My Modern Vintage - Australian Vintage and Personal Style Fashion Blog | Craft | Photography

Weekend Adventures: Doll and Craft Show

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 08:17:00 +0000

My mum and I actually went to this last weekend but I haven’t had the chance to post this yet. It was last Sunday at the Lawnton showgrounds and I new as soon as I got there that I was going to be in old-lady Heaven which it totally was!

Craft stuff, dolls, vintage and antique things and people selling their wares in a steamy shed with no air-con in 30+ degree heat. By the time we left I actually felt like I had walked through a shower with my clothes on but it was still fun!

I loved the vintage stuff in the first hall we went into which is where I took all these photos. Some people had beautiful vintage photos, antique hats and toys from the 50s and earlier.
Mum took some photos of me outside on this old cow thingy but it was pretty bright and I only had my iPhone hence why the photos are not as clear as they normally are.

I ended up getting a paper bead making kit. The lady who showed me her kits went into great detail with me so I totally felt obliged to buy one and it was only $12 and now I can make my own paper beads.
We also had a big chat about recycling and I told her about my steampunk jewellery and how much I love making old things into new.

All in all it was fun minus the sweat!

What did you get up to this weekend??

What I Want: 1920s Flapper Style

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:05:00 +0000

With the 1920s flapper style hitting many recent runway shows I thought it would be nice to put together another little vintage hair styles post!

To pull off these beautiful curls I would use my ghd hair straightener from ghd Australia. I would then use a strong hair spray to pull it all together nicely.

Not that I have anywhere to go wearing these lovely do’s but perhaps I can emanate something similar for the vintage fair in Brisbane later this year.
They have a prize for the best dressed in vintage and from the pics I have seen some people go all out- you would swear they just walked through a time machine!
Here is a fun little tutorial I found on YouTube for vintage 1920s hairstyles. Check it out below:

1920s Hair Tutorial

Image sources { 1 2 3 4 5} These are links to sources not in any order*

Polka Dots and Grey Skies

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:58:00 +0000

Wearing: Grey Marle Top {similar}, vintage polka dot skirt {similar}, moccasins {similar}, satchel bag {similar}.

Another rainy day. Woke up this morning at 7.30 and it was still dark- not a great start to the day but luckily I am not working it is always so much harder to go to work in the rain!

Today I went to Chermside and got 2 new dresses from Sportsgirl. One is a really nice autumn toned dress (which I made my mum and brother buy me) the other is yellow with polka dots and a peter pan collar. So cute but I’m a little concerned about the yellow not sure if the colour suits my skin tone.

I originally went to the shops to try to find some plain tops to wear to uni but in bright colours or colour blocked. Tried one on a Forever New and can’t believe how small their sizes are! Also tried on a lovely jacket at Bardot but I am not paying $160 for PU leather (even if the jacket was gorgeous!)

Also tried on some lovely brogue heels from Wittner but they were $150 and I have spent my shoe budget already!

This is my first outfit post for awhile now and I was so thrilled to be able to wear tights today as it isn’t too hot. My bestie is coming up from Adelaide tomorrow to visit me so may be on hiatus the next few days!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend :)

Happy Birthday to Me

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 04:16:00 +0000

Today is my birthday I am 26! Starting to feel it too but seeing nothing wrong with getting older!

Today I have done pretty much nothing had a great day lazing about, catching up on some of my fave blogs and learning how to create clipping masks and scalloped edge backgrounds in Photoshop!

Overall pretty happy with my designing efforts and happy to have learnt some new things along the way! I will leave you with some of my fave things about life!

A New Blog Design for Autumn!

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:52:00 +0000

Hi readers I have spent many hours over the last few days pondering over my blog redesign.

I wanted something for the cooler months ahead and opted for a blue layout originally but then really felt it wasn’t me. This new layout is much more “me” and I am really loving it!

I decided to go with a 2 column layout and have removed sponsors and friends buttons (these have been relocated to links)

Most things will remain the same just some changes to sidebar etc but the navigation menu bar is the same just with a different look.

I redesigned my social networking buttons as I find them more easier to look for near the top of the sidebar. I will also be changing the buttons for the features to match etc and opting for less links on the main page (it is bad for your Google ranking!)

I figured that since uni is back in like 2 weeks I would not have time to do this seeing as I am taking 5 subjects this semester!

Let me know what you think and bear with me while some of the image links etc are being fixed.

Inspiration Monday: Spring Fashion 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This post is specifically for all my Northern Hemisphere readers who are all so excited about Winter ending and Spring bringing sunlight and warmer days.

I, on the other hand cannot WAIT for WINTER! Give me cardigans, coats, boots and tights any day and I am one happy girl!

Here are some looks for spring that might assist you on your sartorial quest. Have fun everyone!

{Image sources 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10)

What I Want: Swedish Hasbeens Spring 2012 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:43:00 +0000

It is my birthday next week so I shouted myself a pair of Swedish Hasbeens covered super high (above). Endless had a sale so I got them really cheap which is awesome!
On another note I am very much in love with the Swedish Hasbeens Spring 2012 Collection. Their new shoes are adorable! (and so is the vintage styled lookbook!)
I have listed my faves below loving the soft pastel shades for Spring!
Which one is your fave?

I Have a Little Surprise for You!

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:38:00 +0000

Here it is! My lovely new Electra Townie bicycle that I just picked up yesterday morning from Hoffy’s Cycles at Sandgate. The people there were super nice and helpful and now I even know how to take off the front wheel and put it on (very simple!)
The bike is pretty heavy and very solid and sturdy. As I haven’t ridden in about 12 years it was weird getting onto it at first but once I got my balance it was fine. I took her for a little spin around the neighbourhood yesterday and it was AMAAZING!! It was like being a kid again I felt free and unencumbered!
Mind you I almost fell off about 3 times as I was trying to get used to the gears. It has 7 speeds but I was always used to riding bikes with single speeds so I think this may take a little getting used to.
But I am going to take her over to where I used to live next week as it is close to a a large expanse of walkways. I want to stay away from roads as much as possible especially while I am getting used to it.
Also if you are wondering why I am inside instead of out in these pics it is because it is steaming today and hot weather and the sun make me feel sick. I can’t wait until the weather is cooler so I can take her out in the daytime!

Guest Post: Marisa from Shades of Monet

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:33:00 +0000

Hello darling My Modern Vintage readers!

My name is Marisa and I run a little ol' blog called Shades of Monet. How very nice to meet you today!

I am an avid lover of vintage dresses, Dr. Seuss, cooking, owls, and big bows. Sound like any of you? Besides my sweet little family, music is one of my biggest passions of all as I have played piano from the age of 5 and began writing music not too long after. I started blogging back in 2009 when I was five months pregnant and just needed a new outlet to get my creative juices flowing once again after having an unfortunate year of writer's block with my song writing.

And that's just how Shades of Monet began. I blog about personal style and the little adventures I go on with my hubster, Albert and adorable little 2 year old boy Keane, with perhaps some recipes thrown in because really, what's life without food? Every so often a blogger will ask me if my blog got it's name from loving the artist Claude Monet so much. Well, it is true I do fancy impressionistic art, but the name actually came from a lyric out of one of my songs that I wrote while I was dating the dapper fellow that later became my husband.

I currently reside in a small town on the bottom of a mountain in the forrest filled state of Pennsylvania. It's tiny and quaint but the nature here is so sublime and infinitely charming that I would not dream of living anywhere else, plus we are only a skip, hop, and jump away from New York and Philly.

After having worked many years in a high school, I am now enjoying my time as a full-time mommy and vintage shop owner. I love all things colorful, I wear dresses most of the time, and you will most likely always find me with a hat or bow on my head. I guess that's why I heart Ilana so much. Her unique, colorful, girly-vintage style always makes my heart swoon a bit.

That's all for now darlings. It was very sweet meeting you all today. Thanks so much Ilana, for asking me to guest post for you here on your lovely space. Pop on over and say, "hello", if you feel so inclined.

Love Bunches,

Red for Some Saints Day

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:12:00 +0000

Wearing:

Vintage red and pink floral midi skirt- thrifted
red ribbon belt (from my old shop)
red handmade necklace (handmade by Sue)
black singlet top and sparkly rhinestone flats

The first photo is my attempt at lomography via Photoshop and GIMP filters. Looks pretty cool me thinks. Today I tried to avoid the stupid Valentines Day themes etc. and instead went to see a psychic instead. It was super fun and it was a little crazy how spot on she was (without me saying a thing!)

Hope everyone has a great day whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not!

But anyway since I love my readers I wanted to give you guys this for your continuing support! I am also participating in The Everybody Every Wear Pink and Red Theme the Bloggers Do it Better Red theme check it out!

Inspiration Monday: Beautiful Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:38:00 +0000

This weeks inspiration is a bit different. Lately I have been feeling more arty and creative and have been finding some amazing quotes and creative art and photography on tumblr and We Heart It.

Here are some of my most loved images depicting beauty in the world. Sometimes when you really feel like all hope is lost these are the sort of images they may inspire you to carry on and accept what cannot be changed. Enjoy everyone!

{All image sources can be found on My Heart or Tumblr}

Florals and Fun in the Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:25:00 +0000

Wearing:

Just Precious Play Dress from Modcloth
Merlin Loafers from ASOS
Crystal bracelets (gifts)

Thought I would try a different location today in my front "makeshift" garden. As you can see the tomatoes are beginning to overtake their pot- they are going pretty crazy at the moment!

The reed fence I put up to keep salespeople from coming to my door. I am generally a pretty nice person but door-to-door sales people drive me crazy especially after I politely ask them to leave and they stay at my door. Once I went psycho at one because I told him I wasn't interested and then he proceeded to grabbing my screen door and banging. No one comes onto my property and does that without consequences!

Anyway I really hope everyone had a nice weekend! I have been desperately still trying to find the perfect vintage bike but my search unfortunately still continues...

What I Want: Blazers

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:49:00 +0000

Right now I am a sucker for jackets and blazers especially coloured ones like the beautiful Tangerine topshop one in set 2!

Of course I recently purchased a very expensive leather jacket which I am hoping will be a winter staple so many of these lovely blazers will just have to be on my mind as I create polyvore sets rather than on a real outfit in reality.

I have also just realised how many of my polyvore sets feature these lovely gold glitter Dune loafer flats. Perhaps it is my subconscious trying to tell me something….

Fashion Photography-Better to be Indoors in this heat

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +0000

Wearing:

Blue floral asymmetrical dress from Target
Bow belt
black tights (similar)
purple floral flats (similar)

Recently Jen of Little Bird Fashion wrote an interesting article about whether fashion blog readers prefer indoors or outdoors photography. A lot of her readers liked the indoor pics as they said it was like getting to know her better (like snooping through someone’s drawers – come on we all do it!)

This led me to take some indoors pics today mainly because it is frickin hot outside today but the other reason was for a social experiment.

I have to admit I read blogs who do both indoors and outdoors but some blogs I prefer one over the other. I especially love when people use nature to take beautiful outfit posts but this usually involves having a photographer boyfriend and a “Twilight Style” paddock with little lavender flowers near by. Unfortunately most bloggers don’t have this and we have to make do with the sticky heat, snow (in some places) and a crappy tripod that falls over in the wind!

So I am asking you readers- what do you prefer? I would love to hear some answers!

Sublime Gems Giveaway Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:22:00 +0000

There were 24 comments for the white bracelet and the winner for this one is lucky comment 12 – Annabel Lee!

The blue bracelet had 10 comments and the lucky winner is comment 6 – Shardi Y!

Thank you to everyone for entering and there will be another handmade jewellery giveaway at the end of February for another one of my giveaway sponsor so be sure to look out for it!

Steal Her Style: The Autumn Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

With Autumn now almost upon us I thought I would take the liberty of creating some “Steal her Style” magazine layout looks for my readers (and plus it was so fun to create these!)

The first look is one of my fave Aussie actresses Emily Browning in her usually quirky but laid-back style. To visit the Polyvore set I created for each of these looks just click on the image itself.

The second look from the lovey Michelle Williams could also be worn through Spring it is very versatile. As it doesn’t get very cold where I live in Autumn this is a great look for us Brisbanites who can throw on a light jacket in the late afternoons when it starts to get cooler.

The last look is probably my favourite I found this image ages ago so if you are the owner email me so I can give you credit! I love this girls style so much I am definitely going to try this same outfit once Winter finally hits. I don’t have knee high boots so will probably just wear my heeled Topshop Chelsea Boots instead.

What do you think of these looks and do you like this new blog segment?

Inspiration Monday: Leather Jackets

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:44:00 +0000

{Image sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9}

OK so yesterday I was especially naughty and decided to spend my electricity bill money on the most beautiful leather jacket. It is soft and buttery and almost completely sold out. Even though I usually don’t buy full price items I figured that this jacket will last me for pretty much ever and will go with everything so it was definitely worth the price.

Here are some pics I found that are inspiring me right now. I only wish it was cold so I could start wearing my new baby right now!

Also don’t forget to enter my Sublime Gems Giveaway it ends on Wednesday morning!

Well I am off to see Girl with the Dragon Tattoo this afternoon so ciao for now.

Sailor Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Wearing:

White blouse- thrifted
Sailor Print Skirt- thrifted
Bass Wendybird Loafers by Rachel Antonoff from Modcloth
Silver heart filigree necklace- gift from Mel

I finally finished the Vampire Diaries season 1 today and had to get the 2nd season off eBay as I cannot find it anywhere at the shops.

Even though I wasn’t sure if I would like the show I have to admit that by episode 6 or so I was practically hooked. The guys in the show are beautiful and I must admit that my heart skips a beat whenever the show’s bad boy vampire Damon (Ian Somerhalder) is on the screen. That guy seriously has the most beautiful eyes I have EVER seen in my entire life.

Anyway I found this lovely sailor skirt just the other day whilst out thrifting. I don’t go much anymore to the local shops as they always disappoint me and I suppose there isn’t much I really want or need at the moment but that could change I suppose!

Did you have a nice weekend?

What I Want: A Vintage Bicycle

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:08:00 +0000

Probably what I really want most right now is a job so I can actually afford to buy one of these lovely beauties! It is amazing that there are barely any part time jobs in Brisbane anymore let alone any decent full time ones.

Anyway what I truly want right now is a vintage bike. Not sure where I could ride it but if I can fit it into my car I can actually think of plenty of places to drive to for a ride.

I am very much hoping that when I move at the end of the year (to wherever it is I get work!) that there is somewhere decent to ride as I refuse to ride on roads. Not only is it dangerous but I HATE cyclists (well most of them!) with a passion and never want to be one of them!

Which one do you think is the best?

No dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:41:00 +0000

wearing:
Sheer lace blouse from ShopRuche
Wine skinny jeans from Target
H&M Satchel bag from eBay
Rhinestone sparkle flats via Brands Exclusive

I am pretty obsessed with lace right now and doing the whole 90s sheer blouse with a bra underneath is usually not my thing.

But I couldn’t resist trying it out I mean fashion is always about testing the boundaries and showcasing what inspires you. The reason I turned to fashion in the first place was to drown out the misery of my previous boring admin job that lacked any type of creativity on my part.

Getting dressed has become such fun especially considering the size of my crazy wardrobe! It does make me sad that most days I have no where in particular to go but with uni starting up again in about 4 weeks at least I will feel a little bit more inspired and hopefully not so melancholy.

*Listening to Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine*

Sublime Gems Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:50:00 +0000

Hi everyone! My lovely giveaway sponsor Sublime Gems is giving away TWO of her lovely handmade charm bracelets to My Modern Vintage readers! Her handmade jewellery is simply lovely and perfect for a pretty outfit.

Make sure you visit her shop as she has so many other pretty things just waiting to be loved and adored!

Sublime Gems is also offering MMV readers a 20% discount off all items just use this code- VINTAGE20

There will be 2 winners for this giveaway and it will be drawn next Wednesday the 8th of February and announced same day.

Terms of Entry:

Follow Sublime Gems on Twitter- twitter.com/#!/Sublimegems
Follow my Blog however you like
Leave a comment below and state which bracelet (blue or white) you would prefer and a way to contact you

Queen of Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:20:00 +0000

Wearing:
Dress by Wish
H&M satchel bag
Outlined with love tights via Modcloth
Black Oxford Heels by Hush Puppies
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers

Just a quick post as I am not feeling 100% today got a massive headache
I took these pics yesterday and was glad that it wasn’t raining for once. It seems to have stopped today but the sky is still a merciful grey colour and it is incredibly hot meaning it could storm.
These are my new tights from Modcloth and they look great but feel a little weird on the embroidery is a bit itchy. Cannot wait for cooler weather as it was difficult to wear this yesterday in the sticky humid heat.
Have a great Monday everyone and make sure you look out for the giveaway I will be having later this week.

Inspiration Monday: Pastels

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:44:00 +0000

{Image sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6}

Oh my favourite time of the week! I love writing up inspirational posts for my readers it is always so much fun!

This week I decided to go with the latest trend for Spring 2012 which is pastel colours. Sure, you can wear pastels any time of year and look great but what better time for when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and there is the warm ambience in the air!

Here are some wonderful girls showcasing just how easy it is to combine pastel colours with neutral hues to make a stunning and feminine outfit.

Although I rarely wear any of these colours I must admit that I am really wanting a pastel green blazer right now after writing this!

Would you wear pastels for Spring?

What I Want: Pretend Autumn/Fall Outfits

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:03:00 +0000

With Autumn only 5 weeks away now (yay!) I cannot help but dream up heaps of beautiful outfits for the colder months in my head and on Polyvore!
I would love to wear each of these outfits and the best part is that some of these outfits feature items I already own which is even more inspiring to me to re-create these dream outfits once it gets cold.
Also those purple Jeffrey Campbell boots in the first outfit are calling out my name and telling me to buy them. Naughty me thinks.
Which one would you wear for the colder months ahead?

Guest Blogging at Shades of Monet

noreply@blogger.com (Ilana) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:49:00 +0000

Hi everyone today I am guest blogging over my lovely friend Marisa’s blog- Shades of Monet, whilst she is away with her husband.

Check out my guest post here and make sure you stick around to check out her blog it is awesome!

Also just a quick note that I have installed a reward program for my readers on my left sidebar where you can win awesome prizes just from reading my blog, commenting and liking it etc. (the ususal she-bang)

I am off to watch the first season of Downton Abbey as I haven’t seen it yet but heard its good. Have a great weekend.