Living Doll - Miss February 2013

Living Dolls are mothers, nurses, models, photographers, graphic designers, grandmothers, students, teachers - infact you name it, they come from every walk of life but have this one thing in common - they love and live vintage !

 

Want to know all there is to know about living a vintage life in a modern world? Hey, look no further than our beautiful Miss Feburary - the ever insightful Karie Weatherhead......

 

 

What does vintage mean to you?

Whether it be clothing or accessories, furniture, homewares or architecture, Vintage to me, means quality craftsmanship and finish, texture and colour. There’s a quirkiness which I love.

 

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

During the 50’s, my Mum was a Widgie and my Dad was a Bodgie. Bodgies and Widgies were primarily an Australian and New Zealand Youth Sub culture. A little "rebellious". Mum wore sharp studded leather belts and chains attached to her flatties. Dad rode a motorcycle and had the most awesome velvet and leather clothes. Both Mum and Dad sported similar hair styles - short back and sides, quiff, sideburns for Dad, kiss curls for Mum, and of course the obligatory DA or Duck's Tail. (For those new to this term….Ducks A$@% or Ducks Tail - fondly named because of it's strong sharp line of a centre vertical part at the middle of the back of the head, just like a duck's tail).

I  was lucky enough to have been brought up in the 70’s surrounded by 50’s “everything”. Amoeba shaped coffee tables, ducks up the wall, divans (also known as Click-Clack Lounges…..early memories of Click-Clack Lounges prompted the choice of my Business name) in extremely cool maroon, gold and white flecked vinyl, ribbon lamp shades…you name it. Mum had saved some of her and Dad's favourite photos and clothes which meant I could learn the style from folk "in the know". It's tricky for "up and coming 50's lifestyle devotees" now, as many of their Parents grew up in the 60's or 70's, by which time, the styles and morals had changed.

My Parents taught me to dance, which was fabulous – I call it bopping “down and dirty”. There was no “pre-empted” steps, just a direction given by the music.

Being brought up listening to the music of the 50’s, has meant that it’s with me always. One of my earliest music memories is my Granny yodelling Patsy Cline. Patsy is still my “heart” but I love to shake it up a little more at a live gig. There’s nothing better than a damn fine band and being at the front of the stage right next to the upright bass…..that's where I find my beat. Favourite music styles are Rockabilly, Hillbilly and good old Rock'n'Roll - Bill Haley is one of my faves….he and his bands had great beat and showmanship.

 

What is your favourite era and do you “live it” everyday? In what ways?

My favourite era is Mid to late 50’s. Each day I listen to the music, live in the 50’s house and wear vintage. It’s not a conscious decision made everyday, “I think I might dress 50’s ”, it’s just part of who I am.

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

I love a fabulous rope petticoat. A great dash of ric rac on a squaw dress. A cool abstract border print on a skirt. My catseye glasses (I’m a bit of an Elton John as far as glases go and have collected and worn them for as long as I’ve been short sighted). A flecked atomic print curtain. Our Bell Bros sideboard. I also have a sickness for collecting outdoor furniture and novelty wicker handbags.

 

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

I can’t explain it! It’s my first, second and third nature. I don’t really know anything else. I love that I’m one of those folk who can walk down the street wearing glasses embedded with rhinestones and a dress printed with lobsters and BBQ’s.

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

Karie’s Super Seven Tips:

1) Learn from those who “know their stuff” and are willing to share their knowledge.

2) There’s loads of different “looks” within an era - find one that you love.

3) There’s a lot of up-keep and “hard work” with “living and wearing vintage” – remember that some of these pieces are 60 years “young” and need to be treated carefully. That’s not to say you can’t wear them everyday….just think twice before popping your vintage clothing in the washing machine.

4) Choose well, if pieces are in great condition when they come to you, they’ll continue to survive.

5) Enjoy all parts of “the vintage lifestyle” to be fully absorbed in the era. Listen to the music, see a live band, dance like there's no-one watching, read the magazines, watch the movies, go for a cruise in a classic car, attend Kustom Kulture festivals where there's always some vintage loving folk mixed in with those who don't totally absorb themselves in the era, but who appreciate certain aspects.

6)  Learn how to sew. Whether it be a simple mending job, sewing on a button or creating an entire outfit. When I purchase a new piece, even if the seams are in great condition, I always re-sew the seams and re-finish with pinking shears or a good old zig zag on the sewing machine. I find it helps to prevent tearing. I also pop a hook and eye around the waistline, to take stress off the zip - voila!! Ready to dance!!

7)   Buy local. Australia has some of the most amazing vintage on Earth. You just need to know where to look.

 

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

 

I’m the Owner of The Click-Clack Lounge in Brisbane. Having lived the "50's lifestyle" for almost 30 years, I have quite extensive knowledge and loads of experience. I provide good old fashioned service selling retro, vintage, quirky and kitsch homewares, furniture, art, clothing and accessories.

 

We’re one of the very few stores that is truly one-stop - dressing you and your home from head to toe. Many vintage stores concentrate on one aspect of "vintage living" - we can help with everything!!

And, yes folks, there's more. For those difficult to find pieces, we provide a custom make service, where vintage of the future is hand-crafted - using original sewing patterns, fabrics, trim and love.

The Click-Clack Lounge, Suite 2, The Laurels Arcade, 113 Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017

 

Click the above title for the facebook page or  HERE to go shopping online !

 

 

Finally….what or who inspires you and why?

I’ve always been of the belief that you need to be happy in what you do, and who you do it with, to continue doing it at all.

Sounds a little “how cool am I?”, but I must say, I inspire myself. The Click-Clack Lounge has been through many highs and lows whilst we searched for our true self. There’s been some huge lessons learnt, both in Business and personally. I’m pretty darn happy to say that we’re in the best “place” right now, that we’ve ever been.