Spring Fashion Workshops and illustration

Once again, I have neglected this blog, the reason is I have been busily preparing for Spring and getting back into some illustration work, which I love.
It seems like winter has lasted forever this year and I can't wait for Spring! At the shop I am eagerly awaiting a beautiful range of hats and headpieces designed by my lovely friend Chitra from Chitra's Closet. All the designs reflect a strong vintage influence and fun colour combinations which are Chitra's signature.
I have also been working with Candice DeVille, aka Superkawaii Mama (check out her blog here)
and milliner, Peter Jago to put together a Spring Fashion Workshop.
I have just finished the imagery for this event and working on the illustrations made me realize how much I enjoy fashion drawing.
I have just finished a book featuring children's illustration, (I will post some pictures soon) this project was an educational book so while it was fun, parts of it were quite technical, so it was refreshing to work with the loose, fluid style of fashion again. I hope you like them!

GaGa Blows

I know there are a lot of people out there that are mad for Lady Gaga and love her whacky and so called original outfits, but to me it all seems so done before. Doesn't anybody else remember Isabella Blow????

 Isabella Blow

 Blow on the left, Gaga on the right, above and below

 Gaga or Blow?

Style Icon-The Duchess of Windsor

Lately I have been looking around at fashion of the nineteen-thirties, in particular bridal fashion of this era. (As inspiration for my own wedding) One of the most famous (and controversial) brides of this era was Wallis Simpson who Prince Edward (The Duke of Windsor) famously gave up the throne for. There certainly are many varied accounts of the Duchess' life, some more scandalous than others (at the moment I am reading a rather raunchy story of her life entitled "Dancing with the Devil") I have also heard that there is currently a movie being made about her, which is being directed by Madonna. I will be looking forward to that, if just to see the costumes!

A gorgeous diamond panther by Cartier, a gift to the Duchess from her husband.

 

The Duke and Duchess on their wedding day.

Madonna on the set of the new "Wallis Simpson" movie.

M.I.A

For the last few weeks I have gone 'Missing in Action' from this blog. Where have I been?
On Pinterest, that's where! I discovered it some time ago and would only use it on a recreational basis, but over the last few weeks it has developed into a full blown addiction. Because I am in the midst of wedding planning, I can justify the hours I spend on it, but with my neglect of this blog as evidence, I can see I might have a problem.
If you haven't checked out 'pinterest' yet , here's a taste.....

There are gorgeous fashion images,

inspirational places,

Holiday places,

And then there's the cakes.......yum

There are inspiring quotes,

Stunning hair and make-up ideas,

and there are mermaids,

There are cute puppies and of course........

there is Champagne!

Lots of Champagne.

I love this place. 

(you can visit it too, click here)

Happy Champagne Friday!

Baby, It's cold outside.

In just a few more days Winter will officially be here, although it feels like it arrived weeks ago. The weather has been cold, grey and dismal. While the thought of just beginning Winter may seem bleak, There are some pleasures to be enjoyed during the colder months.
Of course one of the things I enjoy most about Winter is the fashion, it's time for boots, hats and scarves and it's great to indulge in sumptuous fabrics like velvets and furs. Of course, these fabrics also make lovely soft furnishings too. We have the most divine cushions and throw rugs in the boutique, perfect for snuggling up into on a cold, dark evening.

'Alaska' and 'Bear' premium faux fur rugs and cushions

Something else to look forward to is the snow season. While Australia's ski villages  are not quite the same as those found in Europe or America, there is still a lot of fun to be had and hopefully with the cold prelude to Winter, it will be a great season. If skiing or snowboarding are not for you, then why not try my favourite activity to do while at the snow; consume some warming winter beverages like mulled (spiced) wine or a hot chocolate with schnapps- yum!

Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
(makes 6 serves)


1 Litre Milk
200g Dark or semisweet chocolate
260 mls Peppermint Schnapps
Whipped Cream to serve


Heat 1 Cup of the milk over medium heat and stir in chocolate until melted. Add the remaining milk, reduce to low heat and stir until hot. Do not boil. Remove from heat, stir through Schnapps, pour into mugs and top with whipped cream. Enjoy!

Vintage Winter Art Prints, now in store.

I love my new Besame Lipstick!!!

I am so excited because we have just starting stocking the most beautiful, vintage inspired lipsticks by Besame. Not only is the packaging divine but the lipsticks themselves are wonderful. I have been looking for the longest time for the perfect red lipstick and at long last I have finally found it!
I have had trouble finding the right combination of colour and texture. Most of the lipsticks I have purchased in the past have been too glossy and it means they seem to vanish within moments of putting them on and the matt lipsticks seem to dry up and feel 'tight' on the lips. The Besame Lipsticks are 'semi-matte' which makes them just right.

The lipstick display in store.

The range is created by cosmetic historian Gabriela Hernandez and her careful attention to detail can be seen in every aspect of the range. I also purchased this cute range of vintage style pocket mirrors, great for your bag or for a small gift.

Loving my new 'red velvet' Besame lipstick!

French Fashion Illustration

Recently, I was lucky enough to attend a gorgeous exhibition at the Melbourne Fine Art Gallery featuring Vintage French Fashion Illustration. The original drawings date back to the late 1940's and the distinctive style of 'The New Look' influenced by Dior is obvious in the images. Each of the drawings were equally as beautiful and the line work by the illustrator is amazing.
Here are a few examples of the works for your viewing pleasure: