Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Music of the moment - How fantastic is James Hunter !!

About 2 years ago I heard a guy playing a song "Do me no favours" one afternoon on ABC Radio - I was totally smitten and went straight out and bought the album !! James Hunter is simply amazing ! If you don't believe me, check out the links below !! I have to confess that I found it unbelievable that he was a) an Anglo Saxon man. He has that soulful Afro American sound ! and b) that he hails from England. He could very well be a 1960's Chicago artist recording on the Chess Label !

Enjoy and see if you don't become an instant fan too!!
















Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Downloadable patterns....

I just had to share this article with you on the Burda Style webpage of which I am a member. If you sew and you love retro, or retro inspired looks, you might find these patterns interesting. Download, sew and tah dah - a whole new individual wardrobe ! Personally, I like the little green a-line dress....so very Audrey !!!



There is also a great article about the history of paper patterns which is a fabulous read !! So if you have a little time today - enjoy!! (and then come back and keep reading here at Alice Jean's of course !!!)

Monday, May 9, 2011

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.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The beauty of Red Heads.....

I am thinking of trying out red hair, inspired by the likes of Tina Louise (Ginger in Gilligans Island), Wilma Flintstone and the gal in the Jive Aces film clip - not to mention Jessica Rabbit and Martia Cross. Thought I would post some pictures of particularly stunning red heads sporting 50's glam. For me its really all a matter of when, not if, any longer - life is too short to be left wondering and I am happy to leap in and have a crack at almost anything once !!!



















This is also a very convenient excuse to post pictures of my most favourite literary heroine, and all time red headed love of my life !! My darling friend Brookie thought it curious I had never gone red before this considering my adoration of........

Anne of Green Gables.

Guess I just never really had the courage before this particular phase of my life - but, thanks to my personal journey, I do now !!!










Monday, May 2, 2011

Quote of the month - May 2011

  Some beautiful quotes from the incredibly beautiful and very insightful Anne Baxter:



I wasn't afraid to fail. Something good always comes out of failure.

Anne Baxter


Idleness is a constant sin, and labor is a duty. Idleness is the devil's home for temptation and for unprofitable, distracting musings; while labor profit others and ourselves.

Anne Baxter


In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity.

Anne Baxter


It's best to have failure happen early in life. It wakes up the Phoenix bird in you so you rise from the ashes.

Anne Baxter


My grandfather Frank Lloyd Wright wore a red sash on his wedding night. That is glamour!

Anne Baxter



See into life, don't just look at it.

Anne Baxter

Wonderful Sydney...

I recently had the joy of visiting Sydney for a girls weekend with my dear friend Brooke, and look at all the lovely things we found !!!! I am sure there are millions of other great venues, shops, clubs, etc in Sydney, but we were really impressed with these. And I simply MUST add that our B and B Tara Guest House was the most amazing place in the world to stay !!! I have never experienced such fantastic hospitaliy nor such scrumpteous breakfasts that lasted us all day !!! When in Sydney, it is THE place to stay....I will be going back for sure !!!

Porteno Restaurant

Sugared Accessories