Pull Your Socks Up!

OMG It's the Funky Shit Giveaway!

2012-02-14T17:34:00.000+10:00

Buona fortuna e molti baci,
Desiree xo

Dead Ants are Good Ants

2012-02-13T20:14:00.000+10:00

I gave them run of the house for close on three years.
I was fair, patient, rather bemused, yet believed they would just move on one day.
But no, the day a sparky informed us it was "the ant plague" that had caused a blow out of the house's entire socket power, it was time to say "Guys, you gonna DIE".
So the executioner was called in and we have peace at last.

In other breaking news, I'm wearing a fabulous 1970s cotton maxi skirt I purchased from the big-hearted, beautiful Nelly.
Perfect for the sweltering summer days we're having.
The embroidery is mesmerising and it was the deep frill that took my heart away.
Soooooooo ... I'm happy coz, no fecking bitey ants infesting every nook and cranny and I finally have a frilled maxi skirt to swirl around in!

I've had this 1970s Australiana kitsch beaded handbag for a few years but it's been hidden away and I forgot about it until I bought a 1940s sideboard to take the dressing table/wardrobe overflow.

The wood veneer of one of the doors has a wee chip in it but I think the fabularsehole vintage carnivale costume is distraction enough to hide it until I daub it with some poo-brown stain.
Is my ploy working?

There's even a mirror so one check out one's awesome dance moves from the kitchen!

Spot the dead biatch.

Laser gun and 1970s James Bond Hot Wheels car ... remember it was an amphibious Lotus?

Gratuitous purple chola slut bra peekaboo shot especially for my beautiful Mexi Queen La Dama.

1970s embroidered maxi skirt - purchased from Nelly's shop, Vintage Wishes

Hologram eye necklace - by Liv of Original Seed
Crappy purple tank top - from under my pillow

Red rose headband - handmade

1970s beaded bag, beaded necklaces and bangles - thrifted

Leather bangles - gift from the delish Erica Louise

Blue dice earrings - gift from Miss Danni-Long-Legs

Red VW Melissa Wings - Amazon

Nelly squirrelled in a couple of cheeky pressies - this perfect "D" Scrabble ring (2 points!) and cane bangle ... so sweet:).
I hope your week goes off with a massive bang my gorgeousnesses!
Desiree xo

Cheap Skater

2012-02-09T20:59:00.000+10:00

Now that's what you call hysterical laughter, Desiree-As-Circus-Freak style.
I'm laughing at The Stylist's description of the staff and clients of a busy hairdressing salon we'd just sauntered past.

I'm pretty sure they would have offered me multiple free treatments if I'd asked them, judging by the slack-jawed stares until we were out of sight.

She mimicked much eye-balling, sideways-banana grins and dropped scissors.

One of those beautiful moments for her to treasure.

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments about my sartorial/daughter dilemma - a parent dressing for one's own pleasure and mood can be extremely embarrassing for kids, judging by some of your wonderful tales!
But hey, peer pressure is going to exist in some form and none of you discouraged my individualism for anyone's sake, so I'm sticking with what I know.
Like the Black Eyed Peas sing, I will continue to "free your inhibition, follow your intuition" - but I might have to be careful with the "R" word;).

Yesterday I snaffled this awesome sparkly, organza costume for five bucks from my favourite thrift shop, Aid for the Blind.
Today I went back to snatch up a huge pink tutu skirt for the same price, after many palpitations during closing time as to whether it would still be there this morning.
Sweet relief, it was and you'll see it soon while I'm in this carnivale mood.

I'm really not sure what this frock is for: ice-skating, ballroom dancing or bare horseback-riding.
I thought it perfect for picking up some cheap milk and the busy supermarket shoppers went home with a story of a bona-fide mad woman on the loose.
I figure I'm doing the poor bastards a public service.

It's not worth holding back on your creativity and suppressing your inspirations.
Trust mama and wear your frilly chonis on the outside.

Mad costume frock, bangles and 1960s crochet bag: thrifted

Rose headband: made by me

Leggings: Black Milk

VW Melissa shoes: thanks to the lovely Suzanne

Dice earrings - gifted by Miss Danni-Long-Legs

Happy days!!

Desiree xo

Let's Get Retarded!

2012-02-07T22:27:00.000+10:00

Collecting The Stylist from her classroom early this afternoon for her new gymnastics class, I was greeted with a scowl and a hiss: "Why did you have to dress up Mum?"
Me: "You know this isn't dressed up"!
OMG it's started!
The shame!
The embarrassment!
My mother is a total retard!

The poor wee dear ... so many mixed feelings for both of us.

What?
Too much?
Surely not!

Away from the prying eyes of gawping little girls, The Stylist got camera-happy.
In fact, I couldn't stop her!

Hat: a beach shop

Bodysuit: Black Milk

Pink and orange sparkle necklace: the glorious Krista

1970s cotton maxi, all other jewellery, sunnies and floral granny bag: thrifted

VW Melissa Wings: Amazon

Pink bloomers: eBay

Blue toenail polish: the Vixacious Vix

It appears that in the public eye, she is proud and happy to be clutching my hand, hugging me and enjoying a girly giggle.
Today's temperatures soared, I felt a bit hot and sweaty and she thought it an absolute hoot when I decided it was time to ditch the skirt and finish shopping in my granny bloomers.

Ooops! There goes my bottom half again!

Ooooh a lovely stretch was just what I needed:).

A close-up of a bit of sparkle and those delicious bloomers for you my lovelies.
Be true to you and your treasured darlings.
"To lose this inhibition, follow your intuition, free your inner soul and break away from tradition.
Lose control, all body all soul.
Don't move too fast people, just take it slow.
Don't get ahead, just jump into it.
Get started, get stupid."
Molti baci,
Desiree xoxo

Come Join the Circus!

2012-02-01T13:13:00.001+10:00

Admit it.
You love tutus but if you didn't get one when you were four, you're always eyeing them up to buy one for your favourite wee chickadee.
If like me you didn't get a fluffy tutu, you still want one ... don't you?

I have been completely obsessed with vintage circus and carnival outfits for while now.
So when my sore eyes fell upon this old purple satin one-piece show costume in a local op shop, I was ready to chuck in the towel, buy a caravan and start my own family circus.

Then I realised we're already a family circus ... so I'd better get on with the show eh?

This costume has had a hard life with plenty of wear.
I think it's from around the 1950s judging by the cut, fabrics, hand-stitched sequins and the puffy, bloomer-style bottom.

You can never go wrong with stripes, especially when it comes to carni-style and how 'bout that stupendous cape Helga gifted me?

I even have my own wee gypsy girl to help me dress in time for the show ... ain't she a scream?

She's giving me the nod to start limbering up for the show ...

I think I'm about ready to walk the tight rope.
The one behind me that someone keeps sticking washing on ... so inconvenient!

Well if no one buys a ticket to my show, I could always don a pair of "Kath Day Fancy Dance Spanx Pants" and join Kath and Kel on the dance floor.

Headband: made by me

Circus costume: thrifted

Cape: gift from darling Helga

Blue pendant and nail polish: gifts from gorgeous Vix

Pink necklace and orange scarf: from lovely Krista

Bangles: thrifted

Earrings: Etsy

Leggings: Black Milk

Shoes: from Suzanne at the Melissa sample sale

Jump Around!

2012-01-30T22:59:00.001+10:00

Birthday morning a week ago called for bed hair and brekkie in bed.

And awesome green earrings from The Stylist embellished with five-cent coins "just in case you run out of change".

Then the wee hen decorated the kitchen with my Black Milk collection, decorating one's house with clothing is ingenious!
It was so awesome to see Number One son and Danni-Long-Legs up from Melbourne.

I think The Stylist actually had the day in the palm of her hand ... she spent the day doing insane things with my hair and she and DLL turned into completely insane lunatics, while the lads spent the day flying a remote control helicopter around the house.
Hooray for burp-days!

Skirt and leggings - Black Milk

Black bracelet - Number Three Son

Pink skull bracelet - the beautiful Krista

Blue beads - Danni-Long-Legs

Tribal necklace - the amazing Aminta

Number One Son found one of my favourite CDs from the early 90s while taking a walk down memory lane, digging around in his storage boxes.

Robot dancing in Cardboard City.

Dress ups are essential birthday activities.

Then scouring local restaurants until we found the noisiest one around - mmmm ... Italiano!
So lovely to see Number One Son and DLL for the weekend:)).

Can you tell we're a wee bit chilly?

Number Three Son bought me this awesome black metal bracelet - I'm so happy he and The Stylist bit the bullet and thrifted all my presents!

So he gets to wolf down a yummy fresh pizza.

A few days later surprise birfday loot arrived from the goddess Vix!
A 1970s lurex top and AWESOME GREEN jumpsuit, cocktail rings, 1960s evening purse, Barry M nail paint in the very colour I've been looking for ... squeeeeeeeeee!

The card ... act natural - well yeah, that's just me right there innit?

The Stylist and I can smell a tug-o-love happening over this leather gorgeous-people-dancing wallet.

It's been bucketing down for a couple of weeks now, so the jumpsuit has been perfect in the cooler weather.
The Stylist caught me having a stretch.

Dodging the raindrops and racing out for some happy snaps on Saturday.

Wearing the nail polish and ring from Vix with a 1960s frock I bought from a market recently.

My latest headband creation, worn with a sweet little necklace also from Vix and kimono from Erica Louise in the christmas swap.

Look what turned up today!!
A pressie from the darling goddess Helga!
A gorgeous wee cape with silver lurex flowers and the most awesome brooches including one of my idol Frida!
I think I pee'd myself a little bit.

A compliment for you ... thank you so much for your gorgeously sweet birthday wishes ...
I recommend this as THE best way to get a jump start on your week:)).
You are so welcome!
Love,
Desiree xo

On Day Release

2012-01-21T09:56:00.000+10:00

Yes, the phrase "day release patient with a four-hour curfew" does spring to mind here.
Oh the sheer, simple joy of wearing a huge-arse pink rose headband and gumboots (wellies to you Brits).

But all good things come to an end ... before the next good thing turns up.
It's getting dark and I should be back in my cell before Nurse Ratchett sets the wardies and dogs on me.
Should I let them drag me back, or escape and heed the lure of more sartorial freedom?

Tomorrow I'll be 44.
Getting older + mad outfits = LIBERAZIONE!!!!!

I hear the dogs baying.
They're on the scent!

Quiet or they'll hear us!

No, I'm leggin' it.
Stuff this four-hour curfew.
Onwards to the next mad-woman outfit. Hooray to freedom!!
No to beige capri pants and boat shoes!
Hooray for Johnny Nice Painter!

Floral headband - made by me

Swimsuit - Black Milk

Skirt - made by me

Bag - thrifted

Pink necklace and bracelet - from the beautiful Krista

VW Melissa Squiggle boots - thanks to Suzanne's visit to the Melissa sample sale

Oh My Knickers, It's A Skirt!

2012-01-18T20:51:00.000+10:00

I've always found it hard to resist wearing my knickers on the outside.
Why hide away a jolly nice pair of 1930s silk and lace scanties?
Why indeed?

Because sometimes what could pass as a pair of fluttery shorts, can look utterly ridiculous when the crotch is hanging almost down to one's knees.

That's why.

These two pics were taken just before Christmas when I took false panels out of the sides of this pair of treasures, as they were too big.
So what to do about the swingy, saggy crotch problem?

I sewed a line of machine stitching down the front and back of the triangular-shaped crotch insert, which turned it into a skirt.
Knickers no more.

Tah-dah!

More craftiness with another 1920s-inspired lace headband, this time in indigo blue trimmed with red.
I've got a pair of crafty nutters with me today, who have turned the house into a cardboard city of robots and medieval weaponry.
They've gone through around 50 hot glue sticks and two rolls of duct tape.
Where on earth do they get their obsessive gene from?

I thrifted this 1970s bag about 10 minutes before this pic was taken.
Spain is calling me!

A lovely lacy close-up.

Cheekiest face or what?

Hot choccy mo.

The Stylist is also obsessing over huge coffee table books on interiors, while Number Three Son is on an Asterix bender.
I'm just happy to wander through the library aimlessly, causing confusion among visitors - "Is she today's story-teller?".

T-shirt - Ms Minx

Knickers-as-skirt - Dandelion Vintage (on sale)

Leggings - Black Milk

Headband - homemade

Silver shoes - shopped by the lovely Suzanne of Idee Fixe at the Melissa Sample Sale

Bags, earrings, bracelets - thrifted

Pink skull bracelet - gifted by the divine Krista

Lipstick - Mac's Russian Red

Baci,

Desiree xo

A Very Girly Sunday

2012-01-15T19:29:00.000+10:00

Don't you just love it when the creative urge hits you BANG right between the eyes?
I'm still obsessing over making head pieces and I've been stuffing my craft basket with ribbons and lace picked up from op shops and dollar shops, waiting for the urge to strike.
And it finally did today.
This afternoon I created my first 1920s-inspired lace head piece.
Tah-dah!

It's made from a length of electric blue lace with pink ribbon sewn along the bottom edge and it has a ribbon-covered small length of elastic so it's easy to pop on and off.
The ribbon streamers are purely decorative and secured with silvery metal vintage buttons.
The Phoenix says it looks like I'm wearing a very, very lovely pair of knickers on my head.
So obviously I'll be making about a dozen more - hehe!!

A mild, rainy Sunday with the children out and about, it was the perfect opportunity to watch the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
And I LOVED it.
But it's very tricky putting blackest-black eye make up on and reading subtitles at the same time.
It's even harder to rectify the mistakes!
The Phoenix is lucky enough to speak Swedish so he doesn't have the eye make up vs. subtitles problem - haaaaaa!!
Nevertheless, I won't be bothering with the latest version of the film - I just know I'll be disappointed.
I adore Scandinavian movies and don't want to spoil the perfection of the Swedish film.
Yesterday The Phoenix wheeled down to the post office and picked up a surprise parcel from my favourite pink person on the planet, Krista, of Peetee's Palace!
She made me a gorgeous, gorgeous pink and orange necklace that I'm absolutely in love with, a pink skull-bead bracelet and gifted me a beautiful orange silk scarf.

The darling also made a special parcel for The Stylist who will get to open it in the morning - we are gonna look rockin' in our new jewellery!
Thank you darling Krista, a handmade gift is so very, very special to me:)).
I hope you're all enjoying a relaxed and happy Sunday.
Baci, Desiree xoxo

What a Bunch of Poseurs!

2012-01-12T15:52:00.001+10:00

Holy crap!
What happened to my hair?
Daily washing after salt water or chlorine swims, that's what.
My hair hates being washed, even with super gunky conditioner - the dirtier the hair, the happier we both are.

My favourite cafe is cropping up quite a bit lately, but it's such a lovely peaceful spot, the coffee is awesome and I always find someone fascinating to yak away with for an hour, even if it's me;).

The Stylist on close-up duties today.

Number Three Son goes incognito as Mr X sipping a caramel milkshake.

Mentos necklace = genius!

More simplicity today, but I surprised myself by managing super comfort in 70s stretch poly ... unheard of in a Brisbane summer.
The heatwave has abated for now:).

1970s jumpsuit - thrifted ($3)

VW Melissa 3-Straps - courtesy of Suzanne at the Melissa VIP sale ($20)

Red rose headband - homemade

Floral granny bag ($2) and crochet bag (50 cents) - thrifted

Earrings - craft shop

Time for some yoga warm-ups before the kids go for a swim.

At left, the Suspicious-Scuttling-Soft-Shell-Crab-Pose; at right, the Pose-Pose.

On the left, the Squashed-In-An-Elevator-Pose and right, the Comfy-Armchair-Pose.

The Nose-Pose.

The Stylist caught me rifling through the 20-cent basket on today's op-shop trawl.

My nails are fashioned in a new style called the School Holiday Manicure.
It's very now. The nails and cuticles deteriorate rapidly over an eight-week period.
I'm sure it's a huge trend for Aussie mums.
Do you like the Lego dashboard ring I bought from a craft shop today?

I made this wee messenger bag for Number Three Son about five years ago and it still goes everywhere with him.
It's made from vintage barkcloth, denim and paisley brushed cotton and is covered in badges he has collected over the years - of course, quite a few are missing in action.

Everyone needs a pink rubber watch don't they?
Well I thought so when I found this one in the dollar shop today.
Score!!
I've been lucky to snaffle the laptop at all this week - it's doing the family rounds, it's been having a purge and generally in use constantly - except by me!
I plan on hiding in the garage for three hours so I can have a lovely catch-up with you all - wish me luck!
Desiree xo

Lady of the Lake

2012-01-11T08:53:00.001+10:00

I'd rather go naked than wear clothes.
Yep, we're having a bit of a heatwave here.
The options are: swimsuits, or full commando around the house with just a cotton kimono for "modesty".
The kids are on their eight-week summer break after all and I don't want to scare them too much!

Thank goodness we live near the sea, so a bit of a float in salt water is part of my daily ritual.

OK so sometimes I HAVE to put on some clothes, but I'm actually enjoying my brief minimalist period:).
I'm still double-bagging it though - I just cannot do the full minimal thang!

Swimsuit and skirt: Black Milk

Sunnies: shop in Fitzroy, Melbourne

Granny bag, crochet bag, necklaces and earrings: thrifted

What more do you need when you're melting, than an angry tiger to roll around in the water with:).

Swimsuit: Christmas present from The Phoenix

Sunnies: thrifted

May your summer days be cool and your chilly days be cosy:)).
Big sweaty hugs to you my friends,
Desiree xo

Two Many Frocks

2012-01-06T18:24:00.000+10:00

Happy New Year all you gorgeous frockers!!!!
So I've finally pulled my finger out and got it together to do my first post for 2012.
And I'm being a right ole' blogzilla for this Frock on a Friday.
Two frocks in one day, yeah!!

The Phoenix says hello and happy new year!

This frock was probably once a maxi but I love it at this length ... just right for what felt like our first day of summer.
At last!

1970s frock - flea market

1970s leather boots - on sale at shoe hospital

1960s orange vinyl bag - Dandelion Vintage on sale

Pink floral headband - made by me

Brolly and bangles - thrifted

Earrings - craft stall

Yep ... got a bit brush-happy with the eyeliner today ... oh it feels good to just pile it on!

Number Three Son took on photographer duties today ... dear of him.

I love me diamantes!!!

The little man and I.

Then it was off to the post office to pick up an amazing huge-arse parcel from the gorgeous Suzanne of Idee Fixe who so kindly offered to do a spot of personal shopping for me at the latest Melissa VIP sale a few weeks ago.
LOOK!!!!!!!

VW Melissa Lady Dragon Balls ... I'm in love!!!!
The Phoenix in true male style suggested I could use a Christmas bauble if I knock the balls of my shoes ... naughty!
So an outfit change was definitely in order so I could wear those babies to take The Phoenix to his specialist appointment this arvo.
Any excuse;).

Just thought I'd give you a close up of the embroidery detail and brocade fabric on my slip-as-frock.

1930s peach silk slip - Dandelion Vintage on sale

Necklaces and brolly - thrifted

Floral headband - moi

Earrings - Etsy

Here's to even more wild glam this 2012 darlinks ... go for it!!
Baci,
Desiree xoxo

I Have Always Depended on the Kindness of Strangers

2011-12-30T20:20:00.001+10:00

The irony of Blanch DuBois's famous line in A Streetcar Named Desire is I've never depended on such kindness.
But what I've learned in 2011 is there are very kind and generous people, many that have never met each other in the flesh, who have been just so.

What has this thing called blogging unleashed into the stratosphere?

A cacophony of supportive voices, cheers of encouragement and shrieks of delight at the miracle that has been born ...
Thousands upon thousands of personal style and fashion bloggers who have discovered the joy of camaraderie, friendship, sisterhood and love.

Today I wore gifts from two bloggers, just two among many who selflessly think of their blogger sisters they've never met, or met just once or twice.
The bonds of friendship forged through blogging take place at the pace of the writer.
Nothing is forced, we each own our private space: our blogs.
Blog as the medium.
Blogger as the instigator, holding out the hand of friendship.

Yes well, enough of listening to me talking out of my arse.
Today I gave yesterday's shorts/culottes another whirl when I took The Stylist out to spend a gift card she'd been given.

Just. Have. To. Pick. Up. That. Stick. Oh jeez ... my back!

I really felt like I was about to take off in this pic!

Yeah suckers, move outta the way coz mama's got precious cargo on board and she's armed to the hilt against the suburban scourge to defend her wee hen.

The headband is so big it brushes the roof - now that's power!

The Stylist quite enjoys a bit of on-board entertainment ... Haaaaaaaalelujah!!!!!!

DIY top and 1970s bag - gifts from the lovely Erica Louise

Tribal necklace - from the unstoppable Aminta

Zambesi shorts - flea market

Red headband - me

VW Melissa's - Amazon

Sunnies - Melbourne

Are you with me? Have you been gobsmacked this year at the kindness and generosity of virtual strangers?

Baci,

Desiree xo

Going Loca for Espania!

2011-12-29T23:29:00.000+10:00

OK so I'm ready for that big move to Spain I promised myself as a 19-year-old hitchhiker.
I fell in love with the people, the land and the food, and swore I would return one day.
Well ... it's not going to happen just yet, but the temptation is even stronger after getting my Christmas swap parcel all the way from Spain today, from the gloriously off-beat queen of style, Aminta.
The swap was organised by Aminta herself and my Spanish heart throb, Sacramento of Mis Papelicos.
Thank you for pulling this swap together ladies and Aminta, I think I adore you more today even more than I did yesterday!!

I ripped open Aminta's parcel with glee and put the gorgeous heavy tribal necklace on straight away, as it went with the purple kaftan I was wearing this morning.
The 1970s green-blue pleated blouse was screaming "style me, style me" and how could I refuse?

The Stylist recommended I calm down with a nice hot cuppa.

But it was very, very difficult to keep still for the photos.
Bless her.

Just making sure you cop an eyeful here ... at the VW Melissa Temptations II I picked up half-price in the Melissa Australia two-day sale just before Christmas.
Hey, so who doesn't love a shoe bargain?

Just in case you missed them in the previous four pics - haaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

Zambesi shorts - flea market

1950s cardigan - Christmas gift from The Phoenix

All bangles, earrings, necklace and teal tights - thrifted

White fence net tights - eBay

1950s cocktail head piece and leopard-print bag - Dandelion Vintage sale

Shoes - Melissa Australia

I already have this cute little guy jammed between the pages of the book I'm reading right now:).
Thank you so much Aminta!!
Oh and I've got a pic feature on the Brazilian, Plastic Fantastic blog ... what a wonderful surprise!! Thank you to Penny for putting this one together ... I loved translating from Portuguese and reading the comments.
Apparently I am either loca and disgraceful or I have every right to dress however I like at my age ... I'm so happeeeeeee to have generated a bit of discussion.
Now that's what blogging is all about ... weee heeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Go loca!!
Molti abbraccio e baci,
Desiree xoxo

Turkey Curry Buffet

2011-12-28T14:46:00.004+10:00

I love leftovers ... food, books, furniture, clothes ... you name it.

So last night I made a pasta dish of leftovers from Christmas leftovers.

Due to their unpopularity, the leftovers are in the freezer and in future will be reheated and eaten as leftovers (by me), no doubt with some burning-ring-of-fire hot chilli sauce to distract me from the fact my leftovers are so despised by others.

So I'm heaping your post-Christmas plates with a dollop of my favourite leftovers of 2011.

If you don't like leftovers, shame on you!

Eat up slowly and I hope you don't get indigestion from my turkey curry buffet!

Thank you so much all of you lovely readers for visiting or following my blog this year.

I don't know where I'd be without your company - you never cease to make me scream with laughter or tear-up like an emotional train wreck.

Here's to more of that wonderful malarky for another year - 2012!

Love Desiree xo

Cheap Frills Are So Frockin' Friday!

2011-12-23T09:38:00.000+10:00

I've grown rather fond of Frock on a Friday.

It's like having a pet gimp in the basement I can pay a visit once a week.

Or not.

Will I, or won't I?

I'm never really sure what I'm in the mood to wear when I wake up.

But it so happens there seems to be a never-ending supply of frocks seeping out of every nook and cranny in the house due to my tendencies toward hoarding and domestic sluttery.

Having said that, I wore this frock on Sunday to visit a tiny wee pop-up vintage market.

I showed great restraint and only bought one frock, but I was struck by the glorious beauty of this 1970s nylon jersey men's shirt which made me instantly think of Helga's G-Man.
He would look amazing in this!

I snatched this splendiferous 1960s swimsuit off the rack and carried her about with me for ages before deciding she was too expensive.
Later in the week I kicked myself after seeing Hot-Legs Helga looking utterly glorious in a vintage blue swimsuit - arrrrgggggghhhhhhhh!!

How can such hotness be contained in one gorgeous specimen of a woman ... I ask you!

This little cutie is Matisse, who had a stall with her mum Glynnis.

Glynnis said she'd be going home with more frocks than she arrived with, as she'd had a wonderful splurge in the other stalls.
She's showing us an amazing 1960s evening maxi frock covered in rosettes and beads she managed to snaffle ... before me.

I wore this 1950s cotton frock I've had for about five years and decided it was time north Brisbane copped onto the double-bagging concept.

1950s frock - eBay

DIY floral headband - made by moi

1960s red vinyl bag - thrifted

1950s ostrich-skin bag - Camberwell Market, Melbourne

Red fence-net tights - eBay

Melissa Amazonia shoes - Melissa online sale

The following day I took The Stylist and her BFF out shopping and for lunch, wearing the 1960s blue and silver lurex frock I picked up at the market.

The day involved stuffing ourselves stupid on cake and enjoying general girly silliness with much giggling.

1960s frock - vintage market

DIY floral headband - by me

1970s bag and leather bangle - gifted by the lovely Erica Louise

Brolly, sunnies, earrings and bangles - all thrifted

Shoes - Melissa sample sale courtesy of the unstoppable Suzanne of Idee Fixe

Have yourselves a wonderful Friday my lovelies and don't stress about Christmas too much - it's only ONE day out of 365!
Baci, Desiree xox

The Female of the Species ...

2011-12-20T10:25:00.001+10:00

... is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more deadlier than the male.
Oh yes-siree it's true.
I just know it as I continue to age oh-so-disgracefully.

You can't see it, you can't touch it and you can't always feel it in your heart.

But let me tell you, a woman's invincibility is always waiting, ready to pounce.

So when things get dangerous, your super powers are restored and ready to go.

I have fought many baddies with my bare heart.

And next month I will celebrate 44 years of kicking arse and fighting farce.

It doesn't matter if you're a blond, a brunette or a redhead.

But it helps to have fellow female deadly assassins on your side...

... plus some fighting flares and a killer vinyl jacket.

You are a female with a deadly-huge heart and soul who must trust her instincts and sniff out the rotten apples.
But treasure the sweet and true.
Listen to mama talking here.

Amen sister.

1970s vinyl snake-skin jacket and shoe earrings - been in my wardrobe for 20 years.

1970s navy pin-striped flares - eBay

Swimsuit - Black Milk

Shoes - Camberwell Market, Melbourne

I admit I'm not so invincible when it comes to changing the parental controls on my laptop from settings for a nine-year-old.

That's why I haven't been over to see you for a chat.

But I still love ya's!!!

Baci, Desiree xo

Sometimes I'd Like to Cut Your Head Off Just to See the Look on Your Face

2011-12-17T19:50:00.001+10:00

I'm feeling very queen-like today.
Well, from the waist up.
Cardi, three-string pearls, silly hat, fluffy hair, dopey-looking face, oh and granny bag ... it's all there.
Except I think the last queen to show off her rack so disgracefully may have been Marie Antoinette or Elizabeth I.

I threw this on to dash out and pick up The Stylist after her sleepover.
It started with the leggings and then things kind of went from there in the following four minutes I had to get ready.

Off to the library to shatter any delicate nerves that may have been lurking in the bookshelves, but no, I think everyone ran away because I scared them off.
At least I got to the head of the queue in a jiffy.

Then off for coffee and a milkshake with the wee hen, who jumped at the chance to snap off rather a lot of pics - "Mum, EVERYONE is staring at you."

Say hello to my rack.
I love a bit of hook-and-eye wickedness.

This is the first time this darling Vivienne Westwood cotton corset has been out to play.
She's been hanging around waiting patiently and today she finally had her glorious debut.
I was worried about popping out of it, but the nert-pipples behaved and stayed well put.

Vivienne Westwood corset - eBay

Leather cut-offs - Bitching and Junkfood
Leggings - Black Milk

Cardigan - Camberwell flea market, Melbourne

Necklace, earrings and bag - thrifted

Hat - Etsy

Shoes - F21

This outfit makes me feel half-Queenie, half-Edmund Blackadder.

Gosh, I'm full of good ideas today!

Baci, Desiree xo

Oh-Rah-Rah-Rah Darling!

2011-12-16T13:17:00.000+10:00

"Do you think about dresses and hats all the time even in church?" - Love in a Cold Climate

I couldn't have said it better myself.
Thanks to the screen adaption of Nancy Mitford's book I decided a post inspired after watching Love in a Cold Climate yesterday, most necessary.
It really should be sweltering hot here in Brisneyland, instead we have stormy grey weather which means indoor pics with pathetic lighting.

But it also means vintage evening gowns, knickers and furs!!! Woo-hoo!

And of course, it's Frock on a Friday.
I practised using hot sticks in my hair again today ... still getting there, but I think the result is looking a bit closer to a soft 1930s curl, which is what I'm after.

This darling hand-made salmon-pink evening gown was a bargain-ous $30.
I think the frock is late-1930s to early-1940s.
All the sequinned geometric shapes have been hand-sewn and the frock has a peplum feature.
I go wobbly at the knees for a peplum.

That's for the squally weather which will just totally ruin my hair darlink!

Can you guess what's in my hair?
Mice of course!!!
These are the pretty mink mice sweater clips the divine Claire gifted me.
I'm very happy to have mice, real or fake, having their way in my locks!!

Oooh can't go without a knicker shot.
I'm building up quite a collection of vintage slips and knickers.
Yes I wear other people's old undies ... disgraceful isn't it?
These are 1930s button-up rayon and lace knickers - you really don't want to be in a hurry for the loo ... think about it.

Gown and knickers - eBay

Fur stole, 1930s leather clutch and bangles - thrifted

1930s art deco earrings - Etsy

Sweater clips and necklace - beautiful Claire

Blue fishnet stockings and garter belt - Sock Dreams

Melissa Amazonias - Melissa Australia (on sale!)

Which items of vintage clothing are you obsessed with today?

Back to Life

2011-12-13T07:59:00.001+10:00

After a weekend spent in bed with a man-cold (yes I get man-colds) I seemed to bounce back yesterday.
I'd say I was about 80% better here.
Better than a poke in the eye with a burnt stick eh?

To aid to the illusion I was feeling way better than my body was telling me, I decided to wear a headband that had been taunting me for four days.
It's one The Stylist made using little yellow roses, but it just wasn't "working" so she gave it to me to sort out.
I added these giant red flowers and plenty of greenery.

It's officially my biggest headband to date and I think I need more.
The other thing about recovering from a man-cold is I really didn't feel like wearing any make up so I just slapped on red lipstick ... not even mascara, which is unheard of!
Red lippie is THE way to make me feel half-human.

I fight back those nasty bugs with plenty of rings and bangles and of course this fabulous white bag!

Somebody's getting a parcel - hehe!

But I just had to make sure it went in the mailbox ... fly away my precious, fly away!

Now, sit back and wait for delicious fish and chips to take home for dinner ... every mouthful a scrumptious taste of heaven!
The perfect solution to satiating a returning appetite:)).

This little outing demanded minimal effort so I wore:

DIY headband

Swimsuit: Black Milk

1970s silver lame maxi: gifted by beautiful Vix

Silver lace-ups: ASOS

Earrings, bangles and rings: thrifted and Etsy

Bag and leather bangle: Christmas swap gift from scrumptious Erica Louise (you can see what I sent her here)

Pic inspirations: All by The Stylist

Let's fill that rumbling tum and get back to dancing and reality!
Baci,
Desiree xo

Robot At The Silent Disco

2011-12-11T14:42:00.001+10:00

After The Stylist spent the other night draping 100m of blue fairy lights around the house, I've decided to call her work of art, Silent Disco.
The Phoenix stumbled into the kitchen at 2am and exclaimed "they're fluro, everything's glowing!"

I think the lights go really well with my new "robot" pants (named by my styling team here).
Maybe I could do a Marchesa Luisa Casati, wrap myself in lights and go partying!
Note The Stylist's touch of her daisy headband on the tree - hehe!

When you're nine, you need to twirl.
A lot.
And it's better with a flashing Santa hat.

These pics were taken a few nights ago by The Stylist after I curled my hair.
I loved this outfit so much, I wore it the following day with a huge floral headband instead of the top hat.
I had two incidents of women leaving their shops to chase me down the street and compliment my very shiny outfit.
And there was this darling old lady talking to herself while walking down the street who interrupted the conversation she was having with herself to say "oh goodness those are nice pants".
I hope I talk to myself in a very loud voice in public when I'm an "old lady".
That way I can share my disgrace with the world.
Now that's love.

Men's vintage top hat: De Mille Vintage, Melbourne

1970s lurex tunic: opshopped

Silver leggings: Black Milk

Shoes: F21 (on sale)

Earrings: craft stall

Rings: Etsy and a shop in Melbourne

Remember this guy?

He's the really cool robot, T-1000 from Terminator 2 who did some really bad shit.

So yeah, I kind of feel like running like him - he is a robot-thingy after all.

No that's just way too exhausting.
Time for something more relaxing.
I bought a gorgeous baby mouse for The Stylist - she's so cute, I want to just keep her in my pocket.
I discovered that she fits perfectly in the cups of my bright purple chola slut bra, which I'm ashamed to say I haven't photographed yet for that amazing slattern, La Dama.

I'm happy to say the wee mouse loves playing in big headbands too.

What's hiding in my headband? from Desiree on Vimeo.

Hope you're all having a jolly fine Sunday!

Desiree xo

Well Frock Me Sideways with a Pitchfork!

2011-12-09T19:25:00.002+10:00

It's about time I wore this frock.
The poor wee dear, who really deserves a name, has been in my mending mountain for way too long and she's finally received the new zip she needed.
So she spent Frock on a Friday, out and about with The Phoenix and I.
Let's call her Betty Blue eh?

There's nothing quite like a 1950s wiggle frock and heels to make a gal feel a million bucks.
Take my advice.
Keep it tight at the knees, crank up the heels and you'll always have plenty of wiggle room on the pavement - gawpers and gaspers alike will simply part like the Red Sea.

Of course, accessories and a bit of 'tude help along that feeling of nothing-can-catch-me-but-a-crack-in-the-pavement.

1950s frock - Etsy

1950s straw beret - Madame Virtue, Melbourne

Faux-fur and lace brooch with vintage button - made by the cunning hands of Helga Hotness

Earrings and sunnies - Fitzroy, Melbourne

Other jewellery - thrifted, Etsy and leather bangle from darling Erica Louise

VW Melissa's - eBay

Leopard bag - Dandelion Vintage

Ostrich-skin bag - Camberwell Market, Melbourne

Oh what have we here?
1940s sheer black and lace knickers.
I'm feeling very Black Dahlia!

Ooh let's kick the weekend off with a lovely big bang in pale blue fishnets and six-strap garters.

I swear the six-straps are the shizzle - no dragging, saggy stocking tops like I get with the four-straps.

You can get the magic-sucking-in-garter-belt here at Sock Dreams.

I also snapped up the fishnet stockings from Sock Dreams for a piddly five bucks but I'm sure you could make your own by cutting the pants off a pair of fishnet tights.
All this talk about snapping, I think The Phoenix needs to get strappy-snappy pronto!

I swear Young Moira is giving me ideas - are you watching American Horror Story?
If not, why not?

Betty Blue baby wishes you a happy weekend and a jolly good pounding.
Baci,
Desiree xox

Summer Chillin'

2011-12-08T10:46:00.003+10:00

Let's get one thing clear.
I am a bit of a Christmas Grinch.
No apologies.
Just not into it in a big way ... so I let The Stylist have free reign when it comes to lights and decorations.
The dear wee hen has already done all her shopping, wrapped her pressies and festooned the house with blue lights.
Stumble out to the loo at 1am and it's a full-on disco going on minus the thumpin' beats.

I must say though, I am really enjoying the cool snap we're having here in Bris Vegas.
We've been rugged up with heaters on, sneezing with colds and I'm back in tights - weeee!!

After the Melbourne Cup Day vintage parade I've been stalking eBay for hot sticks to curl my hair 1930s style and they finally arrived in the mail last week.
So last night The Stylist and I had our first hot stick hair-do playtime.
I'll need more practice, but I thought I'd show you my virgin attempt.

I must have had heatstroke when I bought this 1950s crepe wiggle frock with this amazing fur collar from Etsy about two weeks ago.
It was on sale for $19 - bargain!!
But my, my it certainly came in handy to keep me toasty warm last night.
Anyone out there have ideas on what type of fur this is?

I picked up Gloria Swanson's autobiography from an op-shop for a buck this week. I've added it to the leaning tower of bedside books - she sounds like one feisty lady and the pics are amaze-balls!

The rose flower clip is from Circa Vintage in Melbourne;

earrings and bangles, thrifted;

green glass beads from De Mille Vintage in Melbourne;

white pearl necklace from the glorious, multi-talented and beautiful Claire;

bag from Dandelion Vintage;

I see you baby, shaking that ass!

Glory hallelujah I can wear tights because it's so chilly!
I'm making the most of it before the drippy, sweaty humidity returns.

Oh dear, I seem to have done it again ... Melissa Australia had a two-day 75%-off online sale last week so I got these VW Temptations II for a song - yee haa!!!!

Last week a surprise parcel arrived from the amazing Claire.

I nearly fainted!!
An utterly gorgeous peach lacy jacket and french knickers (they fit!), a lovely vintage double-row string of pearls aaaaaaaaaaand ... MICE!

Mink mice sweater clips ... oh lordy I'm in heaven!!

They both have their pink eyes intact.
Thank you so much Claire you wonderful, adorable, talented woman!!
Happy belated birthday to my darling Vix! What a hornbag!
Molti abbraccio e baci.
Desiree xo

Wedding Cake and Corporate Scumbag Tours

2011-12-05T10:22:00.002+10:00

Just two hours before our wedding in October, I decided it was time I did something about a wedding cake.
So I wiggled into a random French bakery all dolled up in my 1950s cocktail frock and pointed out a cake I thought looked pretty wicked and yummy.
I happened to mention I was getting married in a couple of hours and could they deliver it to the Italian restaurant we were eating in that arvo?
That's the great thing about Melbourne.
Very rarely does anyone raise an eyebrow at such "odd" behaviour, which would certainly be frowned upon here in Brisneyland.
I mean one is supposed to have some hideously expensive monstrosity to show guests what an amazing couple you are right?
Like zis?

Sorry wrong one.
I meant something like this.

Yikes!

As it turned out, we had our wedding dinner the night after the ceremony which wasn't planned, but turned out to be a really good idea.
We were well-rested (bahahhahahaha!) and it was a super relaxing evening.

I wore my wedding frock because the lovely lacy tart just needed a good thrashing for the second day in a row.
But I carried a gold lame clutch bag gifted to me by Hot Pants Helga instead of the beaded tapestry bag I used on the wedding day and kept the jewellery pretty casual plus some different stockings - ooooh err!

Wedding shoe fetishising ...

Notice the bed-hair?
What a flippin' disgrace!

The flour-less chocolate and almond mud cake was even more yummy as breakfast for the next two mornings in a row!
A couple of days later The Phoenix's ankle was still giving him some serious shite and luckily the hotel had an excellent wheelchair we could use so we went for a whirl around the city.

First stop, the Occupy Melbourne camp where we spent lots of time talking to people and getting to know some of the different issues people were campaigning for.

The following day, police encircled the camp and moved wire fencing in little by little until the protestors had only a couple of metres to move.

Of course, that's when the shit kicked off.

It was pretty bad as we'd met and talked with so many of the people we saw on the news being dragged away and they were genuinely passionate, highly-intelligent and peaceful people.

Calm before the storm.
The Melbourne camp was the first in Australia to be targeted by authorities.

Oh we is tired!!

The following morning I went for a walk for morning coffee and danish and enjoyed "losing" my way down alleys and newly-discovered tiny streets.

While waiting for the coffee to brew, I spied this pair of shops across the road.
I instantly longed for my darling dump-ring sister Helga to just appear out of nowhere, as the restaurant and "liberated" bookstore seemed an appropriate way to spend a couple of hours with the gorgeous hornbag.

This is Darryl - owner of De Mille Vintage - an outrageous vintage store on Crossley Street, where all the precious stock is in MINT condition.
Among his talents Darryl is a film and television art director and perfectionist and did all of the art direction (ie. everything you see except the the actors' wardrobes) in Season One of Kath and Kim.
We talked for about an hour about Italian films, his wild adventures on many sets around the world and current projects.
I was in heaven and believed for a while that I was so fabulous that I bought this 1940s heavy Czech glass green necklace and a men's top hat.
I was supposed to be buying coffee and pastries.

Next door was another shop with a totally different vibe - Madame Virtue.
I thought I was backstage at a fashion week runway show.
The shop was RAMMED with the most amazing clothes, which were flying around the room as a customer stood at the front door stripped off to her smalls, slipping on everything the owner Dean threw at her, with shrieks of excitement from them both.
Even the black Prada disc dress - drool ...
For me it was like watching a show ... nothing to buy but lots to perve over ... then I spotted a stack of vintage hats hiding in a basket near the front door.
A 1950s orange-striped straw hat beckoned and I caved.
Again.

Back at the hotel, here's what my dressing table looked like.
There's the top hat and green beads, orange striped beret, my beaded wedding bag, red sunnies from a shop in Fitzroy, lame bag and leopard-print bow-tie, both gifts from Helga.

So much vintage shopping naughtiness ... weeeeeeee!!!!

The feather vest was from Shag, which you may have seen in this disgraceful post.

There's certainly nothing disgraceful about the woman in this lovely painting, one of many in The Hotel Windsor's lobby.

A rare peek out of our hotel room door.

And in honour of Darryl's talents, if I end up like this, feel free to boot me up the arse.

Weeee It's Christmas Swap Time!!

2011-11-29T14:13:00.000+10:00

I cannot believe I was able to wear this 1970s yellow nylon jumpsuit from soon-to-be-Aunty-again-Sarah Misfit, in the very humid 30 degrees we awoke to today.
I think it's because it's floaty and has gorgeously massive flares so it doesn't cling and create a sweat-fest.
You know, when you stand up after ten minutes of sitting and it looks like you've had a nasty accident down the backs of your legs?
Looks like I'll be able to squeeze several more wears out of this much-loved baby this summer after all:). Yay!

Say hello to The Stylist's finger.

Hanging onto Penelope Pitstop for dear life because the driveway is at a 45-degree angle.
I've finally got my beloved little V6 coupe back on the road after two years of "it's a long story".

Also wearing:

DIY floral headband

Earrings: craft stall

Jewellery and brolly: thrifted

Stone & feather necklace: Original Seed

Bag: flea market

Sunnies: Melbourne

Shoes: eBay

And THIS arrived in the mail today, my parcel from the amazing and creative Erica Louise of Recycled Fashion as part of Lakota's Christmas Charity Swap.
So excited!!

It's true!

Everything including the gift wrap and lovely lace ribbon, was op-shopped (thrifted) except for the beautiful zipper hair clip which she made especially for me!!

She found me this divine cotton kimono which I just HAD to wear immediately, so cool and I LOVE the colours!

A close-up of the hair clip, which has little leather leaves attached to it.
Isn't she clever?

I also got this beautiful paper fan which is going straight into my handbag, plus a pair of beautifully crafted and painted leather bangles.

I'm overjoyed at this point!

The fan is going into THIS fabulous 1970s shoulder bag (or around the neck bag) - so beautiful!

One more thing, Erica also made me this beautiful top from some thrifted tropical bird-print fabric - and made one for herself too - I love it!
It fits beautifully hon!!
Oh dear, I seem to have lost my pants.
Again.
Such a disgrace - weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

That's because this wicked swimsuit arrived from Black Milk today.
I'm not taking it off - ever - well, maybe tonight.

I put the jolly thing straight to work immediately - Docs are protection against bindhi's (nasty grass prickles) and are an aid to general housework-y fabulousness.

I wish I could have a cat - the neighbour's lovely wee slut will have to do for cuddles.
Remember how when we were kids we'd run around the house and garden all day in our swimsuits?
That's me today and probably for the next four months.
Let's see what the neighbours think about an overgrown child-mother dancing under the sprinkler with the kids this summer eh? Hehe!
Happy days to you my lovelies:).
Love Desiree xo