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Daily Outfit – Autumn Knits

Super Kawaii Mama — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:07:05 +0000

Cold mornings and school runs can be wardrobe kryptonite. It is hard enough to get out of bed on those days let alone plan something fancy to wear; and this is is the reason that I simply adore my knits for Autumn Winter. They are always soft, cozy and simple to mix and match. They are as comfortable as wearing your pyjamas, but carry you through the day with infinitely more style.

I found this great knitted bolero on eBay, and it was listed as a rare 1940′s hand knit. But when I got it, it turned out to be a 1970′s does 1940′s machine knit. It didn’t alter how much I loved it, but I did contact the seller to let them know that what they sold me wasn’t what I got. Lo and behold the seller offered to refund half my purchase price to compensate for the mistake! For all the complaints we have about vintage on eBay at the moment, it goes to show that there are still some reputable sellers out there and it always pays to contact people personally if you have a problem. Thanks Mr Seller.

The dress I bought at a recycle boutique about 7 years ago. Already second hand, it has done me very well with it’s classic cut and pure wool knit. It is an old Laura Ashley dress that has seen me through two pregnancies and is still going strong; always reminding me just why it is important to invest in quality pieces that last. The little hat is a hand knit from the lovely Greetz from Tiz that I received at the same time as the lovely red 1940′s reproduction sweater, and I’ve clipped on a small red felt flower made by my girlfriend at Something Else Clothing. I’m not sure if I can give this look a name, but I’m feeling an early 1930′s vibe for this autumn, so I thought I’d start to experiment a bit with bits from the wardrobe to see what I can knock together.

I love the texture of this bolero. It is a strong chunky knit, but not a loose weave so it is delightfully warm. Oh, and the handbag for the day is a little hand made crochet bag that my grandmother made in the 1960′s. I loved the way the textures of the bolero, hat and bag all mirror each other.

Outfit Details

Knitted cap – Greetz from Tiz

Red felt flower – Something Else Clothing

Cream knitted vintage bolero – eBay

Black knit dress – Laura Ashley from recycle boutique

Black suede flats – Target

Crochet handbag – Grandmother’s

Daily Outfit – Red 1940′s Repro Sweater

Super Kawaii Mama — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:52:05 +0000

Summer in Australia has been so chilly this year that I began planning for autumn well in advance. One of my favourite purchases that has been sitting lonely on the shelf for a few months, awaiting it’s first seasonal outing, is this pretty top by Greetz From Tiz. I have some of the most marvellous vintage knitting patterns here at home, but the big problem is that I don’t knit. Well not really. I can make a rather wobbly scarf but that is the extent of my wooly skills. So I was chuffed indeed to find this lass in Italy who makes a selection of wonderful reproduction knitwear sold on Etsy.

I wanted something particularly bright and pretty this public holiday Monday, as the family and I headed off to Geelong to visit my elderly grandmother and grandfather. We don’t get to see them all too often, but these are the people who sparked my love for vintage as a child. Nana always has a story to tell, and loves to reminisce with me about that days hair do. Today was no different, as we chatted for quite some time on the merits of snoods and just how they used to be worn.

You’ll be pleased to know that this hair style takes about 2 minutes to achieve once you get the hang of it, and I’m working on a tutorial for it right now!

Outfit Details

Red 1940′s reproduction sweater – Greetz From Tiz

Black high waisted pants with suspenders – Friends of Couture A/W 2009

Black and white Spectator shoes – Ziera (formerly Kumfs)

Red snood – eBay

Red Bow – eBay and pinched from Miss 6′s stash.

Pearl and silver bow earrings – Chomel

Matching peral bracelet – Chomel

Lipstick – MAC Russian Red

QLD Flood Relief Appeal Auction

Super Kawaii Mama — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 12:50:26 +0000

You’ll all be aware of the devastating weather events happening in my home country at the moment. The most far reaching and cataclysmic of these are the floods in Queensland. We all have friends and family directly affected by these floods, with many loosing their homes, their businesses and some; their lives.

These are the times that we all do our bit to pull together and find ways to support each other in the best and most effective ways we can. A whole bunch of us local bloggers have gotten together with the help of Nuffnang, to put together a charity auction to raise much needed funds for the recovery effort.

The auctions, run with the official endorsement of the QLD Government, are taking place through eBay and you can bid on them RIGHT NOW!

What am I offering for this effort? Well, you can bid on a one on one session with me where you’ll not only be made over and transformed with vintage styled hair and makeup, but also learn a whole bunch of trips to perfect your look!

So don’t wait a minute more. Head on over to eBay and get bidding on the offering of your choice! My Vintage Hair and Makeup auction can be found here.

When Blue Means Happy

Super Kawaii Mama — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 01:15:34 +0000

When I was visiting a friend last week she showed me a beautiful pair of enamelled bluebird earrings she’d just inherited from her mother. Tiny, perfect and just so vintage charming. There are certain images that strongly evoke a feeling of the 50′s and this is one of them. The Blue Bird of Happiness isn’t something we see so often these days, occasionally on Christening jewellery, and Sailor Jerry tattoos, but other than that, she’s all but disappeared from the realm of modern accessories. For a little while there I saw loads of bird imagery in necklaces, wall decals and all manner of hip interior pieces; but an actual ‘blue’ bird not so much. So I’ve been hunting.

As usual, Etsy has a gorgeous selection of vintage blue bird pieces, from linen to jewellery.

And a quick search on eBay uncovers some real stunners.

No hunt for vintage jewellery would be complete without a visit to Ruby Lane.

It is this last little guy with his Disney eyes that has stolen my heart though. Might be time for an early Christmas present, after all, these are heirlooms!

Daily Outfit – Vintage Red

Super Kawaii Mama — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:48:18 +0000

I love coming up with brand new ways to wear my favorite things! I have this gorgeous red dress; in fact I do believe that everyone including red heads, needs a killer red dress in their wardrobe. So, I have this gorgeous red dress and it is just something else. It is a 1950′s full skirted, cord dress. Found for me by the lovely Nicole at Circa Vintage (where it seems most of my money lives) it was one of those heart stoppers that I knew had to be mine. I watched it on the rack for a day and even encouraged a friend to try it on in the hope that I could get over another obsession. But, happily, it was not to be and this little red dress came home to make itself as one of my all time favorites that is likely to make it into the heirloom collection.

Anyway, back to my original point, the different styling. To date, I had only worn this dress in a very high contrast, super slick type of manner. Very strong hair, black accessories, shiny shoes. But on this occasion (shopping and taking a friend to the airport) I wanted something softer. In a moment of, “oh duh” I realised that I had not yet created any red and pink combinations with all the things in my wardrobe, so with the help of a new baby pink snood and the BEST jacket from Angel Sissi, this combination was born.

Outfit Details

Jacket – Angel Sissi Dress – 1950′s Circa Vintage

Snood – Ebay Cherry clip on snood - My Little Rockabilly

Earrings – Equip Shoes – Novo (about 100 years ago!)

WIN a Gift Voucher from Violetville Vintage!

Super Kawaii Mama — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:09:22 +0000

To celebrate the launch of the amazing new Violetville Vintage webstore, the delightful Tina is giving Super Kawaii Mama readers the chance to win a $50USD gift voucher to spend on some of her pretties!

I first came across Violetville and their Ebay store back in 2008, and was immediately impressed by the calibre and quality of the pieces they have on offer. All the things that are rarities, even in the best vintage stores here in Australia. Frothy prom dresses, immaculately tailored 1940′s suits, beautifully embroidered 1930′s evening gowns and highly covetable YSL. I have a small heart attack every time I visit their store from the sheer fabulousness of it all!

I’ve featured my Violetteville crushes here before. Pieces I just fell in love with and had to share. But today’s outfit is something extra special…a 1930′s Honeymoon gown courtesy of Miss Tina herself at Violeville.

So what is all this about winning a gift voucher to the Violetville store? All you need to do is to add youself to the all new Violetville mailing list and you’ll be entered to win a $50 USD gift voucher to spend in the store! Click here to enter and then just leave me a comment on this post.

Entires close on the 18th Feburary and the winner will be choosen by a random number generator.

You don’t have to do any fancy tricks for this one – just become a part of the stunning world of Violetville!

** This contest is now closed. You are welcome to add yourself to the mailing list, but this no longer consitutes an entry**

Of course I had such a lovely time in this gown I couldn’t resist putting together a little montage for you….

Daily Outfit – Romantic Spring

Super Kawaii Mama — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:30:57 +0000

Sunday, a family day. This week I had a huge surprise. I met up with my family and baby brother for dinner on his birthday. My other brother had long since been travelling the world with this girlfriend and had made appearances for family birthday’s via Skype. As we settled in for dinner on Thursday night, who should walk in the door but my brother! All the way from Italy, right to our table – with absolutely no warning! Both my baby brother and I died of surprise and while his eyes misted over I promptly started blubbing in the restaurant, much to the amusement of the other patrons. Today we continued with the family theme, taking as much opportunity to see him before he has to return. So we all headed out for more food yet again!

The days are still misty spring days. Beginning and ending with a chill, but with the kind of long absent, soul warming sunshine in the middle. Days when you want to be warm and comfortable to stretch out in that sun, sneaking a nap after lunch. So today’s outfit was about stretch, flounce and softness.

The hair was loose and simple, given a bit of punch by.. you guessed it… Bumpits! I’ve been trialling these for a while now and quite like how quick and easy they are to use. They aren’t yet readily available in Australia, but I purchased a multi pack of black ones via eBay. I have heard that there are “Hollywood” versions available too that give you even more volume for super huge hair.

The bows are the most darling little clips sent to me by an exceptionally clever reader who has started her own makeup and accessories line. I’ll have much much more for you on that topic later on, but if you’d like a sneak peek, head on over to My Little Rockabilly.

Makeup Details:

Eyes – Baked Sugar collection by Physicians Formula

Lips- Aubergine Max Factor Colour Perfection

Nails- Stick on deco nails from Thailand

Outfit Details:

Black lace trim top – Entrace Skirt – Boo Radley

Stockings – Johnathon Aston Shoes – Keds

Necklace – Peter Alexander Hair Bows – My Little Rockabilly

The Coolest Removable Tattoo Ever.

Super Kawaii Mama — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:06:14 +0000

For some time now I have been looking for a nameplate necklace. I’m not talking Carrie Bradshaw imitations here, but something that was embedded with my personality, fun and bright, and perfect for the double take. Of course I found the object of my desire on Etsy, that beacon of creativity and independent trade. After a few emails back and forwards with the artistic lass who created my piece, we had struck on just the right thing for me.

In case you’re wondering, the irony of the Ed Hardy popularity of such designs is not lost on me. However, I refuse to boycott what I love, just because some marketing genius has ruined a perfectly good art form by making it trendy.

Feeding My Habit – The Sydney Vintage Show

Super Kawaii Mama — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:23:09 +0000

What a weekend! As I ease myself into the week needing many hours more sleep and a boat load of coffee, I can tell you it was all worth it. On Friday I got up at the crack of dawn to pack my suitcase, set my hair and get ready to fly to Sydney for the opening of the Vintage Show that evening. It was the sixth such occasion the show has been held, and by all accounts keeps on getting better each time. With around 80 exhibitors it was entirely impossible to get around each one on the opening evening, but like a kid in a candy shop I tried my darnedest.

The crowd on Friday evening was filled with vintage enthusiasts serious about their passion and eagle eyed in their selections. It was at your own peril that you would lay down any item you considered purchasing to rummage in your bag, as before you know it, it would be snaffled in a heart beat. I went with a shopping list in mind, attempting to remedy a few gaps in my working wardrobe. You wouldn’t be looking for serious high end vintage garments, (think Chanel, Dior) at the show, but I did spot some excellent buys in accessories from these houses. A lovely pair of creamy satin Dior evening shoes with rhinestone buckles AND the original box? $130 please. Not too shabby if you ask me. (Note, I didn’t actually buy these for myself even though they were my size. I uncharacteristically stuck to my list!)

The Friday night saw me laden down and footsore by closing time, but rather pleased with myself and anticipating another day of vintage bliss. When it came to heading back on Saturday to tackle the rest of the stalls, I chose more sensible attire (flat shoes) and carried a large bag for my swag. It may sound all very consumerist and indulgent, but I confess that I didn’t even spend all the cash I brought with me, such is the beauty of vintage shopping. Day two of the show was filled with lectures, demonstrations and dances. I took the opportunity to interview a few key participants (just wait till you meet Mistress Christine), and extol the benefits of selling online to others. After all, I can’t tell you about all this and then not let you know where to find them! It was also a lovely surprise to meet so many readers as I wandered around. I often wonder who you all are, and now I have a few more faces to put to names.

So with a suitcase full of goodies, I’ve made it back home to now to wash, sort and catalogue all my finds. I even found some extra special somethings to add to the Mad Men Competition prize pack! I’ll show you all of these pretties in another post, but for today here is a look at some of the tasty offerings that are to be found at such a show. All in all, if you live in Australia and vintage is your thing, then you had better start making plans to head to Sydney for the next one in October.

Choice picks

From Here to Eternity - I picked up a couple of lovely dresses from this great seller.

20th Century Froxx – Soon to be opening an online store. Currently on Myspace and eBay. I was cursing my ribs for being too big to fit into a stunning vintage Valentino suit dress they had on offer.

Empire 47 – Flash website, stunning dresses and great photography.

Ra Ra Superstar – eBay store. I found some fabulous dresses from these girls. Beautiful quality, excellent prices.

Online Antiques – Huge range of just about everything collectible, vintage and antique.

Romance Was Born

Super Kawaii Mama — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:48:14 +0000

Images courtesy of Sportsgirl

I’m not much of one for hopping on the bandwagon, in fact I often try actively not to even if said wagon appeals to me. But in the case of Romance Was Born, I decided to not let my hipster prejudices hamper my style, and let their colourful designs take me away. One look at their website and you’ll see why I cannot resist their charms. Collections that draw on muses so avante garde as The Muppets, are right up my alley and anyone who knows the appropriate use for pom poms in fashion is alright in my book. The pieces together have a very cutting edge creativity to them, which of course will take either an adventurous individual or someone under the age of 18 to come off looking cool when wearing them all together. But for the rest, Romance Was Born creates a collection that when worked into your existing wardrobe, becomes entirely fun, wearable and a better anti age alternative than any wrinkle cream I know of!

The exciting news (as most will have already heard or seen), is that Romance was Born has just released their for Sportsgirl collection entitled “Clowning Around”. Harlequin print scarves, bubble skirted dresses and even coordinating polish can all be found. On inspection I found that the pieces were quite reasonable quality for the asking prices, and certainly not so hard on the hip pocket in these glum times. But I can guarantee you that it is worth saving your pennies for a piece of this, as it’s happiness quotient far out ways any trend driven need you think you may have.

These beauties can be had through an online auction raising funds for the Butterfly Foundation.

…So yes, my happiness was thus when I added a little RWB top to my collection of Kawaii.

I’ll apologise now because you are bound to be inundated with this top in coming outfit posts. There is some serious love happening here.