I just right this minute discovered Hot Digital Dog and I’m squealing with so much excitement (as is Miss 6 beside me), that I had to show you these right now!

In one of those wonderful random moments of internet searches I came across the work of digital artist Cindy Jerrell. Hailing from the deep south of the USA, Cindy’s work is nothing short of fantastic in the truest sense of the word.  Using Photoshop to create her fine art, Cindy makes these wonderful ‘vintage’ animal portraits, not only from her own resources but as custom orders of your pets!  This may be the best gift I’ve ever come across for animals lovers, and even if you don’t have a pet of your own you want to immortalise, I’m already imagining filling a wall in my library with these beautiful prints.

Seriously, check out her work over at Hot Digital Dog and see if you can wipe the grin off your face!

Every time I try and think of an opening line for this post, I come up with something really cheesy. “Capes are so hot right now” – too Paris. “The Cape Escape” – a movie reference that too many won’t get. “Crusading for Capes.” – Okay, maybe that one isn’t too bad… anyway what I wanted to talk about is how many stores I’ve seen stocking capes for this winter.

Let me differentiate here.  Capes are the ones that wrap around your shoulders in some manner and secure at the front. Ponchos, on the other hand, are the ones that have a head opening only.  The only kind of ponchos I do are the emergency rain variety; they just aren’t really my thing what with the hair and all.  Right, so back to the all important capes.

Before the trend for capes gets all pervasive and prices rise accordingly, I suggest taking a little stroll online and see what gems you can unearth. Upon inspecting the wares of a well known chain store here, I saw they had capes on offer that were 100% polyester, not very well cut and were asking $119 RRP.  And while that may service the mass demand, it certainly isn’t my choice.

Before you ask, no I don’t have any kind of deal with Etsy, I just like to shop vicariously for you there and hope they find new, appreciative homes.

Here is my pick of the current bunch..

Despite the arm-less red riding hood, I have to say that this red vintage cape is to die for! It’s velvet, it’s lined and it’s RED! It’s currently listed on Etsy for $64.99 USD.

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A short 1960′s purple velvet caplet that allows you to still show off a nipped in waist and keep a chill at bay.  I’m a bit keen on this one.  Currently listed on Etsy for $38.00 USD

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A truly divine Lilli Ann sophisticated mod style cape from the 1960′s.  I think this is just smashing – and perfect for making an impression without being over the top. Currently listed on Etsy for $118.00 USD

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Here’s a classic that I know many of you are on the look out for – a 1940′s Nurses Cape navy with red lining! Currently listed on Etsy for $78.00 USD I don’t think this one will last long!

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A soft and simple grey wool caplet. I love the simplicity of this as you could make it work for outfits of just about any decade. Put it with a matching skirt suit and you have a more 40′s look. With a mini dress and you’ve got 60′s. It it a fantastic canvas to put your personality into.  Currently listed on Etsy for $88.00 USD

So what do you think, can you pull off the trans-seasonal brilliance of a cape?

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

1. Dream in Green Dress 2. Green peplum home made dress

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1. Carmen Miranda necklace set 2. Bow feature hat

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1. Barkcloth rose bag 2. Farm life barkcloth

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1.  Blue flower brooch 2.  Carved lucite rose brooch

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Peach beaded dream dress