Monday, May 25, 2009

Dabbling in modern vintage.....

Sit back with a yummy chai tea and browse these lovely images of modern vintage fashion........and DO stay posted....Wintersun is coming and there are going to be oooooodles more inpiring delights posted under 'Fashion' on Alice Jean's in the coming days (and if you are going to Wintersun, dont forget to dress to impress - you might just see yourself here on Alice Jean's !!)



Online vintage shopping



Great online vintage shopping – classic vintage and reproduction vintage clothing for everyone in the family! Just take a peek at these websites……mmmmmm! I will be adding to this list as time goes by, so don’t forget to pop back for more……and more….and more……….(you can never have too much vintage!)

http://www.swingcandy.com/

http://buyvintageclothing.com/

http://www.stopstaringclothing.com/

http://www.daddyos.com/

http://www.vintageswank.com/index.html

http://www.rustyzipper.com/

http://www.tias.com/stores/midnightsparkle/

http://www.dressthatman.com/view-SUIT416.htm

http://www.memphisvintage.com/main.html

http://www.dandelionvintage.com/index.html

http://timewarp.com/osCommerce/index.php






** List coming soon for other vintage websites (housewares, furniture, decor products, car parts etc ) stay tuned !!

Getting your style RIGHT ! Wonderfully helpful websites.....



Rather than re-invent the wheel, I have collected an AMAZING list of vintage fashion websites that I highly recommend you visit. I am sure there are plenty more out there – please let me know if you have a recommended site ! These sites are a must for getting your look and era ‘just right’ and authentic. Remember to pop back from time to time as I will be adding more fashion photographs, vintage fashion shopping lists, great retro clothing websites and the occasional ‘modern vintage’ feature article. Lots of goodies coming for everyone - lovers of all different ears - to enjoy!

http://retro-fashion-history.com/index.html

(Magnificent site with all years from 1948 – 1979, pictures and detailed overviews)

http://www.vintagevixen.com/fashionhistory.asp

(Overview of all 20th Century fashion eras; original vintage items to buy; advice and help)

http://www.fashion-era.com/index.htm

(Magnificent site with all eras (tudor, regency, 20th century specifics etc etc), make up, beauty, fashion and tips)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5458058

(For the vintage sewer….WONDERFUL etsy shop with original vintage dress patterns from all eras….inspiring stuff !)

http://www.fashion-pictures.com/1955-58/1950s-womens-dresses-1.html

(Some great fashion images 1955-1975)

http://www.fashion-flashbacks.com/20cen/index.html

(Book reference site; 60s and 70s vintage pieces for sale)

Vintage Shopping Map - Fitzroy, Melbourne


For all those vintage 'hunter gatherers' out there, here is a little map to help create your ultimate shopping experience. This map is current as of November 2008 and shows the location of some terrific vintage styled shops and great cafes in Fitzroy, Melbourne (not to mention some generally great shopping at all the unlisted shops in-between!!). I plan to add more maps in the future, and if you live in another city and can help me out with similar info. for your native turf, I would really love to hear from you!!! Happy vintage shopping everyone !

Loosing weight the 1950's way !



Arnt these 1950's diet add's totally hilarious !! Imagine if they were used today !!! Funny !!! We all know that 'slimming tablets' (aka laxatives) and hunger suppressants are not the way to go to have a figure and stay healthy.....we all know it's a lifestyle thing - eat healthy, excersise, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water....you know the drill ! Hubby and I adore great food, and to keep ourselves at 'our best' we prefer to use the following 'diet' to 'cleanse our system' every two months or so.... I just thought I would share it with you. (It is used in the cardiac wards to help patients reduce their weight quickly in preparation for opperations etc.......a 'healthier' alturnative to laxatives !)
Cardiac Unit Recipe for Fast Weight Loss

Basic fat burning soup:

Ingredients –2 large cans crushed tomatoes
2 large cans Campbells Beef Consume or 2 beef stock cubes
1 Dessert Spoon Continental Vegetable dry soup power
1 Bunch of spring onions
Half a bunch of celery
2 Cans green French beans or 2 Cans of sliced beans
1 Green capsicum
Half to 1kg of carrots

Instructions – Chop all vegies into small pieces. Combine all ingredients, add salt and pepper, stir well. Boil rapidly for 10 minutes, then simmer until vegies are tender. Add water if necessary or to make a thinner soup.

Notes – This soup can be eaten any time you are hungry. Eat as much as you want whenever you want. This soup will not add calories, the more you eat the more you will loose. It is a nutritious diet. For drinks – unsweetened juices, tea, coffee, cranberry juice and water. Drink plenty of water.

Day One

Eat any fruit except bananas. Cantaloupe and water melon are lower in calories than most other fruits. East soup anytime (as much as you want)

Day Two

Eat only vegetables. Eat as much as you like of fresh, raw or canned vegies. Try to eat green leafy veies. Stay away from dry beans, peas and corn. Eat vegies along with soup anytime you like. At dinner time, reward yourself with a jacket potato and butter. DON’T EAT ANY FRUIT TODAY

Day Three

Eat all the soup, fruit and vegies you want today. Do not have a jacket potato. If you have eaten as above for the 3 days you should have lost between 2-3kg.

Day Four

Eat soup, bananas and skim milk today. Eat at least 3 large bananas, drink as much milk as you can, and eat all the soup you want. Bananas are high in calories and carbohydrates as is the milk, but you need the potassium and carbs today.

Day Five

East as much soup as you like, as well as 250-500g of beef or chicken (no skin) and up to 6 tomatoes. Eat soup at least once today.

Day Six

Eat to your hearts content of beef and vegies today – you can even have 2-3 grilled steaks if you like with green leafy vegies. No baked potato. Be sure to eat soup at least once today.

Day Seven

Eat as much soup as you can, as well as brown rice, vegies and fruit juice.


By the end of this 7 day program, you should have lost at least 5 kg, if you have stuck strictly to the diet. Time to purchase a brand new wardrobe !



Sunday, May 17, 2009

Classic Cheesy Puffs


Classic Cheesy Puffs

1 Cup SR Flour
1 Cup Grated Cheese
1 Cup Milk
2 Eggs
1/3 Teaspoon curry powder

Combine all ingredients and spoon into patty pans or a muffin tray

Cook for 15-20 minutes in a 220deg.C fan forced oven.

Great Aunty Helen's Sultana Loaf


Great Aunty Helen's Sultana Loaf

1 Cup Bran
1 Cup SR Flour
1.25 Cups Milk
Half cup sultanas
Half cup dried apricots
.75 Cup Raw Sugar

Soak bran in milk for 10minutes. Soak fruit in half cup hot water for 10 minutes. Drain fruit and add to bran and milk. Add sugar, flour and mix well. Place in greased loaf tin and cook for 50 mins in a moderate oven (180deg.C).

Lemon Juice Refresher

Those lemony drinks are just oh so delightful on a summer day, arnt they? Here is an old fashioned favorite that is sure to tickle your tastebuds.............

Lemon Juice Refresher

½ cup lemon juice
9 Cups water (1 cup hot water to dissolve listed ingredients)
1 Cup Sugar
1 Teaspoon cream of tarter
1 Teaspoon lemon essence

Dissolve ingredients in hot water, add remaining water and enjoy!


(Cake in foreground is 'Great Aunty Helens Saltana Loaf' - see Cooking Section)

Emma's Homemade Cakes

Take a peek at these gorgeous cakes ! Back in the days of our grandmothers, great pride was taken in the appearance of sweet treats - never more so than with celebration cakes! I recall Christmas and birthdays, and very often a 'simple' afternoon tea for no reason at all, at Grandma's house with delectable ginger fluff sponges, butterfly cakes, 'mushrooms' and lamingtons filled with cream. Emma's Homemade Cakes continues the tradition of scrumptious goodies, and celebration cakes made with care and stunning creativity.....and you can view all her sweet treats right here at Alice Jean’s ! Keep on popping back for more, and if you would like to contact Emma, you can do so through this blogg................


Scott Baker - Just like that !



Scott Baker has spent the past year writing some of the most lyrically dynamic, rockabilly styled songs around! Recording at the renowned Preston Studios, Melbourne, with the fabulous Graeme and Jamie, his music positivly cooks! Scott's music debuts on "Its a Gas 2!", and there are plans for a follow up 'Best of Preston' album later in the year. Scott is still working on a full album of his own - so stay tuned for more posts about that in the near future.

Scott's inspiration comes mostly from the early 'Sun' years - a sound and style which dominates his music....tones of Johnny Cash, Elvis and Roy Orbison effect his songs, and the thumping of a Jerry Lee style piano adds fullnes to the mix.......add a dash of hillbilly and the occasional 'jump' sound and you have one eclectic performer.......or as Jamie rightly suggests, Scott has alot of "Echucabilly" about him - sounds good to me !

You can catch Scott performing with the wonderful Pat Cappocci on the Rockabilly Stage, Wintersun, Coollangatta - Sunday the 7th June 2009...... At this point in time, Scott doesnt perform regular gigs, so dont miss this exciting one off performance! See you there !

Scott's CD's are available by contacting dingo71@hotmail.com

Cars we have owned........

Hello friends ! I just thought I would do a little post about the cars we have owned before, seeing as it fits the theme of my blogg ! Here is a snippet of some of the wonderful vintage lovelies that have stabled in our garage....what a shame we could not have kept them all - quite a stunning collection we would have by now.....one day, one day perhaps! If you would like to know any more about any of these beauties, just drop me a line and I will be sure to pass your questions onto Scott (hubby) so that you get an accurate answer !!!

1958 Buick
1950 Buick
1955 Caddy
1959 Caddy
'Lucy' FB Holden
'Lou' our very useful truck!
'Mary' EJ Holden
'S-Series' Val.(with 'Q-Series' features)
1969 Val.(closest to camera)
and a bike for good measure !

Friday, May 15, 2009

Mels' Home made Bailies - YUM


Mel’s Homemade Bailies

1 Cup Scotch
1 Tablespoon instant coffee
1 Tablespoon Chocolate essence
1 Tablespoon Coconut essence
1 Can evaporated milk
1 Can condensed milk

Mix the first 4 ingredients together. Blend in evaporated milk and condensed milk.
Enjoy strait, on the rocks, or with milk.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Oat and Sultana Biscuits


These delicious bickies are a treat for adults and children alike:
Oat and Sultana Biscuits


2.25 Cups Self Raising Flour

2 Teaspoons cinnamon

1 Teaspoon bi-carb soda

1 Cup brown sugar

2 Cups quick cooking oats

1.5 Cups sultanas (or raisins or choc chips or dried apricot)

250g butter, melted

2 eggs, lightly beaten


Step 1. Preheat oven to moderatly hot 190 deg. C. Line baking trays with oven proof paper.


Step 2. Sift flour, cinnamon and bi-carb soda into large bowl. Add sugar, oats and sultanas. Mix well. Make a well in the centre of the bowl, add butter and eggs. Stir the mixture with a spoon until ingredients are thoroughly combined.


Step 3. Shape mixture into balls and lfatten slightly on prepared trays. Bake for 10 mins. Let cookies stand on trays a few minutes before removing to wire rack to cool.


Step 4. Enjoy - YUM!


Monday, May 4, 2009

Alice Jeans Vintage Childrens Dresses

Welcome to Alice Jeans Vintage Children’s Dresses. All dresses are lovingly hand made from vintage children’s dress patterns, and very ofton from vintage sourced fabrics with vintage buttons and trims! They shine with quality, creative individuality and uniqueness. Dress your darling little one with vintage charm. Not just for that special occasion or the next Wintersun festival - Alice Jeans dresses will quickly become favourites that your princess will be begging to wear everyday!

We are a small home based business and gladly welcome your clientelle - please tell your friends all about us ! If you wish to know more or would like to purchase a Alice Jeans dress, please contact us via edendesign@aapt.net.au . We accept paypal and bank cheque. Keep an eye out for more Alice Jeans dresses coming later this year ...............




1.She'll be apples! Beautiful dress in apple print fabric with vintage blue buttons. Gathered sleeve, collar and tie at waist with twin pleat skirt. Size 3-4. $80






2.Cute as pie ! Purple gingham dress with rick rack at neck, zip back, tie bow at waist. Dress can also be worn with darling white apron and matching purple gathered gingham bonnet - too adorable ! Size 2. Dress $80 Apron $30 Bonnet $25 All items SOLD




3.Pretty in Pink! Adorable pink pinafore. Reproduction vintage fabric design and original vintage white buttons and rick rack. Can be worn as a dress or with a white skivvy and leggings, pinafore style. Size 2. $70




4.Sprung ! Pretty little girls summer dress with floral pattern and spotty green contrast in yoke and tie bow at waist. Gathered sleeve and collar feature. Size 3. $80




5.Dancing Doll ! Grooving to your favorite music could not be more fun in this blue and white striped dress with built in gathered apron and zip back. Size 2. $60





6.The Fairy Gardener ! A beautiful red gingham dress with frilled sleeves and built in provincial print apron. Vintage red and white buttons at back - colourful, quaint and country ! Size 4-5. Dress $70



7.Dotty Dolly ! Charming dress with matching bonnet in contrasting pink and white dotted material, and white with pink rosebuds. Collar and tie bow at waist with beautiful vintage buttons, gathered sleeve and collar contrast. Size 2. REDUCED (collar not completed to my preferred standard, button through collar instead of under) $50 dress - nomally $80. $25 bonnett.




8.Alice in wonderland! Lovely white dress with contrasting green gingham apron over top. Just like a fairytale ! Size 2. Dress $80. Apron $30 All items SOLD




9.The 'Nurse Nancy' dress! Just like your favorite story book, this little dress is a dream ! Stripey blue and white material with white rick rack at neck. Tie bow and waist and gathered sleeves. Size 2. $80




10.Oh So French Retro Chic ! A stunning dress that would look even more adorable with black tights, black skivvy and black berret ! Can be worn as a pinny or summer dress. Black vintage buttons complete the effect ! Size 4-5 Dress $70




11.The Christmas Dress ! Not really...this little charmer can be worn all year round but has the green and red christmas effect ! Contrasting red ginham with a beautiful green country print (didnt those vintage dresses love colour and vibrence !) and red satin front tie. Lovely vintage buttons complete this festive number ! Size 2. $70




12.Little Autumn Miss ! This lovely little dress has delicious Autumn tones. A built in gathered red gingham apron contrasts beautifully with the brown print beneath. Gathered sleeve and skirt, this is a shorter number that can be worn with leggings as shown, or short with frilly matching knickers (not supplied through Bella Boo). Size 2. Dress $80




13.Happy Girley ! A lovely little sundress with matching bonnet in a beautiful striped blue print with tiny rosebuds. Gathered sleeve, piped neck, tie bow waist and zip back. Gathered bonnet with ribbon bow - sure to win the heart of any vintage loving miss ! Size 2. $80 All items SOLD.




14.Sweets for your sweet ! Floral, feminine and fabulous... a little dress for the baby in your life. Green gingham gathered skirt with contrasting green and pink floral yoke and adorned with green and pink rosebud trim. Pink buttons finish this pretty little number off. Size 6-12 months. Dress $60



Thankyou to all my darling little models ! You are so adorable and did the most wonderful job of making my clothes look amazing ! Cuddles to all three of you !