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)