It’s been a while! What is left of my clothes after the big clothing-kull-of-2012, is sitting in a shipping crate travelling over the Pacific Ocean. What was left I packed my suitcase. I chose items that would coordinate well with each other in the hope I wouldn’t die of sartorial boredom before the rest of my belongings arrived. Here are a few snapshots from my travels so far…

Czech Republic

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Germany

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France

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Great Britain

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Most of the time I carried everything in my trusty A is for Arsenic skull print tote and traipsed around in black X-Hi converse. Super comfortable. But I was walking past a store in Munich when I spotted a glossy yellow handbag in the window. Is that a Furla? I asked myself. I ducked inside and asked. It was! The salesperson said they had another in stock, and low and behold on the counter was a patent cherry red Furla Candybag. For fifty percent off. I nearly hugged the poor woman! Isn’t it beautiful?! Glossy red, Italian made, a decent size, vegan and to top it all off, under a hundred bucks!  The stars aligned I tell you!

A little late, but with good reason. So May and June have been quiet months for me. And here’s why;

We’re running away from home!

I’ve been packing boxes and bags for the last couple of weeks. Getting ready for this big adventure has been exhausting, but worth it.

Trousers: Cue

Blazer: Vintage

T-Shirt: ASOS

Belt: Etsy

Shoes: Miss Shop

Scarf: Vintage

Brooch: Markets

Bag: Vintage

We fly out in two weeks. Can you believe it!

I guess being St Patrick’s day and all I should have worn something green. But this dress was calling to me. I’ve been watching a lot of Twin Peaks recently, and the black, grey and red plaid reminds me of the opening theme song. It’s the kind of dress I’d wear out to the diner for a slice of cherry pie and a damn fine cup of coffee. Ya know?

It has some beautiful details, like the black button cuffs at the elbow, and snap-buttons all the way up the front. The cotton is also super-soft.

It’s getting on to autumn in our part of the world. Here in the sub-tropics, that kinda just mean comfortable. I’m looking forward to wearing cardigans again!

Dress: Vintage (Brisbane Vintage Fair)

Bag: Vintage

Shoes: Melissa

Belt: Vintage

Cameo: Antique

Sunglasses: ASOS

Hope you had an amazing weekend!

The lover and I skipped off to Prometheus Bound on Saturday and had ourselves rip-roaring time. There was a makers-market, burlesque dancers, trombone-playing-elmos and Voltaire. It was a chance to dress up, meet new people and catch up with old friends. What a hoot!

My talented sister made this bespoke faux fox for me. He has cute little ears, weighted limbs, a fluffy black tail and sparkly rhinestone eyes. He’s also very warm. I can’t wait to wear him more when the cold weather comes back!

Dress: ASOS

Shoes: ASOS

Hat: Vintage

Bag: Vintage

Faux fox: Bespoke

Gloves: eBay find?

Brooch: Antique

Like our famous Jacarandas, Brisbane’s Poincianas are a naturalised flowering tree from Africa. They come into bloom just as the Jacaranda blossoms are starting to wither. As things heat up in November, the whole city moves from pretty lilac to vibrant orange-red. Hello summer!

Just as Poinsettias herald the onset of Christmas in the northern hemisphere, so too do Poincianas in the southern hemisphere. They’re red and green; how festive! The flowers are also star shaped, so you know, they get bonus Christmas points or something.

Flame trees bloom at about the same time. So they get an honourary mention. The shape of the flowers has always reminded me of coral.

What better way to celebrate this time of year then to wear the colours of the Poinciana?! I picked up this little number at the Brisbane Vintage Fair several months ago. My obsession with polka dots continues. It had broken cream buttons so I replaced them with pretty purple ones. It also had these amazing full length secretary sleeves. But in deference to the Australian summer, they had to go.

That bruise on my leg is from walking into a coffee table. But I’ve been telling people that I joined the local roller derby league.

Dress: Vintage

Belt: eBay

Shoes: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa

Bag: Vintage

Sunglasses: eBay

Beaded Bacelet: Gift

Tiny pink ring: Christmas cracker find

Heart-shaped sunglasses make everything in life ten times better. I highly recommend them!

Hello!

This is what I wore to my Grandfather’s 70th Birthday.

I bought this 80s dress from the Salvation Army store for about $4. Unfortunately for me, it was then a six sixteen. Half and hour and several metres of cotton thread later and it is sufficiently bella-sized. Oh, and it has self-buttons!

I’m still hung up on poppies…

The playful polka dots remind me of my childhood for some reason. So I decided to go with it and use bright red accessories. Isn’t this red bow so very girlie? I feel like I’m six years old again!

Dress: Thifted

Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

Bag: Vintage

Brooch: RSL

Headband: Diva

Belt: Thrifted

It’s New Years Eve! A time for celebrating with good friends, which is exactly what I did – & here’s what I was wearing when the clock struck midnight!

• Black ruffle dress & red satin ribbon
• Red wool beret
• Red patent PVC peep-toe pumps
• Vintage Czech cameo on black satin ribbon
• Silver snowflake earrings
• Black handbag

This is my attempt at the messy hairdo. I don’t think I succeeded much; making messy hair look effortlessly chic is an ironically taxing exercise. For my NYE celebrations I choose a house party hosted by an old school friend of mine where we sat around & talked & giggled & drank till midnight. I drank gin & tonic mixed with lime & a little Campari – super delicious! It was one of the best NYE parties I have been to in a long while. We even had sparklers!

We have had some amazing weather lately. Luckily, where I am there has been no damage. For several days together it’s just been deliciously overcast; a cool break form the hot sticky spring days of a week ago. I went for a walk in the park & the weather reminded me of Britain & the outdoor sports used to pass the time there. So I whipped up three fantasy outfits on Polyvore that are inspired the sporting British gentry. They’re full of goodies & are complete with the necessities; boots, gloves & hats.

Rambling & Birdwatching

Product Information

Pack a luncheon basket with your favourite sandwiches & slip into some tights to keep warm. Add some matching boots & gloves in lilac, both with cute button detailing & finish with a wide brimmed hat (equally handy for rain & sun). Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars; handy for spying the local fauna.

Falconry

Product Information

Don your favourite pair of Christian Louboutin boots over velvet trousers & pair with a beautiful silk & cashmere blouse. Owls have been used as hunting birds too, so wear this topaz owl brooch for good luck. Finish the look with a wide leather belt & a pair of feathered earrings.

Horse Riding

Product Information

For a ride through the fields slip into some tailored, yet loosely comfortable trousers & pair with a tartan vest & blouse. A thick knit riding hat & some gloves will keep the cold out. Strap on a pair of cherry red Doc Martens & don’t forget the lucky ribbon & riding crop!

Extra Credit

• Join the Ramblers’ Association!
• Or the Royal Society for Protection of Birds.
• Check out photos from Dita von Teese & Marilyn Manson’s wedding for stylish falconry outfits.
• Visit this neat online gallery of vintage equestrian fashion.
• & lastly, How to Pack a Picnic Basket!

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