Streetstyle Manly, Australia: Floral & Leather

It's lucky when you have stylish friends because streetstyle photography becomes easy (come on, even The Sartorialist photographs his girlfriend for the blog).

When I was in Sydney last week, I met my friend Dora and looking at her outfit, I instantly thought "streetstyle worthy"! It didn't take too much arm twisting to get her ok to take some pics.

I love the floral and leather combo - plus how can you resist her huge smile?

Made It

Madeit... Welcome to Australia's version of Etsy. While the concept does not include vintage or second-hand items, every item on the site is handmade and designed which adds to the appeal and unique element of the products. I must admit the clothing section is not quite down my alley (maybe its my second-hand needs), however, the jewellery and accessories are gorgeous and have seriously caught my eye. Definitely, worth the look and/or purchase if you so desire. Here are some of my faves that I am in the process of convincing my bank account it is okay to splurge 'just this once'.

Pretty Patchwork Bag $35, Retro Antiqued Headphone Necklace $19

Red/White Floral Button Ring $8, Je t'aime Baguette $100

Retro Glasses Necklace $22, Love birds on a branch Chain $25

I'm a sucker for anything handmade, just feels so much more like it has a special story behind it rather than some sweatshop horror story. I am also thoroughly enjoying the prices, very reasonable. Hope you're all enjoying a sunny Sunday!!!!

Coffee down the beach

The day after the half marathon there was no way I am dressing up... So when we headed down the beach for a while to chill and have a coffee it was all comfort and keeping warm. So there you are - super casual me.

Leather jacket, Sirocco
T-Shirt, Surf, Dive and Ski
Flower blouse, second-hand Victor Harbor
Jeans, Sportsgirl
Sneakers, Tiger

It was such a grey day, but the sky was absolutely beautiful. The first pic is 'as taken', in the second one I had a bit of Picasa fun with.

Mitzi Delight: Vintage Wallpaper

Last night I stayed at a friend's house in Sydney before we tortured ourselves this morning at the Sydney Halfmarathon. I had never been to her house before and when I stepped inside: wallpaper delight!!!

It is her parent's house and the whole place is like it was frozen in the 1970s!! Every wall has vintage wallpaper, woodpanelling and cute family photographs with vintage frames. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me - I always take it everywhere - but this time I thought - "What would I need it for - we are having dinner, then early bedtime and early rise to go running." Well... I will have to go back and do a little photo session there.

So in the meantime, here are some vintage wallpaper inspirations:

Bodie interior, bedroom door, wallpaper

estate

Reading next to his bike

Mondrian Kitchen

Pub Band - here I come!

It was ladies' catch up the other night down here in Victor Harbor and we decided to hit the local pub which had two local bands playing. So I thought a very casual outfit would be ideal as the people don't dress up much at all.

T-Shirt, bought at German hippy shop
Jacket, second-hand, bought in Victor Harbor
Jeans, Sportsgirl
Belt, second-hand, bought in Victor Harbor
Shoes, Betts

These are my most comfortable jeans I own, I never considered wearing them with anything else but just a loose T-Shirt around the house.

What do you think of this belt? I found it for $2 in a local second hand store and had to buy it - it looks so western and I love that it's long enough to wear with non-high waisted clothes.

Opshopping: Nook Vintage, Melbourne

So last weekend I was in Melbourne for work and after a nice Sunday brunch at Veggie Bar in Fitzroy with some friends, I decided to roam wild on the numerous vintage and second-hand stores in the area.

And I must say - I would move to Fitzroy if I had to live in Melbourne! I love the people, shops and cafes. Such a lovely atmosphere.

I found a couple of good stores and the first one I want to tell you about is Nook on Johnston Street.

Publish Post

It's worth a visit for so many reasons. There are a few things I feel set it apart for other reasons:

• Extremely well selected range of item- the store is quite small, but every item in there is quirky - theyhave everything from clothes, boots, hats, jewellery, furniture, books,paintings, toys...
• You can buy everything - including all the probs!
• An owner who knows customer service- Rachel, one of the owners was so lovely and greeted every singlecustomer. This is so rare in vintage shops, it was really refreshing. When I tried to find someboots, Rachel even offered to give me a call and send some pictures when shegets some more in my size. Now that's greatservice!
• They've got layby and gift wrapping. Again, this is so unusual in vintage stores who don't usually even offer you a bag!
  
• And lastly, they source pieces - so give them a call if you have been looking for something for ages.

Nook Vintage
258 Johnston Street, Fitzroy Victoria (Australia)
T 0417 187 196
E nook.vintage@gmail.com
Open: Wed-Fri 11-6pm Sa-Sun 12-6pm

Mixing prints

I have not really been very experimental in the past when it comes to mixing prints and fabrics. I like clean lines and tailored looks. But my increasing interest in styles and writing this blog has really made me experiment with things. So in this outfit, I attempted to mix a few prints...

T-Shirt, Jacket & Tights, Sportsgirl

Scarf, Belt from Secondhand dress

Skirt, Etsy

Oxfords, Steve Madden

Ring, from my grandma

I know, there are only a few prints, but still!! Scarf - polka dots, jacket - stripes, skirt - paisley print, tights are striped grey (you can't really see it here)...

This scarf is actually the belt from this dress. 

And the skirt is bought on etsy, as I've descriped in the past.

What do you like mixing up?

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?

Jeans Day - keeping things simple

We often try to mix up our outfits as much as possible, adding accessories, tights, scarves and all that. But sometimes there is just nothing better than jeans, a simple top and flats. Yes, flats. I don't know about you, but I just don't wear heels with all my outfits, it's just not practical or comfortable a lot of times.

Vintage earrings, bought on etsy
Top bought second-hand in Victor Harbor
Jeans, Jay Jays
Flats, Wittner

By the way, these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever ever owned, even better than my runners!! I am so jealous of guys, as they get to wear shoes like this every day.

I love the detail in this otherwise simple top. It's got batwing sleeves and a nice cut out collar. And it was about $5 in alocal second-hand clothing store.

Polka dots, polka dots

This is the dress I recently bought at Dalena Vintage's etsy store. It is quickly becoming my favourite! I love all the colours with 3! layers of polka dots - the print you can see, white stiched dots and black stiched polka dots for extra texture!

Dress, Dalena Vintage

Tights, Target

Shoes, Tony Bianco

So I thought I'd go further and add my new polka dot tights haha...

So far I've worn this to a hen's night and a dinner party we recently held, when I cooked for 10 people from my 1950s Australian Hostess Cookbook!

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.

2 Ways - one works, one doesn't

On Tuesday, I was talking about outfits for when season are in transition (speak autumn and spring). It's getting cold here in South Australia, so I was playing around with my skirts to see which ones I can wear with warmer clothes in winter.

This skirt is one of my favourites. The print and detail are amazing.

But it's interesting how some outfits just don't work. I couldn't get this skirt to work as a winter version - no matter what colour or pattern tights, top or shoes I tried.

So I decided that this little number will have to wait til next summer. This is how I like to wear it:

Necklace, second-hand

Singlet, Sportsgirl

Skirt, vintage bought in Victor Harbor

Sandals, Witchery

And here is one of my 'fail' version:

You may think - why is she wearing long sleeves, grey tights... Surely a cap t-shirt with a cropped jacket and different colour tights or shoes would work. No. Believe me. I tried everything. I turned my whole wardrobe upside down and my search to find something to wear with this in colder weather was a total disaster.

Ah well, waiting for next summer.

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!!!!

Mitzi Delight: Seasonal transitions

The other day, I was thinking about whether fashion blogs should focus on either the northern or southern hemisphere when it comes to outfits, as readers might be looking for inspiration for the season they live in... But then I realised that summer/winter and winter/summer transition are actually quite similar!

Sure, colours might be different, but during autumn in Oz you feel like fighting the oncoming cold by continuing to wear summery clothes with just a jacket thrown over the top and adding tights and in the North you can't wait to rip off those winter coats - but often it is still too cool to show both bare shoulders and legs...

So in celebration of the autumn and spring season, here are four transitional outfits:

1. Another Day to dress up
2. Kansas Couture
3. Liebemarlene Vintage
4. Vintage Vixen

Moral of the story: During seasons' transition, add tights, cardis, boots, hats and cover your shoulders to keep warm :)

Etsy Opshopping

You all know that Kerry and I love browsing (and often buying) on etsy.com. So instead of writing about another real life opshopping trip, I thought I might write about shopping on etsy.

I'll do it in form of an interview with myself (hehe)...

What do you buy on etsy?
I have bought everything from dresses, shirts, skirts and accessories. I haven't bought anything really vintage yet - say from the 50s, but I am planning to. I am also on the look out for some leather boots, as winter is coming here in Australia.

How do you usually find nice vintage items on etsy?
I take 3 different avenues:

Sometimes I know what I want - say a dress or boots - in which case I use the search tool and then sort the items by "price = low to high" (Yes!! I am a cheapie). Then I scroll my way through pages and pages - and often find something that way. This is how I found some of these items.

Other times, I go to fashion blogs I like and click on the etsy sponsors and browse their stores - that's how I found Dalena Vintage for example.

And lastly, I go to etsy's recently listed items tool and just watch the rows appear - it's quite fun if you have some spare time. It's also a way of getting a chance to snap up popular items first! To try it, go to the etsy front page and scroll down to the section that say "Recently Listed Items", then click on "See even more items".


What is the most you have paid and the least you have paid for an item?
I recently bought a snake skin bag (haven't received it yet) for $6. The most I paid was $45 for a massive lot of vintage earrings. The same guy is still selling some of them!

What is the latest item you have bought?
As I said above, I bought the snake skin bag, but I also bought a vintage Levi's denim shirt for a friend too! These are hard to find nowadays.

Would you start your own etsy shop?
Kerry and I have considered it, but not taken any serious steps towards it. It's a little hard as we are both still travelling a lot and without a steady home, we won't have anywhere to store all of our finds! But I am sure it will happen eventually. I've already got some items I found at opshops which didn't quite fit me, but are amazing.

What tips do you have for buying clothes on etsy?
Measure, measure, measure. Just make sure you know all your measurements and check them again and again. If in doubt how something would fit, take measurements of an item you already have and compare it to the one on sale.

Lastly, could you recommend any etsy vintage stores?
Sure! Here are three other shops I recently found and love for different reasons:

Santoki Vintage

A-M-AZING range of shoes and boots!!

13 Bees Vintage

This store isn't cheap, but it sells real vintage - dresses dating as far back as the 1910s!

FabGabs
Whatshall I say. Dresses, fabulous dresses. This lady knows vintage. I haveno idea where she finds so many stunning vintage dresss - anything fromoldschool hollywood glamour, to mad men dresses and vintage lingerie.Not cheap, but not expensive for what is sold (real quality vintagedresses under $100).

Thanks Bec!
No problems Bec hehehehe....