Living Doll - Miss May 2011

I am so wrapped to introduce you to Miss May - one of the most beautiful gals I have had the honour to meet and call a friend, the adorable Amanda Blanch.

What does 'vintage' mean to you?

vintage is still a pretty new term to me it only cam to my attention when i moved to sydney (in newcastle we call it '2nd hand').

What was it that first prompted your interest in vintage culture?

movies! when i was about 6 years old i watched Gentlemen Prefere Blondes and became obsessed with marilyn (especially the leopard print number she wears when boarding the ship to paris). Then came Crybaby,and i fell in love with the clothes and trashy girls (and john waters,but thats another story). Then i guess as most teenagers do, I discovered punk and with that came an obsession for 2nd hand clothes, DIY. But then i wanted to learn what inspired in punk rock and i kept going back further in history and finding new gems to obsess over

What is your favourite era, and do you 'live it' every day? In what ways?

I cant pick one! I think i have mulitple personalities because i wake up every morning and want to try something new,sometimes it works sometimes it doesnt. But i guess my absolute favourites would 1930's ,40's,50's, 60's....but i also love certain parts of the 70's.....it all went down hill in the 80's.

Tell us about your favourite item of vintage clothing, kitchenalia, music, furniture or whatever !

my absolute favourite thing i own is a pair of 1950's silver heels i bought off justine from Monstar. they are the most beautiful thing i own and they fit perfectly, my second favourite thing would be my leopard print hat i found at the 50's Fair 2 years ago, i wasnt sure about buying it then a total stranger told me how much it suited me so i bought it.... its pretty amazing

Can you share with us why vintage culture continues to hold such appeal for you?

I guess its because its something different. Modern fashion has no appeal to me. I find that most trendy clothes are very poorly made and are basically pretty hideous, I really dont like this 'just rolled out of bed look'.Clothes should fit and compliment your figure,not hang off your chest and reveal your nipples.I think its pretty sad that people dont like to put the effort in anymore everyone seems to be wearing baggy vests,tights as pants (which is something that i find truly offensive, it looks like girls want you to see their anotomy) and the worst of all, streaky fake tans. i always feel better when my make up perect and my hair is done. And its kind of a compliment when people stare at you for looking a little different. Id rather be gawked at for looking a little over dressed than look like everyone else.

Do you have any tips for anyone starting out in the vintage scene?

wear what makes you feel great and just be yourself.

Now is your chance to provide us with an overview of who you are and what you do.

well im an apprentice at Sterling Hairdressing Parlour and Barber Shop. (pretty much the best place anyone could ever work). I do love to obsess mainly over film and crappy toys.I really love trash.its takes me around 2 hrs to get dressed of a morning but it takes a long time to look this cheap, and im a bogan at heart haha

Finally, what or who inspires you and why?

John Waters. He always celebrates the wierdo's. his characters are always over the top and wonderfully dressed. If i ever feel a bit embarassed about what i say or how i act i watch one of his films or read one of his books and i feel better. i change who idolise every week but i usually refer back to Divine, Liza Minelli, Marilyn, Jane Mansfield and the rocky horror picture show.