Eleanor Rigby

As change continues to plague my life, I've been forced to take a look back into the past. I pick up the antique mirror that sits on my vanity, greened with oxidation and tarnished with age, and peer through the fogged glass. I can just see her, only just: a girl that I had once likened to Eleanor Rigby.

She would always wander alone, be it through the town's empty cemetery on the hill or the long desolate roads of the rural highways; the solitary sound of her heels clicking with each step she took her only company. Often she'd carry a hand drawn map in her hand. She'd clutch it tightly as she ventured far away to new places she'd never been to as if it were some token to guarantee her safety or perhaps more so some chance ticket to a place where the grass would be greener and the sun would shine brighter. In days like these I wish that I had a map of these sorts to lead me through the unknown. But I don't. And so, instead of blindly pursuing a hidden path in the dark I look back to the days of Eleanor Rigby and retrace her steps - hoping again that I may find the greener grass and the brighter sun that I wished for so many years ago. 

Title: "Eleanor Rigby" - The Beatles

Biba Love and Dolly Eyes

Back in this post I shared some of the latest additions to my wardrobe with you. Here is the late 1960's vintage Merle Stephen maxi dress. I've been pining to wear this one since I first laid eyes on it but the weather just won't allow it. Today, being a little cooler and with nothing planned but lounging about and relaxing, I thought I'd play dress up. The dress is a deep plum purple with a small vine print. It has an empire waistline, ruffled collar and bishop sleeves with covered buttons (please excuse the fact that in the picture above they are only done up half way - the heat you see). 

I don't know about you but for me this dress calls to mind the sultry Biba dollybirds of the late 1960's and early 1970's. Whilst wearing it I can imagine myself lounging across the couch in the shop window of the Biba Kennsington Church Street store. And so, to keep with the aura of the dress, I had to do my Biba style makeup to go with it. I then had loads of fun prancing around and grooving out to the sounds of 1968. What fun! 

A brilliant tutorial to follow to get the Biba girl look is this one here by renowned makeup artist, Lisa Elridge. 

It is clear and simple, and was created with the assistance of Barbara Hulanicki herself.

Do check it out!

Balanced on the Biggest Wave

Outfit - All vintage

The end of the year approaches so fast. In the shopping centres I can hear the faint sound of all too familiar Christmas carols. I can feel that subtle sense of urgency emitted from others around me as they plan their holidays and gift buying, and the summer cicadas are starting to sound in the late afternoons. The days are long and comprised of heat, haze and humidity. Past experiences dictate that this time of year should be filled with excitement and joyful anticipation. Yet tonight as I hear the dull ache of thunder in the distance I am reminded of the many decisions that I must make before the sands of 2014 run out. 

Since I was a little girl I've had a recurring dream, and I had it again last night. I am standing on the shore, in the street, on a hill. Sometimes with others, sometimes alone and upon looking out to the horizon I am confronted with the image of an enormous tidal wave, black and approaching quickly. There is nowhere to run, there is no where to hide, only a short moment to speak my mind and speak my heart before the world is engulfed whole. They say that dreams such as these are supposed to symbolize a build up of pressure in one's life or the coming of a significant change. Really, I don't think that that's too far from the truth. 

I've never been a very decisive person when it comes to opportunities that have the potential to change my life or carve out my future. I over-think things and it seems that my head and my heart are in a constant state of conflict. I envy those who can put their entire faith into a single choice with confidence. A palm reader once told me that my lifelines are broken but will someday merge. She said it meant that an immense change will come my way throughout the years and that whether I take it or not will determine who I become as a person. I am quite a skeptic but I cannot help but think: Is this, what I am confronted with now, that change? Who will I become? 

Time will tell. 

Title: "Breathe" - Pink Floyd

Look Through My Window

The walls are bare at the moment, and the sun looked so pretty shining through the window in the spare bedroom. So I thought I'd revel in the opportunity of such good lighting to take some snaps one of my favourite dresses at the moment. It is from the brand Revival, by Dangerfield, which incorporates a lot of vintage inspired elements in its designs. You can view the dress here. It makes me think of something that Marianne Faithfull or Sylvie Vartan would have worn in the 1960's. Yet, upon wearing it in front of the boy for the first time he could not help but call me "Madeline". Who am I kidding though, the dress is called "Croissants for Breakfast" after all! Wearing the dress I had a lot of fun prancing about and making my best attempt to channel my inner 1960's wannabe model. The boy's cat, who happened to be in the room at the time and even got cuddled in a couple of snaps, was quite confused to say the least. I imagine that it must have been quite an odd sight for her to see!

Showing my face so clearly on my blog isn't something that I've done much of in the past. In my pictures I'm usually always looking down or off to the side. I wouldn't call myself photogenic, and when having my picture taken by others I can't help but feel shy or embarrassed. However, I'm beginning to become more comfortable in my own skin and have been feeling lately that perhaps it is time for a change, and that I should allow myself the freedom of having confidence in myself and enjoying the experience of what taking pictures can be.

Title: "Look Trough My Window" - The Mamas & the Papas

Watching the Skirt

'Granny' skirts are something that I wear a lot of. I can't resist a high-waisted skirt that goes down to my knees with zip and button at the back and is made out of that awful thick, fuzzy material that itches when the weather is too hot. They are just my cup of tea. Here I am wearing one of the latest ones I picked up as mentioned here. It is bright orange with a purple criss-cross pattern - what a skirt! I wore it with a pale pink peter pan collared blouse, vintage bag and my beloved vintage Ferragamo shoes, which meant I was constantly looking down at my feet to admire them all day. Does anyone else do that when they wear that one perfect pair of shoes?

Quite contrary to what some may think, wearing 'granny' skirts actually makes me feel quite youthful. Whenever I wear them I feel like I should have my arms wrapped around a pile of text books, walking through long locker lined corridors with the sound of a bell chiming in the distance. I can't help but feel like a 1960's school girl about to leave for the bus ride home. Think Lucy from "Across the Universe" (if you've seen it) here. It's such a cute little scene I think. Though the high school I attended had a strict uniform code, I always imagined that this is how I would have dressed if we had had a choice, granny skirts and all. 

Title: "Good Morning Good Morning" - The Beatles

Pink Lemonade

Yesterday was my mother's birthday. She was showered with gifts, flowers and cake and we all went out to have a celebratory lunch with her. It was just lovely and we were joined by my sister and her fiance who had traveled up here for the occasion. I wore a new coral coloured dress that I picked up just last week, with my retro swing coat, and a vintage bag and pair of shoes. Though it was a rainy day, I felt very 1960's 'Miami Beach' in my outfit, and caught myself dreaming of palm tree studded scenery, blushing flamingos and warm, hazy mid-days with pink lemonade (something I just can't seem to get enough of lately). While the rest of the world says goodbye to their summer season and welcomes colder weather, here I am spending my days sitting by the pool with a good book, packing the winter blankets back into the closets and listening to the sound of chirping cicadas as the sun sets. 

What's something you've been dreaming of lately?

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First Outfit Post of the Season

And so my holidays have finally begun, at last! I've been making the most of my time so far, lounging about in my pajamas, finally beginning to read a book and doing some cleaning out of my chock-a-block wardrobes.

The other day I wore one of the latest additions to my mass of clothes: a bright green polo shirt. It's not vintage or anything, but the colour is the most perfect green I've ever seen, and oh so 60's feeling. I wish the lighting in my room wasn't so bad so you could get a more accurate image. I always feel that the outfits photos I post on this blog never really do the clothing items much justice (thanks for putting up with them all!). Anyhoo, I wore it with a houndstooth scarf tucked in and was inspired by our Twig the Wonder Kid of course, in a shot from one of her Twiggy Dresses promotional shoots.

Hmm. Perhaps I should have worn my white tights. Then my outfit would have been even more Twiggy-esque.

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Ruby Slippers

As a little girl I always dreamed of owning a pair of ruby slippers. To this day those deep red sequined shoes that Dorothy wore on those dainty feet of hers have been floating in and out of my mind. I don't know about you, but I've never come across the perfect pair of red shoes. Yes, some of you may remember these, but I've (almost) come to accept that they'll never fit. What I'm really loving at the moment is this tutorial from Faye over at Oh! Darling. What a neat idea, right? Now I'm currently on the lookout everywhere for shoes that I can turn into my dream pair of reds.

However, before I read of Faye's tutorial I found these shoes some time ago at a local charity store. No they aren't vintage and even though I wasn't too fond of the shade I bought them as I loved the double mary-jane strap.  I clearly remember the women at the counter calling me Dorothy on the way out. Must've been the shoes (oh really!). Anyway, I'd never worn them because they didn't feel quite right on me, until I paired them with a pair of ankle socks à la Miss Gale. Not quite the ruby slippers, I know, but I think they'll do!

You may have also been wondering where I've been lately. I've been quite busy indeed, juggling assignment after assignment with smuggling pizza into the movies, dining at lovely little tea houses that sell strawberry tea in polka-dot pots, listening to Bowie in the bath and much more. And believe it or not (I know I don't), I've just been invited to become a member of one of the world's largest honour societies recognizing academic achievement in collegiate studies. I feel like I've just been given the key to Emerald City. Yes, it's a great opportunity but I'm a little daunted by it at the same time. We'll see what cooks!

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Skittles Legs At Last

The other day was so chilly it called for tights, at last! Out of my skittles-rainbow collection I opted for mustard coloured tights to go with this dress of mine. Perhaps I should have picked something a little more flamboyant though as a few people at University said that the colour of my legs had 'tripped' them out momentarily until they realized that I was actually wearing tights! I am also wearing a 'new' vintage bag that I bought whilst down in Bathurst (something else I had to somehow stuff inside carry-on luggage for the plane trip home along with all these). 

Because my studies have recommenced, unfortunately I haven't had many opportunities to go out hunting for vintage treasures. I did though the other day spend the afternoon having a snoop in some of the local antique stores and charity shops. I found this black vintage bag for $5.00. Call me a complete cheapskate, but I will always try and refrain from buying a vintage bag unless it is below this price. I do have reason for it though. I have a lot of vintage bags, and plenty more than I've ever shared on this blog. For me, sticking to such a strict limit prevents me from bringing home hoards and hoards of vintage bags and purses, and makes the buying process a lot more selective. It also helps me stick to a controlled budget, especially since vintage handbags are quite prevalent in my local area.

You most probably cannot see it but the bag pictured has beautiful woven detailing upon it. The handle is very soft and very comfortable, yet sturdy, and as I tend to carry my handbags at my elbow this ticks all the boxes for me! I also purchased this beautiful vintage suede coat that reminds of something that Brian Jones would have worn for only $5.00 as well, and two 45's. David Bowie's "Drive In Saturday" single and an EP by The Who. You can see more of my record collection here.

Do you set yourself any 'rules' while out hunting for vintage?

The Ponytail Problem

Just another outfit post. Would you believe that it is winter time over here? I probably look like I'm dressed to go out for a summer stroll along a boardwalk, ha! Don't worry it's not that hot here in Oz, the day still calls for a cardigan and occasionally tights. I bought this beautiful minty coloured skirt the other day from a charity store for only $1.00, would you believe it? The fabric feels so lovely and it is a perfect fit. I've decided to call it 'Audrey' as it reminds me of something she wore in "Roman Holiday". I've got a lot of outfits planned for this one. 

What you may have also noticed is that I actually have my hair up in a ponytail! A blue moon occurrence and I bet you've never seen it before. Way back when I was in high school I would wear my hair in a simple ponytail everyday. Every. Single. Day. I was a late riser and I didn't have the time or bother to model exotic styles and whatnot to school. I saved all the effort for the weekends and holidays when I'd dress up in my crazy 1960's costumery. Anyway, because of this hair monotony I would get teased by some of the other girls that put their time into doing their hair and makeup (something I also didn't wear in high school). I didn't think it impacted me much then, but when I think about it for the past few years since leaving school I've refrained from wearing my hair up. I know it's ridiculous, but in the back of my mind I always have that small thought that I look silly, or boring, or plain, or just 'same old Lucy'. 

I'm slowly getting over it though! On a much brighter note (apologies for my earlier pessimism!), I've been digging the red lippy lately, and have been wearing it to University almost everyday. It's funny, it's always this time of year too that I begin wearing it. Must be an unconscious winter thing. 

We Hope You Have Enjoyed The Show

I'm back! 

I hope you've all been well whilst I've been without the Internet for the past two weeks. Our trip was pretty fantastic but I'll leave that for another post. Right now I want to talk about The Bootleg Beatles. 

If someone introduces me to another person for the first time, without a doubt it will go something along the lines of: "This is Lucy. She loves The Beatles". And it's true. So when I first heard over three years ago that The Bootleg Beatles were coming to town I had to book a ticket to their show. And my goodness, what a show. If you are a die-hard Bealtes fan like me you will see just how much work these four men put into recreating the essence of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and how successfully they do it. 

Last night I attended my third Bootleg Beatles show with my younger sister. As some of you may know, it is now 50 years this month since The Beatles toured Australia. Last night half a century ago The Beatles (with Jimmy Nicol replacing Ringo Starr) performed at Centennial Hall in Adelaide, Australia - the city where the fab four greeted a massive crowd of over 300, 000. Although I saw the tribute band locally, I still got right into the spirit of Beatlemania and dressed the part all the while pretending that I was seeing my very favourite band in concert way back in 1964.

Of course, I took my inspiration from Cynthia Lennon circa 1964, who you most probably know by now is one of my biggest style icons. I wore a new skirt and vintage coat that I picked up on our trip. 

The show was incredible. We didn't want it to end. We sang, danced and clapped along to every song and kicked into full blown Beatlemania mode. Being two young girls amongst a crowd of people from past generations, we got quite a few smiles from the four boys up on the stage which made us very happy indeed. A great set was played with songs spanning their Beatlemania to Sgt. Pepper's to Let it Be/Abbey Road days. An orchestra was present, which was incredible to hear as we witnessed a live performance of "A Day in the Life". During the show they also performed "In My Life". It was so wonderful that I had tears in my eyes, thinking of John and George and how much the music of The Beatles means to me. 

After the show I felt very much like this young girl here, holding her treasured Beatles ticket to her lips and seeming to be bursting with joy and excitement. Two women and a man after the show who had been sitting in front of us asked to take our picture as they were so glad to see young people from this day and age still living the legend that is The Beatles. We all had a good chat. The man had seen both Elvis and The Who back in the 60's, and was also wearing a coat that had once belonged to the great Vince Melouney.

If you have not yet witnessed the talent and accuracy that is The Bootleg Beatles you must watch this video from Delfien Taillieu of Adam Hastings performing "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" as John Lennon.

Have you ever seen The Bootleg Beatles?

Photo Booth and BMO

Here is my outfit from my the other day out to the movies again with the boy. We've been seeing a lot lately but I think we deserve it. This was the first time I had worn tights this year. It had felt like centuries had passed since I last opened my tights draw. By now I have what seems every colour of the rainbow. I hope this winter I give them all some wearing time. I am also wearing a pair of new shorts (they were too comfy to pass up!) and new yellow sweater. 

Outside the cinemas they now have a photo booth machine. And me being the corny person I am I had to get a strip done. Here I am with my one and only. When we got back that evening he also had this waiting as a little surprise for me - a BMO mug! Anyone else a secret Adventure Time lover? In other news, the boy and I may be taking a trip way down south where it sometimes snows this time of year for a week or so. I'll keep you all updated!

Midi Skirt and Boots

Just another quick outfit post. It's getting colder here. Cold enough to start wearing boots on the particularly chilly day, but still not cold enough for a cardigan. I picked up this midi skirt a month or two ago for a couple of dollars at a local second hand store, and I just love it. I've worn it that many times. I never used to like the way I looked in midi skirts, but this one has made me fall in love with them. 

I felt a little bit Maureen Starkey, Chrissie Shrimpton in this outfit. I wanted to go all the way and do Mo's signature eye makeup, with a thick black smokey line under my lower lashes. But I don't think it would suit me. Perhaps one day I'll be brave enough to give it a go. When I got home I found these two pictures that I've always loved. I think I was unconsciously inspired by them to pair the boots with a longer skirt, something I usually wouldn't do.

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