blueberry nights

Today the sun came out and flashed its lovely golden self. It was still cold but walking home I felt like spring was really here. I could smell the faint sweetness of a distant summer.

I am a summer girl through and through. I hate the cold. It gets into my bones and squeezes off the circulation to my feet and hands. My skin turns purple. Orange. Weird distorted colours.

In the sun I am happy. I am free.

Let me put flowers in my hair and run barefoot through the sand. Let me be a cliche.

Until then, I am content with the sweet blossoming of spring.


I love this dress

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trade me!

I decided to list a few things on Trade Me - so for all you NZ readers out there, here is a look at some things I am selling. These are just a few. Click here to go to my listings:

OohLaLaVintage

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sewing inspiration: maryy

I thought that I would share some images of one of my favorite members of Burda Style.

Maryy never uses a pattern and her creations have a vintage inspired aesthetic, enhanced by her beautiful romantic pictures.

I love all her work but these are some of my favorites.

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don't blame it on the sunshine

Today was the loveliest of Sundays. It was bright and warm with only the slightest breeze (which for Wellington is always a blessing). After a lazy morning, we headed to the Farmers Markets, followed by a little thrifting and lunch at Offbeat Originals in Left Bank.



I also managed to get some sewing done and the rest of the afternoon was spent in the sun reading 'Paris Trance' by Geoff Dyer (not the first time - it is one of many books that I read over and over. I love how reading the same book at different points in your life changes the words, the experience, your interpretation).

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! x

shop update

Here are a few new items that I will be adding to my Etsy shop this week. I have already added a couple of other dresses (check them out!) and hope to take some further photos of more stock very soon! The little blue dress top right is the very first dress I ever made. I fell in love with the vintage fabric (my bf gave it to me).

My bf has also completed my banner which I have placed strategically above my little photo collage (it is very amateur but I am learning!).

I have just had my very first sale - a momentus occasion - and I wrapped it up to ship today. It was very exciting!

homeward bound

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I took this week off work to:

1 - test out what it would be like to work from home.
2 - to start up an Etsy store.
3 - to try and get my new flat more sorted.
4 - to sew my little heart out.

Of course, as I am off to Christchurch tomorrow for a 'mini-break' with my bf it has only really given me the last few days.

I have realised that:

1 - as I knew, I put a lot of pressure on myself as my own 'boss'.
2 - the internet is a complex world - I am more than a little computer illiterate but do get excited when I manage simple tasks. Though can someone please help me with adding images of my Etsy store to the side on my blog???
3 - the 'good' sewing days are always equated with the 'bad' sewing days.
4 - we have too much stuff!!! (Though the place is looking much cozier - I really do love it!).
5 - I could very much be a hermit. I like my own company. I like listening to old records and sewing and cooking and talking to no one. (To be fair, when my bf gets home I jump all over him and force him to engage in conversation).

One day this will be my life.

I would love to hear from all you lovely bloggers for whom working from home is a reality.

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it takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry

Yesterday, I had pancakes in bed while watching Amelie, played in the sun, read my book on my rooftop patio, and ate salty cashews while drinking icy cold beer.







Today I am sewing this:


and listening to this:


Have a lovely Monday

xxx

a day in pictures

reconstruction

This now chic little black dress was once a staunch 80s power dress, complete with shoulder pads.

- I removed the shoulder pads, shortened the arms and hemmed the dress to above the knee.
- Then I lowered the neckline into a v-neck and added the antique lace collar.
- For the finishing touch I made a bow from some of the material I took from the length, and sewed on a little vintage button.

Now it is all ready to sell at the Mighty Mighty Market in Cuba Street on Saturday.

This is held on the first Saturday of every month, from 2pm - 6pm. I sell a selection of vintage clothing (both untouched and reconstructed) as well as items I have made from vintage fabric.

What greater way to spend an afternoon, than surrounded by vintage clothes, old records and like minded people?Oh and because the market is in a bar we can even enjoy alcoholic refreshments while we 'work'!

I will be sure to take some photos and post on Sunday!x

style icon: sarah blasko

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Sarah is one super stylish lady - I covet every dress she wears.

And she can sing too.

frocks on bikes

I love the idea of riding around on a bicycle this spring in a pretty vintage dress. I especially would like a bicycle with a basket. Even though my boy tells me that it is impractical and that knowing me I would fill it up, go off balance and fall off.

I unfortunately don't particularly like being on two wheels when faced with narrow streets. And hills. There is also the wind to contend with here in Wellington. And often, sideways rain.

If I did decide to brave these elements, I would would go straight to my friend Felicity's blog and check out the beautiful creations she has on offer:

http://thenewbicyclempire.blogspot.com/