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!

Outfit Details

Silk shirt – Sara Philips 2011 from Cecylia Boutique

Skirt – Bardehle

Horse shoe earrings – Collette Accessories

Two tone shoes – Paragon Bangkok

Just the other week I finally cleared my calendar to go and spend the morning with the darling Cecylia in her Armadale boutique. Cecylia and I met at the Nuffnang Christmas party last year, where we spent a very long time talking over the merits of vintage; both wearing and collecting. During the usual, “and what do you blog about?” conversation, I learnt that Cecylia was a bit of a dark horse really.  Not only did she pen a beautiful style blog, but she had recently opened her very own boutique, fulfilling a childhood dream. Mind you, this was no small achievement as she is also a vet and still working at that practice as well! So it was no surprise to me when entering the boutique to be greeted by her most charming sales assistant.

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And what a beautifully edited selection of garments can be found there; in fact in can be so hard to take it all in that Cecylia has just the space to help you relax.  In a gorgeously decorated salon environment, Ms Cecylia serves tea and cupcakes to her visitors, all whilst helping you navigate the marvellous pieces on offer.  Cecylia is not a vintage boutique, but what I like to call a “Future Vintage”™ boutique. That is, they focus on showcasing new work by both local and international designers that is both of exceptional quality and design pedigree.  These are the investment pieces that bring your look to a whole new level of chic; no detail left forgotten.

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For the next few hours we played a delightful session of dress ups. Pink silk palazzo pants, mongolian cashmere sweaters, sumptuous costume jewellery; the biggest dilemma was deciding what had to come home… and to see the beautiful silk, twin horse blouse I purchased by Sara, have a look at Cecylia’s blog post, complete with even more photos! (I cannot wait to style and shoot this one!)

Cecylia has though of everything the perfect boutique should have. Not only does she serve tea and cupcakes, but they are furnished with the most expansive and luxurious changing rooms, complete with great lighting. Bliss!

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You can find out more about the lovely Cecylia boutique and the stores stunning selection of garments on their blog, and see even more of the temptations thrown my way when I went to visit. Mind you, the only thing I really wanted that wasn’t for sale was Theodore, the Casanova Chihuahua! But shhhh…. don’t tell Cecylia!

Okay, I’ll start by saying that it isn’t often that I go out and purchase a new handbag.  Although I can’t count how many handbags I actually own (I’m currently cataloguing all my collections), The majority of them are vintage.  But for a long time now I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect day bag. Simple, chic, elegant and able to fit all the basic necessities as well as my camera.  Finding a piece that fits that bill and doesn’t have to be the size of ruckasack isn’t easy.  But the other week, I was shopping in David Jones (hunting for scarves in their sale), when this beauty literally stopped me in my tracks.

La Box Bag from Estilo Emporio – yes this is pure indulgent handbag heaven.

Midnight black suede and camel leather trim, with serious gold hardware. It is just the right size to hold my SLR, phone, wallet, key and makeup. It keeps its shape and hangs perfectly in the crook of your arm.  It isn’t so unwieldy that you knock things over in store, and it balances perfectly on the bench while you find your keys.  The only thing missing from this bag to make it 100% perfect, is feet. I wish more manufacturers would include them on their bags, especially the suede ones.  So I’m having the cobbler attached some for me, just to keep it lovely and fresh on the bottom as everywhere else.

The bags come in a variety of finishes, including a chocolate alligator box bag and there is even one with leopard print sides I’m told! They are currently available as part of the Autumn Winter range, and for me these fit beautifully into the category of Future Vintage. (More on this coming up soon….)

It’s a funny feeling finding a bag that is so super, it makes you feel very clever and pleased with yourself; as if it has never been done before in history and you’re a total genius for uncovering it. (I wonder how the designers feel when they makes these?) And while that is a bit silly, it is still rather nice.