Pull Your Socks Up!

Somewhere

2013-05-23T19:41:00.000+10:00

I found the perfect home.

It has everything I require.

Quiet spots to sit statue-like in silence, admire the view, spy on the neighbours.

A warm spot to contemplate my verdant garden, wee fireplace to warm my tootsies and enjoy a cuppa, even a daybed for drowsy kips.

Every imaginable comfort is at hand and in tip-top shape, ready for entertaining hoards of phantasmic guests.

You're invited.

If you like that sort of thing.

Let's have a peek upstairs then shall we?

Morning light pours through the bedroom windows.
Greet the day with a stroll in the garden, or enjoy breakfast in bed.
Of course, every modern convenience is ready and waiting.

Pics courtesy of artists published on Abandoned Asylums

My search for paradise took me to Everywhere, a place in which I found Somewhere.
I've been so far away for the past week, I'm lucky I didn't get lost.
I've almost made it back.

Earring - fashioned from a craft project by The Stylist

1980s teddy - hand-dyed and gifted by turquoise-haired beauty, Clare

Fox fur cape - gifted by our beautiful Kitty

White leather horse brooch - gifted by darling Vintage Sweetheart

Laura Palmer brooch - Etsy

1980s Studibaker Hawk dress, cat-ear headband, sparkle sunnies, silver granny beads, star necklace, silk flowers and other brooches - all thrifted

Shoes, green skull necklace, rings - craft markets

Fishnet top - dunno

I've been far, far away from Bloglandia.
I'm clawing my way back and looking forward to visiting you again.
Baci,
Desiree xoxoxo

Your Life Will Surely Change

2013-05-15T18:48:00.004+10:00

Guess the hermit.
I'll give you a hint, it's not the cat.
My head's bin bizzy.
Juggling the days, studying circus mind-tricks, brushing up on my poor Italian (including The Phoenix), cramming an English teaching course, organising a house move.
Tired.

This is what I wore to a house inspection this afternoon.
It certainly raised a few eyebrows from passers-by and several dog-walkers nearly lost their leashes (and dogs).
The 1960s frock was a gift from the divooooon Miss L of The Princess Prudence Diaries.
It arrived a few weeks ago at knee-length, but today it was mid-thigh.
Aaaah I love it!
Meanwhile, I'm obsessed once more with The The's Soul Mining album, which was my bedtime lullaby at age 17.

Today I stumbled across one of Roman Polanski's films in his apartment series, Repulsion, the first of three, of which followed Rosemary's Baby and The Tenant.
It was also his first English-language film.
Riveted.
That's the only way I can describe my response to the first viewing.
He introduces us to his unique brand of horror-thriller, with confronting camera angles, surrealism and the good old door peep-hole shots.
Catherine Deneuve plays Carol, a young woman who completely loses her mind while cooped up for two weeks alone in her apartment.
I now know that leaving a skinned rabbit out of the fridge for some company, is a sure sign of a need for some home help.
Top tip.

1960s frock - from the lovely L of The Princess Prudence Diaries

1960s beauty case, bangles, beads, earrings, sunnies brooch - op shops

Anti-Joyce badge - handmade by spunky Miss Simmonds Says

Golliwog brooch - borrowed from The Stylist

Terrier brooch - Etsy

Cameo-style vintage brooch - gift from my most gorgeous sister, Mere

Leggings - Black Milk

Shoes and pink ring - markets

Spiked headband - from an FB buddy

How you rolling?

Baci,

Desiree xoxoxo

Das Experiment

2013-05-07T19:48:00.002+10:00

Don't bother buying new clothes.

Just dye your hair.

It's like getting a fresh wardrobe full of new gear.

Boom!!

Not enough eye poppin' colour for you?

Check out Daniel's flippin' awesome Marina FINI jewellery giveaway - yeeeeewwww!!!

Desiree xoxo

Remember What I Said About Pink?

2013-05-02T20:53:00.000+10:00

Well, I kind of dyed my hair a shade of flaming hot fuchsia today.

Johnny Cash earrings - custom made by Create Beautiful Beads

1980s sequinned top, purple necklace and bangles - thrifted

Frida necklace - handmade by darling Tamera

Silver dangly necklace - from hornacious Helga

1950s girdle worn as a skirt - Etsy

Leggings - Black Milk

Shoes and rings - craft markets

I have some incredibly HOT wenches to live up to ... I'd better not let the side down!

Beautiful Jet of Idee Fixe

Scrumptious Krista of Peetee's Palace.

Her Right Hotness, Clare of Miss Simmonds Says, can rock pink, lavender, red and platinum blonde.

Zandra, Queen of Rhodes.

Scarlett's hair looks good enough to eat ...

So does Helen's.

I love this tart.

This pic is blurry but shows my true hair colour ... well, the one I got out of a tube.

The culprit ... it's SO easy!!

Today I celebrated four years of sobriety with a passionfruit cake and of course, pink-hair-does-vintage-curls.
There's a bit of cake left, fancy some?
Desiree xoxoxoxo

I'm Everywhere I've Ever Been

2013-04-27T20:10:00.000+10:00

It's Saturday night and hey, I'm not going to lie to you.
I'm staying in.
My body is home but my feet are dancing.
Beads and feathers are flying around the room.
In my mind, I'm somewhere no one has ever been before.
It's every gig I've been to.
Every music festival I've danced at without a care.
It's every movie I've fallen into.
Every flower I've smelled.
The loved ones I've hugged too long.
Every book I've drowned in.
Feathers. Beads. Sparkle. Sequins. Blackened eyes.
Check back in an hour and I'll be somewhere else.

1950s sequin and bead top, granny beads, white handbag, hair flower, bangles - thrifted

Feather skirt - Glitters for Dinner

Shoes, pink cameo ring - markets

Pink star necklace - from beautiful Krista

FREEKY necklace - custom made by Phussy

Tights - Sock Dreams

Tapestry bag and earrings - Dandelion Vintage sale

Get ya freek on.
Now.
Baci,
Desiree xoxo

Don't Say Cheese

2013-04-26T15:05:00.000+10:00

Most of us keep our passport photos under lock and key and will only produce them on pain of death.
Of course we blow the dust off them when it's time to travel, secure a bank account, secretly check how much we've aged since the last pic was taken ... blah, blah, blah.
It's time to renew my passport and I thought I'd try and push the photography boundaries as far as I could.
There's no smiling, no head-on-side, no funnage or circus tricks allowed.
But there's no ban on big hair, make up, hair ornaments, jewellery or bra straps.
Bags under the eyes are non-negotiable.

So today I thought I'd pile on the accessories and red lippy, plus do some of my classic double-bagging to find out if I would be escorted off post office premises.
I'm easily amused.

Well, no exciting stories of expulsion to tell, but I walked away with a pic that will probably make me giggle rather than cringe when I open my passport.

Spiked headband: check
Flower hair clip: check
Shoulder-grazing earrings: check
Loads of necklaces: check
Red lippy, bleached hair, darkened brows and liquid liner: check
Bags under eyes (a non-negotiable): check

Customs officers are going to be expecting a flamboyant show of circus proportions during my next decade of travels aren't they?

Thank you all for your encouraging comments about my cherry-popping car park experience with the tripod.

Usually it's just the tripod and me at home.

Away from home, The Stylist does the rest ... and what a talent she is with framing, lighting and her soon-to-be patented "five-shots-and-let's-go-home-now" method.

1930s onsie - eBay and DIY'd to turn it into a top

Feather vest - Shag, Melbourne

Comic necklace - gifted by exquisite Em of Ivy Black Chat

1950s black bag, green granny bag, bangles, earrings, other necklaces - thrifted

Pink zipper hair clip - handmade and gifted by lovely Erica of Recycled Fashion

Leggings - Black Milk

Docs - Solestruck sale

All set for the weekend lovelies?
Don't forget to set the volume to ELEVEN and show 'em how funky you are!
Desiree xoxo

Offenders Will Be Towed Away

2013-04-24T09:55:00.004+10:00

I popped my cherry last night.

It was the first time I'd set up a tripod and taken photos of myself in public.

I usually have The Stylist to do the honours when we're out and about, but while she was practising her ballet jumps, I thought it was a chance to tick that slightly intimidating job off the list.

It felt odd, but after a few light back bends and a few locals strolling through the car park without freaking out over some nutter with a camera, I loosened up a bit.

So what am I wearing?
Is it a peplum dress or a skirt and top?

Neither.
It's a straight up and down frock with side pockets, darling Clare of Miss Simmonds Says sent me a while ago, which obviously Lily loves too.
I've been wearing it often and it's creased here as I'd just taken it off the washing line.
She wasn't going to let me iron it.

I just hitch it up over my hips and tah-dah, instant wiggle frock!

Naturally, one picks up one's knitting and does a few rows while hanging around a grimy car park.
Everyone does that right?
It's my first attempt at knitting since I was about nine and I've just been picking up balls of wool from op-shops when I spot them.
Knitting is so therapeutic, I don't think this scarf will ever be finished.

Frock - gifted by lovely Clare

Platform shoe earrings and bangles - thrifted

Blue granny beads and purple feather clips - Etsy

Rose clip - Circa Vintage, Melbourne

FREEKY necklace - custom made by Phussy

Shoes - Solestruck sale

Thought it was about time I did something interesting with my hair; it took just ten minutes and a mini curling iron to achieve some banging 1930s curls.
Another quickie sorted.
Have a wonderful day sweeties.
Baci,
Desiree xoxo

Show Us Ya Pink Bits

2013-04-19T22:48:00.001+10:00

I can't pinpoint the moment when pink no longer made my heart go pitter-patter.
It may have been the first time I watched open-mouthed, like a stunned mullet, Madonna grinding her way through Lucky Star.
Thirty-odd years later, gorgeous wenches in Bloglandia bombard my eyes with pinky goodness.
I'm carefully dipping my toe back into the land of fairy floss.

Until recently, the closest thing I had to pink clothing were my 1930s peachy nighties, slips and scanties.
Until Helga sent me this glorious 1960s pink nightie last year.
Glory be it's too deliciously frothy to wear in bed, so today was its first outing ... as a frock no less.
Say hello to my pink bits.

Pink nightie - from hornacious Helga

T-shirt - from the glorious Tralala

Sequinned belt - from babelicious blond, Clare

"FREEKY" necklace - custom made by Phussy

Leggings - Black Milk

Johnny Cash earrings - custom made by Create Beautiful Beads

Leather vest, blue granny necklace, pink sunnies - Etsy

Bangles, pink headband and bag - thrifted

Green velvet hair bow - gift from Glitters for Dinner

Docs - Solestruck sale

Rings - craft shops

I have other bits to show you, not all pink, but gifts from absolutely fabulous wenches who have been so very kind.

The first parcel was from the absolutely scrumptious Em of Ivy Black Chat.

She knows my weakness for a particular evil bunny.

The necklaces were made by Dee, one for The Stylist and one for me - love this parcel Em!

In today's mail was a parcel from the absolutely divoooooooon Louise of Princess Prudence Diaries.

She sent me this beautiful blue 1960s dress which I adore ... just a couple of wee adjustments and I'll be looking forward to greeting autumn with this baby.

The badges are for The Stylist and she loves them! I got fab falsies with crowns on them, a bling-bling hip belt, a gorgeous, working vintage watch and lovely jewellery.
What thoughtfulness Louise, thank you so much!

I know, I know, I'm spoilt.

This time by glorious Vanessa of Two Squirrels Vintage, who has recently bought and is settling into an absolutely heavenly old church in Dunedin, NZ.

Circus treasures for a carni bint!

Lily crawled inside the dress and made herself at home.
She was so gentle with it, perhaps she smelled lovely kitty cats?

Just sharpening up my skills with my new training textbook.

Circus frock and vintage glass bead necklace - from the adorable Vanessa

Pink cuff and earrings - from darling Louise

"Anti-Joyce" and "The Insect Circus" badges, sequinned belt - Clare

Giant leopard-print brooch - made by Helga

Headband - DIY, more at my shop Sassy Vamps!

Pink sparkle necklace - from darling Krista

Purple beaded necklace, bangles, DIY'd leather gloves, other brooches - thrifted

Shoes with DIY glitterfication - Camberwell Market, Melbourne

Green skull necklace - craft market

I showed you mine, will you show me your latest goodies?
Have an adventurous weekend wenches!
Kisses,
Desiree xoxo

Maybe a Trip to the Outback Will Help With This Little Phase I'm Going Through

2013-04-12T19:33:00.000+10:00

It must have been about 17 years ago I watched a certain movie with a pair of wowsers (party poopers) who were shocked and stunned at what they saw.
What a shame for them.
This week I watched that same movie three times in a row and now I simply cannot get enough crazy-shiny in my life!

To whom do I owe the honour of injecting a super-strength shot of fab into my week?

Miss Felicia Jollygoodfellow,

Miss Mitzi Del Bra,

aaaaaaand, Miss Bernadette Bassenger.

1920s beaded cap, 1960s bikini knickers - Etsy

"FREEKY" necklace - custom-made by Phussy

Sequin top, feather bird on my head, bangles, feather earrings and Glomesh bag - thrifted

Sparkly bracelet - lovely Miss V

Frida necklace - supermodel Tamera

Pink sparkly necklace - scrumptious Krista

Green tights and purple fence nets - Sock Dreams

Shoes - market

I cannot compare myself to those wonderous wenches in the frock and costume stakes, so maybe I could be their wig-brusher, glitterfier and sequin-polisher?

Oooooooh and in other fantastical news, Spy Girl has been super busy with her sketch pad this week, I love this art work! Thank you so much Anne!.

"Check us girls, aren't we faaaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous?"

Be brave biatches and knock 'em dead this weekend!

EDIT: YOU CAN WATCH PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT HERE. EEEEEEEEP!!!!!
Mwah, mwah, mwah!
Desiree xoxoxo

I Was Dreaming When I Wrote This

2013-04-08T05:17:00.000+10:00

Forgive me if it goes astray.

Sky was all purple, there were people running everywhere ...
Tryin' to run from the destruction
You know I didn't even care.

1950s black bag (just bought), purple tutu, DIY leather gloves, bangles, earrings and hair ribbon - thrifted

Feather cape - online sale from now-closed shop

Goddess bag - craft market

King Tut swimsuit and gold suspenders - Black Milk

Docs - retail

Well after prancing about in a tutu, gold suspenders and a feather cape on Friday, a boxset of Pre-Code movies The Phoenix bought me for Christmas got a right ragging today.

Night Nurse was one of my favourites.

I adored Barbara Stanwyck (here as a brunette) battling a gang of crooks trying to murder two little sisters for their trust fund, while keeping the girls' mother hopped up on drugs and alcohol.

Of course, Barb and Joan Blundell gave audience glorious peeks at their scrumptious knickers at every possible opportunity.

Well of course that wasn't going to happen was it?

Hiding from matron after a big night out, Joan Blundell is a wee bit worried about getting sprung "coz I wear my makeup all the way 'round the back of my neck!"

I was in the mood for showing off a few bits of pure vintage scanty-goodness before the evening light withdrew.

These girdles from the 1940s and 50s are too yummy to hide so I wear them as skirts over leggings.

I buy them a couple of sizes bigger than if I was to wear them as control underwear, so they slip on and off easily.

Can't wait for autumn to take hold as I miss wearing these gorgeous babies.

Linking up to Patti's Visible Monday.
Kisses,

Desiree xxx

Bending the Rules

2013-04-05T12:51:00.001+10:00

When The Phoenix promised to wear a gourd after spotting me in my bullet bra again yesterday, it was a done deal.
I laughed maniacally as usual and popped on a pink fluffy toy crown.
Then I realised it was #2 Son (aged 15) who was accompanying me out and if I was to enjoy his company in public ever again, I would gladly bend my "don't give a feck" rules, tone it down a bit and wear more than a 1950s bra.

So I decided it was time to wear the delicious lurex top Vix sent me long ago.
Potential embarrassment of teen averted and I was still smiling.
Win-win.

Toy crown, bangles - thrifted

1950s cardigan, blue granny beads, Frida earrings - Etsy

1970s disco queen top and Barry M turquoise nail paint - gifted by glam queen Vix

Sparkle necklace (worn nearly everyday) - made by scrumptious Krista

Bag and skull necklace - craft markets

Leather shorts - old Bitching and Junkfood

Muscle leggings - Black Milk

Docs - retail

Sunnies - shop in Fitzroy, Melbourne

From the backseat of the car beckoned my 1970s Australian Department of Supply cap I wore to the beach the other day.
Quick change.
Still no signs of embarrassment from the lad.
He even agreed to take pics in my favourite op shop, Aid for the Blind.
Bless.

The appearance of the cap created some imaginative stirrings in me...

But back to the task at hand.

Our trip wasn't a waste of time, I grabbed a couple of t-shirts on special for three bucks each and this Minnie Mouse headband.

Late last night, it was my first viewing of Charlotte Rampling and Dick Bogarde's controversial cavorting.
A forbidden love affair between a young WWII concentration camp prisoner and her sadistic SS torturer and lover.
Years later they meet by chance ...

You can watch the full movie here.
We have another week of school holidays so it's been a bit all over the shop here.
I hope to sit down with a huge pot of tea and have a glorious catch-up with you all this weekend:).
Forgive me.

Molti baci,
Desiree xo

I Must Admit I Do Like a Large One

2013-04-02T21:24:00.000+10:00

In fact, I like them obnoxiously huge.
Colossal. Monstrous. Gargantuan. Humongous. Monumental.

This is officially the biggest floral headband I have ever made.

I mean, all of the above adjectives perfectly describe its height, breadth and width.

I also happen to think it's pretty fecking amazing too.

Just as dusk was falling, The Stylist and I realised we were out of mosquito coils and we didn't want the household to put up with another night of The Terror of the Mozzies.
So we went for a wonderful sunset walk, watching the first stars appear, enjoying the cool evening and causing a bit of traffic chaos and tittering on the way to the shop.

Rose headband - DIY

1940s silk blouse, 1950s longline bra, skull earrings - Etsy

Pink sparkly necklace - made by the amazing Krista

Frida necklace - made by incredible Tamera

Crucifix, PNG bilum bag - thrifted

Rings and tutu - markets

Doc Martens - massive Solestruck sale (woop!)

This floaty blouse is like wearing gossamer.

It's so old and delicate, I love the pin tucks, bow and braiding, yet it's so resilient to wear and tear.

Not bad for a piece of clothing that's around 70 years old huh?

Oh come on, how often do you get some bint flashing her 1950s longline bullet bra hmmm?

The Stylist snapped all of the above pics including this one taken from our front door, looking east at the Moreton Bay islands.

Someone has new gumboots and you'll have to fight her tooth and nail to get them off her feet:).

Bird-print frock and Lego necklace - craft markets

Ethnic bag and strawberry eco shopping bag - thrifted

Boots - Rivers outlet store

We spent a precious afternoon knitting, painting each other's nails, drinking pots of tea and watching Poirot.
Bliss.

The past few days have been a whirlwind after my appearance in the Sunday Mail lift out and can I just send you all a huge bunch of arse-squeezes for all your kind words?
I have rather resilient fingers and I can cope with handing out hundreds of juicy squeezes.
If you see tears streaming down my face, it's not pain, it's love.
Thank you. All of you.
Kisses and arse-squeezes,
Desiree xoxo

I'm Big in Russia

2013-03-31T18:01:00.000+10:00

Just ten minutes before the photographer was due to arrive, it came to my attention I wasn't actually supposed to be having an afternoon kip in the niff.
A silent but deadly scurry ensued and voila I think I managed to look vaguely "done" and oh so disgraceful.
Why the panic?
Earlier in the week journo, Mike Bruce, from Queensland Newspapers had interviewed me at home, interested in the force behind Pull Your Socks Up!
He arranged a photographer, who also happens to be a friend and ex-colleague's hubby, to "take a few pics".
Three weeks later, I certainly did not expect to see my mug on the front cover of the Sunday lift out.

Given it's Easter Sunday, the cover pic is probably spot-on, with mad shimmery colours making me look a bit like an hallucinating chocolate bunny.
As the publication isn't available free online, I thought I'd share all the juicy stuff with you here.

I'm extremely honoured to have been featured in our state's major Sunday newspaper and I love the words and the layout.
Thank you Mike!

The outfit I wore for the interview was this cheeky one, which I ended up wearing for the rest of the day, with a few bangle changes along the way.
I did a bit of a naughty jig for you in the day's post here.

Here's that shimmy again and for the record, I had 65 hits from Russia in the past week.
Huge. **snort**.
Happy Easter Bunnies to you!!
Baci,
Desiree xoxo

Jesus' Mum Digs Vintage Nighties

2013-03-28T22:17:00.001+10:00

I had very little warning I would be Jesus' mama last night.
No daubing of his bloody brow or teeth-gnashing would be required.
I just had to make sure #3 Son arrived at school on time to turn water into wine, heal the sick and enjoy a lovely supper, before being carted off for crucifixion.
Moments before I took he and The Stylist to meet their "fate", I decided a vintage nightie was just the thing to blend into the crowd.

Here's the wee laddie spreading the love ... oh so solemnly, before he was left holding up his cross.

It so happens that's the local cop shop in the background and they didn't intervene so I guess they weren't too concerned about children "nailing" each other to crosses on school grounds.

Oh yes, a rather see-through nightie, but what is underneath?

Heaven.

Vintage nightie, watch and 1950s purple beaded cardigan - Etsy

Rose headband - Sassy Vamps!

Catsuit - Black Milk

Doc Marten boots - too ridiculous to pass up Solestruck sale

1960s black handbag and white bead bracelet - thrifted

Cross earrings - craft market

Speaking of other-worldly pleasures, I thought I'd treat you to a peek at my vintage nightie collection.

None of these darlings get a glimpse of a sheet-set, they're way too lovely to hide away so I wear them as dresses.
I can't date them all precisely, but they mainly originate from the 1930s.

I started my collection about three years ago, snapping up bargains on eBay and Etsy before the prices got out of hand and too silly for my small budget.

I love the silk and rayon fabrics, the smocking, tucks, covered buttons, frills, lace and embroidery.

And of course the bias cuts.

Everything I love about clothing, all in a small selection of much-loved nighties, bed jackets and glamourous pyjamas.

I continue to marvel at the hand-stitched embellishment on this silk cape.
Imagine the hours it took to make it!

The 1930s silk teddy is in perfect condition, while the silk Edwardian blouse is tissue-thin and wearing it feels like a thousand fairies kissing my skin.

That's it for today, would you like me to treat you to a tour of my slips and scanties in a future post?
Oh I'm sure you would!

I hope you're all planning a wonderfully relaxing long Easter weekend.
It's #3 Son's 12th birthday tomorrow, then I'm planning on having a blog catch up, doing some sewing and scrounging as many choccie crumbs as I can!
What are your plans?
Molti baci,
Desiree xoxo

They Run For Fun in the Hot, Hot Sun

2013-03-25T21:20:00.002+10:00

Wha'? Wha'? Wha' happened?
Summer came back.

OK fine then.
I'll just strip back to my undies again.
On Saturday I slipped on my massive cotton bloomers to take The Stylist to ballet and scare the natives.

Blue rose headband - more at my shop, Sassy Vamps!

Pink skull bracelet - from Kaleidoscope Krista

Pink sunnies, squashed 1930s satin bra and cotton bloomers - Etsy

Dia de Muertos necklace, cross earrings - craft markets

Bangles, necklaces and bag - thrifted

VW Melissa shoes - Melissa sale

During the wee lassie's lesson I did a quickie around the op shops and grabbed this vintage cotton sheet and books for a buck each.
Bargains!
The sheet has been turned into a curtain for #3 Son's room and the girly book will be put away until I need to read it - ha!

I was very impressed with the sheet, I've never seen one like this before.
I love the Australia-specific signs showing our largest east coast cities and koala crossing warnings.
Yes, to the non-Aussies, we have koala signs warning motorists to slow down at night when the little darlings tend to party, get high on eucalyptus leaves and go hump-happy.
Can't allow traffic to get in the way of a good night out can we?

After a sweaty dance class, The Stylist and I shared an ice cold frappe.

Oh c'mon who are we kidding?
It was a beautiful, hot day so we went for a cool dip.

We live up the road from this salt-water wading pool built during the Depression-hit 1930s as part of the Unemployment Relief Scheme.
It's only hip deep and was originally built for holiday-makers to race their model boats and splash around in.
The installation of a modern filtration system means we can swim in freshly pumped salt water from Moreton Bay, a couple of metres away, without any jellyfish and nasty stingers chasing after us.
It's not as good as the surf, but it sure beats melting and I love that the kids can cool off and enjoy a bit of local history on hot days after school.

King Tut swimsuit - Black Milk, birthday gift from The Phoenix

Cute kid aka #3 Son - homemade

Thank you so much for your wonderful, interesting comments on whether reading blogs or blogging has changed your self-image - you're all such fascinating wenches!
Kisses,
Desiree xo

More! I Need More!

2013-03-23T21:00:00.000+10:00

Do you surprise yourself?

I know we're constantly amused, shocked or outraged by the actions of others, but do you enjoy giving yourself a bit of a fright?

I did a double take when I saw the pics of this outfit.

Yesterday, Australia's Salvo's Stores celebrated Vintage Tee Day in support of sustainable fashion and my choice for the day was this London Underground t-shirt I picked up a few years ago for four bucks.

The last time I wore it, my outfit wasn't so busy and I certainly didn't wear piled on jewellery and have a pink-tailed silver bird shoved in my hair.
Or carry a colourful woven bag.
Or even worn a spotty mini skirt.
I feel so much better in this get-up.
More certainly IS more!

In March, 2013, allowing my kitsch t-shirt to grab all the attention just doesn't feel right to me.
I need more colour.
I need more patterns.
I need loads of tack piled on.
Otherwise I simply don't feel "right".
Think back to when you started reading blogs, I'm sure many of you are taking more "risks" than you used to.
For others, well they always had the fabulous thang going on and blogging was just the next step to sharing the love with the world.

I might look like a crack-pot to some, but honestly, what gives my day some zing?
Dressing to impress me.
It's a way to blast some sunshine into my day.
This t-shirt (now with coffee stains dammit) will be washed, put away and pulled out to wear another day or another year.
I get goosebumps at not knowing how I'll be dressing when I reach for it again.

No chocha to see here.
But is that kaka on my shoe?

According to the Salvos, it takes 2700 litres of water to make one t-shirt.

I'm happy to report this outfit is 99% thrifted and the shoes are made from recycled plastic.

T-shirt, bag, bird ornament, all jewellery - thrifted

Spotty skirt - DIY from thrifted fabric and 1970s pattern

VW Melissa Wing shoes - Amazon

Sunnies - shop in Fitzroy, Melbourne

I know.
They're awesome and they come with us if the house ever burns down.

How has your style evolved in the past year or so?
Baci,
Desiree xo

Resistance is Useless

2013-03-22T19:42:00.002+10:00

It's war.
War against bland.
Autumn is squeezing the heat out of summer and here begins the Battle Against Boring.
Private Perfect, First Brigade Awesome (Brisneyland Chapter) has pledged she will fight the fight of autumnal drabness.
Indeed.
It's a jungle out there.

I pledge my allegiance to:

employ diversion tactics and wear awesome jackets, swirly capes and granny cardis this winter;
don non event-appropriate wear at every opportunity;
use guerilla attacks on my wardrobe to weed out any unworn or unloved spy wear and pass them on to new owners;
banish all polar fleece to pet baskets;
uphold my promise to shop second hand first.

Private "Perky" Perfect reporting for duty.
M'am!

All present and correct.
Boots polished, eyebrows and uniform in order.

Battle stations!
Countdown to banishing boredom.

BOOM!

There goes boring!

Declared a non-drab demilitarised zone.
Yessss!

Always at ease.
Even on duty.

Pinstriped cotton jacket - handmade and gifted by Georgie, the Dickensian Dandy

Vintage beret, watch - Etsy

"Perfect" badge - gifted by lovely reader, Tra-la-la

Yellow silk scarf - gifted by rainbow girl, Krista

Earrings, bangles - thrifted

Frilly shorts - some online shop

Catsuit - Black Milk

Doc Marten boots - retail

Join the resistance against drab ... Viva Fabuloso!
Mwah!
Desiree xo

Modesty is a Virtue

2013-03-19T16:01:00.003+10:00

I have no idea why, but I think I cleared the doctor's surgery this morning.
The clinicians should thank me for scoring them an early tea break for today's appearance.

Don't know what all the fuss was about.
After all, I was very demure in my long skirt, socks and lace-ups, headscarf, pretty blue lace thingumy and jacket.

Perhaps it was Clare's Anti-Joyce badge.

Snail bling ring?

Surely not the skull necklace!

The jacket that blinds?
Or maybe it was the delicious 1980s teddy wonderful Clare of Miss Simmonds Says sent me last week.

I raced home to consult my guidebook, circa 1961.

Chapter Four: Beautiful You, cleared everything up for me.
I was wearing not one but THREE foundation garments, gloves and nylons were not required, I had one kind of jewellery on several parts of my body, which I'm sure is what they really meant in point three.
And there it was, right there in black and white.
"Make the most of you."

Clearly that point should be right at the top of the page coz 52 years later, beautiful homemakers everywhere have forgotten "there's only one you in the whole world!"
Oh those ladies auxiliary chicas, they've been keeping that top tip under their skirts.
This one's for you!

Silk headscarf - gifted by Supermodel Tamera

All brooches and badges - gifted by those marvellous chicas, Tra-la-la, Mrs D and Clare

Blue all-in-one teddy - darling Clare

Silver necklace - gifted by hornacious Helga

Purple earrings - from darling Miss V

Socks - ballet shop

Old beaten and flogged shoes - ASOS sale

Billum bag, bangles - thrifted

Skirt, skull necklace, snail ring - various markets

Kisses,
Desiree xoxo

What Would Joyce Do?

2013-03-14T13:04:00.000+10:00

There are rumours of a secret society out there.
It has no name, no official members, but when disciples discover one another, they are known to create a kind of wonderful panic.
They shout obscenities such as: "for god's sake stop wearing those ugly jeans!", "why are you such a prat?", "forget cordon bleu, your cooking is shite, make some egg and chips!" and "get a job!".
Welcome to the world of Anti-Joyce.

If you're super lucky, you get a badge from one of the founders of this phenomenon sweeping the planet ... in a parcel of joy.
Thanks to the super-gorgeous, glorious Clare of Miss Simmonds Says.

Darling Clare found this gorgeous gold sequinned top and sent it to me with a swag of treasures, including a darling 80s turquoise teddy, sequinned belt, glorious badges made by her fair hands, vintage rose postcards and a scrummy black printed summer frock.

Yes people, the appearance of Midsomer Murders' Joyce Barnaby wearing her various mantels of chorister, actor, supporter of the arts, gourmet chef, horticulturalist and generally annoying griege-wearing person brings me out in hives.

And our artist-at-large, Clare, has taken full advantage of the situation by creating the Anti-Joyce badge to wear with pride.

Jane Wymark is clearly an accomplished actor for her to elicit so much loathing from your leading fan and critic of British murder mysteries.

Some of my general mutterings overheard by family:

"Oh he's gonna be the first to die."

"Is anyone dead yet?"

"Just wait, Tom's gonna slip out for a pint and chips."

"Fucking aspirer."
Let's get down to business then shall we?
So I wonder what Joyce, champion of the arts, would think of this circus bint visiting Causton.

Gold bra, blue belt, badges - gifted by beautiful Clare

Frida necklace - gifted by my favourite supermodel, Tamera

Circus-style waistcoat - gifted by lovely Emmah, who's taking a blogging break

Black lace scarf, mini sombrero, garter around wrist - thrifted

Tiger-print velvet hot pants - Etsy shop, BOODWAH

Sunnies - Etsy shop, Mysteres Masquerade

Earrings - gifted by the darling Squirrels

JC shoes - massive Solestruck sale

Green necklace and rings - craft markets

Lily the lion practising her pouncing out of the window routine.

Check out our new circus girl.
It's Funky Jumper in full flight!

OK Joyce? You can put up a few flyers and sell some marmalade - but you'll need to lose the jeans and frock up love. K?
Hope you enjoyed the show folks!
Molti baci,
Desiree xoxo

Are You Normal?

2013-03-09T15:54:00.002+10:00

Would you feel comfortable dressed like this in public?

I do. But I'd need some shoes.

Where do I belong?

Anywhere.

Where do you belong?

It seems for a brief period, 1930s Berlin was the place to be for anyone who felt they had more to share with the world than paper-pushing or ditch-digging.
Not that there were many jobs going around at the time.
Poverty, starvation and sickness were rife.
Once dusk fell, anyone who had anything considered subversive or creative to express could do so any way they wished.
There were clubs and venues to fit one's appetite for entertainment and sartorial expression.

Meanwhile in Depression-hit USA, the travelling circus and carnival troupes entertained both the rich and poverty-stricken with their "freak" shows.

I've included a link to the 1931 film Freaks, which audiences reacted to with revulsion and was banned shortly after its release.
It's definitely worth watching if you're interested in the intriguing question of where people who don't "fit" really belong.
The disabled, the psychologically ill, those who feel they must repress their sexuality or their creativity.
Should we hide who we truly are?

Are we actually still censoring ourselves and each other?

Maybe it's not safe to be who we really are in public ... perhaps there would be anarchy and chaos.

I'll risk it.

Floral headband - Sassy Vamps!

Swimsuit - Black Milk

1930s dancer's shorts and silk bed jacket - Etsy

Johnny Cash earrings - custom made by Mallory at Create Beautiful Beads

Pink and orange star necklace - made by the glorious Krista

Super sparkly bracelet - gifted by Two Squirrels Vintage

1950s petticoat and bangles - thrifted

Neon skull necklace, pink cameo ring - craft markets

Lace socks - ballet shop

Have an awesome, strange weekend all you freaks out there!

Baci,

Desiree xo

Green and Purple Disco Monster

2013-03-05T16:43:00.001+10:00

I do love a jolly nice jumpsuit, don't you?
Vixcita sent me this early 80s disco queen little number and it's been in my It-Needs-Some-Tweaking Basket for a while.
Love the colour and the neckline, but the legs just weren't doing it for mama.
So I performed surgery.

Pre-surgery.

Post-surgery ... naaaaaaaaaaaaaice.

Just the perfect thing for this morning's mad dash to school and appointments.
It's love.
Thank you Vix!
Oh and I did a wee tutorial for you honeys ... glitter eye shadow!
Not as scary and messy as you might think.
Easy peasy ... give it a go.

Pretty Girl make up from Etsy shop, CALLA Cosmetics.

Now I'd better get cracking, it's The Phoenix's birthday today and I'm making him a rich chocolate birthday cake and there are presents to open!
Baci,
Desiree xoxo

I'm Livin' Da Dream Bru

2013-03-01T20:00:00.002+10:00

Do I need moneez?
I need moneez to make yummy nomz for my babies.
I need it to buy medz for me hubby.
For me?
Just some cheeky loose change for occasional op shop playtimes.
A mini rave is free, music is a life-saver, let loose and try a shimmy in your scanties darling.
You don't need expensive shit.

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Oh come on, it's Friday ... loosen up with me!

Wildly inappropriate song complete with lyrics suitable for Friday night shenanigans right here.

The Right Attitude to Rain

2013-02-27T21:44:00.000+10:00

Alexander McCall Smith's book titles have always intrigued me.
I can't help thinking of one his books set in Edinburgh when I reflect on the past week, which has been yet another period of deluge after deluge of rain.

Lots of time spent indoors, cleaning, organising, making stuff, getting long-overdue shite done, I do believe I've quite mastered the right attitude to rain this week ...

Remember THOSE vintage ballerina sheets I bought from Vinnies late last year, then the lovely 1970s pattern lovely Tamera sent me last week?

Well today they met, hooked up and spent the day giving each other pash-rash.
The thought of making a skirt or a frock out of the sheets just felt terribly wrong and I couldn't do it.

These super-pants shall be known as The Nutcrackers due to the effect they had on the locals this afternoon.

I have a modest-sized fan club of elderly gentlemen in town, who today were chasing me down the street with proposals of marriage, comments such as "I hope you don't mind me looking, but your outfit sets off your figure beautifully", to one of my "boyfriends" who stood on the street and saluted me.

I think it's hilarious and sweet ... The Phoenix tells me "you've gotta watch the old buggers, they know exactly what they're up to".

Heheee!!

The Stylist and I have this move we do called The Grinch, from the Jim Carrey movie - he does this when he's trying to find a flattering outfit.

Tomorrow I'll take in the waistband and make a slight adjustment to the zip accordingly as they're a wee bit big in the waist, but hellz I'm happy as a ballerino (ballet dude) in tights showcasing his bulging package onstage!

Green silk scarf - gift from hostess-with-the-mostest, Tamera

Johnny Cash earrings - Create Beautiful Beads

Vintage patchwork bag - Two Squirrels Vintage

1930s satin bra - Etsy shop, Auvergne Memories

Necklaces, vintage brooches, bangles and rings - op shops and craft markets

Nutcracker pants - match-made by me!

Green velvet wedges - Nine West sale

May the right attitude to rain continue!
I hope you're all enjoying a satisfying week lovelies.
Baci,
Desiree xoxo

Rare Flashes of Manic Creativity

2013-02-26T12:30:00.001+10:00

At a creative loose-end on Friday, I got a call.
"I've got to clear out some of your old stuff in storage, do you want it back or shall I dump it?"
Errr ... can you deliver now? If so, yes please!

A pair of hideous chairs arrived and were the first to be attacked by my cleaning cloths and screwdriver.
I unscrewed the seats, hacked off the cruddy fabric, cleaned up the vinyl then ...

Tah dah!! I used some of the gorgeous 1970s thick cotton fabric I found for a buck at Aid for the Blind a wee while ago.
Upholstery tacks kept the fabric in place, seats screwed back on and I'm stoked.

Another piece of thick retro cotton was used for the other chair.
I don't like matching furniture sets, so these chairs make me VERY happy.

So is Lily.

Next victim, this old kitchen sideboard I found on the side of the road years ago.
It's lovely to have her back, she makes the kitchen look homely.
I enjoyed jigging about with old treasures like these Holly Hobbie framed embroideries I bought from eBay about six years ago.
You'll notice the wee speakers on the left, there's a great lumping sub-woofer under the sideboard because I seriously CANNOT cook or do anything productive in the kitchen without music.
The gun is staying.
I can't have too much twee in my life and dancing with a plastic gun and wooden spoon is kinda awesome.

This area of the lounge got some de-clutterfication treatment with this old bookcase, another roadside find several years ago.

I like its different sized compartments, but I didn't realise we had so many books cluttering up corners of the house.

At least they have a home now and I can enjoy lying on the comfy couch and admiring them from afar.

That's all I can manage after lumping all that gear about.
The glorious tutu frock was a gift from Hotcheeks Helga and is simply too gorgeous to hide away when it's not being worn!

I created a bit of a music centre for The Phoenix using the hall table from the lounge, which had been cluttered up with board games.
Gotta find an easily accessible spot for the games now.
Finding homes for everything can be hell!

Old Russian anti-alcohol propaganda poster.
Like Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" campaign in the 80s, I don't think it had much effect on anyone.

Unlike these naughty boys.

Oh now that's better, that wall really needed some lovely nastiness to pep it up a bit.
Too much frilly frou-frou simply will not do.

Yesterday I was all sweetness and light again and made this cushion cover.
Patchwork on one side and this seersucker cotton I bought from Vinnies.

Wanna see some party action at Tamera's virtual birthday bash last weekend?
It was a BIG night, someone left their snake behind and we lost Clare.

On security detail, aided by a bit of Wonder Woman action gifted by gorgeous Curtise.

Oh and go check out all the clever tarts over at Tah-Dah! Tuesday.
Mwah!
Desiree xox

I Got 99 Problems But Bitchin' Ain't One

2013-02-23T15:19:00.001+10:00

Has it been obvious I've been cooped up at home for a while?
For various reasons, which I have no desire to discuss here, I went out for the first time in ages on Thursday.
There were many, many chores to be done and much time management involved, but by crikey I was going to frock up!

I bought this floral frock from Vinnies several years ago for a couple of bucks. One sleeve was shredded and hanging off, so after much careful planning I turned it into a one-sleeve frock and made new facings with bias binding. My proudest DIY moment.

1950s sateen frock, bangles, earrings, yellow African necklace, silver Indian necklace - thrifted

Snow White headband - more at Sassy Vamps!

Leopard and lace brooch - made by Helga's magical mitts

Frida necklace - birthday gift made by the wonderful Tamera

Anklets - gifted by lovely reader, Tra-la-la

Red rose brooch - gifted by Dandelion Vintage

VW Melissa Wing shoes - Amazon sale

Bag - craft market

I desperately needed an op-shop fix and oh yes, what a mighty fine time it was.

I found this gigantic painting from Vinnies for $8, which reminds The Phoenix of photographs of lovely ladies in Asian countries taken by his dear late grandfather, Ernest. Ernest was a true WWII naval hero, surviving countless air strikes by deadly Stukas and three sinkings, as part of operations on the Russian convoys in the North Sea and the Mediterranean and Pacific theatres.
R&R must have been so precious to those men, not knowing what their next operation would bring.

Who doesn't love a naff, but unused 1970s tour bag in perfect nick? Two bucks thanks.
I've seen them fetch $70 in vintage shops.

I think Sarah Misfit, utter temptress and collector of Cultural Revolution paraphernalia, will be going green over this Chinese Army cap.
Isn't it amazing? Two bucks thanks very much.
Needless to say, The Phoenix took one look at it and decided he really, really needed it:).

You know that moment when you spot something, you catch your breath, look around furtively for other vultures, then spring like a cat to grab your item of desire?
That's what happened when I saw this Run DMC t-shirt.
I saw them when they were supported by the Beastie Boys at the Brixton Academy in the late 80s and at age 18, hip-hop became my religion.
Four bucks - and I hacked the crew neck off as soon as I got home.
A more flattering neckline now.

I'm also wearing a pair of 1940s mesh and lace scanties.

Then came The Mask, spotted at Aid for the Blind - three bucks.

Thank you for lifting me up, you lovely thrifting goddesses!
I really needed that slice of heaven.

Still wearing the 1940s knickers, with a 1960s bustier from Etsy.

I hope you have glorious success in all your fabulous endeavours this weekend ... meanwhile, I'll get back to my Rambo marathon - haaaaaa!!
Love,
Desiree xoxo