Friday morning I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Dita up close and personal at the global launch of her new vintage inspired fashion label Muse. Taking inspiration from her much loved wardrobe of 1940′s fashion, Dita has created a simple and elegant line of garments built on couture principles. Each garment is constructed using high quality fabrics, in built corsetry for support and structure as well as those vintage details that those of us so familiar with the nuances of these garments, will applaud. Grosgrain hemming tape and internal waist tape are just two of the immaculate details Dita has included in her creations.

Understanding her fan base has meant Dita created a collection that will both appeal to, and fit, her legion of glamour girls in training. With sizes ranging from 8-20, much thought has been applied in creating these garments that fit, flatter and will remain elegant wardrobe staples for years to come. Each piece has been carefully chosen to compliment the life of a modern women seeking to inject the simple chic of a vintage garment without wanting to appear too retro. From the gorgeous draped, one shouldered formal wear dress to the must have trench coat, this collection is the perfect capsule wardrobe for a woman of style and grace.

Dita’s stunning, 1940′s inspired, print dress featuring her own hand print and signature.

Such a delight! Dita takes time out for a quick chat.

Beautiful friends from Highball Burlesque and I were thrilled to see this collection.

Appearing exclusively in David Jones, this range will be available to the public from February 2012. Watch this space for further updates!

A woman after my own heart, Catherine who created Kiss Me Deadly, knew that a woman cannot live by high street knickers alone, and so she set out to create something better. For any of you who wear stockings on a regular basis, you’ll know that you can’t just attach them to those ‘bedroom’ type of suspender sets you see in the mall. If you do this and try to go and buy groceries or pick up your children from school, a serious wardrobe malfunction will ensue!  And this is what I love about Kiss Me Deadly lingerie, it is designed with real life in mind.  Yes, it is stunningly beautiful, but it also WORKS!

The suspenders, for instance, are a six strap with good weight metal clips that grip your stockings firmly and sit smooth against the skin. The Vargas dresses smooth out all the bumps, hold it it and make you feel like a million dollars too.  Even the knickers have the perfect high waist and low leg cut that means they sit where they should without riding up or showing VPL. So I’m rather excited.

You may have noticed that Kiss Me Deadly is now a sponsor of the blog, but there is more to this that just me telling you about awesome underwear. Kiss Me Deadly have just opened their web shop which now means you can buy online, but they are also increasing their stockist in Australia. Guess who the new Australian face of Kiss Me Deadly is?….

I can’t show you the super secret pictures just yet, but I can tell you I have spent a lot of time recently lounging around in stunning suspenders, pants with bows and strokable silks… It’s all very exciting really!  Keep your eyes peeled because you may be about to see a whole lot more of me very soon!

Sometimes my life is a little crazy; well actually it is a little crazy all the time! But the other week I was given a great opportunity to capture it all for you.

Thanks to Nuffnang and Panasonic, I was sent the brand spanking new Panasonic Lumix G2 12.1 mega pixel camera.  It is half way between a point and shoot and a DSLR.  I’ve had the old point and shoot camera here for quite some time and never find I can get the result I wanted, so I switched to a big DSLR. I haven’t had any spare time to really learn how to use this yet, and find I always have to mess around quite a bit. And while those shots are lovely, carrying around a whole camera bag full of equipment does rather cramp my style.  The sorts of events I get around to aren’t really the type of things where I want to be schelping around extra bags.  So I’ve been trying to figure out the perfect solution for something that would fit into my handbag, but still do a cracking job at capturing my moments no matter what the conditions.

When it comes to taking photos I may have an eye for composition, but I certainly don’t have any technical knowledge. In fact when someone asked me the other day what aperture speed I’d used to capture an image (after seeing it on the LCD camera screen), I blushed and said, “A good one?”. Yep, no technical knowledge whatsoever. I went home and told Mr.SKM this while he had a very good giggle at my expense.

Funnily enough, while we were watching TV the other night, a commercial came on with a guy showing an exhibition of his photography, being asked similar questions and giving similar answers to mine.  Mr.SKM and I were both laughing going, “hey that’s you!” The extra funny bit was when at the end of the commercial, we saw it was for the Panasonic Lumix G2 – the exact camera they had just sent me to assist my novice ways! This is the ad here.

Okay, so this new camera arrives looking like a baby SLR, all black, fancy and miniaturised. Of course the first thing I did was to experiment with which handbag was the best fit for it before even taking a shot.  But I’m not going to bore you with technical details I don’t understand, instead I’m going to take you with me on my weekend and show you how the Panasonic Lumix G2 captured it along the way.

*(None of these photos have been altered in any way – they are RAW, straight from the camera)*

On Thursday I had a bunch of errands to run including a little ‘research’ at Chapel Street Bazzar.  The chaps there were kind enough to let me photograph some of my favourite things as I went along. I hadn’t had the time to experiment much with the camera, so this was a great opportunity to check out how it would handle close ups, things behind glass and to mess around with all the auto artistic photo settings.

Then it was on to a quick cup of tea with Violet Le Beaux before dress fittings for Friday night’s big event.

Come Friday it was time to hit the town for Miss Burlesque Australia. I was privileged to be a part of the judging panel for the Victorian heat, watching the girls get their spangles on.. and off… for the title. Given that it was held in a nightclub it was quite dark, so it was time to see if the Panasonic Lumix G2 could capture the ambience without any flash or me having to worry about ISO stuff. I just set it on auto and shot. Did I mention the camera has an articulated LCD touch screen? This fantastic feature meant I could angle the screen to make sure I could get my friends and myself into those arm length shots! I can just touch the screen to move the focus area and make sure it is all working, even while still in front of the lens.

Saturday morning I was up early for another big day, heading out for a radio interview first up. I had about two seconds to get an outfit shot before heading out the door, so I handed the camera to Mr SKM to snap my favourite new vintage dress.

Of course, I couldn’t photograph myself while I was on air, so again I passed the camera across to the studio assistant and asked her just to press the GO button. Easy peasy!

I raced off from the interview to the shops where I had to pick up food and a very special cake as Saturday was also Miss Three’s big birthday!  Time to capture some colour, action and festivities. Because the Panasonic Lumix G2 has Intelligent Auto Mode, which means automatic light, shutter speed, focus blah blah blah.. I only needed to worry about playing with Miss Three and not spending all the time playing with the camera settings. Oh and because it also captures HD movies I didn’t need to go and find my video camera as well. It was all there, at my fingertips, ready for those classic birthday moments.

After all that there was still Sunday to go. I’d been asked to come and perform in a friends Tableau Vivant gallery evening – A Doll House. Time to break out the super huge hair, massive lashes and work it as Dolly Varden! Again, I had little time to take photos and so the twisty LCD touch screen came in handy to snap away and get some shots of the wild hair and makeup creation.  I often find that taking photos indoor of an evening can create really harsh shadows and be difficult to light. So I wanted to see how the Panasonic Lumix G2 would handle these conditions under pressure. Once again, I set it to Intelligent Auto Mode and tis is what happened. Not bad hey?

The best thing about all this playing around is that I managed to get all these great pictures while on the run, without extra bags, without lots of messing around and with very little knowledge. (I have to admit I didn’t read the whole manual) So what this means is that I know I can get fantastic results with little effort, but that because the Panasonic Lumix G2 has so much of the functionality of a DSLR too, I can spend the time to play around and learn at my leisure.

So, how would you like one of these all for yourself? You would? Well, thanks to Nuffnang and Panasonic you have the chance to WIN one for yourself!

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me how the Panasonic Lumix G2 would make you a better photographer! Make sure that your comment is linked to your blog, twitter, email or some other contact method.

Worth $1200.00 RRP this is one Fantastic prize!!

The Panasonic G2 retails for $1299 with a 14-42mm  (which is what I was using) or the Twin Lens Kit $1599 with both a 14-42mm & 45-200mm Zoom Lens.

The competition is open to Australian residents only, (sorry guys, I have something else great coming up for my international readers before the end of the month) and there is one camera to give away between the nine blogs hosting the contest.

All the T’s & C’s can be found here.

It has been such a huge weekend here, and it began for me on Friday with the Victorian heat of Miss Burlesque Australia where I was privileged to be a part of the judging panel. It was a night to see some of the up and coming Burlesque performers of Victoria work their shimmy and vie for the crown of Miss Burlesque Australia.

I did take a few photos at the event, (not many though as I was pretty busy), but I shot them on my new secret camera. I’m saving them to reveal all those details at the same time.

Given that I was there to specifically assess the entrants based on their styling criteria (amongst other things), it was only fitting that I wore something rather special myself. The evening’s gown is a 1930′s bias cut velvet gown, courtesy of Circa Vintage Clothing here in Melbourne.

I just adore this dress. I’ve been fortunate enough to model it a few times for different parades so I already knew that it fit like a glove. So much so that I’m planning to take a pattern from it and have it made up in several shades… too divine not to!

Outfit Details

Dress – 1930′s bias cut velvet, courtesy of Circa Vintage Clothing

Heels – Silver satin with diamonte detail, by Nina from NOVO

Earrings – Original 1930′s diamonte screw in posts, leaf design

Bracelet – Reproduction deco design by Fifth Avenue

Lipstick – Boots No. 7 Moulin Rouge

Nail colour – RED from The Face Shop

Wow, what a big few days it has been! Travelling, talking, tasting and generally getting girly in Tasmania.

Although it is only the next state over, I’d never been to Tasmania and never then, been to Hobart.  When I was asked to join The Lindy Charm School for Girls on their latest Hobart trip, I was thrilled to have the chance to do something I love in a brand new place.  Now they had warned me that it was a tad cooler down there, but I am so, so glad I came prepared for the worst.  When we hit the road on Saturday morning to head in and set up for the class, the temperature on the building thermometer read minus 2 degrees! The only other time I’ve experienced that kind of cold I was dressed for snow and certainly not in a dress and heels.  The good thing is that I can now tell you I have put my Dressing with Glamour in the Cold tips to the test and they passed with flying colours.

Hobart is such a beautiful city. It has a wonderful sense of history and serenity that made it feel a whole world away. There was a hospitality and genuine sense of interest found in everyone I met.  Whether it was swaping stories with the lady who ran an antique store out of town, or people on the street; I’ve never felt so welcome in a  new city as I did in Hobart.  On the very first morning, my friends and I were wandering around the square at Salamanca looking for somewhere to eat for lunch, when a lady came rushing over to us.  She’s seen us looking a bit lost, recognised me from this blog and came to give us a recommendation – so thank you lovely mystery reader! You made my morning with your smile and hospitality.

Then it was off for a spot of vintage and op shopping, antiquing and Irish coffees; wins all round!  (You’ll have to wait for another post to see the haul)  Basically, it was a tailor made dream day put together by our lovely hostess who knew our weakness for a bargain.

The next morning we headed off in that minus 2 degree weather to meet our eargely awaiting debutantes, and here’s what happened….

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

]]> http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2010/05/24/the-lindy-charm-school-skm-take-hobart/feed/ 12 http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2010/04/08/get-out-your-diaries/ http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2010/04/08/get-out-your-diaries/#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:02:03 +0000 Super Kawaii Mama http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/?p=4692 Because there are just so many great events on the horizon you won’t want to miss a minute!

This April the fabulous Love Vintage Show is on again in Sydney 16th – 18th April.  This twice yearly event is one that you really can’t afford to miss, whether you adore your vintage or are simply a curious cat. There are stall holders from all across Australia showcasing their vintage wares, from fashion to accessories, textiles to tomes.   I always try and bring a near empty suitcase for this weekend as I know that all self discipline goes out the window!

There are lectures to attend, vintage fashion parades, Charm School workshops and even Best Dressed competitions.  If you live in Sydney you have no excuse for missing this, but even if you are across the other side of the country, this is one weekend you really must plan to make a part of your yearly vintage calendar.

London Burlesque Week is on April 20-25th and if you haven’t heard about this one.. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN! I’m particularly proud to say that Australia is being represented by some of our most lovely local girls Rosy Rabbit, Trixie Tassels, Sapphire Demure, The Sugar Blue Burlesque beauties and A’dora Derierre.

If only I had the time and cash to spare, I’d be hot footing it over to make sure I saw every minute of this one. (Mental note – save for next year!) London, I am mighty jealous of you right now!

The Ballarat Heritage Weekend is on over the Mother’s Day weekend, May 8th & 9th, showcasing Ballarat’s beautiful heritage buildings, gardens,collections and history.  There are over 100 events planned for the weekend including carriage rides, tennis and croquet!

Wintersun is happening again in Coolangatta June 4th-14th and if you can imagine a week of pure retro heaven, this is it!  Classic cars, Rock & Roll, Cake Bake off’s, Fashion parades, Vintage Swim Suits Shows (yes I’ll be there!) and Dancing till Dawn!

The Australian Burlesque Festival is nearly here too for it’s very 1st Annual year!  Held in Sydney this June, if you love your old school glamour, spangles and sparkles; make sure to head over and check out our Melbourne Minx’s and Sydney Sweethearts, along with international guests.  So I may yet get to our very own burlesque knees up!

The lovely Lindy Charm School Mistresses are back to take on Melbourne and Ballarat on July 10th, showing you what a Victory Roll actually is and how to do them, when red lipstick is appropriate (always!) and just how to wear your stockings correctly.  All the details for their upcoming workshops are available on their website, so do check it out and make some time to get fancy.

Right, well I’m off to try and sort out my own diary for the next few months! So much to do and see… and shop!

It is not often I wish I was somewhere other than Melbourne, but the incredible Sugar Blue Burlesque troop have made me entirely jealous of the people of Perth.  Based over on the west coast of Australia (yes a very long way from here), Sugar Blue are Perth’s own burlesque beauties and what a talent!  Thankfully for me, they made a cameo appearance here at The Order of Melbourne last Saturday night, and it was a truly world class evening. In fact, I am so disappointed that I cannot give you dates for a big Australian tour, because they certainly should do a country wide extravaganza.  I’m thinking of organising a petition to talk them into it.

And here is why.  I don’t want to give you any spoilers of their delicious acts, so I’ve chosen some pics that should give you a taste of their talent without giving too much away.  The costumes were particularly superior and the narratives both surprising and delightful. There was not a moments pause as thesladies took the evening up a notch with each performance. You know that feeling when you are watching something and think to yourself, “It can’t get any better than this.” and then it does?!  Yep, that is the feeling I had as I stood stage side, snapping away in the hope of capturing the thrill that is Sugar Blue Burlesque.

I love my job!

Forgive me for the excessive outfit posts in the last week and a bit, I’m currently snowed under with so much work that I haven’t been able to finish some of the things I wanted to bring you. I’m making up for it today with a huge recap on the weekend as well as all the outfit fun, so hold on for a huge selection of photos!

Anyway, my world is a whirlwind at present.  A mess of designing, writing, sewing, events and attempting to keep body and soul together for everyone in the household. It has meant a few 2am bedtimes, but I just can’t seem to ever tame my over achieving nature.  There was a small welcome break in one of these roles over the weekend however, as Mr. SKM took the girls on a trip to the country whilst I stayed in town for Fashion week events, parties and watching some very talented girls get their kit off!  Intriguing?

Saturday began with a quick trip in to to Circa Vintage Clothing, seeking out patterns for inspiration for my Friends of Couture collection as well as my own personal stash. Nicole at Circa has more patterns than you could possibly imagine and it is like a little piece of nirvana to sit there and search through for heartbreakingly beautiful gems. Yes, I found something amazing, but that will have to wait for another day when I can show you the finished product.

Then it was onto Worn Wild Alternative Designers Market as part of the LMFF calendar.  A great opportunity to check out lots of hand made and custom pieces as well as to meet and talk to the designers. So after a day of shopping and waltzing about looking at pretty things, it was off to see the amazing Sugar Blue Burlesque troop, over from Perth for one night only.  Oh, if only there were more shows! Sugar Blue were out of this world amazing!  The costumes, coreography, innovation and the downright cheekiness of it all. They really deserve their own post of highlights, so stay tuned.

So after all that shopping, socialising and sexy spangles, I finished off the night watching two beautiful friends perform at The Burlesque Bar here in Melbourne. The delightful Foxtrot India and the dark and devilishly good Miss Nic. What. A.Day!

And just what sort of outfit is going to tackle that kind of a schedule from 10am till 3am on a 30 degree day?  That would be this one!

Outfit Details

Leopard print shirt – Zara

Gothic lolita bustle skirt – Fanplus Friend from One Day in Paradise here in Melbourne

Shoes – “Japan” from Wittner

Over the knee stockings – I wish I could remember!!

Little Birdy – Harem on Brunswick street

All that and it was only Saturday!

Still to come.. A Vintage Afternoon Tea, all the fun of Sugar Blue Burlesque and hitting Loreal Melbourne Fashion Week.

]]> http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2010/03/17/a-very-big-weekend/feed/ 31 http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2010/03/11/burlesque-march/ http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2010/03/11/burlesque-march/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:27:44 +0000 Super Kawaii Mama http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/?p=4332 So many good things all in one month!  Some of you will just have to live vicariously through the blog for these events, but for those of you in Melbourne there are some treats in store!

The darling Rosy Rabbit is heading to London to shake a tail feather for Burlesque week and in order to get there she is throwing an evening of daring delights.  I will not be missing this one as not only will Rosy demonstrating her legendary techniques, but will be featuring the talents of my most favorite local performers too!

Music dancing and even door prizes will make this an evening to remember,  so if you are in Melbourne the make sure to pre purchase your tickets now as you won’t want to miss it!

Now… What will I wear this time?!

Sake with my Bro.

My brother and his girlfriend are about to head of for the big overseas odyssey, so getting in as many drinks and Japanese food is high on the agenda.

Men's Pocky. If I have boobs can I still eat this?

Kids parties - Not what they used to be!

Miss Four went to a party.  We planned on cake and fairy bread, we got snakes! Seriously awesome, that’s kid’s parties in Australia for you.

Spangles and Shadows

Caught the fabulous Highball Burlesque for a saucy way to end the weekend.

Hanging out with the delicious Dolores Daiquiri of Highball Burlesque.

Never a dull moment, I may not have baked or accessorised the couch with a seasonal throw, but a surprise package like this is not to be missed for muffins!

Stay tuned this week for Tutorials, Outfit Posts, Luxe & Less and More!