Vintage Vixens and Vamps

What the Butler Saw

2011-05-27T13:38:00.003+08:00

Just what did the butler see? Lots of divine clothing that's what.
So come on be naughty...take a peek and indulge your vintage passion.

Marina has been selling vintage for over 15 years, in fact if you've ever visited "Tumbleweed" in Armadale or a market around Perth you've probably met her.
Notoriously slow at adopting "new" technology - like having a phone in her shop, she prefers to devote her time to finding lovely things and .....ironing.
But now she's created a new facebook page.
So please have a sneak peek at "What the Butler Saw" coz it's sad having 0 friends

Frances Noe

2011-05-23T20:33:00.004+08:00

I will be selling a collection of mens and womens, vintage and retro, clothing,shoes and accessories. As well as my handmade hair bows that are made from vintage and recycled fabric. They look lovely as part of a vintage outfit and because they're handmade no two are the same. Because they're made from recycled fabrics and attatched to labels made from recycled card they're environmentally friendly as well!

Miss Brown

2011-05-12T10:27:00.000+08:00

Welcome aboard Miss Brown!

Divine day, tea party and day at the races vintage dresses!

Scarlett's Vintage

2011-05-12T10:23:00.000+08:00

Scarlett's Vintage Perth unique, genuine clothing from Australia, England and America 1940's to 1990's + up cycled fashion. We like to think we know our "Era's"!! you won't be disappointed.

See you the 29th!!!
Yvonne/Karen/Jelly
Scarlett's Vintage Perth

Dapper Zorse

2011-05-12T10:04:00.000+08:00

Dapper Zorse sources vintage product from all over the world including Australia, Asia, USA and the UK. Many pieces can be found in perfect sellable condition, but often I customise garments to give them more of a modern silhouette whilst still maintaining the best features of the original garment. My garments range from 1950's through to the 1990's however for some reason I am constantly attracted to the 1980's due to the structured styling of the era; the bright colours,metallics and the flamboyant fabrics!

Kustom Cupcakes

2011-05-04T11:59:00.003+08:00

Oh. My. Goodness! Kustom Cupcakes will be joining us at VVVIII this May with an assortment of their delightful, delicious delicacies! YUM! You'll find them in the cafe area along with the coffee! To find out more check out their FACEBOOK page! Their sweet lil boutique is on Francis Street in Northbridge!

Our fabulous photographer!

2011-04-26T09:49:00.003+08:00

This year we welcome on board Annie of Annie L Photography as our official photographer for Vintage Vixens and Vamps III. Annie also photographs for Perth Street Fashion!

She'll be getting snap happy amongst our vintage punters and perusers so keep your eyes open!

VVV May 2011!

2011-03-29T15:43:00.003+08:00

Sunday 29th May 2011

12pm - 5pm

The Vintage Vixens are back with a bigger and better event!

Stay tuned to be a part of the bruha!

For more information please email us at vintagevixengirls@gmail.com or check out our FACEBOOK PAGE

Thank you!

2010-10-19T12:35:00.011+08:00

Thankyou to all who came, who supported our event, our volunteers, our event entertainers, our models, our stall holders and most of all YOU! Our customers. Thank you again and again. We had an amazing day and hope you did too.

If you have any feedback you'd like to share, any ideas or would like to know more about our events please email us at vintagevixengirls@gmail.com

Photos by Ragdoll Photography

Winners!

2010-10-15T16:05:00.001+08:00

And the WINNERS of the $50 vouchers are Meg Humphries and Bobby Jo Divitini! Come see us on the day to collect your winnings! Remember, they can only be used on the day at Winifred and Bance and she seldom blushes! Congratulations!

Countdown...

2010-10-14T14:17:00.002+08:00

Not long now my pretties! THIS SUNDAY Oct 17th at the Fremantle Town Hall (8 William Street Fremantle) from 12noon until 5pm our Vintage Vixens and Vamps Market will be on! With over 30 stalls packed full of vintage wares for your perusal.

Be sure to wear your best threads as Emma from Dropstitch will be there snapping happy for the blog!

Add your attendance on the Facebook events page to win free stuff on the day!

She Seldom Blushes

2010-10-12T14:43:00.005+08:00

Fern from She Seldom Blushes gives us the run down on her boutique in the heart of Fremantle:

Having inherited the bargain-hunting, rummager-gatherer nature of her mother, Fern Vallesi has been fossicking through op-shops, garage sales and Sunday markets looking for the elusive bargain since she was in her early teens.

Since around the same time she has been making jewellery with her preloved finds... And in more recent years she began to wholesale these to boutiques in Perth under the label She Seldom Blushes.

Now She Seldom Blushes is a store in the Atwell Arcade in Fremantle stocking Fern’s jewellery, the jewellery of other local designers and other things she loves... including vintage clothing and accessories and gifts with a retro edge.

For more info check SSB out online on Facebook...

Vintage Space

2010-10-12T11:23:00.004+08:00

Vintage Space offers a fabulous selection of mid century vintage clothes, accessories and collectables.

Specialising in vintage bakelite, celluloid, lucite, animal print, lurex and cherries.

The Vintage Vixen and Vamps Fair will feature a wonderful array of Spring and Summer vintage goodies. Looking for the perfect 1950s pin up swimsuit? Vintage Space is for you.
Vintage Space can be found online on EBAY and within the vintage market scene.

Contact details - Kitty - vintagespace@bigpond.com

Wisdom Lane Cupcakes

2010-10-09T10:47:00.006+08:00

Wisdom Lane Cupcakes will be joining us in the cafe along with FM Coffee Barista so can refuel and recover mid shopping! Don't they look delectable! myum myum!

Beleza

2010-10-08T12:03:00.004+08:00

Let me introduce Claire from Beleza, another one of our fabulous stallholders at this months event. You can quite often find Claire at the We Heart Vintage Market in Mount Lawley.
Her vintage swimsuits were recently featured on the catwalk during fashion week here in Perth!

"I come from a family of collectors. My brother collects gettoblasters and rap paraphernalia, my uncle collects musical instruments, records and he's a professor of northern soul music! My auntie collects and loves vintage fashion and is still wearing her hair in a beehive as she was when she was 20.

And then...there is my Mum and Dad...Well...where do I start? Really I never had a chance to be anything but a collector, who was I kidding?

Beleza is my collection of beautifully made, unique, interesting items.

My Mum and I travel far and wide across the globe in search of these things, so no two things are the same.

They always say " COPIES ARE NEVER AS GOOD "

Re-enlivening Fashion – Grown Up Girls’ Dress Ups

2010-10-06T11:10:00.001+08:00

Backstage at the Vintage Vixens and Vamps Fair II

Sunday 17 October 2010

1.30 – 3.30 pm

Cost $12 (plus $3 entry fee)

All grown up, somewhere to go, but lost the knack of looking great?

Come along to this small soiree of women backstage at Vintage Vixens and Vamps, bring along one outfit you look great in, dress up, have fun, grab a few pointers from the teachings of Trinny and Susannah – and make use of the fantastic outlets at VVV II to explore how vintage, retro and preloved clothing can put the glamour and style back into your dressing life – at a fraction of the cost of mass produced, resource wasting, imported clothing. Numbers are very limited. To book, contact Georgina on 0417 949 179 or email g-mavor@ausconnect.net.”

Marabou Clothing

2010-10-02T12:13:00.005+08:00

Something old, somthing new, somthing borrowed, somthing Marabou!
Marabou is a Vintage boutique hidden down picturesque Tum Tum Tree Lane in Fremantle's east end of High St.
With quality vintage garments, locally crafted jewellery and upcycled accessories from local designers, we stock a unique collection and eclectic mix of Vintage and upcycled accessories. You can look like a million bucks without spending it as there's always something for everyone!
..... Faux furs and Floral dresses, silk scarves and handmade rings... Vintage boots and earing hoops, local artist's paintings... Lomography and teapots and Vintage costume bling!.... These are a few of our favourite things... :)

Mon-Sat, 10:30-5pm, Shop 3 Tum Tum Tree Lane 130 High St Fremantle, 9335-12-27
Find us on Myspace, Facebook & Etsy!

Cinderella Loves Lurex!

2010-09-28T16:18:00.003+08:00

Another stallholder joins us....read on...

Holly has been in love with vintage clothing since she was 14...or maybe earlier, since she always loved her nana's beautiful vintage dresses- especially the one which was from the 70's- it was in an incredible shade of peacock blue with a diamond underbust that was sprinkled with sparkling claw set rhinestones.

Today she still has a fascination with everything sparkley and ethereal. Always wanting to celebrate life, she likes to dress up as a princess in fairytayle vintage clothing everyday.... even if she is just going grocery shopping ! So it's easy to see why her online vintage shop is called "Cinderella Loves Lurex".

There are literally mountains of vintage clothing in her house that need to find a new life, so you can expect to see her parting with some precious lurex pieces, 60s cinderella style lurex shoes and vintage wedding dresses, amongst many other gorgeous finds.

To see some more photos of her vintage collection, please go to her blog RawHemline.blogspot.com, and also visit Holly's other online store, RawHemline.etsy.com, which is filled with ethereal experimental clothing and accessories, often incorporating vintage fabrics.

Acorn Vintage

2010-09-21T12:53:00.003+08:00

Acorn Vintage is another stall you have to look out for at our Vintage Vixens October event. Lauren also owns Osier and hand makes the cutest jewels and fun things you'll ever see. To see some of her online vintage pieces check out her blog...

Lauren has always loved looking a little different, but has always been delighted when people wanted her vintage clothes. So now when she finds treasures, she shares them, with the help of her alter-ego Acorn. She loves it the most because now she doen't have to leave the things behind that she can't squeeze into... they can be yours instead!
Acorns Vintage is made up of cute, cool and whimsical - with lots of hand-altered details and style adjustment... and Acorn Vintage also caters to stylish men, with heaps of dress shoes, checked shirts and cardigans for the dapper within.

For more info head to the Osier blog...

Vintage Competition!

2010-09-14T14:07:00.003+08:00

Hey'all hep cats!

Boy, have we got a cherry deal for you...

RSVP to Vintage Vixens & Vamps Fair II on facebook and go into the draw to bag one of two totally twitchin' prizes...

A $50 Winifred & Bance voucher and a $50 She Seldom Blushes voucher - jeepers!!

Winners will be announced via facebook on Friday the 15th of October

Vouchers must be spent at the gals' stalls on the day of the event and can be collected on arrival

Don't forget to invite your pals!

Bluebird Vintage

2010-09-14T12:17:00.007+08:00

Bluebird Vintage is a cosy little nook in Wembley where vintage fashion meets ye olde worlde...with the added goodness of bric-a-brac! We stock an eclectic mix of vintage women's clothing and retro homewares, cute curios, pop culture kitsch, antiques and collectables, making it the place and girl can bring her Grandma and both leave smiling! We have crammed every corner with pretty frocks, Polaroid cameras, vintage Ray-Bans, costume jewelery, cowboy boots, leather satchels, bags, accessories and every little thing your vintage heart desires. Every visit comes with free mental fashion advice and footy tips.

288 Cambridge Street Wembley (08) 9287 2768

Open Tues - Sat 10am to 5:30pm.

Hey Joe Retro

2010-09-10T12:06:00.005+08:00

Hey Joe Retro is another of our stallholders at our October Fair. Read on...

What sort of things can we expect from Hey Joe at the VVV Fair this year? We will be previewing our range of bathers and beachwear, bringing down menswear for the guys along with some records, a selection of our vintage designer sunglasses and a few choice pieces of vintage homewares, along with summer day dresses and tooled leather bags..

Where did the name come from? Its a combination of a Jimi Hendrix song, our location on South St, and the first two initials of my name Helen Joyce - says it all about the shop.

Why retro? why not new? Who wants new just like everyone else, retro and vintage provides something unique, and retro especially gives you bright plastics, funky flowers and puts a smile on your face.

Where can we find you? Cnr South and Stokes Sts White Gum Valley, 5 minutes out of Fremantle

What are your opening hours? Thurs - Sun 11am-6pm

Contact details: 9433 5191, hejocoda@virginbroadband.com.au, check us out on facebook @ HEY JOE RETRO.

VVV in Drum Magazine

2010-09-09T14:01:00.004+08:00

Check out this week's issue of Drum Magazine, out today! VVV are featured in the the new fashion section called "Lure". Pick up your free copy today at all good fashion, food and beverage outlets.

Benswick Vintage

2010-09-08T16:28:00.003+08:00

Just one of the many stallholders at our next Vintage Vixen Fair! The kids from Benswick Vintage told us a bit about themselves...

Benswick Vintage came to be when both of us discovered a mutual love for fashions past and decided to venture through and scour the op-shops of Perth and grand-parents wardrobes for practical garments. Both having a creative streak we started to re-design garments and bring some of the more simple designs to life, we aim to produce clothing that is practical and affordable to keep Vintage lovers (especially students) in Perth looking amazing.

Ragdoll Photography

2010-09-07T10:24:00.005+08:00

Our photographer this event is Shirin Carter from Ragdoll Photography...to check out more of Ragdolls work head to their facebook page...

Ragdoll Photography

A patchwork, a swath of colour, a kaleidoscope.
A lens full of colour and motion, faces, smiles and tears.

Ragdoll Photography is a small town, big time grip into the alter ego.
Based in Perth, Western Australia, Ragdoll Photography is a venture of Shirin Carter, an ex-journalist, and now a professional photographer.

Through targeting the inner superhero, fairy and rock goddess for pacifist fire, she is pulling the portrait to pieces and discovering new light and dark, colours and life within everyday people.

The next could be you.

Evans Modelling

2010-09-03T10:39:00.004+08:00

Evans Modelling has come on board for our second Vintage Vixens Fair. We asked to Samanatha Nicholls the Events Manager to tell us a bit more about Evans.

Evans Modelling, The Teenage Self Esteem Centre offer programmes to Teenage students allowing them to develop valuable life skills for their future. In return for their effort we offer exciting rewards in Modelling with opportunities to perform parades and star in photo shoots

We also have a selection of platinum models that participate in various Charities in and around Perth. Our Models have given their time to the following events

- Hawaiian Iron Man Fundraiser

- Rocky Bay Model Search

- Star Light Day

- Leukaemia Foundation

- Multiple Fashion parades

Being involved with us opens up many doors in a multitude of industries. Recently one of our Platinum students was given the opportunity to host the Junior Rocky Bay competition at the Perth Town Hall. She has now been invited to go on set at channel 9 and has a huge possibility to continue as an apprentice.

Our main office is located in Morley.

Phone 9275 4000 or via contact@evansmodelling.com

Mention Vintage Vixens and Vamps and receive a free trial class at Evans Modelling in Morley.

Vintage Vixens & Vamps Fair II

2010-09-01T12:06:00.002+08:00

Volunteer Models Wanted!

2010-08-31T10:53:00.004+08:00

Love vintage clothing? Want to strut your stuff on our vintage catwalk? Be a model for a day with some hints and tips from the gals at Evans Modelling! All shapes and sizes and MEN TOO PLEASE!
We'll need you Sunday October 17th, 11am to approximately 4pm.

For more info contact us at vintagevixengirls@gmail.com

The Clothing Exchange

2010-08-27T12:10:00.004+08:00

This year we have the girls from The Clothing Exchange on board. They'll be ready to answer your questions on how/where you attend their next event and how it all works. Want to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint through fashion? Read on...

The Clothing Exchange was developed in response to the need for reducing Australia’s problem of wasteful consumption which is soaring above the $10 billion mark each year. Unlike most forms of environmental activism, The Clothing Exchange enlivens and excites people by amplifying the simple, sustainable practice of sharing. While people attend the event seeking a free wardrobe update, they often find themselves equally elated by the prospect of seeing their unwanted clothes getting a new lease on life and feel good taking part in collective action for sustainable development.

The Clothing Exchange invites people to bring the clothes they value but no longer wear to exchange for those they will. Now if you think the idea of 50 relative strangers coming to swap clothes in the one room is a recipe for chaos, rest assured, the process of the exchange is fair and efficient! The exchange rate is accounted for using buttons. Participants are encouraged to bring approximately 6 garments or accessories to exchange (we accept a maximum of 10) and they are given one button for each item which buys another in return. This way regardless of how many participants are swapping it is always equitable and you always have the right number of garments! We have received feedback asking us to assign different values according to our perceived quality of the garments but this would be subjective and lead participants down a more competitive path. Instead, we put the faith in the hands of participants to bring clothes they value and our role is to monitor the quality. As the objective of The Clothing Exchange is to activate fashion waste, this is the best system of exchange and it has proven to be successful again and again.

There is quality control at each event where we count and peruse the garments on entry and intercept any items that are not swappable. It is important that you bring items you no longer wear and think others will value. You must be detached and happy to see your items adopted by new owners. It is also important you give generously – even if it’s sexy, was expensive or a designer label – if you’re not wearing it, throw it into the mix and have a laugh with the person who happily adopts it.

It is essential that items are clean and presented neatly because that’s good manners! A little press and neat folding is fine.

Mia and I got involved so that we could do out ‘little bit’ to help the environment while meeting new people and having fun.

Others can get involved by checking out the website www.clothingexchange.com.au and come along to events which are listed on the events page or email ‘subscribe’ to perth@clothingexchange.com.au to subscribe to our newsletter and keep up with events and swapping news. Alternatively, we are always on the lookout for volunteers to assist at events – contact Vanessah at perth@clothingexchange for further information.

Cecile Mimeux from Sugar Blue Burlesque

2010-08-26T11:39:00.004+08:00

Sugar Blue will be performing at our event spectacular this year...we caught up with Cecile Mimeux...

What inspires you to get out of bed in the mornings?
The prospect of being busy doing the things I love to do, spending time with my family and friends and getting closer to achieving my dreams.

Burlesque. How did you start? How long have you ben performing?
My husband suggested I try burlesque because he thought I'd really like it. My debut performance was in February 2009.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
Brian Setzer Orchestra

Whats your favourite era?
The 1950's. I love the femininity of the era including the clothes and hairstyles.

Where can we see you perform next?
The Speakeasy show produced by Sugar Blue Burlesque at the Fly by Night Club on the 11th September.

Five words to describe yourself:
Elegant, graceful, feminine, cute and charming.

Swing Zing Vintage Market

2010-08-16T17:34:00.002+08:00

If you have vintage collectables, clothing, shoes, hats, books, music, accessories etc that relate to the jazz era from the 1920s-1940s, then you may wish to have a stall at the Leedy Hop Live. Once a month you can display and sell your retro gear in a wonderful environment of Lindy Hop dancing and Big Band Jazz! Stall spaces are limited. August already has Ashleigh in Wonderland and Michelle Turner's amazing collection. Book your stall by contacting sophie@swingzing.com. The Leedy Hop Live runs on the last Thursday of the month 7-11pm at the Yugal Club, 288 Oxford Street Leederville. Stall set up is from 5.30pm

Clara Cupcakes from Sugar Blue Burlesque

2010-08-16T17:05:00.006+08:00

The girls from Sugar Blue are on board with us Vintage Vixens at our next event in October. We had a chat to Clara over tea...and cupcakes...

What inspires you to get out of bed in the mornings/afternoons?
I don't know if "inspired" is the right word but my cats are generally what gets me up in the morning. Gretchen, the bigger one, likes to sit on my bladder and Tabitha pokes me in the face. I wake up pretty quickly with all this happening. They are just as good as an alarm clock (but much cuter).

Burlesque. How did you start? How long have you been performing?

I knew Adora Derriere, the owner of our troupe, for years through lindy hop.

I found out she was starting the troupe, I told her (while slightly tipsy at a party) that I was going to learn to hula hoop and join the troupe. Well, that's pretty much exactly what I did. I've been performing with Sugar Blue for about 2 years now and haven't looked back. If you had have told me 2 years ago that I would be doing burlesque and hula hooping I would have thought you were crazy!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I'm listening to a ton of Helen Kane and Flether Henderson. Their music makes me so happy! I'm also really enjoying Janelle Monae's "The ArchAndroid".

Whats your favourite era?

I adore the 20's. It was just such a change in both lifestyle and fashion from the previous era. I can't even imagine how scandalous the young, impetuous flappers must have been to their Victorian parents. I love the music and the fashion, it was so decadent. Unfortunately, I look terrible in a drop waisted dress so I prefer the 40's and 50's for clothing.

Where can we see you perform next?

We have the Martini Club happening at DeVilles on the 22nd of August and then we have our next big show "The Speakeasy" on the 11th of September at the Fly by Night. I'm so excited about this one! It's going to be fabulous.

Five words to describe yourself:
Kooky cupcake lovin' cat lady!

Let us entertain you!

2010-08-10T13:29:00.006+08:00

Well its all coming together vintage lovers and the line up is getting more exciting everyday! Be prepared for an amazing day...let us entertain you!

Sugar Blue Burlesque
Swing Zing
vintage tunes by DJ Jarred Marshall
30+ vintage stalls

For more information please email us at vintagevixengirls@gmail.com

Vintage Vixens & Vamps II

2010-07-30T13:19:00.027+08:00

After so much fun in May we couldn't resist the beautiful historical backdrop of the Fremantle Town Hall for Vintage Vixens and Vamps II...so its on again!

Fremantle Town Hall

Sunday October 17th

12 noon - 5pm

$3 shopper fee

Join us for a fun afternoon celebrating with Perth's quality retro and vintage fashion at affordable prices!

Vintage Fashion Stalls

Gorgeous Cupcakes and Barista

Mini Events

Entertainment plus!

If you'd like to get involved in this fun event on the day as a VOLUNTEER (model or event assistant) conact Maureen at maureenmcdaniell2@hotmail.com or call 0408 941 481

If you're interested in becoming a STALLHOLDER request details by emailing Dee or Fern at vintagevixengirls@gmail.com or calling Fern on 0415 375 820 or Dee 0408 03 7896

Quality of Yesteryear

2010-06-06T15:34:00.004+08:00

Look at this dress ... it is beautiful. Permanent pleats, the dress has weight, metal zipper, it will last forever .... exactly what clothing made today doesn't do - and neither does it generally do justice to the women we have grown into! Recently I purchased a mature woman's wardrobe of yesteryear .... they no longer fit her. I don't know her name, but all her clothing is marked with a 'J' ... a woman called J. As I sorted through the bags of items memories were stirred of my own clothing over the years. I used to make all my own clothing once, and then Target came to town and we all thought that to be 'hip' meant to wear clothing mass produced in Taiwan or Hong Kong (China wasn't on the scene then). And to be honest the quality and style of Target back then was good. But little by little we have all been hoodwinked, quality has deteriorated, each year style is a variation on the 'bag' look (I went for it in a big way for while), we all look remarkably the same and unfortunately black has taken over. It's time for a revolution. Can we recall what we looked like in colours that belonged to us, made us look gorgeous regardless of our body shape and size? I have started to remember and to notice. Have you ever bought an expensive item which looked fabulous on the shop mannequin only to don it at home and wonder why it didn't give the thrill you expected it to? And then have you ever bought something not quite what you would normally purchase and then found it really makes you sizzle? Colour and shape and our personalities, manufacturers can mass produce as much as they like but the truth is we aren't mass produced replicas of each other - we are all wonderfully unique!

From 23 - 27 June Vintage Vixens and Vamps will be at the Everywoman Expo in the Perth Convention Centre. We will have our range of vintage and recycled clothing and will be accompanied by She Seldom Blushes of Fremantle and Winifred and Bance of Inglewood. We are taking the style, grace, colour and quality of vintage and retro fashion to the women of Perth. Our recycled clothing is the best that we can source from hours of wracking through racks! In our op shop hunts we are looking for styles that suit our mature shapes, quality of local and European made labels and wherever possible - colour! We want to show you how, in combining the quality and style of Vintage and good recycled clothing you too can look fab on a frugal budget and rekindle feeling like the goddess you felt at 18 and are even more so at 38, 48 and older!

Vintage Cocktails

2010-05-27T10:10:00.002+08:00

Well, our first big event is over ... what a blast! The next one is tentatively scheduled for Sunday 19 September but in the meantime we are taking vintage fashion, having fun, looking fab, and nurturing the environment out in the community. On Friday 18 June we have booked The Brass Monkey Glasshouse from 5.30 to 7.30 pm for vintage cocktails. Dress up in your favourite vintage or retro attire, or maybe simply showcase one iconic vintage item as the centrepiece of your style, or maybe come along in a completely new home grown replica of style from the past. Put your vintage inspired glad rags on, join us for a glass of bubbly and nibbles, be entertained and watch out for winning prizes. $25 pp. RSVPs are required. maureenmcdaniell2@hotmail.com or phone on 0408941481. This time I WILL have time to shop for a fabulous outfit before our event!

Made on the Left Creative Talent

2010-05-18T20:35:00.007+08:00

Now I know the people I have met through Vintage Vixens and Vamps are very creative .... inviting others to be creative with their wardrobes, being creative in modifying clothes, recreating new clothes from old, all sorts of creative. And the gals at Made on the Left are also very creative. A not for profit collective they run a designer market every quarter and their first one for 2010 will be held on 18 and 19 July at The Saint in Innaloo. So if you are one of those creative people making your own goods, and would like the opportunity to trade with them in July, follow the link http://www.madeontheleft.com/markets5.html and complete an application. The Saint is their new venue ..... holds bigger oodles of promise.

Get into the Groove

2010-05-18T15:47:00.003+08:00

For those of you who aren't quite yet up to swishing, who are just tentatively dipping their toes into revamping their wardrobed with Vintage and recycled, and for those of you who are right into the whole thing, we want you to turn up on Sunday 23 May with one good quality piece of preloved but no longer coveted clothing to hand over. It will be used ... in our swishing event ... in our community events coming up ... in our next big event .. nothing is going to waste. And in return you go into the draw for a $100 shopping voucher with Winifred and Bance. $100 will nearly get the likes of my gorgeous faux fur I intend to wear everywhere, or, it will get you one great outfit. So what have you got to lose? Before you dash out the front door on Sunday grab that 'oldie but a goodie' and hand over when you walk in our front door.

Vintage Comes to Town!

2010-05-16T21:18:00.005+08:00

One week to go and time to reveal our fabulous list of stalls participating. I personally give a great big thanks and welcome to ...

Winifred and Bance, Inglewood. Delilah was very accomodating with the Sunday Times photo shoot and yep we were disappointed that she wasn't mentioned in the final cut.

She Seldom Blushes, Fremantle. Fern has been wonderfully positive since the day I met her and helped out with the Community Paper photo shoot.

Broken Doll, Fremantle. Annette has been a trooper, also helping out with the Community Newspaper photo shoot.

Miss Betties, named after a chook but hey. Deb has been supportive from the beginning, I think this will be a big day out for her.

Smith and Bird, Mandurah. Lara, I knew from the Perth Markets, she's been fantastic with support, ideas and just bumping into each other.

Benswick Vintage. I made contact with Sarah and Connor after seeing their work at the Red Feathers Fashion Parade. It will be exciting to see more of it next Sunday!

Hey Joe Retro, anyone living around Fremantle would know Helen's shop on South St.

Kate Laurendi's Cupcakes, she tee'd up this time with friend Danica, get in quick they don't last long.

Two Timing, East Fremantle. Liz got all excited when she finally decided to join us.

Tumbleweed and Beleza, Marina and Claire have helped out with promotion, looking forward to meeting them.

Martha and Lilly, looking forward to the handbangs from Cindy and Kris.

Dark Nouveau Jewellery, Helen has been great at spreading the word among our alternative community.

Tania and Katherine's Vintage Clothing, interesting combination this one.

Lisa McDiarmid Jewellery, looking forward to her vinyl and cassette creations.

Sewanista, Malaga. Sandra has been wonderful with ideas, her connection with TCFWA and contacts. Watch out for her vintage buttons.

Anita Gadenne, upcycled and refashioned.

Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt, Melville. Mel and Kerrie have spread the word, spiced up our flyer and will be very active on the day. Watch out for Kerrie's fabrics and patterns.

Batty Bags, Just Hanging Around and N Gear. Had several interesting phone calls with Rose and Jan, look forward to seeing their ensemble.

Pom Pom Vintage, will be great to meet Nicolette.

Birdie Loves Pie, women's and men's vintage gear from Jeremy.

Leah Tarlo, retro gear she's been collecting for years.

Rebecca Gianetti, retro gear she's finally letting go of.

The Bean Runner, Fair Trade Coffee for a fair day's trading I think.

Morph Me, Genna and her daughter will be available to advise us all on those individual image tips.

Vintage Vixens and Vamps, local, national and international delights from Maureen and Georgina.

Next week is the culmination of 3 full months of creating this event from scratch. We have met some wonderful people along the way, wrestled with too many ideas and started to put together what comes next. My apologies for not capturing all the wonderful things about your stalls, my head is a little overloaded with putting together my own stall for this weeks Craft and Quilt Expo as well as completing as much as possible for our own event. I noticed the latest comment on our event is something about it being so exciting. I totally agree. We may not have got it all perfect but the momentum and enthusiasm is there, and as a Vintage Vixen I am looking forward to introducing other vixens into the stylish and sumptuous world of vintage and retro fashion so that they too may feel as fabulous as our vamps and ... what's the name for vamp men? Speaking of which we had a question during the course of our preparation asking if it was worthwhile for lads to come along? I can now confidently and enthusiastically say yes! So come along everyone, enjoy the day, have fun with Swishing, feast your eyes on the fashion parade, and walk out with a new wardrobe. And don't forget, if you come along with one quality item to hand over you go into the draw for $100 gift voucher with Winifred and Bance.

Best Swish in Town

2010-05-13T13:38:00.008+08:00

Our Swishing mini event within the bigger VVV event on Sunday 23 May starts at 2.30 pm. 'Swishing' or more commonly known as clothesswapping is traditionally regarded as a fun and frugal way to refresh your wardrobe and at the same time make a small contribution to the life of our environment. We, at Vintage Vixens and Vamps, see it has a much bigger place, and for that reason are putting a lot of our acquisitions over the last few months and on the day into the 'pool' - just to make it that little bit more tempting and invite you all to get involved. Our VVV Swishing is just the first. Whilst our next big event will probably coincide with the Perth Fashion Festival in September we are looking forward to having some fun at the local level in between. Body shape based presentation and swish events .... Boho and American Chic swish events .... Swishing and Accessory events ... they are all in the pipeline as well as Vintage Cocktail Hours, Vintage Dinners and whatever else comes to our creative minds. For gals of all ages, I invite you to Swishhhh and play with adorning the beauty within. Swishing .... 5 quality used items no longer coveted .... $15 ..... swapped on the day with lovelies from all the other gals and the added temptation of additional indulgences from Vintage Vixens and Vamps!

Swishing Anyone?

2010-05-02T12:33:00.004+08:00

Three weeks from today our exciting event will have started! We have three separate mini events during the afternoon the second of which is Swishing! For those of you not in the know, Swishing is the sassy name for a clotheswap. Hopefully many of you will have seen the recent television special highlighting how women can save thousands of dollars in their wardrobe purchases and the benefits of clotheswapping. How does it work? First of all you have a clear out of your wardrobe and put aside those gorgeous pieces you no longer wear. You then bring five of them along to Vintage Vixens and Vamps on Sunday 23 May, pay $15 to book them in and you get five buttons in return. All swishing items need to be booked in by 2.00 pm ready for the event at 2.30 pm. At 2.30 the swishing racks will be wheeled into the Atrium for you to source up to five items to spice up your wardrobe. Swishing items can include shirts, tops, coats, skirts, dresses, jumpers, cardigans, shoes, bags, jewellery …. fashion items that are in good condition and deserve the chance to create that feel good factor on someone else. Items that are not to the standard required and/or left over after the event will be included in items for sale in the VVV stall, part proceeds of which go to a charitable destination. So clear that wardrobe out, inject your individual element of intrigue and do your bit for the environment .... look fab with frugal!

Iconic Handbags from Martha and Lilly

2010-04-28T11:30:00.009+08:00

Yesterday I was reminded that vintage doesn't have to be restricted to wearing the clothes, it can also be about taking an iconic piece and using it as the feature of an outfit. I am past the age where I can simply don a vintage piece and look fab and with my figure I suspect that the pieces that would look fab are the dresses worn by the curvy types like Marilyn Monroe - could get a gal in trouble. So my wardrobe is limited in terms of vintage pieces I can quickly don, feel great and look fab. What I do enjoy though is taking jewellery and accessories of yesteryear, giving my attire a particular era and showcasing them as my central piece of the day. Maureen returned from the States with a pair of gorgeous amber earrings which I quickly snaffled them up, and yesterday whilst I was waiting for a shop to open a woman came over and commented on them. I am truly inspired by vintage fashions worn with style. But what about all the women who simply don't fit the physical mould? Vintage accessories ... to be noticed. Cindy and Kris of Martha and Lilly fame join us for VVV on 23 May and will have their beautiful range of bags. Daybags, kiss clasp purses, movie bags, computer bags, and kindy trinkets, all individually designed and hand sewn in Fremantle, each bag is a one off, often made with recycled fabrics and clasps, never to be seen again. These purses are the centrepiece of any outfit and are sure to create a few gasps of admiration in whatever circles you move within.

Recycled and Refashioned Spell STYLE!

2010-04-27T15:38:00.005+08:00

What I really, really, really like about Vintage clothing is not just the gorgeous fabrics and colours! What I love is its STYLE! But wearing vintage clothing on their own doesn't necessarily equate with being stylish, that comes from knowing how to wear it and how to use it ... in a contemporary society. Unless one is attending a era specific themed event then dressing strictly according to styles in the 50's and 60's today may not work as well... today we have different bodies, different tastes and dare I say it we might be facing different climatic conditions! On the weekend I ventured to the Craft and Antique and Collector's Fair to meet and see the work of Jody Pearl, dynamo behind ReInvent. She is taking recycled clothing and upstyling them, giving them a contemporary look or taking a contemporary garment and giving it a vintage look! Her beautiful dusty pink jacket with cherubs and lace is just beautiful and very 40's. Not everyone can find the perfect true blue vintage garment in their size and colour to highlight their body and shape. But we can take what's available in the op shop arena and convert into into something reminiscent of the style from the past. In November the Craft and Antique and Collector's Fair will be holding a Recycled Fashion Competition in two categories - wearable garment and wearable accessory. I have been talking with a host of vintage and retro inspired very creative refashionistas in Perth and I am sure they will all give this competition a run for its money - as well as teach a few of us along the way. Vintage Vixens and Vamps will be hosting some of these creative ladies at our event on 23 May with further vintage refashioning platforms in the pipeline. May vintage and retro fashion continue to play its part in imbueing Perth with style !

Benswick Vintage

2010-04-27T15:34:00.002+08:00

Introductions to Sarah and Connor's work came through a fashion parade by Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt in Melville. Benswick Vintage is recycled clothing business that offers a huge range of clothing that comes from a highly edited collection of op-shops and wardrobes. Most of the clothes have been altered by professionals to make each article a unique piece! Guys and gals will find something to inspire them from this dynamic partnership when they stage their creations at the Vintage Vixens and Vamps event platform in Fremantle on 23 May 2010.

Tumbleweed and Beleza

2010-04-25T08:23:00.009+08:00

The names of two fantastic retro and vintage stalls coming in to Vintage Vixens and Vamps on 23 May. As these photos show their clothing ranges from high end pre 50's to popular 80's pieces. Tumbleweed is located in Armadale and both businesses trade through Sugar Blue Burlesque, Leederville Markets and the newly launched We Heart Vintage in the Velvet Lounge of the Flying Scotsman. Together with clothing they will have bags, hats, belts and vintage accessories. Marina will have some antique linen whilst Claire has a lovely collection of Murano glass and retro collectibles - they just hope they have the space to accommodate it all!

What Have Chooks Got to do with Vintage?

2010-04-24T07:26:00.006+08:00

Miss Betties Vintage and Retro stall of course. Miss Bettie hails from Deborah Varga's chicken - BettieBird - who was the best chook and friend a gal could have hoped for! She is dearly departed these days - gone but not forgotten! Deb says she was a real character who would probably be rather pleased about the mini-empire built in her legacy.

The story behind the business begins with Deb as a quilter 20 years ago and in the process she fell in love with making aprons. She uses only the best quality 100% cotton vintage or American cotton fabric. All of her aprons are one-off originals, designed and made by her. She does special orders including children's aprons and makes her aprons 'Queen-sized' so they fit the ladies and the lads who like a few frills and ruffles in the kitchen! Her most popular apron is her 'cocktail' apron - which suits the more bedroom / burlesque orientated cook ..... entertainning! At Vintage Vixens and Vamps, Miss Betties will primarily have retro fashion items Deb have collected over a 25 year period and include clothing, bags & jewellery together with fabric, buttons and patterns for the 'do-it-yourself' fashionista! I have seen Deb's stall in action, be prepared to watch it whittle down very quickly!

What to Wear Today!

2010-04-23T10:25:00.006+08:00

Woke up this morning, today's look floating around in the ethers. Alison Houtte of Hooti Couture talks of using vintage as the centre piece for dressing according to one's personality. In their fabulous book 'What do you want to be today?' Trinny and Susannah offer iconic vintage and retro looks for all of us to experiment with. Me? I'm beyond one look to my personality or one vintage era I like to reflect, I like to wax and wane according to how I am feeling! Very individual. Today ... I started with tiger and leopard print leggins courtesy of Maureen and New York, black A Line mid thigh skirt I had made, black op shop 60's style shirt, thick belt, 60's gilt metal necklace bought at a recent auction, recycled metal earrings purchased yesterday at Guildford Art on Swan, leopard print long scarf - a long ago gift from Italy - and black leather boots purchased in the 90's, again Italian. Italian shoes, I just can't resist. Bought these ones at an op shop on Wednesday, brand new, leather sole, beautiful ... but need a home, they are one size too big.

Stallholder Rollout

2010-04-19T13:48:00.006+08:00

One more sleep then my little one is back at school and I can get busy! Everything is getting soooo exciting. Miss Betties, Benswick Vintage, Martha & Lilly, Tumbleweed and Beleza, Joe's Retro, Awoke on a Whale Heart, She Seldom Blushes, Smith & Bird .... plus a host of others ... just a few of the great names coming in to our Vintage Vixens and Vamps event. Starting tomorrow I will commence featuring stalls through facebook so look out for the pics.
And Maureen has returned! We spent yesterday afternoon enjoying all the goodies she brought back with her - we had a lot of fun playing dress ups! I'd upfashioned one of the men's shirts I love to wear and was complimented by a young male passenger riding in another car when we stopped at the traffic lights! Certainly politically incorrect but there are days when a bit of playful cheek just caps off how one is feeling. All good fun.

Vintage Japanese

2010-04-14T13:14:00.007+08:00

With all the focus on designers vintaging from Paris, London, Milan and New York, some of the influences from other cultures can slip into the background. Today I explored Japanese textiles .... literally in the backyard! I had the good fortune to catch up with Textile Artist Wendy Lugg yesterday and she put me on to Japon, located in the alleyway behind the former Rose Hotel in North Fremantle. Whilst there I had a lovely chat with Becky. She and husband Keith moved their business into their warehouse and have never looked back. And right now they have a sale on! I took these photos of the baskets and barrels of recycled kimonos all going out for $5 each! And then there are the rolls of kimono fabrics, 50% off, the absolutely gorgeous obi's (have I spelt it correctly?) and some of the most delicate feminine clutch type purses I have ever laid my hands on, they were truly beautiful to hold. So if you are into old style Japanese to wear, textiles to fashion new garments from or upfashion old garments, or older textiles with which to decorate your home, this is the place to go. Auctions in Japan are invite only and Becky is often the only Westerner there, accompanied by her Japanese speaking assistant. So, if like me, you have travelled along Stirling Highway and seen the Japon sign many times, but never ventured in, then I recommend that you do ... and leave lots of time for textile browsing not to mention the possibility of purchasing a more up market kimono to give that classy touch to lounging around your home. Gosh I wish I looked like Nigella Lawson.

Mary Poppins Out and About

2010-04-07T14:58:00.005+08:00

Another day on the streets. Flyers posted in IGA Hilton and Melville, 'The Local' cafe in Hilton, 'Sweet Ginger' cafe in Hilton, Murdoch University (lots), 'Hubble Street' cafe in East Fremantle, '2 Timing' Recycled Fashion shop in East Fremantle, 'Off the Wall' in Fremantle, 'Blink' cafe in Fremantle, 'Moores Building' Cafe in Fremantle, one or two other cafes along the way and 'Book Caffe' in Swanbourne. Whew!

I've been watching the old Mary Poppins movie with my daughter, and fell in love with Mary's carpet bag. I wanted one - and this morning I found it. Not sheik, more geek, but I love quirky things. I wonder if I can pull all sorts of things out of it? Now I want an umbrella that takes me into the air ... that would be fun. Returned home to find an email from a vintage seller coming in from Sydney! She's traded at Bondi and Glebe Markets but is now coming home - done the same thing myself a couple of times over the years.

Maureen celebrated her birthday yesterday, is now in Washington steeped in history. It will give her a rest before hitting New York, her next destination. Time for me to make some gorgeous journals so off the airways for a couple of days. Next week I will start blogging stallholders and swishing details.

Out and About .... in Freo

2010-04-06T13:49:00.006+08:00

Have been into Freo this morning. First up, met the lovely Jane at FreInfo - she also sits at the community notices desk in the Fremantle Library. A copy of our flyer is on the noticeboard and is included in the regular FreInfo email to over 660 email addresses. Jane was really helpful and very efficient, a big thankyou.

A couple of weeks ago I posted flyers at the 'Old Values' retro store in Fremantle, the Victoria Street Deli in Mosman Park, Breast Check in Mosman Park (my breasts are indebted to Alex and her team) and the 91 Seeds cafe on Marmion Street in Palmyra. Today I posted them at the South Fremantle Shopping Complex, The South Beach Cafe, The Meeting Place (and had a chat with Jenny), Tropicana, Hamilton Hill IGA and a busy cafe near Westgate Mall. If there is a public space that invites material, then I am filling it. And watch out Muzz Buzz girls, my favourite ones on Rockingham Road got their flyer this morning, I'm handing them out to anyone I meet along the way.

I then visited the local vintage and retro stores in Fremantle. This was a real pleasure, it is some time since I have been able to just meander through the town of my childhood and its looking pretty good, creative expression is really blooming there. First I visited Fi & Co at the back of New Editions bookshop. Then on to Seldom She Blushes where I met Fern who then introduced me to Annette of Broken Doll. Pop Ups at our event from both these ladies look promising. Then I visited Off the Wall and Pongee, no one home but I will return.

And in the midst of all this a call from the lovely Louise at Kwik Copy to say that the printing of our promotional material is underway and she will call me as soon as they are finished - how exciting!

I've returned home for a short break to see that the We Heart Vintage girls in Mt Lawley have tuned in on our facebook - fantastic. Am off again soon, Canning Highway here I come!

Catching Up on the Local Scene

2010-04-05T10:50:00.005+08:00

Cathing up on local and international events a couple of words in order. Thank you to Winifred and Bance for promoting our event! Next, a new monthly vintage market starts up on 24 April in Mt Lawley - find 'We Love Vintage' on Facebook and be part of this new north of the river initiative.

New York Couture

2010-04-01T11:08:00.005+08:00

'Alligators, Old Mink & New Money' - One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing. That's the title of a fabulous book I am currently reading, the author of which has Hooti Couture in Brooklyn, New York. Maureen has it on her 'must visit' list and will be there in just over a week!

An ex model, Alison Houtte encapsulates 'vintage' "as using older pieces to help create a fresh, one of a kind style, with almost no rules as to how that’s achieved. It means looking at what designers are putting on their runways and fashion editors are putting on their magazine pages, then finding the real thing, merchandise from the twenties to early eighties that has inspired the latest hot looks, as well as pieces that compliment them. It means introducing customers to designers – dead and alive – whose signatures they may never have seen before. Finally, vintage style, is as much about wardrobe accents as it is about ‘investment’ pieces like a Chanel suit or Burberry trench. ... Dressing with vintage is the ultimate ‘mix and match’ between the twenties and twenty first century of fashion, inspired by a hodgepodge of labels that draw as much from pop culture as from a specific decade or designer. Vintage is about surprise and fun and affordability, meeting individual everyday style needs with pieces from the past."

I love that description! This comes from woman born in '60 who will wear leopard print leggins with a close knit jumper and a leopard print scarf tied around her neck! Maybe Perth isn't at that point yet, but how exciting is it to introduce others to the intrigue of using a vintage piece to create a small piece of individual style, with maybe bold one of a kind style down the track? I hear the 80's are in, big, androgynous, assymetric, I remember my red Grace Jones t-shirt, the look of Annie Lennox and of course my favourite - Stuart Membery. And then there was Laura Ashley, not my style but the fabrics were gorgeous to touch, sew and look at.

If you haven't read the book or visited the website, then do, the photographs are truly inspirational. I rue the fact that I don't live in a place overflowing with Vintage fashion. But I also know we have some amazing creativity in this town that is transforming what is available into something reminiscent of style from the past. I'm looking forward to it all coming together at our first Vintage Vixens and Vamps event and blossoming out in the months following. My mind is already busy what we will bring together for Vintage Vixens and Vamps #2 .... July 2010.

Vintage Vixen Georgina

2010-03-31T11:29:00.004+08:00

As a Vintage Vixen I have an interest in lots of things old(er). When I resided in Victoria I used to love the country deceased estate auctions (a bit maudlin I suppose but they were so much fun and the finds were soooo interesting, gosh, I miss them). So my home at that time was filled with old furniture, lace doilies, crockery, whatever caught my eye - and of course it was always fun and a little bit nerve wracking when bidding.

I am currently reading a book on one woman's adventures with vintage clothing and it has reminded me of the approach my mother took with clothing, the term fashion I wouldn't have applied to our home until we girls hit 18 and had money - then we took a real interest in what to wear! Platform shoes, flared jeans, Vadim jeans, mini dresses dripping with belts and big earrings with shiny gold leaves, voluminous dresses gathered around a yoke and billowing out (not really a flattering look), one piece pants suits, halter neck dresses and tops, culottes and as an old boyfriend reminded me the other day we also had terri towelling shorts sets - ugh! In reading this book I am relishing the memories and re-valuing of my mother's ways, dictated by the economic times back then and the skills she had acquired in her own family of origin. I am so grateful for the passing on of those skills and my reacquaintance with their emerging place in life today.

And I have always loved books. Hours in the library or reading The Secret Seven, books and the stories they contained within were another world I would move into, often for hours on end before returning to life in the suburban back yard. With memories locked into my neurological wiring of the pleasure I enjoyed in those books it is no wonder I turned to journal writing in my adult years - my senses yearned for grainy touch, musty smell and neurological pleasure chemicals! But writing on paper made in China was not the same experience and so I imported beautiful, dusky handmade papers and learned to make journals. I work with fabrics, embellish them with textiles and more recently have added old 45 single covers and collage to my repertoire of book adornment.

I am vintage, I have my own vintage story and all of it is captured in my personal blog www.georginamavor.blogspot.com. If you are interested in things vintage beyond fashion then I invite you into my blog and look forward to sharing memories and questions that pertain to a time not really so long ago. G

A Taste of San Francisco

2010-03-26T23:26:00.004+08:00

Some pics have arrived, the first taste of what's available in the US. Gorgeous! I will post the rest at a more decent hour.

Vixen Refashionista

2010-03-25T09:35:00.006+08:00

Two nights ago I was thinking about what to do with this 'gorgeous' 'Stitches' frock recently purchased from an op shop. My favourite fashions were in the 80's. Stuart Membery was my designer of choice but overall I liked the androgynous look, square, hanging, big, different. I was into punk fashion (minus the piercings), music and nightclubs - Adrians in Northbridge was my favourite. And prior to that David Bowie adorned my ears, I had every LP ... until an ex boyfriend took them all with him. I was remembering my favourite album, David Bowie Live and yesterday when I visited Hannah at Pigeonhole there it was playing on the iPod! Those were the days. But back to the dress, I liked the retro look of the fabric, reminded me of our 'family room' wallpaper in the 70's - brown, geometric, one feature wall with orange carpet! Beautiful .... my bedroom had the lime green feature wall, it's a wonder I slept. So I tried my hand at refashioning the dress into something I would wear now, 30 years later - and this is how it came out. The shoes were recently op shop purchased, the earrings are mine from the 80's, I made the little black wrap around skirt - I like the flexibility of wrap around, the leggings and t-shirt are from some suburban store - and my refashioned retro over thingy come dress. What do you think? (And my apologies for the photographs - my six year old daughter took them, we will have to find a better position next time that catches the light and gives her enough room to adjust the camera.) Refashioning anyone?

Our Swishing Stylist

2010-03-24T16:39:00.006+08:00

Gosh, lot's of conversations, things starting to come together. Today I met with Hannah McGrath, terrific creative person we met when Two Bucks Til Wednesday appeared at The Markets at Perth Cultural Centre. As many of you probably know she is a freelance stylist and experienced with X-Press Fashion, Scene, Two Bucks Til Wednesday, anadventure.wordpress.com, and Pigeonhole. The latter is in fact where we met, very happy I did so, lots of interesting stuff and idol of my youth David Bowie playing in the background. Anyway, Hannah has agreed to be our roving mingler during our Swishing Event. While you are deciding which pieces to swap she is available for you to seek advice from. She's stylish, bubbly, creative and a lot of fun, you will all enjoy her in your midst amongst the clothes! I will post Swishing Rules in the coming days, don't throw those unwanted fashion items away - they may just get you the most gorgeous piece yet.

Red Feathers Sidewalk Show

2010-03-23T22:11:00.006+08:00

Wow, I've just returned from the Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt Vintage Fashion Expose. Well done Melanie, Kerri and everyone involved for a sidewalk extravaganza. Champagne, nibbles, models, vintage clothing, music and entertainment, it really was terrific. Vintage fashion, upcycled, refashioned, sleepwear, evening wear and a plug for the environment, the show had it all. Truly well done. Unfortunately the battery was low on my camera but hopefully this one shot gives you some indication of the calibre of the evening.

Vintage Vixens and Vamps - Revamped

2010-03-18T11:48:00.003+08:00

Maureen and I visited Kerri and Melanie of Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt yesterday. Very rich conversation, lots to ponder, the difficult part will be in narrowing down the ideas for our big event on May 23. This morning Melanie sent through a revamped poster - it is gorgeous. Maureen is off having it printed up and a 1000 will be distributed by the Poster Girls in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for them and if you see one around let me know. Huge thanks to Melanie for lending a talented hand.

New Dress a Day Link

2010-03-18T11:27:00.007+08:00

Had a fantastic conversation with Lara of Smith and Bird this morning. Talked textiles, refashioning, Swaperama, craft books, yarn bombing, the Mandurah Stretch Festival and Etsy. But the best thing to come out of our chit chat was the link Lara sent me http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/about/ Go to it. On the site you will find a woman who has committed to not buying new clothes for a whole year and at the same time wishes to get her creative juices flowing. She has set herself a budget of $1 a day with which to buy one used item of clothing which she then refashions. I started to look at all the photos but realised I could sit there all day and had to drag myself away. But I have signed up to get the daily posts. Very inspiring, now instead of continually being attracted to anything from the 80's in op shops I'm off to look for big and blousey! Making friends again with my Pfaff....

Red Feathers & A Hula Skirt

2010-03-15T14:15:00.004+08:00

Last week, as I was on the streets I came across an incredibly colourful shop in Melville. Red Feathers is the creation of two women, Melanie and Kerri, and houses all sorts of delicious products as well as workshops and mini events. They support handmade, fair trade and sustainable goods, with a solid collection of vintage inspired fashion and products. They also have strong links with Living Smarties WA and we will be talking further later this week. On Tuesday 23 March they are holding a fashion expose and is open to anyone interested. And if you are interested in sewing, they run sewing and handcraft classes for adults and children. If you haven't already been into their shop then I thoroughly recommend that you do, it is a pleasure for all the senses.

Cupcake Days

2010-03-13T20:17:00.008+08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was having a really bad day, I can't remember all the details but my mind was filled with everything that wasn't going right. Now, I know that we can only experience what is on our mind so I took a step back and had a look at what I was paying attention to. After a few moments I realised that nearly everything I was attending to (and thinking negatively about) was totally out of my control. The only thing that was totally within my power to make brilliant or dismal were the cupcakes I had made that morning - and they had turned out fantastic. In an instant I went from feeling lousy and thinking that I was totally useless to feeling great because of all the things that had crossed my path that day, the one that I was in control of had turned out brilliant. On that day I coined the term 'my cupcake moment', the moment in time when I was competent. Since then Maureen and I often talk about whether we have had a cupcake day or simply cupcake moments, and my six year old daughter has also adopted the term. In the last week I have had several cupcake days, ones in which things have just gone right. I have had shop owners very happy to put our flyers in their shop windows, cafes taking what money I had in my purse for my coffee rather than the full price, and a very serendipitous chance encounter with Melanie and Kerri of Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt. For many reasons both my daughter and I had another cupcake day today, one of my highlights being the acquisition of several great clothes racks. And whenever I think of cupcakes images of the delicious works of art by Kate Laurendi always come to mind. I first met Kate when with The Markets, and now she has eagerly put her hand up to join us at our 'Vintage Vixens and Vamps' event in May. If you haven't indulged your sense with her cupcakes then I recommend you visit her on facebook, and better still meet her in May. I hope everyone is having some great cupcake days, there is certainly some fantastic initiatives underway in Perth and I am really looking forward to mixing with them all.

International Shopping

2010-03-11T11:41:00.000+08:00

Maureen and myself both have international trips on our schedule for 2010 - and will we make the most of them! On 22 March Maureen is off to one of the ultimate destinations for things chic, quirky, arty, funky, stylish .... New York! One of the venues she will visit is the Brooklyn Flea Market. "This great outdoor marketplace caters to bargain hunters, collectors, novice shoppers and anyone with an appetite." What an assortment and array of community eclectics. Look out for photos direct from New York into our facebook and blog, and make sure your diary is marked with our Vintage Vixens and Vamps event on 23 May in the Fremantle Town Hall. Stallholders are booking in, more information on them will be posted in the coming weeks.

Feeling Fab with Frugal Fashion Finesse

2010-03-11T11:19:00.000+08:00

If you haven't seen the photos on our facebook page, then I heartily recommend that you do! Si (our Victorian Buyer) is on the hunt again this weekend for that quality fashion piece at a smidgeon of what can be purchased new. Make the most of yesteryear's quality and look your best today. In looking through some of the London and Milan websites (both cities we will be visiting for something really special) I came across the comment that "in dressing vintage, clothing items are old but the overall look needs to have a modern feel to it" otherwise we look like we're in a children's movie. It's how we put this with that, and obviously shoes and accessories play a big part. I love the quality of clothes of yesteryear, when I was in the job that paid the money I luxuriated in shopping in David Jones and George's in Melbourne, I miss the feel and look of those clothes, particularly the 80's and some of our Australian designers. But on 23 May I will have the chance to travel down memory lane again - and all under one roof! If you haven't been onto our facebook, get on to it and join up. Si will be posting photos of his purchases throughout the next few months, you can have immediate access to their viewing and post your own comments on their appeal.

Vintage Vixens & Vamps Launches!

2010-03-05T13:05:00.000+08:00

Welcome to our birth announcement launching Vintage Vixens & Vamps events for 2010! The beautiful, historical, Art Deco Fremantle Town Hall has been booked for our first vintage fashion, sassy swishing, photo shooting, 'girls dressing up', inspired event.

12noon-5pm, Sunday 23 May will see 30 fabulous vintage stalls - fashion, accessories, recreations, fabrics and patterns. All set up inside the auditorium of the Fremantle Town Hall.

30 different Vintage stalls: You will see Perth's best vintage inspired stalls all under one roof with activities throughout the afternoon to make this one big fun day out for women of all ages. From quirky to classic join Maureen and Georgina at 1 pm as they introduce a select range of designer label vintage inspired fashion pieces and explore fashion combinations that match those of our London based sisters.

Try a little swishing for fun: At 2 pm our sassy swishing mini event is on. Raid the wardrobe and bring along 5 items destined for a new home. For $15 they can be exchanged for five other pre loved pieces, adding new spark and pizzazz to your signature look for a fraction of the price. Ever wanted to explore backstage and swan down the catwalk? Our first event offers that chance. Sashe down alleyways behind the stage, don your attire in backstage dressing rooms and strut your stuff under stage lighting across our royal red catwalk - with the audience esconced in luxurious parlour style seating upstairs at the back of the auditorium - a true performance experience - all with that sense of fun that only women can bring to a girly gathering.

Watch this space for updates on vintage fashion businesses taking part and join our facebook fan club to get the gaggle going.

For further information: Georgina 0417 949 179