I have been going costume jewellery crazy lately.  One of the key elements to the success or failure of a good vintage ensemble is the accessories, and I have been on the look out for some good quality pieces to add to my bag of tricks. It is about time I showed you some of my great finds from the  Sydney Vintage Show.  I did pick up a number of amazing outfits too, but you’ll have to wait till I wear them for a proper look. Dresses on hangers just don’t cut it on this blog. I can tell you that I picked up a stunning 1940′s silk skirt suit, a 1950′s black cotton daytime party dress and a fab 1960′s summer party dress too! I was quite put out with my ribs when trying on a stunning vintage Valentino suit whose zip stopped just short of closing around them. But no complaints really, other than that I wish a venue of sellers like this existed all year round!

I’ve been looking for the perfect brooch to complete my Joan Holloway-esque ensembles and this silver number is perfect! Now I just need the oversized pocket book to go with it, to hide all my steamy romance novels (or perhaps just the laptop). The earrings have a beautiful green hue to them, making them perfect for cocktail parties, dinner evenings or a night on the town.

I was perhaps a little too excited when I found this bra, I think I may have even given an evil laugh and rubbed my hands together in glee.  I’ve been searching for just the right long line to complete the whole girdle and bra, vintage lingere look, but finding something in good condition, in your size is not easy.  Imagine my surprise when I found this one in my size, as unworn dead stock and there were two of them! They are both mine now.

The little coral pink 1940′s cardigan has some slightly faded spots, but was just too cute to leave behind.  With high waisted pants, you need little cropped jackets, otherwise you risk coming off like you just forgot to update you slacks in a long time.  For some odd reason I also find that long tops over high waisted pants make your butt look bigger than when it is exposed in all its high-waisted glory.  I think it has something to do with hiding the curve of the waist beneith the longer jackets. ( Must do some experiments with this theory.)

I went to the fair with the express purpose of seeking out matching sets of jewellery.  This proved to be a surprisingly difficult task, but instead of giving up, I hunted down these pieces to find the next best thing and create something very close to a set from a couple of lovely but lonely pieces.

All in all, I was quite pleased with my little haul.  I even found some lovely things to add to our Mad Men competition prize pack. As you may know, I had set the competition deadline for today, but after a number of begging and pleading emails citing lost cameras, I will extend the deadline for one more week.  No more, that’s all, finito. So get snapping, cause you’ll kick yourself if you miss out on a chance to win the vintage booty I have awaiting you.