One Exceptional Event

Oh doesnt this look like the most fun in the whole world ?!!! For those of us who have adored Charlotte Smiths two books about her amazing 5000 peice corture collection, the chance to see a live fashion parade of some of her garments at the home of one of the Myer Family in Toorak is nothing short of 'to die for' !! If you are able to be there, you absaloutly must ! I am going to be there, and I have an extra something dazzling to look forward to in the event, as I will be modeling one of these divine outfits for the show - oh, hyperventilating at the very thought !!!! SOOOOOOOO EXCITED !!!!

Quote of the Month - March 2011

"I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances"

Martha Washington

Living Dolls - Miss March

Here is our darling 'Living Doll' for the month of March. Say hello to Jules from Poppet Vintage

What does 'vintage' mean to you?

To me vintage is all about fun, the past and cherishing things that existed before our time. Technically, I suppose vintage ends when the 60s did, but time has a habit of moving fast, and our labels have to adjust accordingly. Basically if it’s sorta old and I love it, then it’s vintage to me!

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

I think my interest in Vintage and Retro style came from watching too many re-runs of Get Smart, The Brady bunch and The Monkeeys when I was a kid. I thought “99” was the greatest woman alive (and still do!) She was smart, tough, funny, impeccably dressed and one hell of a role model...I feel quite lucky that I got to grow up with these shows shaping my little brain.

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

The 60s is my favourite era that’s for sure. It was such a great decade for change, there certainly was a lot of excitement packed into those 10 years. A lot of my fashion inspiration is drawn from this period, at the moment I’m particularly inspired by the way boys were dressing in London in the early to mid-60s...Basically I wanna be as awesome as George Harrison.

I certainly don’t “live it” every day though. In my day to day life I’m influence by all aspects of the last 100 years. There is so much amazing fashion to delight in from all eras that I don’t like to limit myself to one particular style. I’m more than happy to wear a cute 40’s blouse with a 60’s skirt and an 80’s leather tie. I just go with what makes me happy 

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

Goodness! When it comes to Vintage clothing I have a lot of special pieces. My favourite is a mid 60s red dress with a great white collar and belt, I totally feel like orphan Annie when I wear it, and always wanna break out into “the sun’ll come up tomorrowwwww” I think that’s what I love most about 60s fashion, there is such an element of fun to it!

I have a great collection of 60s prints, lots of big landscapes and seascapes and a few saucy nudes...oh my! I’ve collected these over the years from op-shops and garage sales, and now they are scattered around my house and shop.

I absolutely love the music of the late 50s and all of the 60s. At the moment I can’t get enough Doo Wop! Also on high rotation are The Beatles (especially the early albums) The Everly Brothers, The Kinks, Beach Boys and all the amazing girl groups of the 60s

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

I think I will always have one foot in the past....there is just so much inspiration to be found in vintage culture. Like many people in the scene, I often feel like I was born at the wrong time....oh to be a teen in the late 50s... the music, the clothes, the innocence....ahh I love it! I would have killed to be in my 20s for the entirety of the 60s. I just can’t imagine anything better than being around to see the rise of the Beatles and the rise of those hemlines.

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

The internet is an amazing resource for people wanting to learn more about Vintage fashion. Or if you wanna do things the vintage way open up some books. “Love Vintage” by Nicole Jenkins is an amazing and in-depth look at vintage clothing and I would defiantly recommend getting your hands on a copy.

I think it’s really important to stay true to who you are as well. Fashion is one of the ways we express ourselves to the world, so you gotta do what is right for you. There should be no rules when it comes to dressing vintage. Mix some old with new, blur the lines between eras and draw inspiration from lots of sources. Just remember to have fun and be confident in what you wear.

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

I run a cute lil’ Vintage clothing store called “Poppet” in North Fitzroy. I sell ladies and gents clothing and accessories from the 40s-80s. I also design and make seasonal collections of lovely clothing that I sell in the shop and online. My life isn’t all work though. I also enjoy all manner of craft, particularly sewing, knitting and crochet. I really enjoy the old timey feeling I get when I’m working with my hands to create beautiful things. I also love music, and like nothing better than busting out a few tunes on my ukulele and banjo!!

Finally, what or who inspires you and why?

My amazingly talented friends are a constant inspiration to me! I feel very lucky to know so many wonderful creative people. I am always impressed and motivated when I see people that know what they want from life and go for it.

I also get inspired by all the beauty and creativity that has been put forth into our fine world. Music, fashion, art, craft and the written word, these are all things that feed the soul and make living life an absolute joy.

Flower of the Season - Summer 10/11

Well, Summer has passed us by the the Southern Hemisphere and if you are like me you are wondering where it went and what happened to the beautiful balmy evenings, and dry days with skies bluer that one can imagine - skies one can look into seemingly forever and ever so rich is it's blueness. Unfortunately where I live, for the first time in my life summer was nothing but uncomfortable humidity, storms and rain rain rain ! Not 'real' summer at all. Unlike roses and some trees who have toughened up after 10 years of drought and then struggled to perform in this years tropical weather, the humble Crepe Myrtle bush has come through the environmental upheaval with a bountiful display of flowers and mesmerising colour this February.

A darling little bush or tree, Crepe Myrtles offer something delightful for every stage of the year. When leafless in winter Crepe Myrtles are quite captivating through the allure of it's trunk structure and attractive bark. This is especially seen when mass planted or in a close compact row. In Springtime as it leaf's up, Crepe Myrtles are a lovely addition to any shrub border. By late summer Crepe Myrtles are profusely blossoming in all manner of shades from red through to pinks and purples. And finally in Autumn, the Crepe Myrtle bush puts on a dramatic leaf colour display in an equally as vast range of Fall tones.

From Wikipedia:

While various species and cultivars are able to fill a wide variety of landscape needs, crape myrtles are chiefly famous for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Most species of Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle) have sinewy, fluted stems and branches with a mottled appearance that arises from having bark that sheds throughout the year. The leaves are opposite, simple, with entire margins, and vary from 5-20 cm (2-8 in). While all species are woody in nature, they can range in height from over 100 feet to under one foot; most, however are small to medium multiple-trunked trees and shrubs. The leaves of temperate species provide autumn color.

(sorry about the istockphoto, but I just loved this image so much I had to include it watermark and all)

Flowers are born in summer and autumn in panicles of crinkled flowers with a crepe-like texture. Colors vary from deep purple to red to white, with almost every shade in between. Although no blue-flowered varieties exist, it is toward the blue end of the spectrum that the flowers trend, with no sight of orange or yellow except in stamens and pistils. The fruit is a capsule, green and succulent at first, then ripening to dark brown or black dryness. It splits along six or seven lines, producing teeth much like those of the calyx, and releases numerous small winged seeds.

In their respective climates, both sub-tropical and tropical species are common in domestic and commercial landscapes. The timber of some species has been used to manufacture bridges, furniture and railway sleepers. 

If you are seeking a shrub with great landscaping potential and a harking back to the 1940's and 50's gardens, during which they were very popular, then look no further than a Crepe Myrtle - its a little darling !

Outfit of the day.....

 Ok, I didnt wear this today but a couple of weeks ago - I have only just gotten around to posting it though. Green is one of my favourite colours to wear - so fresh and cool and happy. I love green. On the other side of the coin, I totally loath my hair and just cant wait for it to grow. It is so unhealthy and frizzy, just putrid. Mu hair growns very fast, so I am hoping all the dryness from the bleaching I did to it last year will have substantially lessened (read that as having been cut out!) by the time wintersun rocks around in June. Till then I continue with the conditioning treatments and rinses to give it as much shine and health as I can. At least the green dress can brighten my mood in the meantime !

Bendigo Art Gallery - Home for Fashion Lovers !!

Here are two exhibitions to put in your calendars as "MUST SEE'S" and "NOT TO BE MISSED". Bendigo Regional Art Gallery obviously has an excellent relationship with the Victoria and Albert Museum of London, and regional Victoria are the fortunate recipients of this connection with two fantastic fashion exhibitions coming up this year and in early 2011. The first is the White Wedding Dress Exhibition - 200 Years of Wedding Fashions.

First of August to Eleventh of November 2011 at the Bendigo Regional Art Gallery

Exhibition organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

"Drawing on the V&A’s outstanding collection of wedding gowns from the early 1800s to the present day, the exhibition explores the history of the wedding dress using individual garments and their histories to illuminate the ways in which society has responded to economic, cultural and technological change.

The exhibition encompasses historical bridal dresses, veils, corsetry, millinery, shoes and other accessories as well as gowns by couturiers and designers including Charles Frederick Worth, Norman Hartnell, Charles James, Zandra Rhodes, John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, Christian Lacroix, Lanvin, Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones."

For more details, go to :  http://www.bendigoartgallery.com.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=261&h=0 

The second exhibition was mentioned in today's Herald Sun and has me sooooooo excited !!! There are no details on the website yet, but here is the article promoting an exhibition next March (do they mean 2011 or 2012??????? I am assuming 2012 as the website does not mention it) of Grace Kelly clothing! Princess of glamorous 50's and early 60's style herself, - Grace Kelly !!! Oh, do I have to wait a whole year !!!! More details will be published as they come to hand.......

The incredible Becky...

 
Have a good close look at these photographs. Beautiful black and white images of golden age Hollywood, done as comfy couch cushions. Look closely again. Can you figure out how they have been created?

I was completely blown away when I first saw these most incredible cushions, made by the lovely - and infinitely talented - Becky Argent. They are cross stitched from patterns made by Becky herself, and you should see how very intricate they are up close !!

Tiny, perfect stitches in shades of black, white and grey....for those of us who have dabbled in cross stitching before, imagine working only with those shades on a very intricate level.....and look at the amazing result! What a collection !!

Becky, these are simply priceless works of art and as a collection they are breathtaking. You must keep us posted with each new addition to the couch !!!

Music of the moment....JD McPherson

I have just discovered the most wonderful new artist (or at least new to me !!) and had to share him with you..... JD McPherson. In a review by Chicago Radio stations WXRT they share that

"JD’s actually from Oklahoma, but according to the Hi-Style website, they brought JD to the big city of Chicago to record this album.......... If ’50s rock ‘n’ roll and/or old soul is your thing, this album should be a slam-dunk."

My words seem so inadiquate to describe what to me is the epitomy of a brilliant  50's  style artist , so check out this rockin film clip (click on the image below) - if it doesnt get your foot tapping then I would seriously consider booking into your local GP for a check up......you may be dead.......

All I can say is get yourself a copy of Signs and Signifiers as soon as you can, because every track is a killer (my personal favourites are "North Side Gal" and "Scratching Circles").

If you have already heard of JD, then please comment as I'd love to know your opinion and favourite songs too ! And guys, how about getting JD out for Wintersun or Greazefest one day if we can? That would be sensational !

Homesteads of the Murray - Chapter One

 Towong Hill

It is said that A B “Banjo” Patterson was first introduced to the real life man from Snowy River, Jack Reily, by Walter Edward Mitchell. Thanks to the inspiration provided by Mr Reily, Australian literature has never been the same since, the beauty of the high country so richly captured in every line of the classic Australian story. As for Walter Edward Mitchell, his association with Australian literature went even further, for his son, Thomas, married Elyne Mitchell, author of the children’s classic Silver Brumby books. Surrounded by the hills of the Corryong countryside, in a wide valley with a majestic view to Mount Townsend capped in snow, Walter Mitchell’s station has provided the literary stimulation for close on 100 years.

Walter Mitchell was the youngest son of upper Murray cattle grazier, Thomas Mitchell, and was given the responsibility of managing the 17,000 acre station of Towong for the family. He is still remembered fondly as a warm natured man, and one who kept the loyalty of his station hands for years on end. It was to the Murray River Valley, where the Indi and Swampy Plains rivers meet to form the Murray, that Walter brought his bride, Winifred, in 1904. They had commenced construction on a beautiful house to begin married life, and awaited its completion at nearby Bringenbrong Station, another Mitchell family property.

“Towong Hill”, as the homestead became known, was designed by Walter’s brother in law, Soley Pack. It took two years to build and was completed in 1904. Bricks were kilned on sight, produced down by the rivers muddy shores in a paddock still referred to as “the brickciln”. A fine double storied dwelling of roughly 80 squares, with 8 spacious upstairs bedrooms, each possessing an open fireplace, for Walter and Winifreds planned family.

Thomas Walter Mitchell was ushered into the world of the cattle station in 1906, and was soon joined by a sister, Honour. In 1917, Walter Mitchell passed away and Winifred chose to purchase a house at Point Piper, taking her two small children away from the station, returning only for Christmas holidays. After their schooling in Sydney was complete, Thomas, Honour and Winifred headed for England, where Thomas was to study at Cambridge University. This was followed up with Law at Inns court, and he was soon called to the Bar of London. Meanwhile, at home in Australia, the beautiful isolated cattle station – reduced to 4,000acres due to subdivision for soldiers settlement – was being managed by faithful station hands and overseers.

By 1935, Thomas Mitchell had returned home to Australia, a successful Lawyer, and in that year he married city girl, Elyne Chauvel, and settled himself back at his childhood home, Towong Hill.

Elyne was born in Melbourne in 1913, her father, Sir Harry Chauvel, a renowned soldier and mitilary man. The Chauvel family were living in Europe at the outbreak of World War I, however they moved back to the peace of Australia after the great world turmoil had ended. It was on the shores of Point Lonsdale that her father taught her to ride, and the subsequent love of horses he instilled proved intoxicating for Elyne. In her move to the remote station with its federation homestead, Elyne found plenty of opportunity to enjoy her love of the gracious animals and their mountain world. Together Thomas and Elyne threw themselves into cattle station life - mustering, droving cattle to the Cudgewa railway station, aiding birthing ewes, shearing, enjoying blissful swims in the river on hot summer days and skiing in the Snowys in winter.

Skiing proved another great love of Elynes. Encouraged to take it up by Thomas, she proved a natural at the sport, wining the Canadian downhill skiing championship in 1938. She adored the mountains of her homeland, exploring them on skis or horseback whenever the opportunity availed itself.

However, living in the beautiful rolling hills, hidden valleys and breathtaking peaks of far eastern Victoria was not all aglow with good times. Life proved challenging for Elyne who gradually took on a more managerial role at the station while Thomas was away with his many political commitments as Country Party Member for Benambra, in State Parliament. In the winter, dense fogs would envelop the station for days on end. Mrs Mitchell recalls in her autobiography the trauma of trying to search for birthing ewes in smothered paddocks, with only the call of destructive crows to lead her to the newly born lambs and the mothers trying desperately to protect them.

Bushfires were also a threat. In 1939 a fierce blaze screamed down the valley while Thomas and Elyne were away skiing in Europe. Relatives were minding the homestead when the violent flames came. Miraculously, they kept the fire at bay and saved the house with garden hoses and buckets. The station land was not quite so fortunate. Fences everywhere were destroyed and needed to be replaced quickly. And what should the station hands find in almost every charred fence post they removed from its hole? The burnt remains of snakes, caught in the blaze and looking for refuge.

In 1952 fire struck once again. The “Towong Hill” household were fighting fires for days on end, exhausted and strung out. Then came the news that King George VI had passed away and his daughter , Elizabeth, was to take the throne. To anyone else fighting fires, this was simply world news arriving in the middle of personal disaster. For the Mitchell family at “Towong Hill”, it added extra pressure and stress. Thomas Mitchell was Attorney General at the time, and it was decreed that all State and Federal Cabinet members must swear allegiance to the new Queen immediately, or else the Government of the country could not proceed. Thomas was rushed from the fires and taken to Melbourne, a 6 hour trip at the best of times, swore his allegiance in his fire fighting garb, and rushed home again to continue fighting and eventually beat the blazes at “Towong Hill”.

Four children blessed the house on the hill with love and laughter. Elyne created her most well known work of fiction, “The Silver Brumby”, for her eldest daughter, Indi, who was named after the bubbling mountain river. Published in 1958, “The Silver Brumby” has never been out of print, as popular today as it ever was. Elyne Mitchell published 33 books in her lifetime, focusing mainly on the world of the Upper Murray, in which there is no lack of substance for inspiration. Long jaunts into the countryside on horseback were had by all the family, all sharing Elynes appreciation of things Australian and things beautiful.

 

Until her recent passing, Elyne spent everyday she could at Towong Hill, cuddling her collie dog Millie or enjoying her garden. It was here that she has wrote her charming and award winning literary works, in a room bathed with light that filtered through stained glass windows. Through those windows she had views stretching all the way to the Snowys. Magpies would chortle high in the cypress trees lining the drive. There was a certain magic in the hollyhocks, rose, iris and hydrangeas that would sway in the breezes of the old fashioned garden, and in the wisteria hanging dramatically over a quaint garden gate. Such was her home and world for 67 years.

There has been “movement at the station” for over 100 years, with the exuberance imparted from the families of Walter, Thomas and now, Elyne’s son John. The brumby’s of Elyne’s books continue to run wild and free in the mountains, and spirit of the mountains will continue through legacy to Australian literature of a great country woman.

** All photographs used in this article are by the incomparable Brooke Orchard at Brooke Orchard Photography - check out her highly awarded and nationally acclaimed talent !!

Living Dolls - Miss February

I am so very excited to share this months Living Doll with you - the totally adorable Ms Vicki !

What does 'vintage' mean to you?

Pre 1970s

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

I have always felt from a young age that I didn’t “fit in” to the norm & always felt different. I was taken to my first Wintersun in 1997 & was introduced to the rockabilly scene. It was like a lightbulb went off over my head. “That’s it!” I thought “This is who I am”. The music, the fashion & the attitude of the people in ‘scene’ was exactly what I had been craving. It truly felt like a big void in my life had been filled. I ditched the flannel shirts & army boots for day dresses & red lippie from that day forth.

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

My favourite era would have to be the 1950s. I just love the design of everything from a wall clock, the cars, the furniture, the advertising, textiles.. everything! To me it seems such an exciting decade that is filled with beautiful colours & patterns that scream happiness.

Although I would love to live completely in the era, alas it is not very practical. In my day to day life I normally wear clothing that is a retro look. My hair & makeup is always done true to era. My home is a weatherboard that was built in 1952. Although it has the mod-cons the majority of furniture & decorative items are either 1940s/1950s vintage or vintage inspired.

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

I do love my house. The original owners built it in 1952 & lived in it until we bought it in 2009. It is still completely original from the kitchen with it’s pastel blue/yellow stove to the atomic light fixtures.

My favourite clothing item would have to be a classic 49er Pendleton Jacket. They are my addiction. My other favourite thing is marcasite jewellery particularly brooches.

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

Unlike ‘modern’ fashion which seems to just jump in & out of fads, vintage style is timeless. I just don’t feel right in modern look clothing. Everything these days is just so mass produced, cheap & trashy looking.

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

Surf the net for inspiration. In this age of Google & YouTube there really is no excuse for not knowing what style represents certain eras. Also, don’t be afraid of those gals that look like total glamour-pusses. They are human too. Go up to them & ask them questions like “Where do you buy your frocks?” & “How do you do your hair?”.

Or go to the Lindy Charm School.

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

I would call myself a rockabilly, swing, wanna-be punk rude girl, daggy woman with a hint of bogan. I don’t have any tattoos or piercings. I don’t really conform to the pressure of what is considered ‘in’. In fact, if somebody tells me that a certain thing is the ‘new’ cool thing I will usually do the opposite.

I really can’t relate to ‘modern’ culture and find most of it quite disgusting.

I am on a never-ending quest to find the perfect red lipstick, black eyeliner & drop of Merlot.

I am actually quite shy in social situations & normally fret for a few hours before going out. I live a nice quiet life in the beautiful bayside town of Redcliffe with my wonderful husband Mick (The Big Fella), my two staffie cross dogs called Bovver Boi & Sabi and my cat, the evil pookah called Harvey.

I love old British cars & I would LOVE to own a Hillman Minx.

Finally, what or who inspires you and why?

I very much love a classic vintage look that is not fussy & too over the top. I’m not really attracted to wild atomic print things & prefer a simple understated style. My favourite style icons are either Katharine Hepburn or Grace Kelly.

Wintersun 2011 is coming !!!

Oh goody goody - it's on it's way!!! Wintersun 2011 !!! This year all the fun, friends and good times are at Port MacQuarie in northern NSW, Australia. Keep the long weekend in June free (11, 12 and 13) and make sure you get there if you are a lover of nostalgia or vintage culture - we are talking about the biggest nostalgia and vintage cultural festival in Australia after all!!!

Here are some of the wonderful events we can all look forward to this year - participate where ever you can to enjoy yourself all the more!!!

Movie of the Moment - Anna Karenina

Last night I watched the 1948 version of the classic Tolstoy novel "Anna Karenina" and was absolutely moved to tears. Such a glorious adaption of an out and out heart wrenching story of love, society, marriage, choices and, one of my favourite topics at the moment, the tender frailty of the human spirit. I chose to borrow this film from my local library because I ADORE Vivien Leigh, but I ended up loving this film as a movie in its own right.

Having said that, Vivien is her thoroughly captivating self, acting with perfect timing and sensitivity to the title character, and mesmerising her audience with her unfathomable beauty. In a review of the earlier Greta Garbo version of the story, it was said that "Garbo herself, (was) perhaps a bit too self-possessed and headstrong, (and) could never represent the character of Anna, a woman carried away on passion, lust and impending tragedy." Certainly Vivien could carry such a role, as her own life showed all the elements of passion, sensitivity and human frailty that epitomised the tragic heroine, Anna Karenina.

The costuming in this film, by Cecil Beaton and set in the late 1800's, is breathtaking, extravagant and stunning. The sets impressive, in places stark, elegant and cold as fits the subject. The supporting actors are astute and, of course, the story is brilliant. This tale has been billed as the greatest love story of all time.

 

If you are after a beautiful, cosy night in, then chase down a copy of this film. You most certainly wont regret it.

 

Below are some costume stills from Anna Karenina - I couldn't resist sharing them with you all, they are so divine!

 

4.5 Choc Tops

Quote of the month - February 2011

"It isnt the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones."

Jean Webster

An outfit for a summers day....

Feeling rather dowdy and more than a little despondant, what with the flood crisis in my part of the world and all, I decided that my best effort at cheering myself (as is my usual method) would be to put some thought into my outfit for the day....at least then I go through my day feeling good about myself and how I look. So, here is today's summery outfit which was perfect for taking my kidletts to the park in the morning and sitting by the pool in the evening while they splashed and played and generally wore themselves out !! I made this dress a few years ago from some vintage late 60's material and I love wearing it...not least of all because the vintage pattern gives me a more curvacious figure ! It is a light fabric with a bit of 'give' and I just adore the aqua colour...I need to find myself more of such eye catching stuff !!!!