Funky legs

Peeps I am sick, so no outfit photos this week. Instead, here are some funky legs from Les Queues De Sardines. All screen printed by hand... Looooooovely!

A monsterous T-Shirt time.

I discovered the cutest T-Shirt site, brought to you from Germany. It's all about Monsters!!!

The best thing is, they have many different colours and both girl and guy T-Shirt styles. Oh you can design your own too!

I say monsterously cute!!!

More fun here.

Magazine Alarm

I need another life to read... Just received five new books - some for the book club (nerd alarm!!), a few for business and finally some photography books. And these magazine:

Have you read any of these? I am already in love with the Vintage Life after browsing quickly through it.

Can I be your muse?

George Rech by Daniele Jagot, read the history here.

Vintage music, vintage clothes

I was thinking about all the things that inspire me, music being a huge influence. And so I was wondering whether there are any cool music  that have vintage clothes in it. I am sure there are many, but the one that I discovered, seemed so obvious and at the same time I'd never heard of it before.

It's this song by Paul McCartney - Vintage Clothes. I can't seem to find a music video for it, but the lyrics are very true.



There is also a short interview with P.M. here on the video. "What was going out is coming back"... Pretty cool, he's got still clothes from the 60s.

Anyway, I've decided I am going on a mission to find cool music video either with visual inspiration on vintage clothes or lyrics or maybe the atmosphere... Please let me know which ones you have come across.

Rag & Bone Resort 2011

Despite is being 1000 degrees here in San Diego I had to slot this snippet of the Rag and Bone Resort 2011 collection. I love every item in it. That mustard and red has me envisioning the next season already! My eyes are all over that mustard scarf and those military style harems.

Best collection I've seen in a long time.

Zoooooooey

I'm surprised it has lasted me this long to talk about this lovely lass. OH MY GOD... If you have not yet seen (500) Days of Summer, then I highly suggest you hightail it to the whatever and watch it. It's such a happy, thought-provoking film. Aside from the quality of the film though, my fave part is Zooey Deschanel. Love her.

She's such a quirky, mad mess. She has these boggly, lost eyes that cause intrigue. It's very strange but unexpectedly endearing. To top off her great acting ability, the girl sings as well. And she's damn good. Why is it that the artsy folk manage to be good at more than a few fields?

Anyhoo, I'll be keeping my eye out for some more art from this girl. She's rocked my world up till now. Hope she keeps choosing good films to play in, nothing that brings me more sadness than a let-down to someone I love watching. Keep up the awesome work Zooey... A + from me! By the way, does anyone know any other films she's in that I can enjoy on my days off?

The Early Days - Beachwear

Maybe it's the effort the ladies from the 30's through to the 70's put it to looking good in their swimwear, either way they looked classic. It's as if they've slipped out of their daily attire, and popped on a swimming costume with their hair, makeup and other pleasantries all in perfect order.

Beach wear has changed ten fold. No more hair and makeup. The beach is now an all natural affair with hair messed and makeup scarce. I always think a natural look is better, however, you have to give it to the earlier years for their endless motivation to be put-together regardless of the occasion. I mean let's face it, the minute you hit the water, are hair and makeup really going to stay put? I think not. Unless of course you bobble on the top of the water with your neck outstretched for fear of a splash of water reaching your spotless cranium.

It seems that some of my fellow bloggers are under the same fascination, Q's Daydream gathered some old school swimwear photos, and turned them into her own inspiration and is seen here sporting a gorgeous vintage bathing suit.

Despite the illogical done-up-to-the-nines presentation of the earlier beach days, I believe our put-together ladies take far better and more memorable photographs than any other beach photos taken after the 80's. What do you guys reckon, back in the old days beachwear or today's natural take on beachwear?

Oh P.S Check this vintage swimwear website out, some really cute stuff, came across when I was getting all inspired and decided I wanted a 1940's bathing suit. I love my impracticality sometimes.

I heart cloche hats

Sometimes I have to pinch myself a few times as a reminder that Kerry and I are both individuals and just because I am getting into red lipstick or hats, doesn't mean she will. So it was with surprise that Kerry wrote about head decorations in her Mitzi Delight post earlier this week. We must have been telepathically aligned across the big ocean (did you know Kerry is hanging out in San Diego right now?), as I had been planning to announce my love for cloche hats!

For anyone who wants to know: The cloche was a fitted, bell shaped hat which was worn pulled into the face that far, that you had to lift your head to be able to see. Many think that the cloche first appeared in the 1920s, but it was actually a little early from about 1908 when some hats resembled helmets. They were commonly made of felt and there were quite a lot of different style variations such as art deco decoration, feathers, ribbons or sequins - often applied to one side only.

The flapper was actually part of a changing society - being worn by women representing a more casual style. Once they became accepted style, they were a icon of feminity.

Personally, I've been convinced of the timeless style ever since watching Angelina Jolie in 'Changeling'.

Clockwise: Angelina Jolie in Changeling, Greta Garbo uploaded by kimintn , cut out hat uploaded by hartman045, ca 1925 uploaded by Gatochy

Here are some of my favourites that are currently available on etsy:

From top left counterclockwise: FeltFancy, BoringSidney, yellowfield7, bonniesknitting, manofhollywood

Polyvored Hangover

I'd say today's hangover sits at about a 4/10. Nothing too strenuous at this point and in all my glory and laziness I find myself sitting here scouring polyvore which seems to be becoming a regular daily occurrence. FYI: Amazing. It's not just about the clothes for me, because to be honest majority are far and above my dismal price range right now. I love the website itself, the styling, the idea to match this with that, every brand under the sun, and just clear, easy design which these days is few and far between. I'm such a nanna when it comes to those flashy whiz-bang websites, they really piss me off when I can't just do the simple things like check out some product and get some basic info on it. If anything, polyvore gives me styling inspiration above all else. I guess in my hazy consciousness, surrounded by Doritos and several bottles of empty water bottles I plucked inspiration off fuckyeahstreetstyle, one of my fave street style blogs for the goodies I selected for my 'wish list'. Sometimes, a girl can only dream right.....

What:

• Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs
• Jeans, Nudie
• Shoes, Umi @ Barneys
• Top, topshop
• Sweater, Alexander Wang
• Sunnies, Karen Walker

These are all brands I have never purchased as new and nor do I plan to. Having said that, I refuse to take away from the fact that this simple idea of having a place you can come to with all these brands and mix and match in one fell swoop and see what's out there, is really handy. Much less an awesome resource for all of us out there who have our 'i have nothing to wear' days which we all know can be highly traumatic.

Now, back to my mini hangover. Hope you all had a fab weekend x

Online Magazines. First: Antler Magazine

I don't know whether I am the last one (again) to discover online magazines, but I have only recently found them and have quickly become spellbound. Now, I didn't really need any more time behind the screen and I certainly prefer turning (paper) pages of beautiful photographs, inspiring stories and interviews. But what can you do? It's not my fault that there are so many creative, imaginative people out there producing addictive content... Well I guess I could stop looking. Mh... No.

So here is my first find. Antler Magazine. Now in its third edition (I told you I am usually last finding out about these things), it features creative folk and amazing photographs. What I like about it is that the people interviewed are not typical fashion bloggers, but inventive people who make things. In this edition, my favourite finds are Karen Klassen's beautiful illustrations, obscurio's collection of vintage photographs which take you straight to the past and Peeko's wearable creations- isn't this cube necklace just lovely?

Now I'm off to read some more. Stay tuned...

Beauty & Style Transformation

We have all done it - got addicted to one way of having our hair done, wearing the same eyeliner style, wearing lip stick - or never, wearing jeans only, dresses only, black only - you get the picture. Often we look back at our style five (or more) years later and say "What was I thinking?".

This is what I was thinking about when I saw this youtube tutorial of doing a Megan Fox make up look (it's amazing!). I know, it seems unrelated, but stay with me.

A while ago I saw this newspaper article with two pictures of Megan Fox - one when she was about 16 and a recent one. The difference was startling. I mean don't get me wrong - in my opinion she has always looked more beautiful than most of us, she has naturally pleasing features - but while she used to look naturally beautiful, in the last couple of years she has started looking like an extremely polished out-of-this world beauty.

 Megan Fox - then and now. Pics found through Google Images

I won't go into any speculations about cosmetic surgery or will argue about weight loss or usage of stylist and make up artists - I don't care what a person chooses to do to themselves, as long as they feel good about it and don't hurt anyone else.The point is about transformations.

We could all afford to try something new to continually get closer what really looks great on ourselves. Because there is nothing worse than being stuck in the same routine - no matter what you do right now, I am sure you can adopt a little personal 'continuous improvement'. :)

For me, recently this has involved the courage to wear bright red lipstick and the realisation that dresses and high waisted skirts really look the most flattering for my body type.

What is something you have recently tried, started or stopped doing when it comes to your style?

Shiny Happy People - Sia Furler

It's impossible for me not to include this lovely lady in one of my posts. She is for me the epitome of free and careless fun. Something I think we could all use a little more of in our lives. Her smiles are real and her music is (for me anyway) truthful.

The best bit about Sia is how her style encompasses all of that eccentricity and freedom you feel when you listen to her music or watch one of her interviews. Her style is playful, colourful and messy, three things that I think of if I were asked to describe her persona. This is one of my favourite things in the world, watching people's style evolve into their true self. A bit deep of a thought perhaps when we are just essentially talking about clothes, but I really love it!!!!! It's personal style that sets us apart after all, and that is more than just the clothes.

This girl seriously wears whatever she likes. Often found to be wearing layered prints, crazy theatrical costumes and mixing pretty tea dresses with Cons.... I love people who actually do their own thing. If I had to name one unique person not following anyone else's path but their own, I would nominate Miss Sia. Truly her own.

P.S Listen to "Girl you lost to cocaine" or "Clap your hands" when you are getting ready in the morning. Just passing on the sweet vibes of Sia, to your living room.

Bows Bows Everywhere!

Feels like everywhere I turn there's a bow in sight, but I'm not seeing it on the street just yet. I love the ostentatious nature of the big bow sitting atop the face, it's so... glamourous and gorge! There is always the exception where the bow in the hair can make on look like a minnie-mouse wannabe, but I think when done right they can look a million bucks.

I love the Marc by Marc Jacobs take on the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. The soft red lip, minimal eye makeup with the bow sitting to the side. This is an everyday look I'll be experimenting with this Spring for sure.

Diane Von Furstenberg... nothing to say here, aside from a beautiful touch of glamour to a spring collection. Love the prints of these bows, a little big for everyday wear (for me anyway) but the concept is awesome.

Peter Som (sorry about the quality here, but you get the idea) has done the turban-esque take on the bow headpiece. This is a fave of mine! I've definitely been inspired by this one... on the hunt for a turbany bow, any hints on where I can find one? I'm thinking a trip to one of the Barcelona vintage stores is my afternoon adventure today.

Happy Bow hunting!!!!

Friday Find: Emanuelle Alt

Ok, I'm sorry. I know I said I am not really into designers and celebrities. That is true. But sometimes you find someone whose style you really like and they happen to be a celebrity/wear designer clothes.

May I introduce: Emanuelle Alt - fashion director of Paris' Vogue magazine.


Yes, I know some of you may think: "Wowee, I have never heard of her (insert sarcastic intonation)." Well I hadn't!! And I really love her style.

In a way, it's elegant rock with quite a sharp edge. Androgynous and mostly black. From the pictures I have been able to find, Emanuelle mainly wears slim cut pants, heals and structured blazers - and leather. Hair is down, add a belt and nice sunglasses. She keeps it fairly simple and also pretty consistent. You know it's a bit strange but her style reminds me of Michael Jackson - is that a bad thing?

The main thing I noticed is that she never sways far from her style. After looking at quite a few pictures, I initially thought 'that's quite boring', but then I decided it's actually a strength to keep with one style. Imagine how easy it wouuld be to get dressed! While she might not surprise with her outfits, she always looks elegant and casual at the same time.

So get out your mid-calf boots, skinny jeans, nice belt, simple T and finish of with structured jacket with sharp shoulders. Oh and please - keep your hair down, it softens the look!

Kate Moss - Less is more

Where does one begin with Kate?

I guess what I adore about Kate Moss is her effortless styling. I am sorry, but being a model surrounded by the creme de la creme of fashion and cash to burn DOES NOT equal taste by any means. I am yet to see an outfit of hers that isn't glory on the eye. Her everyday wear has that 'I just threw this on' printed all over it. She sticks to a no-fuss regime yet manages to look classic, refined and street all at the same time.

Signature style is something I feel strongly about. Look at the photos above, has she mixed it up yes, but within her comfort zone. Jeans, statement shoes, plain colours, minimal accessories and flyaway hair. This has nothing to do with trends and everything to with her ability to not overcomplicate matters.

All photos from Google images

I love the way her outfits above showcase a 'touch of glamour'. The leopard print coat and mixing of prints, fur coat and leather boots, vulgar on the rack, but Kate respects the item and leaves it be by minimising focus elsewhere. The outfit in the middle is the genius at work in my eyes. This is the line and simplicity I am looking for in my own style. Need to channel my inner minimalist (try saying that 10 times). What I would kill to be a fly on the wall in Kate Moss' house, just to see if the no-care attitude is real or just a facade.... Who cares though really, in my eyes, whatever process this woman is using to dress of a morning works for me!

Friday Find: Herr von Eden

I've been reading a lot of German fashion blogs lately and have just discovered the German designer Herr von Eden. I've promptly developed a crush!

Now don't be disappointed. There is no vintage fashion aspect to this. Quite the opposite. The style is classic-chic, suits with a twist of eccentricity. I bet it's the only suit label that advertises in music magazines...

I really really love it. Maybe because I am constantly struggling with dressing conservative-corporate at work whilst expressing my own style.

I like how the The Fashionisto put it: "Herr von Eden takes suits and infuses them with youth and spunk." You guessed it, he designs menswear too.

Need convincing? Although I am not a huge fan of her's (sorry to disappoint), some of you might be interested to know that Lady Gaga wears sunglasses Herr von Eden designed in collaboration with MYKITA.

I bloody love this little video shot in the Berlin store:



Lucky for my purse you can't buy online. But watch out Herr von Eden - I'm coming back to Germany later this year!!!

Style Icon: Pattie Boyd

For me Pattie Boyd is the quintessential 60's pinup girl.

An English model during the early 60's in all her natural beauty became more famous for her relationships with George Harrison and later Eric Clapton. Despite her personal life however, her personal style was a distinct representation of popular fashion at this time. Pattie in all her photos, looks so fresh, natural and light and her personal style became heavily publicised during the 60's. However, it is clear that her style changed immensely during her time with Beatle George Harrison.

Their experiences as a couple and their own individuality worked in unison to create an item that would today be dubbed "Harri-Patti" or "Geo-Pat" or similar for editorial entertainment. As a couple they really stood out and undoubtedly created a style that is mimicked today in many ways. It makes sense though, the people we hang around impact the way we do things, what we wear, and how we act, and for Pattie Boyd and George Harrison their personal styles were heavily affected by the other.

I particularly love Pattie's hair, ever the flower child with her whispy fringe matched with her feminine threads. Thinking a 60's inspired post is on it's way....

Pretend Opshopping: Bows & Bandits

I’ve got a website crush: Bows and Bandits. Austrian. Vintage. Pretty!

Ok, where should I start?

Dresses! I think the original Austrian numbers are particularly charming.

Hats. The number of stylish hats are amazing too!

And my favourite: the shoes!

Now to the best thing about Bows & Bandits: The website and design!

The nerd in me loves the layout, navigation, vintage condition rating system and the quality of the photos. You can even shop by style... Clever clever.

Check out the look books and streetstyle section - great inspiration.

Beauty Inspiration: Hedy Lamarr

Austrian born actress (and engineer!) Hedy Lamarr is this week's beauty inspiration for me:

She acted in pre-war movies in Germany, later in the U.S. (under the MGM label) but also also co-invented an early form of spread spectrum communications technology, a key to modern wireless communication! Don't you love a beauty with brains?

Anyhow, this week I chose her as my beauty inspiration for her full lips and classic late 30s / 40s make up.

Have a look at the necklace she is wearing! Not unlike the bib necklaces which have been cropping up all over the place over the past few months.

Watch out for some vintage make up tutorials I will be posting over the next few weeks.