Quote of the Month - September 2012

Hope Floats......

 

 

Life is very up and down isnt it?

 I crave the hope that good things will happen and bring joy and happiness, and yet, somehow, I am afraid to hope for these things out of fear I will be disapointed once again......

 

It is a hard lesson, that of staying hopeful and soft hearted in the face of rejection and disapointment....I am not quite sure how it is done.....maybe the passage of time plays a role....

 

M aybe one can hope that the lesson will be of great purpose, even if just for growth in compassion and character........
.

Although character development may not seem to be a very exhillerating thought, it is something to get us through those painful, hurtful times.

One must have hope that good things await around the bend in the road, or the pain of having no hope will leave us deviod of any joy today.

A person must find something to hope for, difficult though that might be to acheive.

 

May you meet people, go places and do things that encourage little threads of hope to weave their way through your life today. Cling to those things. And believe in the goodness of the bend in the road, that you might begin to enjoy the beauty in your life today.

 

 

“That is all I want in life: for this pain to seem purposeful.”
― Elizabeth Wurtzel, Prozac Nation

 

“Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?”
― John Keats, Letters of John Keats

 

"When I left Queen's my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes--what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows--what new landscapes--what new beauties--what curves and hills and valleys further on."

- Anne of Green Gables

 

 

Just a bend in the road

Lyrics by Eddy Arnnold

 

Are you weary and tired of living
Does it all seem to be thankless giving
Don't worry my friend it isn't the end
It's just a bend in the road

Have you reached for someone's hand
And found that's she just doesn't understand
Keep reaching my friend it isn't the end
It's just a bend in the road

It's never the end there's always one more bend
Another day another way a year or two
So walk one more mile remember with the smile
Happiness can afford to lose you

Although at times you feel so lonely
And you try to find someone to love you only
Keep looking my friend it isn't the end
There'll may be someone around the bend in the road
There'll may be someone around the bend in the road

 

 

Music of the Moment.......a 'must attend' event !

My oh my !!! You simply MUST attend this event, a first for Melbourne's much adored Rechords - they are releasing their new single AND accompanying music video....soooooooo very exciting !!! 8.30pm is the time so, be sure to be there on time - don't miss a second of the action!!! Thrillsville !

And here is a little link to get you in the mood......"Throw a little wood on the fire"

Dream house for sale.....

Oh a huge, enormous thankyou to my dear friend Trish who alerted me to this darling little gem up for sale.....apparently it was in a Vogue photo shoot some time ago, and one can easily see what the attraction was.....I would love to hear readers thoughts about this beautiful mid century vintage resort style abode.......and as I wait for comments to roll in, I will sit back, mai tai in hand and dream of the parties and happy times one could have in such a place !!!














See more about this house at the link here.......Domain Resort House

Passing through New South Wales country towns....

 

 

 

One lovely weekend in late winter, I had the privilege of traveling 7 hours north to spend some time in the township of Orange, Central West New South Wales. It was such a pretty town, despite the wind chill factor, and I actually saw snow fall for the first time in my life - so feathery and light and very very pretty. However, it was not the snow at Orange that I wanted to share with you today, but rather, a couple of great old buildings that I spotted as I passed through the many country towns on my way there.....the first two, above, were in the town of Cootamundra and I was charmed by the large art deco-ness of the design....naturally, my imagination ran wild with all sorts of uses and ideas for these buildings in a world where monetary limitations did not exist...... dance studios, cafe restaurants, event destinations, dance halls, roller derbys, vintage stores or a combo of all of the above !

 

And lastly, in the cute little veranda town of Lockheart, I spied this eye catching 1960's modernist designed Council offices....wow ! Once again, a super hip Madmen-esq era cafe or club leapt to mind, or even a funky art gallery or hi fi store.

 

What would you do if you could get your hands on a darling piece of mid century real estate, and money was no object?

Living Doll - Miss September

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 !

 

I cant tell you how thrilled I am to indroduce you to our Miss September - not only is Miss Sammy a stunning vintage chick, but, like me, she is also am extreemly busy Mum who manages to care for her family and fuel her vintage interests, all while looking a million bucks at the same time. I love you Miss Sammy - you are an inspiration !

What does 'vintage' mean to you?

 It means love, charm, glamour, happiness, cocktails, swivel sticks, music, dancing, friends, baking,…. LIFE. xx

 

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

My Grannys furniture, I totally fell in love with it. I have it in my house now.

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

My favourite era is the 40s and 50s. I dress in this style everyday, paint my face and do my hair and endeavour to wear red lipstick. I try to live by some of the family traditions of the era and oh how I love to bake, and look after the men in my life.

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

My favourite vintage thing is my Grannys crystals.I never met her but feel a conection with them and love to take her with me on my vintage journey.

 

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

I think it holds such an appeal to me because I love the values of days gone past. I am in awe of our for mothers and what they endured with so little. I love the way they made do with the little the had and they never just threw things away like we do. I wish we didn’t live in a throw away world and that appliances and general household thing were made to last. I love the simplistic way in which they lived and how much they didn’t take for granted but most of all I love the glamour and pride in which they took in themselves.

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

yes step out side your comfort zone and meet the most wonderful people, dont be afraid to be who you want to be and step inside and meet the people who will willingly help you on your journey.And fall in love with being glamorous and all things vintage.

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

I am a mother of four boys and have a wonderful husband who encourages my journey. He too loves the vintage life. I am lucky to be able to encourage and teach ways of vintage glamour through my Job with The Lindy Charm School for Girls. It brings so many tears to my eyes and when someone is moved by the fact that they truly feel beautiful, I love it. The more I see young girls exploring the Vintage life the happier it makes me as I can see that vintage glamour is never going to die. Whist my boys secretly call me a freak or say oh not another dead person’s dress hahahah. They constantly tell me how lovely I look and how they love that my friends look like real women. I think it’s so important to be proud of being a woman. I loved staying home when my boys were little and baking and keeping house and feel very privileged to have been in a position to be able to do that.

 

Finally, what or who inspires you and why?

I am mostly inspired by my friends. Whilst I am totally in love with Hollywood Glamour, the women and men in the  whole vintage, retro, rockabilly scene  are really inspiring people. I guess ordinary people living their lives drawing inspiration from there vintage life. I am inspired by both my grandmothers and what they had to endure and how they totally loved my Grandfathers till the day they died and beyond.

Quote of the month - August 2012

 

 

"If you want to be happy for a short time - get drunk

happy for a long time - fall in love

happy forever - take up gardening"

 

Chinese Saying

 

 

I simply couldnt agree more......need to get myself my own garden again !

 



A painting for Paul and Gill...

 

I was so surprised a couple of months back to receive an email from my friend Paul asking if I would paint a portrait of he and his wife Gill for their upcoming 10th wedding anniversary. I was quite flabbergasted actually, as, although I did art in year 12, it has been a long time since then, and I had only gotten back 'into it' with 2 artworks in recent times...... nothing daunted and highly flattered, I said yes and began to brainstorm layout ideas.....

 

 (pre the inclusion of sideburns on Paul !)

 

Skip ahead two months and here is the final result - a 60's cartoonish style portrait in greens and oranges that was presented to Gill as a surprise at the recent Sydney 50's Fair. From this very humble artist, I just want to thank Paul for this opportunity, and to say happy anniversary from Alice Jean's....doing this portrait was a delight and an honour, may you know many many more years of 'wedded bliss' !

 

Sydney Fifties Fair 2012 - Rose Seidler House

Well, here we are at wonderful Rose Seidler House, all dolled up and looking glamorous for the 2012 Sydney Fifties Fair. Brooke looking as much like Marilyn as ever, and me in my Jackie Kennedy-Audrey Hepburn inspired outfit.

 

 

Enjoying the afternoon sun with Bonnie Rose, Miss Chrissy, and Brooke Orchard

 

 

Georgio Rimi and Robyn Hayes - always picture perfect !

 

Evening wear fashion parade

 

This event is one of my very favourites on the vintage event calendar, mainly because it is all about the fashion, the decor and architecture, and mostly, for catching up with my Sydney friends whom I sometimes don't get to see for a whole year in between.

 

Everything 50's from sensational skirts to cowboys

 

 

Happy 10th wedding anniversary Paul and Gill !

 

It is so easy to find a perch and just enjoy the passing parade of colour and music and face wide smiles, and with this years weather a delightful 20degrees, the Fair could not have been more spring perfect.

 

 

 

Linpin Jimmy and Swingin Kitten infront of the iconic modernist house

 

Entertainment from the much adored Rechords, Scotty Baker, Limpin Jimmy and the Swingin Kitten, and fashion parades from the always stunningly dressed Pia Andersen had the crowd hanging around right until closing time - I was loath to tootle off to catch my plane home to Melbourne.

 

 

Loving the wonderful 50's mobile phone ! And Rosalie Benyon rocking Mexican 50's chic !

 

This years fair, in my humble opinion, was much better than other years I have been - and not just because the weather was kind ! Numbers were limited, so I wasn't about to freak out from agoraphobia and the heritage listed house and grounds were somewhat protected. It was easy to navigate events, house, activities and friendly catch ups, and the vast majority of patrons were passionate 50's lovers and dressed accordingly. So heavenly to be a part of a 2000-3000 strong crowd all dressed in vintage style ! Market stalls were also limited this year, and I did wonder how I could enjoy that aspect being culled, but it worked a treat really...all stalls were required to be authentic vintage and not reproduction, and I must say, I found that very refreshing - not that I have anything against repro stuff, but it was just fantastic to have a social event where everything - fashions, activities and stalls - were pure and original, as I am not aware of any other such event in Australia....do let me know if I am missing anything !

 

Miss Chrissy and best dressed lady award winner, Kitty Van Horne

 

 

So all in all, I will be locking the Sydney Fifties Fair 2013 on my calendar - this event is definatly a hit with me....and now, off to plan my outfit !!!!

 

My main squeeze, Craig, and I with my oh so 50's waterbottle !

 

 

End of the day and we are all shopped out !!! Till next year then !

 

 

Thankyou to Brooke Orchard, Robyn Hayes, Louise Wheelan and The Swingin Kitten for the use of their beautiful images taken on the day.

School Formal....

My precious niece Ciel recently enjoyed her school formal dance....and didnt she look wonderful!!!
 

 

Ciel has a bit of a thing for the 50's look, so with her formal coming up she put together a design for a dress that would reflect that....a trip with Aunty Sen (me) to Spotlight for some fabric, and a week of sewing, pattern adapting, tucking, unpicking and sewing again by Aunty Sen (me) gave us this beautiful result. A red dotted netting over a white 'slip' with red satin waist. Sun ray detailing in the strapless bodice, and a full tulle petticoat made of the same red netting and trimmed with white ribbon.

Looking a million dollars in her 50's inspired party frock....but then, Ciel would look a million dollars in a hessian sack !!! You rock girlfriend !!!

 

Flourless Choc Cake.....mmmmmmmm

280g quality dark chocolate

2/3 cup organic coconut oil

4 free range eggs

2/3 cup almond meal

2 tbsp cornflour

1. Heat up your oven to 180 degrees. Oil a spring cake tin and line with baking paper

2. Place chocolate and oil in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir as chocolate melts.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs.

4. Stir in almond meal and cornflour, mixing well until combined and pour into prepared tin.

5. Bake for 20mins or until a skewer inserted in centre comes out with moist crumbs.

6. Remove from oven and refridgerate for 3 hours before turning out from tin.

7. Sprinkle with icing sugar if so desired

Yummy - and this is particularly nice served as a choc brownie dessert with cream or ice-cream.

Brooke Orchard Photography.....your ultimate pin up shot stop!

Fellow Vintage Lovers....I want to tell you all about the ultimate pin up and fashion photographer currently working in Melbourne. A woman with a passion for not only creating that authentic vintage look in print, but also with a passion for living the authentic vintage look in real life too..... The ever beautiful - inside and out - Ms Brooke Orchard........

 

Can you tell us about you and your photography business?

About me, well I like original, I like meaning, I like real, I like deep, I am a dreamer and I simply love creating beautiful images!!

Apart from my vintage inspired art I also like to photograph children, I love history so I often do children’s theme shoots that have a historical or fairytale element to them. People’s personalities, uniqueness and their individual journeys are of great fascination to me which I guess accounts for my passion for portrait photography. Whether I am shooting a beauty portrait or a real life character study, the element I’m seeking is always the same….feeling….mood….emotion & connection, it’s that small window of time the eye of the subject can convey to me something from deep within….capturing this is a real thrill! It’s the number one ingredient for a great portrait.

"My aspiration as a photographer is to create images that have strong visual impact, but they must also have soul!"

Brooke Orchard

Where are you based, and where do you travel to?

I am based in Point Cook and although I do often work from home I consider my studio to be anywhere really! Anywhere that I can achieve the quality of light I’m looking for dependent on the project at hand too of course. I’ll often shoot on location or at a client’s home!

I am happy to travel taking all things into consideration.

When did you start offering vintage photo shoot, and what was your inspiration behind doing so?

I originally started shooting vintage whilst studying photography, it was during this time that I got the notion to combine my love of imagery & vintage fashion and this was the content of most of my folios during that 4 years after which I graduated top of my class

My inspiration for ‘Vintage Fashion’ was born out of old movies, as a girl I would watch movies spanning from the 1930s- 60s. I absolutely fell in love with the way the women looked, so elegant, classy & feminine not to mention stylish! The 1950s silhouette I found particularly appealing, who could go past those hourglass curves? The look for me holds such a wonderful combination of contrasting qualities, it is both soft & feminine yet strong & striking at the same time then you have this delightful concoction of alluring sensuality softened by innocence & vulnerability ……. sweetly tempting!!

However it is only recently that I decided to offer this as part of my service to clients, for some reason I always regarded it as my personal work but people seem to love it so much so why not offer it?

"Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

You offer packages which include hair & make-up, do you prepare your clients hair and  make-up yourself?I have hair/make-up stylists that I use for this although I sometimes help out with the make-up! I also work with The Lindy Charm School for Girls on occassion and can collaborate with the Misstresses on a session when they are in town.... (Melbourne)

Let me encourage my readers, if you are in the market for a shoot for yourself, a modeling folio, a gift for a loved one, or simply to feel good about yourself, then Brooke's multi National award winning service is for you, give her a call and you will most certainly be glad you did !

Brooke can be contacted via the details on her business facebook page:

Brooke Orchard Photography