Fantasy summer vacay wardrobe

I don't actually know if I've mentioned this or not, but at the end of this week I'll be heading off on a week-long vacation to Bali, Indonesia.

My family and I went two years ago, and while there celebrated my sisters 18th birthday, so she decided this year for her 21st that we should all go back and relax in the sun once again.

I've been trying to get my brain into holiday-wardrobe planning mode, but with the extreme cold in Melbourne at the moment, and the extreme lack of funds in my bank I'm finding it to be a very difficult task indeed!

I thought I'd have a bit of fun and create a fantasy holiday wardrobe for my trip - I don't own any of these items, sadly, but maybe this will give me a bit of inspiration so I can get myself organised!!


For hanging out at the pool or beach:

Hat and pattern from Etsy, bathing suit and wedges from Modcloth, sunglasses from Nasty Gal

A cute, bright bathing suit, fun wedges, sunglasses to hide your hangover behind, a glamorous hat, and I'm thinking this cute beach robe in a matching or contrasting colour to the bathing suit.


For wandering through markets looking for bargains:

Sunglasses, shoes and belt from Modcloth, top and skirt from Pinup Girl Clothing, hat from Etsy, bag from Golden Ponies

A floaty skirt and peasant top combo, low-heeled comfy sandals, a shady hat and a cross-body bag.


I said 21st, right?:

dress from Catnip Reproductions, shoes from Modcloth

A beautiful, Shaheen inspired tropical pinup party dress, simple but pretty wedges and the perfectly accessorised undo.


For sightseeing and fun activities:

pattern, hat and blouse from Etsy, sunglasses, shoes and bag from Modcloth

Casual-but-cute blouse and shorts combo, comfy walking shoes, bag that holds all the essentials for a full day away from the hotel.

Lounging around the hotel/cocktail hour!:

blouse and wedges from Modcloth, trousers from Vivienne of Holloway, sunglasses from Nasty Gal

A glam-sailor-resort vibe with pristine white wide-leg trousers, comfy but chic shoes, grand hat, mysterious glasses and of course, cocktail in hand!

What are your holiday wardrobe must haves?

Teddy Girl

Helllooooo!!! Long time no blog!

I apologise for this, I've been super super busy and also managed to get myself sick, boo.

To be honest, I haven't really been dressing up as much as usual so there hasn't really been a reason to take any photos. But today I decided to make an effort, for myself as well as so I would have something to post!

* * * * * * * * 

I've been doing quite a bit of research lately on the Teddy Boy/Girl scene of the late 1940's/early 1950's. I think the look is super cool and perfect for colder weather, incorporating elements of Edwardian style (which is something I've never really delved into) as well as the usual 50's look.

Teddy Girls were an offshoot of the underground subculture of Teddy Boys - young lads and ladies who had grown up during the war rationing of the 1940's and adapted the look of the Edwardian era into a style of their own. Teddy Boys and Girls were said to be "collectively rejecting the post-war austerity" - as one young man is quoted as saying "our dress is our answer to a dull world."

They were among some of the first teenage-rebel groups. The men dressed like dandies, and the women in a wide range of edwardian-influenced styles - oftentimes wearing manly suits, drape jackets and jeans.
They were into rock and roll, and known for causing a bit (or a lot) of trouble.

I hadn't set my hair last night so when I woke up this morning wanting to dress up my thoughts went immediately to the easy-breezy Edwardian up do's sported by these stylish gals, and then an outfit formed itself around this!

Excuse all the eyes closed/looking down poses - it was very bright and glarey out.

Coat - stolen from Eli, blouse and shoes - thrifted, "bolo tie" - ribbon and a thrifted brooch.

I always find it so interesting to think that while we are here in 2014 wearing vintage clothing from the 40's/50's/60's etc, you never really think about people from these eras being into or wearing vintage-to-them looks. I guess because it wouldn't have been so accessible for them (they couldn't just jump on Etsy/Pinterest and search for something!) and also there were just so many more new ideas around that hadn't been thought of before. It's pretty cool to see these kids drawing inspiration from so long ago, just like we are now!

There is a great article about the Teddy Girl subculture here, and a whole website of info here (mostly on Teddy Boys, but some nice pics of the girls too!
Katie over at Butterfly Loves Snapdragons  showed her take on the style here and also did a fab hair tutorial which would totally work with this look.

What do you think of the Teddy Girl style? Is it something you'd try?

Winter Dreaming..

I'm sure I've probably mentioned this a few hundred times, but I'm really not Summer's biggest fan.

Particularly the kind of sweltering, over 40C, bushfire-causing endless ones like what we have recently been experiencing down under!

But just when I am feeling like we're doomed to live in a tropical hell forever, the last couple of days have been deliciously cool (well, cooler), and have me dreaming about all of the lovely, cozy things I'll be able to wear come Autumn and more bearable temperatures!

I've been thinking about the kind of look I want to be wearing for the coming cooler months. I'm going to try to stick mostly to a colour palette of pale blue, mustard, hunter green and deep red, with brown tweeds, grey, black, white and cream for neutrals. I've never been very good at the whole "pick two colours and one neutral" rule for wardrobe planning, so this is my compromise.

I already have some cold-weather appropriate things, but I have a pretty long wish-list too!

Some things on this list include:

1. A New-Look style coat.

Polka Polish / Etsy / Here

I've been searching for a coat like this for such a long time. I've finally come to the conclusion that I'm way too fussy (and poor), so it looks like making my own is going to be my best bet. I'm still thinking about colours, but leaning towards grey with a nice coloured lining, like this one seen on Polka Polish:

Maybe a deep red printed lining? In any case, I hope to start this at least by the start of Autumn so I can get the most wear out of it as it gets colder.

2. More cozy knits

They Roared Vintage / Tickety Boo Tupney / Etsy

I love the look of a pull-over knit with a blouse collar poking out the top, tucked into a skirt or trousers. Knits are so versatile, whether they are button up or not, and make a very useful layer for those chilly mornings and nights. I really need to re-learn how to knit!

3. More trousers

Scan from the Fedora Lounge / Lucky Lucille / Va-Voom Vintage

I already have a few pairs of trousers which will work well with my overall look, but I would like maybe just a couple more pairs.

4. A pair of 1940's-style fur booties or over-boots

Etsy / Polka Polish / Blue Velvet Vintage

I love the look of these adorable boots with seamed stockings and a woollen a-line skirt. I already have plans for a potential DIY project coming up soon, so keep an eye out for that!

5. Long or mid-calf brown lace-up boots

Va-Voom Vintage / eBay (listing ended) / Vixen Vintage

So versatile, so pretty, and so easy to hide big thick socks under :)

6. Blouses

Flapper Girl Creations / Etsy / Etsy

Sure, maybe not a strictly Autumn/Winter piece but I currently have a severe lack of blouses in my wardrobe. I'm looking at making a bunch of them in my chosen colours and various prints to mix and match with everything else.

7. Woolen A-line skirts

Tumblr / Lucky Lucille / Fedora Lounge

So far I've been happily sewing pencil skirts, gathered skirts and circle skirts, but none of these classically vintage skirts. Perfect in wool and tweed, and amazing for avoiding embarrassing skirt vs wind moments.

8. A snuggly-yet-glamorous house coat/robe

Polka Polish / Etsy / Miss Sixties Vintage

Another thing thats been on my to-do list for a while now. My current, very fluffy, hot pink, modern monstrosity of a dressing gown is just not cutting it for me - I want something with the same warmth and comfort, but about 1000 times more glamour. The immensely talented Frances at Polka Polish made her beautiful housecoat (above) herself, so I am determined to do the same, I just need to settle on a colour and fabric type.

9. Mid-weight jackets

All from Etsy; 1, 2, 3

Another great layering piece, which is essential in Melbourne's unpredictable weather. I'd love to ideally have a range of jackets and matching trousers or skirts which I could mix-and-match with each other. I adore all of the styles above so I'll definitely be getting my sewing machine out for this one.

10. Accessories

Tickety Boo Tupney / Here / Etsy

And finally, to top it all off, I'll be looking for some more cold-weather appropriate accessories - such as hats, scarves, gloves, a fur muff and various jewellery.

Is anyone else over their current season? Whats on your wish list?