Pretty Flamingo

Outfit:

- Black headband

- Thrifted pink merino blouse

- Vintage grey skirt

- Vintage black handbag

- Vintage black mary-jane shoes

Well my goodness it's been a while since I've done an outfit post! Since moving back into my family home it has been quite hard to take outfit pictures as there is very low natural lighting in my room (and I am constantly trying to organize it). So here is what I wore today. At last we got some rain and a bit of cool, so I decided to pull out this little merino blouse that I bought not long ago from a second hand store. It caught my eye because the colour reminded me of a flamingo. 

Recently I've also started wearing this lipstick of mine. It is Super Lustrous Lipstick in Silver City Pink by Revlon. It's a real 60's pink, I think. It's frosty pearly, pink colour reminds me of a Yardley Slicker Stick. Don't you reckon? It also feel that it works well with my skin tone which is a plus.

Whilst wandering about yesterday the boy and I picked up some Love Hearts. I don't think I'd ever had them before. Quite nice they are. And this morning whilst my mother was cleaning out some letter racks in the bar she came across this little gold knick knack. It is a tiny sewing kit and pen that belonged to my father, and she gave it to me. Inside are two spools of thread and a gold thimble.

Lately in my travels I also bought this pretty vintage 1960's evening bag made in Japan. This is the first beaded evening purse in my vintage bag collection. And I assure you not the last!

I am also a real sucker for vanity sets. I found this one for only $3.00 because the glass in the mirror is broken. But that really doesn't bother me. I think it somehow makes it even more beautiful.

"Pretty Flamingo" - Manfred Mann (1966)

Some Things Andy Warhol

I've liked Andy Warhol's art since as long as I can remember. It's not hard to like his work. But I never really considered myself a fan until I was in my mid years of high school. After analyzing a select handful of his artworks for an assignment and critically analyzing them through the different art-frames I grew to love them. Towards my later years of high school I considered him one of my art idols, as I became serious about creating art myself - one of my passions that you may not know about, and even took to University level.  

Then the time came in 2007 that the Queensland Art Gallery held the largest Australian exhibition dedicated to the artist, featuring everything Andy Warhol that you could possibly think of. Numerous films of his were playing within in-built theatres, the walls were covered in his silk screens, sketches and unfinished works with his smudged finger prints still upon them, a couple of his time capsules were encased in glass, his Brillo Boxes were piled up here and there, and there was even a recreation of his art installation "Silver Clouds" (1966). It was such a brilliant experience that I went twice and could have gone again and again. I very much wish that I could go there once again now at this age.

This love of mine for his work has even come to the point where my family often call me 'Andy' as a little joke and I've been given little Warhol gifts over the years here and there. The above notebook I bought for myself as a present last year. I couldn't resist. This little book by the Museum of Modern Art was given to me by my mother a few years ago. 

Both this notebook and little Andy figurine within an inspiration box were also given to me by mother for a birthday some years ago. I love this little model. I have him sitting on my bookshelf near all my art gear.

I also bought these folders last year. They are perfect for storing loose University documents and scraps of drawings for artwork ideas that I do here and there. These are also sitting on the shelf with my art necessities. 

There are other things Warhol that I've bought or received over the years - bookmarks, pamphlets, cards, stickers. But after the chaos of trying to squish everything from my unit into one little room I'm afraid they are floating somewhere unknown within a box.

Do you have anything Andy Warhol? What do you think of his work? Do you have a favourite piece?

Mine is by far his yellow "Electric Chair" (1971) as part of his American Death series, which I was lucky enough to see in the flesh. 

Pillow Talk

Here's a nice little gift that I was surprised with not long ago. A set of never before opened 'His and Hers' pillow slips from the 1960's. They are 100% cotton and I think have such a groovy design upon them. I am very excited to use them but I am too worried about taking them out of their original packaging. Maybe I should just go for it. If you have good eyes you will see that I've already made an accidental little tear in the plastic whilst trying to peel the price tag off. What do you think? Open them, or leave them be?

Lucky Me and Walter Mitty

This week I've been a little busy doing things here and there. And my goodness, if you live in Australia too you'll know it's been hot! Is it too much wishful thinking to hope for a little rain?

On Saturday the boy and I had a day at the movies, seeing two films in a row, and a planned third if it hadn't already started in the next theatre. Just something that we like to do every now and then. When buying the tickets for the second film the lady at the counter was quite confused to see me already munching on a half eaten box of popcorn. The first film that we saw was "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", and my goodness I enjoyed it. Based on the short story by James Thurber first published in The New Yorker in 1939, and directed by Ben Stiller, the film is definitely one worth watching with it being a master mixture of action, adventure, drama, comedy and awe-inspiring cinematography. 

"A day-dreamer escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined." 

- IMDB

"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life." 

- LIFE Magazine

When coming out of the theatre I spotted a photo booth. Having never seen one before we had to have a go. And so this is my amazing boy that I've spoken of so many times yet you've all never seen before!

I've also being having a lot of luck lately with my second hand shopping. Even more additions to my collection of vintage nighties and brunch coats! You can see my growing collection here. I think I'm becoming addicted. A few lovely dresses too. I shall be posting a few pictures of them soon.

Speaking of lucky, I've also had a lot in the record department! A couple of weeks ago I went up north and visited the record store of the man who sold me some of my very first records years ago. His collection is quite huge, there being approximately six thousand LPs in his store alone and another few thousand out the back to be sorted. It is quite the treasure trove! Being passionate about his collection he always seems to know exactly what he has and what he hasn't. Whilst in there I asked him if he had ever come across any Syd Barrett LPs or 1960's Pink Floyd LPs. Once or twice he had but they are really quite rare over here. But yet, kindly he said he'd keep an eye out for them, and hold them for me to come and buy from him if he ever came across them. 

Yesterday I popped into his store and, after coming out from the back, he handed me "Opel" - Syd Barrett. In pristine condition and for an incredible price too! What a nice man. I also picked up David Bowie's "Hunky Dory", another LP I've been on the lookout for. Lucky me!

Have you had any luck lately - finding something that you've been on the lookout for?

Or have you seen "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"? 

What did you think?

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My Vintage Sleepwear

Last week I did some shopping a few towns up north and was lucky enough to find two beautiful vintage night gowns. When I finally got back home there was a third waiting on my bed for me - a gift from my mother. Seeing as there were some additions I thought I might show you all my small but growing vintage sleepwear collection. 

I found this one last year for only a couple of dollars. It is very comfortable to wear in summer.

This was one of the ones I bought on that day shopping, and for only $3.50. It fits like a glove and I fell in love with the embroidered daisies on it as soon as I laid my eyes on it. It is in very good condition, though the top button has been replaced with another. But if you know me you'll know that doesn't bother me in the slightest.

This is the gown that my mother surprised me with. It is by far the most comfortable out of what vintage sleepwear I have. The material of the inner lining is so smooth and the gown fits beautifully.

This is the other night gown that I found up north, but in a different town. Really, these pictures do not do this gown justice. Its colour is so vibrant! The gown is also in very good condition. It had been sitting in the store for a few months, but for some reason I never tried it on. I had a change in heart that day and went for it, and I am glad I did. I think I would have been very upset if I left it once more and came back to finally buy it yet find it gone.

This here was my first bought vintage night gown. I fell in love with the tiny polka dot print and ruffled matching brunch coat as soon as I saw it and had to make it mine. It's condition is beautiful.

Finally, this lovely yellow lace brunch coat. It was one of the very first vintage items I ever remember buying. It was from a local market place and it was the buttoned cuffs and collar that caught my eye. I love this coat so much that, even though it is to be worn as a nightwear garment, I sometimes would wear it over the top of my dresses when going out about town - feeling rather fancy indeed!

My vintage pink pyjama bag, a gift from my mother about three years ago, is a sweet little addition to my humble collection and is good for storing any of my vintage sleepwear when travelling. In my collection I also have two dressing gowns, which you can view here and here.

I plan to keep continuing to expand my vintage sleepwear collection. But in all honesty I don't think I will ever consider having enough until I find myself a pair of vintage pink faux fur heeled slippers.

Trust me!

Oh, by the way. My apologies for how dreadfully dark these pictures are! Golly I miss having a natural source of lighting. Big beautiful windows are a must when the boy and I find another place to live!

Brown Paper, String and a Star

A few days ago was my best friend's birthday. We met up and spent the day together, seeing a movie and designing our own teddy bears to keep. I wanted to name mine after a Beatle, but couldn't choose, so I instead mashed up all their last names into one ridiculous word that is quite a mouthful to say. Anyway, in all honesty, though I love to do so I can get quite anxious when buying presents for other people.  But after years of stressful Christmas, birthday and anniversary lead ups I've begun leaving it to what just feels right - I'll know it when I see it. And goodness it is a comforting thought, especially when your immediate family is as huge as mine! I always like to make up a little parcel or bag of special goodies for this wonderful friend of mine. This year they included an owl snow globe, a red candle holder with a velvet heart upon it and a set of quality oil pastels. 

She also surprised me with a late Christmas present too! A lovely English mug with English breakfast tea and some sweet candy eggs. Yum. She knows me too well!

Do you ever get stressed about buying presents? How were you this just passed Christmas?

Better than me I hope!

Seeing Double

Just a quick little post. I haven't done one of these in a long while! This sparkly silver and dark purple little lurex number by Pierre Cardin was seen worn by two lovely ladies in the 1960's.

Here we have the wife of Tara Browne, the late heir to the Guinness fortune, Nicky, pictured with her husband in a spread for Men In Vogue in November, 1966. She's paired the mini dress with a cute chain belt. 

And below we have song bird Marianne in the same dress for a recorded television performance. She has paired it with silver shoes by Bally. 

Who do you think wore the dress better?

Personally I prefer the way that Nicky wore it. 

To me she looks just like she's ready to go out dancing.

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Time In A Bottle

Here's a groovy something that I think you'd like if you are a girl like me wanting to feel just that little bit more like you've traveled a few decades back in time. Yes, wearing clothing from another time gone by is fantastic, but wearing the same scent that ladies wore all those years ago just makes it all the better!

Spiritual Sky Perfume Oils have been worn by ladies for just over four decades. They were first bottled for buying in 1973 in Australia. And even after so many years the fragrances have not changed one bit, nor has their neato packaging with a purple lotus flower on the front. They are still sold in many spirituality stores and come in a huge range of twenty different scents.

African Violet / Amber / Aphrodesia / Frangipani / Frankinscense / Lavender / Musk 

Musk Peach / Musk Rose / Night Queen / Om / Opium / Patchouli / Patchouli Amber    

Red Rose / Sandalwood / Star Jasmine / Strawberry / Vanilla / Ylang Ylang

Back in the 1970's my own mother had the African Violet scent and it was her favourite. It so happens to be mine as well. Not to mention the colour of the oil is a rich and beautiful deep purple colour that I go nuts for. The oils also seem to last the entire day and feel just that little bit more exotic than simply wearing a spray perfume. You can also use them in a oil burner too! 

And if you are just a little bit odd like me, they are very pretty to look through when held up in the light, and look just like a psychedelic liquid oil projection that you would have seen in a London Underground club in the 1960's. 

Next on my list to buy is Patcouli!

You can purchase Spiritual Sky oils online here. 

Title: "Time in a Bottle" - Jim Croce, 1973

Boudoir Beauties

Here are some pretty things that I have acquired recently. Almost all vintage and coloured with a dreamy pastel pink colour. 

The vintage dressing gown was a steal for only $2.00. There is no sash to tie it up so I am on the look out for some nice soft ribbon that matches the colour of it closely enough to do the job. The lace sleeves and back of the gown are so beautiful and delicate. I will feel oh so glamorous lazing around the house in this beauty once I find a replacement sash for it.

The vintage beauty travel case was a gift from my mother. When she got it it needed quite a bit of cleaning, but after wiping it over with a wipe I managed to scrub the stains off of it so that it now looks nearly as good as new. With a little love and care you can make something quite beautiful, you see? Inside the lining is a lovely pink colour and in their little places are most of the original beauty containers, which still smell of old creams and such from the last lady who had the case in her possession. However, the two clear bottles are new, replacing the originals that must have been lost or damaged over time. What a pity. But there was something else inside it that made up for it: a vintage hat pin - my first to own. You can't quite tell from the picture, but the pearl too is a dreamy pink colour.

Quite lovely things indeed. I think that they shall look rather nice in my little hoped for dressing room when the boy and I find another unit to live in.