finds, a swap with the lovely Hollie of Vegan and Vintage, an amazing 4 day music festival, and my store - but these will have to wait until I have more time! Until then, au revoir!

All aboard!

2009-02-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

So the aforementioned op shop in the country had the most divine collection of cute blouses, including this adorable sailor-esque '80s Country Road number. Being light, cotton and airy it's perfect for running around doing errands in, which is exactly what I was doing last week!

We've been busy this week packing up the house, which is such a daunting experience. I hate moving house, and I've done so 5 times in the last 5 years. Dressing up in cute shirts gives me a little bit of escapism that is more than welcome when faced with such a monstrous task!

I wore the following blouse the day after Valentine's day... I kind of wanted to wear it ON Valentine's day, but thought it would be a bit too cheesy, hehe. What do you think?

Blouses: both from Camperdown op shop
Skirt: Witchery via op shop
Sandals: ebay
Bag: Newport op shop
Necklace: Drink me, Alice

One buses, two trains, one car, several hearts, one week.

2009-02-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a week. On Tuesday my car died spectacularly in the middle of nowhere in country Victoria. We had to be towed to the nearest town, then it took a bus, two trains and 9 hours to get home again!

My car was fixed in the country town, so we had to traipse back out there to pick it up. One good thing did come out of it, though - I found the dearest little op shop out there. It's now my favourite op shop outside of Melbourne - full of lovely old lady volunteers and packed to the rafters with amazing vintage... I got 10 things for $19 and would've gotten more if I hadn't just forked out $150 for my car!

I picked up my Valentine's day dress from my other favourite op shop... The one where I've been volunteering the last few weeks. The pros - I've been able to find some amazing treasures I'd never have had a chance at before. Also, a volunteer discount, always welcome! The cons - while I'm there I don't get a chance to browse the store properly, and if I went outside of my volunteer hours I'd feel guilty for not volunteering then, too!

This dress definitely falls into the 'pro' category. It was the first thing I saw when I walked in for my shift last week, and I fell in love and grabbed it and never want to let it go! It's a beautiful '50s dress from Sydney, and it's made out of 100% cotton. Which is so great, considering 95% of my vintage wardrobe is polyester or other variations on the theme.

Loving the darling row of covered buttons (strictly decorative!) on the front...

In other news, ebay unceremoniously cancelled one of my auctions on Friday, because apparently my note about donating part of the proceeds to charity contravened ebay's listing policies, or something. Can you believe it?! On the plus side I've been pillaging my closet and making new listings so head on over and help me get rid of my stuff!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Dress: Northcote op shop
Necklace: Drink me, Alice
Tights: Myer
Shoes: ebay
Bag: Newport op shop

Just a quick post

2009-02-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

No big post today, but just wanted to express how horrifying the bushfire situation in Victoria has been these past few days. As a consequence, I'm now donating part of the proceeds from my ebay auctions to the Red Cross for their bushfire fund.

Hope you're all safe and well.

There's more in store

2009-02-05T23:26:00.000-08:00

Oh, I have been so so slack with blogging lately, but I do have an excuse! Remember that store I keep harping on about? Well, in the past week I've been feverishly learning how to write HTML (so I can write ebay descriptions), taking photos, listing items... It's so labour intensive, I can't imagine how hard it must be for all those lovely lasses who do this full time!

Now I finally have a fair few things listed on ebay although I'm sure there's plenty more I could rustle up from my wardrobe, so stay tuned. In the meantime, for those of you who were interested:

I don't have any outfit posts, even though I actually have been wearing clothes. Just been so busy I haven't thought of taking photos! I've also had some amazing thrift finds - now that I'm not working I've started volunteering at the local Brotherhood op shop. It's so fun!

I also completely blanked and didn't take photos at our cocktail party last week, even though I wore a '50s day dress and my friends were all wearing amazing vintage outfits (one had a 1920's lace blouse and another a little '60s scooter number). All I took photos of were the cupcakes I baked for it... I hope that makes up for it, at least a little?

Vegan choc chip cupcakes

Vegan margharita cupcakes (with lime and tequila in them - super yummy!) The brown sugar around the the edge of the cupcakes is supposed to replicate the salted rim on the margharita, probably white granulated sugar would have been better but I didn't have any... oh well!

I promise I'll make an outfit post and pass on my tags very soon!

Ode to a fan.

2009-01-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

Melbourne bloggers are probably sick of hearing this, but it is so hot. It was 44 degrees Celsius today, which an online converter tells me is 111.2 degrees Fahrenheit. It's so hot that the poor birds are falling out of trees. It's so hot that the train lines are buckling. It's so hot that it's actually incomprehensible to do anything but sit in a darkened room. Which is basically where I've been the last few days.

Today however, I had to bake some cupcakes I had foolishly promised for a soiree we are having tomorrow. To make myself feel better about turning my kitchen into a sauna I donned the best baking outfit I could think of, comprised only of natural breathable fibres, and dug out my trusty hand held fan.

We do have pedestal fans, but they're not very convenient for carting around with your while you're doing stuff, like baking. Blessed fan, you were only a few dollars but how I love thee.

I also wore my fringe (or bangs) up today, which is very strange for me. I hate the way I look without a fringe, I think I look pretty stupid, but it's definitely too hot (and I'm too delirious from the oven heat) to care.

Also here are my new favourite shoes which I thrifted the other day but haven't worn until today (on account of not having left the house, pretty much). Was so stoked when I spied these sitting on the bottom shelf at the op shop because I've been coveting this style for ages now, even had some on my watch list on ebay!

They don't photograph well but they're lovely... and so comfy. Perfect baking shoes.

Scarf (worn as headband): thrifted from Northcote op shop
Linen blouse: 50c thrifted from Northcote op shop
Belt: vintage via my mum
Skirt: Christmas gift from my mum
Shoes: thrifted from Abbotsford op shop
Fan: Chinatown

Edited to add: apparently it actually reached 45 degrees today! Holy moly.

'Cause your face, your pretty face, gets lost in the crowd.

2009-01-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

So, exciting news! Remember when I posted about entering a competition, and not winning... Well I found out the other day I came runner up! It wasn't that particular outfit that they used though, they used one of my more boring outfits (in my opinion). See for yourself and decide. (hint: I'm on page 3!) Oh well, it's still $50 to spend on whatever I want on the website, I'm going to have a lot of trouble deciding.

Other than that, my week has been largely uneventful apart from seeing Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (the actors/musicians from the film 'Once'... Such a beautiful film, if you haven't seen it, then do!) in The Swell Season Concert at the Palais. It was beyond amazing.

Awful photo but you get the idea!

This is what I wore (recreated during the day time!):

My cat is not so sure about being on camera!

I've also been sewing this week - the hair bow I made myself, since I've pretty much given up on ever thrifting a pretty vintage bow tie. Closer view (I pretty much fail at taking photos of the back of my head so this will have to do):

The other thing I've done this week is spend waaaay too much on thrifted vintage clothing, especially for someone who's not currently working! I still haven't quite shifted from my "working full time, earning a regular salary" mode. I have gotten the most amazing shoes and '50s dresses though, and I'm sure some of it will end up in the store I'm setting up anyway.

I've started organising things for the store, which in the realm of 'planning for the OS trip' I find MUCH more exciting than packing up things in boxes! I'm really looking forward to seeing some of these sadly-neglected things go to lovely new homes. As soon as it starts going up I'll let you know.

Dress: Miss Shop from Myer
Bag: thrifted from Newport opshop
Shoes: ebay
Bow: made by me

Feel like a broken dream, I'm walking through a smoke machine

2009-01-15T00:08:00.000-08:00

As of this week, I've taken an indefinite hiatus from my full time job to focus on two things. One, planning for an overseas trip, and secondly to focus on some of my other interests.

For a long time I've been planning to spend at least a year working, travelling and doing volunteer work around the globe. I'm not sure what I'll do with only a back-pack-full of my clothes for a year, I guess I'll have to get creative and stock up when we finally settle in London. In the meantime I've been trying to wear some of the more neglected things in my wardrobe, like the outfit for tonight (I especially love the huge bow on the skirt):

So the next few months will involve boring things like applying for a visa and lining up jobs and accommodation, as well as painting, sewing, baking, reading and basically enjoying the last of my time in Melbourne! I've also managed to amass a huge collection of vintage clothes that I don't wear so will set up a store sometime soon. Stay tuned!

Top: Tina Kalivas for Target - given to me by my mother ages ago and never worn
Skirt: Vintage, thrifted way back when I was in high school
Shoes: Thrifted recently from Northcote opshop

Something old, something new...

2009-01-11T02:51:00.000-08:00

Some of you may remember this dress:

Well, the other day I was inspired to change the way it looked, so here it is again in all its shortened glory.

These pictures were taken straight after I had altered it!

The theme for today is the old wedding adage - something, old/new/borrowed & blue. I've been thinking about weddings today as I saw several wedding parties in the city today, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather (one of them pulled up in the most amazing vintage black car).

Something old... This one is easy - the dress is vintage.

Something new, I'm wearing a pair of tights I bought the other day, that I purchased from Myer for $6 but really they were sort of free because I had a gift voucher to use.

Something borrowed, Nothing in the outfit is 'borrowed' per se, but the whole get-up is inspired by an outfit I saw in Gossip Girl, when Blair is wearing a short navy sailor dress with red tights. The DVD itself is borrowed from my sister (total froth but so worth watching for the incredible clothes!) so I guess you could say it's borrowed inspiration from a borrowed DVD!

Something blue. Again, easy. Both the dress and my shoes are blue.

The dress now has shortened sleeves and a shortened hem. I think it suits the sailor theme a bit better... If sailors wore cute mini dresses and bold colours, that is!

Dress: vintage, from NZ
Bag: vintage from Newport op shop
Tights: from Myer
Shoes: 1st pair - from a little shop that was closing down in Pt Fairy, a few years back. 2nd pair - ebay
Hat: Gift from my boyfriend
Headband: Diva

Grey days

2009-01-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

First of all I'd like to say thank you for all of your kind words on my last post. It means so much to me to know that my little project has maybe inspired others - just as I am so inspired by all of you, fellow bloggers!

Also I want to correct any misconceptions about me having some sort of super willpower. I don't. The first 5 or so months of 2008 were really hard for me. I virtually had to ban myself from going into any shops that sold new stuff. I begged and persuaded my poor boy to buy me clothes for my birthday, anniversary, and so on (something which he's usually not comfortable with). However, like any habit, the compulsion to buy new eased towards the middle of year and became almost easy by the end.

They say that in order to break one addiction you must replace it with another - and that was true for me. I merely replaced my addiction to buying new stuff with an addiction to buying non-new stuff.

If you want to recognise true willpower, many of you fellow bloggers pretty much do what I did all the time, barely ever buying new things, without even having to set yourselves a year-long ban. I find that very inspiring!

To answer some questions - no, I didn't cheat; but yes - I was allowed to buy new underwear! Everyone has personal lines they won't cross, and for me the idea of buying secondhand undies is just... no.

So thank you for sticking with me thus far. For now I'm just going to take Skye's advice and just go with the flow, trying to take my newfound attitude with me.

Now I'll leave you with an outfit I styled to enter in a competition. I didn't win the competition but that means I'm now able to share with all of you lovely things. Happy Saturday!

Grey jacket: vintage from CBD opshop - $5 in the lunchtime sale, yay!
Dress: One Teaspoon from '07
Tights: Sportsgirl '07
Shoes: Betts '07
Scarf and Bag: vintage from op shop in Dunedin, NZ
Brooch: vintage, can't remember where from!
Necklace: Drink Me Alice '07

Just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year

2009-01-04T03:42:00.000-08:00

2008 passed for me with just a kiss under the stars. It was a very quiet evening camping in the bush with little to signify what a glorious, tedious and monumental year it had been.

2008 was the first time I'd ever fulfilled a new years resolution! Now that it has passed, I'm a bit sad, and also scared. It was such an achievement for me, not buying anything new, that I'm worried about reverting to my old spend-thrift ways.

Today was the first test - I headed into the city intending to buy a 2009 diary, and hoped I wouldn't be led into too much temptation. In retrospect, it was probably significant that the outfit I wore was almost (bar the necklace) 100% thrifted.

This picture is mainly to gratuitously show off my new yet-to-be-christened easel, my Christmas present from the boy.

Weird close up but hopefully shows the detail of the shirt.

It was a weird feeling, walking through shops and knowing that I was actually able to buy whatever I wanted. It was a feeling of gluttony, like when you've eaten healthily for months and months and are about to gorge on a feast of junk food.

In the end I bought the diary, some underwear and tights, and just one dress. It's a beautiful dress, locally made and not from a sweatshop. It was also heavily discounted so I don't feel bad at all about buying it. I consider it my little gift to myself for surviving the year.

It looks much more flattering on!

Now, though, I'm hopefully going to maintain the shift in perspective that last year gave me. Not buying anything new helped me to rediscover how much I love thrifting; it helped me to break out of the cycle of earning and spending my money; it allowed me to think more deeply and thoughtfully about the environment and the world we live in. So I'm going to try and carry on not buying anything new unless it's absolutely necessary. I'm going to try and think about every purchase and not impulse buy. I'm going to try and plan and budget for each new item and have it be something to celebrate, not feel guilty about.

I've been trying to think of ideas for how to stick to this plan. Do I donate a certain percentage of the price of new items to charity? Do I impose a limit on how much I can spend or how many items I can buy? Do I make a rule that each time I buy a new item, an old item has to go? I'm still trying to decide... but for now it's just my conscience that will dictate it, and I hope it has the mettle to follow through.

Happy new year everyone!

T-shirt: vintage via my mum
Skirt: H&M thrifted from an op shop (I don't think we even have H&M here in Aus?)
Belt: Northcote op shop
Shoes: op shop in Dunedin, NZ
Bag: Camberwell market
Necklace: Drink me, Alice 2007

End of an era

2008-12-28T03:08:00.000-08:00

Well, my year is nearly over, and I can't believe I've nearly made it. I'm actually a bit sad because this little project has, in a way, defined who I am this year. Once I got past the temptation of buying new things (which took months, believe me) it was actually a relief in a way to not be spoilt for choice when shopping. I'm terribly indecisive, so op shopping is good for me, because you can't really 'choose' what you find... In a way, it chooses you!

This weekend I went back to where it all started. This dress was actually the very first vintage dress I bought - way back in high school. At the time, Sex and the City (series, not movie) was the fashion icon of the decade, and I bought this dress thinking it was kinda SJP-like.

It's a nice way to finish off this year, as this will likely be the last post I make before the year ends!

What will be the first new thing I buy next year, I wonder? Honestly, I don't know. The impulse to purchase new has virtually gone, and there's nothing I can't think of that I particularly need. However, it'll sure be nice to go into a shop knowing there is something in there that is in my size... and not have to inspect it for armpit stains!

Lastly, after my whingeing to Trish about not being able to find vintage sandals in my size I finally found a perfectly fitting pair, for $3, in as-new condition! (Seriously, the soles weren't even marked). This sort of serendipitous occasion rarely happens to me, so I'm still totally elated by it. I'd JUST put a bid on vintage sandals on ebay too, having given up the hope of ever thrifting a pair, oh well.

They were the best Christmas present I could have ever bought myself... I do believe they're pretty much perfect.

So that's it for me today - happy holidays to you all and see you in the new year!

Dress: from an op shop near my parents' house
Belt: vintage from my mum
Sandals: Northcote op shop
Bag: Camberwell market for $2 several years ago

Guten Tag

2008-12-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

Well, the year is drawing to a close and what better time to pass on the tags that I have procrastinated in passing on...

Firstly, from the wonderful Hollie of Vegan and Vintage, a truly inspiring blogger and committed vegan. It's such an honour to be considered for this award, just because of this incredible personal journey of mine this year. Especially as I never intended to make this resolution for any recognition, it was just for myself. (That's why it took me 8 whole months after starting before the idea of documenting it via blog even occurred to me!)

What it means: this award is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing.

Being an animal welfare advocate myself, I'd like to pass this onto Sally Jane, as I love the idea that you can look that fantastic while still retaining a conscience of sorts.

The next one is from the lovely Ana B. of On Dressing Up as well as the wonderfully talented photographer extraordinaire, Blair. (Wow, that kind of rhymed a little).

Attached to it is this text:
This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships.
These blogs are exceedingly charming.
These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement!
Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut,
even more friendships are propagated.
Please give more attention to these writers!
Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more
and include this clever-written text into the body of their award.

This one I'd like to pass to:
Trish Hunter Finds
Lavender and Yolk
Fashion Hayley Hits Home
I'm not Antisocial
Sea of Ghosts
Clever Nettle
Thousand Threads
Only Shallow

Lastly, a 6 random things about me, tagged by the lovely Brook . I'm bad at making lists about myself, so I'll see if I can come up with six.

1) My full name is Mandarin Chinese, and means "Bright and Colourful". Very appropriate methinks!

2) I was never allowed pets when I was younger, however I now spend the entirety of my working day working with animals.

3) I'm not very confident riding bikes especially when there are cars around. This is a pity as I do own a gorgeous vintage '80s Peugeot and long for nothing more than to go cruising down Brunswick St with green veggies in my bicycle basket.

4) My favourite food, and biggest weakness, is hot chips. I love them so much I have to limit myself to only eating them once a month.

5) I don't have a very addictive personality, but I suffer greatly if I don't get my one daily morning coffee.

6) I was vegan for about 7 years, and only went back to vegetarianism when I moved in with my (chocolate loving) boyfriend. However I do aspire to get back to veganism, maybe there's a new resolution at hand?

Wow, that was a loooong post! Hopefully I'll get to post before the new year is out. I can't believe my year of buying nothing new is ending, it feels so surreal.

Rain on my parade

2008-12-17T02:02:00.000-08:00

We've recently had some inclement weather down here in the midst of a Melbourne summer. The weekend was so windy and rainy I didn't dare venture out in anything less than knee-high boots.

Hopefully my next post will be more summery. It will also contain some long overdue tags I'm going to pass on!

Dress, worn as skirt: my mum gave to me
Crochet top: thrifted from CBD opshop
Tights: can't remember
Belt & Boots: thrifted from Northcote opshop
Cardigan: ebay from several years ago
Cat: adopted as a stray

Daytime dress

2008-12-10T04:01:00.000-08:00

I've been a very slack blogger lately, it's just been so busy lately!

The dress I wore today drew lots of stares while we were out Christmas shopping. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I did feel a bit... prominent.

I've pretty much gotten all my presents as of today, which is a relief. Hopefully this means I will be around more!

Dress: Northcote High School market
Belt: Northcote op shop
Shoes: From an op shop in NZ

To paint my shadow on the wall

2008-12-03T01:25:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day. I had the day off work, everything was $3 at the op shop in the city, and I had a devine vegetarian lunch involving bento boxes and Rose tea.

I also finally got to wear the plaid wool skirt I bought earlier this year. It was such an '80s gem - thick and pleated and still with its original store tags. (I'm allowed to buy 'new with tags' things from op shops as they have clearly been bought, and not worn by, someone else).

The bag is another NZ find. I know the cardinal rule of op shopping is to never try and find a specific item, but I must admit I had a mini-Gladstone type bag in mind after seeing Esme and the laneway's version. When I found this navy blue one in a small Salvos store in Dunedin, I wasn't sure if I wanted it because I had my heart set on a brown one. The shape was so perfect I bought it anyway, and now it's one of my favourite treasures. It is so unique. Also I'm really loving navy at the moment, so it goes with a lot of what I'm wearing.

Top: vintage from my mother
Belt: also from my mother
Skirt: from an op shop in the city
Tights: Sportsgirl 2007
Shoes: ebay
Bag: from an op shop in NZ

On the pier

2008-11-30T02:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post tonight before this (very busy) weekend is over.

This is a story about a dress. It came to me via an op shop, but isn't vintage. It was originally from a well-known store.

This dress surprised me, crept up on me amongst a rack of jumbled mess of other, non-dress garments. Being only $3, and sheer, it willed me to buy it - putting forward a good case of its potential as a beach cover up.

It sat unloved for several cold, miserable months. Then when the weather warmed up, it persuaded me to try it on again, and made me love it again. 'Look at my batwing sleeves!' it said. It made me dance to some music in my living room, to prove how fluttery its sleeves really were.

This dress has come from humble beginnings, but I'm not prejudiced. I love it anyway.

Thus ends a very, very cheesy and long winded post about the dress I wore today. I'll ask you all in advance to forgive me, I think I'm over chlorinated from my swim. Happy Sunday everyone!

Dress: Supre(!) via op shop
Slip dress: from an op shop pre-year 2000, dyed black by yours truly
Cardigan: vintage, Northcote high school market
Bangle: Sportsgirl 2007 (how chain store am I today?!)

What's sweeter than a sweater?

2008-11-26T03:10:00.000-08:00

I was pretty happy when Sunday turned out cold - which is unusual for me. The reason was that I was able to wear this '70s(?) sweater dress that I thrifted recently. It had been packed up, relegated to the ranks of future-cold-weather clothing. I thought it would be at least a year before being pulled out again...

It's got to be one of the most comfortable items of clothing I own. It's so snuggly!

These are the shoes I mentioned in my last post. They weren't as uncomfortable as I thought they'd be - but I was rather overdressed for a casual Sunday lunch!

What else did my Sunday involve?

Baking raspberry-topped cupcakes from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. Messy but delicious!

Admiring the devine bunch of tulips the boy sprung on my as a surprise last week. Yes I know, I'm a total bragger but fresh beautiful flowers are one of my favourite things!

Now onto something serious. I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to do next year, with both my resolution and my blog. Obviously things will change somewhat on January 1st 2009 (which is coming up awfully soon), but the last thing I want to do is leave this blog to shrivel up and disappear. I have some ideas but as it's late (and I have an early start at work tomorrow) I'll leave those thoughts until another time!

Dress: thrifted, Northcote opshop
Tights: my sister's old school tights
Shoes: ebay (that ebay habit again, ha!)
Necklace: gift from a friend

Setting sail

2008-11-22T00:11:00.000-08:00

Wednesday's weather was a strange not-quite-warm, not-quite-cold combination, so I used it as a good opportunity to wear this thick polyester dress I found in NZ for $5. To me it's rather nautical, but the boy described it unromantically as looking "half like a uniform".

The tie around the neck was originally a waist-tie.

I mainly bought it for the collar:

I had wanted to wear it with my newly-acquired vintage triple strap black Mary Jane heels but knew the day would involve a lot of walking, so grudgingly settled on flats. This internal debate is one that happens often... My brain says heels, but my feet plead otherwise!

I do a lot of walking, which is mostly motivated by guilt. My place of work is in an unforbidding hell-hole of a suburb and working 10+ hours a day means that I drive each day. This flagrant useage of my personal carbon footprint (and the guilt accompanied) means that on my days off I try to take public transport or walk everywhere. Which then leads to a depressing lack of heels. (I've still amassed a huge number of them, some of which have never been worn, only stared at wistfully).

Many things in my life are, in fact, motivated by guilt. This blog, and the nothing-new policy for one. I have real materialistic tendencies, particularly with clothes. I am also the WORST for buyer's guilt.

One thing I've had a happy lack of this year though, is the lack of buyer's guilt. I never feel guilty about buying second hand. Even if I don't get around to wearing it, I can send it back out into the sphere of vintage clothing for someone else to purchase, and (hopefully) acquire good clothing-karma. Plus, things bought from op shops give money to worthy causes, even if the said things weren't really a good purchase to begin with.

I should really work on kicking my ebay habit, though... That's next on the list!

Dress: thrifted from op shop in Dunedin, NZ
Beret: gift from my boy
Shoes: ebay
Belt: vintage from my mum
Bag: from Newport op shop

Too tied up

2008-11-16T00:57:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back from my 9 wonderful days in New Zealand, and the concerto of snow, sleet, hail, rain, wind, and sunshine that occurred there means that I don't have many blog-worthy photos of my experience. However, although the first half of my trip was decidedly unglamourous (kayaking in a remote fiord; tramping up to a secluded alpine lake; struggling to stay warm under 5 layers of thermal clothing) the second half of the trip was spent dragging my ever-patient partner into countless op shops while driving around the southernmost end of one of the most southernmost countries. I have a huge NZ thrift store haul that pushed my check-in baggage up more than 2kg!

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny Melbourne spring day and I spent it having afternoon tea in a posh hotel bar followed by a alfresco engagement party of one of my uni friends. This is the outfit I wore during the day - for the night's party all I did was change into tuxedo-style dress pants and throw on a cardigan.

The scarf was found crumpled in the bottom of a CBD op shop's 50 cent bin. It still had a 'Made in Italy' sticker on it. Scarves are my newfound love, I bought a few in NZ and I'm going to endeavour to incorporate them more into my outfits.

The shoes are from a NZ op shop - a tiny one in South Dunedin. They were squashed into a giant box of smelly $1 shoes, which I approached with some trepidation. I'm glad I did because these were gems. They look virtually unworn and are adorably nerdy.

Close up of the shoes (and our horrible carpet).

I've pretty much caught up on all your blogs today but didn't get around to commenting, for which I apologise. Will get back on track soon though, I promise.

T-shirt: thrifted Witchery from CBD op shop
Scarf: thrifted from CBD op shop
Skirt: thrifted from Northcote op shop
Shoes: thrifted from Dunedin, NZ

I'm off!

2008-11-03T03:22:00.001-08:00

Flying to New Zealand tomorrow and won't be back until November 13th. Have a great week all!

All hallow's morning after

2008-11-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Now I am posting a bit out of order because I've been really slack (been sick with the 'flu this week) and haven't gotten around to posting pictures from World Vegan Day last sunday... but with all the Halloween photos going around I thought I'd better post Friday night's Halloween party outfit before missing the boat.

Can you guess what I am? Probably not!

Having been sick, my costume was a last minute cobbled together affair. I originally wanted to go as Carmen Sandiego but not having the necessary parts just decided to go as a random Nancy Drew-ish girl-detective. I had my grandmother's dress, my belted trench coat, a hat, and super high heels.

The dress and hat match perfectly. The only thing missing was a giant magnifying glass, like this:

I really really really love this dress. The style is so flattering, but I also love that it was my grandma's, and that she made it from scratch herself! I went to Malaysia earlier this year and visited my grandma, and she gave all the female relatives free rein to raid her closet and take any dresses she no longer wears.

I took home 4 dresses, and felt like the luckiest girl alive. One day I will show you the other three, they are all perfect.

Just check out the belt detail -

Also, we got trick or treated by a bunch of giggling school girls - the poor things were in tutus trudging around in the rain! They didn't want my vegan chocolate bar though, I think the vegan-ness scared them off. Oh well, more for me!

Hope you all had a great Halloween.

Black and cream

2008-10-24T22:51:00.001-07:00

I have always loved the combination of black and cream. Not sure why - perhaps it reminds me of sepia tones and antique times. At any rate, black and cream is a colour combination that always catches my eye.

This dress was from the Northcote high school market I mentioned in my last post. It isn't vintage, but I still love it. Even though it's black it is perfect for hot days like today - it's made out of some cheesecloth-like airy cotton material, and it's super light.

I also bought the camera, a vintage Yashica SLR, for $5 at the market. It doesn't wind on properly - perhaps I'll take it to Hardware Lane to be looked at by a funny old guy in a second hand camera shop. But really I bought the camera for the almost-perfect condition vintage case that came with it - which fits my (working) '70s Pentax SLR perfectly! I have been looking for a case for it for ages, so I'm happy.

The outside light doesn't show the dress details very well, so here it is indoors.

Dress: Northcote high school market
Camera: Northcote high school market
'70s wedge shoes: Port Fairy op shop
Belt: Northcote op shop

Revival

2008-10-22T05:27:00.000-07:00

So I blogged about my thrifted Doc Martens the other day, and decided I should try and wear them in before taking them overseas with me. I'm guessing getting stuck in the NZ wilderness with uncomfortable shoes would not be fun!

Building an outfit around a fashion icon from the '90s is a bit tricky, I felt as though I was harking back to my high school days.

These photos were taken in the laneway we walk through to get to our local breakfast haunt, which I love. It's all dark wood interiors, good music and jazz music playing - and their breakfasts are simply devine.

The cardigan was from a school fete I chanced upon last weekend - I just happened to be driving past after work and decided I'd drop in... and my goodness, it was a vintage goldmine. I bought so much stuff, and all for super cheap - I think I got about 6 or 7 items of clothing for like $1 each. I will make a post about it soon, because I think it deserves one in its own right.

Shoes: Melbourne CBD op shop
Dress: Phillip island op shop
Tights: Port Fairy op shop
Cardigan: Northcote school fete
Necklace: Drink me, Alice from 2007
Bag: ebay

Little bow peep.

2008-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm working this weekend, and don't have anything to look forward to except for dinner with my parents tomorrow. So, I'll hark back to better times and post pictures from Wednesday (my most recent day off work).

This bow blouse was actually in the Port Fairy haul, but I forgot to post about it last time. It has a strange little plaid print that I really like. I think it's from the '80s, but can't be sure.

I find I have a lot of trouble putting together outfits that are 100% secondhand. Having a huge wardrobe accumulated over my lifetime (and being a hoarder, so never throwing things away) means that I tend to mix up vintage with things that I've bought new (prior to this year, of course!).

I have the most trouble with shoes. Does anyone else have this problem? I find that shoes are always either not my size, too beat up to wear, or give me the heeby jeebies when I touch them (let alone wear them!).

However, I DID manage to thrift an awesome pair of almost-new black Doc Martens in my size the other day. Having been a teen when they were cool the LAST time around (how old am I?!?) I will always have a soft spot for Docs. They are also perfect for the overseas travel I am planning, and I'm glad I didn't resort to buying boots new. More on that later!

Blouse: vintage? from Port Fairy op shop
Cardigan and jeans: gifts from my mum
Beret: gift from my man
Bag: ebay
Shoes: bought at a shop in Werribee in 2005 or 2006

Off the High Road

2008-10-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

So on Sunday, we went to see one of my favourite bands in the whole wide world play in Northcote. It was actually quite hot so I was able to break out this sundress I've been itching to wear. This look was breezy and casual and perfect for a gig in a pub on a hot day.

I got this dress from Retrostar - a huge jacked-up-prices vintage store in Melbourne city.

(forgive the pictures, the boy thought it would look artistic taking photos through a wire fence, and couldn't be convinced otherwise)

I have mixed feelings about shops like Retrostar. On the one hand, I appreciate that it can be handy to have a bunch of wonderful vintage all in one place, and that the prices are appropriate for the time and effort taken to source the clothes. It's also instantly gratifying to find so much great stuff in one place.

The main problem I have with these stores is that I am terribly indecisive, and there's just too much to decide between (I've also been known to suffer dizzy spells in huge stores such as Savers). Also, it kind of takes away the thrill of unearthing a rare treasure.

Nonetheless, I still like going to vintage stores on occasion, especially this year when I can't buy anything from a boutique. It's nice browsing racks and racks of beautiful clothes. This dress was the first thing I ever bought from Retrostar, and I'm glad I did because I really love it, but I probaby paid a bit more than I can afford for it.

Just one more picture, because it's a bit funny, making me look like I'm in a zoo, or prison, or something!

Dress: vintage via Retrostar
Cardigan: from a store that was closing down in the city a few years ago
Shoes: given to me by my mum
Necklace: self made, from an earring
Bag: ebay

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

2008-10-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been so beautiful - both in weather and experiences. It was warm enough at dusk to go for a stroll in our neighbourhood park, amongst the trees and the low light of the evening sun.

I've shown this dress before on this blog, but I wore it with black tights last time, which in retrospect looked too severe. It may not be obvious in these pictures but the tights are a pretty teal colour.

Sunset is one of my favourite times of day. Everything looks so whimsical in the failing light. I love the long shadows that are strewn towards the east.

Dress - Northcote op shop
Belt - Northcote op shop
Bag - Newport op shop
Tights - Sportsgirl, from 2007
Boots - Ebay

Wind, hail and sunshine

2008-10-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday involved wind, rain, sunshine, a haircut and a lovely early evening dinner at a city restaurant.

I was inspired to finally watch The Painted Veil after seeing one of Casey's posts. All those dropped waists, ruffles and quaint collars... I love the flapper look. Am absolutely in lust with Naomi's hair in the movie too.

This dress is not from the '20s but is courtesy of my mum from the '70s. I love the plaid - it's such a crazy mesh of colours that shouldn't work, but do. The photo below shows in closer detail - I mean, brown/orange/aqua and purple?!? Who would've thought?

The necklace is from Drink me, Alice. Last year, I acquired many of these beautiful treasures from Melbourne-based Alicia, both as gifts and self-purchased. This year, I'm on a hiatus from even visiting the site, as I'd be sorely tempted to break my not buying any new jewellery rule. It's still bookmarked though!

Dress: vintage from my mum
Jacket: Kinki Gerlinki from 2005
Necklace: Drink me, Alice
Tights: can't remember
Boots: ebay

Of crochet and hems

2008-10-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days I had trouble getting dressed. It wasn't cool enough to wear a jacket, and wasn't warm enough to ditch the stockings. None of my clothes wanted to cooperate. I had to change my outfit about five times before I would leave the house...

One thing I've learnt through years of op shopping is how important lengths and hemlines are. Being short, many clothes absolutely swamp me in length. And most vintage clothes tend to err on the long frumpy looking side, needing serious hemming. This floral dress started life mid-calf length and looked sadly late 90's, but it got a quick hem job and now I'm really glad I gave it a chance.

This cream crochet jumper came from a tiny op shop in Williamstown, and actually has elbow length sleeves. Sleeves which would suit someone tall and willowy, but look absolutely awful on me. I was on the verge of boomeranging it back to the op shop (but I loved the scalloped crochet pattern far too much) when on a whim decided to roll up the sleeves, and now it's far more wearable.

Being unable to shop for new clothes this year, means that I've had to broaden my sights when I'm op shopping - meaning that now everything gets scrutinized as to its chop-ability... and my sewing machine is getting much more of a work out than it used to.

Dress: second hand from K-mart
Jumper: vintage from Williamstown op shop
Tights: my sisters old school tights... they are starting to wear a bit thin!
Shoes: vintage from Port Fairy op shop
Belt: my mum's belt from the '70s
Camera: my dad's vintage Smena

Black and tan

2008-10-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Comfortable clothes today, as I was a busy bee running around buying art supplies for a class I'm taking.

I'm lucky to have a stash of my mother's awesome clothes from the '70s and '80s. My mum was, and is still, a very stylish woman - as well as being a hoarder, like me! (this is both a blessing and a curse). So, I have access to great loads of vintage clothes. Problem is, she was a tiny wasp of a thing when she was younger, so most of the things I can fit into were actually her maternity clothes!

I just love the details of this '70s bohemian top.

In a way, it's a nice cycle don't you think? Some of the things I'm wearing now, my mum wore when pregnant with my siblings and I. It's the circle of life, in a clothing sort of way.

Lastly! I worked out what tagging is all about... and it took me long enough. I received a tag last week from the Skye, the lovely belle behind Skylark and Son.

I am supposed to pass this onto more lovely bloggers. I'm still very slow at adding links so I might just link to 4 to begin with.

So.

1) Missa from Thrift Candy, best camping trip pictures around right now!
2) The Paper Doll I've just discovered this one, and I love everything about it!
3) Strike Match because she makes so many things I would never think of, like intricate beading on a red velvet jacket, look so right!
4) And, back to Skye because I also really do love her blog.

Just a quick one

2008-09-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

Not a lot to say today, as I am working all weekend and there's not much time for much else.

Here's an outfit I wore yesterday - a vintage dress I've had laying around for months in my (humungous) scrap-pile, waiting to be shortened - I finally did it the other day. A scarf I got several years ago from an op shop near my parents' house. My sister's old grey school tights, and shoes from ebay. It was so warm out I didn't need a jacket... This made me incredibly happy.

Festival on the street

2008-09-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

So on Sunday, we walked to the High St festival in Northcote. It was a beautiful, colourful day, so I wore a great dress I found at the Brotherhood op shop in Royal Arcade (the upstairs, 'upmarket' one!) Would have loved to wear some heels with this dress too, but knew we'd be doing lots of walking.

Wasn't so sure about the dress when I first found it. It has some of my favourite things in a dress (button-down front, sweetheart neckline, pockets, piping, thick straps, and flowers) but it was still one of those pieces I looked at, walked away, then kept on going back to look at. I wasn't sure about 2 things:
1) the price ($22.50 - quite expensive for an op shop dress), and
2) the brand - Billabong, I probably normally wouldn't buy this brand!

Eventually I justified it by telling myself I buy dresses for much more than that from ebay... and regarding the brand - well, I'd never buy anything just for the brand, so I shouldn't not buy anything because of the brand either!

In the end, I'm glad I justified it.

Dress: op shop
Cardigan: from when I was little (Then - was oversized. Now - cropped and fitted)
Polkadot red shoes: bought in Singapore for me by my mum
Bag: ebay

P.S. I feel so honoured that the gorgeous Skye from Skylark and Son tagged me. Being new at blogging, I'm not sure how tagging works, but I'm sure I'll find out.

Also, I'm not sure what the blogging ettiquette is for linking people? Do I have to ask to link people, so far I have been asking, maybe someone could shed some light for me?

A wedding in the bush

2008-09-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to a friend's wedding, that was in the bush. It was beautiful - I think when I get married, I would also like it to be in the outdoors. Perhaps on the beach, barefoot, flowers in the hair, and carrying some killer heels in one hand...

The dress code was 'warm, neat and casual'. This was a source of some consternation for me... What exactly is neat casual? In the end I settled for a dress (in my books, this is casual, as I virtually always wear a dress). Seamed stockings, ankle boots and (luckily) a warm coat, as it did get very very very cold.

The dress is this amazing creation, that I purchased a few months ago as a secondhand/vintage item. I'm pretty sure it was once a two piece blouse/skirt set, that was lovingly crafted into a dress (there are home-made seams with different coloured thread where they joined the top & bottom, and also where they cut the old sleeves off). Someone who is a far better seamstress than I created this, and then let their beautiful work go out into the world, where it found me.. and I couldn't be happier. This has become one of my favourite dresses. I love the ruffles on the chest and skirt, and there's gorgeous vintage gold buttons.

Ah, I look so tired in these. We were in too much of a rush to take photos before we left, so these were hurriedly taken when we got home at 1am, it shows too.

Up in the mountains

2008-09-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we took a drive up to the Dandenong ranges. It's less than an hours drive from the city, but could not be further away in appearance. The moment you turn off the highway, the scenery changes from drab suburbia into breathtaking, winding mountain roads. Driving amongst the trees, amongst the dappled sunlight, it's such a magical place.

The mountains are always a few degrees cooler than Melbourne city, so I dressed up warm, even though the sun was shining above the canopy.

Shirtdress: Smith St op shop from earlier this year
Coat: Kinki Gerlinki from 2005
Tights: Sportsgirl from 2007
Shoes: ebay
Hat: this year's anniversary gift from my man

Port Fairy finds

2008-09-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

I never realised just how long it takes to take decent pictures of clothes, resize them, upload them and post them. I can't begin to imagine how much work it takes to run an online vintage clothing store!

Finally I get around to posting the Port Fairy loot...

Red dress, I love this lace collar. A bit long, it will need hemming.

Blue dress, I put this one back the first time because my boyfriend didn't like it, but I went back and got it the day after. I'm glad I did, because it fits so well and doesn't even need to be shortened.

My favourite dress - this one was more pricey but I just love the palm trees. Also a bit long, but should be a cinch to shorten.

Blouses - Pt Fairy was pussy bow galore... there were about a squillion pussy bow blouses to choose from. My favourite is still my grandma's (not in this post) that was handed down to me through my mum (I'll show that on here one day) but these are good too.

Floral shirt - I envision wearing this one with high waisted 70's jeans and a long sleeveless cream knitted cardigan with wooden buttons. I just have to find these things first!

Polka dot pussy bow (I look so weird in this picture!)

Blue silky pussy bow

T bar shoes. I have been searching high and low for T bar heels. Not exactly the colour I would have chosen but you can't be picky with thrift finds now can you. Worn with one of the (new, still in packaging) thrifted pairs of tights.

There was other stuff too - navy 70's boots, a vintage black and silver Kodak camera, stockings, and the floral tapestry bag I showed here last week. I also bought the boy a tweed jacket with leather elbow patches for $6.

I also suffered some great disappointments. Namely, finding one gorgeous brown lace up ankle boot and being unable to locate its pair (I searched so hard!). Also, a whole range of gorgeous vintage granny shoes (woven! t bar! in various shades of pastel!) that unfortunately, at a ladies' size 4, were way to small even for me.

Spring snuck in under the door...

2008-09-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

I get so excited with the onset of spring, the air just positively hums. Today was so brilliant I just didn't know what to do with myself.. in the end it was a lazy day at home - sewing, drinking coffee and reading the weekend papers.

This is what I wore today. I love wearing this dress, even if it's just to hang the washing on the line. The parasol was a random gift from my best friend, it's tiny and not at all practical in a parasol-sense, but it's very cute in a for-the-sake-of-it sense.

...and this trench coat, which goes with everything.

Dress: Smith street opshop
Shoes: Betts from 2007
Coat: ebay
Parasol: gift

I will be posting the Port Fairy stuff soon. I have taken all the photos, but it's taking forever to upload and resize my photos. They are huge if I don't resize them but using the proper resizing programme does take a while. I might have to go back to resizing thing in Windows "Paint". It may be crude, but at least it's fast.

Tonight there was a bit of stress involving the boy's car and break-downerage in the middle of a main road! It left us both a bit agitated so it was a quiet Saturday night in with a home-cooked meal.

Folk and florals

2008-09-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

I'm such a novice blogger, I just realised I forgot to describe my outfit in the last post. Well, the top and skirt in question is actually second hand Witchery from the Brotherhood of St Laurence shop in the Royal Arcade, Melbourne. It's not vintage and it's not too interesting, but good for days when I want to look structured and stylish but at the same time stay comfortable.

Well, today was wonderfully warm, the first day in a long whiles I've been able to venture outside sans coat.

This dress started life out as a 70's maxi dress. Maxi dresses really do NOT suit me, they make me look even shorter and stubbier than I already am! I do really like the whole free-and-easy maxi dress look, but chopping the bottom off this one and hemming it was a no brainer.

It has the most adorable floral print on the yoke and sleeves...

The necklace, I made from a pair of earrings. For some reason, people keep giving me earrings, even though I don't have pierced ears. I couldn't pass this pair on though, because the dried flowers and bright orange resin is just too cute.

The bag is one of the treasures I found last weekend in Port Fairy. I love tapestry.

Dress - some vintage store, which I can't remember the name of.
Necklace - self-made.
Tights - my sister's old school tights.
Boots - ebay.
Bag - Port Fairy op shop.

Our backyard is inexcusably messy. Now that spring is here, I should be doing some gardening...

simple things

2008-09-03T03:02:00.000-07:00

So I've just gotten back from a weekend jaunt to Port Fairy, the prettiest little seaside town in western Victoria, and one of my favourite places to be. We spent the weekend walking in the rain, drinking tea, watching the boats go by on the river, and enjoying the sea air!

Port Fairy has the cutest name, and also has the most perfect tiny little op shops with perfect tiny little women who are just so, so lovely. I bought many things but haven't taken pictures yet, so for now I'm going to post an outfit which I did wear in Port Fairy (but this picture wasn't actually taken in Port Fairy).

I'll definitely post pictures of my Pt Fairy finds soon.

Roses and jasmine

2008-08-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I felt like dressing up a bit - there was something about the smell in the air that reminded me of spring. So I wore this springtime dress and cardi combination.

The cardigan is from when I was little - back then it was huge on me (that was the 90s!) but now it's really cute and cropped.

The dress is from a little op shop in a church in Northcote, only about 1 month ago, for about $5. From the zigzagged seams to the unfinished hems, it's very obviously home made. It's so lovely I can't help wondering who made it, and whatever possessed them to give it away?

Hm. I'm not sure if the black tights go with it, but despite the springtime smell it's still really cold, and grey tights looked too sombre.

I felt like wearing my hair up, which is unusual for me. Usually I like wearing my hair down and feel really self conscious when it's up. The butterfly clip is actually a brooch and was handed down by my mother from my grandma.

It was so lovely being in the sun in our little backyard, which was bathed in sunshine and was permeated with the smell of the jasmine. Backyards are wonderful, I've always had them and I'll always want them. They make me feel like I have my own little magic place tucked away, like a secret.

A staple diet

2008-08-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I'd start my posts with something casual. This is what I wore today, and incorporates one of my best purchases ever.

I got this duffle coat from St Andrews Market, a hippy-dippy laid back marketplace that's held every Saturday morning amongst the trees in outer surburbia. It came from Wendy Rule, a Melbourne singer songwriter, and an acquaintance of my dear friend Susie. It actually was a little boys' jacket, and sat in my wardrobe unworn for ages until I thought to shorten it (it was originally a very awkward length - coming to mid thigh, and making a short girl like me look even shorter!) The minute I shortened it I started wearing it non-stop.

This shows the inner label; it's 'styled by' Jack Poden of Melbourne, ad is 90% wool, and is showerpoof and 21 ounces.

I also wore a waistcoat. I love this waistcoat partly because it goes with almost anything, but also because I made it! I made it out of an old pair of jeans that I owned for years and never wore. The thin denim (with a teensy bit of stretch) was awesome to sew with, and this is really the only thing I've sewn from scratch that I actually want to wear!

I look a little awkward here! I also have on a hat I got several years ago, thermals, a broderie anglaise top I've had since 2002 (I don't care what happens, I never get sick of broderie anglaise), and a wooly grandpa vest thing. Layering completely saves the day in Melbourne winters!

Here's another picture with the waistcoat, just to prove how it goes with everything!

Hopefully that wasn't too boring for a 2nd ever post... Now I'm going to drink some tea in front of the heater and snuggle with my boy.

Eight is a lucky number

2008-08-20T03:27:00.000-07:00

Well, in typical fashion, I'm late again... It's already 8 months in, and I'm over halfway, but I figure I'll start this anyway!

Never being one to make new year's resolutions - this one was made on a whim, and without thought to the eventual consequences. I suppose I should explain why I made this decision, and (worse) stuck to it.

I have, since a young age, felt the irresistable pull of materialism. From my primary school days - with toys, books, tazos - to my adult acquisitions of dresses, shoes, coats, underwear... I have fought hard to overcome my tendency towards buying things. I've even been an active participant of 'buy nothing day' celebrations. Yes, I felt the irony of explaining to people the perils of mindless purchasing, while having been guilty of mindless purchasing myself! So I made a new year's resolution, just like thousands of other people, to better myself.

There is also the issue of the environment. I have been a vegetarian, recycler, and a 'greenie', so it's a natural step to stop buying new things and contributing to the incredible overload of stuff we have in this world. You only have to make one trip to a factory outlet store, or any op shop, to realise that in the first world, we definitely have too much stuff.

So hopefully I can make it until the end of this year, without contributing to sweatshops or landfill clothing. Of course I am late, so I will be backtracking a lot. There's still four more months to go though...