Butterflies in my garden - and my kitchen....

In the beautiful Autumnal sunshine we have been experiencing, my three little poppets have been amusing themselves by running around the garden, butterfly nets in hand, collecting butterflies and caterpillar'ss galore.....I must confess I have never seen anything like the amount of butterflies we have had this year! My 'china doll' bush is simply drenched in fluttering wings - so amazingly pretty !

So in the spirit of life lesson themes, my children and I embarked on making a delicious old fashion favourite - butterfly cakes. Grandma Jean used to make the most delightful butterfly cakes and seemed always able to whip them out for the afternoon tea table, even if we dropped in unexpectedly - amazing woman that she was !

So here is a recipe for yummy butterfly cakes.....to be enjoyed in the sunshine, like any good butterfly would be doing!

Butterfly Cakes

 115g softened butter

115g caster sugar
2 eggs lightly beaten

115g self raising white flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 Cup Milk

Pre heat oven to 180 degrees C. Grease and place patty pans in muffin tray. Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl. Add butter, sugar and eggs and using an electric beater beat until smooth. Add milk and whisk into the mixture. Spoon mixture into paper cases and bake in oven 20 minutes until risen and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

Decoration

 Use double cream or whip a small container of cream

Make up a packet of red jelly according to packet directions, preferably using a shallow pie dish instead of deep bowl to set in fridge.

Slice a 'cap' off the cooled cakes and fill the indentation with whipped cream. Cut 'cap' in half and place two pieces (or wings) according to picture. Dig out a teaspoon of jelly and place between 'wings', then dust liberally with icing sugar.

Sit down to eat on a sunny autumn afternoon and prepare to flutter away to fantasy land !

The Big D Jambouree !

Ok, if you are looking for the event of all Rockabilly events not to be missed in Melbourne this year, make sure you get along to the Central Club Hotel in Richmond this May 8th ! It is going to be one rocking good time with featured artists Pat Cappoci, Danny and the Cosmic Tremors, The Strait 8s, Ezra Lee and Scotty Baker you wont be disapointed ! I will be seeing you there so DO make sure you say hi !

We have a winner !

A big congrats to Paul and Marilyn upon winning the lovely little prize pack celebrating 100 followers on my blog !! This little pack is heading your way guys - do enjoy your movie watching, cups of tea and baking in your new apron....with love from Alice Jean's !

High Tea, Frock Swap and Overnewton Castle

What a divine time was had by a bunch of excited girls on Sunday afternoon as we gathered for High Tea and a Frock Swap at the enchanting Overnewton Castle in Keilor, Melbourne ! All frocked up, we dined on the delcious fare ( mmmmmm, devonshire tea to beat all devonshire teas !!) and bought the proceeds of our raided wardrobes and bathrooms to pool for the swap. I am quite proud of myself in that I didnt end up coming home with more than I bought, and I scored some beautiful purfumes, shoes, skirts and even a suit for Scott ! All leftover goods were donated to a Sunbury thrift shop, and I for one 'rolled' home feeling very happy and full of yummy goodies !!! A wonderful chance to meet other people in the most beautiful of locations.......below is some information about the beautiful Overnewton Castle. I highly reccomend this destination if you are looking for a function venue - magnificent !!

A huge thankyou to to Becky and Mark for inviting me to this wonderful day - I am already looking forward to next year!

Movie Club - April 2010

This month's movie is a 'northern' (as oposed to a 'western') set on the American/Canadian border - one for the boys! The Far Country stars Jimmy Stewart and Ruth Roman. The plot goes something like this......

In 1896, Jeff Webster sees the start of the Klondike gold rush as a golden opportunity to make a fortune in beef...and woe betide anyone standing in his way! He drives a cattle herd from Wyoming to Seattle, by ship to Skagway, and (after a delay caused by larcenous town boss Gannon) through the mountains to Dawson. There, he and his partner Ben Tatum get into the gold business themselves. Two lovely women fall for misanthropic Jeff, but he believes in every-man-for-himself, turning his back on growing lawlessness...until it finally strikes home.

One of James Stewart's favorite stories of his film career concerned his horse, Pie, a sorrel stallion whom Stewart called, "One of the best co-stars I ever had." Pie appeared as Stewart's horse in 17 Westerns, and the actor developed a strong personal bond with the horse. Pie was very intelligent, Stewart recalled, and would often "act for the cameras when they were rolling. He was a ham of a horse." When shooting the climax of "The Far Country," the script called for Stewart's horse to walk down a dark street alone, with no rider in the saddle, to fool the bad guys who were waiting to ambush Stewart. Assistant Director John Sherwood asked Stewart if Pie would be able to do the scene. Stewart replied, "I'll talk to him." Just before the cameras rolled, Stewart took Pie aside and whispered to the horse for several minutes, giving him instructions for the scene. When Stewart let the horse go, Pie walked perfectly down the middle of the street, doing the scene in one take. When Pie died in 1970, Stewart arranged to have the horse buried at his California ranch. (From Internet Movie Database)

My 'Lil Darlin

For all my non Facebook Friends, here are some photographs of my new 'Lil Darling.....isnt she just a dream?!! A 1951 Pontiac Chieftan Convertable........... Looking forward to all the future fun with this little lady !

Housewife quotes

“No laborer in the world is expected to work for room, board, and love - except the housewife”

 (Letty Cottin Pogrebin)

“I have too many fantasies to be a housewife. I guess I am a fantasy.”

(Marilyn Monroe)

 

"I prefer the word "homemaker" because "housewife" always implies that there may be a wife someplace else”

(Bella Abzug)

 

“I would be content being a housewife if I could find the kind of man who wouldn't treat me like one”

(Terry McMillan)

 

“I don't pretend to be an ordinary housewife.”

(Elizabeth Taylor)

 

“Being a housewife and a mother is the biggest job in the world, but if it doesn't interest you, don't do it - I would have made a terrible mother.”

(Katherine Hepburn)

 

“By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.”

(Anne Morrow Lindbergh)

“I hate the word housewife; I don't like the word home-maker either. I want to be called Domestic Goddess.”
(Roseanne Barr)

Spoonflower - a designer and historians dream come true !

I clapped hands and danced with pure joy when Nicole at Circa Vintage posted an article about Spoonflower. Oh my goodness - you simply must check it out ! I have always dreamed of creating my own fabric designs, and now anyone and everyone has the ability to do so !! Not only that, but it is also possible to reproduce vintage fabrics from a small swatch!! If you are restoring a house/caravan/item of furniture, you can now have as much fabric as you need to complete it's authentic look! Always loved a certian fabric from your childhood? Get it reproduced and make it up into whatever you desire ! Want to design every aspect of your clothing wardrobe like me? The dream is now a reality ! The ideas and possibilities are simply endless ! So excited !!!

Celebrating 100 followers !!

How exstatic was I when I discovered I had cracked the 100 followers mark on my blog ! I know blogging isnt about numbers, its about sharing passions and interests with like minded people - and it is such a wonderful way to do that ! For me blogging is also about 'scratching the itch' I have to write, and considering all the beautiful friendships I have made through cyber space, it is a most satisfying itch to scratch ! None the less, I was totally chuffed to think that there are 100 people out there who like what I share so much they are keen to follow along with me.....and then I decided to check my sight meter readings for the first time in ages, and was utterly floored to discover that 250-350 people are reading my blog each week !!! I feel so humbled and honoured to know that !!

So, in celebration of this heart swelling achievement, I am going to host another little giveaway, and I would love it if you would all enter !! It is so very easy - just leave a comment !! You can leave a comment on my blogpage, facebook page or via email and your name will go into the hat to win :

1. A copy of 'North by NorthWest' on DVD (Region 4) by one of my alltime favourite directors - Alfred Hitchcock

2. A darling little Maxwell Williams 'Leading Ladies' mug

3. A cutsey pie blue floral and ruffle apron made by me for the occasion - perfect for the complete 1950s kitchen look!

If you would like your name entered twice, simply share about this competition with others by emailing your friends with a link to my blog, putting a post on your own blog about it, or simply direct your friends to my blog by word of mouth - make sure you let me know you have done this and I will enter your name twice for you.

I am so looking forward to your comments and to giving away this little pack to one of my newfound vintage loving friends ! Thankyou one and all, for joining me in my many happy trips into the nostalgia of the past...... here's to many more !!

XX

Living Dolls - Miss April

Meet the beautiful Jodie Suppa - our stunning Miss April !

What does 'vintage' mean to you?

When I hear vintage, I think of ‘clothing’pre mid 60’s. When dresses were made to suit a woman’s curves and jeans were made to sit at your waist rather than at your hips. I also think of cheese, because I love Vintage Cheese.

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

I grew up with my folks listening to Buddy Holly, Wanda Jackson, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochrane, Waylon Jennings, Bill Haley, The Everley Brothers, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis of course. . When I had finished year 12, dad took me to see a friend of his play with his ‘rockabilly’ band called “The Flying Tigers”. I loved it!..so raw and energetic. Still to this day, I still go out with my folks to see bands. In fact that same ‘friend of dad’s is having his first cd launch this Saturday, 19 years later..yes, I’m going with my folks.

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

My favourite era (for music and clothing) is the 1950’s. It was only about 18 months ago that I started developing an interest in the clothing. I have admired the style for a while, but never really considered wearing it. I never thought I would feel confident in this style but it is actually this style that makes me feel confident (does that make sense?). It is not lived ‘everyday’. During the day I am happy to be in my ‘mummy clothes’ (jeans and t.shirt), that way, I don’t have to worry about my nice clothes getting dirty.

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

I love lots of different 1950’s style music as long as its swinging along and got a catchy tune you will see my toe tappin’. I love to go and see many local bands (Benny & the Fly-by-niters, Detonators & more) and at home on a Tuesday I enjoy listening to my husband’s radio show “It’s a Gas”.

My favourite ‘vintage’ item is my 1940’s cherries pin that I just acquired from Ebay. It’s hanging on its last threads (literally) but I love it!!

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

I can’t explain why the music continues to hold such appeal for me. I just love it..and I am disliking the music of today more and more. I do love the old 80’s stuff though. I love that I can meet my parents at the pub as well as my brother and his wife and loads of other friends that I have met over many years thru this scene. I love that all week I can be a mum at home and get messy with my 2 boys but come the weekend I can paint my nails red, wear a pretty dress and high heels and go dancing. How can that not be appealing??

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

Go to Wintersun!

An overview of who you are and what you do. Tell us as much or as little as you like !!!!

I am a wife and a mother of 2 little boys. I am also a fitness instructor for pregnant women. How many jobs can you turn up at and be happy to be there. It keeps me fit (but not trim because I love ice cream too much) and the extra money helps me with my ebay addiction!

Finally, what or who inspires you and why?

All the beautiful and ‘very’ stylish women I have met since hooking up with my husband. (they all know who they are!) I also love reading ‘vintage style’blogs (such as this one!)

Thoughts on compassion and human frailty.....

I felt that I ought to write something as we enter another holiday. In the light of my own life experience recently, and my reflections upon the core of the Easter message, I am struck by the magnitude of compassion there.  When it all simmers down, that is the essence of the Easter story - the compassion/mercy/kindness of God to humanity. I too have learnt in recent times to perhaps begin to have some compassion towards myself - not an easy thing to do, and more than anything I have realised how absolutely vital it is to see other people through eyes of compassion.....

"Because you'll never be a first-class human being or a first-class woman, until you've learned to have some regard for human frailty"

from High Society/ The Philadelphia Story

One of the plot lines in the movie quoted above is the female lead's (Grace Kelly) expectation of perfection from herself and others. When she 'slips up' on her wedding eve, her fiance cant handle her apparent 'fall from grace'. Although he agrees to marry her still when it is proven that the 'fall from grace' really didn't amount to much, it is done with a sense of making a tremendous concession - imagine living with that from the moment you marry !!! This prompts a most beautiful quote from Grace Kelly

"George, I don't want you to marry me because you think I am now worthy of you. It would have ment so much more to me if you had married me because I was unworthy,"

Lucky for Grace's character, her 'true love' steps in and all is well in the end!!

Compassion. Mercy. Forgiveness. Understanding. Regard for Human Frailty. Isn't it lovely?

It's not easy to display compassion these days I must say. Maybe in conventional, 'easy' ways it is (giving money to those less fortunate overseas etc etc) - but to actively show compassion to those who really 'don't deserve' our attempts at kindness and love  - those who are angry, or mean, who behave erratically, who say hurtful things, who appear ungrateful, those who cant help themselves, and those who we cant identify with or understand, that's when compassion gets difficult. But I think it is important if we are to grow into 'first class human beings (who)...... have some regard for human frailty'.

My biggest struggle, however,  is in having compassion for myself - for having some regard for my own frailty, and forgiving myself when I fail.....over and over again. I beat myself up in my head so many times over big and little things, ever condemning, ever eroding my sense of self worth and esteem.....I am not so hard on others as I am on myself, but that is pretty much a trait of my Myers-Briggs personality type (INFJ for those who are into that!!)! If there is one thing I need this Easter is a bit of self compassion and forgiveness.....but then we probably could all use that from time to time, couldn't we ?

I don't think I have shared this wonderful quote on my blog before, and it is sure to feature in the 'quote of the month' at some point, but the beautiful and incredibly perceptive Audrey Hepburn once said

“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”

And it is so important to add yourself to the list of whom that applies to !

Have a wonderful Easter everyone, enjoy your family and your friends. Most especially, may we all show compassion and forgiveness to those we love (and maybe even those we don't !), and importantly also to ourselves. Goodness knows, we all make mistakes, and we all - especially me - desperately need it !Love to you all

XX

Quote of the month - March 2010

"I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it"

I dont think I am much like the great Audry Hepburn, but it is to this quote that I relate better than any other quote I have ever read....the story of my life! It is a state of being that opens one up to being terribly hurt and misunderstood, but also to feeling exstatic elation and joy, even in simple friendships.

Love to you all today !

Best ever setting lotion....

Now, it is obvious by reading my blogg that I am not one to promote products just for the heck of it.......infact the only time I think I have done a post about a product was to road test various red nail polishes. However, I simply have to tell you what a difference dying my hair blonde and using the Lindy Charm School for Girls setting lotion has made to my ability to create a vintage look hairstyle. Firstly, being blonde has enabled me to use much less product in my hair as the style I create holds so much better....when I was brunette it used to slip out unless I plied it with handfuls of the strongest hold gel etc etc etc. Now that the bleach has done its wonderous thing, I simply wash my hair once a week and set it with my favourite setting lotion. I pop in hot rollers and when the lotion is dry and the rollers have cooled I remove them and brush out the curl to whatever look I desire for the day. A squirt of hairspray and its done !! Simple ! The best bit is that for the rest of the week I dont have to put anything more than hot rollers in my hair to acheieve a great look.....

So  if you are chasing that glamerous 40's or 50's pin up look, you simply must get yourself a bottle of the Lindy Charm School for Girls Essential Setting Lotion - it's a dream !

Here comes Wintersun !!!

Not many sleeps now !! Wintersun is coming on the long weekend in June ! If you have never been to this most amazing of nostalgia festivals, be sure and get yourself there !! Here are some of the great events goin' down in 2010..........

How adorable is this !! A wonderful addition to the festival Chrissy !

(Make sure you check out all the beautiful models - female and male -showcasing vintage bathers in all their glory!)

You cant beat professional vintage hair and make up at the ultimate place to wear it !

The line up of bands and musical entertainment will be utterly fantastic with artists such as:

Phil Hayley

Wanda Jackson

The Belfuries

The Rechords

Men into Space

The Straight 8's

Pat Capocci

Scotty Baker

Danny and the Cosmic Tremors

Harry Deluxe

Benny and the Fly By Nighters

Hank and the Cosmonaughts

and even yours truely will be making a bit of a songstress appearance !

Whatever you do, dont miss Wintersun 2010....it's going to be just wonderful !

Lindy Charm School for Girls

If you missed the last one - DONT miss this one - the Lindy Charm girls are coming to town again !

What: The Lindy Charm School for Girls

Bookings: email Christine@marinaoceanus.com.au or phone 0409 727 888.

Melbourne

Where: The Library, Father Flanagans – 484 Smith Street Collingwood (cnr Alexandra Parade)

When: Saturday 10th July from 12 noon to 3pm.

Cost: $60.

Ballarat

Where: TBA (ladies who have enrolled will be notified)

When: Sunday 11th July from 10am to 1pm.

Cost: $60.

My Summer Dresses....Part Two

I love to sew pretty things - it is such a creative outlet. However, this was not always the case as my family and my dear friend Brookie will attest....many a time they saw me throw a dress to the ground (or across the room!!!) in sheer frustration, because I couldn't get it to come together as I envisioned! I have always loved creating things and would hand make dresses and outfits for my Barbie Dolls as a child, but as I grew older the needles and threads began to gather dust. It wasn't until my grandmother in law passed away, and I  inherited her sewing machine and substantial sewing equipment (she was a seamstress at a factory), that my love for sewing was rekindled. Initially I began by making drapes and cushions etc for our house, but as I began to get immersed in vintage culture, I discovered that making vintage look dresses was tremendously satisfying.

It seems that women in the 1950's were alot shorter and more petite than I, hence, being very tall, I would find the waist lines of vintage dresses were more princess line on me! What to do? I began having sewing afternoons with Brookie who had a wealth of patience, and an awesome collection of vintage sewing patterns from the 1920's to the 1960's. We would make up dresses from these patterns, while I learnt from Brooke some valuable tips such as how to suit a fabric to a pattern or style, and the necessity of matching pattern measurements to your size, instead of simply going on the sizes stipulated on the front of the pattern (the sizings have changed over the years). Any skill or love of creating vintage clothing I pretty much owe to Brooke and her inspiring cases of patterns!

The final stage in my clothing making education came when I bought myself a maniquin off ebay. If you are interested in sewing your own clothing, I cannot stress highly enough the importance of getting yourself a maniquin - at least, it has made a world of difference for me. I can fit things properly now, and it also allows me to experiment and change things with the ease of knowing they will fit and 'work'. I am also blessed to have a local, and utterly brilliant dressmaker in town for a friend (love you Jean!) on whom I can call if I ever find myself in a jam !

For me the learning element of sewing and creating does not end.....I have recently obtained a 1951 McCalls entire pattern book....the Bible for any vintage sewers or fashion lovers ! The next step for me will be to learn to create patterns for outfits from these images....this will no doubt involve some sort of short course, but the inspiration of these fabulous pictures is enough to motivate me !!

Here are the remaining dresses from my 'summer collection'.....my little maniquin (my display girl - not my creation maniquin which is an ugly bright red) will be making a number of trips to various local destinations over the coming seasons, so be sure and stay tuned for her adventures !
 

Above is a pretty, flowey vintage fabric (my guess is 1960's or 1970's) that I received in a bundle of old patterns etc. I made it up to a reproduction McCalls vintage evening dress pattern top and simply popped an A line skirt on the bottom - I really do need to make this one again as it looks quite lovely on !

A simple green spotted 'wiggle dress' - this is actually some Christmas quilters cotton material, but I thought  was a nice variation of the whole spotted look - love the inclusion of aqua in there !

You might recognise this material from Part One - I loved it so much that I made up two dresses from it - just in case one was in the wash when I wanted to wear it !! This one has a standard top and a pleated skirt which looks very flattering and 'Grace Kelly' or 'Betty Draper' like when worn.

Hmmmm, this pink one was a triumph in sewing, but somewhat of a disaster in style. It looks so dowdy on me that I am thinking of taking the skirt off and making it a strait one (instead of full circle) to try and 'lift' the whole look....I am not going for 1950's grandmother style ! And I was so proud of the lace detail at the sleeve and collar - oh well!

 

Ok, so three photos (at the same angle !!) of the one dress is a bit over board, but I do love this one ! I very rarely wear it as it is quite tisey for alot of the events I attend, but it is oh so beautiful ! The fabric was from the Sydney '50s Fair at Rose Seidler House and I must confess I had this one made up for me by Jean - I was lacking in confidence of my own abilities and didn't want to wreak this lovely material ! I designed the dress, drew it for Jean and she made it up for me...and I am delighted with it....very easy to feel like a little girl playing princesses in this floaty number !

One thing I have learnt in sewing is to simply have a go! So many people tell me they would love to be able to make their own clothes but don't have skill....well, no one has the skill until the practise and have a go ! It took me many failures, alot of patience and perseverance to reach a point where I can actually have some pride in what I create now....so, dive in and try, there is nothing like the sense of achievement and satisfaction it brings in the end !!

If you would like to undertake a sewing course, particularly a vintage one, then I recommend contacting the girls at Thread Den in Melbourne for all the help you could possibly need ! (If there are any such places in other cities world wide, then please contact me and let me know - I will include them in this post.)

My Summer Dresses....Part One

What an industrious summer I have spent, mostly in front of the sewing machine and under the airconditioner !! I have created so many beautiful garments from vintage patterns this past summer season that I simply had to share them with you all......

I know it is a little too late for any southern hemisphere inspiration as we head into our cooler months, but for all my northern hemisphere friends, perhaps my little creations might spark your creative juices for the coming season......

This summer I have had a real thing for 1950's style sundresses teamed with cardigans and wedges, and there is usually a rope of beads and a flower in my hair for that little extra flourish....

One balmy late summer evening I was blessed to leave my poppets in the care of their daddy while I hied myself down to the local bushland reserve, 100 year old manniquin in tow, for a little photo shoot....and here are the results.....sufice to say I am somewhat chuffed at how they came up - dresses and manniquin looking an absaloute treat ! I hope you all enjoy browsing as much as I did creating !!

I love this material - a wonderful fresh cotton with a beautiful rose print on a white background...I love it so much that I actually made up two different dresses from it !! The second one will feature in part two....This dress has a 1950's pattern strait skirt attached to a midrif and gathered bodice from a modern dress pattern - I so enjoy being able to make my own creations combining bits and peices from the styles I love.....

This little number is so candy cute ! Once again it is a gathered bodice with plain midriff and a 1950's pleated skirt in green, pink and blue candy stripe cotton - looks a treat comined with pink cardigan and accessories !

I had a bit of trouble photographing this one as the chocolate brown pattern seemed to get lost in the forrest ! However, this material was really special as I picked it up from an Op Shop in Boort (Northern Victoria) for about $3 - it is genuine 1960's fabric with a stiple (raised) effect all over it and looks just great with black accessories. It's made from, once again, a 1950's pleated skirt pattern ( I find pleats, strait or circle skirts the most flattering  - gathered skirts always add extra unwanted bulk unless the fabric is extreemly sheer!) and a modern plain midrif and plain scoop neck bodice.

This is one of my favourite dresses, mainly for the material pattern - roses and stripes on a grey blue background. I tend to gravitate to quilting cottons when making vintage inspired sundresses, as the prints I find there most accuratly represent the dresses I have seen in movies and magazines from the era's I love. When I can, I do enjoy using genuine vintage material, but good reams of this can be hard to come by out here in the country! This dress is actually one of my own designs - the straps sit on the shoulder, and the line is smooth and flows well - it looked really fantastic when my hair was brunette, but doesnt quite work AS well now that I am blonde - I still love it though !

And how cute is this little number - silly me - I didnt take a picture of the dress without the apron !! This one really is my ultimate 1950's housewife dress - pretty light summer gingham in my favourite colour with a huge ginham ruffle around the bottom of the A line skirt and a fairly plain top.....cant you just picture yourself baking a cake in this one ??

This conclueds part one of my summer dress creations - and I must say my photography (knowing just how to pose my model for best effect) will also improve in Part Two which I will post next week......till then, be inspired to dust off your sewing machines !! XX

Events not to miss....Bama Lama March 2010

If you love live music and burlesque in a terrific atmosphere, Bama Lama is something not to be missed ! I soooo wish I was going , but it looks like I am going to have to wait till the next one....if you get along, please have a gin and tonic for me ! Have fun - and dooooo dress up !

High Tea at the Park Hyatt to welcome Carly to Circa Vintage

What a wonderful afternoon I had last Sunday !! Dolling myself up appropriatly, I sojurned into the heart of Melbourne for High Tea at the Park Hyatt. I parked my car at the Fitzroy Gardens and meandered through the beauty of the Autumn afternoon across to the Hyatt where my breath was taken away by the sheer gloriousness of the foyer and grand staircase - what a gracious interior design job...all very art deco inspired ! I soon found myself seated in the restaurant at a table of the most exquisitly dressed women in town (and men too Tim!), and dining on delectable goodies such as mini salmon sandwhiches, scones (with jam and cream), panacotta, mud cake, endless tea and a glass of champaign - de-lightful, de-licious and de-lovely !

Surrounded in all this exquisitness, one could easily be lulled into thinking this was perfection - but what is all this beauty without sparkling company? And last Sunday afternoon certianly had the best of vintage loving company anywhere to be found !! We tired not of talking clothing, art, film, music, dance and culture alongside the 'ordinary' things such as study, children, occupations etc too. For this simple country girl it was an experience to be treasured always !! An enormous big thankyou to Nicole and Tim, Carly, Esther, Victoria of Circa Vintage for organising this most lovely of days ! If you are ever in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, do make sure you pop in and say hello to the girls from me ! Below are some photos of all the darling women (and Tim) who made the day so special....make sure you also check out their wondeful blogs for more vintage inspiration.....

Julie from Ballarat Vintage Style, and Jules from Poppet

Carly and Esther from Circa, and Candice from Super Kawaii Mama

Claire from HarbourMaster, Tamasein from Underground Cinema and Fiona, aka burlesque dancer Foxtrot India and also from Circa

Marianne from Esme and the Laneway, Victoria from Circa and Eszter from Kitty’s Drawings

Nicole and Tim from Circa, and Maria from Vintage Suburbia

Maria from Vintage Suburbia with yours truely.

Unfortunatly, I had to leave a tad early before full length dress photographs of everyone were taken, but if you look up the blogs listed above, you will see the wonderful gowns in all their glory....and here is a quick snap of me on the grand staircase in my finery too.....

Beautiful day brimming full of vintage loving inspiration !