Vintage Apron Pattern

Dont you just adore pretty aprons? If there was ever an item of apparel that screams mid century domestica, it is the humble household apron. Used for practical purposes or dolled up in chiffon and ribbons for a glamerous hostess, the apron served more functions than simple clothing coverage and protection..... aprons handled hot pots and pans, dried tears, wiped grubby faces, dusted furntiure, provided a hiding place for shy children....it's pockets held goodies and handkerchiefs, lost buttons and treats.....there was alot of love wrapped up in a little square of material !

My most wonderful apron memory is that of my Nanna. She always wore a faboulous pink, black and white apron with The Beatles caricatures printed acorss the front. The most enchanting element of that apron however, was the fact that it had been bought as a bit of a joke gift for Nanna from her two sons.....Nanna detested The Beatles and couldnt stand their music (unlike me !!), but her sons bought her the 1964 Beatles tour apron as a cheeky Christmas gift.....and she wore it all the time !! What a wonderful sense of humour she had! I treasure this story my Nanna told me, so much so that I simply had to track down my own Beatles apron in her memory......it is aqua-green, black and white, but otherwise, the exact same apron - one which I was delighted to find on UK ebay !

Posted below is a pretty little apron pattern that I found in a bundle of old books I was given.....it looks simple and quick to make - everyone should have a pretty little apron to wear ! However, if apron making is simply not your thing, then why not purchase a darling little peice from Glamourettes - they have the cutest little selection of vintage style aprons around - do take a peek at their wares !!!

Lovely !

The blonde deed is done.......

Me at a friends wedding in December......

Me as of Saturday !!

An enormous thankyou to everyone who encouraged me to go blonde for the first time ever....and an especially big thankyou to my dear friends Brookie and Rees for their help and enthusiasm in turning me into a 50's bombshell ( that was the aim anyhow !!) I love my new do to peices....here are the first photographs....it blows my mind that that is me in the photos !!!!

All photos thanks to the ever lovely Brookie - check out her website!!

Living Dolls - Miss February 2010

Meet our beautiful Miss February - Mimi Kersting ........

What does 'vintage' mean to you?

Anything before 1968. I get irritated when I see things from the 80's advertised as "vintage". To me, vintage stands for quality, which is something that seemed to not matter much after 1968!

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

I would say my interest in rockabilly music, but really it goes back further than that. The way my depression-era grandparents lived was a big influence on me - they were very old-fashioned. They had their original curtains and furniture from the 1940s and 1950s, and saved every dime. Even as a child, I noticed how the older things were of better quality/design than what was new (this was the 1970s, so you can imagine!). And they played music from those eras too - anything new was seen as unacceptable.

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

I like the late 1940s -early 50s the best - the fashion was the best! I suppose you could say I live it every day, because even when I try to dress "modern", people tell me I look like I'm from that time period. It never fails to surprise me...

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

That would be my vintage confession magazine collection! You know - Torrid Confessions, My Secret, True Romance... right now it resides in my parent's house in Buffalo, NY, and I miss it so much. (shipping it to Australia would be outrageously expensive). I used to live in New Orleans, and after I left, the collection was stored at a friend's house. Hurricane Katrina came along, and about 1/2 of it was wiped out. This was heartbreaking, as I had the largest collection in the U.S.! Confession mags had it all - the fashion, the J.D. stories, the ads!!!

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

It really comes down to quality and aesthetics. Everything was so well made back then, and of quality materials. And the aesthetics couldn't be beat! The cars, the clothes, the houses, it is really superior designwise to what we have to put up with today.

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

Don't be a "moldy oldie" - what this means is, don't be such a diehard that everything in your whole life has to be "vintage". There are SOME good things out there today, not everything is garbage. I find people who absolutely obsess over vintage to be a little cloying...and irritating. Life is too short to be so narrow-minded and two-dimensional.

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

I'm a medical & scientific illustrator by day, and run a few little businesses at night (medical freelance illustration (Medica Graphics) and my vintage repro apron company (Glamourettes.net). I also do paintings inspired by the 30s, 40s and 50s as well - I'm having a show in Brisbane next year if it kills me! I'm a total rockabilly nut, but love bubblegum pop music from ANY era. I'm also a big fan of 60s garage music.

Finally, what or who inspires you and why?

Joan Crawford and Barbara Stanwyck for being beautiful and tough, The Cramps for appreciating creepy old 50s/60s music like I do, and Gil Elvgren for being the 1950s equivalent of John Singer Sargent, and Erskine Caldwell (mid-century author) for all of the backwoods shanty tramp stories.

Valentines Day - the time for romance !

There is alot of debate in my household regarding the value of Valentines Day. Seen in the light of modern materialism, it is easy to wipe it off as just another excuse for consumers to be co-ersed into spending more money. However, I think Valentines Day is a wonderful point (or should be) in the year. Some people need that reminder to treasure their partners, to value and love someone other than themselves ! Besides, Valentines Day does not have to be materialistic, because that is not the point of the day at all. This Valentines Day, why not avoid the materialistic teddy bears and gimmicks, but be creative in the demonstration of your love and affection?.....Do something wonderful for your partner - write them a song or a poem, make them a home made music video, treat them to a surprise picinic at a special destination, run them a bubble bath with all the trimmings, a massage, a bunch of fresh picked wild flowers with a hand written note, make your partner a "King' or 'Queen' for a day and spoil them rotten,  take them on an 'mystery date night' (make it different and fun!).....the bottom line is, just demonstrate your love in a way that you wouldnt usually do. Tell your partner how much you love them ! To quote the movie "A room with a view"....do we find love so ofton that we should turn it off the box when it appears? Meaning, there can never ever be enough love in our lives ! I want to put more love into mine ! What are you going to do for the one you love this Valentines Day?

The history of St Valentines Day

(from Wikipedia)

The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Quote of the month - February 2010

"I have my own rules and adhere to them. The rule is simple but inflexible. A James Stewart picture must have two vital ingredients: it will be clean and it will involve the triumph of the underdog over the bully. "

Now that's a man I can admire !!! No wonder I love every Jimmy Stewart picture I have seen !

 (Pictured above with Donna Reed)

How DID vintage momma's do it?????

My Dad driving the car and his little brother enjoying the ride !!

Yes, we mothers are breathing a united sigh of relief right across Australia as our children get back into the routine of school, kinda or playgroup after the summer break. My summer has been divided between various trips to lakes, rivers and swimming pools and retreating under the airconditioner while the kids did nothing much more than watch TV, grizzle and quarrel. Many a time I asked myself  "How on earth did my for-mothers do it"? After all, they raised their children without the help of airconditioning and television, baked their own bread in 45 degree heat on the old wood stove, hand washed everything and had children galore underfoot the entire time - how on earth did they keep their sanity?

Esther Edis, my great great grandmother and mother of 16 children, all of whom survived into adulthood - no mean feat for that day and age !! But doesnt her worn out face say it all !!!

Whenever I am overwhlemed with the care of my three little treasures (all under the age of four) I remind myself of my great great grandmother who had 16 (!) children.....the majority of her adult life was spent pregnant, every two years another child was on the way just as the last one was weaned. This amazing woman lived in a time of hard manual labour, caring for 16 children and a husband while pregnant or with a newborn for most of her life.....I am truely humbled when I think of her.

Happy snaps - my mother, her sisters and brother as little children - notice the kitten in my mothers arms, one of her favorite childhood passtime memories !

So, as I have pondered these things over the summer, I have asked my mother and aunt how they remembered filling in their childhood days without television and airconditioning, and without a mother free to take them to the lake for a swim....both spoke fondly of beautiful childhood memories such as playing with kittens, climbing the apricot tree, making 'farms' in the dirt and dust of the driveway.....my Dad remembers having pretend livestock sales with his brother, riding horses and playing with cap guns and tin soldiers......isnt that beautiful, pure and delightful? I myself remember my weekends and holidays being filled with building cubby houses in the bush, pretend fishing in the channel, and sending my Barbie Dolls 'swimming' down the fast flowing but reasonably shallow irrigation channel. I wonder what memories my own children will have of their holidays some day? Hopefully more than just watching television!!

 I would love to hear your memories, especially if you grew up without xbox games, TV and airconditioning too !!!

Vintage Movie Club - February 2010 East of Eden

Our humble little movie club is screening John Steinbeck's "East of Eden" this month....feel free to tagg along and watch it with us - wherever you live in the world !! We will be watching it on the 18th of February, and as a new twist to our movie club, will be leaving review comments afterwoods - please feel free to watch and leave your comment on this film after the watch date too !! You dont need to be in the same room with us to be a part of our movie club !!

East of Eden (1955) is director Elia Kazan's updated re-telling of the Biblical story of rival brothers, Cain and Abel and a paradise lost. Writer Paul Osborn's screenplay adapted John Steinbeck's 1952 novel with the same title for this dramatic Warner Bros. film. [The film tells only a small portion of Steinbeck's work, leaving out the childhood of the parents and the Chinese character of Lee.] One of the film's posters exclaimed:

East of Eden is a story of explosive passions and Elia Kazan has made it into a picture of staggering power.

James Dean represents the unappreciated son Cal (representing Cain) who vies against his dull, stuffy brother Aron (representing Abel) for the affections of their father. The maligned Cain character, representing the unlikeable and outcast Kazan himself (for naming names before the HUAC Committee in 1952), becomes the hero of this film. As the poster stated, "Sometimes you can't tell who's good and who's bad!..." (This was the only one of James Dean's three major films released before his death.)

(From Filmsite)

 

Untouched Art Deco House....

My friend Becky sent me a link to this Art Deco house in the Melbourne suburb of Reservoir, which recently sold for around $500,000. Take a look at these pictures - a beautiful (mostly) untouched peice of everyday, middle class 1930's/1940's Australian design....wouldnt you have loved to get your hands on this one !?

Hmmmm.....the white toilet would deffinatly have to go !!

Oh, I just LOVE that carpet!!!

To blonde or not to blonde? That IS the question.......

I have been tossing too and fro in my head the idea of going blonde lately. I have never really been any other colour than (natural) brunette, and have always advocated the sophistication and general classiness of brunettes over blondes. However, hubby recently suggested trying it before 'time runs out to be able to pull it off' - and he does have a point ! So, I have compiled a list of pro's and con's to going blonde, and thrown in a few glamerous ideals for both sides of the story........what are your thoughts on the whole blonde vs brunette debate?

Advantages to going blonde:

It would be fun to try the whole 'Hitchcock Blonde look' at least once in my life! (I am certianly no platnum blonde bombshell!!)......

Would prefer to try the blonde look while my face still has a bit of youth in it....

Blondes do seem to get noticed more....

Blonde seems to lend a face a bit more youth....

If I dont like it I can always dye it back again (although it will loose some condition, I know).....

Disadvantages:

Seems silly to dye my hair when there arnt too many greys in it yet....

Have just learnt to love the look I have been born with (ie. Dita Von Tease look pale skin and dark hair). Not everyone in Australia needs to have that sun kissed, bleached look !

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance !

I have very pale skin - will it look stuipd?

Health concerns with chemical bleaches?........


They are my arguments......now for the inspiration........

To Blonde .........

The incomparable Marilyn

Breathtaking Mamie Van Doren

Ever charming Doris Day

Jane Fonda in one of my fav. movies - Cat Ballou

Perfect Hitchcock Blonde Grace Kelly

Ever lovely Lana Turner

Enchanting Zsa Zsa Gabor

Deadly blonde bombshell Diana Dors

Unmistakeable blonde Bridget Bardot

And not to Blonde........

The amazing Dita Von Tease

Exquisit Gene Tierney

A young and beautiful Elizabeth Taylor

Darling French actress Capucine

Beautiful perfection - Vivien Leigh

Modern Classic Beauty - Catherine Zeta Jones

Beautiful and oh so tragic Judy Tyler (died in a car crash after completing the film Jailhouse Rock with Elvis)

Magical Cyd Charisse - dancer extrodinair (and exquisitly beautiful as well!)

And the now imortally beautiful Jean Simmons.

History of hair dye:

(from ehow)

"In the Dark Ages, red hair first appeared as the result of a genetic mistake. For many years, people with natural red hair were subjected to suspicions of witchcraft. However, in the 16th Century, Queen Elizabeth I's natural vibrant red hair made red hair more acceptable, and soon hair was being reddened with items such as henna, which dated back to the ancient Egyptians. During the Baroque period, when elaborate powdered wigs were popular, the colors ran the gamut of pastels, from pinks and yellow, to even blue. Blond hair continued to be desirable, with potassium lye or caustic soda being use to bleach the hair. Victorian women used large hats with an open top to expose their treated hair to the strong sun. At the same time, gray hair was popular, bringing back hair powder to heighten the affect. For a time, silver nitrate was used to darken hair until overuse resulted in a purple color. It was this purple result that would eventually lead to the creation of the first synthetic hair dye.

In the 1800s, chemists discovered para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and its use in the creation of synthetic dye. At the same time, it was found that hydrogen peroxide was a gentler and safer chemical for hair bleaching. These two discoveries paved the way for Eugene Schueller, who created the first commercial chemical hair dye, which he christened "Aureole." That product would go on to be known as "L'Oreal." The double-process for dying hair blond soon followed, and in 1932 hair dye was further refined by Lawrence Gelb who created hair dye that actually penetrated the shaft of the hair. His company would be called "Clairol." Later, in 1950, he would introduce the first one-step hair dye product that actually lightened hair without bleach. This ushered in the modern era of hair dye, including the ability for hair to be dyed at home. "

Well.......should I or shouldnt I? What do you think?

Living Dolls - Miss January 2010

I draw my inspiration for vintage living from many places, one of which is the fine group of women who live vintage every day (just like me!!). So, I have decided to honour their style and dedication by creating a new section on my blog - Living Dolls. 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 ! Be inspired with me......

And here is Miss January 2010 - meet the lovely Dawn Collier......

What does 'vintage' mean to you?

‘Vintage’for me is all encompassing and is part of who I am. I love the aesthetics of 1940s and 1950s furniture, particularly mid-century modern, and textiles. It is such a thrill when I find a piece of furniture, bric-a-brac or clothing/fabric that I can admire and make part of my life. I also believe they just don’t make things like they used too. Such a joy to love what I love!!

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

When I was a teenager I could’t quite get into what my friends liked and felt there must be something else out there more interesting. Then when I was about 16 some exciting events took place, I was introduced to 50s music and vintage clothing!! I finally found what I liked and the music and vintage was it.

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

I have always been enamoured with the 1940s and1950s and yes for the most part I do ‘live’ the lifestyle from wearing the clothing to having the furniture in my house, to listening to the music and to admiring the cars. Don’t get me wrong though there are many, many things about modern life I love and couldn’t live without but for me I love the by-gone-eras. I don’t want to live in the 50s though as that would be too depressing but if I could be transported to the late 40s, early 50s for a moment in time then fab! Imagine being able to spend time in a department store!!!

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

I go through stages with things that are my favourites as it depends what I am into at the time but here is a list of items I love right now!

My 1950s chiffon bombshell dresses

My Hawaiian collection

Remix shoes

My vintage fabric collection

My vintage Bakelite and costume jewellery collection

Atomic Ranch Magazine

My 1950s blonde wood buffet made by Resando

My 1950s inspired kitchen

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

As I said indicated before I love the aesthetics of vintage. I enjoy being around people who are like-minded as well who get a kick out of the thrill of finding something unique are rare. It’s fun!!!

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

Just think about what you like and go from there. There are many places and avenues you can meet like-minded people such as facebook, myspace, blogs and the internet in general. Boy if I had access to the internet when I was a teenager I would have gone crazy!!! The other way to seek out people is to go to festivals, gigs, burlesque events, flea markets etc.

Now is your chance to provide us with an overview of who you are and what you do. Tell us as much or as little as you like !!!!

I am a Nurse Consultant by day and a burlesque performer/producer by night!! I have been in heathcare for years and it’s what I do but I love performing and producing!! I have been a member with Hi Ball Burlesque since its inception and am now branching out into producing shows such as Australia’s first ever annual burlesque festival.

I love collecting Bakelite, Mexican & Renoir jewellery, vintage clothing such as bombshell dresses, Hawaiian, Mexican etc. I really like Resando Australian furniture from the 50s and Rattan.

Love my cactus garden, love to sew and I love burlesque.

(Dawn's blogg is The Girl Cant help it)

Finally, what or who inspires you and why?

I get my inspiration from all sorts of people ranging from my husband, to my girlfriends to acquaintances and associates. There are so many interesting and inspiring people in my life. It is wonderful!!!

 

 

More about the Annual Burlesque festival.........

 

Australian Burlesque Festival 2010

Chaz Royale, Sapphira and Tease Inc (Dolores Daiquiri & Rosy Rabbit) presents the first International Australian Burlesque Festival!

The festival will take place from 3rd June to 6th June in Melbourne and 12th June Sydney, spanning two cities and will showcase some of our finest performers as well as International stars!!

Performers

Applications to perform at the first annual Australian Burlesque Festival are now open! We are seeking Burlesque, Cabaret, Vaudeville, Circus, Hosts, Comedians and more…

In order to recieve your application pack please email:

australianburlesquefestival@hotmail.com

*APPLICATIONS CLOSE FEBRUARY 15TH*

Sponsors

We have a range of sponsorship opportunities and would be delighted to hear from potential sponsors. The major sponsors will be featured in the festival program and have the opportunity to showcase products and services at the exclusive gala event.

To find out how your brand can be featured in our Festival please contact us for a sponsorship presentation.

For all enquiries please contact us.

australianburlesquefestival@hotmail.com

Vintage Art - Hubcap handbag !

Do you know, one of the things I love most about the whole vintage cultural scene is the huge tie that is had with the artistic world. The vintage cultural scene is choc full of creative and artistic people producing some wonderful vintage inspired art - commercial, practical, low brow or high brow art - it's all there! Fashion, make up, hairstyles, car art, original music, burlesque costume and dance, architecture, decor and of course the more 'traditional' aspects of art - painting and sculpture. I simply love it ! And here is something else to love.....

My darling friend Brenton made this beautiful peice of practical art - a shiney, statement peice for any fashionista and an intriguing talking point for any car enthusiast......the wonderful hubcap handbag ! Made from hubcaps off a late 1960's Falcon and lined with felt it certianly gets attention wherever it goes, not to mention holds all my lippy's and sunglasses cases....no mean feat for any handbag !

If you would like to know more simply leave a comment and I will be sure an pass it on to Brenton for you.

A world of creativity - you gotta love it !