Hoarding is Heavenly

I ask you, are there any drawbacks to hoarding?

That's a rhetorical question and you're not expected to reply because the answer is NO.

I realised this for the billionth time when I reached for a1940s slip, let my fingers do the walking and discovered some wee delights to give it a lift.

If I wasn't such a sartorial magpie, picking up bits and bobs that catch my eye with little or no wardrobe planning in place, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of going spotty here.
I scored the 1950s orange and silver jacket off eBay for around $5 a few years ago.  
It's a hard-working little sweetie that seems to "go" with everything and it's helped me pull off a variety of dressing emergencies in a flash.

The black and silver spotty tights are a much-loved gift from Vix (check out her amazing new header!) and the shoes, velvet cocktail hat and bag were thrifted.

I picked up the leather and glitter belt from a pop-up vintage market a couple of weeks ago and used a couple of lengths of ribbon from a gift to use as a choker.

I thought I'd add a bit of chola again with my red bra, just for my favourite Mexican muchacha, La Dama.

Proudly, everything is vintage/second-hand and what I love most about dressing from a collection of mish-mash is how bits and pieces seem to "find" each other.

And oh god, have you SEEN Sarah Misfit's treasures from her vintage fashion fair haul?

Now that's one amazing woman with a collection I would love to rub up against!

Desiree xo

Time Flies ...

It's been quite a surprising experience, this style blogging bizzo.
Since the first and only comment on my Lucky Star post a year ago, I've been inspired by so many women to simply be ME.
Encouragement within the blogging community is rife.
Women of all ages are applauded for exploring their personal style, which appears to have ongoing impacts in their personal lives.
I've witnessed an enormous worldwide support network at work where friendships blossom and creativity thrives.
Watching women aged 40+ ditch the chinos and embrace life through their sartorial, artistic and lifestyle choices is such an exciting experience for me.
There's a blog for every taste out there, yet there's always room for more.
For those considering the idea of starting a blog, please do it, someone will read it.
Promise ... but be warned, it's addictive;).

I'm in the pale today, look no red lippy!!
I feel naked!
The Phoenix told me I LOOK naked wearing a slip to slope off to the shops - hehe.

I'm wearing a 1950s faux fur coat I thrifted for $15 - it's so warm!!
Also, a 1940s rayon slip - eBay
Nude seamed fishnets - Kmart
Two-tone black and nude leather shoes - Gold Coast Vintage Fashion Fair
Leather bag - Saba (won in a competition)
Beaded mesh capelet - gift from the vivacious Vix (thank you darling!)

I'm hooked on vintage bias cut slips.  

The trick is not buying them to fit your body measurements - allow another two inches at the bust, waist and hip and they'll skim your curves.

I love the flippy hems on these slips.

This outfit got me my first comment.
Altogether now ... awwwwwwww. 
If you're reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I'm amazed you've chosen to visit me:)).
Happy birthday Pull Your Socks Up!

Java Jive

There's so much more to Easter than chocolate and hot cross buns.
There are Easter bonnets!
As I write to you, The Ink Spots and Ella Fitzgerald are crooning to me, yes I'm still hooked on those gorgeous guys, and they're singing about topping up their cuppa in a swingin' speakeasy.
Making the most of today's jazzy mood, I thought the 1920s and a nice bit of a hat the order of the day.

My snazzy little Easter bonnet is a 1930s velvet skull cap that shows signs it once a veil, but I'm happy with it as is.  
I mean, it's green!!!
Look, the Easter bunny is disguised as The Stylist!

A bit more hat detail for you.
I had so many women sidle up to me today saying "I just love your hat".

Number three son snapped this today as I took a load off over a coffee at the end of a marathon day.
The 1950s beads had to be put away as they were in danger of breaking what with all the manic Easter crowds going nuts all around me.
Chill people, chill!

The rest of the outfit is a 1920s super-slippery silk slip with an ecru-coloured trim and ribbon straps.
VW wedges, Mona Lisa earrings, random metallic bangles and big green glass ring.
Oh and my floral knitting bag;).

Slow down and take it easy this Easter gorgeous gals.
Desiree xoxo

Bronze Meddler

At that delightfully special time that rolls around once a month I tend to forget my vocabulary, misbehave, have teen-like breakouts and ... drop things.
This month's victim was my beloved Lumix Panasonic camera that the Phoenix gave me when I started blogging a few months ago.
Dropping expensive electronic goods is scary.
Especially when your fears are realised and the thing actually doesn't bounce and does break:(.
This bronze slip got a bit of styling a wee while ago, just as I was about to pull it out again and re-style it for all you lovelies.
Then I dropped the camera.
Luckily I had some pix from the first session, but I'm planning on giving this slip some spring styling as soon as poss.

I really like the green of the vintage cape, which is part of a suit, against this 1950s, rich, bronze-coloured slip.

The slip is thick and soft, and not see-through - yay!

Plus the nylon has a strange quality where it's non-static and not a sweaty fabric to wear ... hmmm, maybe there's nylon, then there's nylon (?).

 I'm also wearing an AA black, mesh dress; 1950s chocolate brown, velvet, veiled cocktail hat; black fishnets; velvet platforms and a mish-mash of beads.

Oh by the way ... the Phoenix fixed the camera using two ladybird stickers.
I swear that man can mend anything;).
I hope you've had a marvellous and restful weekend - I plan on ending mine by visiting your blogs.
Desiree xo