The morning sun touched lightly....

'.....on the eyes of Lucy Jordan
In a white suburban bedroom in a white suburban town
As she lay there 'neath the covers dreaming of a thousand lovers
Till the world turned to orange and the room went spinning round'

y'avait du soleil

I really can't believe that it is Christmas this week. Along with the fact that four days after that it is my birthday. And then New Year's Eve. And then 2011! Where does the time go? And why does a year seem so much longer when you're say five? (My friend once told me that this is due to the fact that when you're five a year is one fifth of your entire life and therefore HUGE but when you're twenty five it's only a twenty fifth and so of course it seems shorter and so it continues as we get older and older as time seems to gain momentum and move at incredible speed). Ok, so I'm rambling.

I must say that 2010 has been a full on year for me. And I am feeling very much at a loose end right now. I finished up at my job last week. It's strange having my days free. Though they don't feel free. I feel busier than when I was working!

I did though have some down time last week watching the entire series of My So Called Life. I had never seen it. I knew it was something of a cult classic and that it had Claire Danes and Jared Leto in it. But I had no preconceived ideas. And I really loved it. It took me back to being 15 years old and being obsessed with this guy called James who had that dreamy flopsy 90s haircut, played the guitar and wooed girls with his intense serious blue eyes. He was my Jordan Catalano.

I got my hair colored today - not blonde blonde but lighter and my hairdresser curled it loosely for me. So when I got home I thought I would dance around a little in this 1930s dress I purchased from the lovely Francesca of thirteeneightyfive.

I think it is a dress for hair up but who am I to mess with my hairdresser's handiwork.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say hello. Thank you for your comments and taking the time to visit me. It really does mean a lot to me.

x

1930s black vintage dress (etsy), Vintage Locket (the vamoose), Polka dot tights, Vintage T-Straps (etsy)

wild horses couldn't drag me away

Oh Marianne. This picture was too much for me. My three years of growing my hair abruptly came to an end last night. Reunited with my hairdresser (who has been overseas for 2 and a half years and only just returned) I took her this photo and gave her permission to chop away my straggly locks.

It's a little shorter than this at the moment (and I am slightly in shock at exactly how much hair I lost) but will be absolutely perfect when it grows a couple of inches. Now I must study you tube videos to learn how to get some volume in my hair and keep the ends nicely flicked out in that 60s style I love so much.

I will also be going blonde in the weeks to come ...

And blogging again soon I promise!

x

the hissing of summer lawns

I feel like I have been hiding away for weeks. Today the sky is blue, the sun is shining and I have decided to spend the afternoon out on the deck reading Valley of the Dolls and listening to old records. And maybe I'll treat myself to a cocktail. All I need now is a view of the ocean.

I needed an outfit that would reflect the frivolity of my day. These 1950s pin up style polka dot shorts paired with my red bathing suit and 60s mary janes fit the bill. Of course the look wouldn't have been complete without red lips (I wanted red nails too but am so terrible at painting my nails I gave it a miss).


I haven't worn shorts (apart from to the gym) since I was a child. Basically, I have as much trouble finding flattering shorts as I do pants (and I haven't worn pants in years). So, when the lovely owners (mother and daughter team) of the adorable store Swonderful asked me to do a review on a pair of shorts from their Spring collection you can only imagine how excited I was. It is the only store in Wellington (bar vintage and thrift stores) that I ever go to. The only way I can think to describe its cuteness is to say that it is like the handmade section of Etsy in a real life store. Completely sweet and perfect.


I love the high-waist, the simplicity of the design (I am not much for fussy details) and the length - not too short, not too long, to quote that golden haired little rascal, they are just right. And the polka dots - so cute! I am planning on living in these this summer. They will go perfectly with all my little vintage lacy tops and blouses. But I must say, I like them best with my swimsuit as I feel ready for the beach or summer vacation. Not that it's quite that warm yet. A girl can dream.


Now to get some sun on my pale winter skin....


x

Wearing: 1950s style bathing suit, worn as a top (thrifted), Polka Dot Shorts (courtesy of Swonderful), Vintage 1960s Red Mary Janes (Ziggarat)

I've looked at life from both sides now From up and down, and still somehow It's life's illusions I recall I really don't know life at all

I feel in a kind of limbo right now. The days are melting into each other one by one.

Wearing: Vintage Cream Lace Scalloped Crop Blouse (with button up back) - Tete a Tete, Vintage Velvet Skirt with Scalloped Hem- Trade Me, Vintage gold and pearl necklace - Tete a Tete, Jazz Flats - shoe shop - can't remember the name!

NB. A special appearance by Kittykins in the second photo. He just loves the sunshine (and he's catching it full on!)

karen elson

Karen Elson rocks and just look at how darn cute she is with that guitar!

x

what i love

I can feel Spring a little today. My office is warm. The sun is streaming in and hitting my computer screen. I can smell coffee. I feel like closing my eyes and curling up on my chair and listening to the many records I have purchased lately - Francoise Hardy, Edith Piaf, Joni Mitchell, She and Him (Volume 2), The Mynabirds. I also have two Patti Smith albums on the way. Oh I do love vinyl! However, it really isn't that practical that I have this sudden impulse to buy records when we are supposed to be downsizing our belongings, not increasing them! But in winter especially I am obsessed with the simplicity of purchasing online and honestly, I just love getting packages in the mail (who doesn't really??).

I also received two gorgeous vintage blouses yesterday and yet another cream dress to add to the collection. My summer wardrobe continues to expand whilst it is difficult to get dressed on the winter days that are still in swing.

I am now just waiting on this lovely dress from Q's Daydream....

One day I will buy winter clothes - preferably by next winter (though I say that every single year.....)

x

Je t'aime... moi non plus

The International Film Festival is on in Wellington at the moment. I am going to see Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque) next Tuesday at the Penthouse Cinema. I am so excited!

I have just got back from a lovely mini-break in Melbourne (with a bypass in Christchurch where I got to spend one last day thrifting with Andrea). I am finding it difficult to get back into the rhythm of work and not much play. However, I do feel like it is a downhill freefall from now until December. This will be when I resign from my job, the beginning of a long and hopefully warm summer and finally preparation followed by the actual reality of moving permanently to Melbourne.

For now, I am whittling away time reading, listening to music, and buying far too many summer dresses than is appropriate in the middle of winter.

x

cherchez la femme

I love this dress. I feel like I have been transported back to the 60s (which of course is where I would very much like to be!). I was taking photos for my Trade Me listings (the usual Saturday drill) and decided that I wanted to play dress up even though I will not be leaving the house today. So I paired it with my new sheer polka dot tights and these cute little oxford heels (which you can't really see too well).

I am listening to old records that we found yesterday at the Salvation Army - Dionne Warwick, Connie Francis, Dusty Springfield, Nat King Cole - and wasting away the afternoon all dolled up with nowhere to go - and happy about it!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

x

PS. I am currently playing around with my blog template. My boyfriend is going to design it for me! So keep an eye out for various states of change - I'm really excited!

Wearing: 1960s Mod Dress ( RedVelvetArt), Black Sheer Polka Dot Tights (Trade Me), Vintage Black Oxfords (Thrifted)

autumn changing colours

I must say - Autumn so far has not been too bad. There have been a few clear sunny crisp windless days that have given me a little light in the darkness of an impending winter. Today was one of those days though there is a chill in the air now as the sun starts its descent.

And anyway, I have not been outside. I have missed yet another Saturday as I have been working on Trade Me auctions since I got up this morning. I have a love/hate relationship with the process. But in the end it is worth it. I love seeing vintage treasures make their way to new loving homes.

I am a ghost in the bloggersphere right now, as I thrift, mend, hem, wash and sell (as well as my Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). Also, on Tuesday evenings I am doing a silver jewellery making course with a friend. It is a very fun creative distraction and I am enjoying learning new skills and all the joy (as well as frustration!) that goes with creating something from scratch.

On a side note - the dress above was one that I was going to sell, but I have decided to keep it. I really love cream right now. Cream and navy and all things neutral. Simple. Classic. Pretty.

I hope that you all have a lovely weekend.

x

Wearing: Vintage Cream Dress (thrifted and shortened by me), Vintage Woven Belt (thrifted), Vintage Hair Slide Bow (thrifted)

time and place and beauty

As the days get colder and the nights get darker I revel in simple pleasures:

coffee ... always coffee

early nights and pretty bedrooms

warm luxurious capes

reading in secret places

red wine and great hats

crisp crunchy autumn leaves

Of course I dream of warm days when the sun beats down and I wear my hair in braids and dance in little summer dresses and walk in bare feet and lie on the grass thinking of nothing and everything.

x

All images taken from weheartit.com and juliette hogan

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you But in your dreams whatever they be Dream a little dream of me

I love red. It is bold. It is bright. The colour of life. Passion. Anger. Love. There was a time when I wore red every single day in some form. This was the dress that started it all. It was also the dress that led me to vintage. So, it is a special dress. And today I felt the desire to wear it.

Another day of hot Indian Summer. An idle day of wandering into town. To the Farmer's Market. Thrifting. Takeaway coffee. People watching. Lounging in the hammock reading 'Norwegian Wood' by Murakami. Day dreaming. Reflecting. Hoping.

The perfect Sunday.

x

1950s Reproduction Dress (Devol - Wellington designer), Vintage Black T-Straps (Sally Jane Vintage), Cameo Necklace (Pre-loved Clothing Sale)

it's been a long, long time

I have had such a good day. You know those days when you walk around smiling and thinking you know what, things just couldn't get better than this? I love that feeling. I treasure it. Especially when it's so easy to get caught up in looking forward and back, but often not really feeling the present. Now. This minute.

Anyway, today the sun is shining and I got up early to go to a Pre-Loved Clothing sale in the city. I wasn't really sure what to expect as the emphasis seemed to be on designer clothing and I'm really not that interested in labels. But I went early anyway. Just in case. And I am so glad that I did. While we were waiting in line we got told where the different sections of clothing were. So, I headed straight for the vintage/retro racks and I was the first one to reach them. I swiftly surveyed the racks and started to collect whatever caught my eye. Then to the shoes. Then the jewellery. The belts. The bags. When my arms felt like they were about to collapse I decided I needed to leave. So I paid, and off I went with three bags full of amazing vintage treasures.

The dress I am wearing was actually something I almost put back - it came with a matching blue 60s coat (which I will show you at a later date) and was hidden below it. So in short - I didn't even realise the magnificence of what I purchased. I also got a gorgeous cashmere beaded cardigan which allowed me to tick it off on my 'wishlist' and a stunning cameo necklace (though I think it maybe just costume jewellery). These were my absolute favorites of my haul.

I am currently sorting through and due to items not fitting or being 'quite right' some of them will be up for sale on trade me over the next few weeks.

Now, I really need to get out in our new portable hammock (a gift from a friend) to read the latest edition of Frankie!

x

1960s Mod Dress ($5 at Pre-Loved Clothing Sale!), 1960s Tights (Etsy), Black Shoe Boots (thrifted), Sunglasses (Farmers)

she & him

She & Him - In The Sun from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Cute!

x

girls just wanna have fun

I haven't posted an outfit post in a very long time but to be honest I've been taking so many photos of myself for my trade me listings that I haven't had the energy for it. So here is a candid shot of me and my very best friend taken a few weeks back at one of the weddings I went to.

Last night I had a very productive time sewing, altering and hemming. I am very excited about the lovely items I will be listing to sell this week! Though after working until I went to bed last night (after a full day of work) I slept rather fitfully, dreaming of ripped hems and missing buttons and modelling clothes.

It is such a lovely warm day today and I am already feeling dread at the forthcoming cold weather. I feel cheated. Like an old lover has popped in to let me see what I am missing in the knowledge that he will be leaving any minute. But for now I will enjoy the sun's hot embrace and revel in its kisses.

x

Well I'm sailing softly across the Sea of Life and it's so comforting to see the bright souls I share it with

I want to dedicate this post to my friends.

I've reached a point in my life where my closest friends have dispersed to follow dreams in distant cities. The last few weeks has been a series of goodbyes and tears and promises to keep in touch. I am still here. For now. But even I will be leaving at the end of the year. This city has lost a little of its magic, its sheen, its gloss, its light. Without my friends it is a little emptier, a touch darker, and eerie in its silence. Who would we be without our friends? I feel like a stranger to myself without them.

I will miss drinking wine with you and endless chatter on long summer days. I will miss pot luck dinners with you and laughing so much that tears stream down our faces. I will miss being able to tell you something exciting that has happened as soon as it happens. I will miss you being just down the road, even though we didn't catch up nearly as often as we should have. I liked knowing that you were right there. I will miss your hugs. Until then we have email. We have the phone. And maybe, just maybe I will even send you a letter. Be happy always.

x images all from weheartit.com

let me count the ways

I have serious writer's block. I don't know what to say about the last few days so all I am going to say is that they were AMAZING. We stayed in a holiday house perched on the side of a cliff overlooking Kaiteriteri. I was with my best friends. We drank wine. We ate great food. Two of my friends got married on this beautiful beach. The bride was beautiful, the service was beautiful and we all cried a little. We swam. We sunbathed and I even managed a spot of thrifting. All in all, AMAZING.

x

Wearing: Vintage Red Dress (thrifted), Vintage Black T-Straps (Sally Jane Vintage), Faux Pearl Studs (Silver Moon)

Polka Dots and Thrifting!

I'm off do some thrifting!

x

Wearing: Vintage Polka Dot Blouse (thrifted), Black Pleated Skirt (thrifted), Vintage Gold Chain and Pearls Costume Necklace (thrifted), Faux Pearl Studs (SilverMoon), Vintage Black T-Straps (Sally Jane Vintage)

pretty zooey

Image credit

we're going on a summer holiday

I'm sorry for another week long absence and please excuse me if I get behind on answering all your lovely comments. I'm away at the moment and will be back home for only two days before leaving on another little holiday. I have just been in Cromwell at the wedding of two of our best friends and next week two more of our very close friends are also getting married. Phew! Wedding season.

It has been amazing being down in the South Island and driving from Christchurch to Cromwell and back again. The north island is great but the south island is spectacular. Rather - it is home. And in the words of Dorothy there really is no place like home.

Here are a mere few snapshots of our trip, with a special appearance by Rowan, my partner in crime and this thing called life. He still stays incognito in his hat and aviators though.

Also making an appearance is the dress I posted about awhile back (it is actually a beautiful vintage cream/champagne colour but it looks white in the photos). It was the perfect dress to wear in the intense Cromwell heat. The shoes I have on were not as perfect. Freshly thrifted from the Cromwell Salvation Army the morning of the wedding, the heel caps melted on the scorching pavement as we walked to the church. Lesson learnt: test shoes prior to wearing. I can't wait to get the caps replaced though as they are so comfortable.

x

Wearing: Vintage 60s Crochet Dress (Trade Me - originally from San Francisco), Vintage Pearl and Gold Chain Costume Necklace (thrifted), Vintage Hermes Bag (thrifted), Vintage Selby T-Strap Heels (thrifted)